January 2016 – Dr Rajeshwar Singh

Want to See Better? Eat Better

Eating a healthy, organic and varied diet is imperative to optimal eye health. The vitamins, minerals and carotenoids contained in certain foods have been linked to the prevention of cataracts, eye disorders and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

A variety of vitamins and minerals are essential to maintaining healthy eyes, as they are needed by the body to help prevent damage caused by UV light rays. According to Professor Ian Grierson, the head of ophthalmology at the University of Liverpool, along with vitamins A, C, E and zinc, carotenoids are key to eye health and the prevention of sight loss.

Professor Grierson calls the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, “the macula’s sunglasses,” as they protect the macula by absorbing blue and near-ultraviolet light. These carotenoids are found in yellow and orange-colored vegetables, as well as in leafy greens such as spinach and kale. Professor Grierson recommends eating 6 milligrams of lutein per day for optimal eye health.

Another important nutrient associated with eye health is lycopene, which is found in tomatoes and watermelon. Lycopene has also been linked to aiding prostate cancer prevention.

Both lutein and lycopene are absorbed better by the body in combination with fats. So, when serving kale or heirloom tomatoes, for example, add a bit of grass-fed butter, organic olive oil or organic coconut oil to your dish.

Additionally, a study performed in 2004 at Ohio State University found that carotenoids, including lutein, were absorbed better by the body when combined with avocadoes and avocado oil.

Ophthalmologist David Allamby recommends foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for keeping eyes healthy. These essential fatty acids are found in oily fish, flax seeds and nuts. Dr. Allamby explains, “tear film has a layer of oil which helps keep water on the surface of the eye. If you are deficient in omega-3’s, you may suffer dry, uncomfortable eyes.”

With a variety of nutrient-rich and delicious foods to choose from, you can keep your eyes – and the rest of your body – in a state of optimal well-being.

Five Rejuvenating Seeds

1. Pumpkin Seeds: Known as pepitas, pumpkin seeds are flat and dark green and full of antioxidants. They have a nutty flavor that has a touch of unique sweetness. The extracts and oils of these seeds have been used to treat cancer, reduce cholesterol, lower the risk of stroke and heart disease, put the brakes on the formation of kidney stones and reduce inflammation, a precursor disease. Seeds contain twice as much iron as a 3 oz. piece of boneless chicken and more fiber per ounce than nuts. The oil from pumpkin seeds is loaded with zinc and also contains valuable vitamin E. Pumpkin seed oil is also well regarded for its anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties.

2. Sesame Seeds: Sesame seed oil has been used since ancient times and has a delicate, nutty taste and is extremely resistant to rancidity. As with many other seeds, the nutritional profile of sesame seeds is rather astonishing. Seeds are an excellent source of manganese, copper, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin B1 and fiber. Two unique substances sesamin and sesamolin are found in sesame seeds, These substances are known as lignans and have been found to reduce cholesterol, prevent high blood pressure and protect the liver from oxidative damage. Consuming sesame seed oil may help protect you from cancer while providing support for healthy kidney function. In addition, sesame seeds have been used to treat migraines, PMS and rheumatoid arthritis. If you have trouble tolerating dairy, consider sesame seeds, they are a rich source of calcium and vitamin E.

3. Flax Seeds: Flax is well known for its high omega-3 fatty acid content. Every tablespoon of flaxseed oil contains 8 grams of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) . People who suffer from Crohn’s Disease and Colitis often find relief with flaxseed oil as it tends to reduce inflammation of the intestinal wall. Flaxseed oil also helps to reduce high levels of cholesterol and lower the risk of heart disease. Additional benefits of this popular oil include improved metabolism, reduced menopausal symptoms, promotion of healthy skin, hair and nails and a reduced risk of cancer.

4. Coriander Seeds: Coriander is an herb that is native to Asia and parts of Europe. The seeds have a citrus-like flavor and are a popular addition to curries and pickled dishes. Known as a natural antioxidant with anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties the oil from coriander seeds supports healthy digestion and liver, spleen and pancreas performance. In addition, coriander oil is also used to help regulate blood sugar and reduce overall inflammation within the body.

