Healthy Body

Acne is a skin condition which can encompass blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. This occurs when the opening near the surface of the skin is blocked and produces a build-up of oil. The result is inflammation, redness, and swelling. One of the natural remedies in the treatment of acne is coconut oil.

Since one of the components in coconut oil is lauric acid, which is a saturated fatty acid that fights bacteria and other viruses, utilizing it to treat acne can be very effective. The other components in coconut oil have anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties which further assist in the treatment of skin infections.

While coconut oil can treat the underlying cause of acne, it should be mentioned that there are psychological effects of adolescent acne as well. While acne is less common among girls, boys ages 14 through 18 have a higher incidence of this condition.

Adolescence is a time when the body goes through hormonal changes. Teens are just beginning to explore who they are. Acne can inhibit teens from participating in group activities due to self-esteem issues arising from this condition.

It is important for teens to understand that acne is not a disease, but a temporary condition that may affect them at some point in their lives. For girls, pimples may occur during menstruation, while for boys it usually begins at puberty.

Good hygiene habits can prevent the acne from becoming too severe. For example, teens should not squeeze pimples or scrub the acne area too hard. Girls should avoid wearing make-up that could exacerbate the condition.

While there are a myriad of over-the-counter medications and topical creams, treating acne with coconut oil can be safer and just as effective. Unlike the medications mentioned, coconut oil does not contain any chemicals or preservatives. Further, there is no likelihood that any teen would develop side effects from coconut oil. Using coconut oil can not only treat skin infections, but produce a healthier complexion in teens.

As we continue to explore natural remedies to improve our overall health, it is good to know that coconut oil is tops on the list. Ironically, it wasn’t too long ago that scientists thought coconut oil was the cause of acne. Today, however, the medical community has embraced this natural product since it has proven to be an effective alternative to modern medicine. It makes sense, then, that the palm tree upon which coconuts grow is called “the tree of life”.

Ingredients:

2 medium apples, cored and chopped
1 Tablespoon and 3 Tablespoons orange juice
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
¾ C. chopped celery
1/3 C. chopped dates
1/3 C. raisins
½ C. plain nonfat yogurt
2 Tablespoons honey

Directions:

To prevent browning, toss apples in a bowl with 1 Tablespoon of orange juice and 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice. Coat well. Add celery, dates, and raisins. Mix together yogurt, honey, and 3 Tablespoons orange juice to make a dressing. Pour over fruit mixture and blend well. Cover and chill for 30 minutes before serving. (Serves 6)

Low calorie, low fat, low salt, low cholesterol

There are many uses of coconut oil, besides its health benefits. Here is a list of the most common applications:

* Coconut oil can be used as salad dressing.
* It can be utilized as a substitute for shortening or vegetable oil.
* Coconut oil can also be used to deep fry and/or sauté.
* Instead of putting butter on popcorn, why not use coconut oil.
* Coconut oil is a conditioner for hair.
* It can be used as a daily moisturizer for the skin.
* Coconut oil can be used as fruit topping.
* It can be used to make a smoothie.
* It can be used in baking ingredients.
* It relieves sunburn.
* Coconut oil can be used as a dietary supplement.
* It may prevent age or liver spots.
* It can control dandruff.
* It can keep thyroid conditions stable.
* It can prevent tooth decay.

While these are just a few ideas to incorporate coconut oil in your daily regimen, its main ingredients can have health benefits, too.

* If can be used to relieve skin conditions such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis.

* Taken orally coconut oil can help prevent a host of illnesses such as diabetes, viral infections, listeria, osteoporosis and diabetes, as well as aid weight loss, improve digestion and lower cholesterol.

Due to the high concentration of saturated fat found in coconut oil, specifically called lauric acid, you can incorporate this oil in your diet regimen by adding it to chicken and rice dinners, fish, salsa, and other recipes you have on hand.

Here is an interesting study that tried to determine how much fat was stored in people who maintained a low-fat diet, a high-fat diet containing long chain triglycerides, and a high-fat diet that contained medium chain triglycerides. Keep in mind that coconut oil contains the medium chain triglycerides.

After the individuals were kept on their diets for 44 days, the results were as follows: “The low-fat diet group stored an average of 0.47 grams of fat per day, and the LCT group 0.48 grams/day, while the MCT group deposited only 0.19 grams of fat per day. Thus, the MCT group had a 60% reduction in the amount of body fat stored as compared to the other diets.”

The assertion that coconut oil decreases food consumption has been proven. Studies show that by simply adding coconut oil to meals, individuals find that they become fully sated after a meal and have no desire for seconds or snacks.

As stated at the beginning of this article, there are many uses of coconut oil, but none more effective than its use as an alternative way to improve one’s health.

The connection between grass fed beef and omega-3 fatty acids is an important link to one’s health. Livestock who are grass fed produce higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, similar to the omega-3 found in fish, fish oils, and cod liver oil.

Since our bodies cannot produce these acids, it is important that they are acquired through foods. Studies have indicated that most people consume foods which are higher in omega-6, which in turn can cause health problems. Most experts recommend that a diet should consist of a balance of both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in order to prevent heart disease and related illnesses.

Other studies have asserted that omega-3 can alleviate and reduce treatment for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, omega-3 fatty acids can prevent hypertension, cancer, and inflammatory conditions as well.

One study showed that DHA, a component found in omega-3, may lower the serotonin levels in the brain. They indicate there is a direct link between depression and lack of omega-3. Omega-3 also decreases memory loss and may reduce the development of Alzheimer’s as well.

