Showing posts with label THT: the benefits of posts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label THT: the benefits of posts. Show all posts
Happy Thursday friends! Yesterday I posted on instagram that I had a massage. I was surprised to receive a lot of questions about this- the cost, the reasons and even a couple of comments that "it must be nice" to just do this. It made me realize that there are a lot of misconceptions about massage and so today I thought I would share just eleven health benefits of getting a massage.
As a bit of background, I first heard of massage when I was a college student. I am sure that I had heard about it before, but this was the first time that it really was something that "hit me". There were a couple of girls on campus that always looked particularly relaxed and one day I asked them their secret. I will never forget how one of them told me that she got a massage two times a week. 18 year old Rebecca was a bit dumbfounded on how this could be something that college students could afford to do. This sounded lovely to me but I had the false impression that I had to be rich to have this "luxury". After several more conversations with these girls- it turned out that they were getting massages at a massage school and the cost of the massage each session was $10 from a student who was in training.
I didn't think much of it- again mistakenly thinking that this was just something that was for those who wanted to "do some me time" and not understanding the incredible health benefits that massage offers. It wasn't until many years later (in the midst of my health journey with Lyme and multiple other illnesses) that I discovered the health benefits of having a regular massage.
To be honest in the last couple of years this was a health practice that I let "slip" from my health and wellness routine. The last several years have felt more about surviving then thriving and in the midst of "survival" things just got pushed to the side. But this summer I have been healing from a lot of different things- specifically a very toxic work experience of many years that affected me physically and this was a practice that was suggested for me to bring back and I am so glad that I did.
I searched around for a place that would be best for me and my specific needs. A couple of things that were important to me was someone who would listen to a few areas that I wanted worked on gently, it needed to be affordable, and I also needed it to be "shorter" length of time then an hour simply due to detoxing. I found a local wellness and spa that did custom 30 minute massages that were extremely affordable and signed up for my first one. I now do 2 a month and it is an affordable way to help my body heal and be strengthened and it has been a wonderful blessing. It is truly a healthy thing to add to your routine if you are curious. Here are just 11 of my favorite health benefits of getting a massage (with more details on the first point as background to the number one thing that massage helped in my healing process):
1. Massage can help reduce levels of cortisol.
It was not uncommon in the last several years of working at my former job to hear how "worthless" I was in some sort of form. This could be through direct or indirect words, being passed over for multiple promotions and advances, lack of pay increase (even the cost of living was extremely low and didn't meet industry standard), and getting pushed into a single position that had nothing to do with what I was first hired to do (nor what my education or background was in). My job eventually became listening to people in extreme and serious situations every single day that needed serious legal advice and without the support or guidance of my direct boss. I would get phone calls and things needing to be solved as early as 5am in the morning and well into 10-11pm at night and if I tried to reach out to my boss for help with a situation (during normal business hours) my phone calls were either ignored or I was reminded that I needed to "learn and grow" for my position. It didn't matter what I did to try to help the situation (taking multiple courses, attending more seminars and workshops than anyone in my department, having more degrees than anyone in my department, etc.) I was truly on my own. This was just one small part of that toxic work environment. I handled hundreds of calls each month with no support and after four years this affected my nervous system and cortisol levels in deep ways. After I was laid off and my blood work was checked my cortisol levels were off the chart in dangerous ways and knowing that massage can help lower them was truly an answer to helping my body heal from the stress.
2. Massage helps lower pain when done on a consistent basis.
3. Massage can help you sleep better.
4. Massage helps boost your immune system.
5. Massage helps increase your white blood cells (disease fighting cells).
6. Massage can help your skin as it relieves toxins and lymphatic build up (similar to dry brushing).
7. Massage can help those struggling with serious and chronic illnesses by relieving side effects to medication.
8. Massage can help you recuperate from surgery.
9. A very interesting study shows that while all different types of massage are beneficial, there is nothing that states that one type of massage is better than another.
