Health Tip Of The Week: Olive oil's health benefits

The greatest exponent of monounsaturated fat is olive oil. Olive oil is a natural juice which preserves the taste, aroma, vitamins and properties of the olive fruit. Olive oil is the only vegetable oil that can be consumed as it is - freshly pressed from the fruit.

The beneficial health effects of olive oil are due to both its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and its high content of antioxidative substances. Studies have shown that olive oil offers protection against heart disease by controlling LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels while raising HDL (the "good" cholesterol) levels. No other naturally produced oil has as large an amount of monounsaturated as olive oil -mainly oleic acid.

Olive oil's protective function has a beneficial effect on ulcers and gastritis. Olive oil activates the secretion of bile and pancreatic hormones much more naturally than prescribed drugs. Consequently, it lowers the incidence of gallstone formation.

Olive Oil & Heart Disease
Studies have shown that people who consumed 25 milliliters (mL) - about 2 tablespoons - of virgin olive oil daily for 1 week showed less oxidation of LDL cholesterol and higher levels of antioxidant compounds, particularly phenols, in the blood.

But while all types of olive oil are sources of monounsaturated fat, EXTRA VIRGIN olive oil, from the first pressing of the olives, contains higher levels of antioxidants, particularly vitamin E and phenols, because it is less processed.

Olive oil is clearly one of the good oils, one of the healing fats. Most people do quite well with it since it does not upset the critical omega 6 to omega 3 ratio and most of the fatty acids in olive oil are actually an omega-9 oil which is monounsaturated.

Types of Olive Oils:

Extra virgin - considered the best, least processed, comprising the oil from the first pressing of the olives.

Virgin - from the second pressing.

Pure - undergoes some processing, such as filtering and refining.

Extra light - undergoes considerable processing and only retains a very mild olive flavour.

How to Care for your Olive Oil
Heat and light are the #1 enemy. Keep your olive oil in a cool, dark place, tightly sealed. Oxygen promotes rancidity.

Tip: For frying do not use olive oil (it turns rancid with the heat). As an alternative use butter or coconut oil.

Info found at: Healing Daily

Health Tip of the Week: How to Naturally Help Motion Sickness

The American Phytotherapy Research Laboratory in Salt Lake City has conducted a classic study on motion sickness, which may cause you to leave the dramamine on the shelf during your next vacation.

By spinning motion sickness-prone students in two groups-one group was given Dramamine, the other group ginger -- it was discovered that the group given the ginger was able to withstand the full 6 minute "spin" with less nausea and dizziness, while the other group stopped the ride within 4-1/2 minutes.

Japanese researchers believe the gingerols found in ginger, may be responsible for blocking the body's reflex to vomit. Taking 1/4 teaspoon 20 minutes before a car or boat trip should give you about 4 hours of relief. Another popular remedy is 3 or 4 slices of sliced ginger in a cup of boiling water to make ginger tea. Sip as needed to relieve nausea caused by motion sickness.

Info found at fitness and freebies

Health Tip Of The Week: What You Really Should Know About the Flu Shot

I know it's likely late for this but a friend of mine emailed me this video and I had to share it. Also, if you're looking for more information on the shot check out this website.

Health Tip Of The Week: How To Cure Heat Rash

Usually at the beginning of a trip down south during the winter, or the first couple times I am out in the hot sun in the summer I get heat rash. It’s annoying, and sometimes frustrating to get rid of. Here are some ideas to try if you have a similar problem and an explanation of what heat rash really is!

Perspiration helps to regulate your body temperature by cooling you down as it evaporates through your skin. Donning tight-fitting clothes in fabrics such as nylon and polyester traps sweat and heats up your skin, causing it to swell and plug sweat ducts. Heat rash occurs when these blocked ducts force sweat to trickle into your skin rather than out of it. This problem usually develops on clothed areas of your body, such as the abdomen, neck, upper chest, back, groin and armpits.

