Cilantro is an herb with small green, fan-shaped leaves and long, tender stalks. It also goes by the name of coriander, although coriander is actually a spice derived from the dried seeds of cilantro.
Cilantro is rich with vitamins and minerals and has many proven health and therapeutic benefits, as well as a variety of cooking and seasoning uses.
What are the vitamins in cilantro?
The Nutrition Data website writes that cilantro is a very good source of the B vitamins. It is also high in zinc, dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.
What are the health benefits of cilantro?
According to Medical News Today, cilantro fights pain and inflammation, enhances skin health and has anti-fungal and anti-cancer properties. Per Dr. Josh Axe, this plant removes heavy metals from the body, cleanses the urinary tract, settles digestive upset, protects against food poisoning and acts as a sedative.
Cilantro naturally calms anxiety and helps sleep
In studies from medical schools and universities in India, cilantro has been found effective for calming anxiety and improving sleep due to its qualities as a natural sedative. One animal study from the School of Pharmacy in Jaipur, India discovered that there were dose-dependent effects from cilantro as an anti-anxiety and relaxation agent, meaning that when more was taken, the more pronounced the results were.
In this study, when the higher dose of cilantro extract was given, it reduced anxiety and provided relaxation equally as well as the prescription drug valium. The side effects of valium include agitation, memory problems, weakness of the muscles, confusion and hallucinations — so taking extracts of cilantro could avoid these effects.
In a report from the Indian Journal of Pharmacology, the author writes that cilantro seed oil contains linalool as its major essential oil component. Essential oils contain the plant’s active “lifelike” properties and are said to be the “blood” of the plant. Linalool has marked benefits for the nervous system, including sedative and anti-convulsant properties. In human studies, linalool was shown to have calming, relaxingand anti-anxiety effects.
What is cilantro used for?
It can be used to make sauces, dressings, salsa, guacamole, soups, stews, curry dishes with meat or seafood, and also added to salads, rice dishes and vegetable dishes. It’s best to use cilantro raw as it can lose its health benefits when introduced to heat. Add the freshly chopped cilantro to any heated recipes just prior to serving. The leaves can also be soaked in cool water and then strained and used as tea.
As a note, be sure to buy cilantro for these benefits rather than parsley. Cilantro can also be called Chinese parsley or Mexican parsley, so take care to buy regular, fresh cilantro in the produce section.
This natural health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a publisher of nutrition news and a supplier of natural remedies since 2002. Nutrition Breakthroughs makes Sleep Minerals II, the effective natural sleep aid with calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D.
Tammy M. of Meridian, Idaho says: “I was plagued with insomnia for five years and desperate for a breakthrough. Nothing has helped me more than Sleep Minerals — I’m so sold on them I could go door to door promoting them. I’m 60 years old and have never slept so soundly.”
Cilantro is an herb with small green leaves and long, tender stalks. It also goes by the name of coriander, although coriander is actually a spice derived from the dried seeds of cilantro. When the cilantro plant flowers, the seeds produced are called coriander seeds. The leaves and flowers have very different tastes and uses in cooking.
What are the vitamins in cilantro?
The Nutrition Data website writes that cilantro is a very good source of the B vitamins. It is also high in zinc, dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and manganese.
Does cilantro make you sleepy?
In studies from medical schools and universities in India, cilantro has been found effective for calming anxiety and improving sleep due to its qualities as a natural sedative. One animal study from the School of Pharmacy in Jaipur, India discovered that there were dose-dependent effects from cilantro as an anti-anxiety and relaxation agent, meaning that when more was taken, the more pronounced the results were.
Studies are showing that olive oil is beneficial for many aspects of our health.
Olive oil can help strengthen the heart, support normal blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and can calm inflammation.
The oil assists with good sleep, supports the brain, and may prevent strokes. Stiff joints and arthritis can also be relieved with olive oil, especially when combined with fish oil (per Healthline.com).
Regarding olive oil for sleep, a recent study appeared in a journal that writes about the health of older people. This study included 1,639 people and found that eating a Mediterranean type diet improves the quality of sleep in older adults. The Mediterranean diet includes foods such as fruit, vegetables, olive oil, fish, nuts, seeds and whole grains.
Olive oil is a key component of this way of eating – a tradition that has developed in the European countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea.
Those in the study that didn’t adhere to the Mediterranean diet as well, had poorer sleep quality. The adults in the study that followed the diet more closely reaped the following benefits: More sound sleep through the night, falling asleep more quickly, feeling well rested when they woke up and during the day, and they were happy about the amount of sleep they got overall.
