After workout foods to boost Metabolism

10 Snacks that Boost Your Metabolism After Workout

By Chuck Feder

A quick metabolism seems to be the key for an almost perfect figure. Anyone who has this advantage burns calories quicker, loses kilos in a shorter time and keeps in shape easily than others. So to say, rigorous planned diets or intense physical activities pale in comparison with this detail that some say, is strictly genetic. But this is not the case, as metabolism as influenced by age, sex and various conditions of the body and can be stimulated by means handy to everyone.

What is metabolism
Metabolism is the process through which our body transforms the consumed calories from food into the energy that is so necessary to the various functions of the body. It works like an engine and when it is running at optimal parameters, it makes it easier for us to loose weight, maintain it constant or simply feel more energized.

Types of metabolism and your nutritional profile
Metabolism can be divided in two categories:
• Catabolism – the breakdown of molecules to obtain energy (release of energy);
• Anabolism – the synthesis of all compounds needed by the cells (capture of energy).
It is important to know your nutritional profile in order to find out what the best course of a diet is for you. You can find tests online to determine it or better yet, you can go to a nutritionist to get all the advice you need and establish together a diet plan.

Boosting your metabolism after workout
Why should you be extra careful what you include in your diet besides health reasons? Because if you know what helps boost your metabolism, you will have no problem staying fit and pleased with your body.

Every workout will give your metabolism a boost and not just during, but also afterward. This is why it’s so important to know exactly what snacks go well with your body after effort to give your metabolism an extra reason to work and help you lose weight.

1. Get your Omega-3’s
Eating lots of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, herring, and tuna help boost your metabolism. Omega-3’s balances blood sugar and reduces inflammation, thus helping the metabolism to work normally.

2. Avocado is also rich in omega-3 fatty acid and also contains 4gm protein and all the 9 essential amino acids, all good for the heart as well as your metabolism.

10. Lentils
One cup of lentils provides 35 percent of your daily iron needs. Iron helps your body work efficiently in burning calories, so it’s important to eat meals that contain it.
Don’t forget that to maintain a healthy, fit body, we must have a balanced diet and a constant workout plan.


4. Cheese
You might say cheese is high in fat, but it is also high in calcium, which helps your body metabolize fat in a more efficient way. This efficiency helps your body increase the amount of fat your body eliminates, so have no worries and have a bite of cheese handy after your workout session.

5. Eggs
It’s said you can only eat 2 eggs a day, but that’s more than enough for your body, as they contain 12 gm for 2 whole eggs. Egg yolks also provide choline, which helps protect the liver and increases fat-loss as compared to a control.

6. Tree nuts
Contain 4-6 gm of protein for 2 tablespoons. You can also have walnuts, almonds and others from this range in a baggy at the gym. They help decrease blood sugars and blood fats.

7. Edamame
Contain 8.5 gm protein per ½ cup and also contains the minerals iron, magnesium and zinc. Edamame and other soy products and also quinoa are the only plant-based sources of complete protein, as they contain big amounts of all essential amino acids.

8. Drink green tea
Now, this isn’t a snack, but it’s something you should include on your list of things that help you give your metabolism a start. Green tea has been known for a long time for its antioxidant polyphenols. It also has an active ingredient, called catechin that puts your metabolism in gear.

9. Whole grains
Whole grains help your body burn more fat as they take extra effort to break down than processed grains.

10. Chomp Snack Sticks
If you're ok with eating meat, and like beef jerky, then this is a snack you’ll want to try. It’s not the classic jerky, as it’s made from 100% grass fed beef and you have two flavors from which to choose from. You can find it on GoChomps.com

Celery

Top 9 Super Health Benefits in Just One Celery Stalk

By Alex Jordon

Celery stick lovers, you are providing your body with some serious goodness. Celery haters or those unsure about the vegetable, you might want to reconsider eating some of the green goodness once you hear about all the health benefits it can provide to you.

#1 Helps with Weight Loss
Celery is the perfect vegetable to snack on when you are trying to watch your figure or loose some extra pounds. One large celery stalk contains only 10 calories. This makes celery outstanding to snack on whenever you feel the munchies coming on. Just make sure you do not eat celery sticks with heavy dips or dressings because this will make the snack unhealthy.