When you have heat rash, the first thing you must do is to cool down your body. Find an air-conditioned or cool room where you can relax while your body cools off. Alternatively, take a cold shower or bath to minimize the prickly sensation on your skin. Meanwhile, you might want to consider trying one or more of these home remedies:

1. Ice pack. Cooling your skin is a number one priority to prevent heat rash from raging further. Pack some ice cubes into a sealed plastic bag and wrap it in a dishcloth. Apply to the affected areas for five to ten minutes at a time. Repeat every four to six hours.
2. Powdered bath. Baking soda or fine-ground oatmeal powder works wonders to ease the itch from a heat rash. Add a few tablespoons of either to your tepid bath water and stir it well so that it dissolves completely. Then, enjoy a good soak in the tub. You will feel refreshed and more comfortable as your rash heals.

3. Dusting. After a cold bath or shower, dust yourself thoroughly with baking soda, cornstarch or an absorbent powder such as unscented talcum powder. This helps absorb some of the excess moisture that causes heat rash. Reapply these powders as often as possible, rinsing and drying yourself well beforehand.
4. Lotions. Smooth mentholated or calamine lotion on your skin to cool the irritated areas. Alternatively, gently apply the gel from an aloe vera leaf, a plant well-known for its healing and soothing properties. Do this two or three times per day and remember to wash the affected areas thoroughly before reapplication. Avoid thick or oily ointments and creams, as they can worsen the condition.
5. Air-dry. If you have developed blisters due to a severe heat rash, do not bandage or cover them. Instead, expose the rash as often as you can to fresh air. This helps the skin to heal more quickly.

Avoid wearing constrictive clothing and fabrics that inhibit perspiration from evaporating properly. Put on comfortable, loose-fitting, cotton clothes, especially if the weather is hot and humid. Watch your weight carefully, as those who are overweight or obese tend to sweat more and are therefore predisposed to heat rash.

Health Tip Of The Week: Good News Chocoholics!

The British Medical Journal reported in 1998 that dark chocolate consumption is linked to longer life. It has been shown to reduce blood pressure and bad cholesterol. It opens blood vessels and allows blood to circulate more freely, which is good for heart health.

Cocoa beans are high in antioxidants. Chocolate has more antioxidants than fruits, vegetables, tea, and wine. One study showed that people that ate 3 ounces of dark chocolate everyday for 3 weeks had lower blood sugar and increased insulin sensitivity.

Provided you do not have a weight problem, eating 1 to 3 ounces per day is good for you!

Eat only chocolate that has:

-Low sugar levels
-60% or higher cocoa content
-All organic ingredients
-No dairy content

Health Tip Of The Week: Benefits of Tea Part 2

With all the information on tea being so good for you here are some tips to figure out which teas are really the ones that carry the health benefits.


Tea: Black, Green, White or Oolong?
Green tea and white tea are the least processed tea. They are simply steamed quickly. Regardless of the processing method, black, green, white and oolong teas all contain polyphenols. In fact, tea ranks as high as or higher than many fruits and vegetables in the ORAC score, a score that measures antioxidant potential of plant-based foods.

What about Herbal Tea and Red Rooibos Tea?
Herbal tea is not derived from the leaves of the Camellia plant and so does not have the particular health-promoting properties. Indeed, most herbal teas in the market are NOT tea at all. They are only infusions made with herbs, flowers, roots, spices or other parts of some plants. The proper term for this type of beverage is "tisane."
The recently popular South African red Rooibos tea also falls within the herbal tea or tisane category. Red Rooibos tea is not really tea as it is not derived from the Camellia plant. No scientific evidence has yet shown the health benefits of red Rooibos tea.

Although tisane does not contain as any polyphenols, it does promote other various health qualities such as relaxation and calming effects.

Tea Caffeine content
According to the American Dietetic Association, a cup of tea contains an average of 40 mg of caffeine, compared to 85 mg as found in a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

What about Decaf Tea?
We do not know whether decaf teas have the same polyphenols, and thus the same health benefits. It is not yet known if removing caffeine also removes polyphenols in the decaffeinating process.

