What’s the Deal with Cold Brew?

You’ve probably seen cold brew coffee everywhere this summer. Heck, it’s a bonafide sensation! Cafes across the country are selling out faster than they can brew. However, you’ve probably also noticed that cold brew comes with a heftier price tag. And you’ve probably thought to yourself: Is it really worth the price? 

If you’ve tried cold brew, you’re probably sold. Smooth, creamy and downright delicious, cold brew can be up to 67 percent less acidic than your traditional hot-brewed cup (although these numbers come from a study conducted by Toddy, a company that manufactures cold brewing equipment). Less acidic coffee means it’s better for your teeth and your gut, both of which find excess acidity detrimental.

Another benefit of brewing your beans cold is the enhancement of the bean’s flavor. When ground beans are subjected to heat, oils full of acidic compounds flood the brew. When the coffee cools, the acidic oils become something like a flavor mask, obscuring the more delicate notes of the bean.

Without the acidity that emerges through heat-induced chemical reactions, the drinker is better able to savor the floral, fruity, nutty and cocoa highlights of their favorite beans. Flavors have the potential of becoming more balanced and vivid on the palate. Sure, you may not care so much if you mix your coffee with cream and sugar, but if you drink coffee black it makes all the difference.

Need more convincing? Cold brew is cool and refreshing and highly caffeinated, meaning a more stimulating bang for your buck.

This process requires 12 or more hours and a higher density of beans than your average cup, so usually the higher cost is justified simply because cold brew is more expensive to make. But, the finished product is of a higher, richer quality than your regular cup of coffee. In fact, cold brew is probably the best cup of iced coffee you’ve ever had. Try it for yourself. 

If you can’t afford a cold brew a day (few of us can), you should know that it is significantly cheaper and easier to make your own cold brew at home. Here’s a simple guide to making your first batch of cold brew coffee:

There are two easy methods for making cold brew that I very much enjoy. The simplest is to just use a french press. The second is similar to brewing tea, with a cheesecloth or removable coffee filter. Either way, here are the ratios to get you started:

Suggested equipment:

-1 french press (my personal recommendation comes from a Canadian company called Espro)

-1 quality burr grinder, like the Hario Mini Mill (Having a constant grind is probably the most important aspect to any good cup of coffee. The Hario is incredibly consistent, highly affordable and human-powered!)

-1 scale (Eliminating variables in the ratio of water to beans means drinking a more consistently excellent cup of coffee.)

Step 1: Buy some of your favorite, fresh, whole coffee beans.

Step 2: Before you make the coffee, grind 6 tablespoons (140 grams) of beans to a medium grind.

Step 3: Cover beans in 4 1/4 cups (1000 ML) of room temperature water. Using the body of a large french press is ideal.

Step 4: Let steep at room temperature for 12-16 hours, depending on desired strength.

Step 5: Plunge the french press or carefully strain through cheesecloth. Enjoy over ice immediately! Store remaining cold brew in the fridge for up to a week.

The Forgotten Truth About your Connection to Food

Since the beginning of time festivities and celebrations have involved food, and lots of it. 

We can read in history of occasions of music, dancing and feasting going on for days. However we do not have to just look back in history, we can see this same type of celebrating today. 

It's safe to say food brings people together and adds to the pleasure of the occasion. And that is actually a very good and natural thing. Food is meant to nourish and give pleasure. It is pleasing to the senses and the soul. 

Take a moment to close your eyes and picture your favorite meal to share with your family. Now feel all the emotions that accompany that meal. For me it is good ole mac&cheese with apple pie&ice cream for dessert and for Violet my mother in-law it is spaghetti&meatballs with blueberry cake. Just the thought of thought of our childhood potluck gatherings brings back such fond memories our family shared together around the dining room table. 

The food, the smells, the conversation, and yes even the bickering is symbolic of our family togetherness. There is such nostalgia in many of these “food” memories that just take you home and feel loved with not a care in the world. But what about outside of family gatherings and celebrations. Our relation- ship with food and the emotions it can stir continues in our everyday life. 

For many it is a love/hate kinda thing. In fact some people are not able to relax around food. And for them good times where food is the main attraction can bring an uneasy feeling and even be very stressful. 

