Top 5 Best Movies of 2018 So Far

2018 has been a roller coaster of cinematic year.

Disney continue to rule the world thanks to all of the Marvel and Star Wars and Pixar releases, while the high benchmark of quality horror set by 2017 has continued to power on through to this year too, with some of the very best and very worst releases to be found in that genre.

So without further ado, here are our top five and bottom five movies of 2018 so far…

#5 – BLOCKERS

It was a toss up between this and Game Night, but we had to give this one the edge, simply because the trailer was so horrendously awful, that the really-very-funny final product came as a total shock.

Plus, the female-centric coming-of-age sex comedy gave us a new angle on a done-to-death sub-genre. Plus there was butt-chugging, and that’s never not funny.

#4 – ANNIHILATION

The guy behind Ex Machina returns with a Netflix exclusive about an all-female scientist group sent into the woods to find out why every other scientist group that has gone in there have never come back. One of the most visually beautiful horrors ever made, and with the kind of IQ that is probably exactly the reason why they kept it away from the cinema in the end.

Natalie Portman delivers a brilliant performance, but really this is another feather in the cap for writer/director Alex Garland.

#3 – YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE

The best movie nobody went to see. Resident cinematic oddball Joaquin Phoenix plays a .. well, a bit of a total oddball in Lynne Ramsey’s first movie since 2011’s We Need To Talk About Kevin. The writer/director of Movies With Very Long Titles gives us a super-grimy revenge story, with Phoenix playing a kind-of-assassin, who ends up diving headlong into a child sex ring and the powerful men who run it don’t want him snooping around.

This kind of film that requires a shower immediately afterwards, but also one that will have you talking about it non-stop for days.

#2 – A QUIET PLACE

John Krasinski pulled off triple-duty here, playing writer/director/star for this minimalist horror with a face-palm’ingly obvious, why-didn’t-anyone-think-of-this-before premise. Monsters will kill you if you make any noise, so silence is your friend.

The movie forced audiences to let their popcorn go uneaten as the fear of making any noise spilled into reality, as the Krasinski and real-life wife Emily Blunt managed to get you on the family’s side almost immediately, and then follow through with some of the most insanely tense set-pieces you can imagine.

#1 – HEREDITARY

Despite the many shocking scenes, Hereditary is so much more than that. Oscar-worthy performances. Absolutely beautiful imagery. A thoughtful drama on the stresses of family and the damages passed on down from parents to their children. And then there is the horror aspect, which creeps under your skin just enough to be constantly setting off goosebumps, all the while building up a constant sense of dread.

Normal horror movies, there is a build up, and then there is a scare, and then our tension is reset to zero. In Hereditary, there is a build up, and then a scare, but there is no relief. It simply continues to build up the tension until you’re convinced you’re going to have a panic attack. More endurance test than entertainment, and all the better for it.

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You Need Just 5 Minutes To Get Rid Of A Headache Without Medication

We all experience headaches from time to time. The pain can vary from dull to raging. When you have a headache, it is hard to stay focused or to perform daily tasks.

Sometimes we cannot get a natural remedy like white willow bark, so we turn to meds.

Anyway, you do not need pills when you have a headache because there are six pressure points that can help you out.

Massage Helps

We often rub our head when we are in pain. But, why we do that? Just like acupuncture, acupressure is a very old technique that applies the same theory. In acupuncture we use needles, but in acupressure, we use gentle, firm touch.

The point is to send our body signals while using an external force in order to stimulate energy. With the help of the pressure, we start the natural healing process that begins to ease the pain, restore balance, as well as fight a disease.

Throughout the body we have meridians, and they connect many points. During a headache, you may start massaging the base of your neck or your temples without even being aware what you are doing. And, this is acupressure.

One Taiwanese study revealed that acupressure is more effective than meds in easing the pain as well as decreasing the frequency of constant headaches. So, in this article, we offer you six pressure points that will help you relieve your pain.

Acupressure – How to Use it?

When you want to perform acupressure, you need to:

– Sit somewhere in a comfortable position. Then, close your eyes, and make sure to inhale deep and even breaths.

– Use deep and firm pressure to every pressure point. Massage in small circular motion. In this way, you will stimulate blood flow under the surface.

– Massaging every point needs to take half a minute to a minute. You can perform the massage again in 10 minutes if you still have a headache.

– Acupressure is safe, and you can use it whenever you need.

Which Are the 6 Pressure Points?

Make sure to have a productive day by not letting your headache take away your concentration and productivity. Here are the pressure points you need to massage in order to ease your pain.