#2 Reduces Inflammation
Are you looking for a natural way to reduce inflammation in your body naturally? Celery contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and inflammation in the body. It is an excellent super food to snack on or add to soups, salads, casserole dishes and stir-fries if you are a sufferer of asthma, acne, inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis.

#3 Reduces Stress Levels
Do you need some natural stress relief from physical and mental stressors? If so celery can help since it is pack full of magnesium and an essential oil that helps promote relaxation. Celery sticks make the perfect bedtime snack because it can actually help you fall asleep and stay asleep. The vegetable also works for calming down anxiety and panic attacks since it does contain a medicinal property in it that acts as a natural sedative.

#4 Promotes Alkaline Balance
Celery contains nutrients in it that help regulate the body’s alkaline balance, which helps protect your body from becoming over acidity.

#5 Keeps the Digestive System Working Smoothly
Celery makes an excellent digestive aid. It contains loads of water and plenty of fiber. Water and fiber are essential for keeping the digestive system running smoothly and you from discomforting healthy conditions such as constipation. However, celery does contain diuretic properties so those suffering from diarrhea should not consume a large amount of this vegetable because it can make the situation worse.

#6 Keeps Eyesight Healthy
One large celery stalk a day can provide your body with vitamin A, which is an essential nutrient for maintaining eye health. Considering having some celery sticks each day for snack or adding it to a main dish to help get the potent nutrient from it into your diet.

#7 Promotes Heart Health
Eating a few stalks of celery each day can help you reduce the bad cholesterol in your body. Keeping bad cholesterol levels down goes along way to maintaining heart health. The vegetable also helps promote proper blood circulation and helps reduce high blood pressure, which is also essential for keeping your heart health and strong.

#8 Natural Aphrodisiac
You may find this to be surprising, but chomping on celery sticks eat day can help promote arousal. This is because celery is a wonderful aphrodisiac that contains two pheromones known as androstenone and androstenol.

#9 Prevents Cancer
A daily dose of celery is wonderful for preventing certain types of cancers. This is because celery contains powerful antioxidants in it that inhibits cancer cells. One type of cancer it’s particularly good at preventing is pancreatic cancer and breast cancer.

End Notes
The best celery to eat is fresh organic celery that is free from harsh pesticides, preservatives and chemicals. This is because fresh organic celery contains the medicinal properties and nutrients in it that are actually beneficial to the body. So snack away, and enjoy this super vegetable. Your body will thank you for doing so.

Fight the Flu Naturally

By Morgan Crowley

Apparently it’s flu season, or at least that’s what I’m being told.  Me?  I haven’t had the flu in about 8 years or a sinus infection.  Yep, you heard that right, at least 8 years.  This is coming from someone who used to have 2 sinus infections every year and was constantly sick during the winter months.  Sound familiar? I know I’m not the only person who used to suffer.

So how did I do it? How did I go from being an extremely fit and  an otherwise healthy person who was still getting sick to an extremely fit, healthy girl who doesn’t get sick? Well, the short answer is getting adjusted. But more than that, I started to evaluate all of the small triggers that were compromising my immune system and changed them one by one.

It took me awhile to figure all of this out, and it seems only right that I put it all together and help out as many people as possible.

Fight the Flu Naturally
1) Get Adjusted:  Many people think of chiropractic as a source of relief for back and neck pain and it is! But more importantly chiropractic is a way to maintain a healthy nervous system.  The nervous system is responsible for all cell and tissue health in the body.  The brain controls everything and it relays it’s messages to rest of the body through the nervous system.  The spinal cord is the main highway for information, when the spinal cord is under intense pressure and cannot relay messages effectively, the rest of the body starts to suffer.  You can’t fight off diseases, illnesses, messages get mixed, your body might attack itself (autoimmune), or you may experience pain.

For me, my cervical spine was out of place and was causing just enough pressure to irritate my Eustachian tube. The tube that runs from your ears, down your throat.  When the pressure changed outside bacteria would get caught in this kink in the tube and grow and fester and cause infections.  Once I started removing the pressure, the tubes were free and the bacteria didn’t get trapped and  wasn’t able to grow into an infection.

2) Drink Plenty of Water: Water flushes everything bad out of your body.  The more water you drink, the greater turnover you will have in your body.  Meaning, that your system is able to round up the allergens, bacteria and viruses and send them on their way.  So, it’s really important to drink half your body weight in ounces everyday.

