Health Benefits Of Bathing With Cold Water

Showering is an essential part of a healthy routine, but depending on the temperature and time you spend underwater you can offer different benefits.

Surely you do not like to bathe with cold water, less in seasons like winter and autumn, but cold showers have many health benefits that you surely do not know.

Taking a cold shower for the last five minutes can help to “shock” your body awake. This instant change in temperature relieves your body from fatigue and increases your mental alertness.

Researchers recommend a “colder” shower (about 68 degrees) for two or three minutes once or twice a day as a treatment for depression.

Why is it good to bathe in cold water?

1. Increases alertness

Taking a cold shower in the morning, and feeling the cold water pouring over our body seems more horrible than soothing. However, deep breathing in response to a shock from our body helps us to stay warm as it increases our total oxygen intake.

Therefore, our heart rate will also increase, releasing a torrent of blood throughout our body. This gives us a natural dose of energy for the day.

2. It has benefits for hair and skin

When it comes to hair and skin, one of the most natural ways to keep your appearance is with cold showers.

Hot water has a tendency to dry our skin, so it is best to use cold water to tighten the cuticles and pores, which will prevent them from drying out.

Cold water can “seal” the pores on the skin and scalp too, preventing dirt from getting in.

Frosty or warm water can help our skin and prevent it from stripping off its healthy natural oils too quickly. Remember that cold water only temporarily tightens the skin as it restricts blood flow, but does not reduce the pores.

When it comes to hair care, cold water showers can make your hair look brighter, stronger and healthier by flattening hair follicles and increase your ability to grab the scalp.

3. Improves immunity and circulation

Cold water can improve circulation by encouraging blood to surrounding our organs, which can help fight some skin and heart problems.

As cold water hits the body, it improves the ability to get the blood flowing through the arteries to pump it more efficiently by carrying oxygen throughout the body, thus boosting our overall and heart health, according to Dr Joseph Mercola, an expert on natural health.

It can also lower blood pressure, clear blocked arteries and improve our immune system.

4. Stimulates weight loss

Cold showers can help weight loss in an unexpected way. The human body contains two types of fatty tissue, white fat and brown fat.

White fat builds up when we consume more calories than our body needs to function, and we do not burn these calories for energy. This body fat builds up in our waist, lower back, neck and thighs, and is the one we all struggle to eliminate.

Brown fat is good fat, which generates heat to keep our body warm, and activates when exposed to extreme cold, according to the Joslin Diabetes Center, a member of Harvard Medical School. Therefore, cold showers can promote the removal of brown fat.

A 2009 study found that exposure to extremely cold temperatures triggered brown fat in 23 of 24 participants, which means that someone could lose up to nine pounds in a year if kept this practice.

5. Accelerate muscle pain relief and recovery

We’ve all seen athletes taking ice baths after a workout to reduce muscle soreness, but a quick cold shower after sweating in the gym can be just as effective, especially in relieving muscle soreness after physical activity.

A 2009 study that analysed 17 trials involved more than 360 people who rested or immersed in cold water after resistance, cycling or running. It was found that 24-minute cold water baths were effective in relieving sore muscles one to four days after exercise with a water temperature of 50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit, or 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. However, some studies involved colder temperatures.

6. Eliminate stress

Jumping into the shower without letting it get hot, or entering the ocean without slowly acclimatising to it, can help promote increased stress tolerance and even resistance to any disease. A 1994 study found a drastic decrease in uric acid levels during and after exposure to a cold stimulus.

There was also an increase in glutathione, an antioxidant that keeps all other antioxidants at optimum levels. Participants, who were 10 healthy people who regularly swim in icy water during the winter, adapted to repeated oxidative stress.

7. Relieves depression

Cold showers have been shown to relieve symptoms of depression due to the intense impact of cold receptors on the skin, which send an overwhelming amount of electrical impulses from the peripheral nerve endings to the brain.

It, therefore, produces an antidepressant effect, and boosts moods, so it works as a natural antidepressant. A 2008 study found that cold hydrotherapy has an analgesic effect, and does not appear to have noticeable side effects or cause dependence.