Pressure Point #1 – Yintang

This pressure point is also popular as “the third eye.” It is located between your eyebrows on the bridge between your nose and forehead. This is an important point for those who do not sleep enough or work in front of a computer.

Also, if you experience insomnia, vertigo, or eye fatigue, you can use this pressure point to relieve the conditions.

Pressure Point #2 – Zan Zhu

These points are positioned at the base of your inner eyebrows, more precisely, at the edge of the supraorbital notch bone. A lot of people touch these points reflexively when they have a headache.

You can massage these points to relieve blurred vision, stiff neck, dizziness, psychosis, repeated sneezing, as well as eye disease.

Pressure Point #3 – Yingxiang

Yingxiang pressure points are located on both sides of your nostrils under your cheekbone, at the area where your nose meets your cheek.

Besides being great for headaches, these points are excellent for relieving nosebleeds, congestion, allergies, and sinus issues. Even those who have acute respiratory tract infections, find these points useful in easing nasal congestion.

Pressure Point #4 – Tian Zhu

On both sides of your spine on the base of the skull, there are these two points. Tian Zhu is great for relieving body aches, memory, dizziness, fever, back and shoulder pain, stiff neck, nasal congestion, lack of concentration, and sore throat.

Pressure Point #5 – Shuai Gu

Shuai gu point is positioned about one inch above the front curve of your ear. To know for sure that you have hit the spot, you are supposed to feel a slight notch in the bone.

It helps in easing vertigo, migraine, vomiting, and it improved tinnitus. In order to get the best results, you should massage both sides of your head.

Pressure Point #6 – He Gu

When you hold your thumb against your index finger, there is located this point. When you open your hand, you feel the point in the part of your muscle between your thumb and hand.

If you properly massage this point, you can ease jaw pain, migraine, diarrhea, tension headache, congestion, stomach ache, dizziness, constipation, and sinusitis.

When you have a headache, then there is something going on in your body. Acupressure treats the cause, but it can also relieve stress, improve blood and lymph circulation, and increase your energy.

One trial that lasted two years and involved 500 people with a migraine, cluster headaches and tension revealed that because of acupressure, they replaced meds like steroids, methysergide, propanol, ergotamine preparations, and analgesics.

Acupressure is easy to perform, and it does not have toxic effects. Well, next time when you have a headache, you should not look in your medicine cabinet, but use your fingers to massage the points that treat headaches.

Source: www.InTheHouseOfHealth.info

This Is Why You Need To Put Essential Oils On Your Feet Every Night Before Bed

In case you love essential oils, and have some, you already know that they are extremely beneficial for health and have intense relaxing and calming properties.

These oils despite being amazing for aromatherapy, also offer other benefits as well.

Essential oils can be applied to the feet at bedtime and ensure you get a healthy sleep during the night, according to reflexologists.

In fact the soles of the feet have 5 skin layers and no hair follicles. The pores are absorbent and quickly absorb the essential oil into the bloodstream.

It was shown that as soon as the essential oil is applied to the foot, its traces can be found throughout the body in less than 20 minutes.

The palms and soles are the only body areas without sebaceous glands and these glands produce sebum, which is an oily substance that protects and weakens the skin’s ability to absorb foreign materials.

When the soles and palms lack these glands, they can easily absorb essential oils.

Important is that the feet have 72,000 nerve endings each, which is more per square centimeter than any other body part. According to this to this fact, the East Asian medicine has treated various diseases and illnesses by stimulating certain foot points.

It is believed that body organs and systems are linked through meridians of energy that end in the feet, hands, ears and face. This healing tradition is known as reflexology.

According to reflexology the application of essential oils on the feet helps the properties of the oil to reach the body organs and systems and assist healing.

These oils are too concentrated to be applied directly on the body, so you need to dilute them with water or coconut oil to lower the risk of swelling or irritations.

The feet skin is the least sensitive, so you can freely apply any kind of essential oil on the soles.

If you use of essential oils topically it helps the active compounds to directly enter the bloodstream, instead of going through the digestive system and the liver, when ingested.

Consult a naturopath about the most beneficial essential oil to use in order to treat your health issue and gain most health benefits. Apply it on your feet and experience quick health improvements!

How Much Apple Cider Vinegar Should You Drink?

Apple cider vinegar is made from fermenting apples and has amazing health benefits. Drinking diluted apple cider vinegar can help to get rid of toxins from your body, assist in weight loss programs, and has cardiovascular benefits.

So, you may be wondering how much apple cider vinegar you should drink to benefit your health.

Drinking the right amounts of apple cider vinegar a day to stay healthy isn’t hard to do. At first, you might have to get used to the strong taste of diluted apple cider vinegar.