Olive oil has also been proven to help bone strength. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation: “Osteoporosis and low bone mass are currently estimated to be a major public health threat for almost 44 million women and men aged 50 and older in the USA.”
A recent study from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health has discovered that olives, olive oil and their potent plant nutrients called “polyphenols”, have a high potential for strengthening bones and preventing osteoporosis. Human research shows that daily consumption of olive oil can prevent a decline in bone mineral density.
Some good ways to eat olive oil is to use it in salad dressings and on vegetables, rub it on meat and fish before cooking to keep it moist, use it instead of butter in sauces and gravies, spread it on fresh bread, and saute or cook food with it.
This natural health news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a publisher of nutrition articles and supplier of natural remedies since 2002. Nutrition Breakthroughs makes Sleep Minerals II, the effective natural sleep aid with calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D.
The company also makes Joints and More, the natural solution for joint relief, aches and pains, stronger hair and nails and more energy.
Olive oil for sleep?
Regarding olive oil for sleep, a recent study of 1,639 people found that eating a Mediterranean type diet high in olive oil improves the quality of sleep. This diet includes foods such as fruit, vegetables, olive oil, fish, nuts, seeds and whole grains. The people in the study who ate this way were able to fall asleep faster, sleep longer and wake up refreshed.
Is olive oil good for osteoporosis?
A recent study from the International Journal of Environmental Research has discovered that olives, olive oil and their potent plant nutrients have a high potential for strengthening bones and preventing osteoporosis. Human research reveals that daily consumption of olive oil can prevent a decline in bone mineral density.
What are health benefits of olive oil?
Olive oil can help strengthen the heart, support normal blood pressure and blood sugar levels and can calm inflammation. It assists with good sleep, supports the brain and may prevent strokes. Stiff joints and arthritis can also be relieved with olive oil, especially when combined with fish oil
The word “metabolic” refers to the processes in plants and animals by which food is changed into energy or used to make cells and tissues. A “syndrome” is a group of signs or symptoms that together indicate a particular disease or condition.
So, “metabolic syndrome” is a group of risk areas that increase the likelihood of developing diabetes, heart disease or stroke. These include high blood sugar levels, increased blood pressure, excess stomach fat and high cholesterol.
Fish and omega-3 foods for metabolic syndrome
Omega 3 fatty acids are a type of fat that we must get from our diet as the body can’t produce them on its own. This classifies them as “essential” fatty acids. These include wild-caught fatty fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel and oysters, as well as fish oils, walnuts, flaxseeds, grass-fed beef and leafy greens. Omega 3 fats assist in reducing blood pressure, supporting a healthy heart and strengthening the eyes and brain.
The Journal of Physiology published a study on omega 3 fatty acids. They reviewed the evidence on the effectiveness of eating omega 3 fish and fish oil supplements for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome. They found that supplementing with Omega 3 sources improved obesity, insulin levels, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. They commented that the anti-inflammatory aspects of these fatty acids also offer good protection for the heart.
Flaxseeds for metabolic syndrome
Phytotherapy is a word that comes from the Greek word “phyton” meaning “plant”, and therapeuein” meaning “to take care of, to heal.” This is the term used to describe medical herbalism.
A study in the magazine “Phytotherapy Research” discovered that flaxseeds are a good remedy for metabolic syndrome by helping to reverse high blood sugar and obesity. In the study, the participant’s body weight, waist circumference, and body mass index all had significantly greater reductions in the flaxseed group. The researchers concluded that co-administration of flaxseed with lifestyle modifications is more effective than lifestyle modification alone in management of metabolic syndrome.
Vegetables and fruits for metabolic syndrome
In a study of Chinese adults, it was discovered that those with adequate vegetable and fruit intake had the lowest risk of metabolic syndrome. Eating a good amount of these foods was significantly associated with reduced risk among adult residents of China.
Healthy vegetables to eat include dark leafy greens such as lettuce, kale and spinach, as well as avocado, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, olives, sweet potatoes, cabbage and others that are enjoyable. Avocados in particular have been found to be related to improved overall diet quality, a healthy nutrient intake, and reduced risk of metabolic syndrome
Good fruits to eat include berries, applies, grapes, apples, pears and others. Due to the natural sugars in fruit, It’s good to keep fruit in moderation and eat at least two or three times as many vegetables as fruit.
Magnesium for metabolic syndrome
A study from the journal “Diabetic Medicine” reports on the role of magnesium deficiency in metabolic syndrome. They found that magnesium acts through many mechanisms in the body to help prevent this group of health disorders. Magnesium has a positive effect on glucose metabolism and insulin, as well as beneficial effects on fat metabolism.
