Coconut Oil for Health and Weight Loss

Kerala, the land of coconut trees is popularly known as God’s own country in the tourism world. This tropical paradise with its beautiful beaches and endless greenery, is blessed with an abundance of coconut trees, that keep its population beautiful and healthy.

Kera means coconut and Kerala literally means the land of coconuts. The population in this small tropical Indian state looks distinctly different from the rest of India. They have lush black shining hair and silky smooth skin. Though many in the current generation may have switched to other cooking oils, they still use coconut oil for skin and hair care. The previous generations whose diets were high in coconut seemed to have an amazing lack of health challenges and the incidences of heart diseases were quite low.

The aroma and the flavor of authentic South Indian food comes from the coconut oil used in it. Fresh coconut oil is added as the last ingredient in many of the dishes, so that it’s flavor remains undiminished.

In my husband’s native village, my mother in law sun-dries the white coconut meat into dry copra and takes them to the mill to make clear, fresh, unadulterated coconut oil. We make fresh virgin coconut oil by boiling thick coconut milk and straining the clear oil. Its usage as a moisturizer, has done wonders for my daughter Tania’s eczema.

Coconut oil was mistakenly considered unhealthy, especially for the heart, because of its high saturated content. Scientific research has uncovered the unique properties of coconut oil, that gives health benefits beyond any other oil and now it’s gaining popularity as a nutritious health food. It is now proven that medium-chain fatty acids [MCFAs] in coconut oil are digested and metabolized differently from other oils.

Highly nutritious, coconut is rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. Coconut oil has healing properties and is extensively used in traditional medicinal practices like Ayurveda. It has anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties and is believed to help in fighting cancer and heart disease.

Coconut Oil Boosts Immunity

Nearly 50% of fat in coconut oil is Lauric acid, also found in breast milk, is one of the predominant type of MCFA found in coconut oil. This miracle compound, rarely found in nature has unique health promoting properties that boost the immune system. Since coconut oil has resistance to free radical formation and has ability to support the immune system, it is useful in treating many ailments.

Coconut Oil is Good for the Heart
Populations that consume coconut oil on a regular basis are known to have lower rates of heart disease. Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that protect arteries and help in preventing atherosclerosis. Poly saturated oil increase formation of blood clots by increasing platelet stickiness while coconut oil promotes normal platelet function. Coconut oil has no trans-fat.

Coconut Oil is a Weight Loss Weapon
Coconut oil is known to increase the body’s metabolism, help the body burn more energy and improve thyroid function, all of which help in weight reduction. It helps in controlling cravings for sweets, sugar and carbohydrates.

Coconut Oil is Ideal for Skin and Hair Care
Coconut oil protects the skin from ageing effects of free radicals and promotes a youthful looking skin. It aids in exfoliating dead skin cells making the skin smooth and clear. It penetrates in the layers of the skin nourishing and moisturizing it. Virgin coconut oil is an excellent treatment for eczema and various other skin infections. Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer and conditioner for hair.

Coconut oil Aids Digestion and Nutrient Absorption
MCFAs are easily digested as they do not require pancreatic enzymes and coconut oil is thus considered as ideal food for those with digestive problems and is used in infant formulas. It is associated in with improved blood sugar and insulin control. It is believed to improve mineral absorption and thus help in strengthening bones and teeth. Coconut oil is a rich source of Vitamin D which is necessary for absorption of calcium.

For more detailed information:

http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/

The Miracle Food: Spirulina and it’s Stunning Health Benefits

Are you considering adding spirulina to your diet? Wonderful!

Spirulina is said to be one the most nutritious and complete foods on Earth. But if you are a first timer, let me warn you; it tastes gross! I guess its not so awful once you get used to it, but I must say, its definitely an acquired taste.

I know people who add yogurt, honey, coconut water, strawberries, etc with the spirulina to make smoothies. I even have an acquaintance who says she mixes it with almond milk and bananas to make her spirulina milkshake and drinks it with a straw. Done and over in thirty seconds.

I recommend you start taking spirulina in small doses of one to two teaspoons and allow your body to get used to it. The benefits do far outweigh the taste.

What is Spirulina?

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that can be consumed by humans. It is used as a dietary supplement as well as a whole food. It is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids.

Spirulina is a high quality food supplement that has some great health-boosting qualities. From a nutritional standpoint, the presence of a balanced protein composition, rare essential lipids, numerous minerals and vitamins including B12, makes spirulina a miracle supplement.

A Complete Protein

Spirulina has an impressive 65% protein content. The high concentration of protein and iron makes it ideal for pregnant women. It is a complete protein as it contains all essential amino acids.

Though the quality is far superior to typical plant protein, you would need to take large quantities of it in comparison to other protein sources such as nuts, legumes, whole grains, and meat which provide same quantity of protein in smaller servings.

Calcium, Iron and other Minerals

Among the many minerals present in spirulina calcium, phosphorous and magnesium occur in quantities that are comparable to those found in milk. Spirulina has amazingly high calcium content. Dried spirulina contains 120 mg calcium per 100 g.

Anaemic patients will benefit from adding spirulina to their diet since it has a very high concentration of bio-available iron. It is high in potassium and contains other minerals such as selenium, copper, sodium, manganese, chromium and zinc.

