4 Ways Winter Affects Your Physical Health

With winter all but officially upon us, we might already be feeling the season, maybe even planning warm weather vacations. I venture most of us have wondered if we’re not somehow healthier during the summer months. Is it just a mental vitality from the additional daylight hours and relative ease of outdoor time, or is there something more at work? Does our health really take a hit in winter? For those who enjoy this brand of trivia, there’s an actual field of study devoted to this called biometeorology. And with the minutely detailed research into epigenetic activity, we’re getting a fuller picture all the time of astonishing nuances as well as big picture shifts. To a Primal mind, it all makes sense. Humans evolved within a seasonal context—without any of the modern accommodations that would buffer climate or weather influences. Why would our bodies not have adapted with responsive wiring?

With the span of modern research—everything from massive epidemiological analysis to epigenetic science—we’re seeing both the finer nuances and the global patterns in environment-biology interaction. One recent study earlier this year, for example, revealed the activity of nearly a quarter of our genes varies depending on time of year—with seasonality cues that are remarkably geographically specific. The shifts influence our immune function as well as the composition of our blood and even fat.

I’ll admit this is exactly the kind of thing you could get me talking about for hours, but let’s keep things simple and look at a few of the most common and significant seasonal health patterns. It might just have you rethinking your annual exam routine—or at least its place on the calendar.

Your Cardiac Health and Risk

It’s no one’s imagination that we see more cardiac deaths during the winter months. The seasonal blood vessel narrowing may push those with arterial build-up, for example, over the edge in terms of blockage.

Oddly, it doesn’t seem to matter how hard winter hits your region. One study followed the incidence of cardiac-related deaths in seven U.S. locations (ranging from Los Angeles County to Massachusetts. Both total and cardiac death rates rose during winter months at roughly the same (26-36% compared to summer deaths) across all locations. Researchers often speculate that people move less in winter, even in warmer climates, and that this discrepancy could be a major contributing factor.

Yet, there may be other factors at work, particularly for those who live in colder climates. Blood viscosity (thickness) increases substantially in cooler temperatures. In one study, viscosity rose more than 26% when temperatures dropped from 98 degrees Fahrenheit to 72. The thicker our blood, the higher our risk for stroke and ischaemic heart disease.

Your Blood Pressure

In response to the lower temperatures of winter, blood vessels constrict, which raises your blood pressure and, particularly for those with higher measures to begin with, puts added stress on the heart and circulatory system. The rise in blood viscosity and decrease in blood flow rate naturally requires a corresponding increase in blood pressure to compensate.

For anyone who’s been diagnosed with high or borderline high blood pressure during the winter months, it’s important to take into account the seasonal shift. Get your levels tested throughout the year to get a more accurate picture. You may have what’s called “seasonal hypertension,” which research suggests is more common in certain people. Knowing that your numbers vary during the year will help you make a more informed decision about any given treatment your doc might recommend.

Your Lipid Profile

Researchers studied a group of men and women over a twelve month period, recording biomarker results for each season and collecting records for diet, activity and sun exposure during the year as well. Results showed that total cholesterol peaked in winter (as did HDL). (PDF)

Women showed the greater increase in total cholesterol at 5.4 mg/dL (a January peak) compared to 3.9 mg/dL (a December peak) for men. Those who had higher cholesterol levels to begin with showed the biggest seasonal rise. The researchers found no overall significant difference in dietary intake among the seasons and attributed a substantial portion of the increase to seasonal shifts in relative blood plasma volume.

As the researchers note, these differences have been demonstrated in other studies and suggest that seasonal shifts should be considered in medical testing. In other words, if you get your cholesterol tested in July and then in December, your numbers have a greater chance of looking “worse.” If you get them tested in December and then in July, they’re more likely to show “an improvement” when all that’s happened is natural seasonal shift. Obviously, these varying numbers would probably influence your doctor’s recommendations.

Your Body Fat

In a less expected twist, much has been made of the so-called “brown fat” that can convert fat into heat to warm the body. The more brown fat we have, it appears, the more adept we are at regulating our blood sugar, the more insulin sensitive we are and the better we are at burning our fat stores. Researchers have discovered how the body has an innate ability to convert typical “white” fat into “beige” fat when exposed to cold temperatures (a process hampered in obese people).