5. Sunflower Seeds: Both sunflower seeds and the oil that is pressed from seeds have been used for food and medicine throughout many cultures. Seeds contain vitamins D, E, K and B and also the antioxidant melatonin. Sunflower oil supports a healthy cardiovascular system and contains vitamin E and essential fatty acids. The oils from sunflower seeds are popular for skin care and as a carrier for aromatherapy essential oils.

Aspartame-Artificial sweetener

Aspartame is known to cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea, changes in vision, joint pain and seizures. And that’s just the beginning. Aspartame is the most controversial food additive in history, and has caused more health issues than all other food additives combined.

Aspartame has previously been sold under the names Nutrasweet, Equal, Canderel and Spoonful. Now it is also being marketed as AminoSweet, a sneaky name conjured up by its producers to allude to its natural sources. Although it’s true that aspartame is made from two naturally occurring amino acids, that does not make it safe.

Aspartic acid and phenylalanine, amino acids that occur abundantly in nature, are reacted together through a process using genetically modified E. coli bacteria, whereby the bacteria actually defecate the amino acid segment that is used to make aspartame.

If the manufacturing process isn’t enough to put you off this dangerous chemical sweetener, here are some of the health dangers that have come to light over the few decades that aspartame has been on the market.

Health dangers of aspartame consumption

The majority of the dangers connected to aspartame have to do with the brain and mood balance. This is because aspartame is considered to be an excitotoxin, which means that it overstimulates the brain. This overstimulation can cause the death of brain cells, as well as altered function of signaling chemicals and enzymes. These mechanisms are also believed to contribute to the growth of brain tumors.

People who regularly consume aspartame can experience aspartame toxicity, which is a condition that can mimic other serious illnesses, such as Lyme disease, hypothyroidism, ADD, multiple sclerosis or depression.

As if that is not enough, aspartame has also been linked with an increased risk of heart disease. Studies show that people who drink two or more beverages containing aspartame on a daily basis have a 30 percent higher risk of heart disease or stroke.

And finally, aspartame tends to break down into its constituent parts in the body. These include formaldehyde and methanol, which are known to cause cancer. One study showed that more than a third of the rats given a small amount of aspartame on a daily basis ended up developing tumors at rapid rates.

Does aspartame help you lose weight?
While artificial sweeteners have been marketed as a smart alternative to sugar to help curb excess calorie consumption, in reality, this benefit backfires. Studies show that consuming sweet substances that do not contain calories only serves to confuse the body’s natural metabolic systems, and actually leads to further weight gain.

Not only that, but regular aspartame consumption results in hormonal imbalances which further inhibit the ability to maintain a healthy weight.

How to avoid aspartame in food products

Look out for aspartame in products such as diet soda, diabetic or sugar-free products, vitamins, low-calorie drinks, breakfast cereals, jams and jellies, juices and fruit drinks, chewing gum, candy and medications.

Be sure to read labels meticulously, looking for any of the names for aspartame including Nutrasweet, Equal, Canderel or Spoonful. In general, any product that is labeled “calorie-free” or “sugar-free” contains some type of artificial sweetener and should be avoided at all costs.

If you consume processed and packaged foods, or prepared beverages, be on the lookout for artificial sweeteners and aspartame. No matter how hard the corporations try to portray this substance as natural and safe, the scientific evidence does not lie!

