Food

The Benefits Of Chia Seeds

Big things come in small packages! So don’t be fooled by chia seeds small size because these seeds are packed and loaded with fiber, healthy fats and antioxidants. Chia seeds are a part of the “super food” group, and for great reason! They pack quite the nutritional punch. In fact, just a 0.5 ounce portion of these seeds has just 69 calories and 5 grams of fiber, 4 grams of fat, and 2 grams of protein.

The health benefits of chia seeds aren’t new news though. People have been eating them for over 5,000 years. Originally from Mexico and Guatemala; chia- which is a member of the mint family- was used by the Aztecs and the Mayans from medicine, to meals, to cosmetics! They were also eaten by the Aztec warriors to give them high energy and endurance. Chia means “strength” in the Mayan language.

These small seeds are so versatile and they are available year round. I’m going to show you just a few health benefits chia seeds provide that will make it hard to pass up next time you see them at your local food market!

Chia seeds are loaded with fiber- One tablespoon of chia seeds are about 20 percent of your recommended daily fiber intake- a whopping 5 grams of fiber. Dietary fiber can help lower our cholesterol levels and shore up our digestive help.

Chia seeds are a complete protein- If you eat a plant based diet it can be hard to find a complete protein (proteins that contain all of the essential amino acids that your body needs to function, typically found in animal proteins). Chia seeds are a complete protein, which make it a wonderful option for you vegans out there!

Chia seeds can help keep you hydrated- Drink some chia seeds before your run! Chia seeds soak up a lot of water so it helps athletes to stay hydrated!

Chia seeds can help you lose weight- Because chia seeds are so good at absorbing water, it’s thought that they can boost you satiety. And, of course, the high fiber may keep you full too.

Chia seeds can help your skin with anti-aging- Chia seeds are full of antioxidants, and antioxidants speed up the skin’s repair systems and prevent further damage. Taking chia seeds can prevent premature aging due to inflammation and free radical damage.

Chia seeds can help your heart- Chia seeds ability to reverse inflammation, regulate cholesterol, and lower blood pressure makes it extremely beneficial to consume for heart health. By eating chia seeds you can boost and protect your heart because they are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids- which is another example of the ample benefits chia seeds hold.

Chia seeds can help fight off breast cancer and cervical cancer- Chia seeds are rich in alpha lipoic acid (or ALA) which is an omega-3 fatty acid. ALA limits the growth of cancer cells in both breast and cervix. Researchers found that it caused the death of cancer cells without harming the normal healthy cells. This is a great discovery by scientist for women struggling with these increasing types of cancer.

Chia seeds and dental health- Since chia seeds are packed with calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A and zinc (amazing, right?!) it’s no wonder that they are a super food that can help your pretty smile! Calcium is the building block of your teeth and necessary for tooth health. Zinc prevents tartar by keeping plaque from mineralizing onto your teeth and has an antibacterial effect that keeps bad breath away!

There are just so many reasons to love these little seeds. I hope this short list shows you just a little insight of how wonderful chia seeds can be and how beneficial they really are to add to your daily routine!

Pink Himalayan Sea Salt vs. Table Salt

Pink salt is EVERYWHERE these days! In salt grinders, salt lamps around the home, slabs of sunset-hued salt for cooking steak and even in “salt rooms” at spas. So what is all the hype about? Pink Himalayan salt is made from rock crystals of salt that have been mined from areas close to the Himalayas, often in Pakistan. It gets its rosy hue from minerals in the salt which includes magnesium, potassium and calcium and it can have color variations from pink, white or red.

Himalayan salt is claimed to have all kinds of benefits. In lamp form, people claim it eases symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), increases energy and improves sleep by cleansing the air from pollutants like dust and pollen. It does this by absorbing water molecules from the air and releasing negative air ions, which are said to get rid of particles like dust which can cause respiratory problems, like allergies and asthma, and affect your mood. Spas have jumped on these claims to offer Himalayan salt-based therapies, where people sit in rooms and breathe deeply while the tiny particles in the salt are dispersed into the surrounding areas, ostensibly easing respiratory conditions.

