Healthy Foods for Diabetes

When you think of managing blood sugar, odds are you obsess over everything you can’t have.

While it’s certainly important to limit no-no ingredients (like white, refined breads and pastas and fried, fatty, processed foods), it’s just as crucial to pay attention to what you shouldeat. We suggest you start here. Numerous nutrition and diabetes experts singled out these power foods because 1) they’re packed with the four healthy nutrients (fiber, omega-3s, calcium, and vitamin D) that make up Prevention’s Diabetes DTOUR Diet, and 2) they’re exceptionally versatile, so you can use them in recipes, as add-ons to meals, or stand-alone snacks.

1. Beans

Beans have more to boast about than being high in fiber (plant compounds that help you feel full, steady blood sugar, and even lower cholesterol; a half cup of black beans delivers more than 7 grams). They’re a not-too-shabby source of calcium, a mineral that research shows can help burn body fat. In ½ cup of white beans, you’ll get almost 100 mg of calcium—about 10% of your daily intake. Beans also make an excellent protein source; unlike other proteins Americans commonly eat (such as red meat), beans are low in saturated fat—the kind that gunks up arteries and can lead to heart disease.

How to eat them: Add them to salads, soups, chili, and more. There are so many different kinds of beans, you could conceivably have them every day for a week and not eat the same kind twice.

2. Dairy

You’re not going to find a better source of calcium and vitamin D—a potent diabetes-quelling combination—than in dairy foods like milk, cottage cheese, and yogurt. One study found that women who consumed more than 1,200 mg of calcium and more than 800 IU of vitamin D a day were 33% less likely to develop diabetes than those taking in less of both nutrients. You can get these nutrients from other foods, but none combine them like dairy does. Stick to fat-free or low-fat versions of your favorite dairy foods—”regular” has a lot of saturated fat.

How to eat it: Drink milk with some meals instead of soda or sugary juices, have yogurt or cottage cheese as a snack or dessert, and use milk to make oatmeal or thicken certain soups.

3. Salmon

Nutritionists can’t recommend this seriously healthy fish enough. It’s a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids (3 ounces provides as much as 1,800 mg), healthy fats that reduce the risk of heart disease, whittle your waistline, reduce inflammation, and improve insulin resistance. Salmon is also one of the best nondairy sources of vitamin D around.

How to get it: Sauté a salmon fillet for dinner instead of chicken or meat once or twice a week (it’s easy to season and toss in the oven), or add canned salmon to salads or omelets.

4. Tuna (As a vegetarian, I don't recommend killing)

Another amazingly healthy fish, a 3-ounce piece of tuna contains 1,300 mg of omega-3s and a respectable amount of vitamin D to boot. But tuna can be high in mercury, a compound that may cause neurological problems in huge doses. To be safe, buy canned light tuna instead of albacore and limit your tuna intake to 12 ounces a week.

How to eat it: Make tuna salad sandwiches, pile on whole wheat crackers as a snack, or throw steaks on the grill instead of burgers.

5. Barley

One of the healthiest grains you’re probably not eating, barley is rich in a specific kind of soluble fiber called beta-glucan. Research shows beta-glucan can lower total and LDL cholesterol by preventing your body’s ability to absorb it; one review found that consuming just 3 grams a day—about the amount in a single barley serving—can lower cholesterol by 8%. Thanks to its fiber abundance, barley can also help steady yourblood sugar while filling you up—a weight loss bonus. The grain even boasts a modest amount of calcium.

How to eat it: Look for hulled barley, which isn’t as refined as the pearl barley that supermarkets typically carry (you may need to visit a health food store). Soak it overnight before cooking, then add to soups, stews, or rice pilaf.

6. Oats

Like barley and beans, oats are a diabetes power food because of their fiber content—a half cup of instant oats provides 4 g. Research shows that oat lovers can also lower total and “bad” LDL cholesterol and improve insulin resistance. All the soluble fiber oats contain slows the rate at which your body can break down and absorb carbohydrates, which means your blood sugar levels stay stable.