Vitamins

Spirulina contains vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinamide, pyridoxine, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E. Beta carotene which is converted into vitamin A in the human body, accounts for 80% of the carotenoids present in spirulina.

The absence of free vitamin A, Retinol, rules out a risk of possible toxic overdose. Just 2mg of dried spirulina is sufficient to cover the daily adult vitamin A requirement.

Essential Fatty Acids

Spirulina has gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid which is famous for its anti-inflammatory properties. The presence of GLA is worth stressing in view of its rarity in everyday foods and its presumed high nutrient value. While spirulina is especially high in Omega-3 fatty acids, it also contains Omega 6 and 9.

Immune Support

Studies suggest that spirulina may boost the immune system, help protect against allergic reactions, and has antiviral and anticancer properties. It may protect against allergic reactions by stopping the release of histamines, substances that contribute to allergy symptoms.

Spirulina is an ideal supplement for post-surgery patients. It has antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage. Spirulina has high levels of chlorophyll, which helps to control and regulate calcium levels in the blood. Chlorophyll binds with toxins like heavy metals and helps remove them from the body.

Precautions:

1. Spirulina appears safe, even at high doses. However it can be contaminated with toxic substances called microcystins. It can also absorb heavy metals from the water where it is grown. It is one of the most potent nutrient sources available, if it is harvested correctly from non-contaminated water bodies. It is important to buy a reputable brand of spirulina.

2. Spirulina is rich in all amino acids, including phenylalanine, so patients with the metabolic condition phenylketonuria should avoid taking spirulina.

3. Spirulina is not considered to be a reliable source of Vitamin B12 as the type of B12 available is said to be biologically inactive in humans.

4. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking spirulina.

5. It is generally recommended that patients with autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis should avoid spirulina as theoretically; it may stimulate your immune system and make your condition worse.

6. Spirulina is available in pill or powder form, or as flakes. Dietary supplements should be taken only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider as they may interfere with other medications.

The Blue Green Smoothie Recipe

This is a really creamy and smooth drink. Drink it everyday morning. It is said to help in clearing up acne.This is best served immediately.

Ripe banana – 1
Avocado -1 small
Almond milk – 1 cup
Spirulina powder- 2 tsp
Yogurt – 1/2 cup
Cinnamon powder – a pinch
Honey – to taste

Use chilled almond milk and yogurt, frozen chopped banana and the flesh from the avocado. Beat them together with other ingredients to form a thick smoothie. You can add some ice cubes and garnish with a sprig of mint or a small slice of cucumber.

The Truth about Osteoporosis: The Silent Killer

Worldwide, 1 in 3 women over 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures, as will 1 in 5 men. One in three hip fracture patients re-fracture at one year and over 1 in 2 will suffer another fracture within 5 years.

20-24 percent of hip fracture patients die within a year. Less than half those who survive the hip fracture regain their previous level of function.

Over 80% of all fractures in people over 50 are caused by osteoporosis. Worldwide, osteoporosis causes more than 8.9 million fractures annually, resulting in an osteoporotic fracture every 3 seconds. A prior fracture is associated with an 86% increased risk of another fracture.

These are some of the statistics published by International Osteoporosis Foundation. Scary, aren’t they?

What is Osteoporosis?

The literal meaning of Osteoporosis is ‘porous bones.’ This is a disease that reduces the density and quality of your bones making them porous, fragile and brittle. The deterioration of your bone tissue increases your risks of fracturing your bones, particularly of the wrists, hip, spine and shoulder.

Osteoporosis is often referred to as “the silent killer” as the bone deterioration occurs silently and progressively. There are no symptoms and you get no warning… and then the first fateful fracture occurs, most often from a minor fall.

There are many factors that increase the risks of bone loss and osteoporosis. Age, sex, family history or genetics, ethnicity and most important of all your diet, are various factors that contribute to your bone strength.

Age & Gender

Though it can happen at any age, the older you are, the greater is your risk of osteoporosis. Your bones are living tissue that is constantly changing. Till it reaches peak bone mass in mid-twenties, a person’s bones continue to grow, develop and strengthen. New bones cells regenerate to replace older cells that die naturally or due to injury. When bone loss outpaces the growth of new bone, osteoporosis develops.

Women are said to be at a higher risk for osteoporosis. Though, the female hormone estrogen is said to protect the bones and lower the risk of osteoporosis, when the ladies hit menopause, the risk factor climbs tenfold.  Their rate of bone loss increases dramatically. So it is vital that women take adequate precautions during this period to prevent osteoporosis.

Genetics and Ethnicity

Heredity is a very important risk factor for osteoporosis. If any family member has had an osteoporosis related fracture, then it is said that your chances of getting a fracture doubles, regardless of your bone density.

Black and Hispanic women are believed to have lowered risk levels for osteoporosis while Caucasian and Asian women are more likely to develop the disease.

Various Lifestyle Factors

Heavy smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol and lack of exercise are some lifestyle factors that contribute to bone deterioration and osteoporosis.

Maintaining a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is essential for good bone health. A high calcium diet is a must during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, to ensure the health of the mother as well as that of the infant. Inadequate nutrition in early childhood can result in weakened skeletal frames that are more prone to osteoporosis in later ages.