The authors of the study explain that magnesium actively promotes muscle relaxation and offsets calcium-related muscle contractions. This mechanism may explain the hypertension (high blood pressure) in metabolic syndrome that’s found in populations with magnesium deficiency. (In supplements, calcium and magnesium should be taken together as they balance each other).
Dietary magnesium prevents chronic inflammation, a state that sets the stage for metabolic syndrome and its consequences. Magnesium does this by preventing the activation of inflammatory changes. The researchers concluded that the amount of magnesium a person consumes is directly related to the presence of metabolic syndrome or its absence. Good food sources of magnesium include almonds, beans, peas, seeds, banana, avocado, leafy greens and whole grains.
This natural health news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a publisher of nutrition articles and a supplier of natural remedies since 2002. Nutrition Breakthroughs makes Sleep Minerals II, the effective natural sleep aid with calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D.
The ingredients in Sleep Minerals II can be helpful for a variety of health conditions. I.C. of Ontario, Canada says: “I have diabetes, a thyroid condition, arthritis and other issues. The Sleep Minerals helps me sleep and gives me the minerals I need. I also have arthritis throughout my whole body and the minerals help this a lot. In fact, Sleep Minerals lessens all of my symptoms greatly and has helped me to go into remission.”
Insomnia and sleeplessness are a widespread problem. Sleep inducing foods and relaxing minerals are a first-line remedy to help people with insomnia to fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply.
There is a helpful chart below that shows twelve ways to use foods as natural sleep aids. Many of these foods are high in melatonin and magnesium and are supported by research studies. This article describes many of these sleep-inducing foods in detail and names the studies that support their use in improving sleep.
Melatonin is a hormone that’s produced in the brain. At night or in the dark, melatonin is naturally released to regulate the sleep cycle. A recent study on the use of melatonin-rich foods for sleep appeared in the journal “Nutrients”. The study was called “Dietary Sources of Melatonin.”
The researchers noted that nuts contain some of the highest quantities of melatonin. Topping the list are almonds and walnuts. Almonds deliver a two-part punch as they are also high in magnesium, a mineral known to induce sleep.
Bananas are high in both magnesium and potassium, and each of these minerals are proven to help good sleep in research studies. The Journal “Sleep” recently reported that the use of potassium for sleep results in significant improvements in quality of sleep and less waking up during the night.
In addition to improving the quality of sleep, potassium has many other valuable health benefits. Dr. Joseph Mercola writes about potassium in his article: “Potassium Plays a Key Role in Your Everyday Functions.” He says:
“Sometimes referred to as the “good salt,” potassium is a mineral that helps support a variety of essential body functions, including the contraction of muscles, regulation of body fluids, transmission of nerve impulses, and maintenance of normal blood pressure and blood sugar levels.”
”Since your body does not have the ability to produce potassium naturally, one of the ways for you to maintain optimum levels of it is to eat potassium-rich foods….When it comes to increasing your potassium levels through diet, one of the first foods that may come to mind are bananas — one medium banana contains 422 mg of potassium.”
”However, bananas are far from being your only source of potassium, since you can also obtain this nutrient from the following foods:
Beet greens – Provides 654 mg of potassium per half-cup.
Swiss chard – Contains 962 mg of potassium per cup.
Acorn squash – Provides 996 mg of potassium per cup.
Avocado – Contains 364 mg of potassium per half-cup.
Spinach – Contains 740 to 838 mg of potassium per cup.
Baked potato flesh and skin – Contains 941 mg in one medium potato.
Wild-caught Alaskan salmon – Provides 534 mg of potassium per 3-ounce serving.
Plain yogurt – Contains 579 mg of potassium per cup.”
Continuing on, those experiencing sleeplessness or insomnia should definitely include more of these healthy sources of potassium in their diet. And even more vital than potassium, the two most famous minerals for calming insomnia are calcium and magnesium. This is what makes warm milk one of the most popular natural sleep aids.
James F. Balch, M.D, author of Prescription for Nutritional Healing, writes that: “A lack of the nutrients calcium and magnesium will cause you to wake up after a few hours and not be able to return to sleep.” The European Neurology Journal supports this with their study showing that the normal course of sleep can be restored by increasing calcium levels in the body.
Regarding the use of minerals for insomnia, a study called “The Nutritional Relationships of Magnesium” discusses the differences between calcium and magnesium and their effects on sleep. The author notes that the type of insomnia associated with a calcium deficiency causes difficulty with falling asleep.
On the other hand, the classical sign of magnesium deficiency is insomnia characterized by falling asleep easily, but awakening frequently throughout the night, with individuals finding themselves tired even after several hours of sleep.