How to eat them: The easiest way is straight from your cereal bowl, but you can also sneak oats into all kinds of recipes, from pancakes to meat loaf to cookies.

7. Berries

Berries are nature’s candy—but unlike sugary confections from the checkout aisle, they’re loaded with fiber and antioxidants called polyphenols. A cup of blackberries supplies 7.6 g of fiber; blueberries contain 3.5 g. Berries’ antioxidants are also good for your ticker: One 2008 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people with heart disease risk factors who ate berries for 8 weeks had a drop in blood pressure and a boost in “good” HDL cholesterol.

How to eat them: Wonderful alone, berries are also tasty when stirred into oatmeal, ice cream, or even salads. Fresh berries freeze well, so if you’re not going to eat them right away, store them in your freezer so you always have some on hand.

8. Dates

These chewy fruits aren’t much to look at—plain and brown and a little sticky. But pop one in your mouth and you’ll be rewarded with a sweet taste and delightful texture. Their palate-pleasing nature, combined with a generous supply of fiber (7 dates supply 4 g), makes them a perfect diabetes-friendly snack. They’re also jam-packed with antioxidants—with more per serving than grapes, oranges, broccoli, and peppers, according to one study.

How to eat them: Stuff dates with pecan or walnut halves for a satisfying snack, or toss them into breads and cookies.

9. Greens

You’re probably thinking of lettuce, but this category of veggie—a staple of Southern cooking—is incredibly diverse, with choices such as turnip, mustard, and beet greens, as well as chard. All are outstanding sources of fiber (1 cooked cup of any of the aforementioned supplies between 3 and 6 g) and calcium (100 to 250 mg per cup). Greens may also be good for your heart, thanks to the folate they contain. This B vitamin appears to lower levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that in high amounts can raise heart disease risk. Research shows getting 400 mcg of folate a day can lower homocysteine by 25% (a cup of cooked turnip greens contains 170 mcg).

How to eat them: Unless you’ve grown up with greens, you may consider them an acquired taste, but prepared just right, they’re delicious! Use them in entrées, sandwiches, and salads. Or simply toss mustard, collard, or beet greens with artichoke hearts and sauté in olive oil.

10. Lentils

Like their bean cousins, lentils are loaded with fiber—1 cup cooked contains a whopping 16 g. That same cup also delivers close to 360 mcg of folate, just shy of the 400 that adults need each day. If you’re not a meat person, lentils are a good alternative source of protein; they also contain a variety of vitamins and minerals.

How to eat them: Add to soups and pastas for extra texture, or enjoy as a side dish in lieu of beans. Feeling more adventurous? Try a spicy Indian dish that uses lentils as a staple ingredient, like tadka dal, made with green chiles and garlic.

11. Flaxseed

They may be tiny, but the seeds of the flax plant pack a big health punch. Flaxseed is best known as a source of fiber and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which your body converts to omega-3s EPA and DHA. In several large studies, researchers have found a link between increased ALA intake and lower odds of heart disease, heart attack, and other cardiovascular issues. These magic seeds also show promise for lowering cholesterol and blood sugar.

How to eat them: Add ground flaxseed to all kinds of food, such as oatmeal, low-fat cottage cheese, and fruit smoothies.

12. Walnuts

Just 1 ounce of these healthy nuts (about 14 halves) delivers almost 2 g of fiber plus 2.6 g of ALA, the omega-3 precursor. But you get about 185 calories in that same ounce, so count out a proper portion if you’re watching your weight.

How to eat them: Aside from a stand-alone snack, chopped walnuts make a great topping for salad and add a bit of crunch to cookies and brownies.

13. Runner-Up: Peanut butter

Believe it or not, some studies have linked peanut butter to reduced diabetes risk. The fiber content (2 tablespoons has almost 2 g) may have something to do with it. And since this classic comfort food contains mostly monounsaturated fat, it’s considered heart healthy. The calories are on the high side, however, so pay attention to the serving size.

