This natural health info on the top five healthy food choices is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and Joints and More, a natural supplement for joint relief, less aches and pains, stronger hair and nails, and more energy
Tag Archives: natural remedies
Fun Facts on Nutrition You’d Never Guess! – Issue #1
Greetings to you,
Welcome to the first edition of our “Fun Facts on Nutrition” series. Get ready to be intrigued and inspired by some fascinating and little-known tidbits about the food we eat.
- Carrots Were Originally Purple
Here’s a fun one: the original color of carrots was purple, not orange. Orange carrots were developed by Dutch farmers in the 17th century through selective breeding to honor the House of Orange (the royal family of the Netherlands). Purple carrots are still a popular option and are rich in plant chemicals that are healthy for the heart and act to delay cellular aging.
Reference: Simon, P. W. (2000). Domestication, Historical Development, and Modern Breeding of Carrot. Plant Breeding Reviews, 19, 157-190.
- Honey Never Spoils
Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible! Honey’s low water content and acidic pH create an inhospitable environment for bacteria, making it one of the few foods that can last indefinitely.
Reference: Snowdon, J. A., & Cliver, D. O. (1996). Microorganisms in honey. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 31(1-3), 1-26.
- Tomatoes Were Once Considered Poisonous
Believe it or not, during the 18th century, Europeans considered tomatoes to be poisonous. This was due to their similarity to the deadly belladonna nightshade herbal plant. It wasn’t until the late 1700s that tomatoes became a staple in the European diet. Today, they’re celebrated for their high vitamin C and lycopene content, a red-colored plant chemical which is good for the heart and can also help to slim the waistline.
References: 1. Rick, C. M. (1980). Tomato. Economic Botany, 34(2), 107-129.
2. A study on tomato juice from the China Medical University in Taiwan.
Fun and Health Go Hand-in-Hand
Join us next week for some more “Fun Facts on Nutrition.” Here’s to your good health and well-being.
This health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and Joints and More, a natural supplement for joint relief, less aches and pains, stronger hair and nails, and more energy.
Top 10 Drinks for Sleep and Sweet Dreams: Sip to Sleep
In a fast-paced world where sleep can sometimes feel like an unattainable luxury, finding natural ways to drift off peacefully can be a life-saver.
Thankfully, there are some drinks for sleep that are packed with ingredients that promote a deeper, longer-lasting rest. Have a look at these top 10 drinks that can help you achieve a night of restful slumber, featuring natural vitamins, minerals and herbs.
Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is the superstar of bedtime drinks for sleep. It contains apigenin, a powerful plant substance that binds to areas in the brain to promote sleepiness and reduce insomnia Think of it as a gentle nudge towards your pillow (from a 2011 study).
Sour Cherry Juice for Sleep
Tart cherry juice is a natural source of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating the sleep and wake cycles. Research has shown that drinking tart cherry juice can significantly improve sleep duration and quality of sleep (from a 2010 study).
Warm milk
Warm milk isn’t just a comforting childhood memory. It’s rich in calcium and tryptophan, an amino acid that boosts melatonin levels, promoting sleep.
Almond Milk
Almond milk is a fantastic source of magnesium and calcium, both of which are crucial for good sleep. Magnesium helps relax the muscles and nerves and calms the body and mind (from a study in the Journal of Natural Medicine).
Banana Smoothie
Bananas are loaded with magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B6, which aid in the production of melatonin. Blend a fresh or frozen banana with one cup of milk or almond milk and a half cup of ice, and you’ve got a delicious, sleep-inducing smoothie (from the Role of Bananas in the Sleep-Wake Cycle; Journal of Food Science and Technology).
Lemon Balm Tea
Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve sleep. Its calming effects can help ease you into a restful night’s sleep (from a 2006 study).
Golden Milk
Golden milk, made with turmeric, milk, and honey, is not only delicious but also packed with sleep-enhancing properties. Turmeric contains curcumin, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve mood, indirectly promoting better sleep (from a 2019 study).