It may be one of our body’s innate bits of genius, but unfortunately the process may not be the completely seamless miracle you might think in our modern age. The activation of brown fat, it appears, causes more fat to be stored into the blood. Because vessels are constricted in cooler temps and cold can make atherosclerotic plaque less stable, the end result can be a greater risk for cardiac events, particularly in those with a history and propensity for atherosclerosis.

Our innate responses to our environments without question served our survival thousands of years ago. Today, they still serve our basic biology but not necessarily the ways modern life has skewed our daily behavior toward unhealthy diets and relative inactivity. Winter, I think few of you in the northern regions will doubt, imposes physiological stress on our bodies—the kinds of stresses we were designed to be able to incorporate and match with our own adaptations. The colder season, if you’re healthy, can make you that much healthier with some Primal behaviors (and vitamin D supplementation) Grok and his crew would’ve participated in. If the winter season is, instead, highlighting our current health limitations, we can consider it a call to live more, not less, in tune with the challenges our Primal roots were designed to anticipate.

AMAZING SOY-FREE MORINGA CHICKPEA TOFU

I follow a plant-based highly raw vegan diet, but I'm not a 100% raw, and will eat cooked foods, including grains, sporadically.

I simply love chickpeas, no matter how it's made, although most of the time I'll have it as a homemade hummus, or falafel. This time I wanted to try something different, a more creative recipe, as long as it was plant-based and vegan.

And browsing the net, I came across this genius vegan recipe of Chickpea Tofu at My New Roots. 

Yes, you read it right: soy-free homemade chickpea tofu. How cool is that?

I had some moringa at home, and wanted to innovate the recipe even further, so I thought "Why not add High Quality Moringa powder to my chickpea tofu and see how it goes?".

Bingo! It was exactly what I was looking for, even though I had no idea of it when I started my search! It turned out to be a silky, tasteful, and filling soy-free tofu, which I added to a big green salad, and also to a fresh Spring roll. Just like you would with tofu.

Apart from tempeh and miso on a few ocasions, I don't really eat soy-based foods, and this is really a genius recipe if, like me, you are also not too keen on soy.

As per the moringa, it's a superfood I've been adding more frequently to my diet, and its leaves are highly rich in protein, minerals, and vitamins A,B and C. I read that Moringa helps against anemia, joint pain, high blood pressure, and also increases sex drive, acting as an aphrodisiac.

Soy-free Chickpea Moringa Tofu:

I slightly changed the original recipe, and reduced the quantities, as I was cooking only for myself.

Ingredients:

• 100g chickpea flour (also known as garbanzo flour)
• 1 Liter filtered water
• 1 tsp coconut oil
• 1 tsp pink Himalayan salt
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tbsp moringa powder

Directions:

In a large pot, combine the chickpea flour and water, and let it sit overnight, or about 12 hours.

After the resting period, carefully remove about 400ml of water from the mixture with a ladle, and discard.

In a medium pan, melt the oil, and carefully pour in the remaining liquid, without disturbing the bottom too much, leaving only the thick chickpea sludge. Add the spices, whisk well to combine, and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the mixture begins to simmer.

Add the chickpea sludge, which will act as a thickener agent, and whisk continuously for 10 minutes, until thick.

Line a baking pan with a clean cotton tea towel, and pour the thickened chickpea mixture into it. Fold the edges of the cloth over the top and let it sit at room temperature for about 8 hours.

To remove the tofu from the pan, place a cutting board on top and flip it over, pulling the cloth away. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Raw Vegan Chocolate Cake Recipe

This is our raw chocolate cake recipe that blends the best of both worlds, taste satisfaction as well as nutritional quality. 

Made with freshly ground whole cacao beans for that extra special pure cacao flavor, this is a flourless cake recipe using walnuts, dates and coconut to create an cake-like consistency very similar to that of "ice cream cake." 

As an alternative to the average oven-baked desserts, many raw vegan versions, like cakes, pies and cheesecakes are commonly chilled slightly before serving to produce a firm, sliceable and/or buttery smooth texture.

For the coconut-cream frosting we use a blend of fresh coconut meat, coconut oil, cacao butter and natural sweeteners to replicate the traditional buttercream frosting, but without all the dairy products or high glycemic sugars.