14. Runner-Up: Dark chocolate

Rich in antioxidant flavonoids, this deceptively decadent sweet may help improve your good and bad cholesterol and reduce your blood pressure. One ounce contains 136 calories and 8.5 g of fat, so nibble just a little. A great combination: shaved or melted dark chocolate over raspberries or strawberries for a light and healthy dessert.

15 Foods that will make you Glow : Glow Foods

Feeling ruddy in the face? Pores feeling a little big? Dry skin? Sallow color? Fear not—the answer might just be under your nose, literally on your plate.

Not only is your skin the largest organ in your body, it’s also the most visible, and it’s at risk of being damaged by the effects of free radicals in our atmosphere.

Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage collagen and cause skin dryness andwrinkles. By now we are all pretty well-schooled in avoiding UV rays (with daily and relentless sunscreen applications), but what nutrients can we feed our skin with to make it glow?

According to nutritionist, Maria Patricia Restrepo, “Artificial foods are the biggest no-no, as they literally suck the liveliness from our skin.” With that in mind, she recommends instead “opting for live, fresh foods—food that exists in its original state.” She notes that great skin can be helped by eating high levels of the chemical elements needed for optimal connective tissue found in foods such as collard greens, beet greens, beets, and papaya.

We went on to scour the web to bring you a comprehensive list of foods that will make you feel more like Charlize Theron on the red carpet, and less like her character in Monster.

AVOCADOS
This fruit—rich in essential oils and B-complex vitamins that nourish the skin—is so good for the complexion that many make masks out of it and smear it right onto their face.

COCOA POWDER
Flavonals, the antioxidants in dark chocolate, reduce roughness in the skin and protect against sun damage; studies show that women who drink cocoa fortified with 326 milligrams of flavonals a day have better skin texture and stronger resistance to UV rays than those who didn’t get as much of the antioxidants.

COCONUT OIL
This sweet oil is loaded with “good fats” that restore moisture to the skin.

COTTAGE CHEESE
This ‘80s weight loss favorite is making a comeback this year as a go-to for optimal skin maintenance. Cottage cheese has selenium and other essential minerals known to combat flaking skin and dandruff.

FLAX SEEDS
These are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to erase spots and smooth fine lines.

FOODS RICH IN VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is not only effective against colds. It’s also an antioxidant that slows the rate of free-radical damage. New research shows that ascorbic acid 2-phosphate, a derivative of vitamin C, not only neutralizes free radicals, but also reverses DNA damage. Blueberries, blackberries and guava are loaded with V-C.

GREEN TEA
This gem from the East reduces redness, swelling and irritation and is thought to be one of the best combatants against the body’s inflammation.

MANGOES
These tropical fruits have more than 80% of the required vitamins known for restoring skin cells.

MUSHROOMS
There’s a fungus among us—or at least there should be, as shrooms contain a lot of Vitamin B12 and can dramatically repair damaged tissue.

OYSTERS & MUSSELS
Bet you didn’t know mollusks would make your mug magnificent. But it’s true: oysters are loaded with zinc, which help fight saggy skin by giving its elasticity a boost. Mussels, which are loaded with iron, help prevent the skin from appearing pale and pasty.

RED & GREEN VEGETABLES
The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, which prevents cell damage and premature aging, and colorful veggies, such as red peppers and spinach and other leafy foods are loaded with beta-carotene.

RED WINE
Full of polyphenols, red wine helps prevent cell oxidation that causes the skin to age.

SEA BUCKTHORN BERRIES
Nourishing the skin and hair and stimulating collagen production, this Himalayan fruit is loaded with antioxidants, Omega-7 and vitamin C.

SWEET POTATOES
Rich in Vitamin A, these healthy orange ‘taters, help speed up our body’s cellular turnover.

WHOLE GRAINS
Processed (or refined) flours can cause spikes in insulin, which can create acne. Switching to whole grains instead of processed carbohydrates is not only good for your diet, it can actually improve your skin.

What is Adrenal Fatigue?

