Coconut Oil and Health [Infographic]

Top 25 Reasons to Use Coconut Oil [Infographic]
 from PhysiciansReference.com

In the book, Eat Fat, Lose Fat: The Healthy Alternative to Trans Fats, Mary G. Enig, PhD asserts that in order to enjoy optimal health and to lose weight, the body needs healthy fats, including a certain amount of saturated fat.  Dr. Enig writes:

 "Among saturated fats, coconut is queen because of its special properties."

Other well respected functional medicine physicians and nutritionists support the consumption of coconut oil not only for a myriad of health benefits but also to boost metabolism and speed up weight loss.

For example, Dr. Mark Hyman's 10-Day Detox Diet (see: The Blood Sugar Solution 10-Day Detox Diet: Activate Your Body's Natural Ability to Burn Fat and Lose Weight Fast), does not permit refined and processed vegetable oils like corn, soybean, canola and sunflower.   Instead, the Detox Diet calls for consumption of extra virgin olive oil and extra virgin coconut oil (coconut butter) as the primary sources of healthy fat.

In addition to promoting weight loss and general good health, coconut oil also has excellent moisturizing and healing properties when applied topically.

This infographic illustrates the top 25 reasons to use coconut oil to aid in physical, emotional and mental health and well-being, promote weight loss, and as a completely natural and healthy hair, nail and skincare beauty product.

Related:
Healthy Oils
The Benefits of Vegetable Oil (Olive, Coconut, Flaxseed, Sesame, Avocado and Peanut Oils)
Benefits of Coconut Oil
Amazing Benefits of Coconut Water
The Amazing Benefits of Coconut Oil
17 Beauty Uses for Coconut Oil
Hair Care:  Coconut Oil

Infographic source and further information at:  PhysiciansReference.com

Why Dehydration Makes You Fat and Sick [Infographic]

In his book, Water: For Health, for Healing, for Life: You're Not Sick, You're Thirsty!,  Dr. F. Batmanghelidj explains why and how persistent dehydration leads to various chronic diseases, illnesses and ailments (including overweight and obesity) and cites 46 vital reasons why our bodies need adequate amounts of water every day.

Much of what Dr. Batmanghelidj so thoroughly explains in his book is reflected and summarized in this fantastic infographic entitled "Why Dehydration is Making You Fat and Sick".

It is thought that chronic dehydration is linked to fatigue, high blood pressure, asthma, allergies, high cholesterol, digestive disorders, bladder and kidney problems, constipation, joint pain or stiffness, premature aging, excessive weight gain and obesity.

Research suggests that drinking plenty of clean, fresh water (while forgoing sodas, commercially prepared fruit juices and caffeinated beverages) helps to relieve pain and aids in the healing various illness and diseases.

General good health is essential to maintaining a healthy weight.  Drinking enough water is further thought to have a direct impact on preventing weight gain and promoting weight loss.

Many health experts now advise drinking about 8 ounces of water immediately upon waking and again right before sleeping, about 16 ounces of water before and after each meal and throughout any exercise or physical activity session.

Some health professionals advocate drinking lemon water first thing in the morning as being one of the best ways to detox the liver, kidneys and other organs. Lemon water is thought to cleanse and purify the blood, eliminating poisonous bile from the body and flushing out other toxins that have accumulated during sleep.

It should be noted that each individual's daily water requirement is different and depends of various factors, including weight, activity level, diet, medication and climate.  For more information about your body's water requirements, see this Daily Water Chart.

Related:
How to Naturally Cleanse the Body

Infographic Source: Bittopper.com - Dehydration

Weight Loss - 8 Secret Weapon Foods [Infographic]

Weight Loss - 8 Secret Weapon Foods [Infographic]

Every year, Americans spend billions of dollars on weight loss products.

These include the latest fad diets with severe calorie restrictions, unnatural food combinations, supplements, injections, exercise equipment and programs of every type and description.  Most, if not all, promise quick and painless significant weight loss.  And, while many people do have some initial success following the latest dieting trend, nearly everyone gains the weight back.

More recently, functional medicine physicians, nutritionist and other holistic health experts are suggesting that successful and long-term weight loss is as simple as eating healthy, natural whole foods.

That is, foods that are naturally low in fats and calories, that are nutritious and appetite satisfying, and contain dietary fiber.