As with many of our desserts we always try to incorporate different superfoods whenever possible and this cake is no exception. This recipe stars our absolute favorite medicinal mushroom variety and one of our mentioned top 10 superfoods, the reishi mushroom. 

Using straight powdered hot water reishi extract as well as a tea blend, decocting the whole mushroom powder, reishi works very well in cacao recipesand gives this one a slightly bitter dark chocolate and subtle caramel-like flavor that, we think you will agree, is absolutely delicious.

Because one small piece of this cake is very filling and incredibly satisfying, we tend to make it in small portions but the ingredients can be easily doubled to create a medium-size cake if you happen to have many mouths to feed. So, depending on your needs or whether you are making it for a group or just one or two people, you might want to make necessary adjustments.

This raw chocolate cake recipe can be conveniently stored in the fridge, or even freezer to extend its shelf life and to provide an instant piece of chocolate cake whenever you get the craving. Generally, in the fridge it will last many days, usually up to a week. In the freezer, it can be stored in an airtight container for long term storage and will usually slice easily with a sharp knife due to the high fat content.

We like to save this deluxe dessert recipe for special occasions, birthdays or family gatherings. Most people won't even know that is it completely raw and 100% vegan.

All Natural Whole Food Ingredients

This is a whole foods cake, using completely natural ingredients. The base of the recipe includes two of our favorites, walnuts and coconut, both of which provide a nice cake-like quality when blended with puréed dates and figs. Although this combination might sound a little strange at first, you'll be surprised at how delicious the end results. These fruits add sweetness as well as texture and blend well with the other natural sweeteners used, like raw honey, lucuma and a small amount of stevia.

Of course, no chocolate cake recipe is complete without the use of fresh vanilla bean. Single vanilla beans or pods can usually be purchased at any health food store and are commonly found in the bulk herb section. Simply put, there is nothing like the flavor of freshly scraped vanilla seed paste and when blended with raw cacao, it is a truly amazing taste sensation.

Using Raw Cacao

We like to go straight to the source for this chocolate cake recipe and that means using real raw cacao beans that have been fermented, but not high heat roasted. Raw cacao contains more nutritive qualities and provides higher amounts of antioxidants as well as mood elevating neurotransmitters like anandamine, serotonin, and phenylethylamine (PEA). 

In addition, using freshly ground raw cacao beans, as opposed to nibs or powders, really adds a lot more flavor to this cake in our opinion. However, for the frosting cacao powder works best to provide a creamy smooth texture.

Superfood Nutrition

Reishi is a highly prized major tonic in Chinese herbalism, ranking close to ginseng for its broad spectrum of health benefits. Referred to as "the mushroom of immortality", it has been valued as a Shen tonic adaptogen for well over 2,000 years. 

The energetic attributes of reishi, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, are believed to nourish and "open the heart" and it has been used throughout history by Taoist monks and spiritual seekers to build will power, inner awareness and encourage a meditative state of being.

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We like to incorporate concentrated tonic teas whenever possible and desserts are one of the easiest ways we have found to do this. Along with dried reishi power, we also decoct rhodiola root and pau d'arco bark, both of which make very pleasant tasting teas. Rhodiola is a natural herbal stimulant and overall energizing tonic, while pau d'arco adds cleansing elements.

Two other famous superfoods added to our chocolate cake recipe include mucuna and maca root. Mucuna is a popular Ayurvedic herb used for calming nerve related disorders and helps to balance the theobromine content found in cacao beans. Maca root is a Peruvian superfood known for its energy-instilling properties beneficial for increased strength and endurance for physical activity.

Raw Chocolate Cake Recipe

This is a stacked double-layered cake with a frosting center about 6-7 inches (15-17cm) in diameter and is approximately 2 ½-3 inches (6-7cm) thick. As we mentioned, these measurements are for a small size chocolate cake recipe, for a medium size cake you will need to double the ingredient amounts.

