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Antioxidants: Antioxidants have numerous health and beauty benefits including diminishing cellulite, increasing metabolism, and keeping your skin youthful and hair soft and vibrant. You can get antioxidants from antioxidant rich foods such as fruits and vegetables and liquids such as teas and juices.

Wheat Grass: Full of antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients, wheat grass juice is a powerful body cleanser with incredible healing properties. Wheat grass can help with skin problems such as eczema and sun damage. The chlorophyll in wheat grass cleanses and rebuilds the bloodstream and combats toxins.

Spirulina: A blue-green algae with more protein than soy, more iron than beef and more vitamin A than carrots. Spirulina is the ultimate anti-aging food especially good for healthy eyes and strong vision because of its beta-carotene content.

Borage Oil: Also known as Evening Primrose Oil, Borage Oil restores moisture to dry/damaged skin. It can provide relief for chronic skin-care problems such as eczema or acne.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C boosts immunity, treats and prevents colds, protects your skin from free radicals, and aids in collagen production. Use organic face and body products with vitamin C for clear, more radiant skin.

Vitamin E: A natural antioxidant Vitamin E protects the skin from environmental factors and benefits your cardiovascular system and prevents the breakdown of your body's tissue.

Coenzyme Q10: A powerful supplement that fights free radicals and is anti-aging; Coenzyme Q10 stimulates tissue regeneration and reverses skin aging.

Just remember that everything you put in or on your body affects you- inside and out. Making informed choices will lead to a more vibrant, healthy life.

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Labels: antioxidants, beauty, borage oil, coenzyme Q10, skincare, spirulina, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, wheatgrass

No other fruit says summer like the subtly crunchy, thirst quenching watermelon. Although watermelons can now be found in the markets throughout the year, the season for watermelon is in the summer when they are sweet and of the best quality.

But watermelon is not only great on a hot summer day, this delectable thirst-quencher may also help quench the inflammation that contributes to conditions like asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis.

Sweet, juicy watermelon is actually packed with some of the most important antioxidants in nature. Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamin C, rich in the B vitamins necessary for energy production and a very good source of vitamin A, notably through its concentration of beta-carotene. Watermelon is also a source of the potent carotenoid antioxidant, lycopene. These powerful antioxidants travel through the body neutralizing free radicals.

In contrast to many other food phytonutrients, whose effects have only been studied in animals, lycopene has been repeatedly studied in humans and found to be protective against a growing list of cancers. These cancers now include prostate cancer, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, lung cancer and colorectal cancers.

Yummy Watermelon!

Labels: anti-inflammatory, Anti-oxidant, b-vitamins, cancer, carotenoids, fruit, healthy food, lycopene, phytonutrients, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, watermelon

Cantaloupe and honeydew share similar nutritional profiles, except for two main differences-vitamin C and beta-carotene. Cantaloupe contains about twice the amount of vitamin C as does honeydew (37 mg per 100g serving vs 18 mg for that same amount) and about 67 times the amount of beta-carotene (2,020 micrograms for 100g serving vs 30 micrograms). This difference in beta-carotene is significant-if we were looking for a source of this important nutrient, we would look to cantaloupe but not to honeydew as the amount it contains is minimal.

Even though cantaloupe contains more vitamin C and beta-carotene, honeydew and cantaloupe are far more similar than different. Both contain approximately the same amount of calories per bite as well as similar amounts of fiber and phenol phytonutrients and similar trace amounts of B vitamins and minerals.

Labels: beta-carotene, cantaloupe, eating healthy, fruits, honeydew, melons, Vitamin C

It’s primarily known as a German staple, but most other European countries use it in their traditional dishes. It’s pretty easy to understand why it was so popular: it keeps for a long time without refrigeration. Dutch, German, and English sailors found that the vitamin C-rich kraut prevented scurvy on the open seas, and the fact that it was salted and fermented made it ideal for long voyages without other preservation methods.

As the name would suggest, sauerkraut is quite literally sour cabbage. The sour flavor comes from the process of lacto-fermentation, similar to the pickling of cucumbers. But instead of soaking the cabbage in a vinegary brine solution, sauerkraut preparation requires only salt and the lactic acid bacteria already present on raw cabbage. More than just a delicious, tangy flavor, the beauty of sauerkraut also lies in its considerable health benefits. Besides the great vitamin C content, there’s also tons of lactobacilli, a healthy probiotic that aids in digestion and immunity. The fermentation also produces isothiocyanates, compounds shown to prevent cancer growth in animal tests. Even cabbage itself is a good source of manganese, vitamin B6 and folate.