Are you constantly tired but can't explain why? Do you feel overwhelmed by stressful situations and find yourself lacking in the strength and vitality that you used to enjoy? Do you struggle to get out of bed in the mornings even after a long sleep? If so, there is a good chance that you are suffering from a condition named Adrenal Fatigue.

Adrenal Fatigue is a stress-related condition that occurs when your adrenal glands, hypothalamus and pituitary gland (together – the HPA axis) are functioning below their optimal level. Although you might not have heard of the adrenals, they perform several vital roles in maintaining your health. Most importantly, they control your body's response to stress by releasing hormones like cortisol, DHEA and epinephrine, which are used to regulate your heart rate, immune system, energy storage and more.

When the adrenal glands are overstimulated for a long period of time, they begin to weaken. Typical causes of Adrenal Fatigue include long term stress from jobs, relationship problems or evenchronic disease. Eventually, the adrenals weaken so much that they are unable to respond adequately when we need them. At this point, many Adrenal Fatigue sufferers report symptoms like a feeling of constant tiredness, lack of enthusiasm and mild depression. Sleeping long hours does not help – they wake up just as tired as when they went to bed. And they often resort to large caffeinated drinks, sugary sodas or other stimulants to get through the day.

Adrenal dysfunction is not recognized by modern medicine until it becomes life-threatening, when the adrenal glands virtually cease to function in an autoimmune condition named Addison's disease. But what many doctors (at least the unenlightened ones) fail to realize is that millions of us suffer from sub-optimal adrenal performance. Simply put, the adrenals and several other internal organs are still doing their job, but just not as well as they should. This might not qualify us for a trip to the ER, but it is certainly a major issue for those of us who suffer from it.

So how can we treat adrenal fatigue? It's not as simple as popping a pill, but it is certainly possible. By making some simple changes to your lifestyle and giving your adrenal glands the time they need to recover, you can get your energy levels back to the right level. But first, let's take a quick look at what Adrenal Fatigue is and how we can recognize it.

What is Adrenal Fatigue? (Dr. James Wilson)
Adrenal Exhaustion (Dr. Christiane Northrup)

WHAT DOES ADRENAL FATIGUE LOOK LIKE?

Adrenal Fatigue results in a wide range of symptoms, which is why it is often called a syndrome. However, in simple terms Adrenal Fatigue can be defined as:

A group of symptoms that occurs when the adrenal glands and HPA axis function below the optimal level

Each of these symptoms can be connected to a deficiency in one or more of the hormones produced by the adrenal glands. There is some debate over whether 'adrenal fatigue' is the most appropriate term for this condition. Some health professionals refer to it as adrenal stress or HPA axis dysfunction. Whichever term you see, rest assured that we are speaking about the same thing. The term adrenal fatigue is the one most commonly used.

The most common symptom of Adrenal Fatigue is fatigue, but this is quite different from the regular fatigue that you might be used to. Adrenal Fatigue sufferers experience difficulty getting out of bed each morning, even after a long sleep. There is one exception though – many Adrenal Fatigue sufferers get a boost in their energy levels late in the evening, a phenomenon which is related to their disrupted cortisol cycle.

They also report a general lack of enthusiasm, difficulty 'lifting' themselves for important occasions, and an inability to cope with stressful situations. When the adrenals become fatigued, they lose their ability to produce stress hormones – the ones that we use for our 'fight-or-flight' response. That means that many Adrenal Fatigue sufferers report feeling strangely 'flat' when they should be excited. They also struggle to maintain the acute focus and high energy levels that stressful situations often require.

Other symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue include a craving for salty foods, low blood sugar, respiratory complaints, allergies, low sex drive and weight gain. All can be traced back to a sub-optimal level in one of the hormones produced by the adrenal glands. You can read more about the symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue here.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN OUR ADRENALS ARE FATIGUED?

You might be able to recognize the symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue, but what is actually happening to our bodies when we experience it? Historically, Adrenal Fatigue (or hypoadrenia) was recognized and defined by its symptoms. These days, thanks to modern lab testsand a better understanding of human anatomy, we can pinpoint exactly what happens when a patient is suffering from adrenal insufficiency. This helps health care professionals to diagnose and treat Adrenal Fatigue much more effectively.

