IS APPLE CIDER VINEGAR REALLY THAT GOOD FOR YOU? YES!

Unless you've been living under a rock,chances are you've heard about the much touted health benefits of vinegar-in particular, apple cider vinegar. The ancient condiment- the earliest known use of vinegar dates back more than 10,000 years and has been used as both food and medicine-is enjoying a real resurgence lately.

So we did some digging and found some valid, science-backed benefits to vinegar that are worth sharing. In fact, research shows that vinegars contain antioxidants, which slow premature aging and reduce the risk of cancer, for example.

Here are a few more ways vinegar can give your health a boost:

Vinegar improves blood sugar levels. Drinking apple cider vinegar before a high -carbohydrate meal improves insulin sensitivity-slowing the rate of blood sugar levels rising-in people who are insulin resistant( a pre diabetes condition) or have type 2 diabetes, according to a 2004 study.

It kills bacteria. Vinegar is thought to have antibacterial properties that can help fight the infection behind a sore throat. The acidity decreases the pH of tissue, which helps prevent bacteria from growing on the surface. In addition, a 2014 study even found that vinegar's ingredient , acetic acid, which gives vinegar its tart flavor and strong odor, acts as a non toxic disinfectant against tuberculosis bacteria.

Vinegar may help reduce the risk of cancer. Vinegars are a rich source of polyphenols, compounds synthesized by plants to fight oxidative stress. According to 2006 research, consuming polyphenols enhances antioxidant protection and reduces cancer risk.

We like to start our morning with warm water, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar,lemon, ginger and turmeric but you can also use it in your favorite salad dressings or put it in your smoothies. Cheers!

Benefits of Rebounding

by Minx life

Rebounding is an exercise I do daily for my immune system and circulation. If you aren’t familiar with it, rebounding is basically jumping on a mini trampoline either in gentle bounces where your feet don’t leave the trampoline or in complete jumps where you rise 6 inches from the surface.

Many types of exercise are done to target specific muscles or just to increase cardiovascular function. Rebounding is unique since it uses the forces of acceleration and deceleration and can work on every cell in the body in a unique way.

When you bounce on a rebounder (mini-trampoline), several actions happen:

• An acceleration action as you bounce upward

• A split second weightless pause at the top

• A deceleration at an increased G-force

• Impact to the Rebounder

• Repeat

Here are the benefits:

• Boosts lymphatic drainage and immune function

• Great for skeletal system and increasing bone mass

• Helps improve digestion

• Helps to improve cellulite

• More than twice as effective as running without the extra stress on the ankles and knees

• Helps improve balance by stimulating the vestibule in the middle ear

• Helps to aid in weight loss

• Rebounding helps circulate oxygen through the body to increase energy

• Rebounding is fun!

Personally, I jump on the rebounder for 15 minutes and then dry brush my skin(both are good for avoiding cellulite). I also jump on it a few times a day when I remember, especially if I’ve been sitting at my computer all day. It’s very compact so I keep it in my bedroom so it’s accessible.

There are a lot of models on the Market so look for good quality springs that will help reduce the impact on your joints.

6 Liver Friendly Foods to eat

The liver is an incredible multitasker. You can think of this vital organ as a filter system. It helps your body get rid of toxins while also harvesting nutrients from the foods you eat.

When it comes to liver health, not all foods are created equal. This is especially true if you have a condition like cirrhosis or hepatitis C, which can make make it difficult for your liver to filter nutrients and waste as it should.

Eating liver-friendly foods like the ones below can help lessen the damage caused by liver disease.

1. Avocados

Avocados are staples in many cuisines. They’re technically a part of the berry family and offer many health benefits, including improved liver health.

Research from 2015 took a look at the role of certain foods in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD). The researchers report that avocado may help lower blood lipids, or fats, and help prevent liver damage.

What is known is that people who eat avocados are more likely to have a lower body mass index(BMI) and waist circumference. According to a 2013 study they may also have higher levels of HDL(good) cholesterol.

It’s a thought that some of these effects are related to the high fiber, healthy fats, and water content of avocados. A 2014 study in rats suggests that avocado oil may help the liver heal from damage. And eating fiber-rich foods is a good way to support health.

2. Coffee

Your daily cup of coffee may play an even more critical role to your health than you thought.

When it comes to your liver health, some studies suggest that coffee reduces the risk of cirrhosis, cancer, and fibrosis in the liver. Regular, moderate amounts may even help slow the course of current liver diseases.

Research from 2021 indicates that drinking coffee could reduce your risk of developing liver disease or fatty liver disease by around 20 percent.

In the same study, drinking coffee lowered the risk of death from liver disease by 49 percent. All types of coffee-decaf, instant, and ground- had similar effects.

The key to such benefits is to drink coffee daily. For overall health, it’s best to avoid adding sugars and artificial creamers. Instead, try swapping in dairy milk, unsweetened soy milk, almond milk, cinnamon or cocoa powder.