But most of us get our kraut at the grocery store. Going that route means you’re probably losing all the good stuff through pasteurization, so why not make your own? It’s incredibly easy. All it takes is some cabbage, whatever other vegetables or fruits you’d like to include (carrots, different colored cabbage, garlic, onions, beets, even apples), a sealable storage vessel, a bit of sea salt, and patience.

Read more for the recipe!

Labels: cabbage, easy recipe, health food, healthy diet, Probiotics, sauerkraut, Vitamin C

The good news is that it’s possible to significantly increase your body’s resistance to bruising with dietary supplements and to alleviate the symptoms with topical herbal preparations and homeopathic remedies.

What Is a Bruise?

Simply stated, bruising is a normal response to localized damage to the tiny blood vessels known as capillaries, resulting in leakage of a small amount of blood into the tissue. Color changes occur as the body absorbs the blood, providing the array of bluish, greenish, brownish colors associated with bruises.

Helpful Supplements

One way to remedy the situation is to make sure that the capillaries are strong and flexible. A flexible capillary is more likely to bend rather than to break when an impact occurs. Vitamin C is required for flexible capillaries and to prevent bruising. C is necessary for the formation of the protein collagen, which provides structural integrity to capillaries and other tissues, helping to prevent bruising. If you don’t consume adequate vitamin C, then this is reflected in the integrity of blood vessels. Gums tend to bleed easily around the teeth (especially when brushing), and blotchy bruises are common. Vitamin C supplementation has been shown to reduce bruising in people with low vitamin C levels.

Flavonoids are healing substances found in plants. Like vitamin C, flavonoids help strengthen capillaries and may also relieve bruising. In one small German trial, people with a chronic bruising disorder were given 1,000 mg of vitamin C and 100 mg of the flavonoid rutoside on a daily basis. Noticeable bruising was no longer apparent after four weeks and did not recur for three months after the supplementation. Shari Lieberman, PhD, CNS, FACN, recommends 1,000 mg or more of a bioflavonoid complex containing the flavonoids rutin and hesperidin for bruising and other circulatory disorders.

It’s wise to take flavonoids and vitamin C as a combination product (a time-released product containing 1,000 mg of vitamin C and 500 mg or more of bioflavonoids).

Tried-and-True Homeopathy

A homeopathic preparation of the botanical Arnica montana is an excellent homeopathic remedy for traumatic injuries including bruising, sprains and strains, and bruise-like soreness after muscular exertion in sports activities. In addition, arnica can be used after a workout to relieve muscle aches. According to remedies editorial advisor and homeopathic expert Dana Ullman, MPH, Arnica “has been dubbed the ‘homeopath’s aspirin’ for its effectiveness in preventing and treating sore muscles after workouts.” The recommended dose is 6th, 12th, or 30th potency taken every hour or less as needed.

Topical Applications

In addition to the internal use of vitamin C, flavonoids, and homeopathic Arnica, you can also apply certain herbal preparations topically, or externally.

Arnica can also be used topically to treat bruising as an herbal preparation. To use it topically (herbal arnica should never be used internally), look for arnica ointment, which should contain about 15 percent arnica oil.

Found in many homes in a distilled form, witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is an herb with a well-deserved reputation for the treatment of bruising, in addition to inflamed swellings. In its distilled form, witch hazel can be applied directly to the affected area.

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Labels: arnica, bruises, flavonoids, natural health, natural therapy, Vitamin C, witch hazel

You really can fight wrinkles from the inside out. And there's a fruit that can lead the charge.

It's papaya. What makes papaya so perfect? Easy. Vitamin C. Papaya has loads of it, and getting lots of vitamin C may mean more youthful skin -- fewer wrinkles and less thinning and dryness. A recent study in women over 40 confirmed it.

The Mysteries of C

Vitamin C is a natural friend to skin. The nutrient is essential for making collagen, the protein fibers that give skin its strength and resiliency. And being a powerful antioxidant, C also disarms free radicals that would otherwise chip away and weaken collagen.

More Food for Your Face

A little extra vitamin C isn't all it takes to plump your complexion. Here are a few more food tips that can help keep your face fresh:

• Munch on walnuts. In the vitamin C study, researchers also noted that diets rich in linoleic acid -- an essential fatty acid in walnuts -- meant moister, plumper skin.
  
• Ease up on fats and refined carbs. Scientists found both were linked to aging skin. Discover the dark side of processed foods with this article.
  
