Healthy Food – Page 2

Tips to Transition to Veganism

When you decide to explore veganism, there can be a number of health benefits that come with it. For example, you may lose weight and have improved heart health. A vegan diet can also be nutrient-packed, as long as you’re relying primarily on fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and beans to fuel you.

There’s research showing that going vegan can lower your blood sugar and improve your kidney function, plus there’s the possibility it can reduce your risk of developing certain types of cancers.

While there are many health benefits that come from a vegan lifestyle, it’s not always easy to make such a big leap into plant-based eating. You don’t have to go all-or-nothing.

Instead, there are ways to transition to veganism gradually. Some of those are highlighted below.

Swap Out Ingredients

One easy way to start dabbling in veganism and make some positive changes in your health and wellness is to swap out ingredients for vegan alternatives.

Maybe your entire recipe isn’t vegan, but instead of using half-and-half or milk, for example, you could use cashew milk.

Over time you can work toward having recipes that are entirely vegan.

Have Vegan Days

Designate a few days of every week where you commit to veganism, and then eat as you normally do on the other days.

You could start with one day a week, and then gradually go up from there, as you’re ready and more comfortable with it.

Another option is to be vegan during the day, and then in the evening, you could eat animal-based foods if you wanted to.

You could set a limit for yourself where until 6 p.m., you eat only vegan.

These are just ideas that you can consider to find what works for you.

Learn Along the Way

You may find the more you learn about veganism, the more committed you become to the lifestyle.

Get familiar with what it means to be vegan versus being vegetarian, for example.

A lot of people find that learning more about where animal-based foods come from and how they’re processed helps them to commit to veganism more fully.

As you learn, you may also be able to find more personal motivation, and that can be what drives you toward being more vegan in your life.

For example, you could find that the environmental impact of eating meat is your primary motivation, as you’re learning and educating yourself.

Be Mindful of What You’re Eating and Make Sure It’s Healthy

You do have to realize when you follow a vegan lifestyle, it’s not inherently healthy because it’s vegan. You want to avoid too many processed foods, for example, because even though they might technically be vegan, they could still be empty calories.

You also need to make sure that you’re mindful of how much protein you’re getting. There are great vegan sources of protein, and any kind of protein will help you feel fuller and more satisfied, which will lower the risk of overeating.

Vegans need to also consider vitamin B12 and D3 supplements unless you’re sure that you’re getting enough of these from your food.

However, even with a balanced diet, it’s a good idea to take some supplements, such as Vegan Vitamins Gummies, to make sure that your body is getting everything it needs for proper functioning.

Some vegans find that it’s helpful to have their healthcare professional monitor levels of vitamins in their bloodwork. You don’t want to supplement if you don’t need it, but if you are deficient in certain vitamins, it can cause serious health effects.

Connect with Other Vegans

Veganism can become somewhat of a lifestyle, and people who follow it often find that it helps them to have support from people who understand it.

Try to connect with other vegans if you can.

Going online and joining social media groups is one simple way to do this.

Then, you have not only social support, but you can learn more about veganism, share recipes and even find out about events.

Explore Vegan Restaurants Where You Live

Finally, one other way to get excited about the concept of veganism and to explore it more fully is to go to restaurants in your community that have a vegan menu. Here, you can really get a taste of how good vegan foods can taste, and you might even meet people who are vegan that whom you can start sharing your experiences.

Vegan restaurants are a good way to get started because they show you how versatile the menu items can be and give you a basis for getting creative with how you eat.

The more you go at your own pace in your quest to be a vegan, the more successful you’re likely to be at the lifestyle.

Professional Athletes Who Switched Their Diet and Became Vegan

There are many health benefits that come from ditching dairy, eggs, and meat such as decreased blood pressure, cholesterol, and risk of heart disease. In fact, a recent study proved that a plant-based vegan diet can help people manage their weight and blood sugar levels even for those ones with type 2 diabetes.

When it comes to sports athletes, we all want to look up to them especially when we are talking about diets. All of them look very healthy, which is only achievable by balancing your food.

In today’s article, we will focus on athletes that are at the top of their game and transformed into a vegan lifestyle.

Lewis Hamilton (Formula 1)

The record-breaking Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton adapted to a vegan lifestyle back in 2017.

Hamilton is in the top 10 highest-paid athletes in the world, and thanks to its sponsorships his net worth are estimated at around $285 million.