This infographic entitled "8 Secret Weapon Foods for Weight Loss" illustrates some of these foods including:

✿  Mushrooms
✿  Apples
✿  Eggs
✿  Soups
✿ Hot Chili Peppers
✿ Oatmeal
✿  Bran Cereal
✿ Low Calorie Desserts

Related:
5 Proven Ways to Lose Weight and Keep it Off
10 Tips for Guaranteed Weight Loss
10 Common Weight Loss Mistakes
The Truth About Diets
How to Lose Belly Fat

Infographic Source:  Unknown - please contact us for credit

Garcinia Cambogia vs. Green Coffee Bean Extract [Infographic]

Garcinia Cambogia vs. Green Coffee Bean Extract [Infographic]
from HealthPost

Both garcinia cambogia and green coffee bean extract have been touted in weight loss circles as the ultimate fat burners - helping one to lose weight more easily and faster than just dieting and exercising alone.

For example, Dr. Mehmet Oz did a three part video series on garcinia cambogia and a five part video series on green coffee bean extra.   Other diet, fitness and nutrition experts have also spoken out in favor of the potential weight loss and other health benefits of both garcinia cambogia and green coffee bean extract supplements.

Certain studies suggest that taking either of these while on a healthy diet and fitness plan promote loss of additional pounds.

This wonderful infographic, entitled "Garcinia Cambogia vs. Green Coffee Bean Extract", compares these two fat burners by explaining and describing each of their historic use, active ingredient, mechanism of action, potential benefits, time frames for results, clinical trial results and how and when best to take each for maximum effectiveness. It also contains precautions for certain individuals.

Related:

10 Tips for Guaranteed Weight Loss

5 Proven Ways to Lose Weight and Keep it Off

15 Foods that Boost Metabolism

Eat These Foods to Help Get Rid of Stubborn Belly Fat

Fat Burners

How to Lose Belly Fat
(Part 1)

Infographic source and more informations and tips at:
Healthpost - Garcinia Cambogia versus Green Coffee Bean Extract

Health Benefits of Seeds [Infographic]

Health Benefits of Seeds - "Seeds Small but Mighty" [Infographic]
by BodyUnburdened.com

If you don't already consider seeds to be a superfood, you should.

Seeds, in general, are nutritional powerhouses that offer a wide range of health and healing benefits and are recommended as part of a healthy diet by doctors such as Mehmet Oz, Joel Fuhrman, Joseph Mercola and many others.

For dieters, seeds are considered an effective natural weight loss tool due to their high content of dietary fiber and ability to satisfy hunger.

In various studies, six seeds have been identified as being particularly valuable in restoring and maintaining optimal health, as this infographic illustrates and describes:

❤ Chia
❤ Flax
❤ Hemp
❤ Pumpkin
❤ Sesame
❤ Sunflower

Related:
Chia vs. Flax Seeds
Chia Seeds - An Ounce for Ounce Comparison
Fiber and Weight Loss

Infographic source and more information at:  Body Unburdened - The Health Benefits of Seeds

Top 10 Flax Seed Health Benefits [Infographic]

Top 10 Flax Seed Health Benefits [Infographic]
from Just Add Good Stuff

According to many well-respected functional medicine and other physicians, nutritionists and wellness experts, seeds (such as flax, chia, sesame and sunflower) are an important part of a healthy diet and approximately one to two tablespoons should be eaten every day.

Nutritionally dense and rich in essential oils, antioxidants and important vitamins and minerals, seeds provide an array of protective health benefits, including lowering the risk for heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes.

Flax and other seeds are also linked to natural weight loss due to their high dietary fiber content, detoxification effect and potential to make one feel full and satisfied - thereby preventing overeating.

Flax seeds are an excellent source of healthy, plant-based protein and essential fatty acids and, hence, are an exceptionally good choice for individuals following a plant-based diet, including vegetarians and vegans.

This wonderful infographic gives us much useful information about flax seeds, including top health benefits, nutrition facts, a few recipes and suggested uses, as well as buying and storing guidelines.

Related:
Health Benefits of Seeds
Chia vs. Flax Seeds
Benefits of Chia
Vegetarian and Vegan Diet Pyramid
Fiber and Weight Loss

Infographic source and more information at:  Just Add Good Stuff Flax Infographic

Infographic: Benefits of Chia

Benefits of Chia [Infographic] from NaturalNews.com

Chia seeds are tiny black and white seeds that come from a flowering desert plant (herb) in the mint family and are native to Central America.

"Chia" means strength and historic evidence shows that it was cultivated as an important food crop by the Aztecs.