Ingredients:

The Cake

• 3/4C cacao beans or nibs
• 3T cacao butter (melted)
• 2C walnuts
• 1C dried shredded coconut
• 3/4C dates (pitted)
• ½C dried figs 
• 2T maca powder
• 1T mucuna extract
• ½ vanilla bean (scrapped) or equivalent
• reishi tonic tea (see below)
• 3t reishi power extract or 12 opened reishi capsules 
• 1t stevia (green powder) or ½ white stevia powder

The Frosting

• 1C or so fresh coconut meat (usually two Thai coconuts)
• 1C soaked cashews
• 3T cacao powder
• 1T carob powder
• 2T coconut oil (soft or melted)
• 3T cacao butter (melted)
• 4T raw honey
• 2T lucuma
• ½t stevia white powder (or 1t green powder)
• coconut water (from the Thai coconut)
• ½ vanilla bean (scrapped) or equivalent

To Make Reishi Tonic Tea Concentrate:

Decoct or simmer in a 1/2 quart of water.

• 3T reishi mushroom pieces (or 1½T ground powder)
• 1T rhodiola root
• 1T pau d'arco bark

You will no doubt have some left over tea, but you can enjoy it straight with a piece of cake or use it for other dessert recipes.

Directions:

For the Cake:

1. Soak the figs and dates in one cup reishi tonic tea overnight or at least several hours to soften.
2. Powder whole cacao beans with or without skins in a high speed blender, like a Vitamix, Blendtec or NutriBullet.
3. Place in a mixing bowl.
4. Grind the dry coconut in a blender to create a fine flour. Add to the mixing bowl.
5. Grind the dry walnuts in blender until a flour or nut butter type consistency. Add to the mixing bowl.
6. Blend the soaked figs and dates (with liquid) into a paste. Add to the mixing bowl.
7. Melt cacao butter in a small dish inside a hot water bath or double broiler.
8. In a food processor, add the mixing bowl ingredients along with the rest of the cake ingredients.
9. Process until a dough-like texture is created.
10. Split the cake dough in half and mold in two separate layers, using either a spring-form pan or other cake mold form that measures  6" in diameter (or 12" in diameter if you double the recipe).
11. Place your cake in the freezer to set for at least 1 hour.

For the Frosting:

1. Soak the cashews for 20 minutes in enough coconut water to barely cover them.
2. Place all ingredients into the blender.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy in a high speed blender.
4. Add more coconut water if necessary, but not too much because you want it as thick as possible.
5. Refrigerate to thicken for 1 hour.
6. Place frosting on middle section of cake, then the top section and sides of cake.
7. Decorate the sides with cacao nibs and the top with raw chocolate pieces.

Store it in the fridge and eat immediately after serving or store the cake in the freezer and take out 20 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

To make the raw chocolate pieces, mix 2T melted cacao butter with 3T cacao powder and 1t white stevia powder. Place in a squeeze bottle or piping bag and squeeze out into squiggly shapes on a teflex dehydrator sheet and allow to chill before breaking apart for the cake topping.

This is a great chocolate cake recipe to take to a potluck, community gathering or festive event. Remember... it is a small cake, compared to standard cake sizes, but that's because you don't need much to feel completely satisfied. 

You can also substitute carob powder for cacao in this recipe for those that are sensitive to the sometimes stimulating effects of chocolate.

http://www.superfoods-for-superhealth.com

Do you know the Most Nutrition Grain?

FONIO: THE CROP THAT HOLDS THE ANSWER TO THE WORLD’S FOOD CRISIS!!
ITS MEDICAL PROPERTIES HAVE BEEN PROVEN TO MANAGE DIABETES AND OBESITY

EAT FONIO AND REMAIN HEALTHY FOR LIFE!

Fonio is highly rich in amino acids and iron. It is also very nutritious for pregnant women and children. It is free of gluten and is a great alternative for gluten-intolerant people, in particular those living with Celiac Disease.
Due to its high fiber content, this grain is also recommended for the elderly, and for people suffering from digestive problems. Moreover, because of its insulin secreting properties, Fonio products have found that diabetics are their key customers.

Fonio is richer in calcium, magnesium, zinc and manganese than other grains. This grain also contains high levels of methionine and cystine, amino acids essential to our health which our body cannot produce on its own. Fonio grains can play a vital role in nourishing human health. These nutrients are missing in today's major cereals.

Fonio does not contain any glutamine or gladding proteins which are the constituents of gluten, making this cereal suitable for people with gluten intolerance.