10. The power of massage rests in the lymph movement that massage brings.
11. Mayo Clinic has said that massage therapy can help the following conditions:
*anxiety
*digestive disorders
*fibromyalgia
*headaches
*insomnia related to stress
*myofascial pain syndrome
*parathesias and nerve pain
*soft tissue strains or injuries
*sports injuries
*temporomandibular joint pain
*anxiety
*digestive disorders
*fibromyalgia
*headaches
*insomnia related to stress
*myofascial pain syndrome
*parathesias and nerve pain
*soft tissue strains or injuries
*sports injuries
*temporomandibular joint pain
These are just 11 small health benefits that massage offers! As always you should consult with a physician before beginning any type of alternative therapy. I am curious: do you get regular massages? Have you found any benefits to having massages?
Back in 2013, shortly after I was diagnosed with Advanced Late Stage Lyme and Skin Cancer (among a host of other health issues), I spent several weeks out at a Health Clinic as part of my treatment. I had hoped (not understanding or knowing the severity of my illnesses) that it would be the answer for my health issues. While it wasn't, it was a life-saving time (literally) and where I began the journey of being able to walk and eat again.
While I was there I was introduced to several things that I have continued to incorporate to this day, one of them being Cod Liver Oil. When the doctor first mentioned taking it each day I looked at her with skepticism as I thought she must not have tried the "wonderful" taste of it. At the time she laughed and admitted that this was something that she had been recommending her patients do for years, but had only started taking herself recently. I was skeptical until she started sharing all of the health benefits from adding this quick and simple habit into my life.
I will warn you that the Cod Liver Oil truly does not taste good. There are some brands that offer "taste enhancers" but in my opinion nothing truly masks the taste of Cod Liver Oil! I have found that having a small glass of cranberry juice to sip on immediately after is the only thing that truly kills the taste. I would also recommend working up to the amount you will take slowly. This will help with adjusting to the taste and also provide your body the opportunity to get into the habit of taking it regularly.
The brand that I have found to be the best after lots of research is the Carlson's brand (you can find it on Amazon by clicking HERE!
Cod Liver Oil has been used for over a hundred years. There are recorded notes of Cod Liver Oil being given as early as the 1890s to malnourished children and adults with arthritis!
Here are just 13 amazing benefits of Cod Liver Oil:
1. The anti-inflammatory properties of Cod Liver Oil can help reduce some of the swelling that is known to cause arthritis pain.
2. Cod Liver Oil can help those with high cholesterol and heart disease.
3. Cod Liver Oil has been known to help relieve migraine headaches.
4. Cod Liver Oil has been known to fight inflammation.
5. Cod Liver Oil has been known to help regulate the immune system.
6. Some studies have suggested that Cod Liver Oil inhibits cancer cells!
7. Along the same lines as number 6, Dr. Patrick Quillin who holds a PhD, an RD, and a CNS degree and who wrote the book "Beating Cancer with Nutrition" said: "Fish oil is therapeutic and can slow cancer."
8. Cod Liver Oil has lots of omega-3 fatty acids that are important to the body!
9. Cod Liver Oil contains excellent amounts of EPA and DHA which are important omega-3 fatty acids.
10. Cod Liver Oil contains high levels of Vitamin A.
11. Cod Liver Oil may improve seasonal allergies.
12. Cod Liver Oil helps support healthy eyes.
13. Cod Liver Oil may help depression.
With all of those benefits one small swallow and a little bad taste don't seem that important!
With all of those benefits one small swallow and a little bad taste don't seem that important!
The brand that I have found to be the best after lots of research is the Carlson's brand (you can find it on Amazon by clicking HERE!
I am so curious- do you take Cod Liver Oil? What health benefits do you find from it?
Happy Thursday friends! Y'all know how much I love eating fresh and healthy foods and recently I have been having a yummy and delicious and healthy stuffed mushroom receipe on repeat. I always knew that mushrooms were healthy, but I finally decided to research what the health benefits are! Y'all I am absolutely amazed at the health benefits that they bring to our bodies and wanted to share some of them with you today! Here are just a few of the powerful benefits that are found in baby bella mushrooms:
Baby bella mushrooms (also called cremini) are one of those foods that are easy to overlook, but they are surprisingly nutrient-dense and simple to incorporate into everyday eating. If you are trying to eat more intentionally, this is an easy and affordable place to start. Below are eight health benefits of baby bella mushrooms and why they are worth adding into your routine.