Today we regard Chia seeds as a superfood because of its high concentrations of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, protein, complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, antioxidants, iron, calcium, potassium, and other important vitamins and minerals.

These tiny, nutrient dense seeds are thought to have many health benefits, including:

Combating diabetes by slowing digestion and improving blood sugar levels

Improving heart health by
increasing healthy cholesterol while decreasing bad LDL and triglyceride cholesterol

Supporting digestive health and intestinal regularity (high fiber content)

Improving brain health (high omega-3 fatty acids content)

Aiding in weight loss by helping to regulate appetite (Tryptophan content)

Fighting belly fat by helping to stabilize blood sugar and fighting insulin resistance

Helping to build and maintain strong bones and teeth (calcium, phosphorus and manganese content)

Providing energy (plant-based complex carbohydrate content)

Boosting strength and endurance (plant-based protein content)

Related:
Health Benefits of Seeds
Chia Seeds vs. Flax Seeds
Top 10 Flax Seed Health Benefits

Infographic Source:
Natural News - Chia

Infographic: Redefine the Role of Yoga

Infographic: Eight Limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga) 

Many of today's top weight loss experts agree that before you can successfully and permanently lose weight, and maintain that weight loss, you must first restore your general health.

More and more of those same weight loss, nutrition and fitness gurus agree that focusing on just one aspect of health is not enough; that optimal, natural wellness necessarily includes not only a healthy physical body but also a healthy mind (emotions, thoughts, spirit).

The eight limbs of yoga, known as Ashtanga Yoga, as outlined by Patanjali, is an integrated system of exercises and practices designed to promote control of both the mind and and the body, and train the consciousness for a state of perfect spiritual insight.  In this sense, Ashtanga Yoga is a complete path to natural health and wellness, addressing mind, body and spirit.

This infographic from TrueWellnessGroup.com and Rakesh Sethi (Wellness Speaker, Author and Ayurvedic Practitioner), illustrates and briefly describes the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga (Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Yama, Dhyana, Samadhi, Dharana and Pratyahara).

Rakesh Sethi is the author of Health + Happiness = Wellness, in which he reveals why one solution does not fit everyone and explains why each individual needs to discover how his or her unique physical, mental ad spiritual composition operates, and then utilize that knowledge to achieve natural wellness.

Infographic source and article:  Ashtanga Yoga: What is It and its Role in our Wellness.

Related:
How Yoga Transforms Your Body
The Eight Limbs of Yoga
Yoga Health Benefits
What is Yoga?
Yoga Starter:  What's Your Style?

Infographic: Yoga Health Benefits

We've all heard of yoga and how great it is for our physical, mental and emotional health.

Study after study has shown that a regular yoga practice confers a broad spectrum of health benefits including reducing inflammation, relieving anxiety ad chronic stress, improving heart health and helping with weight loss.  A healthy weight, in turn, lowers the risk for coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, arthritis and other overweight or obesity related illnesses and conditions.

Yoga aids in weight loss by:

❤ Decreasing cortisol and adrenaline, two stress hormones that are linked to weight gain, especially belly fat

❤ Increasing heart rate and internal body heat which increases the metabolic rate (metabolism) and helps burn fat

❤ Stimulating the digestive tract, which improves digestion and aids in detoxification

This infographic entitled "The Health Benefit of Yoga" beautifully illustrates some very good reasons to begin a yoga practice.

A daily yoga practice combined with a daily meditation practice is a powerful health and weight loss combination.  Best of all, both yoga and meditation can be done at any time, in the privacy of your own home.

Related:
✔ What is Yoga?
✔ Yoga Starter - What's Your Style?
✔ The 8 Limbs of Yoga
✔ What is Mindfulness Meditation?
✔ The Body on Meditation


Infographic Source:
YogaCaraShop

Infographic: Aloe Vera Benefits

During my Panchakarma, an intense ancient Indian detox treatment, the Ayurvedic practitioner instructed me to take several ounces of whole leaf Aloe Vera gel every morning.

It is thought that the gel contained in the leaves of the plant helps to absorb toxins as it moves through the digestive system.  The gel is known to have strong laxative compounds which aids in bowel movement and elimination, another important component of detoxification.  When ingested, the gel is also believed to soothe and cleanse the digestive tract, aiding in digestion.

Detoxification, cleansing and improved digestive function are all associated with weight loss and healthy weight maintenance.

