Health Benefits of Green Tea & Mint for Losing Weight

There is no herb, tea or pill that miraculously causes you to shed pounds. Regular exercise and a healthy diet should be the cornerstones of your weight-loss efforts. But if approved by your doctor, green tea and mint can benefit your health and potentially your weight-loss efforts as well. Green tea and mint interact with certain medications and other teas, so it's important to consult with your doctor before drinking green tea or taking green tea supplements.

Green Tea Helps You Burn More Calories

Your metabolism is the speed at which you burn calories. When you burn more calories than you consume over time, you lose weight. The caffeine and catechins in green tea have a temperature-raising effect that speeds up your metabolism, causing you to burn more calories in the same amount of time. In a study published in the "British Journal of Nutrition" in 2013, scientists found that green tea increased energy expenditure in young men by 10 percent. They concluded that green tea may have potential in helping obese and diabetic patients manage their conditions.

Green Tea Reduces Appetite

Caffeine and catechins also have been found to correlate directly with increased feelings of satiety, which results in eating fewer calories. In a study published in "Appetite" in 2012, scientists gave some participants a drink containing either soluble fiber or soluble fiber with caffeine and catechins from green tea; they gave a control group no drink. Before giving all participants a meal, they had them rate their appetite. Then, they measured their calorie intake during the meal. The control group members had the largest appetites. Meanwhile, the participants who drank the drink containing soluble fiber, caffeine and green tea catechins had the lowest appetite and the smallest caloric intake.
 

 

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16 Health Benefits Of Drinking Warm Lemon Water

Lemon water flushes out toxins and is extremely beneficial for the body.

Warm lemon water serves as the perfect ‘good morning drink’, as it aids the digestive system and makes the process of eliminating the waste products from the body easier. It prevents the problem of constipation and diarrhea, by ensuring smooth bowel functions.

Nutritional Value Of Lemons

A glass of lemon juice contains less than 25 calories. It is a rich source of nutrients like calcium, potassium, vitamin C and pectin fiber. It also has medicinal values and antibacterial properties. It also contains traces of iron and vitamin A.

Lemon, a fruit popular for its therapeutic properties, helps maintain your immune system and thus, protects you from the clutches of most types of infections. It also plays the role of a blood purifier. Lemon is a fabulous antiseptic and lime-water juice also works wonders for people having heart problems, owing to its high potassium content. So, make it a part of your daily routine to drink a glass of warm lemon water in the morning and enjoy its health benefits. Read on for more interesting information on the benefits lemon water.

16 Health Benefits Of Drinking Warm Lemon Water

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5 foods that boost memory

By Tanya Zuckerbrot

Published January 18, 2013

FoxNews.com

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As we age our focus and ability to recall details from the past (or even something that just occurred) can seem like a challenge. But did you know eating certain foods can actually help you improve your memory?
Blackberries
This scrumptious little berry delivers a powerful burst of flavor; even better is that it contains polyphenols, antioxidants that may help reverse age-related memory loss. Polyphenols reduce inflammation in ways that can get your brain working more like it did when you were younger. Blackberries are a delicious addition to yogurt, smoothies or as a snack, and they contain vitamins and minerals to keep you alert along with fiber that keeps your belly feeling full.
Spinach
Eating three servings a day of Popeye’s favorite food will help keep you sharp as a tack and thin as a rail. Dark leafy greens like spinach contain lots of memory boosting vitamins and minerals such as folate and vitamins E and K that can slow down the onset of cognitive delay. So will eating cruciferous veggies-broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage, not to mention bright red or yellow vegetables.
Chocolate
Seems like the news about chocolate just keeps getting better- and so can your memory by regularly eating this not-so-sinful sweet! Chocolate contains potent antioxidants that help improve blood flow to the brain, which in turn helps keep your brain working more optimally. Plus, chocolate contains caffeine, which will help give your brain an alertness boost. Keep in mind that it only takes about a third of an ounce of chocolate to get its memory supporting affects, so easy does it on portions.
Apples
An apple a day keeps the cob webs away! The antioxidant quercetin protects the brain from inflammation, which over time can lead to cognitive decline. To get the most nutritional value from an apple don’t discard the peel as this is where the most of the quercetin is found. Try having an apple as part of your afternoon snack to stay more focused and alert. Another perk: the fiber in apples will keep you feeling energized and full.

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10 Benefits to Drinking Lemon Tea First Thing Every Morning

Lemon tea first thing every morning – This is an old favourite  that I learned from my beautiful Nan, she swore blind that drinking lemon tea first thing in the morning before anything else was her secret to staying healthy, and my studies have proved her right.