However, you can add some delicious honey to improve its taste. This will help make sure that you are able to drink apple cider vinegar in the right quantities to benefit from it.

Consuming very large amounts of apple cider vinegar (ACV) daily has been associated with a mineral imbalance in the body. But, taking 2-4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar is generally a safe amount.

There are also some precautions with the daily dose of apple cider vinegar to avoid damaging tooth enamel or upsetting your digestive system.

In this article, I will look at how much apple cider vinegar per day you can safely drink. You will also find out how consuming small amounts of apple cider vinegar daily can help give your health a great boost.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries as a health tonic and to help disinfect wounds.

Apple cider vinegar is made from fermenting apples and adding bacteria which converts the alcohol to acetic acid. This results in a liquid that has antiseptic properties and healthy bacteria.

The main active ingredient in apple cider vinegar is acetic acid which has potent health benefits.

Apple cider vinegar contains about 1 calorie per teaspoon or 3 calories per tablespoon, which is very low.

Organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (like Bragg’s or other organic brands) contains the “mother” which gives it a cloudy appearance. The “mother” contains healthy enzymes and bacteria that could be responsible for some of the vinegar’s health benefits.

According to the journal Medscape General Medicine, apple cider vinegar contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and polyphenolic compounds.

This means that apple cider vinegar contains antioxidant compounds that can help kill off free radicals when consumed.

The journal also said that among the benefits of drinking small amounts of apple cider vinegar daily are boosting cardiovascular health, controlling blood glucose levels, and ridding the body of toxins.

How Much Apple Cider Vinegar Should You Drink?

There is no official apple cider vinegar dosage per day but most people consume 1-4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar daily.

Because diluted apple cider vinegar has a strong taste, many people start off by drinking small amounts of apple cider vinegar diluted in a glass of water.

For example, you could start consuming 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar a day to begin with. Try this for a few days until you get used to the taste.

Then, you could gradually increase the amount of ACV that you consume.

By a week or so, you should be drinking about 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar once or twice daily. This way you will be able to get the benefits from a consumption of 1-4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar per day.

To improve the taste of diluted apple cider vinegar, you could add a little raw honey to the health drink. Actually, consuming apple cider vinegar together with honey has amazing health benefits.

The Best Type of Apple Cider Vinegar to Drink Every Day

It’s important to remember that not all apple cider vinegars are the same.

Much of the apple cider vinegar that is sold in supermarkets has all the good bacteria removed from it.

The best type of apple cider vinegar to drink is raw, organic, and unprocessed which still has the “mother” in it.

According to the journal Medscape General Medicine, the “mother” of apple cider vinegar is composed of yeast and acetic acid bacteria.

The “mother” looks like bits floating in the ACV when you shake the bottle.

Apple cider vinegar then takes on a cloudy appearance.

The Health Benefits of Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Daily

Let’s look at the many health benefits you can get if you drink a couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar diluted in water daily.

Apple cider vinegar for detox

To help rid your body of toxins and detox your liver, you should drink 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar twice a day before your meals.

According to the journal Pharmaceutical Biology, consuming fruit vinegars can help decrease liver damage. Scientists studied the effect of antioxidants in apple vinegars and found that they are beneficial to the health of the liver.

You can combine other ingredients such as honey, green tea or cinnamon and make some delicious natural detox drinks using apple cider vinegar.

Assists in losing weight

Drinking 2 glasses a day of diluted apple cider vinegar can actually help you to lose weight faster.

Of course, just drinking apple cider vinegar without dieting and exercising won’t help you lose a lot of weight in a short amount of time.

However, apple cider vinegar can help increase feelings of satiety and boost your metabolism.

According to a study from 2009, the acetic acid content of vinegar helped obese men lose weight. The men consumed 2 tablespoons of vinegar (30 ml) in a large glass of water daily for 12 weeks.

The group that consumed the vinegar drink daily had lower body weight and BMI compared with the group who drank just water.

Also, the journal Nature Communications reported that a daily consumption of liquid that has acetic acid in it helps to reduce appetite. The researchers discovered that acetic acid has a direct role in appetite regulation.

If you want to drink the right amounts of apple cider vinegar to lose weight, start by adding 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a cup of water before every meal.

Then, increase the amount of vinegar per serving until you consume a daily amount of 2 tablespoons of ACV mixed with a cup of water.

Helps regulate blood sugar levels

Another way that drinking enough apple cider vinegar daily can benefit you is that it helps regulate blood sugar levels.

The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study showing how the acetic acid content of vinegar can help regulate blood sugar levels.

