healthy living – Page 5

Let’s Talk Turmeric

Published on October 25, 2016October 25, 2016 by soreiya4 Comments

Superfoods is the buzziest of buzz words in the world of nutrition, and one of the most popular of the bunch is turmeric. Renowned as a powerful natural anti-inflammatory this brightly hued herb has been used in Asian cultures for centuries.

Turmeric’s popularity has reached new heights over the past few years, but what many people don’t realize is curcumin a polyphenol found in turmeric is the real superhero. Curcumin has potentially disease reversing properties, in studies it has been observed to regulate inflammation, decrease cancer risk, support detoxification and suppress oxidation that has been associated with high blood pressure and several types of cardiovascular disease.

Many studies and people believe that the benefits of turmeric surpass the effects of certain drugs including anti-depressants such a Prozac, many pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs, diabetes drugs and cholesterol drugs and steroids.

Turmeric is now being studied extensively on it’s potential to improve chronic digestive problems including inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) and Crohn’s disease, arthritis symptoms and cognitive function.

So what does all of this mean for you? While you should never replace medication with a natural herb without consulting your doctor or a medical professional, turmeric is a great addition to your diet. Turmeric can easily be added to various dishes and seasonings and it is also available in pill form for those who prefer to supplement their diets with it. Two things to remember when including more turmeric in your diet:

Turmeric is fat soluble – this means that it dissolves in fat. Taken without fat, your body will not reap the full potential benefits of it. This is why turmeric is best taken with meals.
Black pepper helps to increase the bioavailability of turmeric by 1000%.

Unless taken in extremely high doses Turmeric has no known side effects. Potential side effects include:

-nausea

-diarrhea

-increased risk of bleeding

-uterine contractions in pregnant woman (it’s best if pregnant woman avoid supplementation)

-increased menstrual flow

Overall Turmeric is the real deal in the world of superfoods and nutrition but, like everything in life moderation is key. I love to add turmeric to my eggs, sauces and tea for an extra antioxidant boost. What is your favourite way to include turmeric in your diet? Let me know in the comments below

I hope that you have a fabulous day!

XXS

Fall Glow Getters – What You Should Be Eating

Published on October 18, 2016October 19, 2016 by soreiya6 Comments

To say that I am beauty obsessed is an understatement and I have spent more hours then I care to publicly admit wandering every beauty counter, aisle, website and Sephora that I come across. But at the end of the day I know that true beauty starts from within – in how you feel and what you eat. Now that the weather is getting colder and the leaves are changing colour it’s a great time to hit the reset button on your diet to help boost your skin care needs. Here are some of my favourite fall foods to help me look and feel my best:

Apples

The old adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” has a lot of truth to it. Filled with fibre, vitamins and minerals apples are a great addition to everyones diet. The fibre helps keeps things moving through your digestive system, will keep you feeling fuller for longer then other foods and it will keep your skin glowing with good health. The skin on apples contains quercetin which is a powerful anti-inflammatory and the vitamin C content helps the body to synthesize collagen for a more youthful appearance along with boosting the immune system. To reap the full beauty benefits of apples eat them whole rather then without the skin or just drinking apple juice.

Garlic

Garlic is a staple in my kitchen. As a natural antibiotic it is also my go to remedy whenever I am feeling a little under the weather. Filled with antioxidants it helps to combat free radicals in the body. Garlic is also a rich source of sulphur which is essential for the structure of the skin.

Ginger

Ginger is great for warming the body during the colder months. It helps with cellular turnover and blood circulation which helps to transport nutrients around the body and to eliminate toxins quickly. This detoxifying effect leads to a happier digestive system and clearer more vibrant looking skin. Try adding ginger to soups and to teas for a tasty boost.

Walnuts

Walnuts have many health and beauty benefits. They contain copper that helps to boost collagen production and omega-3 fats (that’s the best kind!) that helps to improve skin’s elasticity. With all nuts it is important to be mindful of serving sizes – topping your salads or enjoying a handful as a snack is enough to help you reap the beauty benefits.