3. Oily Fish

Fish may also provide some underlying benefits to your liver health, especially oily types of fish.

Oily fish such such as salmon can help reduce inflammation and fat buildup in the liver while also promoting a lower overall BMI, according to research from 2015. Oily fish is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for heart and brain health.

The authors of this review found oily fish was beneficial in reducing blood lipids when consumed two or more times per week. If you can’t eat fish, fish oil supplements may be an option to consider.

People who used fish oil supplements also appeared to reduce their risk of liver cancer by as much as 40 to 52 percent, depending on cancer type.

4. Olive oil

When consumed over a long period of time, olive oil has been found to improve heart health. A large 2020 study suggests that eating more than a half of a tablespoon of olive oil every day could lower your risk of cardiovascular disease by 14 percent.

A number of small studies suggest that olive oil can help reduce liver enzymes and liver fat that contribute to disease. Olive oil may also increase the amount of HDL(good) cholesterol in the blood, which could have benefits for your liver.

Olive oil is high in calories, so you may want to use in moderation. You can sprinkle olive oil on salads in lieu of fatty dressings, sauté vegetables with it, or roast root vegetables in the oven with a drizzle of the oil. If you’re trying to reduce your calorie intake, olive oil can also make your meals more filling so that you’ll eat fewer calories.

5. Walnuts

Nuts, when consumed in small amounts, are nutrient-dense snacks that are also high in healthy fats. Aside from boosting cardiovascular health, nuts may also help reduce the incidence of liver disease.

Of all types, walnuts are amongst the most beneficial for reducing fatty liver disease. This is thanks to their higher antioxidant and fatty acid content. Walnuts have the most omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as polyphenol antioxidants.

People who ate walnuts at least 5 or 6 times a week had significantly greater liver fat loss than those who ate walnuts less often. This fat loss was associated with overall ant-inflammatory and metabolic health benefits. To get these potential benefits, try sprinkling walnuts on top of salads, oatmeal and yogurt.

6. Complex carbohydrates

While your entire diet shouldn’t consist of carbohydrates, you do want to eat a balance of carbs, protein and healthy fats.

Complex carbohydrates are better than simple carbs because they’re metabolized slower and prevent wide fluctuations in blood sugar. This is why it’s best for people with NAFLD to choose complex carbs over simple cabs, as the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases advises.

Nonrefined carbs also have essential nutrients like zinc, B vitamins, and higher fiber levels, which are all important for a healthy liver and metabolism. The key is selecting whole grains, such as:

• wild rice

• whole wheat bread and pasta

• brown rice

• whole oats

• rye

• corn

• bulgur

Takeaway

As a general rule, whole foods are best for your liver and the rest of your body. Certain liver conditions may require a more specialized diet. In some cases, people with advanced liver disease may not be able to absorb the fats they eat and may have to limit oils and fatty fish.

What is a Jade roller and should I be using one?

by Minx life

While jade rollers are having their moment in the spotlight right now, they have been a staple in Chinese skincare routines since the 7th century. You can think of them as handheld mini face massagers. They can be made of beautiful green jade or pink quartz(pictured above), and are believed to have healing and protective properties for the skin, including boosting circulation, reducing swelling, and allowing for deeper penetration of skincare products.

The most well-known benefits of using a jade roller include reducing inflammation and puffiness of the skin, reducing the appearance of under eye circles(especially if your roller is cold), stimulating the lymphatic system and blood circulation, brightening complexion, tightening pores, helping reduce the appearance of fine lines, and allowing skincare products to penetrate more deeply. Aside from these benefits, it’s a lovely way to relax and get in “bedtime” mode after your evening skincare routine.

You can pretty much search for jade rollers on Amazon and find a slew of options with all different price points, although we feel strongly that an inexpensive jade roller will do the trick. Give it a try!

DIY EGG WHITE AND HONEY MASK

We all know how expensive it can be to get facials on a regular basis so why not give yourself one at home. This quick and easy mask will help shrink your pores, tighten skin and leave your skin glowing. Who doesn't want that? All you need to do is mix one egg white and a tsp. of honey together. The best way to apply the mixture is with a cotton ball and make sure to get your neck and decollete. Leave it on for 15 minutes or until it's completely dried and rinse of with warm water. Apply moisturizer after and your skin will be looking radiant! Enjoy

5 Unexpected Health promoting Benefits of Yoga

by Minx life

From relieving stress to boosting your brain power, here’s how yoga can improve not just your strength but your well-being, too.

For 5,000 years, hardcore yoga practitioners have been touting yoga’s mental and physical powers. Luckily, you don’t have to be an expert to reap the benefits- adding just a few poses to your daily routine can help your health in all kinds of unexpected ways.