It was found that drinking apple cider vinegar significantly lowered the blood glucose response. The researchers discovered that the results were dependent on the amount of diluted vinegar consumed.

To help prevent blood sugar levels spiking after a meal, try drinking a large glass of water with 2 tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar added.

Can help manage type-2 diabetes symptoms

The fact that apple cider vinegar can help regulate blood sugar levels is good news for many who suffer from diabetes.

A daily dose of drinking 1 or 2 tablespoons of diluted apple cider vinegar can help manage diabetes and improve insulin sensitivity.

For example, the journal Diabetes Care published a study showing how drinking 20 g of apple cider vinegar in 40 g of water before a meal can help manage some diabetes symptoms.

The result was that insulin was greatly reduced in patients who consumed the ACV drink. This also helped to improve fasting glucose concentrations.

If you have diabetes, it’s important to follow the advice of your doctor.

However, many doctors recommend certain foods that can help to control diabetes naturally. You could also check some delicious herbs and spices that assist in controlling diabetes.

It’s also important for everyone to be aware of the warning signs of diabetes.

May assist in controlling cholesterol

Taking just one glass a day of diluted apple cider vinegar may help to bring down your “bad” (LDL) cholesterol levels.

Scientists found that supplementing a diet with apple cider vinegar drinks helped to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL).

At the same time, drinking a daily dose of apple cider vinegar increased levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL, or “good” cholesterol). The researchers concluded that apple cider vinegar can help improve serum lipid profile.

Helps regulate blood pressure

You should drink a glass or two of diluted apple cider vinegar per day if you want to help reduce your blood pressure.

According to a research carried out in 2001, acetic acid has an anti-hypertensive effect when consumed regularly. In clinical experiments, acetic acid in various vinegars caused a significant reduction in high blood pressure.

This happened because acetic acid affects an enzyme that helps regulate high blood pressure.

Of course, if you have high blood pressure, you should continue to take your medication. However, by regularly drinking 2 glasses of apple cider vinegar a day, you may see a drop in your blood pressure.

How to Drink Apple Cider Vinegar

What is the best way to drink apple cider vinegar if you want to use it for its health benefits?

First, you should never drink apple cider vinegar undiluted. At the end of the article, you will find out reasons why. There are also reasons not to drink apple cider vinegar in very large quantities.

For most people, the best way to drink apple cider vinegar is to dilute 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar in a large glass of water.

Adding some honey will not only improve the sharp taste of apple cider vinegar but will also add many other benefits.

The Best Time to Drink Apple Cider Vinegar

Depending on your reasons for drinking apple cider vinegar, there may be different times in the day when you can take ACV for the most benefit.

For example, drinking small amounts of apple cider vinegar before a meal could benefit your health. This is especially true if you are using ACV to lose weight, increase feelings of satiety after a meal, or regulate blood sugar levels.

Drinking water with 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before a meal helps you feel fuller for longer.

If you have type-2 diabetes, there may be benefits of consuming apple cider vinegar before going to bed. For example, the journal Diabetes Care reported that drinking apple cider vinegar at night before retiring helped to improve next-morning fasting glucose levels.

Some people also prefer taking a large glass of apple cider vinegar first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. If you feel a bit queasy after drinking diluted apple cider vinegar, you may be advised to take the glass just before a meal.

Once you get used to the strong smell, you will find that a daily dose of apple cider vinegar is an easy lifestyle habit to have.

Some people also recommend taking a break every now and then from consuming ACV to give your body a break so you may want to take a week or two off after every few months.

Precautions When Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar

What are some of the side effects of drinking apple cider vinegar every day? Here are a few issues that some people have had.

Can upset your digestive system

Some people who start consuming apple cider vinegar on a daily basis find that it leaves them feeling a bit queasy.

The International Journal of Obesity reported that apple cider vinegar can be used to enhance satiety and reduce appetite. However, for some people, ingesting apple cider vinegar makes them feel nauseous.

If you have just started taking a glass or two of apple cider vinegar daily, try reducing the amount of apple cider vinegar you add to the drink. You can then gradually increase the amount of apple cider vinegar as your stomach gets used to it.

Can affect tooth enamel if consumed undiluted

One of the reasons that you should never consume apple cider vinegar undiluted is that it can ruin tooth enamel.

The journal Clinical Laboratory reported that undiluted vinegar could affect tooth enamel and lead to erosion. However, there can be other reasons that affect tooth enamel more than just vinegar.

If you are worried about the effect of apple cider vinegar on your teeth, you could swish some water around your mouth after drinking a glass, or simply use a straw.

Also, avoid cleaning your teeth for 30 minutes after consuming ACV to prevent the acidity of vinegar affecting your teeth more.