1. Support immune health
Baby bella mushrooms are a good source of selenium, an essential mineral that helps regulate the immune system and protect cells from damage. They also contain ergothioneine, an antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and supports overall immune response, especially during busy or stressful seasons.
2. Rich in antioxidants
Mushrooms provide antioxidants that help your body manage oxidative stress, which is linked to aging and chronic illness. While this is not something you feel immediately, it is one of those long-term benefits that supports overall health over time.
3. Help support energy levels
Baby bella mushrooms contain several B vitamins, including riboflavin and niacin, which help your body convert food into usable energy. If you are feeling consistently tired, this is one small way to support your energy naturally.
4. Support brain health
The antioxidant ergothioneine has been studied for its potential role in protecting brain cells. Some research suggests that regular mushroom consumption may be associated with better cognitive health over time.
5. Promote heart health
Baby bella mushrooms are naturally low in sodium, free of cholesterol, and a source of potassium. These factors help support healthy blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health.
6. Support gut health and digestion
Mushrooms contain dietary fiber, including prebiotic compounds that help feed beneficial gut bacteria. A healthy gut supports digestion, immune function, and overall wellness.
7. Help with weight management
Baby bella mushrooms are low in calories but filling, which makes them helpful if you are trying to eat more intentionally. They can also be used to reduce overall saturated fat intake when incorporated into meals.
8. Provide important trace nutrients
In addition to larger nutrients, baby bella mushrooms provide smaller but important nutrients such as copper, which supports red blood cell formation, along with small amounts of vitamin D when exposed to light and other trace minerals that support overall health.
Baby bella mushrooms are not a trendy “superfood,” but they are consistent, nutrient-dense, and easy to include in a balanced diet. Often, those simple, steady choices are what make the biggest difference over time.
Isn't that amazing friends? Those are just 8 simple benefits of eating baby bella mushrooms and there are so many more! What about y'all? Do you eat baby bella mushrooms? What health benefits have you found from eating them?
{Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health care provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.}
{Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health care provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.}
Lately, I have found myself reaching for pistachios more often than usual.
Maybe it is the season of early spring here in upstate New York, when the air is still cold but the light begins to shift. Maybe it is simply that moment in the afternoon when you want something nourishing but simple. Either way, pistachios have quietly become one of my favorite small rituals during the day.
There is something about the act of opening each shell slowly — a small pause in the middle of a busy day — that feels almost meditative. But beyond their simple charm, pistachios are also one of the most nutritionally powerful nuts you can add to your daily routine. For those of us rebuilding health, routines, and even finances later in life, small habits like this matter more than we often realize.
Here are five health benefits of pistachios that make them such a wonderful addition to everyday living.
1. Pistachios Are Rich in Heart-Healthy Fats
Unlike processed snacks that leave you feeling sluggish, pistachios contain primarily monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health. These healthy fats can help:
* Lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
* Support healthy blood vessels
*Reduce inflammation
Heart health becomes especially important as we move through our 40s and beyond. A small handful of pistachios — about 49 nuts — offers satisfying nutrition without the heaviness of many snack foods.
In many ways, pistachios offer that rare balance: something that feels indulgent but is quietly supporting your long-term health.
2. They Are Surprisingly High in Protein
Pistachios are one of the highest-protein nuts available. A one-ounce serving contains about 6 grams of protein, which helps:
* Keep you full longer
* Support muscle maintenance
* Stabilize energy levels
This makes pistachios a wonderful afternoon snack — especially on long teaching days, writing days, or travel days when meals sometimes become irregular. Instead of a quick sugar spike, pistachios offer steady nourishment.
