For these health benefits it is recommended to eat between 30 – 60 g nuts a day. Try to eat unprocessed nuts rather than roasted or salted. Don’t just rely on Nutella either as this contains too much sugar and chocolate! Peanut butter is slightly better than Nutella, especially the unsalted, low sugar varieties, but still often contains hydrogenated oil to keep it fresh.

It is best to eat a variety of different nuts to get maximum benefits as they all contain slightly different  beneficial ingredients.

Nuts by definition are the seeds of fruits, encased in a hard outer shell. They grow on flowering upright trees and shrubs. By this definition, peanuts are not actually nuts! They are legumes, the same as beans or peas, as they are edible seeds that grow inside pods. With peanuts, the pods fall off the plant and the peanuts mature within these pods, underground.

Nuts, and peanuts, are all good source of protein, dietary fiber and unsaturated fat. The protein found in nuts is rich in Arginine. This is an amino acid that the body uses to make nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels in the body, thus lowering blood pressure. Arginine also helps the body get rid of ammonia (which is created when the body gets rid of waste in urine).

As they come from plants, most nuts and peanuts are cholesterol-free and are instead rich in a healthy type of plant-based fat known as monounsaturated fat. This type of fat is thought to  help lower blood cholesterol and prevent heart disease. In addition, nuts all have their own individual health benefits. Here are a few examples of the health benefits of popular nuts:

1. Almonds are very rich in calcium, providing almost as much as milk! They are also high in selenium and vitamin E, which are both excellent antioxidants.
2. Hazelnuts are high in nutrients, especially vitamin E and selenium.
3. Peanuts are about 20-30% protein, rich in potassium and vitamins especially B vitamins (folate and niacin).
4. Brazil nuts are high in copper, selenium, niacin, magnesium, fiber, and vitamin E. Selenium is thought to boost your mood, which is especially useful as the darker nights draw in.
5. Cashews are rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, phosphorous and copper.
6. Pistachio nuts are a member of the cashew family. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, copper, phosphorous, and B vitamins.
7. Walnuts are one of the best nuts for heart health! As well as monounsaturated fat, they are also rich in omega-3 fatty acid, in fact they contain a higher concentration of omega 3 than salmon!
8. Pecans are a member of the walnut family. They are rich in vitamin E, vitamin A, folate, Zinc and phosphorous.
9. Macadamia nuts are rich in beneficial fatty acids. They are also rich in potassium and magnesium.
10. Chestnuts are soft and fleshy and contain very high tannin levels so have to be cooked before eating. They are worth the effort though as they are high in vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, and potassium.
11. Pine nuts are actually the seedlings of pinecones, rather than nuts. They are very rich in fats and are used to make pesto. Pine nuts are very nutrient rich and are especially full in vitamins A, C and D.

The best way to incoroprate nuts into your daily life is to swap unhealthy sugary and chocolate snacks for a nice handful of unprocessed mixed nuts. Try eating a mix of different types to gain as many of the above health benefits as possible. Christmas is a great time of year for getting good deals on nuts and they will be a fuel rich food to help you keep warm, so snack away!

Thanks for reading. All comments welcome

I have decided to give this a go so I have just purchased some pure coconut oil and I’m going to mix it with a little Bicarbonate of Soda on a saucer every morning to give a consistency that’s easy to scoop onto my toothbrush. Bicarb of Soda has its own additional teeth cleaning benefits as it is an alkali so helps neutralise acidic erosion on the teeth and also acts as a gentle abrasive and whitener to leave the teeth feeling quite literally squeaky clean!

I hope you will all try this natural teeth cleaner yourselves. Please let us know how you get on.

Thank you for reading

Evidence seems to suggest that taking CLA stimulates the mammary ducts to grow. There seems to be a correlation between breast development at an earlier age and rising obesity levels, perhaps due to increased intake of meat and eggs. It certainly does seem like the kids today are bigger, taller and more developed than a few decades ago. Diet has changed in these times with the rise in fast food outlets, who mostly sell beef burgers. Beef is an excellent source of CLA.

Therefore for managed breast growth one wonders whether increasing the intake of meat and eggs could increase breast size. As long as care is taken not to increase fat levels in the diet to a level that increases the risk of obesity, it may be worth a try for those wanting to firm up and increase their breast size.

