Superfoods for Super Skin

It’s been said we are what we eat, and that sentiment definitely holds true when it comes to our skin.  It’s our body’s biggest organ, and it deserves all the nutritional TLC we can give it. So take a look at what you’ve been feeding yourself, and therefore feeding your skin. 
One the most important components of skin health is vitamin A, and probably one of the best sources of it is low-fat dairy products. It could be said the health of our skin depends on vitamin A. Low-fat yogurt is not only high in vitamin A, but also acidophilus, the "live" bacteria that is good for intestinal health. Turns out, it may also have an impact on the skin, since it aids in digestion.  Other good sources of vitamin A include cod liver oil, sweet potatoes, carrots, leafy vegetables, and fortified breakfast cereals.
It’s important to also make sure you’re eating foods rich in antioxidants, such as blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and plums. The benefits of these foods for healthy skin are plentiful. The antioxidants and other phytochemicals in these fruits can protect the skin cells, so there is less chance for damage.  This in turn guards against premature aging, and keeps skin looking younger longer.  Other fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants include artichokes, black, red, and pinto beans, prunes, and pecans.
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are essential to your skin. Include salmon, walnuts, canola oil, and flax seed.  EFAs keep cell membranes healthy, and allow nutrients to pass through.
We also need healthy oils, which contain more than essential fatty acids. Eating good-quality oils helps keep skin lubricated and keeps it looking and feeling healthier overall.  Look for oils that are cold pressed, such as olive or extra virgin oil.  We only need about two tablespoons a day of healthy oils, so use wisely.
Selenium plays an important role in the health of skin cells. Turn to foods like Whole-wheat bread, muffins, and cereals; turkey, tuna and brazil nuts for this important nutrient.  Recent studies show that if selenium levels are high, even skin damaged by the sun may only suffer minimal, if any, damage.
Choosing the whole grain versions of complex carbohydrates can have a significant effect on insulin levels. Processed and refined sugars can cause inflammation that may ultimately be linked to skin break outs.
Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties, and it protects the membrane of the cell. It may even help prevent or reduce skin cancer risks.  
Water plays such an important role in your overall health, and it has a profound effect on your skin’s health as well.  Well-hydrated skin is healthy and young-looking.  It also helps move the toxins out of your system so they have less chance to do damage.

Eating For A Healthy Heart

Bad cholesterol or a bad diet is something we all
experience at some point in time.  It's impossible
to eat healthy our whole lives, even though we may
try hard to do it.  Eating healthy for your heart
is something everyone should try to do, especially
when it comes to restoring health and reducing
heart attacks.

Your heart and food
We know these things for sure - a diet high in
saturated fats will help raise your cholesterol,
which is a risk factor for heart disease.  People
that are obese are more prone to heart disease.  A
diet high in sodium may elevate your blood pressure,
leading to inflammation and even heart disease.

To help prevent heart disease and improve your health,
put the tips below to good use.

Eat plenty of fish
Herring, sardines, and salmon are all excellent sources
of Omega 3 essential fatty acids.  Other fish are great
to, although Omega 3 may help to get your cholesterol
down to a healthier level.

Choosing healthy fats and oils
Saturated fat will increase the risk of heart disease.
It's found in meat, butter, and even coconut oil.  You
should avoid them until your cholesterol levels are
down and you are at a healthy weight.  Even those
that love red meats can enjoy seafood and nuts for
their main sources of protein.

Monounsaturated fats such as olive oils will help
you to protect your heart.  Olive oil is an ideal
choice for cooking, dressing, or even as a dipping
sauce.

Plenty of fiber
Fiber can help you control your cholesterol.  You
can find fiber in whole grain products to help
control sugar absorption as well, which will help
you keep your digestive system healthy.

Choosing carbohydrates
Eating for your heart involves staying away from
sugary foods such as candy, cookies, cakes, and
pastries.  Eating a lot of sugar isn't good for
your heart disease at all.  Healthy carbohydrates
involve whole grain breads, whole grain pasta, brown
rice, and a lot of vegetables.  You should make
fruits and vegetables the main aspect of your diet.

Healthy cooking methods
Stir frying and sauteing with olive oil or canola
oil are both great methods, as you shouldn't dip
your food in batter and fry it anymore.  If you
cook chicken, remove the skin and bake it in the
oven in foil.

Instead of frying your fish you should always bake
it.  Steaming your vegetables can help maintain the
most nutrients.  You should use cream sauces or lots
of butter anymore either.  When you eat vegetables,
try squeezing lemon juice on them or using your
favorite seasonings.

As you make the proper changes to your diet, keep in
mind that it takes time for them to become habits. 
Eating healthy is always great for your body and your
lifestyle, especially when it comes to your heart and
the prevention of heart disease.

How to Use Essential Oils During Pregnancy

Those who have used essential oils before becoming pregnant will probably want to use them during their pregnancy.  Some people will want to try them for the first time while expecting.  However, it's important to know how to use essential oils safely during pregnancy.

There are many essential oils and blends of oils that just aren't safe to use during pregnancy.  Some herbs that are used in cooking should be avoided in their essential oils forms during all nine months of pregnancy.  These include basil, bay leaves, sage, thyme, and oregano.  Others are clove, marjoram, and wintergreen.  Some of the essential oils are safe for use after the first trimester.  There are remedies for many of the discomforts of pregnancy.   For example, women often have morning sickness that lasts beyond the first trimester.  If so, they can breathe in oil of peppermint, spearmint, or lemon. 

It is easy to end up feeling tense and full of muscle pain when you are pregnant.  If this happens, a massage could be just the thing you need.  With the essential oils of lavender and chamomile mixed with vegetable oil, your partner can help ease away that tension. 

Commonly, women suffer from swollen ankles and feet during pregnancy.  If lavender, cypress, and juniper oils are mixed with vegetable oil, they can used for massage oil.  This blend of essential oils can cause the swelling to decrease. 

Pregnant women also have muscle cramps in their legs at times.  For this, massage oil can be made from the essential oils of lavender and chamomile, just as for any muscle pain.  However, with this pain and any pain of the feet and legs, it is important to be careful when doing the massage.  Activating pressure points in these areas can induce labor. 

Carrying around all that extra weight can make a woman feel quite fatigued.  She may have given up coffee and caffeinated soft drinks for the health of her baby.  To energize herself, she can mix essential oils of lavender, grapefruit, and orange with vegetable oil. This can be inhaled or rubbed on the solar plexus.  Skin eruptions are common during pregnancies.  They are uncomfortable and distressing to many women.  Several different conditions can be helped by putting a mixture of essential oils and vegetable oil on the affected areas. 

The essential oils you should use for dry skin are geranium, lavender, and rose.  For inflamed skin, use chamomile.  For itchy skin, use a combination of chamomile and lavender.  These remedies should soothe the skin and make it smoother.  There's just no getting around stretch marks.  If you are getting them, though, you might like to have a way to soothe them and keep them from itching.  Just put lavender, geranium, and rosewood essential oils in your vegetable oil for massaging. 

Do your homework if you are pregnant and wanting to use essential oils to relieve some of the discomforts associated with pregnancy.  After the first trimester, there are certain essential oils that are safe to use.  If in doubt, consult an expert.  It's important to take the safety of you and your baby into account.