Activate Your Inner Healer » health benefits

Why I’m Loving Aloe Vera

issa — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:21:31 +0000

When people hear the word aloe vera, they can only think of beautiful hair and sunburn. There’s more to this amazing plant that is used to moisturize and protect your skin. As early as 3,500 years, our ancestors have known the healing powers of aloe vera. Many of our beauty and health products today include aloe in its ingredient since it is a very versatile plant that promotes healing. Mostly known for its topical application, aloe vera makes a perfect companion for your skin, soothing you from skin injuries that can often happen when least expected.

Although aloe vera should not be used as an antiseptic, it is still a wonderful first aid plant that stops bleeding from minor cuts and bruises. It can also quicken the healing of the skin when these happen. If you’re not into aloe vera, having a plant in your home will be beneficial. Besides, it is not hard to maintain.

Why Should You Use Aloe Vera?

1. Great for regenerating your skin from the cellular level. Most aloe vera are non-toxic, even in gel form, which are safe for children to use. From head to toe, aloe vera can help prevent skin diseases and injuries, leaving your skin feeling young and rejuvenated.

2. Aloe vera makes a perfect oral hygiene by cleaning your teeth and gums, leaving your breath feeling fresh.

3. Sore muscles and joint pains find their ease with aloe vera since it can penetrate deeply into the muscles. Not only will you feel relief, but you will also help support your joint health.

4. Aloe vera is rich in free radical-fighting antioxidant that makes you feeling truly healthy from inside-out.

5. Drinking aloe vera juice is great for your immune system. Many people forget that their intestines play a vital role in their health and aloe vera makes sure that you have proper digestion, where nutrients will be absorbed to the max. For this reason, aloe vera juice is often used to treat constipation. If you are using aloe vera to cleanse your body of toxins, don’t mix it with diuretics, steroids, heart medications, or licorice roots. Having a clean colon gives you more energy to spend each day.

Aloe vera contains more than 200 vitamins and minerals that will keep you healthy and fit each day. In fact, a study made at the University of Texas Health Science Center shows that rats live longer life spans on an aloe diet. Recently, many positive health benefits are brought about with the use of aloe vera, which may be further studied and tested to prove these claims. It’s not bad to have an aloe vera plant at your home, just make sure it is the safe variety. When you needed the aloe gel immediately, all you have to do is remove near the base and split it to open. You can scoop up the gel or apply the plant directly on your skin. You can even refrigerate it for another use. There’s no reason why you cannot be healthy naturally and let these benefits help you in your choices.

A Video on How to Extract Aloe Vera Juice:

Why You Must Love Broccoli

issa — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:35:30 +0000

Broccoli is one of the most visible vegetable in your local supermarket and it is available all year-round. Yet, many kids are dreading a close encounter with this vegetable, even if this can be served in a whole, new, and delicious way that makes eating this green tastier and fun. Regardless of age, both adults and children will benefit greatly from this super veggie that’s more than the usual green from your cauliflower family. In fact, you can steam it or season it with healthy herbs to make it taste better. If you don’t like eating broccoli, you can even drink broccoli juice served with other fruits and vegetables that will leave you asking for more.

There is surely a reason why broccoli has made the top 10 great health foods from the Mayo Clinic’s list. They say that broccoli is a great source for calcium, potassium, folate, fiber, and phytonutrients which fights cancer and other chronic diseases. Not only will your body get a good source of vitamins A and C, but your broccoli gives you antioxidants to protect you from free radicals damage. If you are a person who has joined the quest of many for the elixir of youth, all you have to do is shop on your nearest vegetable produce and pick up a basketful of – broccoli.

Recent studies have also found out that broccoli may be your best bet in fighting off seasonal allergies that you encounter during springtime. Since broccoli contains a mega dose of antioxidants, it also supports your immune system, giving you lesser risk from respiratory diseases. Broccoli contains a substance called sulforaphane, which in itself is very effective in keeping polluted air at bay. In broccoli juices, this phytochemical compound works best against gastrointestinal problems caused by bacteria. Broccoli just helps prevent bloating and stomach ulcers.

Why is Broccoli Truly Good for You?

1. Better absorption of iron in the body due to its high Vitamin C content.
2. Broccoli helps fight cataracts and common cold.
3. Broccoli is rich in fiber which aids in reducing your body’s cholesterol levels.
4. Broccoli helps prevent breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancers.
5. Broccoli is great against arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
5. There is an increase in the production of enzymes that protects your body’s cells.
6. You will have healthy bones and teeth with broccoli, lessening your risk to osteoporosis.
7. Broccoli helps you burn fats and lets you achieve your ideal weight.

If you don’t like the bitter taste of pure broccoli juice, you can always lighten up by mixing it with your favorite carrot and apple juice. If you want to eat broccoli, you can dress it with your favorite ranch, vinaigrette, or any other dip you have in mind. Broccoli is truly a versatile veggie which can even spice up your boring rice dish or casserole. You can even toss them with other vegetables in your own garden salad mix.

Whatever and however you like your healthy dose of broccoli served, know that you are what you eat and green can only mean healthy. Be smart and choose natural!

Learn About Broccoli:

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Do You Get Enough Sleep?

issa — Fri, 01 May 2009 06:45:59 +0000

These past few weeks, I have been feeling sluggish every waking hour. I have been sleeping for as little as five hours, and I believe going on like this will make my body go on a shutdown mode.

Dr. Mona Khanna will only ask you two questions to know if you’re getting enough sleep. She has solved this mysterious cloud surrounding my sudden depletion of energy my body needs to keep running all day.

When a person is completely rested all night, he or she will wake up refreshed, like having a nice, cool bath in the freshest of mountain springs. There is also no reason to feel sleepy during the course of the day, if ever one got enough sleep last night.

Modern lifestyle, especially in the city, makes it nearly impossible to get that good sleep which is vital for a person’s overall well-being. Not only will one feel cranky without enough sleep, but the body will be more prone to disease.

Sleep is dependent on age. Infants need at least 16 hours a day. Children need 10-11 hours. Teenagers can do well with nine and for adults, an adequate amount would be seven to eight hours. Being older doesn’t mean having lesser hours of sleep.

Sleep quality is also as essential as sleep quantity. If a person can avoid taking sleeping pills, then it is better doing so. A nice and quiet space, far from disturbances, is ideal for having a good night’s rest. You can sip a cup of chamomile tea to help you sleep. You may even read your favorite book, or just listen to meditation music and count your way to sleep. A warm bath before going off to bed can also help, and make sure you do it with the soothing scent of essential oils to relax your aching muscles. Pamper yourself. Make an effort to buy ergonomic pillows that will align your neck and spine, without giving you that strain in the morning.

Remember that when your body is rested, it means better defense against stress-related diseases. Not only will you feel happier, but you will also keep an ideal weight free from hormonal imbalances that a lack of sleep gives. Besides, your body needs some time to heal itself during sleep. Studies even say that napsters have a lower risk of heart disease.

Feeling Tired? Take a Nap!