Oily Fish

Recently, Victoria Beckham’s interview with The Edit made headlines as she mentioned her favourite skincare secret – she eats salmon every day. As someone who has experienced the benefits of a fish heavy diet I can personally attest that she is on to something. Oily fish contains beneficial fats which help to keep the skin looking plump by keeping the skin hydrated from the inside. Known to be the ultimate internal moisturizer, healthy fats help to keep the cell walls supple. This is especially helpful in combating the dehydrating effects of summer. Salmon and sardines are at the top of the my skin savior list. Try to stick to wild fish as it has a better fat composition compared to farmed fish.

Pumpkin

Pumpkins are the ultimate fall fruit. When the leaves begin to change colour pumpkin pies and pumpkin lattes quickly become many people’s dietary staple. While I am not advocating that more people indulge in either of these sweet treats, pumpkins themselves are filled with many amazing beauty boosting benefits. Pumpkins are rich in copper and zinc – both minerals play a huge part in achieving healthy hair and skin. Zinc also helps to maintain collagen, promote skin renewal, fight acne and protect cell membranes. Pumpkins also contain carotenoids which are phytonutrients that help to improve skin texture, reverse UV damage and promote a healthy glowing complexion. Vitamins A and C helps to promote collagen production, brighten the skin and improve both firmness and elasticity. Look for new and healthy ways to include this incredible fruit into your diet. Pumpkin seeds are also a great source of zinc, use them in salads and soups for an added nutritional boost.

Adding any or all of these foods into your diet will help boost your skins radiance and health from within. Fall is a great time to try new recipes or to find new ways to incorporate these fabulous glow getters into your diet. Let me know below what your favourite fall foods are and how you like to enjoy them.

I hope that you have a great day! XXS

Why You May Need An Adaptogen

Published on October 18, 2016October 18, 2016 by soreiyaLeave a comment

Adaptogens are getting a lot of attention lately and they are often recommended as a supplement, but many people are still not clear as to what adaptogens actually are.

Adaptogens are herbs and natural substances that can help you to adapt, especially to stress. These (typically) plant based molecules work on the neuro-hormonal system to help improve it’s ability to handle and respond to mental, physical and environmental changes, by supporting balance and promoting a healthy regulation of cortisol within the body.

Life has become increasingly fast paced and hectic for most people and we are constantly faced with a barrage of stressors that cause our body to get completely out of whack. Adrenal fatigue and anxiety attacks are becoming more and more common, demonstrating just how stressed out people are. Adaptogens can help to balance out the stress that your body may be experiencing by calming and nourishing your adrenal glands, enhance your body’s ability to cope with fatigue and anxiety, promote healthy regulation of cortisol, strengthen the body’s response to stress as well as help to stabilize hormonal balance, blood sugar and blood pressure. Please note that adaptogens are not a quick fix – they are a herbal supplemental therapy to help to support you especially during stressful periods in your life.

Some of the most popular adaptogens on the market today are:

Ashwagandha is known as a calming adaptogen which makes it ideal for people suffering from nervous tension, anxiety or insomnia. It is commonly recommended for hypothyroidism as it stimulates the thyroid and has been shown to help relieve muscle spasms and in treating fibromyalgia

Licorice Root has historically been known to boost the immune system, increase energy and endurance and protect the thymus from cortisol damage. As licorice root can affect blood pressure it is important to only use it while under professional supervision.

Holy Basil is also commonly known as Tulsi. This herb is popular throughout India as the “elixir of anti-aging”, studies on holy basil has shown that it helps to boost the immune system, regulate blood sugar, hormone levels and blood pressure along with helping the body to fight fatigue and stress.

Rhidola Rosea is popular for it’s broad range of effects which include enhancing fertility, balancing blood sugar and restoring immune function.

Asian Ginseng is a natural stimulant that helps to temper an overactive stress response and increase alertness. It is also well known to help boost the immune system, combat free radicals within the body and lower blood sugar.

Adaptogens are a great way to help your body deal with stress but as with all supplements it is best to speak with a medical professional to ensure that they won’t negatively interact with any other medications and supplements that you may be taking. This post is for informational purposes only and it is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified medical professional.

I hope that you have a happy and healthy day! XXS