So why can food also activate such negative feelings and emotions? 

One key element is the meaning we have placed on food and more impor- tantly the meaning or judgment we have placed on ourselves for the act of eating and enjoying food. Our environment and our stress level can also play a part with our emotional state while eating. So ask yourself; 

Do I have a mental habit of worrying excessively about food choices?
Do I tend to stress over everything I eat? 

If so then it may take time to reverse this habit and form more positive thought patterns. But it is well worth the effort! Once we have given ourselves permission to enjoy and let go of any negative meaning we have created with food, we can then start building a strong foundation to form a healthy relationship with food and our body. 

Violet and I try to keep 3 key elements in mind before eating;

Be Thankful.....Recognize.....Relax Thankfulness is key; having a grateful attitude for the food you partake of. Recognize the care, love and effort that went into the preparing the meal. Relaxation is important not only to enjoy our meal but also to properly digest and absorb nutrients. 

Here are a few more helpful ways to get you moving in the right direction: 

• Practice mindful eating. This means paying attention to the thoughts and feelings you are having while you eat. Truly savor your food, eat slowly and chew more, experience all the flavors and textures. Find what helps you relax prior to eating. Maybe play some music or dif- fuse essential oils.

One very important and easy way to relax is to take 5 deep breaths prior to eating. Not only will you be more relaxed, but this will enhance your digestion as well. Develop the habit of putting your fork down between bites and enjoy the company of those around you. Even if you are alone this practice will also aide in good digestion and help to avoid overeating. Allow yourself flexible boundaries. 

Wanting to eat healthy is commendable, but too many restrictions can lead to anxious and obsessive thought patterns. 
When choosing what to eat ask yourself two key questions; 

Will I enjoy it? and Will it nourish me? 

The more food you choose that does both the healthier and happier you will be. And if ever you do binge on unbecoming foods, don’t make it worse by wallowing in guilt. This will only serve to deepen the pattern of anxiety and overeating. A good approach is simply to ask yourself; what triggered it and what could I have done differently? Then anchor the new approach in by playing it out in your mind. Remember, we all have a relationship with food. The goal should be to make it a healthy one.

The thing about any relationship is it's a two part deal. Do your part and whenever possible make wise food choices, show gratitude, eat with joy and the food will do its part by supporting you physically, mentally and emotionally. To your health & happiness,

Unusual Drawbridge Railway Crossing in Australia

South of Rockhampton in Queensland, Australia, are a number of drawbridge-like crossings that carry 2-feet tracks of the Sugar Cane Railway operated by private sugar mills over the electrified North Coast Line of the Queensland Railway. When locomotives of the Sugar Cane Railway, also known as Tramways, need to cross the mainline, the drawbridges are lowered, and after the trains have passed, the two leaves of the bridges are raised up again. Queensland is (possibly) the only place in the world where drawbridges carrying railway tracks over another pair of railway tracks are found.

From the engineering point of view, drawbridges for tracks-over-tracks crossings are not necessary because such crossovers are easily handled by junctions, sometimes also called diamond crossing in reference to the diamond-shaped center. The two tracks need not necessarily be of the same gauge.

Why This Cat Keeps Putting Its Paws In The Air Is A Mystery To Everybody (12 pics)

Keys is the cat that likes to put her paws in the air for no reason whatsoever. After her owner Peter Mares noticed her doing it, he quickly snapped a photo. After that she just kept doing it all the time. Well, it sure looks fun.

12 Superfoods to Boost Insulin Response

Insulin: Unless you're a diabetic, it's probably one of those health terms you're familiar with but can't really define. However, if you're overweight, that needs to change. Even if you're not one of the 26 million Americans living with type 2 diabetes, insulin issues may still be hindering your health and contributing excess belly fat.

When you eat a meal, your body breaks the carbohydrates down into a sugar called glucose, and insulin is the hormone responsible for ushering that glucose into your cells so it can be used for energy. However, lifestyle factors including a diet high in processed carbs and sugary drinks can cause your body to stop responding to insulin effectively, preventing glucose from entering your cells and prompting your pancreas to pump out extra insulin to compensate. The result: excess insulin and sugar in your blood stream that leads to weight gain, especially around your middle. "If your problem area is your love handles, then you likely have high insulin levels," says Natasha Turner, ND, hormone expert and author of The Carb Sensitivity Program. "Too much insulin encourages your body to store unused glucose as fat, and it also prevents your body from using stored fat for energy."