As for adding this rosy pink salt to your food- some suggests that Himalayan salt tastes better than table salt, and it is said to be the healthier choice in comparison to table salt. True, high quality pink salt is one of the purest salts you can find. It is even typically mined by hand. Table salt is very heavily processed, eliminating its minerals which make the Himalayan salt more desirable in taste and in health.

Pink Himalayan sea salt’s rich mineral content can help balance your body’s pH levels. You might not consider this a big deal, but when your pH has a healthy acid-to-alkaline ratio, it makes a huge difference in your overall health. A proper pH helps foster your immunity and encourages good digestion. Since pink Himalayan salt contains sodium as well as other electrolytes, it has a direct effect on the pH of your blood.

You can use pink Himalayan salt to make your own sole. Sole (pronounced solay) is a water flush recipe using purified water and Himalayan. According to Dr. Mark Sircus a dose of sole can help the digestive system in a major way. He says that “the daily use of sole is believed to stimulate the peristalsis of the digestive organs, balance the stomach acid, support the production of digestive fluids in the liver and pancreas, regulate the metabolism and harmonize the acid-alkaline balance.”

Here is the recipe to make sole:

1. Fill the jar about ¼ of the way with Himalayan salt
2. Add filtered water to fill the jar, leaving about an in at the top
3. Put on the plastic lid and shake the jar gently
4. Leave on the counter over night to let the salt dissolve
5. The next day, if there’s still some salt on the bottom of the jar, the water has absorbed it maximum amount of salt and the Sole is ready to use.
6. If all the salt is absorbed, add more salt and continue doing so each day until some remains. This means that the water is fully saturated with the salt.

Many people have pink Himalayan salt lamps in their homes, as well. It is said the lamp absorbs water and particles from the air, and it also takes positive ions with them.  Then when the heated salt releases cleansed water vapor back into the air, it also expels negative ions which have the opposite effect on our airways, keeping your lungs clear.

These days we live in a metaphorical ocean of electromagnetic (EM) radiation which flows from our electronics (i.e; phones, televisions, computers, tablets, appliances, stereos etc.). While EM radiation may be invisible, the long term effects of exposure can be rather serious. Constant exposure to EM radiation is known to increase stress levels, cause chronic fatigue, and decrease the body’s immune response, among other complications.

As the salt lamp emits negative ions into the air it works to neutralize electromagnetic radiation. You should keep one next to your computer, television, and any electrical devices which you use frequently to reduce the potential danger to you and your loved ones.

Pink Himalayan sea salt contains over 84 minerals and trace elements, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper and iron, so it does a lot more than just add flavor to your dish. Pink Himalayan salt is definitely my top salt of choice, with many the benefits of making the switch I hope you and your family do so as well!

Growing Your Own Food In Small Spaces

Growing Your Own Food in Small Spaces By Craig Scott

With some innovativeness, small spaces can be maximized to harvest your own food. If you have a small patio, deck, or place to grow food in containers than you are in luck. You can grow lots of healthy vegetables. Some of these plants can grow in containers, some vertically, and others horizontally. You will feel so good when you harvest your own salad from your patio. Your body will thank you for the nutritious meal and your wallet too!

Preparing Your Small Space Garden

Whether you opt to garden in a container or with a trellis planning for your garden takes time and research. You must research what plants will thrive in your space, sunlight, and method of growing. You also need to consider how to keep your plants pest-free and thriving until harvest time.

There are many ways to stay away from harmful pesticides and keep your plants protected naturally. Garlic spray, neem oil, Epsom salts, citrus spray, and hot pepper spray are just a few of the ways to successfully grow your crops without ever using pesticides.

Container Gardening

Container gardening is one of the best ways to utilize small spaces. The advantage is that almost any vegetable and many fruits can be grown in containers.