My lovely Nan passed away at the ripe young age of 89  and she still had gorgeous skin even then which she said was due to her lemon tea!

Out of all of my studies, Ayurveda is my favourite, I love the philosophy it just makes so much sense.

Ayurveda teaches us to focus on morning rituals which work to align the body with nature’s rhythms, balance the doshas and develop self-esteem and self-discipline.  I have to agree, I love my morning rituals and if I let go of them I sure see the difference.

Warm lemon water in the morning helps to kick start our metabolism for the day, it assists the liver and digestive system, therefore it helps us to control weight, great news – and that is just one benefit of lemon tea.

Lemons have strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers which build immunity and fight infection;

• high vitamin C
• citric acid
• calcium,
• bioflavonoids
• pectin

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10 Proven Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the few foods that can be classified as a “superfood.”

Its unique combination of fatty acids can have profound positive effects on health.

This includes fat loss, better brain function and various other amazing benefits.

Here are the top 10 health benefits of coconut oil that have been experimentally confirmed in human studies.

1. Coconut Oil Contains a Unique Combination of Fatty Acids With Powerful Medicinal Properties

Coconut oil has been demonized in the past because it contains saturated fat. In fact, coconut oil is one of the richest sources of saturated fat known to man, with almost 90% of the fatty acids in it being saturated (1).

However, new data is showing that saturated fats are harmless. Many massive studies that include hundreds of thousands of people prove that the whole “artery-clogging” idea was a myth (2).

Additionally, coconut oil doesn’t contain your average run-of-the-mill saturated fats like you would find in cheese or steak.

No, they contain so-called Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) – which are fatty acids of a medium length.

Most of the fatty acids in the diet are long-chain fatty acids, but the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are metabolized differently.

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An afternoon nap is good for your health

It's official: sleeping is good for you. No surprises there, of course – but it's daytime sleeping (otherwise known as a catnap, a siesta, or just falling asleep at your desk with your head on your elbow, dribbling on your sleeve) that, according to new research, could actually improve the health of your heart. Researchers at Allegheny College in Pennsylvania have found that dropping off for 45 minutes to an hour helps to lower your blood pressure after a stressful event.

Many of our highest achievers have long-proclaimed the benefits of taking a brief time-out from the stresses of the day. Winston Churchill first coined the term "power nap", claiming that a daily afternoon sleep brought him the clarity of thinking he needed for wartime victory. "You must sleep some time between lunch and dinner, and no halfway measures," he insisted. Margaret Thatcher famously ordered her aides not to disturb her between 2.30 and 3.30pm, so she could snooze; Bill Clinton did the same each day at 3pm. Other illustrious nappers include Albert Einstein, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Johannes Brahms.

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11 Surprising Health Benefits of Sleep

Go ahead, snooze!

by Alyssa Sparacino

Sleep makes you feel better, but its importance goes way beyond just boosting your mood or banishing under-eye circles.

Adequate sleep is a key part of a healthy lifestyle, and can benefit your heart, weight, mind, and more.

"Sleep used to be kind of ignored, like parking our car in a garage and picking it up in the morning," says David Rapoport, MD, director of the NYU Sleep Disorders Program.

Not anymore. Here are some health benefits researchers have discovered about a good night’s sleep.

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15 Foods That Help You Stay Hydrated

Eat your water

by Amanda MacMillan
According to the old rule of thumb, you're supposed to drink eight glasses of water per day (and some experts recommend even more). That can seem like a daunting task on some days, but here's the catch: You don't have to drink all that water. Roughly 20% of our daily H2O intake comes from solid foods, especially fruits and vegetables.

It's still important to drink plenty of water—especially in the summertime—but you can also quench your thirst with these 15 hugely hydrating foods, all of which are at least 90% water by weight.

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Beat the Heat! How to Stay Cool in the Summer

Beat the heat: Peppermint tea mist

Brew a pot of peppermint tea, then stick it in the fridge. Once it's nice and cold, Wonderhowto.com suggests pouring some into a spray bottle and misting yourself with it. Better than water, the menthol in the tea will give your skin a tingly, cool feeling.

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How to Take Care of Your Skin (Face and Body)

Stay Hydrated. Water is an amazing beauty product. 8 glasses a day will give your skin a noticeable glow, and you'll feel much better in the process.

Exfoliate. For a home remedy, mix sugar and olive/almond/coconut oil (Whichever is available). Rub in circular motions over the body. Rinse thoroughly.