Hamilton is also an eco-activist and he is interested in all the things that might bring benefit to the world. For his recent transformation to a vegan diet, he said “As the human race, what we are doing to the world… the pollution coming from the number of cows that are being produced is incredible. They say it is more that we produce with our flights and our cars.”

Venus Williams – Tennis

Venus Williams is a famous American tennis player who has won seven Grand Slam singles titles as well as 14 Grand Slam Doubles. Her net worth is estimated at around $95 million which puts her as the second highest-earning female tennis player of all time, just behind her sister Serena.

Williams adopted a raw vegan diet just after she was diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome which is an autoimmune disease 10 years ago. Doctors advised her that this diet change will relieve some of her symptoms.

Williams said that the raw vegan diet helped her maintain the same performance on the court. She also said that she feels amazing, and this diet change improved her mood and acted as an energy boost.

Colin Kaepernick – Football

Colin is a former professional NFL player who played a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers for five years.

Apart from his skills, he also became an internet star for his signature move by going down on one knee for the United States national anthem.

He spoke about veganism on many occasions in the past, but he never said that publicly about himself until 2018 when he tweeted an image of his buffed body with the hashtag #NotBadForAVegan.

Kyrie Irving – Basketball

Kyrie is one of the most recognizable names in basketball. The 28-year-old has achieved many things in his career including winning the NBA championship with Cleveland Cavaliers back in 2016, and his countless NBA all-star appearances. He is also often mentioned in the NBA trade rumors: https://edge.twinspires.com/nba/trade-rumors/

However, few would guess that years ago he decided to switch to a vegan diet only after watching a Netflix documentary called “What The Health”.

After that, we don’t have much information about his eating habits, nor vegan statements from him. All we know is that he feels amazing and he definitely shows that on the court.

Jermain Defoe – Soccer

Not too long ago, Defoe was the seventh-best goal scorer in Premier League history, scoring more than 160 goals up to date. He currently plays for Bournemouth FC and the England national team at the striker positions.

With his current contract, he earns $84,000 per week, and his net worth is estimated at around $20 million.

He told the Guarding that he made some drastic changes in his diet giving up meat, dairy, and eggs. He also said that the transformation wasn’t hard for him just because he knows the feeling that he gets from scoring goals.

In other words, the diet will help him score more goals, which as he claims, is the best feeling in the world.

Healthy Wedding Food Options Your Guests Will Love

You’ve reached the point in the wedding planning process where you must select food and drinks for your reception. Unfortunately, you have mixed emotions. You want to incorporate healthy foods, but you’re not sure your guests will respond well. When most people hear the word “healthy,” they automatically assume bland foods. Naturally, you want your friends and family to enjoy their meal, but you’re passionate about healthy living.

Believe it or not, there are plenty of ways to create a healthier reception menu without compromising flavor or taste. Here are some delicious ideas your guests are sure to love.

Go Organic

One of the simplest ways to create a healthier reception menu is to select organic foods. These are fruits, vegetables, meat, and other items made from all-natural, unprocessed ingredients. Eliminating or reducing the chemicals and additives present in the food improves your overall well-being. When making selections for your reception, talk with the caterer about the types of ingredients used to prepare the dishes. Ensure that they’re aware you prefer organic.

Farm To Table

If you’re looking for a way to incorporate healthy foods into your wedding reception while supporting a great cause, farm-to-table options are ideal. The idea is that all your foods are sourced from local farms. It helps to support the local economy while saving the environment. There are plenty of restaurants that advertise farm-to-table food choices that you can work with to create the perfect reception menu.

Vegan With a Flare

Vegan cuisine has come a long way from blocks of soy and raw vegetables. These days, chefs can make just about anything using vegan ingredients. There isn’t any type of food that can’t be recreated for your guests, from soups and salads to burgers and fries. Grilled veggies on a skewer over a bed of quinoa and sauteed onions, eggplant parmigiana, or chickpea tacos wrapped in romaine lettuce with peppers and onions tastes just as amazing as the meat options. All it takes is the right seasonings and proper cooking techniques to wow your guests.

If you don’t want to go entirely vegan, there’s also the option to incorporate a combination of vegan and regular menu options for your guests.

Fruit And Veggie Appetizers

Another option for couples that want a healthy reception menu (but don’t want to go overboard) is fruit and vegetable appetizers. Ditch the pigs in a blanket, meatballs, and other traditional appetizer ideas for something with more nutritional value. A simple fruit salad drizzled with honey or chocolate or fresh vegetables with fancy dipping sauces is both simple yet delicious options. If you want to stay big on flavor, you can always opt for portobello mushroom sliders, zucchini fries, or baked macaroni and cheese balls. Your guests’ mouths are sure to start watering the moment they read this on the wedding invitations.