Fonio is the most nutritious of all grains. Not only does this crop deserve much greater recognition, it has a big future. It is one of the world's best-tasting cereals. 

Now here's the interesting part:
 How can you find Fonio? It's easy if you know where to look. You can only find it in Africa. Few markets in Africa carry it, but how close are you to them? Lucky for online shoppers, who can now order Fonio  (Raw or Precooked) from any part of the world from Amadin Consulting Services.

Culinary Uses of Fonio Grains
There are many uses of this ingredient and it is considered as the best tasting cereal. It can be used instead of rice or grains and can also be added to regular flour for its nutritional values. Flour from this crop can also be used for making cakes and fritters. It can be used for baking bread and traditionally, it is eaten as couscous or gruel (thick or thin).

Popular Fonio Recipes
Children and elderly popularly consume it, since it can be easily digested. Those on diets will find it pleasing to taste since Fonio is low in fat. Another popular recipe is a combination of sesame with this grain.

*Pilaf Fonio Recipe

In fry oil, thin sliced onions, garlic and parsley crushed, tomatoes peeled, deseeded and cut and the tomato purée. Add salt and add 2 liters of water, spices and herbs and simmer for about 1 hour. At mid-time cooking, add vegetables washed and regularly cut. Take out the vegetables as they are cooked and set aside in a serving dish. Add to the vegetables and keep it hot. “Sprinkle” precooked Fonio in the remaining bouillon while stirring; the bouillon must cover Fonio. Cover the cooking pot and simmer while stirring from time to time. Serve hot with vegetables.

Health and Nutritional Value of Fonio Grain
• Highly rich in amino acids and iron, its tiny grains are very nutritious for pregnant women and children.
• The husked grain of fonio contains 8-10 % proteins, 85% carbohydrates, 4% fats and 1% ash.
• Fonio grains are immensely rich in methionine, cystine and other amino acids which play a vital role in nourishing human health. These nutrients are missing in today's major cereals.
• The protein analysis of white fonio in comparison with a whole egg is: 7.3 percent of methionine, 46 percent of lysine, 72% isoleucine, 90-100% of valine, tryptophan, threonine, and phenylalanine, 127% of leucine; 175% of total sulfur; and 189 percent for methionine.
• Furthermore, fonio does not contain any glutenin or gliadin proteins which are the constituents of gluten, making this cereal suitable for people with gluten intolerance.

http://www.foniocereal.com/default.html

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Do You Suffer From Poor Circulation?

Do You Suffer From Poor Circulation? Here Is How To Solve Your Problem In Just 20 Minutes

If you are one of those who suffer from poor circulation and high pressure, then you know that these patients like you are constantly trying to find some remedy and solve their problems.

However, as advised by experts, you can significantly improve your circulations by regular exercising.  The following exercises will keep the tone and condition of your body, and will take only 15-20 minutes of your time during the day.

Swimming

Swimming is especially good for individuals who suffer from muscle and joint pain and it can be good practice for people of all ages. This exercise does no tension to the body, but engages all body muscles and stimulates oxygen flow to the heart and lungs.

Yoga

Yoga is breathing control technique which improves blood circulation in the muscles and oxygen concentration in the blood.

Walking

Walking is undoubtedly the best exercise to improve your blood circulation. It tightens and relaxes the leg muscles and stimulates blood pumping throughout the body. Also, it reduces blood pressure. At the beginning, you should start with short walks, 2-3 times a week.

Stretching

In the morning, before you get up from bed, stretch! It is the first thing you should do, stretch well your legs and arms.

Push- ups

In the morning, before showering, do a set of 10 push-ups, and you will provide the needed energy for the following day.

Raising heels and toes

Sit with your knees on the floor creating an angle of 90 degrees. Raise your toes from the floor while keeping the heel on the floor. Then put them back on the floor. First do this one leg, and then repeat with the other. Next try with your both feet at the same time and eventually complete the exercise by swinging the heel to the toes.

Feet rotation  

Sit on a chair and rotate your foot in a clockwise direction. By doing this you will improve the blood circulation and flexibility of your legs. You should repeat this exercise 10 times.

Joint exercise

In a standing position, lift up on your toes and come down on your heels, with your muscles tightened. This exercise should also be done 10 times, at least.