Aloe Vera is a succulent that has been grown as a medicinal plant and used in both internal and topical herbal health remedies for thousands of years, some of which are described in this infographic entitled "12 Health Benefits of Aloe Vera".

As usual, certain research support some of the health claims relating to the use of Aloe Vera - particularly its use as a topical skin treatment for certain conditions.  Other studies suggest that internal use (ingestion) of Aloe Vera may have some side effects and risks.  Before taking Aloe Vera orally, it is recommended that an individual learns about the possible risks, side effects and cautions and/or consults with a qualified health care provider.

Related:
Healing Herbs and Spices: Aloe Vera Juice and Gel

Further reading:
Aloe Vera: Science and Safety (NIH)
Vitamins and Supplements Lifestyle Guide: Aloe Vera
Medical Science Embraces the Healing Power of Aloe Vera

Infographic Source:  JuiceUpYourLife

Infographic: Amazing Benefits of Coconut Water

Recently, we have been hearing and learning about the many health and healing benefits of coconut oil.  What about coconut water?

Coconut water has anti-oxidant properties and is anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory.  It is rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, particularly potassium, calcium and chloride.  It is naturally low in calories, fat and dietary cholesterol, making it an excellent choice for individuals on a weight loss diet.

As this infographic points out, coconut water is although thought to:

✔ Boost energy
✔ Aid digestion
✔ Promote cardiovascular health
✔ Fight viruses
✔ Prevent diabetes
✔ Revitalize cells
✔ Accelerate metabolism
✔ Promote weight loss

Related:
17 Beauty Uses for Coconut Oil
Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

Infographic Source:  Unknown - please contact me for credit

Infographic: Health Benefits of Cabbage

This infographic highlights the nutrient composition and the many health benefits of cabbage.

In addition to being a nutritional powerhouse, cabbage is rich in anti-oxidant vitamins and a compound called indole-3-carbinol, which is thought to both inhibit and cleanse carcinogens, thus making cabbage a potent detoxification food.

Low in calories and high in dietary fiber, cabbage is also an excellent healthy choice for those on a diet to lose or maintain weight.


Cabbage is a member of the cruciferous (or brassica) family and is closely related broccoli, cauliflower, kale and turnips.  Varieties of cabbage include:

Green cabbage
Red cabbage
Savoy cabbage
Bok Choy
Chinese cabbage (also called wombok or napa cabbage)

Cabbage should be consumed in both raw and cooked form, as both appear to offer different health benefits.  When cooking cabbage, quick steaming  is recommended over other cooking methods.

Further reading:
Eating Healthy with Cruciferous Vegetables
Types of Cabbages

Infographic source:  Unknown - please contact us for credit.

Infographic: Health Benefits of Apples

This simple infographic illustrates some of the amazing health benefits of eating apples, including:

Prevention of dementia
Decreased cholesterol level
Decreased colon and prostate cancer risk
Prevention of obesity and overweight

Related:
Mother Nature's Pop Science Guide to Apples
How to Remove Toxic Wax from Apples

Infographic Source: MotiveWeight

Infographic: What is Mindfulness Meditation?

We've all heard and read about the many health benefits of meditation, mindfulness and living in the moment.

Meditating on a regular basis has been associated with alleviating stress, relieving tension and anxiety, overcoming food and chemical substance addiction, losing weight, managing pain and depression, reducing the risks for disease, and many other benefits.

But, what is mindfulness meditation and how does it work?

This infographic, entitled "Mindful Meditation? Living in the Moment" explains science behind meditation and the mental and physical benefits of mindfulness.

Numerous studies have shown the relationship between meditation and health in individuals who meditate on a regular (ideally daily) basis.  Optimally, it is generally suggested that a person meditate from 30 to 60 minutes two times a day.  If mediation can help us improve our overall health, manage our stress levels (which is important in weight loss), prevent depression, lose or maintain a healthy weight and lower our risk for chronic diseases, then it certainly seems like a worthwhile endeavor.

Related:

The Body on Meditation

Meditation Styles

Free 21-Day Online Meditation Challenge with Oprah and Deepak Chopra

Infographic source: HealthCentral

Healthier Tacos: Increasing Dietary Fiber

The good news is that taco lovers (who make their own tacos at home) now have a healthier option:  Ortega Whole Grain Corn Taco Shells.   The bad news is that, while these whole grain shells do provide 10 less calories and nearly twice as much (5 grams) of dietary fiber per serving (2 shells) than their traditional non-whole grain counterpart, nonetheless each shell still contains the same amount of fat (6 grams), 50% less iron, and slightly more sodium.

