Alternative Natural Remedies: The Herbal Advantage

herbal medicineWith the world focusing closely on protecting our environment, consumers are opting to “go natural”. Even conventional medications are being replaced by all natural and herbal medicines. Though this herbal trend is fast becoming a buzz word in our ever changing society, herbal medicines have been co existing with mankind longer then science. In as early as 13000 BC, our ancestors have been documented to use herbs in treating their health problems. Every civilization from then on had been relying on herbal medicine for their curative properties, from the ancient Egyptian and Greek civilizations, the early Roman Empire and the Chinese antiquities.

The rapid increase in the world’s interest in alternative medicine can also be due to the fact that unlike manufactured medicines, herbal medicines are safer and have very minimal side effects. The fact that most conventional medicines are taken from plant based substances further testifies as to how effective herbal medicines can be.

Advantages of Herbal Medicine

Cost – Herbs cost much less than prescription drugs and some of them can even be grown at home. Herbal home remedies for acne, burns, constipation, and headaches can easily be grown and administered in the comforts of our own home. Our spices come from these helpful herbs as well. Oregano has been found to be one of the best antioxidants for our body and it’s readily found in our kitchen. In making herbal home remedies, it is best to consult with an herbalist to ensure proper use and administration.

Availability – Herbal medicines can be taken without prescription and are readily available in health stores. Though in taking herbal supplements, one should remember that they are not tested in the same manner as medications, so they are not subjected to strict guidelines and product testing. Consulting with a health professional is always advised.

Potency – Herbal medicines have long proven their efficiency in treating a number of illnesses. In certain maladies, herbal treatment are even more recommended than the conventional medicine as they are free from harmful chemicals and do not come with any untoward side effects. Herbal supplements are also highly effective in treating skin conditions, as they can enhance our body’s detoxification against harmful toxins, help in proper digestion, and strengthen our immune system. As they are all natural, they are best for those who suffer from allergies from synthetic or conventional drugs.

Given the any benefits we can get from herbal remedies, it is no wonder that they are well on their way to becoming staples in our aim to keep a sound and healthy body.


The Benefits of Organic Whey Protein Powder

organic whey protein powder

Picture Courtesy of Kevin Teague

The demand for organic foods has risen and so is the demand for organic whey protein. Lucine is the main chemical contained in whey protein and this facilitates muscle growth. Aside from the help it can provide in building muscles, it is also very helpful in developing the proper function of the brain. Aside from that, it can also help improve the body’s immune system as whey protein has high levels of glutathione. It can also slow down various diseases such as cancer and AIDS. The consumption of whey protein powder can also help reduce the death of the tissues during illnesses and helps the recovery rate of an individual. The body easily absorbs organic whey protein and this makes it better than any other foods that contain protein.

Although protein can provide the body with lots of positive effects when consumed, it still has to be taken in moderation. For individuals who are using protein powder for bodybuilding, the recommended dose is 150 grams of whey protein per day. This is meant for professionals only while the dosage of protein for other individuals will vary and depend on their body weight. To those who want to stay fit and maintain a normal weight and a healthy body, consulting a physician for the right dosage is recommended.

Foods that are high in protein usually cost higher as it can provide lots of nutrition. However, this should not be the case for organic foods. This is because organic foods come from cultivation without the use of chemical fertilizers, growth hormones, and insecticides. Therefore, the price should not be as high as any other foods as it is obtained from organic farming. The same should apply to organic whey protein. In addition, before incorporating organic whey isolate into your diet, it is best to consult your physician first. This is to make sure that your body can still accommodate the amount of protein you will be getting from the protein powder. Take note that consuming whey protein when your body is obtaining sufficient amounts may cause adverse effects. Although there are no documented side effects of whey protein in the body, the liver might be affected when too much protein is consumed.

Consumption of organic whey protein can provide you with lots of health benefits. It can also provide you with all the necessary nutrients you need for your body’s growth. Aside from that, consuming junk foods will be lessened if you are to replace one to two meals with protein shakes. So make sure to consume whey protein in right dosages to be able to reap all of its benefits when it comes to muscle building and when trying to lose weight.