Chronic insomnia is known to be one of the main symptoms of magnesium deficiency. Sleep in magnesium deficiency is usually agitated with frequent nighttime awakenings. A high magnesium, low aluminum diet has been found to be associated with deeper, less interrupted sleep. This was proven in a study titled “Effects of trace element nutrition on sleep patterns in adult women.”
A balanced ratio of calcium to magnesium is important to overall health and the two minerals should be taken together for best results. The best calcium and magnesium ratio is twice as much calcium as magnesium.
One natural insomnia remedy showing good results is Sleep Minerals II from Nutrition Breakthroughs. This natural sleep aid contains potent forms of calcium and magnesium, the best known minerals for relaxation and sleep, as well as for restless leg syndrome, stomach health, teenage insomnia and menopause insomnia. The ingredients are formulated in a softgel with healthy oils, making them more quickly absorbed than tablets or capsules and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.
Richard P. of Parkville, Maryland says: “The Sleep Minerals are making quite a difference. I was regularly waking at around 3:00 a.m. and after a few days use my sleep improved quite a lot. I wake once a night to go to the bathroom, but the great thing is, I then fall back asleep and sleep several more hours. This has been a great improvement.”
Sleep inducing foods and minerals are a healthy alternative to taking sleeping drugs. Make good use of them as an insomnia remedy. Enjoy the chart below and be sure to visit the Sleep Minerals II page.
Here’s to a healthy and happy stomach for all. Good stomach health sets the direction for the overall health of the body.
Our energy and well-being depend on our stomach, intestinal and bowel health as these are the processing centers for all our foods and beverages.
When our intestinal tissues are healthy and pain-free, the nutrients we eat get absorbed well into the body and nourish every cell and organ and system.
Sometimes the stomach and intestinal areas may become sore, irritated or upset and can benefit from some natural remedies to heal them. The lower bowel can also become inflamed or irritated and this may be a sign of hemorrhoids.
Here is a summary of some of the most proven remedies:
Okra
Okra is good for soothing sores in the stomach, increasing health in the intestinal tissues, supporting digestion, and cleansing toxins from the small intestine. It is also proven in studies to relieve ulcers. This vegetable has been valued for its edible green pods and high amounts of vitamin C and folic acid (vitamin B9). Powdered okra supplements are available and eating whole okra is beneficial.
According to a study in the Journal of Food Processing and Technology: “Okra is used to stabilize blood sugar by regulating the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestinal tract. It is a good vegetable for those feeling weak, exhausted, and suffering from depression and it is also used in ulcers, lung inflammation and sore throat, as well as irritable bowel.”
Collinsonia
Collinsonia is a wonderful herb that helps to normalize the entire intestinal tract and related organs such as the liver. It is also effective for vein health, varicose veins and remedying hemorrhoids, according to an article taken from the American Materia Medica. It assists in keeping the bladder and kidneys healthy as well.
Vitamin C
Whole food versions of the famous vitamin C are vital to a healthy intestinal tract. This includes sources such as acerola cherries and camu camu berries, which are usually found in powdered supplement form. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to anus. Chron’s disease is one form of this and the symptoms can include stomach pain, diarrhea, fatigue and malnutrition.
In one study, it was found that 7 out of 10 people with Chron’s had a severe vitamin C deficiency – so vitamin C is highly recommended for any type of intestinal ailment.
Minerals
Mineral deficiency can have a profound effect on our intestinal health. One study showed that a deficiency of magnesium leads to inflammation in the small intestine, as well as significant changes in nearby and remote organs and an increase of overall stress in the body. Natural sources of minerals are best such as kelp, alfalfa, and leafy green vegetables like chard and spinach.
In summary, irritations of the stomach, intestines and bowel can be helped and even remedied and healed.
This natural health news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a publisher of nutrition articles and supplier of natural remedies since 2002.
Nutrition Breakthroughs shares easy to understand information from new discoveries and provides Sleep Minerals II, the effective natural sleep aid with calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D Visit us often to learn about the most effective natural alternatives to drugs.
I’ve included a great chart below that contains the top eight ways to select the highest quality food and the most healthy fruits and vegetables. Feel free to share it with others.
For example, studies have shown that organically-grown foods provide many benefits such as higher levels of health-giving plant chemicals, higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in organically raised milk and beef, and a lack of pesticides. Pesticides are strong chemicals used to kill insects on fruits and vegetables and they’ve been linked to reproductive harm and other illnesses.
Animals that have free-range access to the outdoors (rather than being kept in crowded cages) and that are fed non-gmo feed, can truly give us a healthier way to eat meats.
There is a great handy chart below that contains some of the top natural remedies. These are well-known healthy counterparts for many common medications. Add these powerhouse foods to your diet for any of the conditions shown.