Will cause burns when undiluted

Another reason to never use apple cider vinegar undiluted is that it can cause burns on your skin or esophagus.

The correct way of using apple cider vinegar is always by diluting it. If you are using apple cider vinegar on your skin, then dilute apple cider vinegar in at least one-part water to one-part apple cider vinegar.

The journal Acta Paediatrica reported that ingesting undiluted vinegar is a reason for suffering burns to the throat or esophagus.

Large amounts of ACV could lower potassium

There is one reported case of a woman who suffered from low potassium levels and osteoporosis from regularly drinking far too much apple cider vinegar. It was reported that she had consumed 250 ml apple cider vinegar daily for the previous 6 years.

You should only drink small amounts of apple cider vinegar daily (maximum 4 tablespoons diluted in 2 large glasses of water) and take a break every so often to prevent any risk of a potassium deficiency.

Can delay gastric emptying

One concern with drinking apple cider vinegar daily is if you have type-1 diabetes and suffer from delayed gastric emptying.

Drinking 1 or 2 glasses a day of diluted apple cider vinegar could delay gastric emptying. In healthy individuals, that usually isn’t a problem.

However, the journal BMC Gastroenterology reported that people with type-1 diabetes can already have diabetic gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying), so adding ACV can make it worse, and this could have a negative impact on controlling insulin levels.

If Your Doctor Orders You To Have a Colonoscopy, Just Say The Following:

One of the most common procedures in the world of medicine is the colonoscopy, it is also one of the most feared and with more myths around it.

In this test the doctor can see inside the state and health of your intestines, both thick and thin, but it is not clear if it is really the only way to do it.

This test has the purpose of detecting some problem, whether it is ulcers, polyps, tumors, hemorrhages or certain inflammations that do not allow your intestines to function as they should.

Each year millions of healthy people around the world undergo this test in the hope of detecting any problem in this area of the body in time.

Although it is true that it could detect certain problems, the question arises: Is it really necessary that you submit to this test?

Today you will know the answer to this and you will know if it is really effective as your doctor is telling you. Continue reading and learn much more about such a delicate subject.

When the doctor orders you to have a colonoscopy, do this:

What you may not know is that this procedure is really dangerous, it even becomes deadly.

It is said that 0.5% of people who undergo it are left with an injury in this area of the body or even come to die because of it. This figure is 22% higher than people who die from the type of cancer that arises in this area.

When you perform this test there is also the possibility of leaving infected with a disease such as HIV, HPV, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, and V, salmonella, among others. Because of all this, we want to clarify that the colonoscopy is a scam, an unnecessary procedure that enriches the doctors.

f what you want is to leave doubts you can perform a non-invasive rectal immuno-chemical test which is equally effective and has no risk to your health.

You know, the next time your doctor asks you to take this test, you tell him about the unnecessary dangers involved and ask him to perform the other non-invasive or dangerous exam.

Share with your friends so that no one should go through this terrible test again!

Why the Drinking of Iced Water is so Dangerous For You?

Not many people understand why warm water is far better than ice cold. Hopefully, this article will help you see things better.

But, first, try this:

Close your eyes and imagine yourself being on a wooden dook that extends into a mountain lake. Sun is shining, birds are singing. Spring is awesome. The top layer of the lake has just melted. You decide to dive in the lake.

Now, how does your body react? Are you relaxed or constricted?

If by any chance you did not know it, warm water loosens skin and opens pores, and cold water constricts it and closes pores. The same happens to your digestive tract when you drink ice cold water.

What does cold water do to your body?

— Body spends more energy to regulate its temperature instead of absorbing nutrients and digesting food. This may result in water loss.

— Cold drinks restrict digestion, shrinks blood vessels and hinders hydration.

— When drinking cold drinks while eating food, cold temperature solidifies fat from the food you eat and your body cannot digest undesired fats from the body properly.

— If you prefer drinking cold water after your meals, your body deals with excess mucus, which affects the function of your immune system, so you are likely to catch a cold or struggle with a disease.

People believe that cold water helps in burning calories. But, you sure do not need your digestive system working harder, and try to make things a bit different. You can burn calories in many other ways, without affecting vital functions in your body.

Why is warm water better for you?

– Stimulates digestive enzymes and enhances digestion

– Hydrates tissues faster

– Improves better bowel movement. Try warm lemon water in the morning

– Your body breaks down food more efficiently

– Boosts natural detoxification in your body and cleanses blood via kidneys, skin and lymphatic system

Once you decide to go for warm water or water at room temperature, you will experience better digestion and your body will feel much lighter after or during meals. Some people claim that drinking warm water has reduced their sugar cravings.

