Avocado Oil

With all the latest buzz surrounding coconut oil and it's wonderful health benefits, we have done some digging to bring you yet ANOTHER natural source of healing and beauty: avocado oil. What if we told you, that you could reduce cellular damage, reduce inflammation, boost antioxidant absorption by 400%, decrease body fat AND protect your liver? Wouldn't that be enough incentive to take another look at this simple yet amazing cooking oil? We think so! Cooking oil may not come to mind when you think about inflammation, but it should. In fact, the types of fats and oils you use every day have a big impact on the level of inflammation in your body.
Avocado oil fights inflammation and protects the heart from the daily stress it encounters. If you want to protect your heart and reduce physical aging, then your first priority should be to reduce inflammation. Many common cooking oils – like vegetable oil, safflower oil, corn oil and other so called “healthy” oils – increase the inflammatory factors associated with most chronic diseases including heart disease, diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer’s. Enter avocado oil. Boasting high levels monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) – the fats associated with the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet – avocado oil helps to reduce harmful levels of inflammation in the body.But the MUFAs don’t deserve all the credit. Avocado oil also contains high levels of oleic acid, carotenoids, lutein, vitamin E and phytosterols that combat inflammation too. And if you’re concerned about heart disease and stroke, there’s another way avocado oil can help. 
The phytosterols in avocado oil help to lower total and LDL cholesterol levels. But avocado oil doesn’t just help reduce cholesterol, it also protects cholesterol, which is far more important. You see, healthy cholesterol isn’t the cause of heart disease. It is damaged or oxidized cholesterol that increases the risk of dangerous plaques that lead to heart attack and stroke. A recent study of more than 3,000 men and women found that enjoying a MUFA-rich diet can help reduce damaged cholesterol by almost 20%. 
Avocado oil can also help to get rid of stubborn belly fat and fight diabetes. Belly fat is the annpyance for many of us, not to mention a big risk factor for chronic diseases including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease and cancers. Belly fat is an ugly symptom of a diet rich in carbohydrates and sugars. After eating these foods, blood sugar rises, triggering the production of insulin. The job of insulin is to escort sugar out of the bloodstream and into the muscles, where it can be used for energy. But once the muscle cells have had their fill, sugar gets stored somewhere else – in your fat cells! Yikes!

So if this was enough to spark your interest, read more at http://healinggourmet.com/article/avocado-oil-the-healthiest-cooking-oil-youre-not-using-yet-853 and see how you can experience the benefits of this simple cooking oil, today! 

Spring Awakening

Spring. It's finally here. Where you live however, it may feel more like December but according to the calender, spring has officially arrived! So let's take some time to revisit our recent past; whether it be regarding your New Years resolutions or goals you had set for yourself this year. We are now four months into the year of 2013. We all started this year with new goals, new ideas and new prospects. We all started at the same place. Our 2013 all started at the same time. So here's a question: are you where you wanted to be? When you made your resolution, or promise to yourself, are you still honoring that? Have you already achieved it? It seems like the momentum slowly fades away after the holidays. Right after January 1st, the gyms and local yoga studios are jam packed with people trying to shed the extra weight for the fast approaching swim season. Come April however, it is the regular gym rats and yogi's that are still going strong. So the question remains: are you one of them?

Spring cleaning can mean so much more then cleaning your closet, car or garden. It can mean de-cluttering your mind and sprit as well. We can all agree that we feel lighter and freer when we clean out a messy drawer or donate unwanted clothes to charity. Something else feels a little lighter too-your soul and guiding inner light. As Americans, we are constantly on the go. Kids, careers, school, activities, hobbies and family all  keep our minds and bodies going at a constant speed of 120mph. So slow it down for a second. Remember your resolution or self promise and get back on track. Spring clean your mind. Take a yoga class. Paint a picture. Try eating vegan for a day. Do something that gets you back to you and in touch with the most important person in your life: you. At the end of the day, all you have is this body and this mind. So why not make it as sharp, aware and clean as you can? Spring clean your mind and the rest will follow. It can be as simple as meditating for ten minutes in the morning before the chaos begins. Just make it yours. Be selfish. Be your own advocate. Most importantly, honor the promise you made to yourself back when the winds were cold and the snow covered the earth. Reawaken your spirit like the earth reawakens every spring. Be bright, full of life and full of new hope. Happy spring! 

