5 Health Benefits of Sprouts

Sprouts come in many forms: alfalfa, broccoli, clover, radish, onion, and more. Each type of sprout has its own specific health benefits, but they all contain a much higher concentration of nutrients than found in their more mature forms. Sprouts have long been touted as a health food, but in addition to being full of nutrients, studies now show that they may also be effective in protecting and curing the body from disease.

Here are 5 health benefits of sprouts.

Cancer Prevention The high concentration of plant compounds (phytochemicals) found in sprouts are shown to give them both preventative and curative abilities when it comes to treating cancer and other diseases. Additionally, one study found that eating about 100 grams of sprouted vegetables every day protected against DNA damage, which is often associated with cancer risk.

High In Antioxidants Spouts have high levels of antioxidants, which protect the body from DNA damage, promote cellular health, and boost the immune system.

Cholesterol
Many plant sterols (phytosterols) are thought to prevent the digestive system from absorbing cholesterol from foods. Additionally, sprouts are cholesterol free but high in protein and other nutrients and therefore a great alternative to cholesterol heavy foods.

Weight Loss Sprouts are high in fiber, which helps a person maintain a healthy weight. They are also a great source of protein and therefore a great alternative to fattier proteins such as meat or cheese when a person is on a diet.

Anti-Aging The many antioxidants active in sprouts are thought to fight the effects of aging, both inside the body and out.

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8 Health Benefits of Acai Berries

The acai berry is the fruit of the Acai palm. It is an important food in many Central and South American cultures, where the plant originated. A study found that 42% of the total food intake by weight of the Caboclo populations of the Brazilian Amazon is comprised of Acai berries.

Many companies selling acai berry products tout it as a superfood that will cure anything that ails you. However, there isn't much science to back up many of those claims. That doesn't mean that Acai isn't good for you. Like other berries, it contains many compounds and antioxidants that may improve your health.

Here are 8 health benefits of acai berries:

Cancer Prevention Acai berries contain anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that is believed to play a major role in the prevention of cancer. Anthocyanins are present in all berries (they are responsible for the rich black, red, and purple colors of berries) and research has found that they may have a significant preventative effect on cancer.

Lower Cholesterol  A study published in the journal Nutrition found that rats fed high fat diets along with acai pulp had lower levels of total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol than rats who were fed high fat diets without acai pulp. The anthocyanins in acai may also help to lower cholesterol levels.

The plant sterols (phytosterols) found in acai berry (B-sitosterol, campesterol, and sigmasterol) have been proven to prevent the digestive system from absorbing cholesterol from foods.

Heart Health A study published in the June 2011 issue of the journal Atherosclerosis found that acai juice protects against atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine production. The cholesterol-lowering benefits mentioned above also contribute to acai's role in maintaining a healthy heart.

High in Antioxidants Purple acai has been found in studies to have high levels of antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are beneficial because they fight against the free radicals, high amounts of which are associated with lower rates of cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

Immune System Support The antioxidants in acai, including high levels of vitamin c, may help to boost the immune system.

Anti-Inflammatory There have been some promising results in studies that show acai may help with the symptoms of diseases due to chronic inflammation such as asthma and autoimmune disorders. One study found that acai may be a natural COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitor, meaning that it may help to inhibit pain and inflammation without the side effects of over-the-counter or prescription COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitors.

Anti-Aging The antioxidants in acai may help to reduce the effects of aging. Flavonoids and anthocyanins protect the cells within the body and can reduce cell degeneration, helping to keep the body healthy and youthful.

Weight Loss Companies selling acai often claim that it speeds up the metabolism. Though it does contain amino acids believed to be essential in a healthy metabolism, there is still very little scientific evidence to prove that eating acai berry alone aids in weight loss. That being said, acai berries are quite high in fiber and low in calories and any food with those qualities, when eaten in place of calorie-laden snacks, will helps a person to maintain a healthy weight.