Successful gardening always begins with placing the containers in the right amount of sun exposure. Choose the vegetables and fruits that fit the amount of sunlight your deck or patio receives, so you aren’t always chasing the daylight and moving the containers. You must also dedicate time to properly watering your plants as they are growing. The soil in pots will dry out faster, and nutrients are absorbed more quickly than when planted in the ground.

The benefits of container gardening are that the containers can be anything from boxes to plastic baskets to pasta strainers. You can plant in almost anything as long as you allow for drainage and drill holes if necessary. When making your choices on containers evaluate each plant and the requirements each has for the proper amount of space.

It is easy to grow fruits and vegetables organically. Pick up organic soil at your local hardware store along with your fruit or vegetable seedlings or starters, and you have created your own organic container garden. Gardening in containers also allows for more natural pest control. You can control where the pots are placed and what you place in or around them to deter birds, small animals, and bugs.

Vertical Gardening

There are so many ways to grow vertically from growing on a trellis to pallet planters to hanging baskets. Utilizing a trellis maximizes space and keeps plants off the ground. Pallet planters can be used vertically or horizontally depending on your space. Pallet planters allow you to be as creative with the actual planter as you desire. Hanging baskets work well for a few plants and can add to your vertical garden space.

Growing fruits and vegetables vertically saves space but also helps with pest control. The plants are in front of you and not in the ground where pests or critters can be doing damage. You can also plant your fruits and vegetables organically when gardening vertically. Research the best choice for organic soil for your plants and the best ways to supplement or feed your soil with organic matter.

There are so many fruits and vegetables that thrive in a vertical garden. From cherry tomatoes, winter squash, melons, peas, cucumbers, strawberries, kitchen herbs, and even potatoes are good choices to grow vertically. Each plant must be supported for its growth and size, so make sure you have adequate space, drainage, and sunlight exposure.

Raised Beds

If your space allows for raised beds, then they can be a great use of space because you can accommodate more plants per square foot. You can build your own raised beds, or there are places available to purchase them.

Raised beds provide the ability to easily grow plants organically because you are filling the beds with your choice of soil. It also allows for an extended growing season. Raised beds warm up faster than the ground, and you can cover the bed at the end of the growing season.

Almost any vegetable can be grown in a raised bed garden. Select vegetables that go together such as lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots. Plant onions, peppers, and potatoes to supplement your cooking. No matter the vegetables that you choose to plant, it is essential that they are planted according to directions, and each has the space necessary to thrive.

Craig Scott is the editor at Green & Growing. He loves to spend all the time he can outdoors and find every excuse to leave his house. He writes about everything from backyard DIY projects to what solar panel is most efficient. If you can’t get a hold of him, he’s probably on a trail or a boat. You can check out Green & Growing on FaceBook

Do You Really Want To Drink Embalming Fluid?

By Barbara Cockrell

I have so many family members and friends that drink embalming fluid and don’t have a clue where it is coming from and what it is doing to them.

I once did too until I visited my holistic doctor to find out I was full of Formaldehyde and determined the source. When I first found out I had formaldehyde I thought it was from dry cleaning clothes. But it had been over 10 years since I had my clothes dry cleaned.

After I rid my body of that nasty chemical I realized the more likely culprit.

Frankly, when I tell my loved ones Diet Soda is bad for them they don’t want to hear it because they don’t want to give up their favorite beverage. I began to feel like the bad guy – the bearer of bad news – so I stopped saying anything. But when you love someone you want the best for them and there’s an old saying that knowledge is power.

So I want to give you some powerful knowledge of why soda and diet soda are so bad for you so hopefully you will never want to drink it again. Diet sodas may actually be causing even more harm than you once thought or want to believe.

We’ve been marketed to for years that low or no calorie sodas are a healthier alternative simply because they have fewer calories. Calories do count but the quality of the calories matter more.

Diet Soda Ingredients

Most diet sodas have many similar ingredients in their products including caramel color, artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, sodium benzoate, acesulfame, monosodium glutamate, phosphoric acid, citric acid and caffeine.

There are many other ingredients that may be used depending on the brand and specific product, but let’s take a look at some of these common ingredients and their impact on the body. I got lost researching all the scientific names and what they do so I vow to keep this simple.