The good news: Research shows that nixing processed foods and staying active can bring your insulin and blood sugar to healthy levels, and help you drop pounds for good. Even better? Certain foods may give you an extra fat-blasting boost by restoring your body's sensitivity to insulin. Here are 12 to add to your diet, as adapted from The Carb Sensitivity Program.

 1. Blueberries
In a groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2010, researchers discovered that obese, insulin-resistant participants who consumed a blueberry smoothie every day for 6 weeks experienced a 22-percent improvement in insulin sensitivity, compared to only 4.9 percent in the placebo group. Plus, blueberries are low in sugar, high in belly-filling fiber, and packed with anti-aging antioxidants that benefit skin, cognitive function, and heart health.

Slimming Suggestion: The next time you're in need of a quick breakfast, give this blueberry-orange smoothie recipe a try.

2. Whey protein
Protein is essential for maintaining healthy body composition, blood sugar balance, and muscle growth. Whey protein in particular may also help reduce your food intake: A University of Toronto study found that eating whey protein before a meal provided satiety signals that prevented a group of healthy young adults from overeating.

Slimming Suggestion: Add a dose of whey to your diet with these 10 Tasty Protein Shake Recipes.

3. Avocados
High in monounsaturated fats, avocados got an undue bad rap during the recent low-fat era. Yet studies show that people sustain their nutrition program longer and see greater weight loss on a higher-fat diet that's composed of about 30 percent heart-healthy fats (such as those found in avocados), compared to a low-fat diet. The reason: Fats can help to slow the release of sugars into the bloodstream, which leads to less insulin release. Avocados also contain a unique weight-loss friendly carbohydrate called mannoheptulose that research links to lower insulin secretions.

Slimming Suggestion: Avocado's not just for guac. Try some in this delicious Egg, Avocado, and Spicy Mayo Sandwich recipe.

4. Chia seeds
On a per-gram basis, chia seed is touted to be the highest source of omega-3s in nature, with 65 percent of its total fat from omega-3 fatty acids. The ancient gluten-free grain is also a substantial source of fiber, magnesium, potassium, folic acid, iron, and calcium. Research shows that chia stabilizes blood sugar, manages the effects of diabetes, improves insulin sensitivity, and aids symptoms related to metabolic syndrome, including imbalances in cholesterol, blood pressure, and high blood sugar after meals.

Slimming Suggestion: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons to oatmeal, salads, or smoothies daily to reap the benefits.

5. Flaxseed
A must-have in your smoothie-making arsenal, flaxseed is a nutrient powerhouse rich in thiamin, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, and manganese. Its high fiber content also helps lower blood sugar, improve cholesterol levels, and aid weight loss. What's more, adding 2 to 3 tablespoons of flaxseed to your smoothies, oatmeal, salads, or cereals can also reduce your cancer risk and provide you with a healthy hit of "good fats." The oils in flaxseed can go rancid quickly, though, so be sure to purchase ground flaxseed in a vacuum-sealed package and store it in the freezer. Or better yet, grind your own daily.

Slimming Suggestion: Add flaxseed to pancake batter for a brain-boosting morning meal. You'll love these Blueberry Protein Pancakes.

6. Spices
Your favorite spice mix not only boosts the flavor of your meals, but may also shrink your stomach. Research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that a food-seasoning spice mixture significantly reduced blood sugar and insulin levels and improved blood-cholesterol balance in rats. And another study in the Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences found that fenugreek seeds, garlic, onion, and turmeric can lower blood sugar and reduce insulin.

Slimming Suggestion: Spice up your routine with this Tomato and Mozzarella Rice recipe.

7. Olive oil
Monounsaturated fats like olive oil and avocados encourage the release of the appetite-suppressing hormone leptin, and olive oil in particular has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity. In a 2007 study published in the journal Diabetes Care, 11 subjects with insulin resistance and excess abdominal fat tried three different diets for 28 days each: a diet high in saturated fat, a high-carb diet, and a diet rich in monounsaturated fats, including olive oil. Of the three diets, the one rich in olive oil had the best outcome, preventing not only belly-fat accumulation, but also insulin resistance.