3. Pistachios Support Eye Health
One of the most fascinating benefits of pistachios is that they contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants known to support eye health. These compounds help protect the eyes from:
* Blue light exposure
* Age-related macular degeneration
* Oxidative stress
For those of us who spend long hours reading, grading papers, writing, or working on screens, this is a quietly important benefit. It is remarkable how often the foods that seem simplest — nuts, olives, fresh fruits — contain the very nutrients our bodies need most.
4. They Can Help Support Healthy Weight Management
Despite being calorie-dense, pistachios can actually support healthy weight management. There are several reasons for this:
• The protein and fiber increase satiety
• The act of opening the shells slows down eating
• Studies suggest the body does not absorb all the calories from whole nuts
In fact, pistachios are often called a “mindful snack.” When you eat them in their shells, the small pile of empty shells beside you becomes a natural reminder of how much you have eaten — encouraging awareness rather than mindless snacking.
5. Pistachios Contain Important Vitamins and Minerals
Pistachios are a nutritional powerhouse in a very small package. They contain:
* Vitamin B6 – supports brain health and immune function
* Potassium – important for blood pressure balance
* Fiber – supports digestion
* Magnesium – supports muscle and nerve function
In many ways, pistachios reflect something we are rediscovering about nutrition: the most nourishing foods are often the ones closest to their natural state.
A Small Ritual Worth Keeping
There is something quietly grounding about a bowl of pistachios on the table.
They are simple. They are nourishing. And they invite you to slow down — even if just for a few minutes.
Perhaps that is why I have been craving them lately. In a world that often moves too quickly, even a handful of pistachios can become a small act of care: for your body, your mind, and the quiet rhythms of everyday life. And sometimes, those small habits are where restoration begins.
Happy Thursday friends! In today's Thursday Health Thought post I am excited to talk more on the importance of detox baths! This was something that I did throughout my fight for my health and life with Advanced Late Stage Lyme Disease, Cancer, and other multiple illnesses that was exceptionally helpful and I have continued it to this day! You can read more about Lyme Detox bath specifically, HERE!
For a LONG time my life consisted of two detox baths a day to help in the role of healing. I did one every single morning and every single evening during my fight for my health. As I healed I lessoned these and now depending on the week, my commitments outside the home, and different times of year I do some approximately 4-6 times a week to help protect and support my health.
To be frank, I am not sure why I didn't start doing detox baths before November 2013. I used to take a relaxing bath once a week years ago, but I never really investigated the arena of detox baths until 2013 when a fellow Lymie suggested it. After several of my Lyme symptoms continued to flare and worsen and become debilitating, I was desperate to find relief and a friend suggested Epsom salt baths.
I researched a ton about it, talked with several other "Lymie friends", discussed it with a naturopath doctor, talked with my physician and medical team, and continued to research some more. After about 4 weeks of intense research I thought it was worth a try and could help me on this journey. Frankly I have never regretted it or looked back.
The benefits that I have found plus the benefits to my health and help in healing were priceless. For a long time I was asked if I really kept up with 2 a day detox baths and the answer was a definite YES. I did them every single day- even on holidays and when I traveled for treatment and continued to do them even when I didn't feel like it or I was exhausted from intense treatment. I did them on the morning of surgeries, on Christmas day, trips for the blog, on vacations, and even on my birthday. In the summers at the cabin where we do not have a tub, someone would drive me (when I was so sick and weak to drive) the two hours back and forth to the house each day to do the baths. There was literally no break. Consistency was a key to healing in general. If I was traveling somewhere where there was not a tub (for instance for the cruises) I would do a modified bath with a LONG shower and a foot detox bath. It wasn't the same, but it still helped keep up the detoxing every single day.
Today I don't stick that to strict of a schedule simply because I have healed and am now in a supporting role of health with my body. So for example, when I travel I don't do the foot detox baths anymore, but just get back into my normal routine when I get home. During the winter when more toxins seem to bring more sickness and because I am out living life, I do more than I do during the summer. In the summer I probably do 1 a week if that but in the winter I probably average 3-6 a week depending on the week.