Need to detox your body

Studies show your body is teeming with over 700 synthetic chemicals and heavy metals such as mercury, lead and arsenic by the time you reach the age of 58. And this toxic overload wreaks havoc on your body and your good health.This is truly alarming! That’s because toxins build up and are stored in your body over time…

And as they continue to assault your body, it becomes powerless to eliminate them. Once it reaches a “tipping point” you may suffer a sudden reaction such as…
Vomiting and nausea…
Memory loss and trouble recalling names or finding the right words…
Joint pain, stiffness and loss of flexibility…
Migraines and headaches…
Sleeplessness, loss of energy and stamina…
Sinus congestion, itchy eyes and throat…

When it comes to cleansing your body of harmful toxins, food really is the best medicine. You’ll be amazed to learn that many of your favorite foods also cleanse the body’s detoxification organs like the liver, intestines, kidneys and skin, preventing harmful toxic buildup. Help ward off the harmful effects of pollution, food additives, second-hand smoke and other toxins with delicious fruits, vegetables, nuts, oils and beans.

1. Apples. Because apples are high in pectin, a type of fiber that binds to cholesterol and heavy metals in the body, they help eliminate toxic build up and to cleanse the intestines.

2. Avocados. We rarely think of avocados as a cleansing food but these nutritional powerhouses lower cholesterol and dilate blood vessels while blocking artery-destroying toxicity. Avocados contain a nutrient called glutathione, which blocks at least thirty different carcinogens while helping the liver detoxify synthetic chemicals.

3. Beets. Time to whip up some delicious borscht soup since its main ingredient, beets, contain a unique mixture of natural plant compounds that make them superb blood purifiers and liver cleansers.

4. Blueberries. Truly one of the most powerful healing foods, blueberries contain natural aspirin that helps lessen the tissue-damaging effects of chronic inflammation, while lessening pain. Blueberries also act as antibiotics by blocking bacteria in the urinary tract, thereby helping to prevent infections. They also have antiviral properties and help to block toxins from crossing the blood-brain barrier to gain access to the delicate brain.

5. Cabbage. Cabbage contains numerous anticancer and antioxidant compounds and helps the liver break down excess hormones. Cabbage also cleanses the digestive tract and neutralizes some of the damaging compounds found in cigarette smoke (and second-hand smoke). It also strengthens the liver’s ability to detoxify.

6. Celery and Celery Seeds. Celery and celery seeds are excellent blood cleansers and contain many different anti-cancer compounds that help detoxify cancer cells from the body. Celery seeds contain over twenty anti-inflammatory substances. It is particularly good for detoxifying substances found in cigarette smoke.

7. Cranberries. Cleanse your body from harmful bacteria and viruses that may be lingering in your urinary tract with cranberries since they contain antibiotic and antiviral substances.

8. Flaxseeds and Flaxseed Oil. Loaded with essential fatty acids, particularly the Omega-3s, flaxseeds and flaxseed oil are essential for many cleansing functions throughout the body.

9. Garlic. Eat garlic to cleanse harmful bacteria, intestinal parasites and viruses from your body, especially from the blood and intestines. It also helps cleanse build-up from the arteries and has anti-cancer and antioxidant properties that help detoxify the body of harmful substances. Additionally, garlic assists with cleansing the respiratory tract by expelling mucous build-up in the lungs and sinuses. For the health benefits, choose only fresh garlic, not garlic powder, which has virtually none of the above properties.

10. Grapefruit. Add a ruby red grapefruit to your breakfast to benefit from pectin fiber that binds to cholesterol, thereby cleansing the blood. Pectin also binds to heavy metals and helps escort them out of the body. It also has antiviral compounds that cleanse harmful viruses out of the body. Grapefruit is an excellent intestinal and liver detoxifier.

11. Kale. Steam some kale to benefit from its powerful anti-cancer and antioxidant compounds that help cleanse the body of harmful substances. It is also high in fiber, which helps cleanse the intestinal tract. Like cabbage, kale helps neutralize compounds found in cigarette smoke and strengthens liver cleansing.

12. Legumes. Add a handful of cooked beans to your next meal since they loaded with fiber that helps lower cholesterol, cleanses the intestines and regulates blood sugar levels. Legumes also help protect the body against cancer.

13. Lemons. Excellent liver detoxifiers, lemons contain high amounts of vitamin C, a vitamin needed by the body to make an important substance called glutathione. Glutathione helps the liver detoxify harmful chemicals. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice (not the bottled variety) to pure water to support your cleansing efforts on a daily basis.