Neck exercises

Turn your head to the left and then to the right, to relax your neck. Count to 10. Next, roll your head around and bend it down until it touches the chest. Do not worry if you hear cracking sound while performing the exercises. They are normal and show that you stretch the neck ligaments successfully and that you are performing the exercises properly.

Hand exercises

First stretch and spread the fingers of your hand. Next, make a fist and hold that position for a couple of seconds. Then loosen your joint and spin your hand in a circular movement from the shoulder, for one minute. This is an excellent exercise to improve blood circulation and prevent cramps.

Cycling and dancing

Dancing is an excellent way to activate your body and improve your blood circulation. On the other hand, cycling is another amazing exercise for improving blood flow in the lower part of the body.

Try to do these exercises whenever you have some free time, and you should also ride a bicycle or swim for at least 45 minutes at the pool. You will soon feel the results.

Source/Reference: keepyourbody.com

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This Edible Water Bottle Is Going To Change The World By Ending Plastic Waste

Say goodbye to plastic water bottles, because this edible water container is the future.

Ooho is a new spherical packaging for water that looks a little like a breast implant. It’s biodegradable, hygienic and costs 1p per unit to make.

Its makers describe it as “water you can eat”.

Ooho is made from calcium chloride and a seaweed derivative called sodium alginate.

With global sales of packaged water hitting 223 billion litres this year, this new green solution to a major waste problem couldn’t come sooner. It’s even won the UK round of an EU competition for new, more sustainable products, and takes home €20,000 of investment.

Ooho designer Pierre Paslier, told the Guardian: “At the end of the day you don’t have to eat it. But the edible part shows how natural it is.”

“People are really enthusiastic about the fact that you can create a material for packaging matter that is so harmless that you can eat it.”

http://pulptastic.com/water-bottle-you-can-eat/

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INFUSED WATER: The Ultimate Detox And Weight-loss Secret

by Suzanne Pischner

One of the most talked about weight loss topic now is infused water with this natural ingredient. Studies have shown that this Skinny Pill made from natural ingredients will increase your metabolism. Many started drinking and enjoying the ritual of taking better care of themselves.

Many women who are tired of trying Atkins, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig and a slew of other weight loss programs fall without any success, while some fall back into depression. Many couldn't afford surgery and didn't know what to do next, until they read about drinking infused water together with Slim Raspberry Ketone to significantly increase their metabolism and weight loss. Many decided to give it a try, considering they had nothing to lose. That day changed their lives forever. Now others are following their lead.

Take The Simple Infused Water Regimen To The Next Level

They aren't the only people who are seeing the positive effects of this new program. Television star Lorraine Kelly shocked the world after losing 2.5 stones in 2 months with the new Slim Raspberry Ketone and Nature's Cleanse Diet. "I Couldn't believe how quickly I saw the effects.. and the fact that I could eat whatever I want when I want and still lose weight!" said Lorraine as we spoke with her after one of her shows. The combined effect is clinically proven to not just shred fat off your physique but flush out all the junk in your body and increase your metabolism without harming your immune system.

Losing weight often feels like an impossible challenge. We have evaluated numerous fad diets over the years. All too frequent the results are just shy of being painfully disappointing.

The reason why most diets fail, in our opinion, is that they impose unrealistic restrictions on how you live your life. Many dietitians say eat lots of protein others emphasize carbohydrates. In either case, you're left with having to make rather drastic changes to the types of food you eat, when you eat it.

http://www.womenshealth-magnews1.com

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Warning-signs-of-a-heart-attack-can-be-found-on-your-eyelids

A MUST READ: Warning Signs of a Heart Attack 

Can be Found on Your Eyelids

The study published in the British Medical Journal revealed its findings that show a link between heart diseases and a health condition known as xanthelasma (xanthelasma palpebrarum). This condition appears as a sharply demarcated yellowish deposit of fat underneath the skin, usually on or around the eyelids. These yellow formations occur in the upper or lower eyelid near the inner corner of the eye.

The connection between heart disease and xanthelasma

Both sexes, and especially after 40, can suffer from this condition. These yellow growths are the result of cholesterol deposits and indicate a higher level of cholesterol in almost half of the patients affected with this condition.

People with xanthelasma usually seek medical help because these growths are unattractive, otherwise, they are soft and painless and do not affect vision.