This treatment included one or two cold showers of 38 degrees Fahrenheit, two to three minutes in duration, followed by a gradual adaptation of five minutes to make the procedure shock the human body

                                                                                                                                    source: https://www.healthyadvicebook.com/health-benefits-bathing-cold-water/

CLEANSE YOUR THYROID, REPAIR MEMORY, AND 8 OTHER THINGS THAT HAPPEN WHEN YOU EAT GUAVA

Guava is a superfood with the potential to significantly impact your health. It has really high levels of vitamin A, vitamin C, as well as other nutrients. Here, we give you 10 reasons why you should eat guavas every day.

PROMOTES IMMUNITY

The high content of vitamin C in guava plays a great role in protecting your immune system. It actually helps the immune system to combat a vast variety of diseases.

LOWERS CANCER RISK

According to the  Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, guava fruit is a great source of antioxidants. Hence, regular consumption of guavas can help neutralise free radicals in the body, which are known to cause cancer.

HEART BENEFITS

Heart disease is among the leading killers in America and around the world. Fortunately, the guava fruit and leaves contain nutrients that can protect your heart from high triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Recent studies have revealed that guava has a natural hypoglycemic effect.

EFFECTIVE IN HELPING DIABETES

Guava juice is ideal for diabetics as it is naturally hypoglycemic. It is effective in stabilising blood sugar levels and boosting your fibre intake. Consuming guava fruit or making a tea from the leaves can be helpful.

ORAL HEALTH BENEFITS

Guava leaves have natural antiplaque effects that can safeguard your teeth from cavity-causing plaque. You just need to grind the leaves and turn them into a paste. They also help against several oral health complications like swollen gums and toothaches.

IMPROVES VISION

The high content of vitamin A in guava fruit can help protect your eyes and eyesight. This fruit is effective against night blindness and protects retinal cells from damage.

SUPPORTS SKIN

Environmental toxins and an unhealthy diet can wear your skin out, making it wrinkle and age faster. The antioxidants in guava can help you keep it youthful and soft.

TREATS DIARRHEA

In the case of diarrhoea, guava leaves can solidify your stool and help you recover more quickly. Furthermore, in so doing, the leaves protect you from the detrimental effects of dehydration.

BOOSTS THYROID FUNCTION

Guava contains copper, which is effective in boosting thyroid health.

MAXIMIZE BRAIN FUNCTION

The vitamin B3, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 in guava are all effective in promoting efficient brain function.

Therefore, you have every reason to buy some guava the next time you go shopping. Your body will enjoy!

source: Guava

What Are The Health Benefits Of Kombucha Tea?

Kombucha is believed to have miraculous healing properties. It's traditionally a home-brewed tea, but commercial productions are increasingly popular today. It can help improve disorders such as gastric ulceration, cancer, and heart and liver disease. It can also boost energy and immunity and help fight obesity. However, research recommends caution in consuming kombucha as rare side effects have been reported.

Tea, Tonic, or magical elixir? To those who extol kombucha’s full range of health benefits, this fermented black tea is all of this and more.

Though it’s often referred to as the “magic mushroom,” it’s actually not a mushroom at all. Kombucha is a combination of yeasts and bacteria. The pancake-like structure is seen floating on the medium (known as a SCOBY, Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast) is just a network of cellulose.

Kombucha is believed to have originated in the 3rd century BC in China. Centuries later, it traveled westward to Russia and Europe. Over time, the beverage has acquired a near-mythical reputation for its therapeutic properties.

Kombucha’s Legendary Health Benefits

We’ve learned about the traditional claims on kombucha’s benefits, with its active molecules and antioxidants. But what do scientists have to say about it? Given here are some of the kombucha’s benefits found through recent studies:

1. Protects And Powers The Body

In 2013, researchers at the University of Latvia published an overview of the multiple benefits of drinking kombucha. They found that the tea helped detoxify, boost energy levels, and improve immunity and contained protective antioxidants.

2. Provides Antioxidants

The antioxidants in kombucha prevent several metabolic diseases and disorders – in the eyes, skin, lungs, kidneys, joints, brain, and immune system. This can be attributed to the presence of tea polyphenols, D-saccharic acid-1,4-lactone (DSL), and ascorbic acid. DSL, which is present in many edible plants, is known for its antioxidant and detoxifying properties.