14. Seaweed. Seaweed could be the most underrated vegetable in the western world. Studies at McGill University in Montreal showed that seaweeds bind to radioactive waste in the body. Seaweed also binds to heavy metals to help eliminate them from the body. In addition, they are powerhouses of minerals and trace minerals.

15. Watercress. If you haven’t tried watercress add this delicious green to your next sandwich since it increases detoxification enzymes and acts on cancer cells in the body. In a study at the Norwich Food Research Center in the UK, smokers who were given 170 grams of watercress per day eliminated higher than average amounts of carcinogens in their urine, thereby eliminating them from their body.

Top 9 Iodine-Rich Foods

Why do we need iodine?

Research conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that without iodine in our diet, we risk developing adverse thyroid conditions such as goiters, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and pregnancy-related problems. In fact, iodine deficiency is the most common cause of preventable mental retardation.

All symptoms of iodine deficiency relate to the thyroid. Since our bodies don’t make iodine, it’s important that our foods provide an adequate source. Iodine is naturally present in some foods and added to others.

You can maintain adequate iodine in your diet by using table salt, which has been iodized. However, if you prefer using sea salt to avoid the other additives in table salt (like sugar and anticaking agents), or you restrict the amount of salt in your diet, then you need to explore iodine-rich foods.

How much iodine do we need?

You can have too much of a good thing. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), this is particularly true for iodine if you suffer from thyroid issues such as nodules, hyperthyroidism and autoimmune thyroid disease. Taking large amounts of iodine, whether through medication or dietary sources, can cause or worsen hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

The NIH suggests that the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for males and females 14 years and older is 150 micrograms (mcg). Pregnant women need 220 mcg and lactating women need 290 mcg. Children from one to eight years old require 90 mcg, and children from nine to 13 years old require 120 mcg.

list of the top nine foods rich in iodine.

Dried seaweed

A staple in Japanese cuisine, dried seaweed, often sold as nori or kelp, absorbs iodine from the water, making it an excellent source. However, since one sheet provides as much as 2,984 mcg, you could easily go over your RDA. So, eat dried seaweed in moderation.

Codfish

Cod, a favorite in soups and stews, is an excellent low-calorie protein available throughout the year. This coldwater fish is also a healthy source of iodine. A three-ounce portion delivers 99 mcg.

Haddock

Haddock, another low-calorie seafood delight is meaty and mild in flavor. Two and a half ounces provides 87 mcg of iodine. Forgo the frying; sauté instead with a little butter, olive oil or coconut oil for a healthy alternative.

Dairy

Dairy is an excellent source of iodine. Cottage cheese ranks the highest with one cup providing 65 mcg of iodine. One cup of any type of milk provides 52 to 62 mcg of iodine. Three-quarters of a cup of plain yogurt provides 58 mcg.

Turkey

Turkey, a healthy source of lean protein, is also an excellent source of iodine. A three-ounce portion provides 30 mcg. Choose pasture-raised and organic-fed.

Beans

Beans, not just for dinner — have them for breakfast. Touted as a superfood, beans are rich in protein, high in fiber and antioxidants. Three-quarters of a cup of cooked navy beans or black-eyed peas provides 46 to 53 mcg of iodine. Three-quarters of a cup of pinto or kidney beans provides 19–28 mcg.

Eggs

The versatile egg is great at any time of the day. Choose two large free-range eggs for 48–52 mcg of iodine.

Beef liver

Beef liver is a protein powerhouse, loaded with vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Two and a half ounces contain 32 mcg of iodine. Choose organic liver from grass-fed animals. Non-organic liver is more likely to contain traces of antibiotics, growth hormones and GMO feed.

Shrimp

Shrimp is a lean source of high-quality protein and a good natural source of iodine. Three ounces provides a 35-mcg dose of iodine. However, since shrimp are so low in omega-3 fatty acids, add them to a stir-fry with lots of organic veggies, or toss them into a lightly dressed salad.