Understanding the HPA axis is crucial to understanding Adrenal Fatigue. The adrenals exist as part of a network of three organs, collectively known as the HPA axis, that dictate the levels of hormones in our bodies. These organs are the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland and the adrenal glands.

In a stressful situation, the hypothalamus sends a message to the pituitary gland, which in turn sends a message to the adrenal glands. This prompts the adrenals to release stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine, which act to increase our blood sugar, raise our heart rate and increase our blood pressure. Within seconds, our body is ready and prepared for whatever is causing us stress. This is known as our 'fight-or-flight' response.

This stress response evolved to protect us from predators and other immediate threats. However it is not designed to react to the constant low-level pressures of modern life, which cause a much longer-term increase in the level of stress hormones.

The adrenal glands can recover quickly from a short burst of stress hormone production. But if the stress continues for a long period of time, they quickly become depleted of the base materials (cholesterol, pregnenolone) that they need. There are coping mechanisms that allow them to manage for a while (e.g. the 'pregnenelone steal', where production of sex hormones is reduced to allow more stress hormone production), but eventually your levels of adrenaline and cortisol have to drop.

You can see how Adrenal Fatigue is a multi-stage process. First we see a rise in our stress hormones to unsustainable levels. After some time, our body reacts by reducing the levels of our sex hormones it produces in order to keep our stress hormones elevated. And then, eventually, even the stress hormones start to fall as our adrenal glands become unable to cope with the burden that we have given them.

The lower levels of cortisol and adrenaline, combined with the disruption in the daily cortisol cycle, are what cause many of the symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue. The tiredness, inability to focus, disrupted sleep cycles and more can all be traced back to our levels of these stress hormones. Other symptoms like low sex drive are related to the disruptions in our hormone cascade that result from HPA axis dysfunction. And seemingly unrelated symptoms like frequent urination or cravings for salty foods can be linked to lower levels of aldosterone, another adrenal gland hormone.

Taking these disparate symptoms and piecing them together requires experience and knowledge of the way our endrocrine system works. Fortunately, modern lab testing (particularly the cortisol saliva test) offers us a very useful diagnostic tool. However, correctly interpreting the test results is important as the lab reference ranges tend to be extremely wide. Your healthcare professional should be experienced in recognizing and diagnosing cases of Adrenal Fatigue.

Easy and Effective Tonic for the Thyroid

I know several people that suffer from thyroid disorders, and these greatly affect their health and wellbeing. Thyroid disorders can affect your weight, mood, energy, cholesterol, bowel problems and more The thyroid gland is one of the largest endocrine glands and is found in the neck. The thyroid gland has a very important role in our body: it controls how quickly the body uses energy, makes proteins, and controls how sensitive the body is to other hormones. Common thyroid disorders are hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, and hypothyroidism, which is the underproduction of the thyroid hormones. Both conditions require a supervision by a doctor, preferably endocrinologist, and any recommendations by your doctor should take precedence.

When I researched the subject of how to maintain the thyroid in top condition, I’ve seen that radishes and radish juice came at the top of the list regarding balancing the activity of the thyroid gland. Mercola.com website mentioned that radishes and radish juice can be quite beneficial. This is because a sulphur compound found in the radish (called raphanin) is a regulator of the thyroid hormones. When enough of this sulphur compound is circulating in the bloodstream, the thyroid is less apt to over or under produce these hormones.