Detox Time

For some, the word alone strikes up an uneasy feeling of starvation and deprivation. So let's start small...with something that is easy, relaxing, and only takes 40 minutes of your time. A detox bath. Detox baths have been used for thousands of years to rid the body of toxins and chemicals that may be bogging you down. A detox bath also absorbs minerals and nutrients that are in the water. Best of all, it will leave you feeling awakened and refreshed. So here's what you'll need:

1.) 40 minutes devoted to relaxation. The first 20 minutes of soaking remove the toxins from your body and the next 20 minutes are for absorbing the minerals in the water. Light some soy candles and play a little soothing music. Turn your bathroom into your own personal, private spa.

2.) A bathtub full of comfortably hot water.

3.) Add Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate). Soaking in Epsom salts actually helps replenish the body’s magnesium levels, combating hypertension. The sulfate flushes toxins and helps form proteins in brain tissue and joints. Epsom salt is very inexpensive and can be purchased at grocery stores or pharmacies. Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to your warm water.

4.) Add 1 to 2 cups or more of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). Baking soda is known for its cleansing ability and even has anti-fungal properties. It also leaves skin very soft.

5.) Add ground ginger or fresh ginger tea. While this step is optional, ginger can increase your heat levels, helping to sweat out toxins. However, since it is heating to the body, it may cause your skin to turn slightly red for a few minutes, so be careful with the amount you add. Depending on the capacity of your tub, and your sensitivity, anywhere from 1 tablespoon to 1/3 cup can be added. Most people sweat profusely with the addition of the ginger, and if you wrap your body in a blanket immediately after getting out of the tub, you can continue to detoxify through perspiration for another couple of hours. This is especially beneficial if you are trying to rid the body of a bug of some sort, like the flu, or a cold.

6.) Add aromatherapy oils. Again optional, but many people love the fragrance of such oils and for many, the oils have particular therapeutic properties to take advantage of. There are many oils that will make the bath an even more pleasant and relaxing experience (such as lavender and ylang ylang), as well as those that will assist in the detoxification process (tea tree oil or eucalyptus). Around 20 drops is sufficient for a standard bath.

7.) Swish all of the ingredients around in the tub, then soak. Again, 40 minutes is recommended (the longer the better), but aim for at least 20. You should start sweating within the first few minutes. Remember-you are detoxifying!

8.) Get out of the tub slowly and carefully. Your body has been working hard and you may get lightheaded or feel weak and drained. On top of that, the salts make your tub slippery, so stand slowly with care.

9.) Drink plenty of water. Any time your body detoxes (after this type of bath, a massage, or chiropractic work, for example), you need to flush out toxins. If you don't, you will likely feel sick afterwards. This is a very important step!

10.) Enjoy the benefits! Detox baths have many health benefits:

-Improved heart health and circulation

-Improved ability for the body to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes

-Flushed toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances

-Improved nerve function by electrolyte regulation. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.

-Relieved stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.

-Reduced inflation to relieve pain and muscle cramps.

-Improved oxygen use.

-Improved absorption of nutrients.

-Improved formation of joint proteins, brain tissue and mucin proteins.

-Prevention or easing of migraine headaches.

 Remember: Do not take a hot bath or a detox bath if you are pregnant, or have heart, kidney, or any other health issues. As with any application of essential oils, be aware of the properties of the oils and any contra-indications (things that might bring about harm) for your particular conditions.

If you are overall healthy and wish to improve your health and detox your body of chemicals and impurities, get soaking!