Slimming Suggestion: Use 1 tablespoon of olive oil in this Asian-Inspired Broccoli Slaw recipe.

8. Cinnamon
Just a pinch of ceylon cinnamon on top of your yogurt can go a long way toward balancing insulin levels. A study published in the journal Diabetes Care showed that cinnamon can cause muscle and liver cells to respond more readily to insulin, thereby improving weight loss. Just 1/2 teaspoon a day for 20 days is enough to improve your insulin response and lower blood sugar by up to 20 percent.

Slimming Suggestion: Sneak more cinnamon into your diet with one of these 7 Delicious No-Cook Breakfasts.

9. Eggs
It turns out that our grandparents had it right--eggs for breakfast, regardless of how you prepare them, improve appetite control and boost energy levels. In a 2008 study published in the International Journal of Obesity, overweight and obese subjects given two eggs a day for breakfast lost 65 percent more weight than those eating a similar breakfast without eggs. The researchers concluded that eating eggs might control hunger by reducing the post-meal insulin response and control appetite by preventing large fluctuations in both blood sugar and insulin levels.

Slimming Suggestion: Turn your breakfast into a belly flattener with this Tomato, Artichoke, and Feta Frittata recipe.

10. Cherries
Cherries are a wonder food, and not just because they taste great and can satisfy your urge for something sweet with just a few calories. Scientists have identified a group of naturally occurring chemicals called anthocyanins--abundant in cherries and other red fruits--that may help to lower blood sugar levels. In early studies published in the American Chemical Society's Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, anthocyanins were found to reduce insulin production by 50 percent. Anthocyanins are also potent antioxidants, which may protect against heart disease and cancer.

Slimming Suggestion: For a sweet-spicy salsa, combine chopped cherries with green onions, cilantro, garlic, and jalapeno.

11. Vinegar
Your salad dressing may play a role in lowering post-meal glucose levels. According to a study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vinegar can blunt blood sugar and insulin increases, and increase the sensation of fullness after a high-carb meal. The researchers found that the acetic acid that gives vinegar its tart taste improves post-meal insulin sensitivity, even in those who are currently insulin resistant. Just watch out for balsamic vinegar, which contains more sugar than other varieties. (We like Bragg's organic apple cider vinegar with the "mother.")

Slimming Suggestion: Balsamic isn't the worst veggie topper. Steer clear of these 20 Dressings that Turn Salads into Fat Bombs.

12. Nuts and nut butters
Nuts are a great source of healthy fats, like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which reduce insulin resistance and improve cholesterol levels. They're also rich in plant protein and dietary fiber, two macronutrients that help keep you full and curb cravings. Another reason to go, well, nuts: Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health discovered that women who consumed nuts or peanut butter five times a week or more lowered their risk for type 2 diabetes by nearly 30 percent compared to those who rarely or never ate nuts or peanut butter.

Slimming Suggestion: For the biggest health payoff, be sure to select natural, sugar-free varieties.

21 AMAZING THINGS THAT HAPPEN TO YOUR BODY WHEN YOU EAT BANANAS

What if we told you there was a groundbreaking new tool to help you lose weight, reduce bloat, fight cancer and increase your energy—all for just 19 cents a piece. And bonus: Each one comes with a free carrying case, so you can grab it and go!
You’d call us bananas. And we’d say you’re right.

The humble fruit—botanically, actually a berry!—is perhaps the least-heralded supermarket staple, a superfood more associated with kids, monkeys and slapstick comedy than with steel-cut abs. But its powers are proven, and to investigate just how impactful they can be, Eat This, Not That! consulted our team of nutritionists to determine exactly what eating one banana does to your body. (Cool pro tip: The riper the banana the more nutrients it has!)

Here are the top 21 most b-a-n-a-n-a-s things that will happen. Add one a day to your diet, and to keep up your weight loss, blast fat fast with help from Insanity trainer Shaun T, Maria Menounos, Padma Lakshmi and more using these FREE 50 Best-Ever Weight Loss Secrets From Skinny People!