Any thoughts welcome. Thanks for reading

Thank you for reading

About Bee Propolis
Honeybees collect more than just pollen when they are buzzing around the yard. Resins are collected from various plants and trees, mixed with beeswax and amino acids and used to form structures within the hive, similar to the way that we use cement. Bees need to protect themselves from disease just like we do and propolis is their solution. As the bees travel through the hive, they rub against the propolis and receive the benefits of the natural antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antiviral properties from their building materials.

Active Ingredients & Uses

Immune Boost
Propolis has antibiotic and anti-microbial properties. Because propolis is high in the vitamin B complex vitamins, has significant amounts of vitamin C, and contains vitamin E, it naturally boosts the immune system. High levels of antioxidants are also found in propolis and these also give our natural immune system functions a boost, as well as doing the same for the bees! Because of its ability to enhance the function of the immune system, Propolis is a great treatment for cold and flu symptoms and even food poisioning. It can be taken in the form of capsules or as a tincture and is easy to obtain.

Wound Healing
Bee propolis also promotes wound healing, making it very useful in topical treatments such as ointments and creams. It is easy for burns, abrasions and lacerations to become infected, but when treated with a strong antibacterial agent the body has a chance to heal quickly and with less chance of scarring. Studies conducted in several different countries show that bee propolis has strong antibacterial and anti-microbial properties. As an anti-inflammatory, bee propolis has been shown to be very effective. This is another way in which propolis can be useful as a topical treatment for wounds.

Anti-Inflammatory
Taken internally, it can also reduce the damaging effects of inflammation in the body. Inflammation is the cause of many diseases, including heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, some bone diseases, pelvic inflammatory disease and arthritis. Autoimmune diseases such as endometriosis have also been shown to respond well to treatments that include the use of propolis.

Anti-Viral
The anti-viral property of bee propolis is another one of its well-known benefits. Viruses such as herpes can cause painful and embarrassing canker sores but relief has been found by using bee propolis. It can be taken internally to inhibit the action of the virus and used topically to treat blisters and canker sores. The antiviral properties of bee propolis are also what make it so effective in treating colds and the flu. Warts, which are thought to be caused by viruses or deficiencies in the immune system, have also been treated successfully with propolis.

Allergy Relief
Rats were shown to produce less histamine when given propolis, indicating that it has the potential to be effective in providing allergy relief.

Anti-Fungal
Propolis’ antifungal property is another one of its benefits. Common fungal infections include yeast infections of the mouth and vagina, foot fungus and jock-itch. Propolis has been shown to be an effective antifungal agent in a variety of studies. It can be used in the form of a topical treatment, as a tincture or in capsule form. Its effectiveness is due in part to enhancement of the immune system, and in part to its natural antifungal properties.

Cancer & Chemotherapy Relief
In some studies, propolis has also been shown to be effective against cancer cells. Propolis was applied as a tincture to cancerous prostate and colon cells, among others and caused significant rates of cancer cell death. Healthy cells were not destroyed, which is what happens in chemotherapy. Studies of the benefits of propolis in treating cancer are ongoing, but show that there is a possibility that some of the devastating effects of chemotherapy could be reduced by making use of bee propolis.

How To Use
Bee propolis is available in a number of forms, such as ointments, lotions, tinctures and capsules. It can be used to heal burns and other wounds, clear up infections, reduce the impact of inflammatory diseases and fight viruses. Some studies have even indicated that bee propolis can be used to treat cancer. Its antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antiviral properties have been known to humankind for ages and proven effective in numerous scientific studies the world over.

I hope we can all find ways to introduce this wonderful natural remedy into our diets. Please let us know how you get on.

Thank you for reading!

Surge of Natural Energy
The natural sugars in honey are rapidly digested, which makes it an ideal source of fast-acting energy. Athletes who require an immediate surge in energy can benefit from the addition of honey to their pre-workout meals and snacks. Some marathoners swear by adding a couple tablespoons of honey to their peanut butter sandwiches before heading out on long runs. This practice dates back to ancient times when the first Olympians would consume large amounts of natural honey to increase energy levels and better their performance.