 

Bathe. For healthy, antioxidant-nourished skin, add at least 3 tea bags while the water is running for a bath. While you bask in this bath, take 2 of those tea bags and rest them on your eyes to avoid tiredness and puffiness.

 

Begin a skin regime. Make sure it consists of cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing the face. The extra money will go to good use.

 

Shave the right way. Do it about 3 minutes after you've entered the shower (This will soften up hairs). Try shaving with water and foaming shaving gel instead of soap, since soap may dry the skin out when used for shaving.

 

 

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45 Wonderful Benefits And Uses Of Lemon

Here is an exhaustive list of the health benefits of lemon:

1. Cold Immunity:

Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential to keep you immune from cough and cold. Lemons contain flavonoids which work against viruses and keep the body fit.

2. Restores the Body’s pH Balance:

Lemons help alkalize the body by restoring the pH balance of the body.

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10 Benefits to Drinking Warm Lemon Water Every Morning

1) Aids Digestion. Lemon juice flushes out unwanted materials and toxins from the body. It’s atomic composition is similar to saliva and the hydrochloric acid of digestive juices. It encourages the liver to produce bile which is an acid that is required for digestion. Lemons are also high in minerals and vitamins and help loosen ama, or toxins, in the digestive tract. The digestive qualities of lemon juice help to relieve symptoms of indigestion, such as heartburn, belching and bloating. The American Cancer Society actually recommends offering warm lemon water to cancer sufferers to help stimulate bowel movements.

2) Cleanses Your System / is a Diuretic. Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials in part because lemons increase the rate of urination in the body. Therefore toxins are released at a faster rate which helps keep your urinary tract healthy. The citric acid in lemons helps maximize enzyme function, which stimulates the liver and aids in detoxification.
3) Boosts Your Immune System. Lemons are high in vitamin C, which is great for fighting colds.  They’re high in potassium, which stimulates brain and nerve function. Potassium also helps control blood pressure. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) found in lemons demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects, and is used as complementary support for asthma and other respiratory symptoms plus it enhances iron absorption in the body; iron plays an important role in immune function. Lemons also contain saponins, which show antimicrobial properties that may help keep cold and flu at bay. Lemons also reduce the amount of phlegm produced by the body.

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Become Hydrated In Summer Eating Watermalon

Watermelon is one of the most refreshing, thirst quenching fruit available year round. Watermelon is not only delicious but also very nutritious. Studies have shown that deep red varieties of watermelon have displaced the tomato as the lycopene king. 

Lycopene, however, is fat-soluble, meaning that it needs certain fats in the blood for better absorption by the body. Watermelon consists of 92% water and 8% sugar. 

Benefits of eating watermelon daily:

•Achieve that younger-looking skin with just 2-cups of watermelon daily. Research showed that watermelon cuts the risk of sun related skin damage by 40%. That's because watermelon is nature's richest source of lycopene, an antioxidant that scavenges the UV-induced free radicals that cause sunburn and wrinkling. Lycopene may also help reduce the risks of cancer and other diseases. 
•Watermelon can help improve sleep. By eating a few slices of this fruit after dinner can extend the deep stages of sleep by 27%. The reason is watermelon's polysaccharide carbohydrates rev the body's output of serotonin. When levels of serotonin increase at night, the brain is less sensitive to disruptive stimuli (like noise) during sleep.


•Watermelon can boost energy. A daily serving of watermelon has been shown to boost energy levels by up to 23%. This is because watermelon contains vitamin B6, which the body uses to synthesize feel good dopamine. It also contains magnesium which assists in the body's formation of adenosine triphosphate. Like a rechargeable battery, this nucleotide fuels cellular function for all-day energy.
•Watermelon can help in the faster healing of wound and other skin problem. The fruit is packed with the amino acid citrulline, which the body converts to arginine. Arginine speeds the delivery of white blood cells to injury sites, plus spurs the growth of new skin tissue. Study show that these processes can help skin heal 3x faster.