To make golden milk, combine 1 cup milk (or almond, coconut, oat milk), a half teaspoon turmeric powder, and one teaspoon honey or maple syrup. Boil and then simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, cool and enjoy.
Oat Straw Tea
Oat straw is an herb rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamins. It’s known for its calming effects on the nervous system, making it an excellent choice for a bedtime beverage (from Nutritional Neuroscience).
Passionflower Tea
Passionflower tea can increase levels of GABA, a brain chemical that helps reduce stress and promote relaxation (from a Phytotherapy Journal; meaning plant therapy).
Coconut Water
Coconut water is rich in magnesium and potassium. If there is a deficiency of these minerals, it can lead to insomnia, leg cramps, and more. Coconut water is high in minerals and is a hydrating and soothing option for winding down at the end of the day.
Sip, Relax and Sleep
Try whichever one first that is the most appealing to you and start with small amounts. Observe the effects it has on your sleep and see if it agrees with you. If it doesn’t help, try the next one. You will certainly find one or more natural drinks for sleep that will help you relax. If you are taking any medications, keep in touch with your doctor and let them know which drinks you are trying.
With these delicious and scientifically-backed drinks for sleep, you’ll be on your way to a peaceful, rejuvenating night’s rest. So raise a cup to sweet dreams, sleep well, and wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the day!
This health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II.
Suzanne G. of Tucson, Arizona says: “I have had insomnia for most of my life and the longer I take Sleep Minerals II, the better I sleep. The best thing is that I can now get back to sleep if I wake up in the night. It has given me such a sense of peace to know that I now can be well rested during the day. I also find my brain less foggy from lack of sleep. I have tried many products on the market and this is the one that is gold. Thank you so much for producing a quality product!”
References
- Pigeon, W. R., Carr, M., Gorman, C., & Perlis, M. (2010). Effects of a tart cherry juice beverage on the sleep of older adults with insomnia: a pilot study. Journal of Medicinal Food, 13(3), 579-583.
- Zick, S. M., Wright, B. D., Sen, A., & Arnedt, J. T. (2011). Preliminary examination of the efficacy and safety of a standardized chamomile extract for chronic primary insomnia: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 11(1), 78.
- Barbagallo, M., & Dominguez, L. J. (2010). Magnesium and aging. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 16(7), 832-839.
- Balderas, J., González-Dávalos, L., & Alonso, R. (2013). Role of bananas in the sleep-wake cycle. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 50(6), 1269-1276.
- Kennedy, D. O., Little, W., & Scholey, A. B. (2006). Attenuation of laboratory-induced stress in humans after acute administration of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm). Psychosomatic Medicine, 68(5), 732-737.
- Jahromi, S. R., Maleki, M., & Berrang, J. M. (2019). The effects of curcumin on sleep deprivation: a review. Neurochemical Research, 44(3), 499-507.
- Mitchell, J., Smith, M., & Macleod, K. (2011). Oat straw extract improves cognitive performance in healthy adults. Nutritional Neuroscience, 14(5), 236-242.
- Ngan, A., & Conduit, R. (2011). A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) herbal tea on subjective sleep quality. Phytotherapy Research, 25(8), 1153-1159.
3 Healthiest Foods for Long Life, Stronger Joints and Better Sleep
This natural health news is written by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of Joints and More and Sleep Minerals
Greetings to you,
In the quest for greater health and the prevention of disease, people are looking more and more to the quality of the foods they eat and are seeking the healthiest foods. Fast food, fried food, sweets, and foods made with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are being replaced with healthier options.
Research studies are showing that food is more than mere nutrition to fill the stomach – it can ward off specific illnesses and lengthen one’s life.
Almonds
The first of the three healthiest foods is the delicious almond. A recent study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition has found that eating 1.5 ounces of lightly salted, dry-roasted almonds each day (about 35 almonds) reduces overall hunger, does not affect body weight, and helps people to meet their ideal daily intake of Vitamin E.
Another study that was published on consuming nuts appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine. It showed that people who eat nuts live longer than those who don’t. The study included 76,464 women and 42,498 men and found that the more times per week nuts were eaten, the greater the reduction in risk of death. As a note, those who ate more nuts had 29% less deaths from heart disease.