• Think whole grains. The magnesium and B vitamins you get from them help with the regeneration of skin cells. Find out what foods are mostly whole grains.
  
• Keep the fruits and veggies coming. To stay smooth and healthy, your skin needs a whole slew of antioxidant-rich produce. Like this root vegetable.

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Labels: eating for good skin, magnesium, papaya, processed foods, skin care, Vitamin C, Walnuts, Whole grains

Searching for a way to look young for your age?

Hit the produce aisle, suggests new research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey I (NHANES I)—a survey that asks people to quantify how often they eat various foods—researchers from Unilever linked consuming plenty of vitamin C-rich foods (such as oranges, tomatoes and strawberries) with youthful skin.
"Our findings suggest that a higher intake of vitamin C from foods is associated with a lower risk of having wrinkled skin and age-related skin dryness in [middle-aged] women," says Maeve Cosgrove, Ph.D., who led the research.

Vitamin C’s youthful effects on skin may be due to its antioxidant properties, which help protect against ultraviolet rays, and its role in keeping skin firm via collagen synthesis, say the researchers.

Bottom line: Eating more vitamin-C rich foods, such as oranges, tomatoes, strawberries and broccoli, may be a secret to smoother skin.

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Labels: anti-aging, citrus fruits, eating for good skin, fruits and veggies, Oranges, skin care, Vitamin C

Cantaloupe and honeydew share similar nutritional profiles, except for two main differences-vitamin C and beta-carotene.

Cantaloupe contains about twice the amount of vitamin C as does honeydew (37 milligrams for 100 gram serving versus 18 milligrams) and about 67 times the amount of beta-carotene (2020 micrograms for 100 gram serving versus 30 micrograms).

So if we were looking for a source of this important nutrient, we would look to cantaloupe rather than honeydew as it contains minimal amounts of beta-carotene. While cantaloupe may contain more of these two nutrients, honeydew melons are delicious and we encourage you to enjoy them, along with other melons, as part of your Healthiest Way of Eating.

Labels: canteloupe, citrus fruits, healthy eating, honeydew, Vitamin C

Glycolic or Lactic Acids (Topical Exfoliants)
For all skin types, it is extremely helpful to exfoliate the surface layers of skin. Whether you use a product with glycolic or lactic acids (or a blend) these alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) work to unglue the outer layer of dead skin cells, helping increase cell turnover by removing the built-up top layers of skin, allowing healthier cells to come to the surface. Exfoliation helps reduce skin discolorations, gives skin a smoother texture, and improves how skin functions. Glycolic and lactic acids also have water-binding properties, making them beneficial for improving dry skin. There also is a good deal of research showing that use of a well-formulated AHA product can increase collagen production.

Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid (aka beta hydroxy acid [BHA]) works in a fashion similar to glycolic and lactic acids (AHA), but BHA is preferred for those dealing with blackheads and acne. This is because of BHA's four-pronged benefit: (1) it exfoliates the surface of skin (like AHAs), (2) it can penetrate through the oil in the pore (it is lipid soluble) and exfoliate the lining of the pore, unclogging debris that can lead to blemishes, (3) it has antibacterial properties so it kills acne-causing bacteria, and (4) it has anti-inflammatory properties so it helps skin heal and repair itself.

Retinol
Retinol is the term used for the entire vitamin A molecule. Applied to skin, retinol is a beneficial cell-communicating ingredient and an antioxidant. Simply put, it helps skin cells create better, healthier skin cells and increases the amount of skin-support substances. In skin-care products it is found in the form of retinol, retinyl palmitate, and retinylaldehyde. In prescription-only skin-care products, it is in the form of retinoic acid (also called tretinoin).

Vitamin C
One of the most well-researched vitamins for skin, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that has multiple benefits for those concerned with reducing the signs of aging. It is available in many forms, with ascorbic acid being the most common (although it is the least stable, so packaging to ensure potency of such products is a major concern). Stabilized forms of vitamin C include magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, L-ascorbic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl glucosamine, and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is considered an antioxidant superstar in its own right. This fat-soluble vitamin is available in various forms, with the most biologically active being alpha tocopherol. Simply put, vitamin E in all its forms works in several different ways to protect cell membranes from oxidative damage. It also works in powerful synergy with vitamin C, as research has shown that vitamin C can regenerate "spent" vitamin E molecules. However, this synergy depends on using stabilized forms of both vitamins and putting them in packaging that minimizes their exposure to light or air.