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6 Health Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice

Originally from Africa, Aloe Vera is a succulent plant of the lily family, which stores its hydrating energy beneath the protection of its tough cactus-like leaves. Science has not done very much research on the benefits of aloe, but since prehistoric times it has been revered as a healing plant, used to combat inflammation both within and on the surface of the body. It counts among its ingredients almost 20 amino acids, vital minerals like calcium, magnesium and sodium, enzymes, vitamins, polysaccharides, nitrogen and others. Aloe juice is a perfect example of synergy. The whole is something far greater than the sum of its parts.

Cardiovascular Benefits Recent studies also have shown that aloe vera juice may help boost the circulation, lower cholesterol and decrease triglycerides and blood fat lipid levels, all factors which contribute to coronary heart disease. It also may have stress relieving properties, helping to lower blood pressure and maintain a healthy heart.

Oral Health Thanks to its antibacterial properties, aloe vera juice soothes and heals mouth ulcers and guards against tooth decay and gum disease.

Skin and Hair Health Aloe vera has an astringent property that tightens skin. Drinking the juice can boost production of and repair elastin and collagen, slowing the aging of skin. As a moisturizer, aloe vera removes dead cells and helps the entrance of healthy substances. The cosmetics industry has been exploring its potential for reducing blemishes and lightening dark spots on the face. Drinking aloe vera juice can also help psoriasis sufferers as it reduces itching, and it can be applied directly to the skin of psoriasis and acne rosacea patients causing notable improvement in the severity of lesions. Containing as many as 75 nutrients, aloe vera juice is a popular remedy for burns and wounds. Cuts, bruises and scrapes heal quickly on application of aloe. Aloe vera juice is also a useful aid against shingles, providing relief from itching, and helping to heal the blisters and sores.

Weight Loss Aloe Vera juice may help people lose weight. It works well to reduce and stabilize the body mass index by stimulating the metabolic rate in our liver cells, causing more fat and carbohydrate stores in the body to be burned. Aloe vera juice works well as a weight loss supplement due to its high content of collagen protein. Drinking aloe vera juice every day makes the body burn additional energy to assimilate its protein into your system and reduces the amount of time food stays in your intestine, meaning less energy is absorbed from the food you consume.

Digestive Tract Health Aloe Vera juice is said to be a potent detoxifier, cleansing the stomach, liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder and colon and improving digestion. Acting as an anti-inflammatory agent, it can assuage common digestive problems such as candida, irritable bowel syndrome, acid indigestion, colitis, diarrhea and constipation. Several Japanese studies and clinical trials have shown it also promotes a healthy balance of stomach acids, relieving discomfort from heartburn and ulcers.

Immune System Aloe vera juice fights infection and boosts the immune system. It is famous as an antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral agent. It helps the immune system fight a host of illnesses and aids the body in repairing tissue injury. Aloe contains a complex carbohydrate called acemannan with properties which may work by enhancing immune cell function. The juice may also kill yeast and parasites, as well as promote the growth of new, healthy cells.

Warning
Consuming too much aloe vera juice may cause allergic reactions, nausea, and liver problems, so it is important not to exceed the recommended daily dosage. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not drink aloe vera juice nor should children. Generally speaking, however, the benefits of taking aloe vera juice more than make up for any potential side effects.

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Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne

Apple cider vinegar is an effective treatment to clear up your skin, and there are several simple steps that should be followed. If you are going to treat your acne with apple cider vinegar, be sure that you are buying the high quality, raw and organic vinegar that is available at most local health food stores or online.

Why Apple Cider Vinegar Works Apple cider vinegar for acne works for two reasons. First, it contains anti-bacterial properties that can kill the bacteria that cause acne to form. And second, it balances the pH levels on the skin, which prevents blemishes from forming.

How To Treat Acne with Apple Cider Vinegar Start out by mixing a little bit of water with raw apple cider vinegar. It is best to start out with one part apple cider vinegar to three parts water. Over time you can increase the amount of apple cider vinegar if you would like. The strongest combination that you could use is a 50/50 mixture, with equal parts of water and vinegar.