Iodine content is not listed on food packaging in the U.S. Therefore, it’s often difficult to identify sources of iodine. Furthermore, there are no tests to confirm whether you have enough iodine in your body.

Since even mild iodine deficiency during pregnancy can affect the development of a child, pregnant and breastfeeding women should speak with their health-care professional about taking a multivitamin that contains at least 150 mcg of iodine per day.

What happens when natural salt is added to filtered water?

Positive ions in the salt surround the negative ions of the water molecules and vice versa. This creates a new structure that has an electrical charge, which is easily absorbed by the body. Water is no longer water and salt is no longer salt.

Once ingested, the electrical charge in the solution works with the body to send electrical signals between cells and assist the kidneys in maintaining fluid balances.

Drinking a mixture of natural salt and water is nothing new; it has been used as a remedy around the globe for centuries. Both anecdotal and scientific evidence support its use for the following:

Hydration: Yes, we are told to drink more water, and while most people do need to drink more water, it is possible to drink too much. According to Matt Stone, author of Eat for Heat: A Metabolic Approach to Food and Drink, consuming too much plain water can actually cause the body to become over-diluted.

When this happens, it can put a tremendous strain on the body and slow metabolism. Cellular health is dependent on a particular concentration of minerals and electrolytes.

When we drink large amounts of plain water, extracellular fluid becomes diluted, which creates a stress response and the release of adrenaline.

Stone says, “No other creature is so removed from its instinctual programming to the point of accidentally over drinking.” Consuming water with natural salt allows the body to absorb and use the water you are taking in.

Have you ever watered a plant when it is extremely dry? The water just runs out the bottom of the pot. Drinking water all the time is much the same — we just keep on peeing and drinking. A little natural salt and water slows this process down and allows all the goodness of the water to be absorbed and used.

Digestion: Salt water begins to activate salivary glands in the mouth, releasing amylase. This initial step in the digestive process is highly important. In the stomach, natural salt stimulates hydrochloric acid and a protein-digesting enzyme, both of which help to break down food.

It also stimulates secretions in the intestinal tract and liver that help with digestion. Regular consumption of Sole can help with regularity and increase nutrient absorption, as well.

Inflammation: The human body’s basic requirement for salt is 1.5 teaspoons, or 8 grams per day. If we don’t consume this essential amount of sodium, the body shifts into a “crisis mode” called sodium-sparing so that it can maintain fluid balance and blood pressure. This crisis mode is a critical survival mechanism, but it also has negative consequences.

With low salt intake, an enzyme called renin and a hormone called aldosterone begin to rise rapidly. If this state is prolonged, higher renin and aldosterone levels lead to circulatory damage and increased inflammatory agents in the body.

Researchers have associated an increased risk of chronic diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and cognition loss resulting from prolonged lack of salt.

Sleep: The trace minerals in unrefined salt calm the nervous system. Salt is known to reduce cortisol and adrenaline, two dangerous stress hormones. This can promote a better night’s sleep.

Detoxification: Because of the rich minerals in Sole, it helps the body in its natural detoxification process. Sole is also naturally antibacterial and can therefore help rid the body of dangerous bacteria.

Bone Health: A popular theory regarding osteoporosis and other bone disorders is that the body uses calcium and other minerals from the bones in order to survive and neutralize acidity in the blood. Because Sole is full of naturally healthy minerals and has an alkalinizing effect, it is thought to help improve bone health.

Skin: Natural salt contains minerals that can help your skin look and feel its best: Chromium fights acne and reduces skin infections; sulfur keeps skin clean and smooth, and can help a dry scalp, eczema and rashes that are often a result of a sulfur deficiency; zinc promotes rapid healing of wounds, boosts the immune system, and regulates the activity of oil glands; and iodine helps increase oxygen consumption and the metabolic rate of the skin.

Addicted to Sugar? Here’s What It Does to Your Body

We know that sugar causes weight gain — the results of eating too much sugar are clear to see when we look in the mirror. However, sugar causes a wide variety of internal physiological changes, which happen simultaneously in the body. These changes can be potentially life threatening. A study published last October in Obesity (2015) found significant health improvements in children who cut sugar and fructose from their diets.

