Peas

Peas are super delicious and I always crave a huge bowl with a bit of margarine and salt. Do not judge these little buggers by its size as they are actually packed with benefits! Check out why peas are good for your health!

Health Benefits:

• Contain nicotinic acid which reduces cholesterol in the blood.
• Has the ability to dissolve clumps of red blood cells that are destined to become clots eventually. This clot prevention is due to the presence of special plant protein called lectins.
• May help in the prevention of all forms of cancer due to its high Vitamin A and C content.
• Contain insoluble fiber which aids intestinal mobility and may help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Have lutein, the carotenoid with a proven record of helping to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
• Provide nutrients that are important for maintaining bone health.
• An energy and body building food.
• Green peas iron content can help prevent anemia. Iron is a mineral necessary for normal blood cell formation and function, whose deficiency results in anemia, fatigue, decreased immune function, and learning problems.

Lips reflects your overall health!

Your lips are often associated with beauty but their condition can also reflect upon your general health. 

Here are the problems to watch out for:

Swollen lips
This can be a strong indicator of poor health. Swollen lips are sometimes caused by Crohn's disease, which normally causes swelling in the bowel but can inflame the lymph ducts at any point in the body. Swollen lips can also indicate a food sensitivity.

Cracked lips
Cracks at the side of the mouth (angular cheilitis) are sometimes due to anaemia, which occurs when there is a shortage of iron in the body.
Cracks can also be a sign of diabetes, because the high level of blood glucose which accompanies the disease encourages the growth of candida, a yeast-like infection which typically attacks the thin dermis at the corners of the mouth.

Burning lips
This can be a sign of depression. There is a huge amount of sensory equipment in the brain, which can become overly sensitive when there is a psychological imbalance.

Chapped lips
Persistently sore, chapped lips can indicate an allergy. This can swell the lips slightly, which causes the skin to crack and peel. The irritant could be anything from dentist's gloves to lipstick or peanuts. Pay attention to your cosmetics and consider an allergy test.

Red aura
This is another allergy symptom, increasingly caused by the high consumption of carbonated drinks. Doctors report seeing more people who have developed an allergy to the benzoic acid content of fizzy drinks and toothpaste, probably because they are consuming them in greater quantities.

Scaly, crusted lips
This is often what is known as 'Lick Eczema'. The skin on the lips contains fewer sebaceous glands than the rest of the skin and so is prone to drying out faster than other areas.
When children or adults lick their lips excessively they dry out the few oils there are, leaving the tissue and area around the mouth dry and vulnerable to infections. Try applying Vaseline to the area and give up the habit.

Cold sores
Cold sores are caused when there is a reactivation of the herpes virus. Once you have contracted the virus it never leaves your body, and recurrent cold sores are usually a sign that your immune system has been laid low.
It can also point to a poor diet. Any sore that lasts longer than 15 days should be checked by a doctor.

Pale lips
Heart conditions and lung problems both affect the amount of oxygen being carried in the blood, and when this level drops significantly the lips take on a bluish tone, instead of a healthy deep pink. Pale pink lips are a common side-effect of anaemia.

Brussel Sprouts

Lately, I have been craving these miniature cabbages and they are packed with lots of health benefits!

Here are some of the benefits of eating Brussel Sprouts:

- They have many cholesterol lowering benefits. When steam cooked, they retain much of their goodness.
- Have many fiber related components which help in many ways. Including a healthy digestive system, clean colon and it also helps to keep you feeling full.
- Great health benefits such as glucosinolates. Glucosinolates are very important for protecting and reducing the chances of getting cancerous diseases.
- Are a cruciferous vegetable, which helps to prevent thyroid problems.
- Low in calories and delicious, meaning you can eat plenty of them to fill you up and help you lose weight!
- Plenty of Vitamin K and C.
- Folate, potassium and manganese are present in brussel sprouts, making them extremely nutritious.
Brussel sprouts are a good source of calcium, protein and magnesium.
- High levels of copper, Vitamin A, B2 and E.

Champion Activeflex Performance Runners

I have been looking for a good pair of shoes to hit the gym with for a while now. Yesterday, I just got a pair of these shoes and they are super amazing! Guess how much I got them for? $10 at Payless Shoes Source! They have a sale on, Buy 1 Get 1 for half price. My hubby got a pair of shoes for work and I got one for my workout!

All I can say is, I am going to get 2 more pairs of this running shoe! I feels so light like I am wearing nothing on my feet! I had prior knee injury a few years back so running is difficult for me but these shoes have EVA cushioning in the heel and toe to absorb impact and reduce pressure on foot, thus reduces knee pain so running has never felt so easy! As well, these runners has breathable mesh upper with supportive mid-foot overlays to maximize stability and control. The colors are also what sold me plus the soles are pink! :-)

You better go grab a pair before they run out of stock and you will thank me later!