The assertion that grass fed beef is more beneficial to our health is based on data resulting from a number of studies. Here are five reasons why grass fed beef is preferred:

1. Livestock that are grass fed produce leaner meat.
2. The omega-3 in grass fed beef is seven percent of the fat content, as opposed to one percent in grain fed beef.
3. There are higher amounts of vitamins and minerals in grass fed beef.
4. One of the acids contained in grass fed beef is called CLA, which is a fat that can decrease the development of obesity, diabetes, cancer, and other immune disorders.
5. Grass fed beef is healthier to eat than grain fed beef.

As mentioned earlier, there should be a balance between the amount of omega-6 and omega-3 in our daily diet. The reason is that a study recently conducted affirmed that women who have a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Here are a few statistics that may be of interest: The ratio of omega-3 in grass fed beef versus a chicken breast is four to one. Grass fed beef also has lower cholesterol levels than a chicken breast. The CLA ratio in grass fed beef as opposed to a chicken breast is three to one.

The connection between grass fed beef and omega-3 fatty acids is based on solid research and data. The next time you go grocery shopping you may want to ask, “Where’s the Beef?” instead of choosing a package of chicken breasts.

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground, lean turkey or beef
6 Tablespoons bread crumbs
1 ½ C. shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
¼ C. finely chopped onion
¼ c. finely chopped bell pepper
¼ teaspoon dried, minced garlic
2/3 C. lite ketchup
Butter flavored cooking spray

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 5 inch pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine meat, breadcrumbs, coleslaw mix, onion, pepper, garlic, and one-half of ketchup. Mix well. Pat mixture into pan and bake for 45 minutes. Spread remaining ketchup on top of loaf and bake 15 minutes longer. (Serves 6)

Low salt, low calorie, low fat

As we get older, we face the prospect of health-related issues, memory problems and loss of physical acuity. But while some believe that age is just a number, others assert you are as old as you feel. Well, depending upon how you feel one thing is certain – finding the “fountain of youth” may be just as difficult as grabbing the brass ring. In this regard, perhaps there is another alternative available: slow aging with bee pollen. Let’s take a look at the possibilities.

We know that bee pollen not only has an energizing effect but because it contains antioxidants, it can halt the aging process by rallying the cells in the body. This process of rejuvenation has been the subject of considerable research. Here is one case study.

A biologist, who is also an expert in geriatrics, did a study in the mountains of Russia where the population is known to live longer than most. What he found was quite startling. While most of the people he examined exhibited signs that they were suffering from heart disease, they were still engaging in hard work on a daily basis and enjoyed participating in local activities. The people were quite old, and the biologist couldn’t figure out why these particular people had defied the aging process.

Upon further research, he found that the common factor among these people was they all kept beehives. While they were considered quite poor and mostly bartered with their neighbors, they would pay for services with honey taken from the beehives they owned. But what they did not barter away was the substance that could be found at the bottom of these beehives. This substance was bee pollen. Thus, he concluded, the bee pollen not only slowed the aging process for these people, but extended it considerably.

Why is this research so remarkable? Because the 200 men and women he studied were over the age of 125 – all active, all engaged in daily living, and consuming bee pollen on a daily basis.

Studies have shown conclusively that bee pollen increases mental and physical acuity, and increases the metabolism as well as the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. As delineated in the study, while it appeared that the people involved had suffered cardiovascular disease, there were no other acute signs showing any significant limitations. Indeed, in the example given these people were energetic, free of stress, able to function on a daily basis, and obviously maintained a healthy state – both physically and mentally.

Can bee pollen slow the aging process? There seems to be no evidence to the contrary, at the moment.

To fully understand the differences between raw, pasteurized, and homogenized milk, let’s take a look at each and discover what it all means.

Raw Milk

Approximately 1% of the population ingests raw milk. Its health benefits have been studied and the data concludes that it is well known for helping to cure various ailments including rickets in children, diabetes, skin conditions, allergies, arthritis, TB, and heart disease, among others. There is, however, an ongoing debate as to its efficacy. While health institutes strongly object to its use because it can adversely affect pregnant women and cause a myriad of illnesses, proponents suggest otherwise.

Raw milk contains vitamins, minerals, protein and amino acids, and enzymes which are important to maintain good health. As long as the milk is “clean”, that is, the farmer who distributes it utilizes high standards, the cows are fed fresh green grass, and the milk is cooled and bottled; it is considered safe and effective.

Pasteurized Milk

Opponents of raw milk are definitive in their assertion that pasteurized milk is healthier. During the pasteurization process, all the bacteria that is contained in raw milk is destroyed. But pasteurization destroys vitamins, nutrients, and proteins as well. So the controversy surrounding raw milk versus pasteurized milk is still ongoing.
Studies on pasteurized milk have shown that it may cause illnesses such as listeria, salmonella, and E. coli.

Conversely, while raw milk contains high amounts of calcium needed for strong bones and increased growth, the pasteurization of milk all but kills the calcium and other important ingredients required to maintain good health. In addition, pasteurized milk has been known to cause allergic reactions and illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, ear infections, weight gain, osteoporosis, and other related diseases.

Homogenized Milk

The process of homogenizing of milk involves mixing the cream content into the milk itself. Where does the cream come from? Well, when you milk a cow the cream flows to the top. During the homogenization process, the fat from the cream is broken down so it is absorbed into the milk.

Many experts consider this process detrimental since studies indicate that when the fat is broken down, the enzyme known as xantine oxidase is released. This is a process of oxidation that occurs when the fat is exposed to air and increases the chances the milk will spoil. When this milk is ingested, it can penetrate the intestinal wall and cause damage to the arteries and heart, even resulting in heart disease and atherosclerosis.

While there are a large number of consumers who swear by the health benefits of raw milk, there are just as many who oppose this as a health alternative. One thing is clear; the case against drinking homogenized milk falls somewhere in the middle.