Simple Health Cures

   Every month it’s the same thing. You’re bloated, tired, cranky, fighting cravings, and trying to get rid of headaches. You wish you could be like your friend or your sister, who seems to just breeze right through her cycle with little or no problem. Take a look at your diet and see if these superfoods are a part of it. If they’re not, they can easily become a part of a well-balanced healthy diet that might just make your cycles to come simple to manage.

   Bananas have long been well known as nature’s “perfect food”. They’re loaded with potassium, zinc, iron, folic acid, calcium, B6 and soluble fiber. They’re good for digestion, menstrual difficulties and essential for athletes because they can quickly replace what your body loses during your cycle or when you’re exercising frequently. And, if you suffer from diarrhea during your monthly, they are the idea treatment when eaten in conjunction with apples, rice and dry toast more commonly known as the BRAT treatment.

   Bee pollen has been popularized by famous athletes who take it regularly for strenght and endurances. It has been used successfully to treat a variety of ailments including allergies, asthma, menstrual irregularities, diarrhea, anemia, low energy, cancer, rheumatism, arthritis and toxic conditions. It can, however, provoke allergic reactions in those who are taking it for the first time, so it’s important to start with small amounts and slowly build up to a teaspoon or so per day. Bee pollen can be taken in powder, capsule or tablet form or in raw unprocessed honey mixed with cereal or spread on toast.

   Make sure you’re getting plenty of iron-rich foods in your diet. Leafy green vegetables, beans, shellfish, red meat, poultry, soy foods are great choices. Try teaming these with citrus foods containing Vitamin C, which will promote iron absorption. Steer clear of alcohol, caffeinated beverages, or salty foods, and always, make sure you choose unsaturated fats. These will only exacerbate that bloated feeling, you suffer through each month.

   Every aspect of a food, it’s color, shape, scent and texture, can make it sexy. In addition, certain foods contain substances that make us feel good by interacting with our hormones or stimulating our brain. Consider incorporating some of the following into your next candlelight dinner to help you and your partner get in the mood.

   Oysters are a good source of minerals like selenium and zinc, and are also high in protein. A perfect appetizer to a beautiful meal but be careful when purchasing, as some can have high levels of pollutants and PCB. If you’re pregnant, oysters should be avoided.

   Chocolate has been a symbol of love and lust for centuries due to theobromine, a stimulant to the brain that creates a pleasurble effect. Chocolate also contains antioxidants that may lower cancer and heart disease risk. However, chocolate is also very high in fat, so self-restraint should be exercised. Dark chocolates are usually lower in sugar, but higher in antioxidants and theobromine than milk chocolate.

   Kiwi and papaya are colorful fruits have an alluring and interesting aspect about them that can help flip the switch. Loaded with antioxidants, tropical fruits help fend off heart disease and cancers. Kiwi actually has more Vitamin C in it than an orange, and papaya is rich in beta-carotene and high in fiber.

   Honey was thought in medievel times to sweeten the marriage when mixed into a drink. Bear in mind, however, it’s still pretty high in sugar, so use sparingly.

   Asparagus can also help get your partner in the mood. It’s one of the few good sources of Vitamin E and is a Natural diuretic. Steaming is the best way to prepare them without losing nutrients, and they can easily be eaten by hand.

   A good cup of coffee or tea after that romantic dinner stimulates the release of epinephrine, which contributes to stimulation in the body. It can also be found in dark chocolate. Just don’t consume too much caffeine before bed, unless you plan on being awake all night long!

   We’ve all had the blues ones in while. But when they happen on a more frequent basis, it becomes cause for concern. But there are ways to adjust your diet to help stabilize your mood. it’s imperative to eat meals at regular intervals in order to keep your serotonin levels in check, a chemical in the brain that has a calming effect. Good nutrition is your best defense for managing depression.

   Carbohydrates are linked to serotonin production and lack of carbohydrates may cause changes in your mood. here are more food ideas to help you combat depression and kick those blues.

   Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon and mackerel are always a great choice for dinner. Omega-3 fatty acids also help prevent heart disease and stroke and may help prevent some cancers. plus, salmon contains selenium, an important antioxidants mineral. be sure to choose wild salmon at the grocery store or local fish market, since it contains more omegas than farmed, or Atlantic, salmon.

   a recent study indicated that people who suffer from depression also have lower levels of the antioxidant Vitamin E. So, though oil is high in fat and should be consumed in strict moderation, canola oil is rich in Vitamin E. it’s healthier alternative for sauteing foods and vegetables.

   Dark green vegetables like spinach and peas are high in folate, a key player in the production of serotonin. They’re also an excellent source of Vitamin c and fiber. Fresh is always the best option, as canned versions tend to have lower nutritional value. Legumes are also high in folate and protein and low in fat, and are an excellent option for those who are vegetarian or meat-restricted diets.