On a physical level, yoga helps improve flexibility, strength, balance, and endurance. On an energetic level, yoga teaches you how to cope better with stress by cultivating a sense of ease in both active and passive poses. On a psychological level, yoga helps to cultivate mindfulness by shifting your awareness to the sensations, thoughts, and emotions that accompany a given pose or exercise.

Research continues to unearth even more health-boosting benefits of various types of yoga- and here are 5 of them.

Emotional Health Boost

All exercise has been shown to help people with depression to feel better, and yoga is no exception. Studies suggest that yoga could benefit those living with depression, schizophrenia, other psychiatric conditions, and sleep problems.

Practicing in a group setting, such as a yoga class, stimulates the production of oxytocin, the love and bonding hormone. Practicing mindfulness through yoga and meditation also results in higher serotonin levels(the happiness hormone), and long-term practitioners have shown more mass in the ares of the brain associated with contentment.

Back Pain Treatment

Multiple studies have found yoga to be a more effective treatment for chronic back pain than usual care. In a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, people living with chronic lower back pain reported better back function, though similar levels of pain, after a few months pf practicing yoga.

In another study of 80 individuals with chronic lower back pain, the group that participated in just one week of yoga showed less disability and greater flexibility than patients who completed other physical exercises. Even if you don’t have chronic pain, yoga’s stretching exercises can improve your spinal flexibility.

Hangover Relief

After a night of drinking, yoga may be the last thing on your mind, but it’s exactly what you should do.

Yoga is a great way to detox your entire system. It also helps with metabolism. The poses 'shoulder stand’, ‘plow’, and ‘fish’ work on the thyroid gland and improve metabolism, thus getting rid of a hangover faster. Reversing blood flow and bringing more blood to the brain creates balance in the body. It helps you burn fat, and the increased blood flow from yoga might even help blast cellulite away!

Arthritis Fighter

When it comes to the benefits of different types of yoga, a study indicated that iyengar yoga, known for it’s use of props like belts, blocks, and other positioning aids, might help people with rheumatoid arthritis. This pilot study of eight people with RA showed that a six-week yoga program improved pain, pain disability, mental health, depression, vitality, and self efficacy. Other types of yoga might help arthritis symptoms, too. Arthritis loves gentle movement and heat, so styles like bikram or gentle yoga can be very beneficial.

Insomnia Buster

According to a recent study that looked at several complementary and alternative medicine strategies for treating insomnia, yoga was one of the most effective approaches for getting a good night’s sleep.

When experiencing insomnia, practice relaxing asanas or postures, such as forward fold (uttanasana) or lying on your back with your feet up the wall. This will help with circulation as well as calming your body and, most importantly, your mind.

Give it a try!!!

Is Dry brushing good for your skin and health?

Scan almost any spa menu, and you'll likely find an offering that mentions dry brushing. The practice-which involves scrubbing down your dry skin with a scratchy brush-sounds far from pampering, if not a bit austere. But spa pros and enthusiasts alike swear by it and sing its praises for supposedly doing everything from exfoliating to reducing cellulite. Sounds a bit too good to be true, so here are the facts.

The exfoliation part is easy to understand. "Gentle dry brushing will slough off dead, dry skin, improving its appearance and allowing it to hydrate more efficiently when moisturizer is applied afterward.

As for detoxifying, dry brushing is similar to massage. "The light pressure against your skin and the direction in which you brush helps move lymph fluid into the lymph nodes so this waste can then be eliminated. Your body naturally does this, but dry brushing speeds up the process and at the same time boosts circulation, delivering oxygenated blood to the skin and other organs, which help do their job better.

Because dry brushing helps eliminate toxins, many pros claim it can smooth those unsightly lumps and bumps for good. This procedure helps remove "stagnant toxins" that break down connective tissue, leading to cellulite.

But there's no conclusive scientific evidence that dry brushing can permanently reduce cottage cheese thighs, which are caused by a combination of fat and connective tissue. It's believed that the reduction is more of a temporary skin plumping and swelling. Bottom line, Temporary or not, we'll take fewer derriere dimples any day.

First you need a proper brush, which you can purchase at most health food stores. Look for bristles-typically cactus-or vegetable-derived-or else the process won't work. A long handle is also handy to help you access hard to reach areas such as your back.

Because dry brushing energizes and stimulates the body, most pros suggest doing it in the morning before your shower, but you can do it any time of the day you prefer.. Using long , upward strokes, start brushing your skin at your feet and work your way up your legs one at a time. Then move up your mid-section(front and back) and across your chest. Finish by brushing up your arms toward your armpits.

Now it's shower time, with an added bonus : "You've just opened your pores, so any of your body treatments you apply in the shower and afterward will penetrate better.

Your skin should feel softer and smoother after just one session. Some people even say that the detox and circulatory boost helps with digestive issues and skin problems such as acne; others claim to feel more energized, most likely a result of the increased blood flow.

Give a try!