Wild-Caught Salmon
Wild-caught salmon is one of the healthiest foods on earth. Oily fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel were shown in a Swedish study to prevent the development of arthritis. The women in the study who ate just one serving of oily fish per week cut their risk of getting arthritis by an amazing 52%.
Fish and fish oils have both been shown to be a good arthritis remedy. One study from the Oxford University found that children who took fish oil supplements experienced better sleep at night, with fewer awakenings and nearly an hour more of sleep each night.
Regarding the use of fish oil for the health of the heart and arteries, a study was done at the Columbia University Medical Center in New York. Researchers there found that a diet rich in fish oils can prevent the accumulation of fat in the aorta, the main artery leaving the heart. The beneficial actions of fish oil that block cholesterol buildup in the arteries were found even when high amounts of fat were eaten.
Broccoli
Broccoli contains a potent rainbow of vitamins, minerals and plant nutrients. It is a cruciferous vegetable, meaning that it’s in the cabbage family. One key ingredient of broccoli known as “sulforaphane” has been shown to have anti-cancer benefits. The International Journal of Cancer presented a study of men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Those that consumed cruciferous vegetables had a statistically significant 59% decreased risk of prostate cancer progression.
Broccoli also contains a nutrient called indoles that can balance hormones by blocking excess estrogen in the body. This is important for women at the time of menopause when the level of progesterone drops to almost zero, while there is still estrogen present. An imbalance of hormones can contribute to menopause symptoms such as insomnia, hot flashes, irritability, night sweats, leg cramps, and mental depression. Eating some raw broccoli a few times a week can help reduce the symptoms.
Broccoli should be eaten raw or lightly steamed in order to retain its higher levels of sulforaphane and provide the most health benefits. A study from the Netherlands showed that consumption of raw broccoli results in faster absorption and higher peak blood levels of sulforaphane compared to cooked broccoli.
This natural health news on the healthiest foods is written for you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a provider of natural health articles and effective natural remedies since 2001. Nutrition Breakthroughs makes the original calcium and magnesium based natural sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, as well as Joints and More, the natural solution for joint relief, aches and pains, stronger hair and nails, and more energy.
Proven Natural Remedies for Sinuses, Colds and Flus
Greetings,
There’s a couple of great charts below that show some of the most famous and effective remedies for sinuses, infections, and colds.
For example, garlic is a commonly used cold medicine. It is widely used in Russia and is known there as “Russian Penicillin”.
Garlic supports immune function and it can kill bacteria, parasites, fungus and the flu virus. One test-tube study showed that fresh garlic kills various viruses, including one which can cause flu like symptoms.
Horseradish is another plant that can ease throat and upper respiratory tract infections. It has been shown specifically to destroy the flu virus and reduce the severity of flu infections in animals. This plant is a member of the mustard family.
You may have found that eating horseradish can make your eyes water and nose run. Indeed, it can create a similar release of watery fluids inside the bronchial passages of the lungs which helps to flush them out and wash away congestion.
Vitamin C is one of the most famous boosts to immunity and one of the best remedies for sinuses and discomfort. In addition to enhancing the activity of immune cells, vitamin C acts as a vital component in the production of collagen, the principal protein found in all connective tissues.
By helping to maintain the strength and integrity of connective tissue structures, vitamin C keeps infections from spreading throughout the body (from the Handbook of Vitamins).
Enjoy the charts and here’s to your good health!
These charts are shared courtesy of Oransi.com
This natural health news is presented 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.
Sleep Minerals II may also be one of the good remedies for sinuses and colds. Calcium can lower fever and zinc accelerates the growth of immune cells while preventing the replication of cold-causing viruses. In one study where people with colds were given zinc lozenges, sore throats disappeared after 1 day versus 3 days in the placebo group, nasal drainage in 4 days (versus 7 days), and headache in 2 days (versus 3 days).
For more information on Sleep Minerals II, visit this page.