Smoothie Bar

Why not incorporate a healthy food station into your wedding reception? A smoothie bar is a perfect treat for your guests. The station would have various types of fruits, vegetables, juices, milk, yogurts, nuts, seeds, and other ingredients for everyone to make their own smoothie. Of course, it’s always good to have a few recipe ideas for first-timers who may not know what they want.

Salad Bar

Most people enjoy a decent salad before the main course. Instead of deciding on the typical garden and caesar or selecting something no one’s interested in eating, allow them to create their own salads. A salad bar complete with different fruits, vegetables, toppings, and dressings will surely encourage your guests to eat a little nutrition.

Part of what makes weddings unique is the personalization couples put in the details. If you and your fiance are passionate about healthy living and want to incorporate nutritional foods on your reception menu, go for it. As you can see from above, there are plenty of ways to add healthy choices without compromising taste or flavor. Your health-conscious guests will appreciate it while first-timers will get exposed to the good life – and love it.

3 Staples to Include in a Healthy and Natural Everyday Diet

Are you looking to transition to a healthy more natural everyday diet? Do you feel as though you’re not giving your body enough vitamins and nutrients to perform at its peak levels? If so, you’re not alone, as it has been a real trend as of late to start questioning what you eat, where the ingredients are sourced from, and how you can make things more natural and healthier overall.

While it may seem overwhelming to completely overhaul your diet, making a few small changes to get started can be much less intimidating and act as a launching pad to better choices down the road. So, here are three staples you’ll want to include right away.

Oatmeal – the Ultimate Breakfast Food

Are you like many others who find it difficult to get up and get moving in the mornings? Are you really slow to wake up and find that energy to carry you through the day? If so, it’s probably time to switch up your breakfast routine, and oatmeal is just the way to do that.

Oatmeal has all kinds of wonderful benefits such as the fact that it keeps you feeling fuller for longer, which means you can make it to lunchtime without having to reach for the biscuit tin. It also helps to keep your cholesterol at a healthy level, is high in soluble fiber, and it helps to limit your risk of developing heart disease. Considering how many different ways you can eat oatmeal, including all the different mix-ins and toppings, you won’t get bored of it any time soon.

Dark Leafy Green Vegetables are the Ideal Side Dish

As you browse through the produce aisle, you’re going to want to be sure you grab a supply of dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, collard greens, arugula, Romaine lettuce, dandelion greens, spinach, broccoli, and Swiss chard.

These are all high in such vitamins as K, C, A, and folate. Not only that, but they are also packed full of calcium, iron, and fiber. In other words, they do your body a whole lot of good. They can act as the perfect side dish to a variety of meals.

Filtered Water Should be the Beverage of Choice

Of course, your diet is made up of more than just food – you also need beverages. Most people are well aware of just how important water is to your body, as it works to re-hydrate your body throughout the day, help with digestion, regulate your body temperature, and basically keep your body functioning well. At the same time, you want to be picky about the water you’re putting into your body to ensure it is free of containments.

Installing your own home water filtration system is typically the best plan. You’ll always have a fresh supply of clean natural water at your fingertips. Be sure to check out this “Everything Guide to Filters” to discuss the various filtration systems you can use, what their pros and cons are when to replace the filter, and more.

Let This Be the Starting Point

Adding each of these items to your diet can be a simple starting point and really propel you to keep making more healthy choices.

Keto Diet: Seven Tips on How to Stick to Your Keto Lifestyle

The ketogenic (keto) diet has become prominent over the last couple of years, as a great method to lose weight and improve various health conditions, such as cholesterol, blood pressure, and sugar levels. It involves the power of calorie restriction with the benefits of nutritional ketosis to provide the body with energy from stored fat instead of glucose.

At the same time for some people counting calories, only eating certain foods, and having to cook more might sound extremely difficult and scary, even if you are someone with the strongest willpower. It is only natural to feel overwhelmed while embarking on any change, but with a healthy mindset and a few steps that can help you get into good habits, you won’t look back.

Keep Only Keto-Friendly Food In Your House

When you are hungry, it might become much easier to forget about your goals and cheat on a diet. Hunger is a strong motivator, and for this reason, it is best to be prepared and plan for the worst, especially if you are the only one in your family on a diet. Consider cleaning out your fridge and cupboards or at least hide carb-rich foods in a hard to access place. Cleaning your kitchen reduces temptation and the likelihood of consumption by eliminating foods that are not on your meal plan.