One example of a natural health remedy is curcumin, the potent base nutrient of the spice turmeric. Research from the journal “Foods” has shown that curcumin can help in the management of inflammatory conditions, metabolic symptoms, arthritis, anxiety, muscle soreness and high blood pressure.
Regarding high blood sugar, the Journal of Diabetes Investigation discovered that “A higher intake of fruit, especially berries, green leafy vegetables, yellow vegetables, and cruciferous vegetables or their fiber, is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.”
Raw tomatoes may be one of the best remedies for high cholesterol. One study from Mexico found that fourteen servings of raw tomato per week for one month, resulted in a favorable effect on cholesterol levels in overweight women.
This news is provided to you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the effective natural insomnia remedy with calcium and magnesium Sleep Minerals II, and Joints and More, the natural solution for joint relief, aches and pains, stronger hair and nails and more energy.
Enjoy the chart below and put it to good use!
Here’s to your health,
Jobee Knight
Nutrition Breakthroughs
Toll-Free U.S. (888) 861-0326
These tips are for those of us who have sweated in our sheets on hot summer nights, unable to sleep. In an ideal world, we would all have multiple air conditioners throughout our homes or central air conditioning to keep us cool.
In the actual world, not everyone has these, or even if they do, they may be looking for other helpful options in the case of being away from home or traveling to hot climates.
One question to ask would be whether or not any research studies have been done on the effects of body temperature on sleep. Yes, in fact there have. Researchers from the Cornel Medical Center in New York did a study showing that a cooler body temperature does indeed help sleep. They identified the time at which the participant’s body temperature fell most sharply. This point almost always occurred in the two hours before sleep began.
So without further adieu, here are the creative tips for staying cool at night and sleeping well.
Tip #1 – People with trouble falling asleep might benefit from taking warm or hot baths about 90 minutes before bedtime, per the New York research study noted above. When they get out of the bath, their body temperature will drop rapidly, and this should help them to fall asleep faster. Another option for those with less time is to take a cool shower before bed.
Tip #2 – Stick to loose clothing of cotton, linen or rayon and avoid synthetic fabrics and wool. Check into ‘Wicking Nightwear.’ These nightclothes are designed to whisk away sweat and moisture and keep you dry and comfortable while you sleep. Cotton sheets are best, rather than silk or other fabrics, as they stay cooler.
Tip #3 – Keep a thermos of ice water next to the bed and drink as needed. The ice water can also be poured onto a washcloth and used on the forehead, legs, feet or other areas. Another option is to put a hot water bottle in the freezer and use it as needed to stay cool. Feet can set the pace for the rest of the body, so this may be a good place to put a cool washcloth.
Tip #4 – Try a ‘Chillow’ pillow insert. The Chillow is filled with water and placed inside the pillowcase, on top of the pillow. It absorbs and dissipates heat to keep you cooler and doesn’t require refrigeration. It is comfortably cool, rather than cold and it always stays dry.
Tip #5 – Use some smart strategies for box fans and other fans. Point a fan facing out the window so it will push the hot air outside, leaving cooler air in the room. A do it yourself air conditioner can be made by putting a shallow pan of ice in front of a fan. A cooling breeze will be created from the cold water as the ice melts.
Tip #6 – Put a blow-up air bed on the ground with some sheets and blankets and sleep on it. This puts you closer to the floor where the air is cooler, as hot air rises. If your bedroom is on a second floor, go the first floor to sleep.
Tip #7 – Keep the oven off and eat light meals that are cooling to the body such as fruit and vegetable salads, pasta salads, cold rice and veggies, or rice cakes with a slice of cheese, etc. Delicious cold soups can be eaten such as split pea or lentil.
Tip #8 – Calcium is known to cool, soothe and relax the nervous system according to Chinese medicine. In their system, a food’s temperature refers to the heating or cooling effect it has on the body once it has been ingested – rather than the temperature of the food when it is eaten.
For a cooling effect on the body during the night, take a well-absorbed form of calcium and magnesium before bed such as Sleep Minerals II from Nutrition Breakthroughs. This natural sleep remedy contains unique forms of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and zinc. It is formulated in a softgel with healthy carrier oils, making it more quickly absorbable than tablets or capsules and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.
Hot flashes and night sweats can be brought on by hot weather, as well as other causes such as hormonal changes, spicy foods or alcohol. Anita L. of New Caney, Texas says: “I was having hot flashes every 30 minutes to an hour through the night and was so miserable. After about two weeks of taking the Sleep Minerals II, I noticed an incredible difference with my sleep. I have much less interruption from hot flashes, I‘m sleeping much better and I’m a lot more comfortable.”