The Benefits of Herbal Slimming Tea

slimming teaYou might be wondering why herbal teas are gaining popularity these days. This is because an herbal slimming tea is very helpful when it comes to losing weight. Green tea is one of the most popular herbal teas in the world and studies have shown that individuals who are consuming green tea can prevent various heart diseases and certain forms of cancer.

The health benefits of herbal teas come from its natural antioxidant contents. It can also boost up the metabolism and enhance the body’s fat burning capabilities, because of the polyphenols contained in it. Consumers of herbal tea can also make their body prevent the storage of too much fat and is helpful in dieting and slimming, especially when the person feels like she needs to lose some pounds.

Green tea alone has lots of benefits and so does the rest of herbal teas. These herbal teas can help you stop worrying about the damages your body might obtain due to free radicals that are often damaging your cells. You should know that these free radicals are the cells that steal electrons from passing cells. This will result in a damaged chain reaction within the body. The antioxidants from these herbal teas can help neutralize this chain reaction as it can donate its own electron to the robbed cell. This will not affect the antioxidants, as it can remain stable even if one of its electrons was donated to another cell.

Various studies have shown that consumption of herbal teas can help reduce the systolic and diastolic pressures of the blood, lower cholesterol levels and reduce body fats. Aside from that, herbal teas are helpful when it comes to protecting the brain cells, especially the ones often affected with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. The EGCG, which is the most beneficial content of herbal teas, are effective when it comes to rescuing the damaged neurons and restoring it into its former state.

If you are not convinced with the stated benefits of herbal teas, then you can consult your physician and ask if it would be beneficial for you or not. Most people believe that consuming herbal teas are beneficial when it comes to learning how to lose weight and maintain a healthy body. That is one of the primary reasons why herbal teas are gaining popularity these days. You may also try it and see the benefits of consuming herbal teas for you. Take note that these are natural teas without any chemicals so it is safe for your body and health.


Fruit Juice Recipes

Here are some of our favorite natural fruit juice recipes:

Simple Apple Juice

Apple Juice

– 3 large apples

Cut out the stems and mix sweet and tart apples for the best fresh juice taste.

Juicing the peel will greatly increase the antioxidant of the juice. The peels and skins of fruits and vegetables are where you will find the majority of antioxidants. This is their protection against oxidative damage as a result of sun exposure. Flavonoids are the type of antioxidant found most abundantly in apples and their peel.

 

Sweet Orange Juice

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– 5 large oranges

Peel oranges, juice and enjoy.

For increased antioxidant content juice the white pith too, but don’t juice the peel because it tastes awful! The pith is loaded with antioxidants called flavonoids and juicing it will greatly increaser the overll antioxidant profile of the juice. You can even scrape a little more of the white stuff from inside the peel and put that through the juicer, too.

 

Breakfast Blend

– 3 oranges
– 1 grapefruit

Peel, juice, enjoy.

 

Kiwi Wisdomberry

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– 3 kiwis
– 2 Cups of blueberries

Peel kiwis and wash berries, juice, enjoy.

This was a favorite of my wife’s after she had her wisdom teeth removed and couldn’t eat solids!

Kiwi fruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, helping to keep our immune system strong and our skin firm. Vitamin C is needed to create collagen, the elasticated sticky substance that binds our skin cells together and keps the skin looking young.

 

Fresh Lemonade (you can’t beat it!)

– 2 or 3 large lemons
– 1/2 cup of water
– Optional – Add apple to sweeten

Peel lemons and cut stem of apple (Swap out 1 lemon for 1 lime and bingo, you got limeade). Add ice on those hot days.

 

The Berry Fruit Juice Recipes Smoothie

Berry Medley Smoothie

– 2 cups of strawberries
– 2 cups of blueberries
– 1 and a 1/2 cup of raspberries

Wash thoroughly and juice. This berry juice is loaded with antioxidants.

Berries are a good source of antioxidants called anthocyanins that help to strengthen our arteries ad help protect them from oxidative damage. Berries also contain an antioxidant called ellagic acid that is strongly associated with cancer prevention.