3) Use a Humidifier: During the winter months, we turn our heat on and the heat dries out the air.  When this happens, our nasal mucosa dry out as well.  The mucus we produce is essential for trapping dust, debris, bacteria, viruses and allergens.  So when your mucus is dried out, you have a greater chance of allowing these foreign invaders to pass into your system. Using a humidifier in the air can help to re-moisturize the air and provide some much needed hydration to your nasal mucosa.

4) Supplements: Now is the time, to take your vitamin C, B12, probiotics, D, etc… Many people get a great dose of vitamins in the summer from the sun (vitamin D) to fresh fruits and veggies (vitamin C, B12, etc…) when winter hits we are not getting as much of these and can fall victim to illness and disease.  Therefore, if you live in the frozen tundra (Buffalo,NY – my original home) you need to be extra conscientious that in the winter months you keep up on supplements. These will boost your immune system.

5) Exercise: It’s really easy to get extra exercise in during the summer months, and much harder once it’s cold and snowing.  Exercise is a natural way to improve your immune system.  It keeps your whole body healthy:  muscles, lungs, nerves, and releases endorphins to make you happy! So don’t forget to pop in your favorite DVD, or go to your favorite gym and get your sweat on.

6) MOST IMPORTANT!!!!!!! ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO DO THE SAME!
What good is keeping yourself healthy if everyone around you is getting sick and can’t have fun with you? Spread the word on how easy it is to stay healthy. Seriously people, those are not hard steps to take to keep the flu at bay.

You’ll be saving:
1) Money at the doctors office
2) Saving “sick time” for beautiful spring and summer days
3) No more prescriptions for antibiotics which we all know are being abused anyways
4) Enjoying all of the holiday parties and family get togethers
You’ll be gaining:
1) New appreciation for fall and winter
2) A fabulous fit body from all the exercise
3) Increased energy
4) No more fatigue

These may seem too good to be true, but this is my strategy and it’s worked fabulously. I have talked with many colleagues and friends who have done similar strategies and it’s always the same outcome, no more sickness.
So give it a try, drink some water, take your vitamins, exercise and get adjusted, you’ll be glad you did.

About the Author:
Dr. Morgan Crowley has her Bachelor’s in Exercise Physiology and her Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine.  She is committed to providing her community both locally and at large with quality information that they can use in their own personal lives.  She resides in Mount Pleasant, SC with her two dogs and enjoys running her Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic office, Weight Loss Coaching, and Blogging.  Inquiries can be sent to mcrowleydc@gmail.com or feel free to check out her blog at www.theeverydayhealth.com .

16 Amazing Benefits Of Castor Oil

16 Amazing Benefits Of Castor Oil For Skin, Hair And Health

by Ankita Biswas

Castor oil is extracted by pressing the seeds of castor plant, also known as Ricinus communis. It is a vegetable oil and the plant is largely native to Africa and India. The oil has been famous in the world over for centuries for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. The medicinal and therapeutic benefits of the oil make it a favourite across various industries.

The uses of castor oil are many for skin, hair and health. It also happens to be one of the most widely-used ingredients in various cosmetics, soaps, textiles, massage oils and even medicines.

Benefits of Castor Oil in Our Daily Life:

Castor oil is one of the few natural products that fight several ailments. Here are the 15 amazing uses and benefits of castor oil in our daily lives.

Castor Oil Benefits for Skin:

 

1. Skin Problems:

Castor oil is a boon when it comes to skin problems like sunburn, acne, dry skin and stretch marks. It also helps evade infections like warts, boils, athlete’s foot and chronic itching. To treat problems like sun burn, warts, yeast infections, fungal infections or acne, follow these simple steps:

• Take a cotton wool ball
• Dip it in castor oil
• Apply directly to the affected skin area.
• Leave it on for an hour
• Wash off clearly after an hour.
• Repeat this in the morning and night for faster results.
• If the affected area is small – soak a band-aid in castor oil and apply it on the affected area. Finally cover it with a clean one.

If the affected area is large – soak a cloth in castor oil and place on the affected area for an hour before washing off.

2. Ringworms:

Castor oil effectively treats ringworms, a common and stubborn skin problem across all age groups. The active compound called undecylenic acid, found in castor oil, helps treat ringworms successfully. Here is a step-by-step guide to its use.