Plan Your Meals & Social Situations In Advance

Planning your meals and visits to restaurants and cafes in advance is a great way to stay on track during your keto diet. Each week mark in the calendar nutrition plan for the week, including snacks and how many meals you need when going out. Also, make sure to add eating in the office, social engagements, or unique circumstances that might impact your routine.

Once you determine how many meals you need, find healthy, low-carb recipes for each day of the week. From there, create your shopping list and hit the grocery store. You don’t have to prepare all meals at one time. You can just set aside 1-2 hours to chop vegetables, marinate protein, or cook parts of meals to stick to your diet.

Keep Healthy Snacks On Hand

Instilling good habits doesn’t happen overnight. That’s why it is essential to be fully prepared in case of unforeseen long hours at the office or hunger pains during the day.

Consider always keeping healthy snack options on hand to prevent a fast-food run or purchase of ‘bad choices’ at the corner store. Keto-friendly yogurt, sliced veggies, low-carb hummus, hard-boiled eggs, homemade trail mix, or bars are some of the possible good snacks.

Get Inspired

Successful and sustainable changes in your life require enjoyment along the way. Since food is an essential part of our life, enjoying your meals is not something you need to miss out on just because you maintain a keto diet.

Instead of running for the carbs, try to reconnect to your inner foodie, don’t get stuck in a repetitive mealtime, and find appropriate substitutes for the food you love. Luckily, there are so many great resources to discover the keto recipe of your dreams like purchasing a cookbook/guidebook or just searching in Google.

Try Out Help Of CBD Oil

While CBD oil is commonly used as a natural alternative and effective remedy for anxiety and pain relief, improved mood, concentration, and sleep, the intake of this product can also offer beneficial effects.

Cannabidiol (or CBD) is a generally safe, non-addictive, and non-psychoactive compound extracted from Cannabis Sativa plants. To provide positive CBD effects, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system involved in vital body functions such as sleep, appetite, stress, pain, inflammation, memory, mood, and many others. Therefore, CBD might promote weight loss by decreasing appetite, boosting metabolism, and activating the “browning” of fat cells.

You can incorporate CBD products into your daily cooking routine to add health benefits into a nutrition system and sustain a well-balanced, complete diet as well as spice up your cooking experience. The nutritional content of CBD oil can also provide your body with needed components like protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals such as vitamin E, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, etc.

Stick To A Fitness Plan

While you have made the one step in pursuing a healthier lifestyle by choosing a Keto diet, you also need to dedicate yourself to a regular workout regimen. In case you already have a workout routine, but you don’t do it often, try to add a few more days to your schedule. To maximize your results, make sure that you are getting into physical activity at least four times a week.

If fitness has never been your thing, there is a lot of easy options that you can use, and that requires a yoga mat and some dumbbells. You can find different at-home workouts on platforms like YouTube to help get you started. As an alternative, you can also look for gyms in your area to be sure you will prioritize the workout regimen.

Get Your Friends On Board

Since we are social animals, it can be hard to undergo such a substantial lifestyle change when everyone else carries on like before. Also, the word “diet” is typically associated with a negative connotation, resulting in a pessimistic attitude from your friends and family, even when dieting done for the right reasons. This can make you feel alienated and more likely to succumb to peer pressure. Instead, try to talk to your loved ones and explain that this is an essential change for you, and you would appreciate their support.

Alternatively, you can connect to like-minded people on various groups or forums on keto topics. Here you will feel understood and can share struggles and successes, encourage each other, and swap interesting recipes. When you use social support to your advantage and have individuals to share your questions, concerns, and accomplishments, it will be much easier for you to stay on the keto diet and achieve the results you want.

6 Creative and Nutritious Ways to Eat Coconut Oil

There is so much you can do with coconut oil, from adding it to your skincare routine to enjoying it in a smoothie to substituting it in your favorite bakes. Why is coconut oil so loved? Because it has numerous health benefits – whether you use it on your skin or whether you eat it. Organic coconut oil is a superfood that helps strengthen the building blocks of our immune systems, helps promote heart health and brain function, and aids in fat loss.

If you’re curious how you can incorporate coconut oil into your diet or use it in your favorite recipes, keep reading.