Health Tip Of The Week: Benefits of Tea Part 1

Tea is the most commonly consumed beverage in the world after water. Among all varieties of tea - black, green, white, oolong, red, herbal - which one offers the most health benefits?

Numerous studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer properties of antioxidant polyphenols. Some studies have suggested that tea's polyphenols may reduce the risk of gastric, esophageal and skin cancers, if one consumes 4 to 6 cups daily. Another study showed that just 2 cups of tea may lower the risk of ovarian cancer by 46 percent in women. Other studies have found that polyphenols help prevent blood clotting and lower cholesterol levels. One Japanese study found that green tea lowers death rates from heart disease.


Check back next week for what teas we should drink to get the health benefits we are looking for!

Health Tip Of The Week: How To Cure Dry Skin

Do you know that there are some harmful ingredients that can irritate and cause allergic reactions and actually make your dry skin worse? The fact is there are dangerous toxins amongst many makeup and skincare solutions.

For example there are parabens used that can prolong the shelf-life of a product. But unfortunately, paraben is a major cause of cancer in later years of your life.

There are many other bad ingredients in most skin care (just try and read the labels and see how many of them aren’t chemicals!) but instead of listing them all here are some options:

I would strongly recommend you opt only for natural ingredients such as those that come from plant roots, herbs, flowers, trees or seeds in them.

Some examples of the best pure, botanical oils include almond, camphor, lime, avocado, olive and juniper oil. Research has shown that these powerful plants extracts can help to make your skin become smoother, younger and fresh looking.

Some sites with good options:
www.burtsbees.ca

http://ca.loccitane.com

www.bio-oil.com

Tips: If you want wanting to up the moisture in your skin but putting on lotions isn’t enough try taking a bath but put a bite of olive oil or almond oil in the water with you!

Health Tip Of The Week: Why We Eat the Wrong Foods

There are many causes for unhealthy eating habits. Some are biological and some are psychological. Here are the most common ones:

1. It's a habit to eat bad foods. Some people are raised on regional/ethnic cooking that isn't always healthy.

2. It's convenient to eat bad foods. Can you name any health-food-drive-through chain restaurants in Canada?

3. It's a vicious cycle. People fall into a cycle of eating sugar, and the cycle perpetuates itself. When you eat sugar, you get a sugar rush, but a few hours later your blood sugar level drops and you crave a sweet or starchy pick me-up.

4. Hormones make bad foods look good. The changes in hormone levels during pregnancy, PMS and menopause can cause women to crave sweets and chocolate.


5. It's comforting to eat bad foods. Excessive stress elevates cortisol, which leads to cravings and often what is called 'emotional eating.' When people are stressed, depressed, anxious, or just low in serotonin, norepinephrine or dopamine, they often reach for foods that pump up these feel-good chemicals. Too often, however, these foods are junk foods, processed foods, and foods high in sugar, making them unhealthy choices.

Taken from the book “Eat This And Live” by Dr. Colbert www.drcolbert.com

Health Tip Of The Week: The Benefits Of Infrared Sauna

We had an infrared sauna when I lived at my mom’s and she still had a house. I was about 20lbs over weight, had bad skin, bad digestion and headaches. I went in the sauna, 4 times a week, for around 3 months and I lost the weight (along with swimming and eating better), my skin got better, and so did my digestion and the headaches went away completely!

Infrared saunas are different then steam sauna and have different health benifits. They aren't as common (yet) but if you can find one to use I would strongly suggest it!