People suffering from diabetes, hypoglycemia, or other blood sugar-related ailments may benefit from this effect, as well. A sudden drop in blood sugar may be critically harmful, and consumption of honey can quickly bring blood sugar back up to normal levels. Also, research shows that honey is far superior to white sugar with regard to insulin sensitivity. Despite being equally palatable as a sweetener, honey will not cause the same degree of sugar intolerance that is commonly found in diabetics. In fact, moderate amounts of honey may help improve blood sugar control due to its unique ability to nourish blood vessels and improve the functionality of the vascular system.

Boosting Immunity to Infection
Honey naturally boosts the immune system due to its antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. The pH of honey is generally quite acidic with a reading in the 3 to 5 range. Acidic substances are known to counteract the growth of most bacterial species, as the majority of bacteria prefer a neutral pH around 7. As a result, bacterial colonies fail to flourish in the presence of honey.

Recent scientific research found a chemical compound in honey that may be instrumental to its longstanding reputation as an antimicrobial agent. Methylgloxal is a compound specifically found in Manuka honey. Laboratory experiments continue to show methylgloxal as an effective antimicrobial against drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. The Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, particularly the drug-resistant strands, are the culprits in numerous, potentially fatal infections collectively referred to as “Staph infections.” Honey inhibits several other bacteria implicated as the cause of common infections.

Honey is rich in polyphenols that provide it with antioxidant qualities. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are an unavoidable byproduct of normal metabolic processes. Free radical buildup can cause significant damage to the body, and may eventually lead to heart disease, cancer, and other devastating illnesses. Honey has been specifically noted for reducing incidences of colon cancer. While there is no definitive cure for the common cold, honey has withstood the test of time as a reliable remedy. This may be due to antioxidant compounds, as well. A mixture of honey and lemon juice provides relief for cold symptoms and is very soothing for sore throats.

Topical Treatment for Wounds
The miraculous benefits of ingesting honey can also be reaped from applying it as a topical antiseptic. Honey is especially useful when treating burns. Burn wounds have an unbelievably high rate of infection due to the destruction of several layers of dermal tissue. Honey has natural antiseptic properties that ward off bacteria and prevent infections. Not only does honey prevent infections, but it also promotes rapid healing. The glucose and fructose components in honey tend to absorb water, which dries the wound up, accelerating the healing process. Most bacteria cannot thrive in a moisture-free environment. Additionally, honey is naturally infused with enzymes that combine with water to form the antimicrobial agent, Hydrogen Peroxide.

Honey is widely available, and relatively cheap, so we should all be trying to incorporate this wonderful substance into our diets in a regular basis.

Thank you for reading. All feedback welcome!

Researchers have been studying Royal Jelly for quite some time and have found that it has many health benefits. Below are some of the health benefits of Royal Jelly:

Lower cholesterol level

High cholesterol is a condition that affects nearly 40 percent of the adult populations. If it is left untreated, it can cause a stroke and/or heart attack. There was a study done that involved two groups of volunteers. Half of the volunteers were given six grams of royal Jelly while the other half were given a placebo. The results of the study were that the volunteers who were given the royal jelly were able to reduce their total cholesterol and LDL by several points.

Helps aid female fertility

Infertility is a problem that affects approximately 10 percent of women. Ovulatory dysfunction is the most common cause of female infertility. Royal Jelly can help boost a woman’s fertility by increasing the quality of her eggs and improving her overall reproductive health.

Eases the symptoms of PMS

Premenstrual syndrome, which is also referred to as PMS, is a condition that affects over 50 percent of women. Mood swings, bloating, headaches and fatigue are some of the most common symptoms of PMS. There has been evidence to suggest that royal jelly can help ease some of the symptoms of PMS.

Can help treat bacterial infections

Antibiotics are a class of medication that is commonly prescribed to treat bacterial infections. Royal Jelly contains 10-Hydroxy-Dgr2-decenoic acid, which is a natural antibiotic. Additionally, royal jelly has also been shown to boost inflammation.

Has anti-inflammatory properties

Inflammation is a natural process that occurs when the body detects a harmful stimulus. Chronic inflammation can lead to a number of health problems if it is left unchecked. Royal Jelly has anti-inflammatory properties.

Can help slow down the aging process

Most people look forward to living longer, but no one wants the wrinkles, age spots and fine lines that come along with getting older. Royal Jelly can help slow down the aging process. It has been shown to boost collagen production and promote healthier skin. Royal jelly can also help wounds on the skin heal faster when it is applied topically.