To stay on topic, let’s talk about aspartame first, that is in most diet sodas. If you Google aspartame and look up all the different names for aspartame it has other chemical names so it doesn’t always say aspartame. Researchers have found that when cancer cells are subjected to aspartame, they directly increased in activity and mobility.

According to Dr. Daniel Nuzum, aspartame is very toxic and a preservative because it breaks down into formaldehyde. It’s a cancer causing corrosive chemical. That’s what’s in embalming fluid. That’s what they use to preserve dead bodies. Formaldehyde is a neurotoxin. And it was originally designed as a neurotoxin in biological warfare weapons. It was a nerve gas component. So when we eat this, we ingest aspartame, it converts into formaldehyde, and then starts to eat or corrode our nervous system. It’s toxic to our nervous system. Dr. Nuzum also says that the symptoms of neurotoxicity due to aspartame are identical to the symptoms of MS and multiple sclerosis. It eats holes in your brain and spinal cord.

One study published in Toxicology Letters in 2016 found that caramel color cannot be considered as a safe additive when considering certain ways that it impacts the body. This additive is found in so many foods and drinks for the purpose of obtaining a desired color. One way to eliminate this potentially harmful additive is to eliminate sodas from the diet.

Sucralose (Splenda®) results in damaged gut micro flora and leads to problems and diseases including cardiovascular, autoimmune, neurological, psychiatric, and cancer. It causes inflammation in the kidneys and liver, and damages the thymus gland.

Sodium benzoate is added to food and beverages like energy drinks and soda and has been linked to ADHD, asthma, and other inflammatory disorders. When sodium benzoate is combined with ascorbic acid (common in soft drinks), the two form a highly carcinogenic compound − benzene. Benzene is strongly linked to cancers including leukemia and lymphoma.

Acesulfame is associated with increased risk of leukemia, thymus cancer, breast cancer, and chronic respiratory disease.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer and preservative added to many packaged and canned goods. Research has found that monosodium glutamate is associated with chronic inflammation, liver damage, weight loss resistance, and chronic pain.

Phosphoric acid has been shown to reduce bone mineral density as well as wither both skin and muscles and cause kidney and heart damage. It has also been shown to affect the urinary tract and lead to kidney stones and disease.

What happens to your body after drinking diet soda

After 10 minutes the phosphoric acid attacks and erodes the enamel in your teeth and the artificial sweeteners affect the gut microbiota.

After 20 minutes your body triggers the release of insulin sending your body into a fat storing mode.

After 40 minutes a short, addictive high (similar to the way cocaine works) occurs from the caffeine and aspartame combination and the brain is overstimulated.

After an hour the body begins to crave more diet soda.

So it doesn’t take long or repeatedly drinking diet soda for a long time to have detrimental health effects.

Artificial sweeteners reduce the body’s ability to produce leptin, which is a hormone that makes you feel full. This is one reason many people who drink diet sodas will not lose weight—they actually feel hungrier and will go for another snack to satisfy that hunger.

Healthier Drink Choices

My favorite alternative is coconut water.

Mineral water can be a great choice and can be flavored with citrus and other fruits.

Green tea gives a boost of caffeine without causing jitters and can have positive effects on the brain and nervous system.

I don’t care for fizz but kombucha will satisfy cravings for a naturally fizzy drink and is rich in probiotics.

While it may be difficult to break the habit of drinking diet sodas on a regular basis, you can do it, especially now that you have powerful knowledge why, and you chose other healthy, flavorful drink choices. When you eliminate diet sodas, your body will almost immediately begin to recover and it’s worth a short amount of discomfort to break a harmful habit and feel better!

If you know someone that drinks soda and diet soda please share this article to encourage them to replace it with healthier alternatives. There is no nutritional benefit to the body, and they can clearly cause damage. Watch out for similar ingredients in other food products that can seriously damage your health.

Join me and our community at www.CompleteHealthyLife.com for free and let’s get healthier together.