Did you know that using an infrared sauna:

- Causes weight loss (without having to lift a finger)
- Helps treat cellulites
- Improves your immune system
- Improves your strength and vitality
- Helps cure several skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis and acne
- Strengthens the cardio-vascular system
- Helps control your blood pressure
Detoxifies your body
- Gives you more energy and relieves stress
- Helps treat burns and scars
- Relieves pain (joint pain, sore muscles, arthritis)
- Helps control your cholesterol level
- Helps treat bronchitis
- Helps treat hives (urticaria), gout, tissue damage, prostate hypertrophy

If you want to know more about these saunas go to www.infrared-sauna-reference.com

Health Tip Of The Week: What You Need To Know About Water

How Much Should I Drink?
Take your weight in pounds and divide it by 2. The result is how many ounces of water you should drink each day.


Dasani and Aquafina waters, two of the biggest brands in America are reprocessed tap water from cities around the country. One of Aquafina's sources is the Detroit River!!

Bottled? Tap? Filtered?
Water distillers are extremely effective at removing everything - unfortunately even good minerals - from water. The water is mineral free. A growing body of evidence suggests that completely mineral free water is worse for your body than water with dissolved minerals in it.
A distiller is halfway to your goal. You won't have anything bad in your water, but it can adversely affect your health in other ways.


Best Times to Drink Water? Here's a typical timetable for healthy water consumption:

8-16 oz before breakfast (it will help you know if you are really hungry because often you think you’re hungry when it’s either fatigue or thirst)

8-16oz before lunch and 8-16oz before supper.

This might not sound like a lot of water, or to some people who don’t drink water at all it might sound a lot of water to fit in one day!

Try having a little every 20 minutes. Keep of a mug of water at your desk and sip at it throughout the day. Know how much the cup holds and set yourself a goal; “I will have 5 mugs full during my word day”. I keep a mug of water and also a litre bottle at my desk so I don’t always have to get up to refill the mug (it might sounds silly but I know I won’t get in my goal if I don’t do it this way)

If you try this out for a few weeks (or better yet make it a permanent habit!) you`ll find you`ll have more energy, be more alert, eat less (because you`ll figure out what is true hungry and what is thirst) and you`ll probably even see your skin glow a little!

Health Tip Of The Week: Conquer Your Cravings

Here are a few practical tips to help curb unhealthy food cravings!

1. Never go anywhere without packing a healthy snack, like fruit or nuts.

2. Keep water with you at all times. Drinking water can often curb hunger pangs.

3. Think of a healthy alternative. Instead of ice cream, choose frozen yogurt, instead of chips and dip, choose baked chips and salsa. Any healthy change is a change in the right direction.

4. Control your portions. Take small amts at a time and go back only if you need to. (Even go so far as to take a smaller plate if you have to. It will make you feel like you are eating lots, and also keep you from taking too much)

5. Eat well balanced meals 3 times a day. Make sure they are high-fibre content meals. Fibre helps curb sugar cravings.
6. Distract yourself. Go for a walk, call a friend, etc.

Health Tip Of The Week: 20 Ways Sugar Can Ruin Your Health

Seeing as I am doing a series on baking it might seem a little odd that my health tip for this week would be one about sugar! BUT speaking from experience having too much sugar in your system can cause some serious problems! Now baking and snacks are all good and wonderful, but everything in moderation! So here are some things to think about before going overboard on the sugar...

In addition to throwing off the body's homeostasis, excess sugar may result in a number of other significant consequences. The following is a listing of some of sugar's metabolic consequences from a variety of medical journals and other scientific publications.

1) Excess sugar can suppress your immune system and impair your defences against infectious disease.

2) Excess sugar upsets the mineral relationships in your body: causes chromium and copper deficiencies and interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium.

3) Excess sugar can cause can cause a rapid rise of adrenaline, hyperactivity, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and crankiness in children.

4) Excess sugar can produce a significant rise in total cholesterol, triglycerides and bad cholesterol and a decrease in good cholesterol.

5) Excess sugar causes a loss of tissue elasticity and function.

6) Sugar feeds cancer cells and has been connected with the development of cancer of the breast, ovaries, prostate, rectum, pancreas, lung, gallbladder and stomach.

7) Sugar can increase fasting levels of glucose and can cause reactive hypoglycaemia.