Lower blood sugar

Diabetes is a condition that affects roughly eight percent of the population. The key to controlling diabetes is to keep one’s blood sugar within a healthy range. Royal jelly has been shown to help lower blood sugar. There was a study done in Germany that involved 20 volunteers. The volunteers underwent an oral glucose tolerance test and were given a 20 grams of royal jelly. After they were given the jelly, they underwent a second oral glucose tolerance test. The results of the study were that the participants’ blood sugar was much lower after the oral glucose tolerance test.

Reduce the risk of breast cancer

Breast cancer is a condition that affects approximately 12 percent of women. Researchers have not been able to identify the exact cause of breast cancer. However, they have found that excess estrogen can make a woman or man more susceptible to developing it. Royal Jelly has been shown to suppress the growth of breast cancer cells.

Royal Jelly has a number of health benefits. Side effects from Royal Jelly are rare, but have been reported. Royal Jelly can cause skin irritations and may also interact with certain medications.

Well I hope you enjoy the natural goodness bees can provide us with. Please also see our articles on Bee Propolis and Honey.

Thank you for reading!

Constipation occurs when the body cannot produce a bowel movement on a regular basis. Suffers of this gastrointestinal disorder often seek harsh, over-the-counter laxatives to treat this uncomfortable condition. Some over-the-counter laxatives may over-stimulate the bowels and digestive system and cause embarrassing, frequent trips to the bathroom. Using harsh laxatives on a continual basis might make the situation worse as the body can become dependent upon these medications in order to have a bowel movement. Safer, more natural laxative alternatives are available to help fight constipation.

Eat more slowly

Eating too fast can cause a person to swallow too much air, which can lead to trapped wind. Chewing one’s food slowly is one of the simplest things that can be done to alleviate this condition. Experts recommend that people chew each bite 20-25 times before swallowing.

Eat smaller meals more frequently

Eating too much food at one time will also cause a person to swallow more air. That is why people should eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. If a person eats smaller meals more frequently, he his food will digest slower. Slower digestion helps reduce the amount of gas produced in the intestines.

Eliminate certain foods

People who have problems with trapped wind should keep a record of everything that they eat. This will allow them to identify and avoid the foods that cause trapped wind. Nuts, beans, broccoli, dried fruit and onions are common culprits. Additionally, people should also make sure that they avoid carbonated beverages. These beverages contain a large amount of sugar. Excessive sugar has been linked to trapped wind.

Exercise

Exercise not only helps alleviate trapped wind, but it can also help improve the overall health of the colon. Jumping rope, yoga and walking are some of the best types of exercises for relieving trapped wind. These types of exercises should be performed at least 30 minutes per day.

Do not wear tight clothing

Wearing tight clothing makes it more difficult for a person to alleviate gas normally. As a result, the gas will become trapped in the stomach and intestines. That is why people who have a problem with trapped wind should avoid wearing tight clothing.

Some Herbal Remedies to Try

People who do not get relief after making lifestyle changes should consider using some of these herbs:

Chinese Bitters

Chinese Bitters are a combination of Chinese Herbs. They can be found in their pre-made form in almost any natural herb store. Chinese Bitters work by removing toxins from the digestive track. They can also help cure other digestive problems such as constipation and indigestion.

Eptoze Herb

The Eptoze Herb originated in Mexico and has been used to cure trapped wind for hundreds of years. This herb is most effective when it is used in conjunction with the Chinese bitters.

Mugwort Herb

Trapped wind occurs when the food or air causes a blockage in the stomach or intestinal track. The mugwort Herb helps alleviate trapped wind by clearing out the digestive track.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a home remedy that has been used for hundreds of years to cure a variety of ailment. It can also be used as a cure for trapped wind. Cinnamon helps improve circulation and energy in the stomach. It also has a laxative effect, which can help the body get rid of gas.

Fennel 

Try taking Fennel after eating, in the form of either tea, capsules or tincture. Fennel has anti-spasmodic properties so can help calm the smooth muscles in the intestinal tract.  Fennel can also help reduce the amount of gas as it is thought to increase the production of bile. It is also thought to have pain-reducing and anti-microbial activities.

Peppermint

As with Fennel, Peppermint can also be taken after a meal to help increase gastric juices as well as calming the stomach muscles to reduce cramping.