Today, to be frank, I sometimes do not feel like doing them. Honestly for a while I didn't even want to do them anymore because I was tired of "sick world things". But I have learned over time how vitally important it is to keep supporting your health- even at times you may not "feel like it". Detox baths are one easy and practical way for me to do this. I am on year thirteen of doing this and it is a discipline that isn't really "fun". BUT, while I might not "feel" like doing them, or I am tired, or (the main reason) I often feel like doing something else that is more "fun", I have learned how important that this discipline is for my health and for the support of my body and I view it as a gift.
One of things that best things that a detox bath does is help my body remove unwanted toxins. Due to the fact that I do have the MTHFR gene my body struggles (more than the "normal person") to detoxify. Having added toxins is never good for your health but especially when you are recovering from an intense fight for your life, you do not need to carry additional toxins. These baths are a simple aid that I can use to help my support this detoxification process.
A second thing that a detox bath does is to help strengthen my immune system. When you are seriously ill detox baths can be a simple way of allowing you to absorb some things that you might not be able to otherwise do through your skin. Some of the products that you can use in your detox bath can help strengthen your immune system which can also be a wonderful help! I found the same thing is true when I returned to working outside the home after being homebound for nearly a decade in 2019.
Today, like I mentioned I use the detox baths as a way to gently support my body and plan to continue this for the rest of my life. There are SO many reasons for this:
Benefits of Epsom Salt Detox Baths
So as I mentioned before I take Epsom salt baths (as my base).There are so many benefits of Epsom salts which include:
(1) improving heart health
(2)reducing blood clots
(3) lowering blood pressure
(4) improving the body's ability to use insulin,
(5)reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes,
(6)Flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells
(7) easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances,
(8)Improve nerve function by regulating electrolytes and more."
(All of this information was found on the Epsom Salt Council's website page.)
Type of Baths
I add to the Epsom salt baths a 1/3 of a cup of raw apple cider vinegar (you can read about the benefits of apple cider vinegar here), a 1/3 of a cup of Aloe Vera Juice, and then certain essential oils that I have researched and found to be helpful. For a long time, I did this not only with my symptoms but also help in the healing process of after a fight with a serious illness like Lyme Disease. [I have also been known to add in additional kinds of Aloe Vera juice, probiotics, and even water from stems of greens].
There are so many different detox bath recipes that you can find online or in doing research. Kris Carr has created a detox bath recipe which you can find by clicking here. (Honestly I could list about a thousand so I would encourage you to talk with your physician and do lots of research!)
Temperature of the Bath
As far as the temperature goes I actually varied the temperature every day with every bath while I was sick. It took a crazy amount of planning but I took the time to really think through and map out my baths and their temperatures. There were a couple of reasons for this:
First, many people believe that very hot baths are the best at killing toxins. I believe that there is merit to this, but there is also research coming out of Japan (Kyoto Prefectural University) that states that there is some correlation between extreme hot baths and heart attacks. Due to this (and I don't think this can be stressed enough) it is VERY important to consult with a physician before beginning detox baths.
Second, I also varied the temperature because there is some research that states that taking a cold shower can actually improve your immune function. All of that to say it is best to consult with a physician to come up with a detox bath schedule that works best for you!
Because this is so much part of my life and routine I follow a more simple schedule and rotate throughout the week- adjusting to my body's needs.
Negative Side Effects of Detox Baths
At the end of the day there are some negative side effects of detoxing (which again is why you want to consult a physician) and I would encourage you to go slow. Anyone who has done any type of detoxing knows what I mean. Unfortunately when I first started in 2013, I didn't research as much as I should have, I didn't talk with a physician and jumped right into doing several different detoxifying things. I was sick on top of my fight for my health for several weeks and it was awful and instead of helping me it ended up putting me farther back in my health journey. So definitely consult with a physician before doing anything.
When I started the research process again specifically on detox baths I did things more slowly (even with the amount of the ingredients that I use) and slowly starting adding different detoxifying methods in. At the beginning it felt that I was doing absolutely nothing, but now, over a decade later I can't believe all that my body was doing and does to this day!