8) Sugar can weaken eyesight.

9) Sugar can cause premature aging.

10) Excess sugar can cause your saliva to become acidic, tooth decay, and periodontal disease.

11) Sugar can cause autoimmune diseases such as: arthritis, asthma, multiple sclerosis.

12) Sugar greatly assists the uncontrolled growth of Candida Albicans (yeast infections).

13) Excess sugar can cause gallstones.

14) Excess sugar can cause varicose veins.

15) Excess sugar can cause a decrease in your insulin sensitivity thereby causing an abnormally high insulin levels and eventually diabetes.

16) Sugar can lower your Vitamin E levels.

17) Sugar can cause drowsiness and decreased activity in children.

18) Sugar can interfere with your absorption of protein.

19) Excess Sugar causes food allergies.

20) Sugar can contribute to eczema in children.


There was a total of 76 points on the negative effects of sugar!! That’s a lot of reasons to watch your sugar but I think the 20 I listed should be enough proof that we really should watch it with how much sugar we take in daily. A little goes a long way!

Health Tip Of The Week: Hand Sanitizer The Villain

With all the flues and colds we deal with every day, and especially this time of year there is now hand sanitizer everywhere! Almost every shop or business I go into has it on their desk or somewhere for you to use. But you should know more about this product before using it!

The ingredient Triclosan (which is in almost all hand sanitizers) has been linked to liver and kidney failure, abnormal cell growth, it causes a resistance to antibiotics, and is linked to allergies and reproductive system problems.

It kills germs alright, but it also kills the good germs that fight off the bad ones!

Also on the American Medical Association website they don’t even recommend using antibacterial hand soaps.

This knowledge is out there, but you’re not going to find it if you don’t look a little!

What to do instead? What we should be doing anyways: wash our hands with regular soap and water; a lot! Wash them-of course-when you go to the bathroom, come home from shopping or work, and before and after cooking.

Hand sanitizer might be quick but think of your long term health!

(these stats are from the Centre For Disease Control)

Health Tip Of The Week: How To Stay Healthy & Flu Free This Winter

Here are some fool proof tips to stay away from cools and flues. I know a lot of us can’t follow all of these, but if we try we can for sure do most of them daily, and trust me it will help you out a lot! (it is for sure helping me!)

- 5000 iu's of Vitamin D daily (powder form dissolved in water or juice is best)
- 5000 mg's of Vitamin C daily (powder form dissolved in water or juice is best)
- 7-9 hours of sleep
- 8-10 glasses of water daily
- NO SUGAR!!!!

I’d like to ask add avoiding stress. Stress breaks you down so quick and if you’re already fight something (even if you don’t know it) you’ll get it even quicker!

Baking Blitz: Raisin Bran Flaxseed Muffins

For some reason I have a lot of trouble with my digestion. I tried so many different things and it didn`t seem to get much better (unless I was taking so many vitamins that I didn`t have enough money to get groceries!) One of my good friends Sara told me I needed a lot more bran and flaxseed (she’s very smart with that sort of stuff! She gives great health advice). I searched for a good recipe that really gave me what I needed and ended up modifying one that I found and wow, does it work! They muffins are full of fibre and super healthy for you! I have one every morning for breakfast and they take me (energy wise) all the way till lunch!


1/2 cup Quick Oatmeal
1 cup Whole Wheat Flour
2 cup Oat Bran Flakes (you can find these in the baking section)
1/2 cup Honey
1 Egg
1 tsp. Salt
1/2 cup Flax Seeds
1 tsp. Baking Soda (dissolved in milk)
1 cup Milk
1 cup Raisins
1 cup Water

Boil raisins in water with honey for approximately 5 minutes; mix all other ingredients together. Add raisins and water to mixture, stir well and pour into greased muffin tin bake for 30 minutes at 350°F.
Makes 12 muffins.

Have any good ideas, or substitutes for this....share them, leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!!