21YOU’LL BUILD LEAN MUSCLE

If after a workout, you’ve felt like your muscles are sore—or not growing fast enough—you might not be getting enough magnesium in your diet. A good source of magnesium, bananas can help with muscle contraction and relaxation as well as protein synthesis — which, in turn, increases lean muscle mass. An added bonus: magnesium intake helps boost lipolysis, a process by which your body releases fat from its stores. One fun way to get your magnesium: Make banana tea. Just boil some water, cut off both ends of a banana (still in its peel) and boil for 7-10 minutes. Then drain and drink before bed. We at Eat This, Not That! love tea so much, we made it part of our bestselling new diet plan, The 7-Day Flat-Belly Tea Cleanse! Test panelists lost 10 pounds in one week!

20...AND RECOVER FASTER

Potassium helps your muscles recover from a workout, strengthens their development and allows you to work out more.

19YOU’LL FEEL HAPPIER, FASTER

Bananas don’t just look like smiles; they promote them, because they contain vitamin b9, aka folate, a nutrient that may fight depression by boosting a substrate that has antidepressant properties. (In other words, it helps serotonin, the feel-good chemical, enter the brain faster.) Studies have shown an elevated incidence of folate deficiency in 50% of patients with depression, and some doctors recommend increasing folate intake if you’re taking anti-depressants, to boost their effects.

18YOU’LL FEEL LESS STRESS AND ANXIETY

Besides the mood-boosting B9, bananas also have tryptophan, “a precursor for serotonin,” says Bjork, “and serotonin may be the most important brain chemical because is a natural anti-depressant and can treat, anxiety and insomnia, as well as other mood issues such as fatigue, irritability, agitation, anger, and aggression. Bananas also have norepinephrine, which regulates our “‘fight or flight response,’ which helps to regulate stress. They’re an optimal, natural, real-food way to promote positive moods and help to prevent depression,” she continues. “Good thing we don’t need a prescription!” (Try mashing on into a detox water and drink your way calm.)

17YOU’LL SLEEP BETTER


This is also because of the “trytptophan,” says Cassie Bjork, RD, LD of Healthy Simple Life. “It’s a precursor for melatonin, which promotes relaxation and helps to regulate sleep.” Peel one before bed.

16YOU’LL LOOK LESS BLOATED


Belly bloat makes even the most toned six-packer look like they just downed a six-pack of Coors. Fight back against the gas and water retention with bananas. One recent study found that women who ate a banana twice daily as a pre-meal snack for 60 days reduced their belly-bloat by 50 percent! Why? The fruit increases bloat-fighting bacteria in the stomach, and it’s also a legendarily good source of potassium, which can help diminish retention of fluids.

15YOU’LL START BURNING FAT


Bananas have 12 mg of choline, a fat-blasting B vitamin that acts directly on the genes that cause fat storage in the abdomen. (One reason heavy drinkers have bloated bellies is that alcohol depletes choline, causing weight gain around the liver.) You can also find it in lean meats, seafood and collard greens. Foods high in choline are an essential part of Zero Belly Diet—one Zero Belly recipe (a breakfast hash with sweet potatoes and fresh farm eggs) became test panelist Morgan Minor’s go-to breakfast, and after just 3 weeks on the program, the female firefighter lost 11 pounds and 4 inches from her waist! For 150+ recipes that flatten your belly fast—including an amazing banana bread oatmeal—don’t miss the brand new Zero Belly Cookbook!

14YOUR BLOOD SUGAR WILL STABILIZE


“Bananas are a great source of nutrition for a lot of reasons!” says Bjork. “I encourage consuming protein and healthy fat with the banana to slow down the absorption of the sugar from the banana into your bloodstream. This is the most effective strategy for keeping blood sugar levels stable, which means consistent energy levels and weight loss (since stable blood sugar levels allow the pancreas to secrete glucagon, the fat-burning hormone!)” Speaking of hunger hormones, click here to discover the Best-Ever Foods That Shut Off Your Hunger Hormones—Fast!

PREGNANT OR KNOW SOMEONE STARTING A FAMILY SOON? DON’T MISS OUR BRAND-NEW BOOK EAT THIS, NOT THAT! WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING, THE DOCTOR-RECOMMENDED PLAN FOR BABY AND YOU!