Effective Natural Remedies as Counterparts to Drugs
Greetings to you,
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.
An example of one of the best natural remedies 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 (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts), is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.”
Raw tomatoes may be one of the best natural 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.
If you are taking any medications, be sure to check with your doctor before making any changes to their advice.
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 by adding these healthy foods!
Here’s to your health,
Jobee Knight
Nutrition Breakthroughs
Chart shared by courtesy of LiveLoveFruit.com
Use Vitamin E in Foods and Skincare: Glowing Skin
By Jacqueline Reilly
The famous vitamin E is renowned for combating aging by keeping joint degeneration at bay and increasing eye and heart health. What is not so well known is that vitamin E can help aging skin to retain its smoothness, moisture and beauty.
Research from the World Congress of Public Health and Nutrition reports that more than 90% of Americans fall below the daily recommended amount of vitamin E. The recommended daily allowances are provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and for vitamin E it’s 15 milligrams per day.
The secret to vitamin E’s importance for both internal health and external beauty is similar to that of the other antioxidant vitamins (A and C) — their ability to undo the “free radical” damage that causes skin to develop lines and lose elasticity and firmness.
Free radicals are damaging molecules that come from a reaction of oxygen inside the body. They come from pollution, smoke, medications, infection, stress, toxic chemicals, a poor diet, and also as a byproduct of normal digestion and metabolism.
“Anti-oxidants (or anti oxygen substances) such as vitamins E, C and A can help to defend the body against free radical damage and repair it. These nutrients can assist to create skin that is firm and luminous, and incorporating both nutritional and topical approaches can be of benefit.
Topical Vitamin E in Dermatology
Vitamin E is a popular skin treatment because of its ability to stop reactive oxygen molecules from altering the formation of collagen. Collagen is the main protein in connective tissue, bone and other key tissues in the body. Vitamin E also maintains the elasticity in cellular spaces that provide the balance necessary to preserve skin moisture.
A dramatic example of vitamin E’s effectiveness for skin health comes from a study done at Ohio State University. Scientists there found that one particular form of Vitamin E called ‘tocotrienol’ could significantly reduce the amount of damage caused by burns. They concluded that “This model (research) shows that if the level of tocotrienol in the skin is increased five-fold within the first six to twelve hours after a burn, subsequent burn damage will be reduced by at least 50 percent.”
Topical Vitamins Can Boost Beautiful Skin
In addition to Vitamin E, Vitamins C and A are also used in modern skincare to boost skin health and smoothness. In fact, all three vitamins work together to promote the production of collagen. As noted by Leslie Kenton in her best-selling book “The Skin Revolution”, Vitamin C is essential and plays an important role in a transformation in your skin cells, taking up the important amino acid, proline, and using it to make new collagen.”
Does Diet Matter?
What a person eats can have a great affect on their skin’s appearance. It is important to consume an antioxidant-rich diet to ensure the cells are well guarded against the ravaging effects of free radicals. Avoid refined ingredients such as white flour and sugar, which cause the collagen fibers (which should be present in tidy bundles) to tangle and become crossed up. The result can be lines, wrinkles and aging skin.
A diet featuring quality proteins like fish and grass-fed meats, seasonal vegetables and fruits, and healthy fats such as olive oil, is recommended for its richness in the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E.
Boosting Your Vitamin E Intake
Foods which contain good amounts of Vitamin E include nuts, seeds, avocado, leafy green vegetables, broccoli, butternut squash, olive oil, trout and kiwi fruit. Try if possible to buy organic fruits and vegetables, since recent studies have shown they contain significantly higher levels of antioxidants than conventionally grown produce. They also contain less heavy metals, and since they are pesticide-free, they help reduce the skin’s toxic burden.
Vitamin E can be a great part of one’s skincare routine, and there are an abundance of skincare products in natural food stores that contain this fat-soluble powerhouse.
Combine a nutritional approach with a daily skincare routine, to give the skin all the nutrients it needs to glow from within. If a person has very sensitive skin, it’s possible that topical vitamins in skincare products can be an irritant. In this case, test a small amount of any product and wait several hours before using it liberally. For all the beautifying benefits it provides, be sure to add vitamin E-rich foods to your diet.