A 2015 University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) study found that of the 43 participants between the ages of nine and 18, 4.3 percent showed a decrease in blood pressure, 12.5 percent had decreased LDL cholesterol levels, and 53 percent of the participants experienced a decrease in fasting insulin levels, according to a UCSF article on the research. Some studies suggest that sugar may be as unhealthy, and as addictive, as cigarettes.

Let’s take a look at what your next sugar binge can do to your body.

Sugar and cocaine cause similar neurological reactions. Sugar, just like cocaine, induces a flood of dopamine and serotonin to your brain. This is one reason why sugar is so addictive.

Sugar can put you at risk for obesity. Sugar has been the target of several studies on obesity. A study published in the journal Obesity (2015) found that cutting sugar from your diet may significantly reduce several metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, in 10 days.

Sugar boosts insulin, then causes a crash. Insulin will rush from your pancreas and seek out excess glucose from sugar binging. Once the insulin has depleted the excess glucose, your body will then crash after the well-known “sugar rush” is over.

Sugar can make you tired. If you’re a big fan of sugar and you also feel tired on a daily basis, then you may be binging on sugar without realizing it. Many people may not really understand how much sugar is too much. A good rule of thumb is to avoid all sugar, except natural sugars found in fruit and other nutritious food.

Sugar may also be messing with your cravings. If you are always hungry, thirsty, or constantly craving more sugar, you may want to take a good, hard look at how much sugar you are actually consuming.

Sugar binges increase blood sugar levels. When your body no longer responds normally to insulin, in instances of obesity, your blood sugar may significantly increase. This could put you at serious risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Excess sugar pumping through your body can damage vital organs. High levels of sugar in the blood slow down circulation and causes your body’s organs and arteries to work harder than they should. This could create damage to those vital organs and arteries.

Sugar may be one of the most unhealthy substances for the human body. If you are a fan of sugar, it might be time to look into alternative sources to appease your sweet tooth. Even though there are still no FDA recommended daily values for sugar, you can take action by reading nutrition labels more closely and doing a few Web searches on the food you consume. Enjoying fruit is a wonderful, all-natural alternative to getting your sugar fix.

Why you should avoid mineral oil

Mineral oil is an odorless and colorless substance that is made from petroleum jelly. It is found in many different products, such as baby lotion, ointments, hydraulic fluid, wood preservative, pesticides, facial creams and even electrical transformers. Before synthetic oils were invented, mineral oil was used primarily as a lubricant for mechanical parts and machines that require a gliding motion. Nowadays, the mineral oil used in cosmetic products is usually the excess from petrochemical production processes that is scraped from the bottom of the barrel. This doesn’t really sound like something you would want to be smearing onto your face, or your baby’s skin!

The Environmental Working Group suggests mineral oil may contain cancer-causing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). When used on the skin, mineral oil only keeps the area where it is applied moist, while forming an impenetrable seal that prevents your skin from breathing.

Because the skin is the body’s biggest organ, it plays a pivotal role in the removal of toxins. If your skin cannot breathe, it cannot do its job, and your health may suffer as a result. Coating your body in mineral oil is like covering yourself in plastic wrap. In addition, mineral oil attracts moisture from cells deep in the skin, which causes cell renewal to slow and collagen to break down. This in turn damages connective tissue and can cause premature aging.

There are over 4,000 published studies that link the use of mineral oil back to negative health conditions. According to the Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), workers in an aerospace manufacturing facility who were exposed on a regular basis to mineral oil, were at an increased risk of developing and/or dying from lung cancer, melanoma and cancers of the esophagus and stomach, along with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and leukemia.

Clearly this industrial chemical has no place in our homes or on our skin. We encourage you to make an immediate swap to something safer and more natural. Luckily, it’s easy!