Do You Get Enough Sun? Researchers Explain How It Affects Your Health

IF NOBODY HAS TOLD YOU, LET US BE THE FIRST: THE SUN IS NOT DANGEROUS.

Our planet has been around for nearly 4.6 billion years. Human beings evolved alongside the bright star. In fact, the wondrous Sun is what allows and advances life on Earth.

“Dr. Robert Stern, chair of the Department of Dermatology at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, calls them “solar-phobes”: people so concerned about getting so cancer that they stay inside or cover every bit of skin.” – Harvard Health Publications: “Benefits of moderate sun exposure”

But do you know what is dangerous? Human ignorance about two key things:

First, not understanding the sun’s effects on us as individuals. Without this information, we can’t know what level of exposure is safe or unsafe.

Second, not taking preventative measures to counteract underexposure or overexposure. Underexposure, or lack of sunshine, is just as dangerous as overexposure.

The Sun is Healthy – in Moderation

Gee, how many times have we been told something is good for us “in moderation?” Alcohol, dark chocolate, dairy, sleeping, exercising… all best done “in moderation.”

Provided that there’s an accurate measure that defines moderation for an activity (e.g. one-two drinks, 7-9 hours), it can be excellent advice! We can then implement this advice to improve and maintain our health – or abstain from things that may be harmful.

This same moderation concept applies to the sun.

Health Benefits of Sunshine

(Note: As with anything health-related, it’s important to be aware of any existing medical condition(s). If you’re unsure, please speak with your doctor.

This article’s contents are not intended to replace professional medical advice.)

HERE ARE 5 HEALTH OF THE BIGGEST (MOST APPROPRIATELY) BENEFITS OF SUNLIGHT:

1. THE SUN PACKS VITAMIN D

In some medical circles, vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin” and sun exposure can help produce this crucial nutrient. Vitamin D is also available in certain foods and supplements.

Vitamin D serves many important functions within the body, which include:

– Maintaining normal calcium and phosphate levels

– Promoting bone and cell growth

– Promoting calcium absorption

– Reducing inflammation

2. IT LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE

In a groundbreaking study conducted by Dr. Richard Weller and his colleagues at the University of Edinburg, researchers found a chemical important for reducing blood pressure in sunlight.

Nitric oxide is released into the blood vessels when sunlight touches the skin. This decreases BP.

According to Dr. Weller, the benefits of sun exposure – including a healthier and longer life – “far outweigh the risk of getting skin cancer.”

3. IT IMPROVES BRAIN FUNCTION

In a study undertaken by neuroscientists at the University of Cambridge, Dr. David Llewellyn and his colleagues measured the Vitamin D levels of 1,700 adults aged 65 and over.

After analyzing the results, the research team noticed higher rates of cognitive deficiencies in people low in Vitamin D.

Additional studies claim that sunlight also hastens the growth of brain cells within the hippocampus; the brain region responsible for forming, organizing, and storing memories.

4. ALLEVIATES MILD DEPRESSION

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, “is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons – SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year.” SAD is informally known as the “winter blues” disorder.

Psychologists, psychiatrists, and other medical professionals have linked the low availability of sunlight during certain periods of the year (most notably, fall and winter) to the disorder.

Ever wondered why sunny days perk you up while gray skies don’t?

Because the brain produces more of the neurotransmitter serotonin (“the happy chemical”) on sunny days than on overcast days.

5. IT HEALS CERTAIN SKIN DISORDERS

Skin cancer is perhaps the one biggest knock against the big bright star. Skin cancer caused by Melanoma is “the most dangerous form of skin cancer, (when) these cancerous growths develop (and trigger) mutations that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors.”

Per the Skin Cancer Foundation, “If melanoma is recognized and treated early, it is almost always curable.”

Let’s put what we just read in context. (1) Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. (2) If we pay attention and seek treatment, it’s curable just about every time.

In spite of oft-cited hyperbole about skin cancer, the sun helps heal skin disorders at a far greater rate than it causes them. 

Just a few of the conditions the sun helps include acne, eczema, jaundice, and psoriasis.

Protecting Yourself

Per the United States Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), there are three key elements of skin protection: genetic and lifestyle traits, monthly examinations, and blocking UV rays.

Genetic and lifestyle characteristics:

a) Do you spend a lot of time outdoors?

b) Do you get sunburnt easily?

c) Do you have any of the following?

– Large, numerous, or irregularly-shaped moles

– Blond, red, or light brown hair

– Freckles

– Fair skin (‘pale’)

If you meet any of the above criteria, consult with your doctor about how much time you should spend in the sun.