Niacinamide
Also known as vitamin B3, topically applied niacinamide has been shown to increase ceramide and free fatty acid levels in skin, prevent skin from losing water content, and stimulate microcirculation in the dermis. It also has a growing reputation for being able to address skin discolorations (often in tandem with other proven skin-lightening agents) and to mitigate acne.

Sunscreen Actives
All sunscreen actives work (to varying degrees of success) to shield skin from damaging UVA and UVB light emitted by the sun. "Chemical" sunscreens such as avobenzone or octinoxate work by converting UV light to heat energy before damage to skin can occur. "Non-chemical" sunscreens (only titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) work by deflecting and scattering UV light before it can penetrate and cause damage to skin. Regardless of which actives you use, you must make sure that at least one of the following ingredients is present to ensure you are getting sufficient protection from UVA light: avobenzone, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, Mexoryl SX (ecamsule), or, outside the U.S., Tinosorb.

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Labels: glycolic acid, lactid acid, niacinamide, retinol, salicylic acid, skin care, sunscreen, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, what works

Green leafy vegetables Eat them raw, throw them into a broth, add them to juices. Their chlorophyll helps swab out environmental toxins (heavy metals, pesticides) and protects the liver.

Lemons You need to keep the fluids flowing to wash out the body and fresh lemonade is ideal. Its vitamin C, considered the detox vitamin, helps convert toxins into a water-soluble form that's easily flushed away.

Watercress Put a handful into salads, soups, and sandwiches. The peppery little green leaves have a diuretic effect that helps move things through your system. And cress is rich in minerals too.

Garlic Add it to everything -- salads, sauces, spreads. In addition to the bulb's cardio benefits, it activates liver enzymes that help filter out junk.

Green tea This antioxidant-rich brew is one of the healthiest ways to get more fluids into your system. Bonus: It contains catechins, which speed up liver activity.

Broccoli sprouts Get 'em at your health-food store. They pack 20 to 50 times more cancer-fighting, enzyme-stimulating activity into each bite than the grown-up vegetable.

Sesame seeds They're credited with protecting liver cells from the damaging effects of alcohol and other chemicals. For a concentrated form, try tahini, the yummy sesame seed paste that's a staple of Asian cooking.

Cabbage There are two main types of detoxifying enzymes in the liver; this potent veggie helps activate both of them. Coleslaw, anyone?

Psyllium A plant that's rich in soluble fiber, like oat bran, but more versatile. It mops up toxins (cholesterol too) and helps clear them out. Stir powdered psyllium into juice to help cleanse your colon, or have psyllium-fortified Bran Buds for breakfast.

Fruits, fruits, fruits They're full of almost all the good things above: vitamin C, fiber, nutritious fluids, and all kinds of antioxidants. Besides, nothing tastes better than a ripe mango, fresh berries, or a perfect pear.

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Labels: detox, detoxify, fruits and veggies, Green veggies, greens, Holistic Health, liver, nutrition, Vitamin C

Labels: catechins, drinks, green tea, healthy diet, nutrition, Vitamin C

Labels: citrus fruits, grapefruits, healthy diet, lycopene, Vitamin C

Labels: citrus fruits, fruits and veggies, healthy diet, Vitamin C

Labels: fruit, healthy eating, healthy snacks, papain, papaya, Vitamin C

Did you know that although oranges are renowned for their vitamin C, they are also important as a source of dietary fiber?

One medium-sized orange contains 13% of your daily recommended intake for fiber. While we usually consider most of the fiber to be in the fleshy pulp of the orange, research is finding that pectin and other forms of fiber found in the white layer immediately beneath the skin of the orange can help curb appetite and suppress hunger for up to four hours! And contrary to common belief, the white pulpy portion of oranges is not bitter. Whole oranges are also a healthy snack for people with diabetes because the fiber helps keep blood sugar levels under control. By selecting a whole fresh orange over a glass of orange juice, you will benefit from about the same amount of vitamin C, but you will also be gaining the 4 grams of dietary fiber that is lost through the juicing process!

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Labels: citrus fruits, Oranges, Vitamin C

If you are overworked, overstressed, or simply feel perpetually frazzled, listen up: Constant stress could end up seriously compromising your body's natural ability to reenergize. Known as adrenal fatigue, this big-time energy crash seems to be saddling more and more Americans with health troubles that range from irregular menstrual cycles to low blood sugar.