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, and also Joints and More, the natural solution for joint relief, arthritis, aches and pains, stronger hair and nails and more energy.
Chart of Nature’s Best Liver Healing Foods
Greetings to you,
Below is a helpful chart of liver healing foods that are great for keeping your liver strong and healthy. The liver is the main detoxification organ of the body, cleansing it from toxins, drugs, chemicals and other substances. This article goes into some proven liver remedies in more detail.
Introduction
A radiant life starts with a healthy liver. This remarkable organ performs over 500 essential functions, from cleansing your blood to regulating cholesterol levels. When it comes to taking care of your liver, nature offers a treasure trove of liver-healing foods that can do wonders.
Garlic: The Liver’s Guardian
Garlic is more than just a kitchen essential; it’s a liver-loving superstar. Recent research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food highlights garlic’s potential to reduce fatty liver disease. Allicin, an active compound in garlic, acts as a potent antioxidant (a substance that reduces excess oxygen in the body, which can contribute to aging). Garlic safeguards your liver from toxic damage and supports overall liver health.
Avocado: Creamy Remedy for Your Liver
Avocado lovers have yet another reason to celebrate. Avocados are brimming with monounsaturated fats, known to enhance liver health. These healthy fats can alleviate liver inflammation and bolster its natural detoxification mechanisms. So, indulge in that creamy avocado toast, knowing it’s a treat for your liver too!
Nuts: The Happy Crunch for Your Liver
Nuts like almonds and walnuts aren’t just tasty snacks; they are your liver’s best friends. A study featured in the Journal of Nutrition reveals that including nuts in your diet can lower liver enzyme levels, indicating reduced liver damage. With their abundance of antioxidants and healthy fats, nuts are a delightful choice for liver health.
Green Tea: Sip Your Way to Liver Health
Green tea has long been celebrated for its health benefits, and it’s no different for your liver. The antioxidants and plant chemicals in green tea protect liver cells, ensuring they stay vibrant and functional. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition suggests that green tea may lower the risk of liver diseases.
Apples: A Refreshing Detox for Your Liver
An apple a day isn’t just a saying — it’s a step towards a healthier liver. Apples are brimming with pectin, a fiber that aids in liver detoxification by flushing out toxins. Research in the journal Food Chemistry has confirmed that apple extracts can boost liver health by reducing oxidative (oxygen) stress and enhancing detoxification pathways.
Olives: Mediterranean Sunshine for Your Liver
Olives, a beloved element of the Mediterranean diet, do not only enhance the health of the heart, but also support the liver and all organs of digestion. Research featured in the World Journal of Gastroenterology (gastroenterology is the study of the stomach, pancreas and liver), suggests that the monounsaturated fats in olives are linked to a reduced risk of liver diseases. So, toss some olives into your salads and other dishes for their great health benefits.
Olive Oil: Liquid Gold for Your Liver
Extra virgin olive oil is liquid gold for your liver. With its high monounsaturated fat content (monounsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature), it can help prevent fat buildup in the liver and improve insulin sensitivity. Drizzle this liquid gold over your dishes to unlock its remarkable liver-loving benefits.
Conclusion
Including liver-healing foods like garlic, avocado, nuts, green tea, apples, olives, and olive oil in your diet can be a delightful way to support your liver’s health. These natural remedies are supported by scientific research, which demonstrates their effectiveness in enhancing our liver function and protecting it from harm. Enjoy the chart below!
This health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and Joints and More, a natural supplement for joint relief, less aches and pains, and more energy.
Image by macrovector on Freepik
True Story #1: How Nutrition Breakthroughs Started
Greetings to you,
This is Jobee Knight from Nutrition Breakthroughs. Thanks for being a reader of the natural health discoveries I share. Today I have a different story to share with you.
It’s the true story of how Nutrition Breakthroughs started. Let me know what you think of it!
My journey into the natural health field began a couple of decades ago when I was the public relations director for a computer software company.