Monthly examinations:

– As skin cancers detected early can easily be cured, it is essential that you examine your skin monthly.

– The “most important sign,” per OSHA, “is a spot on the skin that is changing in size shape, or color during a period of 1 month to 1 or 2 years.”

Skin cancers often appear in one of four ways:

– Pale, waxy, and shiny lumps

– Red, scaly, and sharply-outlined patches

– Sores that do not heal

– Small, mole-like growths (melanoma)

Blocking UV Rays

– Limit your exposure: “UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.”

– Cover up: “Wear tightly-woven clothing that blocks out light.”

– Use sunscreen: “A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 blocks 93 percent of U.V. rays … Be sure to follow application instructions on the bottle.”

– Wear a hat: “A wide brim hat is ideal because it protects the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp.”

– Wear UV-absorbent shades: “Sunglasses don’t have to be expensive, but they should block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation.”

Do You Have Warts? We Have The Remedy You Need To Eliminate Them In 5 Days

Did you look in the mirror today and find that you had warts on your neck? We imagine your face of disgust. No one likes to have this skin condition that is unattractive and often bothersome and painful.

But how did the wart originate? The causes that cause the appearance of warts can be varied: obesity, a genetic predisposition and even diabetes can cause the appearance of these harmless skin conditions but that we should definitely eliminate.

They also usually appear during pregnancy because of the hormonal changes that occur in the body.

Usually they appear in the adult age and in very specific zones where the pink skin with the own skin, like for example, the armpits, the English, the neck, the chest and the eyelids.

The methods that dermatologists use to remove warts can be painful and costly and that is why today we want to help you eliminate these annoying warts from your skin in an economical, simple and effective way.

You’re just going to need some apple cider vinegar, some cotton and a swab.

Simply take the hyssop, cover one end with a piece of cotton equivalent to the surface of the wart you want to remove and soak it in apple cider vinegar.

Drain the excess vinegar and apply the cotton on the wart for a few moments and then let it dry.

Repeat this procedure a couple of times a day for every day until the wart turns dark and after five days or a week it peels off the skin.

If there is some type of rest attached, do not worry because it will surely disappear in the following days.

It is important to note that this treatment should not be used on warts on the eyelids of the eyes as it could cause irritation.

Love Nutella? Here’s Why You Should Never Eat It And Opt For A Healthier Alternative Recipe

Nutella was a pantry staple of mine for many years, until I started to learn more about nutrition and how to decipher labeled ingredients.

In theory Nutella is pretty healthy, chocolate has been shown to release happy hormones in the brain along with other benefits. Hazelnuts are high in vitamin E, various minerals such as magnesium and essential fatty acids.

Then there’s skim milk which many people have been led to believe is a healthy food for strong bones and teeth.

No wonder people are giving their children Nutella sandwiches for lunch, thinking it’s a healthy treat. But when you find out what’s really in that jar of chocolate hazelnut spread, you may think twice about eating Nutella.

What’s Really In My Nutella?

Sugar

It’s no surprise that the number one ingredient in Nutella is refined sugar. A whopping 21 grams in 2 Tbs! This is equivalent to an Oh Henry bar or three lollipops.

There aren’t many people who would eat lollipops and candy bars for breakfast. One mother even sued the company for making claims that Nutella is a healthy whole food to feed her daughter.

On top of the heinous amount of sugar, they aren’t even using real sugar.

Genetically modified sugar beets are a cheap sweetener that many big companies use to save money.

Independent studies show major health implications from GMO “frankenfoods”, such as digestive problems, liver and kidney toxicity, and in the case of sugar beets, increased risk of diabetes .

Palm Oil

Palm oil is a controversial ingredient as its production is unsustainable and destroying important and fragile ecosystems.

Though it is a healthy saturated fat (which is fine if consumed in moderation), the method of procuring it involves unsavory practices like massive deforestation, indigenous rights abuses and animal cruelty.

The WWF (World Wildlife Fund) states that the equivalent of 300 football fields of rainforest are cleared every hour to make way for more palm oil production.

Soy Lecithin

This ubiquitous ingredient is present in nearly all processed food. A by-product of soy oil production, soy lecithin is used as an emulsifying agent.

Soy is another one of those pseudo health foods touted by the FDA to be part of a healthy diet. What they’ve failed to realize is nearly all soy is genetically modified, and it’s a substance with markedly high levels of xenoestrogens.

These xenoestrogens are part of the reason reproductive cancer rates are soaring, they can cause low levels of testosterone in men, early onset of puberty, thyroid problems and more.