An overall lack of energy and inability to handle stress are the biggest indicators of adrenal fatigue. But many patients show other signs and symptoms, including: allergies, dizziness upon standing, hair loss, headaches, increased reliance on caffeine, insomnia, intolerance to heat and/or cold, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, low libido, menstrual irregularities, muscle and/or joint pain, recurrent infections, salt cravings, and weight gain.

Vitamins C and B5 are particularly critical for adrenal health. Up your vitamin C intake by eating plenty of sweet red peppers, citrus fruits, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, collards, mustard greens, broccoli, spinach, and strawberries. Foods rich in B5 include brewer's yeast, egg yolks, avocados, cashew nuts, peanuts, brown rice, soybeans, lentils, and broccoli.

Read more....

Labels: adrenal fatigue, healthy diet, Holistic Health, stress, Vitamin C

Citrus fruits are consumed not only because of their taste but also because of the beneficial effects they have on the health. There are various health benefits associated with the consumption of citrus fruits, as they are low in fat, free of cholesterol and sodium.

Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C content, acidic content and are good sources of minerals, carbohydrates and fibers. They also contain essential nutrients like calcium, copper, folate, potassium, magnesium, niacin and vitamin B6 required for the proper functioning of the body.

Citrus fruits have several medicinal and nutritive properties, which help in treating or fighting against several diseases. Citrus fruits like lemons may help in reducing the pain caused due to bee stings. Some types of citrus fruits may help in reducing the risk of cancers and heart diseases. Orange, which is a rich source of vitamin C can prevent scurvy, caused due to vitamin C deficiency.

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Labels: citrus fruits, fruit, healthy eating, Vitamin C

New findings suggest that eating foods high in vitamin C and linoleic acid can prevent wrinkles and dry skin, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
While past studies have associated supplements and vitamins with skin health, this is the first time dietary intake of nutrients has been evaluated for their effects on skin aging.
The research team used data from the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I) to analyze the association between nutrient intake and skin aging in 4,025 women aged 40-74. The original data was collected between 1971 and 1974 in the United States, and, in addition to dietary intake, includes measures such as exposure to sunlight, amount of exercise, supplement intake, and height and weight. After filtering the data, the researchers were able to independently associate vitamin C and linoleic acid with skin health.
Vitamin C, an important antioxidant, is instrumental in the production of collagen, the protein that plays a role in the skin's elasticity. Fruits and vegetables are the best dietary source of vitamin C, and at the time of the original research, the main dietary sources of vitamin C were orange juice, citrus fruits, and tomatoes, according to the study.
The study found that linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that is digested and converted into the fatty acids DHA and EPA, prevents senile dryness and skin atrophy. Nuts and some oils, such as sunflower oil, are high in linoleic acid.
The researchers concede that the historical nature of the data may present some limitations as changes in dietary nutrient intake have occurred over the past 30 years. They were also unable to factor in the effect of facial cosmetics in combination with diet on the skin.
Thanks!

Labels: healthy diet, linoleic acid, skincare, Vitamin C

Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that is manufactured in the human body. Antioxidants are substances that work by attacking "free radicals," waste products created when the body turns food into energy. There are also many sources of free radicals in the environment such as ultraviolet rays, radiation, and toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke, car exhaust, and pesticides. Free radicals cause harmful chemical reactions that can damage cells in the body, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. As a result a person becomes more susceptible to long term diseases such as diabetes and liver damage.

Alpha-lipoic acid works together with other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. It is important for growth, helps to prevent cell damage, and helps the body rid itself of harmful substances.

Dietary Sources
Good food sources of alpha-lipoic acid include spinach, broccoli, beef, yeast (particularly Brewer's yeast), and certain organ meats (such as the kidney and heart).

Labels: alpha-lipoic acid, Anti-oxidant, free radicals, Vitamin C

Despite the benefits topical vitamin C provides, it is important not to get hung up on any one antioxidant, regardless of its history. Aging is more complicated than just the loss or need for vitamin C--or any other vitamin, enzyme, protein, peptide, fatty acid, amino acid, or lipid in the skin. Although vitamin C is clearly an effective ingredient for skin, there are many antioxidants that are as good, including beta-glucan, vitamin E, vitamin A, green tea, grape extract, selenium, curcumin, lycopene, superoxide dismutase, and on and on. Furthermore, many researchers studying antioxidants and their effects on the human body feel the best plan of attack is to use multiple antioxidants rather than narrowing your choices to a few well-publicized options or the mistaken belief that there is a single "best" antioxidant to apply and consume.

Labels: anti-aging, Anti-oxidant, skincare, Vitamin C