Soak a clean cotton ball in the mixture and dab the cotton ball on the acne. Allow the skin to dry for 10 minutes, and then rinse your skin with fresh water. If the acne is more severe, you may try leaving the mixture on the skin for a longer period of time, although you should be careful because a stronger combination shouldn’t be left on the skin too long.

This treatment can be applied to your skin up to three times each day. Over time you will see that the acne will begin to go away and you may be able to decrease the frequency of application.

Another way to use apple cider vinegar for acne is by drinking a tablespoon in a glass of water. This drink helps the body to cleanse from the inside out, which may reduce the occurrence of acne.

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Zinc to Help Acne - How it Works and What to Take

One of the most effective ways to clear up skin problems is by creating a healthy, well balanced environment within your body. Most people assume that acne needs to be treated with an external substance that should be rubbed on the affected area, but a diet containing specific nutrients can clean up your skin from the inside out.

Zinc is a very effective substance to encourage healthy skin and this nutrient can be gained by eating certain types of foods or taking zinc supplements. The reason that zinc can effectively treat acne is because it assists in hormone management in the body. An imbalance of hormones may result in acne breakouts.

Also, zinc works to manage the protein synthesis in the body, which is an essential element in maintaining healthy skin. Consuming zinc on a regular basis is a great way to prevent and treat acne problems, as well as other skin problems.

Sources of Zinc To be sure that you are getting enough zinc in your diet include whole grains, beans, pumpkin seeds, organic poultry and meat, dairy, and oats in your diet. In order for the zinc to be absorbed by the body, it is also a good idea to eat foods that contain vitamin C because vitamin C assists in zinc absorption. Vitamin C rich foods include strawberries, oranges and other citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, and many other types of fruits and vegetables.

Zinc supplements are another way that you can prevent acne and they can be purchased over the counter at many drugstores. These supplements should be high quality in order to be sure that you are getting the best nutrition possible.

Remember that it's best to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your diet. Your dermatologist can help you determine the correct dosage of zinc for your specific acne concerns.

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Avocado for Acne

Avocado combats acne from both the inside and out. Many facial masks and other skin cleansers on the market include avocado. Here's why using avocados for acne is a great natural option.

Linoleic Acid Avocado is quite high in linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid. One study found that acne sufferers have low levels of linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, in the fat beneath their skin. Linoleic acid works against acne in part because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps to keep the skin moisturized.

Vitamin E Avocados are a great source of vitamin E. Studies have found that vitamin E is beneficial for skin health. It's a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage caused by poor diet and environmental toxins.

Vitamin E also boosts the immune system and a healthy immune system is also important in the fight against acne. In addition, vitamin E aids in digestion which may in turn keep the complexion clear of blemishes because your body will be processing nutrients more efficiently.

Fiber and Cleansing Avocados are a great source of fiber and therefore a good cleansing food that may help rid the body of toxins that may lead to acne.

Apply Avocado to the Skin You may consider using avocado directly on the skin to help the acne heal and prevent more breakouts. See our Avocado Face Mask Recipefor a healing, anti-bacterial, anti-aging recipe to try. 

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Honey and Cinnamon Mask Recipe

Many people have had good results using honey and cinnamon for acne. Try this honey and cinnamon mask for recipe and see if it works for you.

The great thing is that you can make a batch and it will last several months so you don't need to make a fresh batch every day. Just keep it in a small jar in your medicine cabinet.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons raw honey (Manuka honey is preferable)
1 teaspoon organic cinnamon powder (real cinnamon or Ceylon cinnamon, not cassia)

Directions
Wash your face and pat dry.

Apply thin layer of honey and cinnamon paste over your whole face.

Leave it on for 30 minutes and wash face with a gentle, natural cleanser. Cleansers with a lot of chemicals can worsen acne and dry out the skin.

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