The soy industry has to be one of the sneakiest out there. Nearly all commercial livestock in North America are fed GMO soy.

We are only beginning to see the implications of this food in our society. Bottom line, soy is in most processed food, make your own goodies and you won’t have to worry about it.

Vanillin

Vanillin is an artificial flavoring agent made entirely from chemicals devised in a lab to trick your taste-buds into believing it’s the real thing.

Corporations save big money using fake additives like these. This chemical food is highly addictive, the excitatory qualities of vanillin throw your brain cells into overdrive, causing a short term boost in serotonin only to knock you to the ground ten minutes later. Vanillin is a neurotoxin and you are far better off using real vanilla.

A Few More Things To Pay Attention To

Hazelnuts

One of the oldest crops known to man, hazelnuts originated near the Black Sea. Today they’re grown commercially in Canada, U.S and Turkey.

Hazelnuts are full of nutrients as I’ve mentioned in my post about the health benefits of nuts and seeds, but most often they are sprayed with pesticides.

When buying hazelnuts try and source organic nuts free of pesticide contamination.

Cocoa

Although cocoa is very healthy, and I’ve already written a post about the health benefits of cocoa, in some cases, workers in the cocoa industry are paid next to nothing. So it’s best to buy organic and fair trade cocoa and chocolate.

According to my research, Nutella does not use fair trade cocoa.

Skim Milk

For decades, high milk consumption has been recommended for the prevention of osteoporotic fractures. But as time went on, its health benefits were questioned. Many nutritional experts became cautious about milk, especially when consumed in large quantities.

Heard enough about all the junk in this “healthy” spread? Isn’t it a bit nuts to claim such a slew of industrial by-products and 12 chocolate bars worth of sugar per jar could ever be touted as a healthy breakfast or snack.

Especially to be pushing such a dishonest agenda towards parents of young children. Even if you love Nutella, try making your own!

You’ll see just how easy it is to make a delicious chocolate hazelnut spread from real wholesome ingredients.

How to Make Your Own Nutella

nutella

Ingredients

1½ C roasted hazlenuts

2 Tbs cacao powder or paste (melted)

2 Tbs coconut oil, melted

⅓ C raw honey

½ tsp sea salt

¼-1/3 C water

Instructions

1. In a high powered blender or food processor, add hazelnuts and process until they start to form a smooth nut butter. You can add a bit of water here to get things moving.

2. Use a double boiler method to melt the coconut oil and cacao paste, stir in the honey and add this liquid to the hazelnuts.

3. Add salt, blend everything together until super smooth, adding water as you go to achieve desired consistency.

Did You Know That Watermelon Rinds Are Actually Very Beneficial To Your Health?

Among the most commonly consumed fruits during the summertime is a refreshing and tasty watermelon. They are rich in minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and other nutrients essential to our health that improve the health and wellness.

Watermelons clean all the poisonous toxic waste from the body and keep it hydrated. Watermelon rinds also have several health benefits even though we always throw them away.

They contain high amounts of vitamin C, A, and B6, zinc, potassium and magnesium. Also, the red watermelons contain lycopene which is another antioxidant substance that protects the body from several other diseases.

Most of the required healthy nutrients can be found in the actual rind.

Melon rinds give benefits to your workout as well.

Citrulline is an important amino acid that your muscles need right after visiting the fitness center and it is present in the actual watermelon rind.

You can always add some melon rind and combine it with chicken or tuna as a post-workout meal supplement!

CONSUMING WATERMELON RINDS BOOSTS YOUR LIBIDO!

The libido can be increased by consuming watermelon rinds because they contain citrulline which naturally improves your sex drive.

Also, this particular ingredient is actually added to numerous libido-boosting dietary supplements. Citrulline can also be beneficial for moderate erectile dysfunction.

Watermelon rinds help with weight loss

They are a great source of fiber which is very useful if you wish to stop overeating and lose weight.

They have diuretic properties that help you get rid of the excess water weight from the body.

Consuming rinds might help regulate the blood pressure

Individuals with hypertension may use watermelon rinds as they are able to regulate blood pressure by eliminating the extra water stored in the body.

According to medical studies, watermelon rind extract is effective in maintaining a healthy normal blood pressure in adults.

THE URINARY SYSTEM ALSO HAS BENEFITS

Watermelon rinds protect the normal function of the kidneys because it may increase urine production and keep the actual urinary system healthy and may help prevent bacterial infections.

It is highly recommended to include watermelons into your normal daily diet simply because they are very beneficial to your wellbeing and health. You should include the watermelon rinds in salads, soups, stir-fries, and stews.

Watermelon rinds are used widely all over the world by the people for making various food recipes as well.