Studies also show that kombucha tea has higher antioxidant activity than unfermented tea. This could be because of the fermentation process and the subsequent changes in the tea polyphenols.

A longer fermentation process can increase antioxidant activity. But prolonged fermentation is not advisable as the organic acids produced may reach harmful levels. More study is required to identify the exact metabolic pathway involved during fermentation.

3. Fights Urinal Tract Infections

Kombucha tea may help combat urinary tract infections (UTI) commonly found in women. A study observed that fermented green tea is especially effective in battling microbes that cause these diseases.

Kombucha’s antimicrobial activity can be attributed to the organic acids, primarily acetic acid, catechins (an antioxidant and flavonoid), and significant protein content. Catechins and acetic acid are known to inhibit several microorganisms.

4. Boosts Immunity

Rich in vitamin C, kombucha helps boost the body’s immune system. Studies have observed that kombucha decreases oxidative stress and the resulting adverse effects on the immune system.

5. Fights Cancer

Kombucha tea drinkers have talked about the anticancer properties for years, but science is only now catching up.

The anticancer properties of kombucha are attributed to the tea polyphenols and the products formed during fermentation. However, extensive research is needed for further proof.

Studies show that kombucha can prevent the spread of cancer by inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels.

6. Prevents Gastric Ulcers

Animal studies show that kombucha has healing properties against gastric ulceration. It protects the mucin content of gastric tissues and reduces gastric acid secretion.

7. Fights Liver Disease

Kombucha tea helps combat liver diseases caused by various environmental pollutants including oxidative stress. This can be attributed, once again, to the presence of DSL and the aglucon Acetobacter species of bacteria.

8. Promotes Digestion

Studies show that the tea stimulates contractions of the stomach and intestines and therefore improves digestion. The antioxidants also protect the stomach lining and reduce the chances of gastric ulcers.

9. Cleans Up Bad Cholesterol

In animal studies, microorganisms present in kombucha tea were found to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol.

10. Regulates Metabolism

Although no direct evidence supports kombucha’s ability to reduce obesity, research suggests that regular intake of the tea can help eliminate the extra pounds by balancing metabolism and lessen the accumulation of fat in the long term.

This, in turn, also inhibits the risk of hypertension and type 2 diabetes.

How To Brew Kombucha

Ingredients

·       8 g of black tea (about 2 tsp)

·       9.5 cups of water

·       Sugar to taste

·       SCOBY

·       A cup of fermented tea from an older batch of kombucha

Method

1  Boil 1.5 cups of water with black tea leaves for about 5 minutes.

    Filter the tea and leave it to cool until it reaches room temperature.

   Pour the tea into a clean, wide-mouthed glass container and add the remaining water and sugar.

4  Place the SCOBY – it looks like a white, damp, pancake – in the tea solution and adds the older fermented tea.

    Cover the container with a cheesecloth and allow it to ferment for 7–10 days. During this period, the culture will grow a new mushroom-shaped layer.

    The tea, orange-gold in color and slightly sour, is now ready.

    You can carefully remove the SCOBY (along with half a cup of liquid), pour the tea into glass bottles, and store in the refrigerator. Keep the culture immersed in its liquid and use it to prepare a fresh batch of tea when needed.

Kombucha aficionados like to experiment with different add-on flavors, including fruit and spices, in a process that involves a second round of fermentation for a couple of days after the SCOBY is taken out.

How Much Is Too Much?

There’s no established limit for kombucha consumption. You can stick to about 125 ml (a half cup) at a time since most adverse effects have been observed after consumption exceeded this limit. However, do note that such a small amount is unlikely to bring about the experimental benefits found in various studies.

A sensible approach would be to check with your physician to determine any existing health conditions that kombucha tea could possibly impact.

Word of caution: Kombucha should not be consumed by pregnant or lactating women.

Can Drink Kombucha Harm You?

Although research has validated some of the traditional claims, we can’t quite call kombucha a magical cure-all. It’s important to note that the biological activities of kombucha have largely been tested only in animal trials. More in-depth, extensive human trials will help us get a better understanding of its real power.

Occasionally, instances of harmful effects have been reported. In one study, a few patients experienced a variety of side effects of the tea – including allergic reactions, vomiting, headache, and nausea.