Some other healthy advice would be to eat more of the calcium rich foods like cheese, almonds, spinach, parsley, beans, kale and broccoli.
In summary, make use of these tips to stay cool on hot summer nights, and you can also come up with some other similar ones of your own. You’ll be happier the next day that you did!
By Dr. Joseph Mercola, a physician trained in both traditional and natural medicine
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Shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs,
maker of the effective calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II
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While multiple companies manufacture and market “new and improved” fast-moving consumer goods that we use every day, such as soap, toothpaste, deodorant and body lotion, one of the best and most natural products has been right under our noses, so to speak.
Coconut oil has a pleasant scent, and besides being very economical, it’s an amazingly versatile and therapeutic substance. Since the mid-1990s, roughly, coconut oil has been used for a number of applications, such as cleansing, deodorizing and healing, and this has been growing in the larger population.
Questions like “Where does coconut oil actually come from?” and “What does it smell like?” are apropos. Coconut oil, like butter, is a solid substance, melting to a liquid form when it reaches about 76 degrees.
Insoluble at room temperature, it takes on a creamy consistency when blended with water using a whisk. If not treated to processes such as bleaching, refining or deodorizing, coconut oil exudes the mild fragrance you would expect — like coconut.
2 Kinds — Commercial Grade and Virgin
The relatively recent interest in the many uses of coconut oil also elicits questions regarding its production. There are two basic types: Commercial-grade and virgin coconut oil.
Commercial grade coconut oil — This product is made from copra, which is the dried meat of the coconut. It’s usually smoke-, sun- or kiln (oven) -dried or a combination of the three. But when standard copra is used to make coconut oil, it’s not sterile and therefore unsuitable for human consumption.
It’s “purified” or refined through a process known as RBD — refined, bleached and deodorized. According to Coconutdiet.com:
“High heat is used to deodorize the oil, and the oil is typically filtered through (bleaching) clays to remove impurities. Sodium hydroxide is generally used to remove free fatty acids and prolong shelf life.
This is the most common way to mass-produce coconut oil. The older way of producing refined coconut oil was through physical/mechanical refining. More modern methods also use chemical solvents to extract all the oil from the copra for higher yields.”
Virgin — In comparison, like olive oil, coconut oil is best when “first-pressed” and “virgin.” Like pressing a teabag that’s been steeping in boiled water for a few minutes, the first water released will contain the most actual extracts.
The second time it’s pressed, as in the teabag analogy, the result isn’t as concentrated. Coconutdiet.com continues:
“Virgin Coconut Oilcan only be achieved by using fresh coconut meat or what is called non-copra. Chemicals and high heating are not used in further refining, since the natural, pure coconut oil is very stable with a shelf life of several years.
There are currently two main processes of manufacturing Virgin Coconut Oil:
Quick drying of fresh coconut meat which is then used to press out the oil. Using this method, minimal heat is used to quick dry the coconut meat, and the oil is then pressed out via mechanical means.
Wet-milling. With this method, the oil is extracted from fresh coconut meat without drying first. ‘Coconut milk’ is expressed first by pressing.
The oil is then further separated from the water. Methods which can be used to separate the oil from the water include boiling, fermentation, refrigeration, enzymes and mechanical centrifuge (swirling around).”
Why Keep Coconut Oil in the Bathroom?
Raw, organic coconut oil, besides being good enough to eat (which we’ll discuss in a minute) has a plethora of benefits apart from actual ingestion. Here’s a list of 15 benefits of coconut oil, in no particular order:
1.Smooth shave — If you’ve been plagued by red, irritated and razor-burned skin after shaving, coconut oil is both soothing and antibacterial.
2.Rash recovery — Other rash problems from diaper rash to mild allergic reactions can be remedied using coconut oil. Propylene glycol is one chemical found in commercial moisturizers that can cause skin irritation and dermatitis.
3.Lip balm — Use coconut oil to moisturize, nourish and hydrate chapped lips without inadvertently eating endocrine disruptors.
A study on the metal content in lip balm revealed lead, aluminum, cadmium, chromium and manganese in high concentrations, some associated with reproductive, developmental or other adverse health effects.
4.Facial cleanser — Effective as a face wash, mixing equal parts coconut oil and castor oil is known as oil cleansing. Massage it into your skin and remove gently with a warm washcloth.
Ninety percent of the body washes and cleansers you buy contain harmful chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate, which, in combination with other chemicals, can form cancer-causing nitrosamines (harmful chemicals). Coconut oil can even improve acne.
5.Makeup remover — Not only can you cleanse your face, you can remove use it as a natural makeup remover — even stubborn mascara and eyeliner.