• Dilute 2 teaspoons of castor oil in 4 teaspoons of coconut oil.
• Alternatively, you can wash castor leaves in water and soak them in coconut oil for few hours, and then heat gently.
• Apply over the affected area and cover with a cotton cloth.
• Keep it overnight for best results.

Repeat this procedure until cured completely.

3. Wrinkles and Fine Lines:

Castor oil, when applied to the skin, penetrates deep and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. This in turn helps soften and hydrate our skin. It delays the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, making the skin smoother, softer and younger. The fine lines around the eye area can be treated with its application. For best results, apply it everyday, after washing your face, over wrinkles and fine lines. You may also apply castor oil for skin before bed daily.

4. Acne:

Castor oil is rich in Ricinoleic acid, which fights off the acne-causing bacteria. It effectively penetrates the skin layers, making it an excellent remedy for acne. To use castor oil for skin:

• Wash your face with warm water, as this will help open your pores.
• Simply massage your face in a circular motion with the oil.
• Keep it overnight.
• Wash off your face the next morning with cold water.

 

5. Moisturiser:

Castor oil is a wonderful moisturiser. The high concentrated fatty acids penetrate the skin easily. This helps remove dry patches and restores hydration of the skin. Only a little amount of castor oil is required for this purpose. The fatty acids in castor oil make it stand out amongst other vegetable oils. Castor oil finds uses in various industries but it is prized in skincare segment for its ability to quickly moisturise. So if you are looking for an inexpensive and natural skin moisturiser, you know what to reach out for!
Here’s a quick tip:

• Apply a few drops on face.
• Massage it well on your skin every night.

Just follow the above steps to wake up to smooth, supple and revitalized skin every morning.

 

6. Fade Scars:

Castor oil is often used for fading scars. Though it works slowly in this regard (needs to be used regularly to see prominent results), it can produce permanent solution naturally. Once again, the fatty acids come to rescue. They penetrate deep within the scar tissue and plump it out while encouraging the growth of healthy tissues around it. It helps the scar diminish slowly.

 

7. Stretch Marks:

Castor oil is perfect for treating stretch marks. Here are the directions to use:

• Rub castor oil over the stretch marks on your stomach and thighs (caused due to pregnancy and/or excessive weight gain).
• Apply it regularly to get the best results.

Castor oil is also used to induce labour.

 

8. Antimicrobial:

Castor oil works as an excellent disinfectant on open wounds. The antimicrobial properties make it effective for treating fungal skin infections, such as ringworm, minor cuts and scratches as well. It can be used as a first aid treatment because of its anti-itch and pain-relieving properties. These properties help heal and ease symptoms of minor skin infections.

 

Castor Oil Benefits for Hair:

 

9. Promotes Hair Growth:

Castor oil is the best remedy for promoting hair growth. It is often advised to apply it topically to the scalp for thick hair. You may mix it with coconut or almond oil. The oil boosts blood circulation to the follicles, leading to faster hair growth. The oil also has omega-6 essential fatty acids, responsible for healthy hair. For best results, apply the oil and leave it overnight after covering it with a cap for deep penetration. Wash it off thoroughly the next day. It also helps reduce split ends and controls hair breakage while conditioning and moisturising your hair.

 

10. Thickens Eyebrows:

Use of castor oil promotes hair growth and hence helps thicken your eyebrows and eyelashes. It stimulates rapid growth of hair. The unusual chemical composition of the oil helps to keep your eyebrow and eyelash hairs from breaking. Here are the directions to use:

• Rub castor oil over your lashes and brows before bed.
• Repeat this procedure every night to get best results.
• An alternative way is to gently massage each eyebrow with castor oil for a couple of minutes
• Leave it on for half an hour.
• Use lukewarm water and a mild cleanser to wash it off.

This too needs to be done daily to achieve desired results.

[ Read: Eyebrow Shapes that Suit Your Face Shape ]

 

11. Treats Scalp Infection:

Scalp infection can cause major hair problems like bald patches and itchy scalp. With castor oil’s anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, you can fight pathogens and micro-organism, responsible for such problems. Regular use will make your scalp infection-free.

 

12. Hair Darkening:

Castor oil works well in hair darkening. The humectant properties of the oil, combined with its nutrients, help lock in the hair moisture. Thus helping it appear darker. To use:

• Take a pea-sized amount of castor oil
• Mix it with your leave-in hair conditioner or hair mousse.
• Each time you use it, apply evenly and distribute nicely over your hair.