I was always writing press releases about our latest software version and what a “breakthrough” it was and how fantastic its great new features were.
I had always been interested in nutrition and had experienced great benefits from eating good foods and taking natural supplements. It was amazing to me that a supplement could have such beneficial effects.
I decided I would create a website called “Nutrition Breakthroughs”, similar to all the computer “breakthroughs” I had been writing about.
Nutrition Breakthroughs would have easy to understand articles about natural remedies that worked and actually helped people to improve their health.
It would also provide natural supplements that would be so effective, people would not need to turn to drugs for relief and would heal naturally.
So I bought my first computer on credit, bought an easy website designer on the internet, put up the website, and Nutrition Breakthroughs was born!
So far, it has lived up to it’s original vision with its natural health articles and effective supplements for better sleep and pain-free joints.
So now it’s your turn! I would love to hear from you. Is there something you have always wanted to do in your life to improve your career or your health, but haven’t known which steps to take to bring it into reality?
Send me an email at info@nutritionbreakthroughs.com. I check this inbox myself and I may not reply to each message, but I do read each one. It helps me to provide good information that is of interest.
Here’s to your good health, good sleep and long life.
Jobee Knight
Nutrition Breakthroughs
Maker of Sleep Minerals II and Joints and More
The Top Five Major Health Benefits of Yogurt
Greetings to you,
Can yogurt actually help with better sleep, weight loss, bone strength and immunity? Read on to find out!
Yogurt’s healthy bacteria are known as probiotics. The benefits of yogurt include helping with good sleep, assisting weight loss, improving digestion, reducing risk of diabetes, lowering cholesterol and stimulating a stronger immune system. Here are some of the studies:
Yogurt for Stomach Health
One study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming yogurt or the beneficial bacteria from it, has promising health benefits for many conditions and increases the body’s immunity and ability to fight off infections. A variety of conditions were shown to improve including constipation, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, candida, stomach bacteria infections and allergies.
Bone Strength from Yogurt
A study on yogurt was published in the journal “Archives of Osteoporosis”. It reviewed the ability of yogurt to strengthen bones and found that milk and yogurt are the best dairy choices for increasing bone mineral density in the hip.
Yogurt and Good Sleep
Yogurt is also a great choice to eat in the evening to help with sleep due to the high amount of calcium it contains. The beneficial bacteria in yogurt has also been studied for its ability to create a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.
A 2017 study from the journal “Beneficial Microbes” tested the benefits of yogurt probiotics on the quality of sleep. The researchers concluded: “These findings suggest that daily consumption of the Lactobacillus casei strain may help to maintain sleep quality during a period of increasing stress.” As a note, this particular strain is included in virtually all of the most popular yogurt brands.
Regarding the calcium in dairy products, William Sears, M.D. writes: “Calcium helps the brain use the amino acid tryptophan to manufacture the sleep-inducing substance melatonin. This explains why dairy products, which contain both tryptophan and calcium, are one of the top sleep-inducing foods.”
Plain, unsweetened yogurt is healthiest and Greek yogurt is a great, high-protein choice. Fresh fruit can be added as a natural sweetener.
Yogurt and Weight Loss
Yogurt is a boost to weight loss. A healthy supplement similar to the acidophilus used in yogurt was recently found in a Canadian study to help overweight women lose weight and keep it off. It was discovered that the supplement made the intestinal wall stronger and more able to prevent inflammatory, obesity-causing substances from passing into the intestine and entering the bloodstream.
Immunity Boosting Yogurt
Yogurt is great for strengthening and boosting one’s immunity against infection and illness per studies in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. In particular, yogurt with the Lactobacillus bulgaricus form has been shown to reduce the frequency of colds in older adults after they ate it over a twelve-week period. This is another commonly used form of probiotic that’s widely-available in yogurts.
This news is shared with you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a provider of natural health articles and effective natural remedies since 2001. Nutrition Breakthroughs makes the original calcium and magnesium based natural sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, as well as Joints and More, the natural solution for joint relief, aches and pains, stronger hair and nails, and more energy.