 

The Subtle Strawberry

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– 1/3 cup of strawberries
– 1 cup of blueberries
– 1 apple

Wash all the ingredients well, top the strawberries and juice.

This one is also a favorite fresh fruit juice recipes of ours. There’s just something about this combination.

Blueberries are shown in animal studies to help increase brain function, helping to prevent against Alzheimer’s disease and improving motor skills.

 

Kiwi and Pear Bear

– 2 kiwis
– 2 pears
– 1 bear (just kidding!)

Peel kiwis and remove pear stems.

 

Melon Medley

– 1/2 watermelon
– 1/2 honeydew
– 1/2 cantaloupe

Remove rinds and seeds (except for watermelon seeds).

 

The Big Book of Juices: More Than 400 Natural Blends for Health and Vitality Every Day


With some 405 recipes for fruit and vegetable juices, smoothies, and quenchers, this newly updated, The Big Book of Juices, now offers health-conscious readers even more.

 

Tropical Fruit Juice Recipes

– 1 orange
– 1 kiwi
– 1/2 mango
– sparkling mineral water

Peel all the fruits and also pit the mango. Pour the juice in a large glass, fill to the top with sparkling water to serve this wonderful fresh juice.

 

Kidney Cleanse

– 2 apples
– 3 and 1/2 watermelon pieces with rind

Cut the apples into narrow wedges and juice with the watermelon pieces. Watermelon produces wonderful fresh juices.

 

The Pain Reducer

– 1 lemon
– 1 orange
– 2 hard pears
– 2 apples

Peel orange and lemon, remove pear and apple stems and juice.

 

Pineapple Orange & Strawberry Splendid

– 1 orange, peeled and sectioned
– 1 cup fresh pineapple, cubed, skin removed
– 5 strawberries

Peel orange and pineapple, and top the strawberries. Process the fruit in a juicer and serve.

 

The Tropical Hawaiian

– 1 mango
– 1 large orange
– 1 pineapple slice
– 1 papaya
– 1 guava

Peel and remove all pits and seeds. This is another favorite juicer recipes of ours. Awesome on a hot day with ice!

 

Blue colored fruits

Blueberries
Blue fruits such as the highly esteemed blueberries, contain a wide variety of phytochemicals. Anthocyanins is what gives blueberries their wonderful blue color. Blueberries contain other phytochemicals which can improve memory.

 

Red colored fruits:

Strawberries

Red fruits such as strawberries contain the phytochemical lycopene that gives them their red color. Lycopene has been shown to help prevent prostate cancer and heart disease.

 

Hope you enjoyed some of these Juicer Recipes, if so please let us know!

By Darren Haynes

Best Food for the Brain

brain foodIt is true that as people mature, the physical body also ages. But some scientific studies show that people can actually increase the chances of maintaining optimal brain health, even in old age. This is done by adding the best brain food possible to our diet.

First on the  list of excellent brain food is blueberries. Blueberries protect the brain from oxidizing, which usually develops due to stress and conditions associated with aging. This fruit is a good source for preventive measures for the development of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other neurological disorders. They can also provide increased learning and understanding because of the motor neurons enrichment.

Wild salmon is considered among the best brain foods. In fact, not only wild salmon, but most of the fish from cold, deep waters is considered great brain food. Cold-water fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain function. Salmon is especially preferred for its availability and cleanliness. Other fish high in omega-3 fatty acids are sardines and herring. The recommended amount of salmon to supply the brain is four ounces two to three times per week.

In addition, nuts and seeds are food for thought because of its content, vitamin E. Vitamin E improves the cognitive level of the brain. Example of nuts and seeds that are known to be good sources of vitamin E are almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, walnuts, flax seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and more. If it is advised that you maintain a low salt diet, it is important to stay away from nuts that are salted or roasted.

Avocados are also considered food for the mind and is almost as good as blueberries for improvement of brain health. Although avocado is known as a food high in fat, it actually contains unsaturated fats, which add up to a healthy blood flow, which greatly affects the brain’s health, because of the increased supply of oxygen. Avocados are high in calories, but so it is recommended to be ingested in small amounts as a side dish.