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Benefits Of Black Pepper

• Black pepper has known to have antioxidant and antibacterial effects which promotes the health of the digestive tract. It improves digestion and promote intestinal health. Also it stimulates the taste buds in such a way that an alert is sent to the stomach to increase hydrochloric acid secretion.
• Black pepper has a property like diaphoretic (promotes sweating), and diuretic (promotes urination).
• It also stimulates the breakdown of fat cells, reduces fat content, keep you slim, and provide you energy to burn.
• Black pepper also alleviates conditions such as hemorrhoids, gas, constipation and also loss of appetite.
• It is helpful in providing relieve to cough and colds and clear up sinusitis too.
• Black pepper extract are also found to reduce symptoms associated with quitting smoking.
• An alkaloid named, piperine found in black pepper is responsible to enhance the bioavailability of some nutritional substances and drugs and also have anti-carcinogenic properties.
• Black pepper could help to treat skin conditions and decrease susceptibility to skin cancers which is caused by excess ultraviolet radiation.
• Pepper also fight against tooth decay and provide relief from toothache.
• Black pepper may be used as a natural antidepressant and promotes the absorption of nutrients like selenium, vitamin B, curcumin, and beta-carotene to all the tissues of the body, thus improving overall health.
• Eating black pepper promotes the absorption of nutrients to all the tissues of the body, thereby improving overall health.
• Black pepper could also helpful in reducing inflammation and stimulates appetite which is helpful in treating anorexics and people with eating disorders.

Benefits Of Papaya

Papaya is one of the most nutrient dense and healing fruits on the planet. It is extremely high in beta carotene, vitamins C & A, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron. It is a phenomenal fruit for helping to heal any type of digestive disorder such as constipation, acid reflux, colitis, pancreatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, celiac’s disease, H.pylori, diverticulitis, indigestion, bloating, flatulence, and stomach upset. Papaya has a soothing, cleansing effect on the digestive tract and gently removes toxic debris while decreasing swelling and inflammation. Its high nutrient value also provides the body with all the essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, protein, and essential fatty acids it needs to rebuild muscles, tissues, bones, and organs. Papaya contains potent anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties and can provide significant relief for those suffering with joint pain, shingles, chicken pox, arthritis, colds, flu, and autoimmune disorders such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, lyme disease, lupus, and cardiovascular disease. Papaya is also an excellent food for the convalescing and can help rebuild the body after a long illness or from being bedridden. If consumed regularly, papaya will greatly improve skin, hair, and nails and keep eye’s bright and clear. The black seeds inside the papaya are completely edible and can act as an effective vermicide or worm/parasite remover. The black seeds are peppery and when eaten with the sweet papaya taste like a spicy-hot cinnamon candy. They can also be sprinkled into smoothies or onto a salad for added health benefits. The seeds are an excellent digestive aid and contain more enzymes than a whole bottle of digestive enzyme capsules, plus the fresh seeds have all the nutrients necessary for almost instant assimilation. Ripe papaya is delicious with a fresh squeeze of lime and can also be made into a healing and soothing pudding by simply blending the ripe papaya flesh until smooth. There are two major varieties of papayas on the market today: the big football-size Maradol papayas and the small hand-size solo or strawberry papayas. The large Maradol papaya variety contains the most nutrition and healing properties and are NOT GMO. The smaller varieties are sometimes grown GMO and should be avoided when possible. Maradol papayas are ripe when they yield to gentle pressure. Once fully ripe, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Maradol papayas can often be found year-round in supermarkets, health food stores, and speciality produce stores.

Benefits of Eating Zucchini

Zucchini is a highly alkaline food that is one of the mildest and easiest vegetables to digest. Zucchini is a great source of vitamin A, C, & B-complex as well as minerals such as iron, zinc, potassium, and manganese. It is high in fiber and low in calories which makes it a great weight loss food and helps to reduce constipation and bloating. Zucchini is rich in poly-phenolic antioxidants which are essential in helping to protect the body from aging, illness, and disease. Zucchini is also a good source of potassium which is an important intra-cellular electrolyte that helps to maintain fluid balance and normalize blood pressure and is vital in helping to prevent heart attacks and stroke. Zucchini contains phytonutrients that are important for prostate health as they can help to reduce the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BOH). They also contain powerful anti-inflammatory compounds which can aid asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Zucchini is also known to be particularly beneficial for hypertension, cataracts, macular degeneration, atherosclerosis, diabetes, edema, multiple sclerosis, and stomach and colon cancers. Zucchini can be eaten raw, steamed, roasted, or sauteed. Raw zucchini can be spiralized into spaghetti and is a healthy substitute for pasta dishes for gluten-free, grain-free, raw food, vegan, vegetarian, or paleo diets.