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

Let’s first examine why you would want to add coconut oil to your diet. This natural oil can help with weight loss and can have positive effects on your heart. How is this possible? Coconut oil is composed of saturated fats. One of these fats is a fatty acid called lauric acid that can encourage the burning of fats. This process is called ketosis and it can help provide a quick energy boost to your body and brain. The lauric acid can also help raise high-density lipoprotein (or HDL) cholesterol levels. HDL cholesterol is the good kind of cholesterol, and higher levels of HDL could reduce risk of heart disease.

In addition to lauric acid, coconut oil also contains medium-chain triglycerides (or MCTs). MCTs compete with glucose and head straight for the liver, creating increased energy and producing ketones, which benefit the brain. Additionally, MCTs can also increase the number of calories burned in a day as compared to longer-chain fatty acids. These triglycerides also may reduce hunger, making coconut oil a good addition to a weight-loss regimen.

Whether you’re looking to care for your heart, get a natural energy boost, or lose weight, coconut oil could be the addition to your diet that you’re looking for.

How Much Coconut Oil Per Day is Recommended?

Whether organic, non-organic, refined, or unrefined, coconut oil should be taken in moderation. For best results, consult your doctor or nutritionist. Because coconut oil has mostly saturated fats, which can increase the risk of heart disease if too much is consumed, it is recommended by researches to consume no more than 2 tablespoons per day, with most people (depending on their caloric intake) taking only 0.5 tbsp to 1.5 tbsp per day. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines say that saturated fats should be less than 10% of a person’s intake of calories.

How to Eat Coconut Oil

Below we’ve outlined some of the best ways to eat coconut oil. Whether you plan to cook with it, bake with it, or add it to your favorite drinks, we have all the tips you’ll need to diversify your diet.

Cook with It

Do you have a cookout planned for the end of summer? Or are you prepping meals for the week? One staple to always have in your pantry is coconut oil. Cooking with this oil instead of other oils, such as canola, corn, soybean, or vegetable, is a great way to incorporate the benefits of coconut oil into your diet, without having to worry about a coconut flavor.

You can use coconut oil to sauté or stir-fry vegetables, meats, or eggs. It also works great in sauces and for coating meat with spices.

Bake with It

If you have a gigantic sweet tooth, like we do, but are looking for ways to make your recipes healthier, substitute coconut oil 1:1 for butter or oil. This is our favorite way of getting the recommended amount. If you don’t want to put it in your recipe, you can use it to grease your baking pan.

Be sure to follow the recommendations on your recipe, but we find the best success when all of our ingredients are at room temperature (yes, that includes the eggs!) or your coconut oil may solidify again once it touches the cold ingredients.

Drink It in Hot Beverages

A simple (and delicious) way to eat coconut oil is by adding it to your tea or coffee. A teaspoon or two can help you towards meeting the recommended amount while also enjoying a rich, antioxidant-filled drink.

Add It to Smoothies

Another great way to eat coconut oil is by making it a key ingredient in your morning or afternoon smoothie. These island-inspired smoothies are a perfect way to get a nutrient-rich breakfast or snack.

We suggest you melt the coconut oil before adding it to your recipe or you may end up with clumps of coconut oil (which is not a bad thing but some may not find it as pleasant). If you’re looking for a new smoothie recipe to try, check out this one, which is full of bananas, chia seed, and coconut – it’s the delectable smoothie you need to power through the rest of your busy day.

Use It in Your Salads

Coconut oil makes for the perfect ingredient in most homemade salad dressings. It not only adds amazing flavor; it also increases the nutritional value of your salad (because salads can always be healthier, right?).

Get an Energy Boost

As we mentioned earlier, coconut oil can be used as a natural energy booster. The MCTs in the coconut oil increase your energy levels for longer periods of time without a crash later on in the day. Take it by the spoonful or mix it with honey and add it to your tea or coffee.

When you’re using coconut oil as a natural energy supplement, be sure to use organic, unrefined, cold-pressed coconut oil. Refined coconut oil has been heated to a point that the molecular structure of the coconut oil has been destroyed, which means the beneficial qualities it possesseshave also been killed.

Why You Can Enjoy Coconut Oil Too

There are so many creative ways to eat coconut oil. Whether you love the taste of it or not, you can reap the health benefits. Blend coconut oil with a variety of fruits for a heart-healthy smoothie. Substitute coconut oil for other cooking oils in your recipes. Or, stir it into your tea or coffee for a natural energy boost.