2013: Focus on Health, Not Another Diet, to Lose Weight

For many Americans, losing weight is at the top of their New Year's resolutions list.  Unfortunately, most overweight people choose the latest trending diet - one that promises quick results with mimimum effort.  Although many individuals will initially lose some weight on a fad or trending diet, studies have repeatedly shown that the weight lost from these diets almost always comes back. 

Lose Weight with a Modern Bed of Nails

Endorsed by Dr. Mehmet Oz (host of The Dr. Oz Show) as one of the best products for getting and staying healthy, a modern "bed of nails" can help you lose weight and stay slim.

The modern "bed of nails" is a soft mat with thousands of tiny plastic spikes. It is also known as a massage, acupressure or acupuncture mat. When you lay down on the mat,

Panchakarma Journal: Dry Skin Brushing

Skin Brushing 101 - Infographic from
GreenSmoothieGirl

Panchakarma

Panchakarma (or Pancha Karma) is an Ayurvedic program of intense detoxification, purification and rejuvenation.


Dry Skin Brushing

One of the most valuable things that I learned during Panchakarma was the importance of dry brushing your skin on a regular (preferably daily) basis.  This simple and easy action, which only takes a few minutes, is thought to have many amazing health (and beauty) benefits.


Health and Beauty Benefits

❤  It removes dead skin cells and cosmetics, unclogging pores and allowing the skin (our largest organ) to breathe and function properly  

❤  It improves the skin's critical role in effectively detoxing the body and cleansing the lymphatic system, thereby boosting immunity and aiding in digestion

❤  It prepares the skin to better absorb nutrients, such as the healing herbal oils used in Abhyanga (Ayurvedic massage)

❤  It aids in eliminating toxins during perspiration, dry heat or steam sauna, including Svedhana (Ayurvedic steam bath)

❤  It tones and tightens the skin by increasing blood flow and stimulating blood vessels and nerve endings, improving the general appearance of skin

❤  It increases circulation to the skin and stimulates cell renewal, growth, repair and healing in underlying, tissues, veins and capillaries - hence, gently dry skin brushing is recommended for cellulite and varicose or spider veins

❤  It is thought to help reduce fat deposits, thereby aiding in weight loss

❤  Its significant impact on removing metabolic wastes and allowing various organs such as the liver and kidneys to function more optimally is also thought to aid in weight loss

How To Dry Brush

There are many good instructions and infographics (like the one I have included, source below) online that explain how to dry brush.

This is how my Ayurvedic Therapist did it during my Panchakarma:

❤  Lightly brush dry skin daily before your bath or shower, beginning with the soles of your feet and work your way up. 

❤  Use gentle, circular motions in areas of cellulite or varicose and spider veins.  Otherwise, use long strokes toward your heart, avoiding breasts and the face.

                       13" Sisal Dry Body Brush                      

❤  Use a natural bristle brush intended specifically for dry skin brushing.  Select a brush with a long enough (optional: removable) handle so you can get to the hard-to-reach places, like your back.  Replace your brush every 6 or so months.  I like and use the 13" medium texture sisal body brush - pictured and available from Amazon.

❤  Ayurvedic Tip!   After dry skin brushing and before your bath or shower, take a few moments to give yourself a gentle massage using organic sesame or coconut oil.  These oils will nourish the freshly exfoliated skin.  The shower or bath afterwards will help to eliminate toxins.

Infographic Source

Infographic source and to learn more about dry skin brushing, please visit Skin Brushing 101 - GreenSmoothieGirl.


Related

Panchakarma Journal - Tongue Scraping
The Benefits of a Sauna Detox
Ayurvedic Oil Pulling
Tip of the Day: Dry Brushing Teeth









  

Naturally Thin - Ayurveda Approach to Natural Weight Loss

Naturally Thin is a distance learning, online course that teaches effective techniques and a simple approach to obtaining and maintaining your ideal weight.  The course is based on Maharishi Ayurveda, one of the oldest systems of natural medicine. 

Accelerate Your Weight Loss with Green Envy Daily Detox Liquid Supplement

Clinical studies have shown that detoxifying and cleansing your body is very beneficial to your general health, may increase your energy levels and aid in proper digestion. Many diet experts also believe that a detox or cleanse can accelerate weight loss because properly functioning organs (liver, kidneys) and processes (digestion, Thyroid gland) may increase your metabolism which, in turn, helps in burning fat.