June 28, 2007
· Filed under Healing Foods
Green tea is one of the most popular beverages and rightly so. After all, it tastes great (in my opinion) and it’s good for you.
Green Tea has some amazing health benefits and powerful antioxidants, which help cells live longer, but did you know that green tea is good for your skin and may help you live longer and healthier?
Applied topically, Green tea can help re-energize dying skin cells, making your skin look fresher and more vibrant. Green tea is also an anti-inflammatory that will calm and cool the skin.
Not only will Green Tea help you look younger but it may also help you live longer. An 11 year study at Japan’s Tohoku University found that drinking green tea on a daily basis will reduce your risk of heart disease and also improve your over all health.
Women and men who drank 5 cups of green tea daily showed the most improvement in their health. Drinking this much tea is also a great way to keep hydrated. Even for the hot summer months you can still get your Green Tea in by making it cold and it still tastes great especially with a little lemon.
A few of my favorites:
Yogi Green Tea
This has a nice flavor and is certified organic.
They offer free samples on their site.
Bigelow Green Tea
This tea is a very close second in flavor for me and is also organic. They have an interesting blog as well that includes tips, facts and recipes for all things tea.
The Bigelow Tea blog
Both companies allow you to order online for their product. Keep in mind that not all flavors of tea are certified organic so look for that USDA Certified Organic label before you purchase.
~ Do It Yourself Naturally
Green Tea | Organic Green Tea | Healing Foods | Antioxidants | Reduce Heart Disease Risk | Healthy Skin | Yogi Tea | Bigelow Tea
February 14, 2007
· Filed under Healing Foods
It’s all about those Flavinoids
So what are the flavinoids and why are they so good for you?
Flavinoids are plant pigments responsible for many of the health benefits of many fruits and medicinal plants.
Flavinoids in chocolate:
- are antioxidants that are especially important in protecting against damage to the lining of the arteries from high cholesterol
- prevent excessive clumping of blood platelets that cause blood clots
- they also work like a very low dose of aspirin to prevent blood platelets from becoming too “sticky”
Is ALL chocolate good for you?
To a certain extent, yes because all chocolate contains the health benefits of the flavinoids derived from the cocoa.
But some are better than others.
Semisweet dark chocolate contains a higher amount of flavinoids as well as less fat and sugar. Milk chocolate, in comparison still has the flavinoids but has a higher level of fat and sugar. For example, in a 3 ounce piece of chocolate, semisweet dark chocolate has 170 milligrams of flavinoids and milk chocolate only has 70 milligrams.
Why we love chocolate so much….
Chocolate contains a “bliss chemical” called anandamine that simulates the feeling of “being in love” in the brain. Chocolate also contains another chemical called phenethylamine (PEA) that triggers mood boosting endorphines and dopamine.
It’s no wonder why chocolate is so wonderful to eat and makes us feel so good. So go ahead, indulge a little this Valetine’s Day.
~Do It Yourself Naturally
Chocolate | Dark Chocolate | Milk Chocolate | Flavinoids | Health Benefits of Chocolate | Valentine’s Day
January 18, 2007
· Filed under Healing Foods, Skin Care
Honey is a Natural Healer
Honey has been used for centuries in cultures all over the world as a natural skin healing agent. Honey contains an enzyme called glucose oxidase, that when combined with water, produces hydrogen peroxide, a mild antiseptic. In addition to the glucose oxidase enzyme, honey also contains antioxidants and *flavonoids that may function as antibacterial agents. Honey also has the ability to moisturize the skin with out making it oily.
With these properties, honey is a great natural skin cleanser and moisturizer.
Some Favorite Honey Facial Recipes
Honey and Yogurt Facial Scrub
You will need:
- 1 teaspoon finely ground almonds
- 2 teaspoons finely ground oats
- 1 tablespoon plain low-fat yogurt
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 drop of lavender essential oil
Mix all ingredients together, dampen your skin with warm water and then gently massage the scrub on to your damp skin. Rinse your face with warm water.
Honey and Lavender Facial Mask
You will need:
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 3 drops lavender essential oil
Mix the ingredients, dampen your face with warm water, and smooth on the honey and lavender mixture. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes. Then rinse off with warm water.
- Can be used on all skin types
- The yogurt contains skin-smoothing lactic-acid
- Honey is moisturizing and healing without making the skin oily
- Finely ground almonds and oats add gentle exfoliation
- Lavender essential oil is balancing for all skin types
*Flavonoids -
- Act as antioxidants
- Have direct anti-tumor effects
- Have immune-enhancing properties
- Sources:
- Honey, fruits, particularly darker fruits such as berries, cherries, and citrus fruits; also tomatoes, peppers, and greens.
~ Do It Yourself Naturally
Natural Facial | Honey Facial Scrub | Honey Facial Mask | Healing Powers of Honey | Honey | Raw Honey | Flavonoids | Do It Yourself Naturally
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