Because coconut oil is a natural source of MCTs, it can have several health benefits. However, it must be consumed in small doses, no more than two tablespoons a day, so that your diet doesn’t turn into one that is high in saturated fats. Keep your intake of coconut oil to less than 10% of your daily calories. Finally, be sure to use organic, cold-pressed coconut oil whenever possible because the cold-pressing leaves it in its natural state, ensuring its health benefits stay intact. However you choose to eat coconut oil, your heart, digestive system, and brain will thank you for all the natural nutrients.

Author Byline:

Louisa Quinn is the Regulations Manager at Organic Fiji. She handles all the certification applications, ethics and regulations of products/practices, and ingredient sourcing for their coconut oil products. Louisa enjoys empowering women and men to protect the environment, animals, and people by educating them on practical and ethical ways to shop for personal care items.

Best Supplements to Take in Your 50s

Even though many people don’t find it very important, the fact is that proper supplementation is a big step towards improved health and overall well-being. It is particularly essential when you reach a certain age, so be sure to stay with us to learn about the best supplements to take in your 50s. Just check them out and give your body what it needs!

Probiotics for the stronger immune system and healthy gut

The first set of menopausal supplements should include probiotics, and the reasons for that are multiple. First of all, prioritizing gut health often is one of the most important steps towards relieving menopause symptoms. And why is that? Well, this is simply because you won’t be able to experience the benefits of other supplements if there’s no balance of good bacteria in the gut. So, if you want to boost your immune system and improve your digestion, you should definitely take probiotics into consideration. Once the inflammation is under control and your immune system is functioning properly, your body will digest food and get the essential nutrients with more success!

Turmeric for digestion and cognitive health

In case you didn’t know, turmeric is an old Indian spice rich in bioactive compounds that have powerful medicinal properties. One of such compounds is curcumin – a carotenoid that has amazing anti-inflammatory effects and is a strong antioxidant. Apart from that, it can also promote digestion, improve your skin, and even contribute to healthy joints. This is exactly why many ladies in their 50s are incorporating turmeric supplements into their everyday diet. So, if you want to protect your body from the harmful free radicals that can speed up the process of aging and increase the risk of numerous diseases – including cancer – give turmeric a try and you won’t make a mistake!

Calcium for stronger bones

Everyone knows that calcium is crucial for body functions such as muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and blood clotting. Apart from that, it’s also vital for healthy bones. It gets even more important after menopause since bone density tends to decrease as we get older. This happens due to a loss of calcium and other minerals, which makes us much more vulnerable to injuries. In order to prevent that and keep your bones strong and healthy, be sure to incorporate calcium supplements into your daily routine. However, taking them alone won’t be enough, so keep on reading to find out how to combine supplements for better absorption!

Vitamin D3 for calcium absorption

In order for calcium to be fully absorbed, you should take vitamin D3 together with it. This vitamin plays an important role in its absorption, which makes it an essential nutrient for optimal bone health and your overall health. If you don’t take vitamin D3, your body won’t be able to absorb enough calcium, which means that it will start using the existing calcium stores. It will weaken your bones and negatively affect future bone development, which should be avoided at all costs. Aside from stimulating bone growth, vitamin D3 is vital for boosting your immune system, too. Does it get better than that? We don’t think so!

Omega-3 fatty acids for brain and heart health

Last but certainly not least, there are omega-3 fatty acids that are crucial for brain and heart health in women over 50. Even though these can be found in fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, as well as in walnuts, chia seeds, and flax seeds, you should opt for a supplement if you need to intake a recommended dose of omega-3s every single day. Apart from improving brain and heart health, these acids can help you sleep better and improve your eye and bone health, too. Also, you’ll see a positive change in your skin as omega-3s have anti-aging properties that support healthy skin cell membranes. Just give them a fair shot and you’ll see what we were talking about!

Needless to say, there are many amazing supplements appropriate for ladies in their 50s and their specific needs, but these five undoubtedly are unmatched. So, if you want to improve your health and overall well-being, don’t wait any longer and make these a part of your everyday routine. Of course, be sure to consult with your doctor or other health care professional before making a final decision. That’s essential if you want to accomplish the best results!

Maintaining a Healthy Diet During Chemotherapy

While chemotherapy is literally a life saver, it comes with side effects that are very hard to deal with, as anyone who has been through it well knows. One of the most significant challenges of chemotherapy is maintaining a healthy diet, which the body needs to fight infection and maintain strength. Chemo is responsible for a wide range of issues that interfere with healthy eating and affect people quite differently: Chemo can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, appetite loss, changes in one’s sense of taste or smell that make eating unpleasant, dry mouth, mouth sores, sore throat, lactose intolerance, weight gain, and weight loss.