Sunscreen Isn't Just For Summer

Winter is time to protect your skin with moisturizing products that nourish and heal dry, chapped skin. The natural moisture in skin and hair are reduced by wind, cold, and indoor heat. Snow sports and outside activities can leave skin feeling itchy and dry. If you are concerned about parabens and silicones, look no further because NONE of our products contain these harsh chemicals. Sunscreen isn’t just for summertime. Sun protection must be water resistant for winter sports. Snow has the ability to reflect approximately 95 percent of the UV rays from the sun. An spf of at least 15 should be applied to your face everyday, regardless of the time of year. Most makeups and face lotions contain some level of spf protection; but double check the one you use to make sure. It is crucial to protect the skin on your face not only to reduce wrinkles, but to reduce your chances for skin cancer as well...it's only your face after all! 

The Truth Behind AVON

The Truth About Parabens

With the long list of ingredients on many of our beauty products, there may be one key ingredient that you want to pay more attention to: parabens.  Parabens are the preservative entity of the entire cosmetic industry. They're effective and cheap and help major companies 'bottom line' when it comes to business and budgets. Unfortunately, these cheap shortcuts may be compromising your health. As preservatives, parabens are common to most cosmetic products. There has been mounting evidence that parabens are carcinogenic and estrogenic with continued use. Parabens are estrogen mimickers that are easily absorbed into the skin. As we are learning, estrogen increases may be linked to breast cancer and other illnesses. Laboratory testing has created cancer cells with parabens, so they're rightly considered carcinogenic. Yikes!

So what are you using that could be aiding to later health risks? Deodorants and antiperspirants are some of the primary sources of parabens. It's also important to recognize that whatever you spread on your skin can be absorbed into your body and potentially cause serious damage over time. Certain shampoos, conditioners, and lotions are also to blame. 

So what is one to do? Lately it seems like everywhere we turn there is a new fear or a new chemical to avoid. Avoiding parabens and other harmful chemicals requires becoming an avid label reader. Beware that products boasting "all-natural" labels can still contain harmful chemicals, including parabens, so make sure to check the list of ingredients. All it takes is a quick read of the ingredients list and you can rest easy knowing your body isn't absorbing any of those harsh chemicals. 

Coconut Oil: Skin benefits for life

In case you haven't heard, coconut oil seems to be the topic of conversation when it comes to the latest super food trends. Found in many common foods, this versatile oil can be used as an ingredient to boost your metabolism and immune system, as a moisturizer for your skin, and a conditioner for many hair types. In many parts of the world, using coconut oil on your hair and skin has been an ancient practice and is still used today.

As far as skin care goes, coconut oil can be a great moisturizer. Commercial moisturizers contain lots of water, which makes you feel like your skin is being moisturized. But as soon as the water dries, your skin becomes dry again. Also, many commercial brands of moisturizers contain petroleum-based ingredients that can suffocate the skin. In contrast, coconut oil provides deep and real moisture. It helps strengthen underlying tissues and helps remove excessive dead cell on the skin's surface that makes your skin rough and flaky in texture. On your face, apply as you would your normal moisturizer. While it tends to have a greasier consistency at first, it's fantastic at absorbing quickly into skin. Remember: a little bit goes a long way. A spoonful is enough for your entire body. This previous summer, my father would slather the stuff all over his skin and use it as a natural sunscreen. According to our family dermotoligist, coconut oil has a natural spf of 7-10. Apparantly father knows best!

When purchasing your first jar of coconut oil, be sure to look for extra virgin coconut oil. A brand that has not been hydrogenated, bleached, refined or deodorized will do the trick. Organic will ensure 100 percent non-GMO, which is also preferable. You don’t have to refrigerate it after opening. Store it in the kitchen cuppard or a bathroom that doesn’t get too warm. Get ready to get hooked on this afforabale and reliable ancient remedy that has limitless benefits for your body; both inside and out!