The perfect alternative to mineral oil

Nature has provided the perfect alternative for healthy and vibrant skin: pure, extra-virgin coconut oil. Organic coconut oil has been used for thousands of years as an important part of both the medicinal and dietary regimens of traditional island cultures. It is clearly a better option than any petroleum-based product.

The wonders of coconut oil taken internally and applied directly to the skin are well documented, with an ever-increasing volume of scientific information extoling its virtues. Not only can coconut oil help reduce abdominal fat and help reduce cravings for unhealthy foods, but it can also act as a moisturizer for all skin types. Several studies point to the ability of coconut oil to heal wounds, treat dermatitis, and serve as a replacement for the antibiotic treatment of acne.

Coconut oil also helps to clear away dead skin cells. It can be combined with coconut crystals, sea salt or other natural exfoliating substances to make an effective facial scrub that leaves the skin feeling soft and clean. A simple scrub can be made by mixing one cup of coconut crystals with half a cup of organic coconut oil. No need to spend money on special products when you can use coconut oil!

The oil can also be used as a simple makeup remover, since many makeup products are oil-based. Coconut oil does not sting the eyes and helps lubricate the skin for easy removal of makeup. Simply use a cotton swab or facecloth with a little oil to gently cleanse and moisturize at the same time.

People living in the tropics have beautiful, wrinkle-free skin — this is due in part to their use of coconut oil. The medium-chain fatty acids in the oil protect and heal the skin from aging and damage. Coconut oil is also an effective sunscreen, blocking out 20 percent of harmful rays.

Coconut oil puts nutrients back into your skin, as opposed to mineral oil products that suffocate the skin and provide no nutritional benefit. Coconut oil is an abundant, natural source of lauric acid, which is converted to monolaurin when it enters the body.

Monolaurin has an amazing ability to fight unwanted viruses, bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms in a nontoxic way. Therefore the antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal properties of coconut oil help protect and balance the skin. Your skin’s surface has a natural microbiome composed of friendly bacteria, which are not harmed by coconut oil. However any pathogenic bacteria, such as candida, are reduced by the use of coconut oil. This might help reduce the incidence of acne.

Coconut oil is safe for children of all ages, including babies, and can help heal up a mean diaper rash in no time. Diaper rash frequently results from harmful acids degrading a baby’s skin and encouraging the growth of nasty bacteria. While it’s important to let the baby’s skin dry after it has been cleaned, applying a thin layer of coconut oil afterward is an excellent way to balance the acidity of the skin and neutralize those unfriendly bacteria.

Lemon

A 10-ounce glass of warm lemon water with Himalayan salt in the morning can increase your immune function, decrease uric acid to fight inflammation, improve digestion, and balance your body. These benefits can be attributed to the vitamin C content of the lemon juice as well as the essential minerals contained in Himalayan salt. This simple morning drink promotes vitality, health, and overall wellness, and may even improve your sex drive!

Lemons are excellent for fighting inflammation. Lemons can help dissolve the uric acid in your joints, and also have been found to help build and repair tendons, ligaments, and bone. Thisanti-inflammatory property may be especially beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, according to an American College of Physicians study on osteoarthritis, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine (2000).

Aids in proper food and water absorption. A daily glass of lemon water with Himalayan salt may provide a better overall mineral balance, which promotes proper food and water absorption in your body, allowing essential nutrients to get where they need to be.

Balances your body’s acidity (pH). The alkalizing effects of lemon and natural salt are highly useful for managing your body’s delicate pH balance, which is crucial for optimal functioning of the body’s systems.

Boosts immune function. One lemon serves up 139 percent of your daily value (DV) for vitamin C. Squeezing one lemon into your morning is a natural alternative to that vitamin C supplement you may be taking.

It’s a detox for your cells. The all-natural Himalayan salt mixed with lemon juice and water helps to pull toxins from your cells, reducing cellular toxicity. This may reduce your risk for various chronic diseases, as well as make you feel generally awesome!