6.Night cream — While you may not want to use coconut oil under makeup, applying it lightly before bed will hydrate your skin because its fatty acids form a natural emollient. If the skin around your nails is hard and peeling, treat your cuticles to a soothing coconut oil rub to keep them soft.
7.Deodorant — A tiny dab of coconut mixed, if you desire, with an essential oil such as lavender is very effective — so much better than the antiperspirants containing aluminum, which is linked to Alzheimer’s.
Another deodorant recipe combines 3 tablespoons each of coconut oil, arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) and baking soda.
8.Foot fungus fighter — Because it’s antimicrobial and antibacterial, coconut is very effective in combating athlete’s foot. Rub it on the bottoms of your feet after every shower.
Antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal compounds in coconut oil have been shown to inactivate microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast and fungi.
9.Soothing bath — As an alternative to bubble baths that may induce urinary tract infections, especially in children, drop a dollop of coconut oil in your bath with a few essential oils. It’s both moisturizing and helps kill bacteria.
10.Body scrub — Combining equal parts coconut oil with sea salt, sugar or baking soda to make a homemade scrub softens, smooths and moisturizes your skin.
11.Body lotion — Moisturizers you buy at the store typically contain harmful chemicals such as aluminum, phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde and propylene glycol. Coconut is a fragrant, moisturizing alternative containing none of these.
12.Toothpaste — To combat tooth decay and even whiten teeth, make a DIY coconut oil toothpaste by mixing 1 teaspoon with 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 2 drops of peppermint essential oil. Just brush as usual.
13.Oil pulling — An oral rinse works much like a mouthwash, only you shouldn’t gargle with it. As you swish vigorously for five to 15 minutes, it penetrates the soft tissue between your gums and “pulls out” bacteria that causes cavities, plaque and bad breath.
14.When applied to infected cuts or wounds, coconut oil develops a layer of naturally protective chemicals that also keep out dust, fungi, bacteria and viruses. Applied to bruises, it speeds up the healing process in damaged tissues.
15.Frizz fighter — People with hair that tends to frizz often turn to silicone- or alcohol-based gels and mousses, which coat the hair, prevent it from absorbing moisture and dries out the hair shaft. Just a few drops of coconut oil are all you need for a natural hair conditioner for smooth, silky shine.
Healing Properties of the Oil
Virgin coconut oil has been described as having a “haunting, nutty, vanilla flavor (and) even milder and richer-tasting than butter.” A New York Times article noted that coconut oil, while once demonized by the “all saturated fats are bad for you” camp, has now become accepted:
“The main saturated fat in coconut oil is lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid (easy to absorb). Lauric acid increases levels of the good fats, “HDL”, or high-density lipoprotein, and also bad LDL, or low-density lipoprotein (cholesterol), in the blood, but is not thought to negatively affect the overall ratio of the two.
… Any number of health claims have been made for lauric acid. According to proponents, it’s a wonder substance with possible antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral properties that could also, in theory, combat H.I.V., clear up acne and speed up your metabolism.”
Even applied topically, coconut oil has healing properties. One interesting factoid is that while antiperspirants containing aluminum are associated with Alzheimer’s, coconut oil actually prevents it because of the medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) that are easily absorbed and metabolized by the liver and can convert to ketones. One study noted:
“Ketone bodies are an important alternative energy source in the brain, and may be beneficial to people developing or already with memory impairment, as in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) … (It may also) be beneficial in the treatment of obesity, dyslipidaemia (higher fats in the blood), elevated LDL (cholesterol), insulin resistance and hypertension — these are the risk factors for (heart disease) and type 2 diabetes, and also for Alzheimer’s.”
Alzheimer’s is projected to affect 1 in 4 Americans in the next generation, rivaling obesity and diabetes, but evidence suggests that ketone bodies in coconut oil may help restore and renew neurons and nerve function in your brain, even after damage has set in.
Unhealthy Alternatives to the Oil
Regarding coconut oil in the kitchen, even as a household cleaner, there are a few points to consider:
•Virgin coconut oil has a smoke point of 350 degrees, so for cooking, it’s best used at lower temperatures. Olive oil overcooks even as low as 250 degrees, which may cause oxidization, doing your body more harm than good.
•You can substitute coconut oil for butter or olive oil, and most definitely instead of so-called vegetable oils. Here’s why:
Multiple studies reveal coconut oil to impart amazing benefits when used in nutritional applications. One of the most dramatic changes you can make in your health will be to replace the so-called “healthy” vegetable, soy, corn and cottonseed oils such as canola when sautéing food or baking cake or cookies.