 [ Read: Clove Oil Uses ]

Vitamin E found in castor oil is excellent for treating brittle nails and ragged cuticles. Massage a small amount of oil for 2-3 months and see the results for yourself.

 

Health Benefits of Castor Oil:

 

13. Constipation:

Castor oil is a powerful laxative useful for effectively treating constipation. For best results, have one teaspoon of pure cold pressed castor oil a day – for three consecutive days.

 

14. Arthritis and Joint Pains:

Castor oil is a great remedy for treating arthritis. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it an ideal massage oil for relieving joint pain, nerve inflammation and sore muscles. Here is a step-by-step guide for using it for joint pain.

• Take a piece of flannelette or a soft cotton fabric and fold it into squares.
• Soak it in castor oil.
• Press out excess oil and place on the affected joint, taking care to cover with a plastic wrap.
• Place a hot water bottle or heating pad on this – the plastic will save the bottle from getting oily.
• Leave it on for an hour.
• Keep the oil pad in a zip lock bag and store in the fridge – it can be used again.

This process should be repeated twice a week for positive results.

 

15. The Lymphatic System and Liver:

Repeat the above-mentioned steps, but with a larger piece of cloth, to relieve and drain excess fluids from lymph and liver. Place the pack on the abdomen and cover with a plastic sheet and an old towel. Place a pillow under your knees and lay flat on your back for at least an hour to get relief and better result.

 

16. Treatment of Mild Surface Tumours:

Castor oil has been scientifically proven to increase T-cells production in human body. As a matter of fact, it was recommended by the American psychic, Edgar Cayce, for treating mild surface tumours.

[ Read: 5 Natural Facial Packs to fight Wrinkles ]

Other Benefits Of Castor Oil:
Apart from the above-mentioned uses, castor oil can also be used to cure problems like

• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Cerebral Palsy
• Pain from Rheumatism
• Gastrointestinal Problems
• Menstrual Disorders
• Migraines
• Age Spots
• Skin Abrasions
• Inflammation

Castor oil has no side effects as such. However, if you want to use it internally, like to treat constipation, make sure you take the right dosage. It always better to consult your physician to avoid complications later. Make sure you read the instructions on the label before using it internally.

 

A Word of Caution:

As much as the castor oil helps in skin problems, it is highly recommended not to use too much castor oil on your face. This is because it is highly concentrated and too much of it can clog the pores, leading to skin irritation or breakouts. So don’t be too generous with its usage.

 

Advice:

Pregnant and lactating women, those with intestinal blockage or appendicitis should not consume castor oil. Kindly consult your doctor if you want to use this oil.
Hope you enjoyed reading this post on the benefits and uses of castor oil. Do leave your comments below and let us know how castor oil helped you.

 

Nutritional Value of Castor Oil:

The high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, proteins and minerals found in castor oil, together make it highly beneficial. Here is a table with a detailed breakup to help you understand castor oil’s nutritional value.

Average composition of castor seed oil / fatty acid chains
Acid name	Average Percentage Range
Ricinoleic acid	95	to	85%
Oleic acid	6	to	2%
Linoleic acid	5	to	1%
Linolenic acid	1	to	0.50%
Stearic acid	1	to	0.50%
Palmitic acid	1	to	0.50%
Dihydroxystearic acid	0.5	to	0.30%
Others	0.5	to	0.20%

17 Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

By Hesin

Many societies, especially those of the Americas and China, have a history of using cayenne pepper therapeutically. A powerful compound with many uses, cayenne pepper is currently gaining buzz for cleansing and detoxifying regimes such as the Master Cleanse, which uses the spice to stimulate circulation and neutralize acidity.

Cayenne pepper has been used for a variety of ailments including heartburn, delirium, tremors, gout, paralysis, fever, dyspepsia, flatulence, sore throat, atonic dyspepsia, hemorrhoids, menorrhagia in women, nausea, tonsillitis, scarlet fever and diphtheria.

1. Anti-Irritant Properties

Cayenne has the ability to ease upset stomach, ulcers, sore throats, spasmodic and irritating coughs, and diarrhea.

2. Anti-Cold and Flu Agent

Cayenne pepper aids in breaking up and moving congested mucus. Once mucus begins to leave the body, relief from flu symptoms generally follows.

3. Anti-Fungal Properties

The results of one study indicated that cayenne pepper could effectively prevent the formation of the fungal pathogens phomopsis and collectotrichum.