Reduces problematic cellulite. Natural salts like Himalayan salt have been used for centuries for skin care. Interestingly, most spa treatments for cellulitis contain some form of salt and/or citrus blend. A few daily gulps of lemon and salt water in the morning may firm up a few of those unsightly areas.

Clears up skin and adds a fresh glow. Using natural salt for skin problems, such as psoriasis and eczema, dates back to ancient Roman times. Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius’ doctor, Galen from Pergamum, used sea salt for skin diseases, according to Science Tribune (1999).

Useful for allergy season. It has been suggested that the combination of lemon and salt, specifically mixed into warm water, acts as a natural antihistamine for allergies. It may be the perfect alternative to those pink pills that leave you feeling drowsy.

Paves the way for better sleep. The natural hormone-balancing properties of lemon and Himalayan salt can be more than useful when it comes to bedtime. Getting the proper amount of sleep is essential for physical health, mental health, productivity, and much more. This hormone-balancing beverage can make an effective nightcap.

Helps controls blood sugar. The fiber content of lemons helps to balance blood glucose levels, which is useful for type 2 diabetes patients and prediabetics alike, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (2000).

Lemons may help detoxify your liver. Vitamin C is essential for producing glutathione, which plays a foundational role in detoxifying the liver. It also has antiseptic properties that are useful for liver function, as well.

Freshens breath! Lemon and Himalayan salt may not be the first things that come to mind when you think of fresh breath. However, the lemon and salt in this simple morning drink help kill the bad breath bacteria that build up while you’re sleeping.

May help you chill out. When you get stressed out, do not be so quick to reach for those prescription pills. You may be able to chill out and return to that state of Zen by boosting your vitamin C levels first thing in the morning.

Useful for reducing blood pressure. Lemons are not all about vitamin C and fiber. They also boast potassium, which is vital for flushing excessive sodium from the body.

Boost your libido! The vitamin C content and hormone-balancing properties of this morning beverage can help lift your mood. This might be all it takes to boost your libido, without the need for that little blue pill.

Gets you hydrated right out of the gate. Many people forget how important hydration is, especially after a seven or eight-hour sleep period with no water. Start your morning off right and get hydrated. The water, salt and zesty lemon will get your day off to the perfect start.

An antioxidant powerhouse vital for, well, everything! Lemon offers up a wealth of vitamins and minerals, while Himalayan salt boosts your mineral and trace mineral levels even more. The antioxidant and detoxifying properties of lemon saltwater pack a powerful, free radical knockout punch.

May improve your heart health. Lemons and real salt are both exceptional for increasing heart health on their own. However, when you combine the two into one vibrant morning drink, you get even more vital heart-thumping health benefits.

Natural salt supports electrochemical reactions in the body, while negative ions assist in healthy heart rhythm. Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which is, “associated with lower endothelial dysfunction in men with no history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes,” according to a study published in theAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2006).

Promotes digestive health. A glass of warm lemon water with Himalayan salt before breakfast, or any meal, helps signal your liver to produce the essential bile needed to clean out harmful gut bacteria. The fiber content and natural salt will also promote digestion.

Cardamom

Cardamom contain essential volatile oils that include pinene, sabinene, myrcene, phellandrene, limonene, 1, 8-cineole, terpinene, p-cymene, terpinolene, linalool, linalyl acetate, terpinen-4-oil, a-terpineol, a-terpineol acetate, citronellol, nerol, geraniol, methyl eugenol, and trans-nerolidol helful to remove kidney and gall stones

The therapeutic properties of cardamom-oil have been found application in many traditional medicines as antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic and tonic.
Cardamom is a good source of minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium. 100 g pods conatin 1119 mg of this electrolyte. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells.
It is also an excellent source of iron and manganese. 100 g pods contain 13.97 mg or 175% of daily-required levels of iron. Iron is required for red blood cell formation and cellular metabolism. Manganese is a co-factor for the enzyme, superoxide dismutase, a very powerful free-radical scavenger.
Further, these aromatic pods are rich in many vital vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin, vitamin-C that is essential for optimum health.