One of the problems that I was facing when researching this subject was how much and how long to take this tonic. This was a real problem, since there is no specific medical research that was done and the exact dosage and time frame haven’t been determined. It is probably a good idea to start from about 1/2 cup of radish juice combined into your daily vegetable juice/smoothie, which takes about 1 typical bunch of small radishes to make. Mercola.com for example recommends a thyroid tonic that contains radishes, and the juice of carrots or cucumber, celery and lemon. Carrots contain large amount of beta-carotene which is the precursor for vitamin A in the body. If you are low on vitamin A, your ability to produce thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is limited. B-complex vitamins are required for good thyroid function. Cucumbers contain B vitamins, so they are a good choice when trying to nourish the thyroid glands. Mercola website suggests to add to this tonic a dash of powdered kelp or dulse seaweeds for a boost of iodine. This is because iodine is an essential trace mineral that is crucial for the thyroid to function properly, so eating foods rich in iodine ensures the proper function of the thyroid. Global Healing Center website say that research has shown that a lack of dietary iodine may lead to enlargement of the thyroid gland, lethargy, fatigue, weakness of the immune system, slow metabolism, weight gain and more.

eHow website talks about the healthy benefits of juicing radishes, and it is mentioned there that there is no time frame for using radish juicing to cure certain ailments. eHow website say that most people continue juicing until their symptoms disappear or improve. This is why I believe that periodical medical supervision and dietary guidelines in cases of thyroid disorders are important, as only your doctor is able to perform the tests needed to monitor the thyroid activity along time.

If you suspect that you may have a thyroid disorder please read my other post about the Top 13 Signs That You May Have a Thyroid Disorder. However I would recommend you to consult with your doctor as well.

Simple & Efficient Colon Cleanse Remedy Made With Only 2 Ingredients

Many health conditions can be cured or prevented by eliminating the mucus, fecal deposits, and parasites from inside the intestines.

Over the course of 70 years, our intestines will process over 100 tons of food and 40,000 liters of fluid. This massive amount of food and liquid eventually leads to a build up of about 5 pounds of fecal deposits and toxic waste. These waste deposits contaminate our blood and eventually cause unrepairable damage to our bodies.

Here are some common signs of an intestinal blockage or build up:

• Frequent constipation
• diabetes
• disturbed metabolism
• hearing and vision problems
• excessive or insufficient weight gain
• kidney and liver disease
• skin, hair, and nail problems
• Arthritis
• Some forms of cancer

Enemas or clyster can clean the colon, but only a very small portion, 40-50 centimeters. Enemas also require special equipment, tend to be expensive, and can cause damage if not done correctly.

However, there is hope! Ingesting 1-3 tablespoons of flaxseed flour per day, for three weeks, can work miracles! It will completely clean out all the mucus, fecal deposits, and parasites while fully maintaining the intestinal microflora!

This method of colon cleansing provides speedy weight normalization and fat burning. It has several positive effects on the regulation of lipid metabolism. The flaxseed flour will absorb and eliminate the toxins from our bodies along with reducing blood cholesterol.

Indications of buildup or blockage:

• Inflammatory conditions of the upper respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract
• gastritis, colitis, stomach, and duodenum ulcer
• diseases of the urinary tract, infections, cystitis, pyelonephritis
• excessive body weight, lipid metabolism disorders

Clean the intestine using this flax seed flour regimen – Instead of breakfast consume this mixture for 3 weeks:

• Week 1: 1 tablespoon of flaxseed flour and 100 ml of kefir
• Week 2: 2 tablespoons of flaxseed flour and 100 ml of kefir
• Week 3: 3 tablespoons of flaxseed flour and 150 ml of kefir

If you can’t find any flaxseed flour in your local store, just buy some flaxseeds and grind them very finely. Never make more then what you need for your current serving. Flax seeds can become rancid very easily. Prepare a fresh portion every morning.

Consume this wonderful mixture instead of breakfast! Make sure you also consume at least 2 liters of water per day. You may obtain better results if you drink honey water as well!

The cleaning procedure should be practiced once a year.

Do you Know When to Drink Hot and when Cold Water?

Water really is the source of life and it is important to consume the recommended quantities to be healthy, but is the temperature important? Does it matter if the water is hot, warm or cold? 

When we talk about cold water think about it as a few degrees colder than room temperature. Hot water is considered 4-5 degrees warmer than room temperature.