The infographic below, 20 Healthy Diet Tips for Chemotherapy, is important reading for anyone who is undergoing or soon to undergo chemotherapy. The suggestions are easy to follow, and brief enough to keep in mind or even tape to the refrigerator door. If you can make eating more enjoyable and more nutritious during the course of treatment, then you’re going to feel healthier and be healthier as time goes on.

Of course, if these tips and all else fails, never hesitate to consult your physician, a nurse or a dietician to review your situation and help you develop a plan to combat whatever dietary-related symptoms are affecting you. Continue reading for dietary inspiration.

20 Healthy Diet Tips For Chemotherapy from Breast Cancer Car Donations

Vegan vs. Plant-Based: the Debate

There’s a common misconception about vegan diets. For many people, a vegan diet is synonymous with a whole-food, plant-based diet. In reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The main difference between a vegan diet–even an organic one–and a whole-food, plant-based diet is the nutritional value. Both are devoid of animal products and animal by-products. However, there’s a thin line between consuming vegan junk food versus vegan nutrient-rich food. I mean, you can eat french fries and drink beer all day–that’s a vegan diet.

Breakfast

When you’re consuming a vegan diet, there are plenty of cereals you can eat for breakfast. Many of the sugar-filled cereals you find on the shelves of grocery stores are technically vegan. If you add your choice of dairy-free milk, you can still stick to your principles. The same holds true for coffee drinks. Many people love to drink dairy-free lattes from their favorite coffeehouses. By replacing the milk, you can maintain the vegan integrity of the latte. However, it doesn’t matter if you’re drinking sugar-filled lattes or cereals. If they’re filled with processed sugars and ingredients, you’re not giving your body the nutrients it needs to thrive so keep a toothpaste tablet and charcoal toothbrush in your purse.

On a whole-food, plant-based diet, you might eat oatmeal with fruit and chia seeds for breakfast. If you add a ripe banana and cinnamon, you’ll start to get a banana-bread experience from your oatmeal that you’ll fall in love with. If you can’t imagine life without your lattes, switch the ingredients. Continue to use your favorite dairy-free milk. Add matcha powder, which is high in sugar-reducing antioxidants, for a nutrient-rich beverage.

Lunch

Ever since the vegan movement exploded a few years ago, many restaurants, cookbooks, and experts have popped up. Since the demand is high, many retailers created vegan versions of various cheeses, meats, and more. It’s not difficult to find a restaurant in any major city with a vegan menu. As a result, it’s relatively easy to order a vegan burger that’s topped with vegan cheese and condiments. If you order a side of fries that’s topped with vegan cheese sauce, you can eat without worrying that you’re consuming a single animal product or by-product.

However, you can’t eat that type of meal each day. This is because these manufactured vegan burgers tend to be highly-processed. Unless you know that the chef is preparing the burger from scratch, the chances are high that you’re eating something made in a factory. When food is processed, it tends to carry a lot of unhealthy oils and high sodium content. You might be eating a vegan burger, but you’re running the risk of clogging your arteries. And worse, many vegan burgers contain isolated soy protein. While there’s nothing wrong with soy itself, as a whole food, isolated soy protein is cancer-promoting. Here’s a great article on the science of soy.

The whole-food, plant-based diet will still allow burgers. However, you’re better off making them from scratch. You can easily create veggie burgers from bases like quinoa, black beans, and lentils. Chop vegetables like celery, carrots, and onion to provide texture, nutrition, and flavor. Prepare a side of sweet potato fries to go on the side. When you’ve prepared the meal at home, you’ll know exactly what’s going in it. You’ll also be able to ensure that you’re sticking to a whole-food, plant-based diet.

Dinner

Since dinner is the final meal of the day, it’s wise to focus on a lighter meal. Learn to love salads. A salad is the easiest way to fulfill the requirements for a plant-based meal. Jazz them up by choosing a variety of ingredients. Instead of using lettuce, try a different green like arugula, spinach, or kale. Greens are filled with vitamins, fiber, and more. Chop up a few slices of onions to add to the mix. While tomatoes are delicious, switch them out from time to time. In its place, combine peaches, grapefruit, or mangos. Most store-bought salad dressings are filled with preservatives and oils. That’s why they can sit on grocery shelves. Instead, make your own vinaigrettes with vinegar, citrus fruit, fresh herbs, and other seasonings. To add some crunchiness, add nuts or seeds. Create a blend of almonds and poppy seeds. Throw them in a blender with some nutritional yeast flakes and a bit of salt. Pulse the mixture a few times before sprinkling it on top.

