milfblr:

Health benefits of coconut oil.

I hadn’t heard much about coconut oil until recently, and as it’s a part of my new diet I thought I’d do a bit of research to find out why.

•    Coconut Oil is a rich source of fibre, vitamins (particularly B and C) and minerals (including iron, potassium and phosphorous).

•    An effective energy booster.

•    Helps reduce inflammation.

•    A powerful antioxidant, which helps to boost the immune system andprotect the body from the damaging effects of free radicals.

•    Has anti viral, anti bacterial, and anti fungal properties.

•    Assists in the elimination of parasites.

•    Aids digestion, and is beneficial for sufferers of Crohn’s and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

•    Helps to restore the electrolyte balance during gastric upsets.

•    Can provide relief for constipation sufferers.

•    Coconut oil can assist in providing relief from yeast infections.

•    Can assist in treating ear infections.

•    A great moisturizer.

•    Helps alleviate the symptoms of eczema and other skin conditions.

•    Beneficial for  sufferers of asthma, and other respiratory conditions.

•    A lovely hair conditioner and can help to control dandruff.

•    Supports and helps to regulate healthy thyroid functioning.

•    Helps reduce the signs of fine lines and pre-mature aging.

•    A wonderful healthy heart tonic.  Naturally helps to lower cholesterol and high blood pressure.

•    Assists in the regulation of blood sugars.

•    Can put it on cuts and wounds to protect from infection.

•    Assists in weight loss.  Contrary to popular belief, saturated fat is not allbad!  An important point to note though, is DO avoid hydrogenated coconut oil.  Coconut oil can in fact, help to speed up your metabolism.

•    Can help to relieve the symptoms of urinary tract infections.

•    Helps to dissolve kidney stones.

•    Assists in alleviating the symptoms of menopause and PMS.

•    Assists in the absorption of calcium and magnesium, leading to stronger bones and teeth, and therefore reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

•    Coconut oil contains around the same amount of lauric acid that is found in breast milk. This wonderful nutrient is what helps to strengthen the immune systems of new born babies.

I bolded the last one because it really stuck out to me. It must be pretty powerful stuff!

Do you use coconut oil?


(taken from http://abundanceofwellness.com/blog/benefits-of-coconut-oil/)

(via lilyskinned)

100 Benefits of Meditation ›

palmheart:

Sweet Sweet Honey
The benefits of this syrupy natural sugar go far beyond its taste..

Honey is a wondrously complex substance that scientists are still trying to completely figure out. What we do know is that it’s comprised of the natural sugars glucose and fructose, along with minerals such as magensium, potassium, calcium, sodium chlorine, sulphur, iron and phosphate, and vitamins such as B1, B2, B5, B6, and C. The specific levels of vitamins and minerals, however, change according to the nectar and pollen collected by the bees.

The sugar content in honey—glucose and fructose—is utilized and digested more easily by the body than many other forms of sugar. The glucose in honey is absorbed quickly giving an immediate energy boost, while the fructose is absorbed more slowly providing sustained energy. Honey has also been found to keep blood sugar levels fairly consistent compared to other types of sugar that spike insulin levels.

Honey also has antibacterial, antioxidant and antifungal properties, can help to build the immune system, is effective topically for various skin afflictions from wounds to acne, helps to soothe and even heal sore throats, helps cure hangovers due to it being gentle on the stomach and speeding up the oxidation of alcohol by the liver, can help cure allergies (when eating local honey), helps with digestive issues, and much more. I really can’t think of a reason not to eat it.

(via tabithasnest)

Top 10 reasons to eat oatmeal:

1. Over 40 studies show that eating oatmeal may help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. According to Quaker, all it takes is 3/4 cup of oatmeal each day to help lower cholesterol. The soluble fiber in oats helps remove LDL or “bad” cholesterol, while maintaining the good cholesterol that your body needs. In January 1997, the Food and Drug Administration announced that oatmeal could carry a label claiming it may reduce the risk of heart disease when combined with a low-fat diet.
2. The soluble fiber in oatmeal absorbs a considerable amount of water which significantly slows down your digestive process. This result is that you’ll feel full longer, i.e. oatmeal can help you control your weight.
3. You probably already have oats in your kitchen. It’s estimated that eighty percent of U.S. households currently have oats in their cupboards.
4. New research suggests that eating oatmeal may reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes. In fact, the American Diabetes Association already recommends that people with diabetes eat grains like oats. The soluble fiber in these foods help to control blood glucose levels.
5. With the exception of certain flavored varieties, the oats found in your grocery store are 100% natural. If you look at the ingredients on a canister of rolled oats, you will usually see only one ingredient… rolled oats.
6. According to recent studies, a diet that includes oatmeal may help reduce high blood pressure. The reduction is linked to the increase in soluble fiber provided by oatmeal. Oats contain more soluble fiber than whole wheat, rice or corn.
7. Oatmeal contains a wide array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and is a good source of protein, complex carbohydrates and iron.
8. The fiber and other nutrients found in oatmeal may actually reduce the risk for certain cancers.
9. Oatmeal is quick and convenient. Every type of oatmeal can be prepared in a microwave oven. Even when cooked on the stovetop, both old-fashioned and quick oats can usually be made in less than 10 minutes. And what about instant oatmeal… a hot breakfast in under a minute… incredible!
10. Oatmeal can be absolutely delicious! Whether instant, cooked on the stove or baked in the oven, the combination of flavors you can fit into a serving of oatmeal is limited only by the imagination. Visit Mr Breakfast’s Oatmeal Collection to see just 60 of the ways you can start to enjoy oatmeal today!