When it comes to temperature, extremes are not recommended. So, icy cold and boiling hot temperatures are out of question.

When to drink cold water?

When exercising

During physical activity the body temperature rises, and sweating is a mechanism by which the body tries to cool. In this case you lose fluids and it is important to bring them back. When you drink cold water during exercise, the water cools and hydrates the body simultaneously.

When having a fever

Drinking cold water when you have a fever is one of the best methods for cooling your body down and treating it. It is important to get enough fluids to help your body fight infections and bacteria. Add a little lemon and sea salt into your water to restore the electrolytes you lost.

When trying to lose weight

Cold water speeds up the metabolism and helps you lose extra70 calories per day. Although it is not enough just to drink water, it is good to know that 8 glasses of water a day is the same as walking for about 15 minutes.

When to drink hot water?

When having digestive problems

Hot water in the morning can improve digestion throughout the day. If you drink cold water after a meal, the body will find it harder to digest food, so consume warm to hot water.

During detoxification

When you want to rid your body of toxins, it is recommended to start the day with lukewarm water and a few drops of lemon. Besides lemon you can add cucumber, mint, apple or cinnamon, which also helps with detoxification.

When feeling pain

If you are bothered by headaches or some easier inflammations, it is better to drink hot water. It stimulates blood circulation. Also hot water can help women who are struggling with severe menstrual cramps.

3 Beauty Benefits of Pomegranate

The pomegranate is a deciduous fruit that is native to Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Himalayas in northern India and Iran. It is also cultivated in the entire Mediterranean and the Caucasus regions, and some parts of Asia. Brought to America by Spanish settlers in the late 1700s, thefruit is now widely grown in Arizona and California for the production of pomegranate juice. Rich in vitamins C and B5, polyphenols, potassium and other nutrients, the pomegranate has been used to treat several health conditions, including high blood pressure and diabetes. It has also been proven effective for treating various skin conditions. The pomegranate has also become popular due to the beauty benefits it offers. In fact, studies have shown that pomegranates contain antioxidants and other properties that maintain or enhance the health of the skin.

Here are three known beauty benefits ofpomegranate.

1. Helps Prevent and Treat Acne

Acne is caused primarily by hormonal imbalance or digestive problems. Consuming pomegranates regularly can help prevent acne and eliminate its root causes by correcting digestive problems and promoting healthy circulation of the blood. The fruit is rich in iron, a constituent part of hemoglobin that helps absorb oxygen. Oxygen is carried to the skin cells, making the skin look fresh and smooth.

In addition, the pomegranate is a good source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that is known to protect the skin from damaging free radicals. Vitamin C is also necessary for regulating the production of sebum, an oily secretion of the sebaceous glands of the skin, which is one of the root causes of acne.

To treat acne or improve your skin using pomegranates, all you need to do is apply pomegranate extract or juice on the affected areas and you will see favorable results in a few days. The pomegranate extract gets rid of acne and prevents the formation of scars by rejuvenating your skin cells.

2. Prevents Skin Aging

Drinking pomegranate juice is also a good remedy for skin damaged by sun exposure. It helps prolong the life of fibroblasts, which are cells that are responsible for producing elastin and collagen. Elastin and collagen help keep the skin tone healthy and enhance the skin’s elasticity.

A study also suggests that application of pomegranate seed oil on the skin increases the production of collagen, preventing the breakdown of collagen fibers that could result in the appearance of wrinkles. Collagen fibers are responsible for making the skin smooth and supple. Therefore, using pomegranate seed oil can effectively slow down the formation of wrinkles and other marks related to aging.

3. Repairs Skin Cuts and Scrapes

Several studies reveal that application of pomegranate seed oil can help expedite wound healing. With its powerful properties, the oil has been found to quickly repair cuts, pimples and other breaks on the skin, leaving no scars to mar the skin’s smoothness.

Pomegranate juice and seed oil are a bit expensive, but the fruit is always available at stores that sell herbal and organic products. Using the fruit is the best way to enjoy its various benefits without hurting your pocket.