In fact, without considering them as a warning of a more serious condition, and despite their re-emergence after removal, people most often decide to remove these yellowish growths because their appearance is far from pleasing to the eye.

Scientific evidence

The link between heart disease and xanthelasma has been scientifically confirmed by a recent Danish research. The professor who led the team, Mr. Tibjaerg Hansen came to conclusions that will alter the way we see these seemingly harmless growths, which are ignored as irrelevant by both patients and doctors.

Women with xanthelasma have an 8% higher risk of heart attack, as opposed to those who are not affected by this phenomenon. It has been proved that women have a lower risk of heart disease than men.  Moreover, researchers in this study explained that xanthelasma allows accurate prediction of heart disease in this particular group of patients.

On the other hand, it has been proven that men are more prone to heart disease. Men affected with xanthelasma are at a 12% higher risk of heart attack, and men aged 70-79 are at an even higher risk.

This research discovered that the presence of xanthelasma cases in each age group indicates an increased probability of heart disease, heart attack and death. Both men and women who have these yellow growths on their eyelids are likely to experience a heart attack, and in 10- year period, they may even be life- threatened.

The research concluded that xanthelasma, independent of other factors such as high cholesterol, obesity, smoking and high blood pressure, may indicate a severe atherosclerosis, heart attack, heart disease and death.

So, in case you notice that these yellow growths appear on your eyelids, it is highly advisable that you immediately check your cholesterol levels.

Source: www.healthyfoodteam.com

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Vegan Pumpkin Bread

Overview:

Vegan pumpkin bread--delicious and easy!


Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
• 6 tablespoons water
• 1 cup coconut nectar sugar
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 1 2/3 cups whole wheat pastry flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Lightly grease one 9×5 inch loaf pan.
3. Whisk together flax seed meal and water.
4. Mix in sugar, pumpkin and applesauce.
5. In a large bowl, stir together pastry flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, nutmeg, and cloves. Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture; stir until smooth.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 65 to 70 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. (Pay attention to your bread because mine was done in about 40 minutes and if I hadn’t checked on it I would have had burnt bread that was rock solid.)

Serving Size: approx. 12

http://www.swansonvitamins.com


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How Apple Cider Vinegar Works As A Miracle Medicine For Many Ailments

As seen on Simple Organic Life Apple cider vinegar truly is an amazing creation that can be used as medicine. 

Simply mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 4 tablespoons of water. Add in a couple tablespoons of honey and you’ve got an amazing concoction.

Apple cider vinegar helps to aid in digestion, blood circulation, and can even soothe a sore throat! It has also been documented to improve kidney and blood vessel function, which can help combat heart disease. Fertility can also be improved through apple cider vinegar! 

Lastly, apple cider vinegar has also been found to be a great ally in maintaining body weight and lowers high blood pressure.

Here is how you can use apple cider vinegar as medicine to combat almost anything and everything:

Cold/Flu/Sore Throat

Gargle the apple cider vinegar and honey mixture. Apple cider vinegar and honey both will soothe your throat, cough, and can help settle the stomach.

Headache

For headaches, mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with two tablespoons of honey. Mix well and drink the entire liquid. Your headache will be gone in minutes!

High blood pressure

For high blood pressure, mix two tablespoons with a glass of water. Consume this mixture 3 times a day in order to lower blood pressure!

Chronic Fatigue

Mix 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 1 cup of honey. Store this mixture in a sealable jar. Consume two tablespoons of the mixture every night before bed.

Sinus Pain/Congestion

Add two tables spoons of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water. Do this as many times as possible throughout the day to combat the sinus pain.

Burns

Apply apple cider vinegar to the burn as many times as possible throughout the day. It will reduce pain and redness significantly.

Acne

Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar to every 2-3 parts water (depending on how much you want to make). Wash your face with this mixture 2-3 times a day.

Obesity/Weight Loss

Drink two glasses of water, each mixed with two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, every morning on an empty stomach.

Information contained on this site is not to be construed or intended as providing medical or legal advice. Decisions you make about your family’s healthcare are important and should be made in consultation with a competent medical professional. We are not physicians and do not claim to be, but apple cider vinegar is a good natural remedy to go along side medication if it is needed.

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