4. Migraine Headache Prevention

This may be related to the pepper’s ability to stimulate a pain response in a different area of the body, thus reverting the brain’s attention to the new site. Following this initial pain reaction, the nerve fibers have a depleted substance P (the nerve’s pain chemical), and the perception of pain is lessened.

5. Anti-Allergen

Cayenne is an anti- agent and may even help relieve allergies.

6. Digestive Aid
Cayenne is a well-known digestive aid. It stimulates the digestive tract, increasing the flow of enzyme production and gastric juices. This aids the body’s ability to metabolize food (and toxins). Cayenne pepper is also helpful for relieving intestinal gas. It stimulates intestinal peristaltic motion, aiding in both assimilation and elimination.

7. Anti-Redness Properties
Cayenne’s properties makes it a great herb for many chronic and degenerative conditions.

8. Helps Produce Saliva
Cayenne stimulates the production of saliva, an important key to excellent digestion and maintaining optimal oral health.

9. Useful for Blood Clots
Cayenne pepper also helps reduce atherosclerosis, encourages fibrinolytic activity and prevents factors that lead to the formation of blood clots, all of which can help reduce the chances of a heart attack or stroke.

10. Detox Support
Cayenne is a known circulatory stimulant. It also increases the pulse of our lymphatic and digestive rhythms. By heating the body, the natural process of detoxification is streamlined. Cayenne also causes us to sweat, another important process of detoxification. Combined with lemon juice and honey, cayenne tea is an excellent morning beverage for total body detox.

11. Joint-Pain Reliever
Extremely high in a substance called capsaicin, cayenne pepper acts to cause temporary pain on the skin, which sends chemical messengers from the skin into the joint, offering relief for joint pain.

12. Anti-Bacterial Properties
Cayenne is an excellent preservative and has been used traditionally to prevent food contamination from bacteria.

13. Possible Anti-Cancer Agent
Studies done at the Loma Linda University in California found that cayenne pepper may help prevent lung cancer in smokers . This may be again related to cayenne’s high quantity of capsaicin, a substance that might help stop the formation of tobacco-induced lung tumors. Other studies have also shown a similar reaction in cayenne’s resistance to liver tumors.

14. Supports Weight Loss
Scientists at the Laval University in Quebec found that participants who took cayenne pepper for breakfast were found to have less appetite, leading to less caloric intake throughout the day. Cayenne is also a great metabolic-booster, aiding the body in burning excess amounts of fats.

15. Promotes Heart-Health
Cayenne helps to keep blood pressure levels normalized. It also balances the body of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

16. Remedy for Toothache
Cayenne is an excellent agent against tooth and gum diseases.

17. Topical Remedy
As a poultice, cayenne has been used to treat snake bites, rheumatism, sores, wounds and lumbago.

20 Minute Yoga For Beginners

Yoga For Complete Beginners – A Yoga Class In 20 Minutes

 

This routine is demonstrated by Aruna and instructed by Sukadev Bretz of http://my.yoga-vidya.org.

by Joe Martino

For those of us who have trouble meditating, yoga can be a good way to begin feeling what it’s like to be in a meditative state without the sometimes daunting task of simply sitting and trying to quiet the mind. Some of us have an easier time doing something while we are working towards quieting the mind, and yoga is perfect for that.

Yoga puts you in touch with your breath, your body and slowly gets you relaxed and quiet in your mind. Aside from the inner well-being benefits, Yoga is also a great physical activity for both men and women in not only gaining flexibility, but also balance and strength.

Below is a 20 minute routine involving some very simple poses for beginning so you can try out Yoga for yourself. The routine ends with relaxation and stillness as the body rests from the prior movements. This portion of each yoga routine is my favorite as you feel absolutely amazing. Try it for yourself!

Yoga Benefits

• Build strength and flexibility
• Relieves stress
• Builds muscle and increases endurance
• Improves posture
• Increase focus, mental clarity and sharpness
• Focusing inward illuminates habits and behaviours so we can choose to adjust things as we see fit
• Helps bring balance to your neurological system & creates a healthier lifestyle
• Increase your intuition as it is less buried by an out of balance body
• Increase your creative abilities
• Gets you more connected to yourself and the earth

 

3 of the Most Powerful Herbs

3 of the Most Powerful Herbs You’ve Never Heard of

By AncientBotanicals

Using Nature To Unlock Our Immortality

Immortality has always been a dream of conscious humans. The desire to avoid death and live eternally is universal, profound and God-like. 