13YOU’LL HAVE LESS CRAVINGS


This is another benefit of keeping your blood sugar stable, one of our classic Eat This, Not That! weight loss tips. Eating a banana between meals means less binging, and no more monkeying around in the snack drawer.

12AND FEEL FULLER


Prior to ripening, bananas are rich in something called resistant starch, which, as the name suggests, literally resists the digestion process. This feeds healthy gut bacteria, which suppresses the appetite and leads to more efficient fat oxidation. In fact, one study found that replacing just 5 percent of the day’s carbohydrates with a source of resistant starch can boost post-meal fat burn by up to 30 percent! Since underripe bananas are a bit bitter, we suggest adding them into weight loss smoothies with other fruits and veggies to mask the taste.

11YOU’LL REDUCE BAD CHOLESTEROL LEVELS


If you’ve recently eaten at BK or other fast food chains, you’ve likely consumed trans fats—the kind of fat that raises your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels. Before you reach for the Lipitor, grab a banana. They contain phytosterols, which are compounds that have LDL cholesterol-lowering effects according to a study in The Journal of Nutrition. Additionally, “Bananas contain Vitamin B6 which is important for nearly everything—heart health, immune health, digestive health, and nervous system function,” says Bjork. Speaking of fast food, see how you can lose weight eating your guilty pleasures using this essential list: The Entire McDonald’s Menu—Ranked!

10YOU’LL DIGEST EASIER IBS

Do you constantly feel...not right after eating? Of find yourself blaming the dog? Bananas can help your poor digestion. They’re an excellent source of prebiotics, nondigestible carbohydrates that act as food for good gut bacteria (probiotics) and improve digestion—because they contain (say it with us, now) fructooligosaccharides, a cluster of fructose molecules that lead to better gastrointestinal health.

9YOU’LL BE MORE REGULAR


If you have kids, you likely already know this trick: The high fiber in bananas can help normalize bowel motility. With 3 grams of insoluble fiber, they help you push out waste better by making stools easier to pass. Bonus—they also help when things are loosey goosey: “Bananas are binding for anyone with diarrhea, and they also contain probiotics that are essentially ‘food’ for the healthy microbes (probiotics) that live in our guts,” says Isabel Smith, MS RD CDN, founder of Isabel Smith Nutrition. If you suffed from any sort of bowel trouble, you might have IBS. Don’t miss these essential 37 IBS Remedies That Will Change Your Life!

8YOUR BONES WILL GROW STRONGER


Although bananas don’t contain a high amount of calcium—less that 1% of your daily recommended intake—they can help promote calcium uptake with the help of those prebiotic fructooligosaccharides. As fructooligosaccharides ferment in the digestive tract, they enhance the body's ability to absorb calcium according to a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

7YOU’LL HAVE MORE ENERGY


There’s a reason marathoners grab a banana before (and during, and after) the race: Bananas are rich in glucose, the most easily digestible source of sugar that will provide optimal energy for your run, power lift or Soul Cycle class. Eating one post workout helps to quickly replenish energy stores that are depleted during a tough sweat session. And to tone your tunmmy fast, use these 11 Eating Habits That Uncover Your Abs!

6YOUR BODY WILL FIGHT DISEASE


Even though bananas have no vitamin A, they can still help alleviate vitamin A deficiency. How? They’re rich in three different types of carotenoids (provitamin A carotenoids, beta-carotene and alpha-carotene) that the body actually converts into vitamin A. Cool, right? And according to an article in the Food and Nutrition Bulletin, foods containing high levels of carotenoids have been shown to protect against chronic disease, including certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

5...AND BATTLE CANCER

Delphinidin is an antioxidant found in bananas that has anti-tumor properties. A study in Food and Chemical Toxicology found that applying concentrations of delphinidin to stomach cancer cells inhibited their growth and proliferation. Controlling your weight also reduces the risk of cancer. If you’re struggling, don’t miss these 50 Ways to Lose 10 Pounds—Fast!

4YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE LOWERS

According to the FDA, “ the combination of a low-sodium, high potassium intake is associated with the lowest blood pressure levels and lowest frequency of stroke in individuals and populations.” Well guess what? Bananas are high in potassium and low in sodium, the fruit is officially recognized by the FDA as being able to lower blood pressure and protect against heart attack and stroke.

3YOUR BLOOD GETS STRONGER

Strengthen your blood and relieve anemia with the added iron from bananas. “Iron is important for energy levels since it transfers oxygen to your cells,” says Bjork. “Iron deficiency can halt weight loss because when levels are low, the body attempts to conserve energy, which means a slowed metabolism and stalled loss, and even weight gain.”
(To stoke weight loss, try experimenting with chia seeds!)

2YOUR VISION WILL IMPROVE

Bananas contain vitamins A and C, and “both are antioxidants and are eye and skin-healthy nutrients,” says Smith. “They also have beta carotene, an antioxidant that can help to protect cells and repair damage at the cellular level, and bananas also contain other nutrients like vitamin E and lutein-—both which are eye healthy. Lutein is a nutrient that may help to reduce risk for macular degeneration.” Pair a banana with any of these 50 Snacks with 50 Calories or Less!

1YOU DETOXIFY


Rich in pectin, bananas are an all-natural detox. The gelatin-like fiber that sticks to toxic compounds in the blood and flushes them out of the body through the urine. In fact, citrus pectin increased mercury excretion in the urine by 150 percent within 24 hours of supplementation, according to one study. As a rapid weight loss bonus, research shows pectin can limit the amount of fat your cells can absorb!

7 Amazing Health Benefits Of Drinking Red Wine

Don’t feel guilty the next time your order a bottle of a Shiraz or a Pinot Noir for your dinner date. It may actually prove to be good for your health. For years, researchers have puzzled over the ‘French Paradox’. The French have relatively low levels of cholesterol and less cases of heart disease, despite the fact that their cuisine has high levels of saturated fat. Many studies suggest that that the French are healthy due to the presence of red wine in their diet. So, now that the secret is out, why not use it to the fullest? Here are some of the health benefits of enjoying an occasional glass of red wine.

#1. Prevents tooth decay

For a perfect set of pearly whites, you should drink red wine. It hardens your enamel which in turn prevents tooth decay and the growth of bacteria. Polyphenols, something which is found in red wine, can reduce gum inflammation and prevent gum diseases.

#2. For your forty winks

Is that presentation at work giving you a sleepless night? Then ditch milk and drink up some red wine. Red wine contains melatonin, which can help you sleep peacefully. Remember, you should drink it just once in a while. If you are facing sleeplessness regularly, you must consult a doctor.

#3. To protect your heart

Resveratrol is one of the most powerful antioxidant compounds, which can help reduce the saturated fat accumulated in the arteries. Red wine also contains flavonoids and saponins that protect you against cardiovascular diseases. But, this does not mean you go on a drinking spree. Red wine, when drunk in moderation, works best and also raises your HDL cholesterol, which in simple terms is ‘good cholesterol’.


#4. To breathe easy
Don’t you just hate it when you are down with cold and you cannot breathe easy because of a blocked nose? Well, if you drank red wine regularly, you wouldn’t have to face this problem. A report in American Journal of Epidemiology claims that those who drank red wine had 44% fewer colds than those who did not.

#5. For a beautiful, healthy skin
Red wine also contains antioxidants which are essential for our body. They can slow aging as well as help you reduce your fine lines and wrinkles. They can also help prevent type 2 diabetes and also keep your bones strong.

#6. To prevent cancer
Consumption of red wine in moderation can greatly lower the risk of breast cancer in women. Red wine also contains quercetin, which prevents lung cancer. Besides this, resveratrol in addition to preventing heart disease can also prevent the growth of cancerous cells.

#7. For a long, happy life
Scientists believe that red wine can elongate your life span to a certain extent. It also protects you from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. So, drink up this glass of red elixir once in a while and enjoy its health benefits.

These are the benefits of red wine, you can drink it to the pink of your health. But, here is a word of caution. You should drink red wine in moderation; about 150 ml of red wine is an ideal serving. It should be consumed by healthy people only. If you are suffering from any disease, you must consult a doctor before you start consuming red wine.