So take things slow... and especially if you are seriously ill take things even slower. Treat your body like the warrior that it is and honor it with taking things one step at a time. Drink lots of extra water and rest more. Detoxifying is a process and it is not a sprint so take your time and you will get there!
I would love to know if you take detox baths and what you put in yours! Do you find them helpful?
Looking to read more "Thursday Health Thoughts, The Benefits of Posts"? Click HERE for all of the posts in this series from over the years!
ALL of this information is only to be helpful and I can't stress how important it is to follow the path of a doctor in your detoxifying process. Detoxifying is a necessary part of healing but must be done under the care of a knowledgeable physician.
Happy Thursday friends! Today I am excited to share some practical ways that I use avocados in my daily life and hope that they inspire you! These are thoughts and ideas that I have gathered from around the world and were such incredible concepts that I am so excited to share with you today!First, if you missed my post all about the amazing health benefits of Avocados you can read that HERE! I highly recommend reading that first because it is simply amazing all of the health benefits that this berry offers! (Yes, Avocados are berries - and I share more interesting facts in the post also!) Again, start HERE to read that first!
Second, when a food has so many incredible health benefits, I always look for ways to incorporate that throughout my day in different ways. These uses for avocados are simple things that you can do that will bring you additional health benefits! Here are 9 simple ways to use avocados in your daily life beyond just eating them:
(1) Hair Conditioning
Avocado oil is beneficial for hair health and can be used as a natural conditioner to soften and hydrate dry, brittle hair. It helps repair damage, reduce frizz, and enhance shine, making it a popular ingredient in hair masks and treatments.
One of my favorite combinations is a shampoo and conditioner set that I found on Amazon (and has more than 20,000 5 star reviews!). It combines the best of apple cider vinegar (which I have written about extensively on the blog - you can read more HERE!) as the shampoo and then avocado and coconut as the conditioner! It is a great set and is extremely affordable (less than $25!) Find it HERE!
(2) DIY Face Masks
Mashed avocado can be combined with other natural ingredients such as honey, yogurt, or oatmeal to create homemade face masks. These masks help nourish the skin, unclog pores, and improve overall complexion, leaving the skin feeling soft, smooth, and rejuvenated.
Looking for superfood masks? Check out THIS 12 Pack Sheet that includes many different superfoods including an avocado mask! For less than $6 these are a steal! Click HERE!
(3) Natural Skincare/Soap
Avocado oil is beneficial for skin health and can be used as a natural oil to soften and hydrate dry, skin. It helps repair damage and enhance glow, making it a popular ingredient in many skin treatments.
Avocado oil is also a common ingredient in handmade soap recipes due to its moisturizing and nourishing properties. Avocado oil-based soaps are gentle on the skin and help maintain its natural moisture balance, making them suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
You can find one of my favorite soaps (for less than $2!) HERE! Looking for one specifically for the men in your life? Dove puts out a soap specifically for men that includes avocado oil. You can find it HERE!
(4) Wood Polishing
Avocado oil can be used as a natural alternative to traditional wood polish. Its moisturizing properties help condition and protect wooden furniture, floors, and surfaces, leaving them with a rich, lustrous finish.
(5) Lip Balm
Avocado oil can be used to make homemade lip balms and lip glosses. Its emollient properties help hydrate and soften dry, chapped lips, while its rich texture provides a smooth, glossy finish.
You can find a lip balm that includes avocado oil HERE!
(6) Burn Relief
The cooling and moisturizing properties of avocado oil make it a soothing remedy for minor burns, sunburns, and insect bites. Applying avocado oil to affected areas helps alleviate discomfort, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. While I also use aloe for minor burns (I have an aloe plant but also love this aloe HERE), avocado oil has also quickly become a favorite. You can find a wonderful avocado oil HERE (and guess what? it is less than $6.00!!)
(7) Massage Oil
Another use for avocado oil is to use it as a massage oil. Avocado oil is an excellent base oil for massage blends due to its lightweight texture and skin-nourishing benefits. It glides smoothly over the skin, allowing for effortless massage while moisturizing and conditioning the skin.