   Chickpeas are rich in fiber, iron, and vitamin E. For a simple snack, combine a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas with some minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and olive or canola oil in your blender or food processor. Add salt, pepper and other spices as you wish. the resulting hummus makes a healthy and hearty vegetable dip.

   Chicken and turkey are both rich in Vitamin B6 which plays a role in serotonin production in the body. They are both a good source of selenium and other Vitamins and minerals too.

   And please, if you’re been dealing with the symptoms of depression for a while, please contact your doctor to discuss available treatment options and medication that may be available to you.

   We’ve all learned through the years that a well-balanced diet is healthy for our body and critical for optimal health and preformance. Our hair is no different a mixture of protein, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and iron are all required for healthy, strong hair.

   Good hair nutrition begins with getting enough protein, which is the building block of your hair. Then you need complex carbohydrates to help assemble the proteins for hair growth. Other important vitamins and minerals include B complex, which is associated with energy production and building good hair and skin issues, folic, B12, and zinc.

   Hair follicles can have low energy levels just like we do. Therefore, it’s very important that you eat a high protein mean at the start of each day. Consider the following food choices for breakfast and the other daily meals in order to give you hair the healthest opportunity to grow and thrive.

   If you don’t have high cholesterol, try eating red meat twice per week. It has the protein your hair needs, but also is full of Vitamin B, iron, and zinc, which are all important for healthy hair. Bacon  is another great choice as it’s also full of Vitamin B, zinc and protein, but since it’s also high calorie, it’s not the best choice if you’re also trying to lose weight. Eggs and eggs whites are another great protein option, especially for vegetarians or those who cannot eat red meat or bacon due to dietary restricitions. Salmon is another great protein choice, and works great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You’ll find it’s also full of Vitamin B, including B12, and other vitamins and minerals.

   Just be sure to keep in mind that you should also have complex carbohydrates, which feed you energy over a longer period of time than refined carbohydrates, with your protein source at meals. Brown short-grain rice is an ideal form. It’s also a good source of Vitamin B and some fiber. Whole grain choices complement your protein consumption by helping organize the proteins for the hair to utilize for optimal growth and health.

   Recent research shows that specific chemicals in foods such as sulforaphane, a phytochemical in broccoli work with your genes to ratchet up your body’s natural defense systems, helping to inactivate toxins and free radicals before they can do the damage that leads to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and even premature aging.

   And the hope for the future is to be able to tell someone what diseases or maladies they are might be genetically predispositioned to early on, so their diets can be focused accordingly. We’ll know which ones to add, which ones to avoid, and be able to take a proactive role in preventing or deterring a genetic disease. In the meantime, many foods have been determined to pack a punch to the aging process.

   Lycopene, the pigment that makes tomatoes red, also appears risk for cardiovascular disease, some cancers, and macular degeneration. It’s also  been associated in greater self-sufficiency in elderly adults. While fresh tomatoes have a good hit of lycopene, the most absorbable forms are found in cooked tomato products, such as spaghetti sauce and soup and prepared salsas. pjnk grapefruit, guava, red bell peppers, and watermelon are also rich in lycopene.

   Eating at least two cups of orange fruit like sweet potatoes, squah and carrots boosts intake of beta- carotene, which converts to Vitamin A, essential for healthy skin and eyes, and which may also reduce the risk of some cancers, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. Lutein and lycopene, also found in orange produce, also helps reduce the risk of macular degeneration and may protect skin from sun damage and even reduce wrinkling as well. Mangos and cantaloupes are also beta- carotene endowed.

   And if you don’t do anything else to change your diet, eat your dark leafly greens. They have been showed to significantly reduce your risk for heart disease and may also save your eyesights. Dietary guidelines advise at least three cups of green a week. Frozen or bagged is as good as fresh.

   Don’t forget the mental aging process either. The heart-healthy omega 3-fatty acids have also recently been shown to keep your brain sharp. a recent study found that a higher intake of fatty fish significantly reduced mental decline. If fresh fish isn’t an option, go for canned tuna, salmon, and sardines.

   Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and the ability to think and reason. Recent estimates show approximately 4 million people in the U.S. have dementia, most with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2050, that number could be as high as 16 million.

   However, by making some simple adjustment in your diet to include foods high in folate, you can help reduce your risk. According to research, older adults whose diets were high in folate reduced their risk of Alzheimer’s disease by half compared with those whose diets contain less than the Recommended Dietary Allowances.

   Folate has also been shown to lower blood levels of homocysteine, a risk factor for heart disease. High homocysteine levels, as well as decreased folate and Vitamin B12 levels, have also been associated with stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.

   A healthy, well-balanced diet is your best option to get the folate you need. Be sure it includes at least five serving of fresh fruits and vegetables each day. Foods rich in folate include oranges and bananas, dark leafy green vegetables, asparagus, broccoli, liver and many types of beans and peas, including lima, lentil and garbanzo, as well as fortified breads and cereals.