Health Benefits

During these times, it’s especially important to develop a strong immune system. If you contract a virus, a healthy immune system will truly help you fight. By consuming nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, herbs, and whole grains, you’ll be well on your way to optimal health. In addition to eating healthy, the stress of avoiding the virus and quarantining can be exceptionally overwhelming. If you are feeling overwhelmed due to the time and stay-at-home orders, here are some great tips for getting past social isolation.

Is Camel Milk Powder The New Superfood to Boost the Immune System?

Definitely staying healthy and functioning well is something that everyone desires. Whether you are working from home during this pandemic or serving the healthcare frontlines, the bottom line is that you deserve to be 100% healthy. This can only happen when you actually know how to boost the immune system.

While there’s no such magic pill for this, the good news is that surely there are tried and tested methods and foods that can help to give your immune system a unique superpower. Before we disclose what is the most trending food nowadays, let us introduce a few basics. Practice social distancing, wash or sanitize your hands every hour, and don’t touch your face. Following these three simple steps is a perfect way, to begin with, the journey of preserving healthy well-being.

Other than this, you can choose and add some immune-boosting foods like citrus fruits, ginger, garlic, broccoli, sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach, and yogurt. Well, how can we forget a very competitive food item – Milk. We didn’t mean the ordinary cow milk here. We are talking about the superfood that is driving the healthy food range – Camel Milk Powder. Sounds surprising, right?

We ultimately have to agree that it might not be as prominent as the buffalo or cow milk that we consume in our routines, but it has a series of benefits that we simply can’t expect. And guess what? You definitely won’t believe that camel milk has been consumed by humans for more than 6,000 years.

Wondering about camel milk powder reviews? The nutrition level is highly rich in calcium, Vitamin B&C, Magnesium, Potassium, and Iron. It has the ability to alleviate those unwanted seasonal allergies and flu, reducing insulin dependency, and easing digestion. Plus, it is low in cholesterol and has a shallow sugar content, making it more suitable for diabetic individuals. If we talk about the texture, then it is the same as the cow milk, whereas the taste is slightly salty.

So, now as you know, what drink boosts your immune system, you are all set to buy one for you and your family. Let’s get started with understanding the benefits in detail.

#1 Boosts Immunity

With a high content of healthy organic compounds and proteins, camel milk powder has been a successful alternative for boosting the immune system. The compounds present in the milk known as immunoglobulins have anti-microbial and anti-viral properties that gradually improve physical well-being. Drink it as you would like to, there’s no limitation to this. Either you can drink it directly or just add to your daily cereal breakfast or smoothie.

#2 Treats Diabetes

Camel milk has a definite amount of insulin that helps prevent and treat both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Scientifically, it is imperative to maintain that perfect balance of glucose and insulin as it alleviates the risk of diabetes. Certainly, there will be no point in using insulin injections if you consume the right amount of healthy camel milk.

#3 Better Blood Circulation

Camel milk powder or even the liquid form has a high iron content. Iron is a vital component of red blood cells and lacking the same can lead to health problems like anemia. Camel milk with a high iron ratio is meant to improve blood circulation and oxygenation of organ extremities and systems.

#4 Promotes a Healthy Heart

Another area to focus on while knowing how to boost the immune system is your heart. Camel milk powder has a significant content of healthy fatty acids that gradually improve the body’s cholesterol levels. In simple words, it turns down the bad cholesterol, regulates blood pressure while reducing the risk of heart strokes and attacks.

#5 Contributes to the Overall Growth

With immense protein levels, which are not that high in the ordinary cow, buffalo, or goat milk, camel milk also contributes to the growth and development of an individual. As protein is the most essential ingredient for building solid body blocks, camel milk develops the organs and bones over time. It is one of the main reasons why it is recommended to infants and children who are malnourished. So, overall 1-2 Tbsp of camel milk powder in their favorite smoothie will benefit them in the long run. Besides, it also keeps the allergies at bay.

The Final Verdict…

Whether you prefer the liquid form or powder form, camel milk is perfect in every way. With all the essential vitamins, calcium, protein, and healthy fats, it is a complete package for all age groups.