Natural Benefits of Cumin

Cumin is one of the best spices to therapeutically use for digestive disorders such as indigestion, dyspepsia, stomach cramps, gastritis, bloating, constipation, nausea, and flatulence. Cumin seeds contain good amounts of vitamins E, A and B-complex and is an excellent source of minerals such as zinc, selenium, iron, copper, calcium, and manganese. Cumin helps the body absorb and assimilate nutrients much more efficiently. It also contains anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties and have beens shown to significantly reduce the risk of stomach, colon, and liver tumors. It has also been shown to detoxify the body by boosting liver and kidney function. It is known to help benefit colds, flu, insomnia, asthma, pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, muscle spasms, and arthritis. Many of the health properties in cumin seeds are found in their essential oils which include cuminaldehyde and thymol. These compounds help to support healthy immune, respiratory, circulatory, reproductive, lymphatic, and digestive systems. For pregnant woman and new mothers, cumin has been known to help relieve morning sickness and to strengthen milk production for breast feeding. Cumin seeds can be made in a tea by gently boiling two cups of water with 2-3 teaspoons of cumin seeds for 10 minutes or more. Allow to cool and sip throughout the day. Cumin tea is also excellent for weight loss as it can help to boost the metabolism and energize the body. In biblical times, cumin seeds were highly valued for their digestive properties and were used during times of ceremonial fasting to help cleanse and purify the body. Topically, crushed cumin seeds or cumin powder can be mixed with coconut or olive oil and be applied to boils, scrapes, burns, and insect bites to help disinfect and soothe the skin. Consider finding new ways to add this healing spice into your weekly meals.

Use Banans in Your Daily Routine for Eat

If you think bananas are just for monkeys, think again.

1. Bananas help overcome depression due to high levels of tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin -- the happy-mood brain neurotransmitter.
2. Eat two bananas before a strenuous workout to pack an energy punch and sustain your blood sugar.
3. Protect against muscle cramps during workouts and nighttime leg cramps by eating a banana.
4. Counteract calcium loss during urination and build strong bones by supplementing with a banana.
5. Improve your mood and reduce PMS symptoms by eating a banana, which regulates blood sugar and produces stress-relieving relaxation.
6. Bananas reduce swelling, protect against type II diabetes, aid weight loss, strengthen the nervous system, and help with the production of white blood cells, all due to high levels of vitamin B-6.
7. Strengthen your blood and relieve anemia with the added iron from bananas.
8. High in potassium and low in salt, bananas are officially recognized by the FDA as being able to lower blood pressure and protect against heart attack and stroke. 

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Beat The Heat Using cucumber, Stay Cool

To beat the summer heat coming what else can be as cool as a cucumber?
Unfortunately the cumbers are not given the respect that they deserve by the culinary world. They are usually restricted to salads or sometimes used as a garnish.

Cucumbers belong to the same plant family as squash, pumpkin, and watermelon (the Cucurbitaceae family). Like watermelon, cucumbers are made up of mostly (95 percent) water, which means eating them on a hot summer day can help you stay hydrated.
However, there's reason to eat cucumbers all year long. With vitamin K, B vitamins, copper, potassium, vitamin C, and manganese, cucumbers can help you to avoid nutrient deficiencies that are widespread among those eating a typical American diet.
Plus, cucumbers contain unique polyphenols and other compounds that may help reduce your risk of chronic diseases and much, much more.

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Benefits of Lemon Verbena

Lemon Verbena is a fragrant medicinal herb that has mild antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties. Lemon verbena is excellent for the digestive tract as it is known to be good for relieving nausea, cramps, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, flatulence, diarrhea, stomach or gastro-intestinal spasms, and colon irritability. It is also often used as a natural slimming aid as it has been shown to burn fat, break down cellulite, and regulate the metabolism. Lemon verbena is highly beneficial for crohn’s disease, colitis, celiac disease, sciatica, nervous twitches and ticks, and any stress related disorders. Lemon verbena also works as a natural remedy for Candida due to its powerful anti-fungal properties.

Lemon verbena is also particularly good for the nervous system and can help relax the nerves and muscles, calm the mind, alleviate depression, ease anxiety, and provide a general overall feeling of peace. Lemon verbena is also effective at loosening up and removing mucus from the lungs and sinus passages and can aid in providing relief from the symptoms of colds, coughs, flu, asthma, and sinus and respiratory infections. It is also helpful in reducing fever in the body. Lemon verbena is often used by women for its ability to help regulate their menstrual cycle and reduce the symptoms of PMS. Lemon verbena has a bright lemony scent and is a great addition to salad dressings, smoothies, fruit salads, baked goods, and rice and vegetable dishes. Lemon verbena tea is a relaxing and medicinal tea that can be prepared by adding two teaspoons of dried or fresh herb to 1 cup of boiling water and allowing to steep for at least 15 minutes or more. Fresh lime and raw honey can be used if desired. Lemon verbena is a relatively easy herb to grow in a pot or in the garden.