Spinach

 

Spinach is one of my favorite vegetables! It is packed full of nutrients and benefits for your health and can be prepared pretty much any way you like...raw, cooked, made as a spinach dip, and can be added into your protein shake!


I have a list of benefits of why Spinach is one of the healthiest Vegetable out there:

• Energy: This is where Popeye gets his powers from spinach! Iron is high in the leafy plant, and iron helps to carry blood throughout the body by helping to build red blood cells. More oxygen throughout the body and stronger red blood cells means more energy and less fatigue.
• Anti Cancer: Loaded with phyto-nutrients and anti-oxidants that help prevent various types of cancer. Fiber, flavonoids, vitamins A and C and plus folic acids, they are powerful anti-oxidants and anti-cancer agents that work together to slow down multiplication of cancerous cells or kill cancer causing chemicals especially in colon, breast, lung and prostate cancer.
• Infant Development: Contains high amounts of folate and it’s highly recommended for pregnant women. Folate is an essential compound that helps prevent neurological defects like cleft palate or spina bifida that may occur due to its deficiency in infants. Vitamin A is also important in lungs development of the foetus and during breast feeding.
• Healthy Skin: Presence of phyto-nutrients like vitamin B and other pigments help repair and maintain the firmness of the skin. This elements shield the skin from harmful UV rays, thus preventing the risk of skin cancer. In addition, spinach contain vital compound such as lutein and other anti-oxidant properties that help strengthen your skin and slow down the aging.
• Digestive System: This vegetable is rich in cleansing properties that help detoxify your digestive system. Beta-carotene and vitamin C protect the colons cells from harmful effects of free radicals. Fiber is also essential in preventing constipation and cleansing the digestive system.
• Improve Eyesight: Lutein and Zeaxanthin anti-oxidants help prevent cataracts and other age related illness like macular degeneration blamed for weakening the eye muscles.
• Heart Diseases: Most of heart diseases are caused by high levels of bad cholesterol in the body. Spinach is blessed with strong anti-oxidants that help prevent oxidation of cholesterol and prevent it from sticking on the artery walls. Inositol and choline properties prevent thickening of arteries.
• Strong Bones: Rich in vitamin K which needed for strengthening the bones. Vitamin K prevents the bone from losing Calcium…a vital mineral for high bone density. It helps minimize the risk of osteoporosis disease where bones density is reduce and fractures become common. Its also contain phosphorus, manganese, zinc, copper and magnesium which help in building up strong bones.
• Anemia: Iron is very vital in blood formation. Spinach contains good amounts of iron which speeds up blood formation in the body. That’s why spinach is recommended to menstruating women and children who have increased need for Iron.
• pH: Spinach is alkaline in nature and effective in maintaining and regulating the body pH.
• Weight loss: Spinach is low in calories and fats but high in dietary fiber. It helps burn excess fats and aid natural weight lose. Fiber makes you feel fuller for longer hence the body burns the excess fats for energy.
• Diabetes: The presence of magnesium helps regulate level sugar levels in the body. Research shows that regular consumption of spinach stabilizes your blood sugar and prevents it from fluctuating too much and often.

What to pack in your Gym Bag

Now you are pumped to go workout at the gym but the question is, what should I pack in my gym bag to bring along to help make working out less of a headache?

Here is a Checklist I have made of items which are essential when going to the Gym:

• Gym Membership card holder
• Proper footwear & socks
• Workout Clothes
• Elastic Bands (for those with long hair)
• BPA free Water Bottle
• MP3 player (makes working out fun with music!), Pedometer
• Change (usually quarters) or your own Combo Lock to store your gym bag in a locker
• Toiletries (Soap, Flip Flops to wear for showering, deodorant, Facial Wipes, Travel Size brush, shampoo)
• Laundry bag (for your workout cloths after excercising)
• Post Workout Snacks (Fruits, Nuts, Energy Bars or Protein Shake)
• Yoga Mat (if gym does not supply mats)
• 2 Towels (1 small for working out and 1 large after you shower)
• Make-up Kit (If you want to glam up a bit before leaving the gym)

It might seem like a lot of things, but most of them stay in your gym bag except for the Workout Cloths, towels and Post Workout Snacks! :-)

Black Tea

 I always enjoy an occasional cup of Black Tea during the mornings to start my day off. 90% of the Western population consumes Black Tea and it contains more caffeine than less oxidized Teas. The family of this tea group includes: Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Orange Pekoe, etc.

There are so many types of teas available that I love trying them and blogging facts and benefits of each type.

Unlike high levels of caffeine found in coffee, the low amounts in black tea promotes blood flow in the brain without overstimulating the heart. The caffeine in black tea sharpens mental focus and concentration, and the trace element fluoride inhibits tooth decay.


