Health Benfits of Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is pretty potent and it does take a little getting used too. Adding a splash of fruit juice, honey or stevia to the ACV plus water to help make it more palatable.  Others have recommended mixing 2 Tablespoons of raw, unfiltered ACV into a glass of water. 

What are the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar?

• Rich in potassium, a mineral that is often times lacking in adult diets. This mineral is key for growth, building muscles, transmission of nerve impulses, heart activity etc. It also helps to prevent brittle teeth, hair loss and runny noses.
• Rich in acetic acid. This acid is said to slow the digestion of starch which can help to lower the rise in glucose that commonly occurs after meals.
• Rich in ash which gives ACV its alkaline property. This aids your body in maintaining proper pH levels for a healthy alkaline state. (It is particularly important if you drink a lot of coffee or wine.)
• It can help regulate blood pressure and reduce bad cholesterol.
• Rich in malic acid which gives ACV its anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
• May help improve bowel irregularity and helps to remove toxins from the body at a faster rate.
• It can help clear up skin conditions and blemishes.
• ACV helps with weight loss by breaking down fats so that your body can use them rather than store them.
• A few lab studies have found that ACV may be able to kill cancer cells or slow their growth.

Recipe:
I drink 2 Tablespoons of ACV a day, in the morning, and add 6 ounces of water, 2 ounces of cranberry juice and a splash of lime juice. Then suck it down fast with a straw! LOL!!

If you’re interested in learning more about ACV here are a few links that are worth checking out:

• Raw Apple Cider Vinegar and Ab Definition
• ACV Uses, Benefits and Risks
• Apple Cider Vinegar: What should I know about it?

7 Health Benefits of Oatmeal

7 Health Benefits of Oatmeal

Nothing starts the day off better than a big bowl of warm oatmeal. This traditional breakfast dish has many benefits, particularly for the heart, that make it a smart choice. Not convinced? Still favoring your sugary cereals? Here are seven reasons why oatmeal should be part of your normal diet.

1. Lowers Cholesterol  

Oatmeal contains a special strand of fiber called beta-glucan that studies have shown reduces levels of bad cholesterol—and as high cholesterol is a major risk factor associated with heart disease and strokes, a daily bowl of oatmeal could be a life saver! A daily dose of three grams of fiber, the amount found in one bowl of oatmeal, can lower cholesterol by up to 23 percent and reduce the risk of heat disease by almost half.

2. Boosts Immune System 

Oatmeal’s beta-gluten fiber does more than protect your heart. Beta-gluten can also amp up our immune systems and help fight bacterial infections by helping non-specific immune cells called neutrophils (our body’s first line of defense against pathogens) quickly locate and heal infected tissues.

 

3. Special Antioxidants for Heart Protection 

Oatmeal not only lowers bad cholesterol but protects good cholesterol! Oatmeal contains special antioxidants called avenanthramides that prevent free radicals from attacking good cholesterol, which also helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

4. Stabilizes Blood Sugar 

Because oatmeal is so rich in fiber, eating it in the morning will help stabilize your blood sugar throughout the day and prevent those mid-morning or mid-afternoon “crashes” that results from eating refined sugars and carbs. 

5. Lowers Risk of Diabetes 

Speaking of blood sugar, eating oatmeal can also help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Oatmeal contains high amounts of magnesium, which help the body to properly use glucose and secrete insulin. An eight-year trial showed a 19 percent decrease in type 2 diabetes risk in women with a magnesium-rich diet and a 31 percent risk decrease in women who regularly ate whole grains. Like to enjoy your oatmeal with milk? Eating low-fat dairy products reduces the risk of diabetes by 13 percent.

 

6. Prevents Breast Cancer 

Studies have shown that a diet rich in fiber can protect against breast cancer, particularly if the fiber comes from whole grains. A UK Women’s Cohort Study found that pre-menopausal women who ate fiber from whole grains had a 41 percent less risk of developing breast cancer, while fiber sourced from fruit only offer a 29 percent reduction rate.

7. Gluten-Friendly 

Although oatmeal contains a small amount of gluten, studies have shown that oatmeal is well tolerated by both adults and children with celiac disease.