It’s interesting to note that Polynesian populations, who’ve been using full-fat coconut oil as a diet staple for untold generations, have no heart disease to speak of. Why? It’s a direct contradiction to what conventional medicine touted for a few decades, that saturated fats are bad for you, and will lead to obesity, high cholesterol levels, heart disease and Alzheimer’s.
The truth is, saturated fat like that of coconut oil and olive oil is natural, not the concocted substances created in a laboratory using methods like hydrogenation and partial hydrogenation that convert polyunsaturated fatty acids to unhealthy trans fats. Vegetable and seed oils undergo the double whammy of hydrogen atoms and high heat, creating a cheaper oil with a long shelf life that’s very bad for your health.
Further, when vegetable oils are heated to a high temperature, the chemical compounds break down, get “stuck” in your cells, oxidize (create excess oxygen) and create dangerous free radicals (molecules with oxygen) that can lead to disease.
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So, make good use of coconut oil in your bathroom (and also your kitchen!) and benefit from its many effective uses. This article is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the effective calcium,magnesium and vitamin D based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II.
Ahhh Chooooooo! Twenty percent of Americans suffer from chronic allergies or hay fever and would like to benefit from natural remedies for the sneezing, runny nose, teary eyes and scratchy throat.
Allergies are the result of the immune system’s overreaction to a normally harmless substance, such as pollen, molds, animal hair or indoor dust mites.
Specifically, an allergy occurs when the immune system develops a sensitivity and attacks what it considers to be an invader. When the substance enters the body, the body produces many antibodies in the blood to attack it. The antibodies then bind to a certain kind of white blood cell and this binding causes the release of histamine, a chemical in the body which causes the uncomfortable, yet familiar allergy symptoms.
Remedies that have been proven useful for allergies include Nettle Leaf, Vitamin C, Quercetin, and air ionizers. Quercetin belongs to a class of water-soluble plant coloring agents called bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids are found in many fruits and they aid in the absorption and metabolism of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C).
Quercetin is often recommended as a treatment for allergies and asthma. Several test tube studies have found it beneficial in stopping the release of allergenic substances and histamine in the body (Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology).
A study of the herb nettle leaf was published in the journal “Planta Medica”. In this study, 58% of the people experienced less symptoms of hay fever, including sneezing and itchy eyes, after taking doses of nettles for one week. Nettle leaf is high in vitamin C and trace minerals and is a rich source of chlorophyll.
Some people with allergies have experienced improvement in their symptoms after taking 1–2 grams of vitamin C per day (1,000 to 2,000 milligrams). A buffered form of vitamin C such as calcium ascorbate may work better for allergy or asthma sufferers than regular vitamin C (per a study in American Journal of Digestive Diseases).
One group of researchers proved that vitamin C reduces the tendency of the lung’s bronchial passages to go into spasm (Annals of Allergy), and another study in China showed that people with more vitamin C in their diet had greater lung volume — meaning they could exhale more air than those eating less of the vitamin.
Negative ion therapy can be a wonderful relief to allergy sufferers. The air we breathe contains molecules with electrical charges, both positive and negative. These minute electrified particles called ions, affect the environment in which we live and breathe. Researchers have shown that most of us who live, work and travel in closed spaces suffer some degree of negative ion starvation or the effects of too many positive ions.
Some allergy-provoking substances, such as dust and pollen, have a positive electrical charge. Negative ions appear to counteract the allergenic actions of these positively charged ions on respiratory tissues and people have experienced considerable relief from respiratory allergies (from the Book: The Ion Effect). A plug-in negative ion generator can work wonders in enclosed spaces.
Allergy symptoms can be greatly reduced with the right combination of herbs, vitamins, healthy food, and healthy air.
This health news is provided by http://NutritionBreakthroughs. Since 2001 Nutrition Breakthroughs has been providing natural health articles and effective natural remedies. Their mission is to provide nutritional supplements that get results and therefore help people to avoid drugs and their side effects.
Since 2009, their natural sleep remedy Sleep Minerals II has been keeping that promise – with highly absorbable calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and zinc. It soothes even the worst insomnia and helps everyone from teenagers, to menopausal women, to seniors to get a good night’s sleep.
K. C. of Homer, New York says: “I am writing to you a true believer of Sleep Minerals II. I never write product reviews…. good or bad. I had originally ordered your sleep minerals product and thought I would give it a try. Well I had given it to the entire family. We ran out of it and I really thought it wasn’t working. I quickly realized within a couple nights that without them the entire household was not falling asleep as easily as they were before! So I immediately ordered more. I will not let that happen again.”
To learn more about Sleep Minerals II, click here.