                        Benefits of drinking black tea:

• Calorie free if drank without milk/cream/sugar
• Reduced risk of stroke
• Reduced “bad” cholesterol
• Improved functioning of blood vessels
• Reduced risk of coronary heart disease     
• Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
• Reduced risk of cancer
• Increased immune function
• Reduced inflammation
• Reduced risk of diabetes
• Reduced stress
• Increases your metabolism
• Reduced iron absorption to help people who suffer from hemochromatosis.

Out of Shape? Get in Shape!

I have made a list of reminders of what should be included in the workout routine that will help me and others get in shape!

Considerations

Talk to your doctor before beginning your new exercise program if you have a chronic condition that limits your ability to safely exercise or if you have other concerns about exercise. The less fit you are, the higher your risk of injury while exercising. Lower your risk of potential overuse or overtraining injuries by slowly and gradually working your way up to the recommended amounts of exercise. Choosing exercises you enjoy increases the chances of sticking with your workout plans.

AEROBIC EXERCISE

Your heart, blood vessels and lungs become more fit and efficient with regular aerobic exercise. Low-impact aerobic exercises, including walking, swimming and cycling, may be beneficial as you start your exercise program. Working your way up to 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise five days each week to develop your aerobic fitness.

STRENGTH TRAINING

Strength training develops your muscular fitness and includes weight lifting, using resistance bands, or doing exercises that use your body weight as resistance. Examples include pushups, situps or pullups. Start your muscle-strengthening program by choosing a resistance that allows you to complete 8 to 12 repetitions. Increase your resistance as it becomes easier to complete the 12 repetitions. Participate in muscle-strengthening exercises for your major muscle groups at least two times each week. Your major muscle groups include chest, shoulders, back, abdomen, hips and legs. At least 48 hours should separate your training sessions for the same muscle group.

FLEXIBILITY

Flexibility exercises are an often-overlooked component of physical fitness. Improving your flexibility by stretching increases range of motion in your joints, improves posture and reduces muscle tension and soreness. Always stretch when your muscles are warm and start each stretch slowly. Do not bounce as you stretch and hold each one for 10 to 30 seconds. Warm-up or cool-down sessions are ideal times to stretch.

Carrots

Carrot or called Daucus carota is a vegetable grown throughout the year, especially in mountain areas that have cold temperatures and moist, approximately in height of 1200 meters above sea level.

Carrot plants can grow in almost all seasons. There are more than 100 types of carrots ranging from not only in colors but also its size from as small as two inches to three feet.

Carrots are the second most popular type of vegetable after potatoes.

Benefits of Carrots

Consuming Carrots are known to be good for your overall health and organs like the skin, eyes, digestive system and teeth. Carrot is used in several Juice Therapy Remedies for diseases.

• Are rich in Beta carotene which is a powerful antioxidant which helps in maintaining a healthy skin and also keep one away from many diseases.
• Rich in alkaline elements which purify and revitalize the blood. They balance the acid alkaline ratio in the body.
• Have Potassium in it which helps to balance the high levels of sodium associated with hypertension and keeps blood pressure under control.
• The high soluble fiber content in carrot, it reduces cholesterol by binding LDL, the bad cholesterol, and also increases the HDL which helps in reducing blood clots and heart diseases.
• Great for dental health as they kill harmful germs in the mouth and prevent tooth decay.
• Aid digestion by increasing saliva and supplying the minerals, vitamins and enzymes required for it. Regular consumption of carrots helps in preventing gastric ulcers and digestive disorders.
• Raw carrots are used as a home remedy for treating worms in children.
• Raw or grated carrots can be used for wounds, cuts and inflammation.
• Are rich in Carotenoids which are beneficial to blood sugar regulation.
• Contain a phyto-nutrient called falcarinol which helps in promoting colon health and a reducing the risk of cancers.
• Consuming carrots regularly are known to improve the quality of breast milk in mothers.
• Helps in increasing the menstrual flow.
• Consuming Carrots regularly can improve the appearance of skin, hair, nails etc and also improve eyesight.

Oranges

Oranges is one of the most popular fruits in the world. They are grown in abundance in tropical and subtropical climates. Brazil is the largest orange growing country in the world. This sweet fruit can either be eaten after peeling or processed to extract juice. Its finely textured peel is used to cook various delicacies in many countries, as well make perfect snacks!

Benefits of Oranges:

• As oranges are rich in calcium, they are associated with maintenance and protection of the bones.
• Beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant, protects the cells from damage.
• Oranges are very efficient in maintaining the dental health.
• Due to the presence of magnesium in oranges, it regulates the blood pressure levels.
• The fibre in orange reduces high cholesterol level in the body.
• Folic acid in oranges aids in the development of brain.
• As oranges are a good source of potassium, they aid in maintaining the electrolyte balance in cells and also the cardiovascular system.
• Vitamin B6 in oranges enables the processing of protein and carbohydrates in food. Vitamin B6 also supports the production of hemoglobin that carries oxygen to all parts of the body.