   The antioxidants in apples could help protect the brain from the type of damage that triggers Alzheimer’s and parkinson’s disease, according to recent research. But it’s estmated that on average Americans only eat approximately one-seventh of an apple per day, nowhere near enough.

   Blueberries are an awesome food choice as well to arm your body to combat declining mental capacities. it’s also imperative to choose unsaturated fats so your circulatory system stays healthy. Healthy blood flow and blood vessels lesson the chance of brain damage due to stroke or compromised circulation.

   With some thought and planning, it’s easy to make these nutrient- dense foods part of your daily diet. With choices from virtually every food group, you’ll soon be well on your way to arming yourself to battle the pain of arthritis and begin to manage it from the inside out.

   Salmon is among the richest sources of healthy fats, making it an ideal source of omega-3 fatty acids. in addition, salmon may protect the cardiovascular system by preventing blood clots, repairing artery damage, raising levels of good cholesterol, and lowering blood pressure.

   As the nation’s secord most deadly disease, cancer brings with it several risk factors. Therefore, it’s logical that we take a good look at the foods we’re eating, and start introducing nutrient-rich foods that are known to help reduce the cancer risk. A diet rich in fiber, vegetables, and fruits, including juices made from 100 percent fruit juice, can make a big difference in your cancer risk.

   Foods rich in phytochemicals which are found in beans and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and kale are strong choices. So are dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, romance lettuce, and collard greens, which are packed with fiber, lutein, and carotenoids, all cancer fighting substances. Focus on choosing foods that have abundant amounts of vitamins C, E, and A, all antioxidants themselves. These help protect you from cancer by preventing the growth of free radicals in your body.

   Tomatoes are an awesome cancer fighting superfood. Not only do tomatoes contain lycopene, the antioxidant phytochemical that also helps prevent heart disease, but they’re a good source of Vitamin A,C, and E, all which do battle against cancer causing free radicals. Add them to your salad or use as a topping on your homemade pizza. They’re also a great way of adding some zest to your favorite sandwich.

   Watermelon is also stuffed full of antioxidants, and includes about 80 precent of your daily vitamin C requirement. It is also a great source of vitamin A, or beta carotene. And like tomatoes, it also contains lycopene.

   Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable, which help reduce the risk of colon and rectal cancer.  Plus cabbage is rich in fiber and has almost 50 percent of daily requirement  of Vitamin C, making it a well-rounded superfood with cancer fighting power. Carrots are also a wonderful source of fiber and beta carotene, and they have about three times the daily requirement of Vitamin A

   Did you know that one-quarter cup of kidney beans has the same amount of fiber and protein as two ounces of red meat? Whole wheat pasta is also a good source of fiber, and broccoli will tip the daily scales for your daily Vitamin A and C needs. Toss them all together with your favorite low-fat Italian dressing for a single dinner of cancer fighting proportions.

   Strawberries and blueberries are rich in Vitamin C and fiber. They’re quick and simple finger food, and easily be added to your favorite whole grain cereal oatmeal, or low-fat yogurt. 

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   Heart disease is number one killer among both men and women in the United States. And though we all realize that eating nutrients-dense healthy foods help reduce the risk, we may not know which foods are the best choices to battle this deadly disease head on. The key is stepping up fiber and choosing unsaturated fats. Eating unsaturated fats, like omega-3 fatty acids and olive oil, can help to reduce triglycerides. And a diet rich in soluble fiber, which is often found in legumes and some fruits and vegetables, helps to decrease LDL cholesterol levels.

   Sardines are an awesome source of omega-3 fatty acids, along with calium and niacin. You can prepare fresh ones on the grill, or canned sardines work great in salads or sandwiches. Mackerel is another excellent source of omega-3s, and is full of selenium, which is an antioxidant mineral which may help protect the body from heart disease and cancer. A great way to get omega-3 on the go is by grabbing a handful of walnuts for an afternoon snack. Add some to your green salad, or give chicken salad a nutrition boost by adding ground walnuts.

   Kidney beans are an affordable source of high fiber, are low fat and have no cholesterol. Add them to salads and chili, as they truly are almost a prefect health food. Since canned varieties tend to be higher in sodium, try to use the dried varieties whenever possible.

   Whole-grain barley is rich in soluble fiber, which is good for combating constipation. it’s also a good protein source and has a good supply of iron and minerals. Choose whole-grain barley cereals, or substitute whole-grain barley for rice and pasta side dishes once a week.

   Oatmeal is a great way to boost your fiber content early in the morning, and it also has a low glycemic index, which helps to provide lasting energy stave off hunger. Choose rolled oats, and add some raisins, apples, and honey for flavor. Instant oatmeal isn’t a healthy option as it’s usually loaded with sugar.