When to see a physician:

Trapped wind is something that almost everyone experiences occasionally and is usually not a cause for concern. Moreover, most people will experience relief by making a few lifestyle changes and/or using herbs. However, if a person does not experience relief from trapped wind within a few weeks, he should consult with his physician. Trapped wind may be an indication of irritable bowel syndrome, crohn’s disease or another intestinal problem. If a person has a medical condition, it will need to be treated before the trapped wind can be alleviated.

I hope you find these tips and herbs useful in controlling your stomach issues. If any of you decide to try these ideas, please let us know how you get on.

Thank you!

Herbs that can counteract the symptoms of menopause generally fall into two categories: phytoestrogenic herbs and non-estrogenic herbs. The difference between these two types of herbs is that phytoestrogenic herbs contain phytohormones, which affect the estrogen levels in the body, whereas non-estrogenic herbs stimulate the body’s natural hormone production system.

Both types of herbs have benefits in treating symptoms of menopause, however proper use and dosage are vital in avoiding irritating and sometimes harmful side-effects.

Phytoestrogenic Herbs for Menopause

Black Cohosh (Latin Name: Actea Racemosa):

The root of this plant produces an herb remedy that can help menopausal women overcome symptoms of night sweats, hot flashes and depression. The anti-fungal and antibacterial properties found in this herb are known to reduce menstrual problems caused by infection and inflammation. Black cohosh is available in tablet form, and doses are typically around 40 mg per day.

Dong Quai (Latin Name: Angelica Sinensis):

This natural wonder can help equalize the hormone levels in a woman. Not only does it help relieve stress, but dong quai also can thin the blood and act as an anti-inflammatory. Dong quai comes in many forms including leaves, powder, liquid, tea, topical and tablet or pill form. One important note about this herb is that it should not be used in combination with other herbs, as this could lead to complications.

Ginkgo (Latin Name: Ginkgo Biloba):

One symptom of menopause is the loss of memory. Ginkgo is an herb that comes from the skinny and tall ginkgo biloba tree, and it is known to help improve concentration and memory. This herb can also help with mood swings and increase a woman’s libido. Ginkgo biloba is available in teas, powders, pills and topical forms.

Ginseng (Latin Name: Panax Ginseng):

For menopausal women who are looking for more energy and stamina, ginseng is an herb that can be of assistance. Not only is ginseng another herb that can increase and stabilize a woman’s estrogen levels, but it also can be used to treat vaginal dryness, another symptom of menopause.

Red Clover (Latin Name: Trifolium Pratense):

To ease hot flashes and night sweats, consider the use of red clover. This herb can help balance estrogen levels and decrease or slow the loss of minerals in bones. Perhaps the slowing of mineral loss is caused by the fact that red clover is an herb that is packed with minerals itself, including calcium, chromium, magnesium and potassium. Prescriptions are available in capsules or tablets, but the herb is also available in dried form.

Soy (Latin Name: Glycine Max):

Soy is perhaps one of the most readily available herbs, and is found in many products ranging from food to clothing. Soy milk, cheese and butter are basic examples of foods containing this herb. Soy is also found in capsules or tablet form. One to two servings of soy daily can alleviate menopause symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes.

Chasteberry (Latin Name: Vitex Agnus-castus):

Chasteberry comes from a tall plant that produces a purple flower. It is used to balance hormones in women, alleviate breast pain and reduce vaginal dryness. In small doses, Chasteberry can increase the libido, but don’t get too carried away. Consuming large amounts of the herb can result in a decreased libido. Chasteberry is available in cider, juice or tablet form.

Non-Estrogenic Herbs for Menopause 

One benefit of using non-estrogenic herbs to reduce the symptoms of menopause is that these herbs do not contain estrogen. Instead of adding estrogen to the body, non-estrogenic herbs stimulate the body into producing estrogen itself. As a result, women often do not experience side effects from the use of non-estrogenic herbs.

Macafem (Latin Name: Lepidium Meyenii):

Macafem is known to be a sex stimulator and stress reliever. This herb also improves energy levels and stamina while stimulating the body to produced balanced estrogen levels. Macafem is similar in shape to a radish, although the color of this herb ranges from yellow to purple. Many cultures still cook and consume Macafem regularly, although this herb is also available in supplement or pill form.

Hopefully, one or more of these herbs will help you cope with this changing period of your life. I wish you good luck, and please let us know how you get on.

Thank you for reading!