Answers to the mystery of immortality have been growing in forests and jungles since the dawn of time.

I believe that it only makes sense that as consciousness in the animal kingdom evolves, so too should consciousness in the plant kingdom. The very same plants that help in the healing of diseases, infections and chronic illnesses can also help us to live longer, more productive and healthier lives.

The most powerful herbal medicines assist the body by unlocking the codes of what your genes can already do. These most effective herbs are known as adaptogens, which assist the body in its natural task of maintaining homeostasis—the delicate state of balance necessary for survival.

A body out of balance is considered to be in negative homeostasis, a condition in which the restorative and degenerative systems of the body may not function properly. If untreated this may eventually lead to symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, depression, insomnia and other various sicknesses.

But adaptogens help the body adapt to, and compensate, for change. In a person with high blood sugar, for example, an adaptogenic herb might help to lower glucose levels in the body, whereas, in a person with low blood sugar, the herb would help to raise them.

One of the main things adding to your lifespan is an enzyme called telomerase. Have you ever gone camping and cut a rope, and then burned the end of it with a lighter to keep it from splitting? The telomerase works in the same way. It keeps the ends of your DNA from unraveling.

Unfortunately, every time your cells divide, some of this is lost, meaning you are breaking your body’s ability to regenerate itself every time you grow or heal. Adaptogenic herbs are programmed at finding ways to either rejuvenate telomerase or prevent its loss in the first place. I believe that in nature we can finds ways that could effectively halt or even reverse the aging process.

What are these herbal treasures, you ask? I have spent years researching the best adaptogens and medicinal mushrooms and here are the top three:

 

Astragalus 

Astragalus and Life Force

Astragalus ranks as one of the most potent health tonics in the world. For over 2,000 years it has been one of the most popular tonic herbs used in Asia. Astragalus is said to strengthen the primary energy of the body and to tonify the three burning spaces, or in other words, to strengthen all metabolic, respiratory and eliminative functions.

As an energizer, Astragalus is famed for its strengthening effects on the outside of the body, in particular to the musculature. It is therefore beneficial in particular to adults who tend to be physically active and require abundant external energy. In China, Astragalus is sometimes considered superior to Ginseng as an energizer for active people. Astragalus is used to strengthen the legs and arms and is commonly used by people who work outdoors, especially in the cold because of its strengthening and warming nature.

 

Fenugreek

Fenugreek and Growth Hormones

Fenugreek seeds contain chemicals known as saponins, which have a wide range of medicinal applications. Fenugreek’s saponins, in particular, are linked to stimulating release of growth hormone from pituitary cells. This gland is located right in the center or the brain, near the hypothalamus at the base of the skull. It’s only about the size of a pea, but it’s incredibly important. It secretes various hormones into the bloodstream to assist in several processes throughout the entire body. This gland is often referred to as the “master gland” because of its various roles in the body. The pituitary gland supports the adrenal glands, thyroid gland, ovaries and testes, which in turn produce other hormones.

 

Medicinal Mushroom Red Reishi 

Health benefits of Reishi

Perhaps Reishi’s greatest potential medical benefit is its ability to strengthen the body’s immune system. Consumption of Reishi is therefore considered preventive and immune enhancing, rather than treatment for a specific disease. In addition to triterpenes in its fruiting body, Reishi mushroom also contains polysaccharides. These enzymes are found under the spores released under the cap of the mushroom. Reishi polysaccharides affect blood by increasing the white blood cells count, which boosts the immune system’s ability to fight disease.

Among the medicinal plants, Reishi is a potent adaptogen. It may assist the body in adapting to stresses of various kinds; these stressors may be temperature, trauma, sleep deprivation, exposure to toxins, radiation, infection, or psychological stress. Like adaptogens, Reishi shares the properties of causing no side effects with regular consumption; it helps an organism return to a state of equilibrium.

Red Reishi acts as an immune modulator—a substance that regulates, and fine-tunes the immune system. The primary responsibility of the immune system is to detect pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and other microbes that invade the body. Under normal circumstances, an intact immune system is capable of deterring most of these organisms before it causes any damage. However, if the immune system is compromised, viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi can proliferate and cause disease. Consuming Reishi eliminates these problems.