Again, find a wonderful and affordable avocado oil HERE!
(8)Natural Dye
If you are an artist who likes to use eco-friendly methods in your creations, than avocados can become your answer! Avocado pits can be boiled to extract a natural pink dye, which can be used to color fabrics, yarns, and other materials. This eco-friendly dyeing method produces soft, muted shades of pink and is popular among environmentally-conscious crafters and textile artists.
(9) Gardening
Y'all might remember doing this as a project in school (I know my mom used it as an Elementary teacher in her 3rd and 4th grade science classes) but you can grow your own avocado plant at home!
Avocado pits can be used to grow avocado plants at home. By suspending the pit over water with toothpicks, roots will sprout, and eventually, a new avocado tree will grow. This can be a fun and educational gardening project for children and adults alike!
I hope that these 9 easy and effective ways to include avocados in your daily life have been helpful friends! What are ways that you include avocados in your life?
I first heard of "dry brushing" when I read Kris Carr's book, Crazy Sexy Cancer when I was in my early 20s. I was intrigued and did it for a little bit. Unfortunately, I admit that as time went on I wasn't sure I felt any benefits so I let this important health ritual slip and it didn't become part of my lifestyle routine until I was fighting for my life. After looking up and researching all of the health benefits I was shocked and added this back into my daily routine and have never stopped. Today I wanted to share those health benefits with y'all!
And if you are not sure how to dry brush you can read my article on the step-by-step guide to dry brushing by clicking HERE.
And if you are looking for a brush this Popchose dry brush is my absolute favorite. They also have a long handled brush option (HERE) which is fantastic! One of the things that I love about this brush is that it has a long handle so that all parts of my body are easy to reach. Y'all know I travel a lot for work so I also love that the handle can detatch to make it easier to pack!
For less than $9 (for one) you will definitely get your money's worth and it can be found on Amazon HERE! Depending on how often you use your brush (I try to dry brush twice a day) you should change out your brush every 3-4 months to continue to reap the most health benefits.
For less than $9 (for one) you will definitely get your money's worth and it can be found on Amazon HERE! Depending on how often you use your brush (I try to dry brush twice a day) you should change out your brush every 3-4 months to continue to reap the most health benefits.
What are the Health Benefits of Dry Brushing?
1. First, dry brushing stimulates the circulation & lymphatic systems within our body's.
2. Bloated? Some sources state that dry brushing will help decrease bloating because you are massaging the body and this helps it to release excess water and toxins.
3. Dry brushing helps the body eliminate toxins.
4. Cellulite? Dry brushing helps create smoother skin and can reduce cellulite.
5. Dry brushing can help aid with digestive issues.
6. Dry brushing can help increase your blood flow.
7. Dry brushing can help promote cell renewal.
8. Dry brushing can help unclog pores.
9. Sit at a computer screen for most of the day? One article stated that by using dry brushing techniques you can release tension in your neck and shoulders that is common in jobs that require sitting for most of the day.
10. Dry brushing can help with stimulating the nervous system.
11. Are you detoxing? Many sources state that you should add dry brushing to your detox routine to make it more beneficial.
Wanting to know how to correctly dry brush? Check out my post on the step-by-step guide to dry brushing by clicking HERE.
Happy Thursday friends! Y'all know how much I love eating fresh and healthy foods and recently I have been eating so many avocados throughout each week that I finally decided to research what the health benefits are and I was amazed.
Y'all, even after more than a decade of writing about the benefits of different foods and things in life, I still stand amazed at the health benefits that good food brings to our bodies! So today I wanted to share just some of the benefits with you today!
First a couple of interesting facts to know:
1. Avocados Are Berries
Despite their savory taste and appearance, avocados are technically berries, not vegetables. Botanically speaking, a berry is a fruit that develops from the ovary of a single flower and contains seeds embedded within the fleshy pulp. Avocados fit this definition perfectly, making them a type of berry.