However, it’s not so much the ingredients of kombucha as other external factors that can potentially harm a drinker; for example, the type of container used to store the tea. Ceramic, lead crystal, or painted bottles, for instance, run the risk of leaching lead and other toxic substances into the tea solution due to the acid content in kombucha.

A fact sheet published by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1995 raised concerns about the likelihood of fungal contamination as a result of the unorthodox fermentation method adopted in making and storing the tea. They warn that such contamination could severely impact individuals with weak immune systems.

Alternatively, commercially prepared kombucha is brewed in strictly hygienic conditions and subject to inspections by regulatory bodies. This may be a safer way to enjoy a cup of the sweet, vinegary beverage.

source:HealthyTea

    9 Healthy Reasons to Eat Kiwifruit

The kiwifruit or Chinese gooseberry People are attracted to kiwifruit because of its brilliant green color and exotic taste. But, the real uniqueness of kiwi fruit comes from its health benefits. Kiwi is in the ‘low’ category for glycemic index, meaning it does not raise your blood sugar quickly. It has a glycemic load of 4 which means it is safe for diabetics. A medium size kiwifruit (76 grams) provides 46 calories, 0.3 g fat, 1 g protein, 11 g carbohydrates, and 2.6 g dietary fiber found partly in the edible skin. Kiwi is also in the ‘most alkaline’ category for fruits, meaning it has a rich supply of minerals to replace the excess of acidic foods most individuals consume. A few of the benefits of a properly acid/alkaline balanced body are: youthful skin, deeper sleep, abundant physical energy, fewer colds, less arthritis, and reduced osteoporosis. The actinidin found in kiwifruit can be an allergen for some individuals. The most common symptoms are unpleasant itching and soreness of the mouth, with the most common severe symptom being wheezing, with anaphylaxis also being reported.

1. Kiwi Helps To Clean Out Your Toxins

The fuzzy fiber of Kiwi helps bind and move toxins from your intestinal tract.

2. To Help Your Digestions

Raw kiwi contains actinidain, a protein-dissolving enzyme that can help digest a meal much like the papain in papaya or bromelain in pineapple. Kiwis are a great source of fiber. This prevents constipation and other intestinal problems.

3. Helps Manage Blood Pressure

Kiwi’s high level of potassium helps keep our electrolytes in balance by counteracting the effects of sodium.

4. Protects from DNA Damage

A study by Collins, Horska and Hotten showed that the unique combination of antioxidants in Kiwi fruit helps protect the cell DNA from oxidative damage. Some experts conclude this can help prevent cancer.

5. Boosts Your Immunity

Kiwi’s high vitamin C content along with other antioxidant compounds has been proven to boost the immune system.

6. Smart Carb for Weight Loss

Kiwi’s low glycemic index and high fiber content means it will not create a strong insulin rush like other fruit with high sugar contents — so the body will not respond by storing fat.

7. Helps Fight Heart Disease

Eating 2-3 kiwis a day has been shown to reduce the potential of blood clotting by 18% and reduce triglycerides by 15%. Many individuals take aspirin to reduce blood clotting, but this causes many side effects including inflammation and intestinal bleeding. Kiwi fruit has the same anti-clotting benefits with no side effects, just additional health benefits!

8. Protects Against Macular Degeneration and Other Eye Problems

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. A study on over 110,000 men and women showed that eating 3 or more serving of fruit per day decreased macular degeneration by 36%. This is thought to be associated with the kiwi’s high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin — both of which are natural chemicals found in the human eye. Although both fruits and vegetables were studied, this same effect was not shown for vegetables.

9. Great for the Skin

Kiwis are a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant known to protect skin from degeneration.

 To learn more about Foods That Make You Look and Feel Younger go @  LG365DaysFoodsThatMakeYouYounger

The easiest way to boost your health is to attach a good habit to something that is a part of your daily routine —like eating! So the next time you shop at the grocery store, choose foods that are rich in anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These foods will make you look and feel healthy and younger! Moreover, they are very delicious. - Learn more at LG365DaysFoodsThatMakeYouYounger 

Enjoy!









Source: LG365DaysKiwi