2. Avocados Can't Ripen on the Tree
Okay y'all, this to me was just fascinating! Unlike many fruits that ripen on the tree before harvesting, avocados remain hard and unripe until they are picked. Avocados undergo the ripening process only after they are harvested. This unique characteristic allows growers to pick avocados when they are mature but still firm, ensuring optimal quality during transportation and storage.
3. They Are Extremely Nutrient-Dense
Avocados are not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. They are loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Avocados are an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, which is beneficial for heart health. Additionally, they contain high levels of potassium, fiber, vitamin K, vitamin E, and various antioxidants, making them one of the most nutrient-dense fruits available.
4. An Historical Fact For My History Loving Heart:
Avocados have a long history and archaeological evidence suggests that avocados were first cultivated in Central America. The avocado was known to be cherished by several ancient civilizations, who considered it a symbol of fertility and used it for both culinary and medicinal purposes.
Today I am so excited to share with y'all 10 powerful benefits that are found in avocados:
1. Avocados are Rich with Many Essential Nutrients
Avocados are packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, as well as folate, magnesium, and potassium. A single avocado contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health and well-being.
2. Avocados Help Protect our Eyes
Avocados contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two powerful antioxidants that are essential for eye health. These compounds help protect the eyes against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts by filtering harmful blue light and reducing oxidative stress.
3. Avocados are Great for Your Heart
Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, which is beneficial for heart health. These healthy fats help lower levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) while raising levels of good cholesterol (HDL), reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
4. Avocados are Rich in Fiber
Just one avocado provides a significant amount of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health and regular bowel movements. Fiber also helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and promotes a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management.
5. Avocados Help With Digestion
The soluble and insoluble fiber found in avocados supports healthy digestion by promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. Additionally, the high fiber content helps nourish beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthy gut microbiome.
I found this to be particularly interesting - especially for me personally with one of the issues that I critically struggled with during my battle with Lyme. One severe area that Lyme attacked was my entire digestive system, colon, etc. Despite not being able to eat many foods Avocados always helped me and were a critical part of my nutrition and therapy in getting well. SO interesting!
6. Avocados have Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Avocados contain various compounds, such as phytosterols and polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols (PFAs), that possess anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help reduce inflammation throughout the body, which is linked to chronic diseases such as arthritis and heart disease.
7. Weight Management
Despite their rich texture, avocados can be beneficial for weight management when consumed in moderation. The combination of healthy fats, fiber, and low carbohydrates helps keep you feeling full and satisfied, reducing the likelihood of overeating.
8. Skin Health
The abundance of vitamins and antioxidants in avocados makes them excellent for skin health. Vitamin E, in particular, helps protect the skin from oxidative damage, while vitamin C promotes collagen production, keeping the skin firm and youthful.
Aside from the skin, this oral surgeon in Chattanooga TN adds that avocado is also good for your teeth. Its high potassium content helps maintain bone density, including the jawbone that supports your teeth. Vitamin C is essential for healthy gums, while vitamin E has antioxidant properties that can help protect against oral diseases. Additionally, the healthy fats in avocados support overall health, including dental health.
9. Brain Health
The monounsaturated fats found in avocados are not only beneficial for the heart but also for the brain. Consuming healthy fats supports cognitive function and may reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
10. Lower Risk of Metabolic Syndrome:
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions—including high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels—that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Regular consumption of avocados has been associated with a lower risk of metabolic syndrome, thanks to their nutrient profile and beneficial effects on various metabolic markers.
Looking for the Avocado benefits but don't enjoy the texture or flavor? Try purchasing the powder extract for health benefits! You can find a very popular kind HERE!
Also- y'all I have been loving THIS avocado oil that I have been using on my skin! You can find it HERE for less than $6!!
Interested in finding out more about different health benefits of different foods and habits Click HERE to check out a whole page of linked helpful resources of blog posts from the past decade!!
Interested in "berry specific" health benefit blog posts? Check out the following posts by clicking on the links below!
What about you? Have you found any amazing benefits or helpful from consuming avocados? I would love to hear how you incorporate avocados into your daily life!
{Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health care provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.}
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