LOVE . SUN . BEAUTY

Many think that the secret behind healthy hair and glowing skin is expensive, brand name make up and products. But what if we told you that the REAL secret is actually right in your kitchen?

 Blueberries

This low-profile berry was ranked number one in antioxidant activity by the U.S. Department of Agriculture compared to 40 common fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants in blueberries protect you from premature aging, so add half a cup to your yogurt or cereal every day.

Spinach

This leafy green vegetable is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Spinach is loaded with lutein, which keeps your eyes healthy and sparkling. Spinach is also a good source of vitamins B, C, and E, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Trade your lettuce for spinach, or saute spinach for a quick, healthy side.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are the best source of the anti-aging antioxidant lycopene. Surprisingly, lycopene in tomatoes is more easily absorbed by your body when it is cooked or processed, so make sure to stock up on canned tomato sauce, tomato juice, and ketchup.

Kiwis

Last week, Mitzi decided to pull out her favorite snack, sliced pineapples, to enjoy at the office. As she was about to enjoy her very first bite, Shaun, our production manager, mentioned that in his country, China, people always dip their pineapples in salt water before eating them. Mitzi and I were very confused as he explained that it was to get rid of some of the acid since pineapples are very acidic.

Of course, I decided to do some research and here is what I found...

Pineapples

The Scientific name for the pineapple is Ananas comosus. Ananas comes from the Tupi word meaning “excellent fruit” and the word pineapple was coined because it looks like a pine cone. Pineapples were originally discovered in South Africa as an indigenous plant. From there it traveled to the Caribbean, Hawaii, southern California, Guam, Thailand the Philippines and Christopher Columbus brought some of the plants back to Europe. Southeast Asia currently dominates the world in pineapple production producing almost 2 million tons of pineapple each year.

Pineapples are the second favorite tropical fruit after bananas in America. Although the season for pineapple runs from March through June, they are available year-round in local markets. Pineapples are consumed both fresh and cooked, canned, or juiced; and can be used as a marinate meat.

Nutritional Benefits of Pineapples:

One cup of pineapple has 82 calories and provides the following nutrients—many of which act as natural antioxidants to help in the prevention of many diseases:

• Calcium
• Copper (9%)
• Fiber (9.2%)
• Folate (7.4%)
• Manganese (76.5%)
• Potassium
• Thiamine (Vitamin B1) 18.6%
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 18.6%
• Vitamin C (131.4%)

Bromelain:

Raw pineapple also contains a proteolytic enzyme called bromelain, and it is found mostly in the stem of the fruit. Bromelain breaks down protein. So, if you are someone who eats too much meat and suffers from indigestion, this is great for you! In many parts of the world, bromelain is also used as a post-injury medication because of its ability to reduce inflammation and swelling.

But, even though this enzyme is great for you for many reasons. In a lot of cases, eating pineapples can cause some uncomfortable side effects because of it. Such as a tingling or a burning sensation on the tip of the tongue, or heartburn.

Thankfully, you are able to minimize the effects of the enzyme in your mouth by cutting out the core of the pineapple before eating it. Also, like Shaun's grandmother, and many others in Asian countries, dipping the sliced pieces in salt water for a few seconds.

In conclusion ladies, adding salt to your pineapple will lessen its acidity, and lessen your chances of having a sensitive tongue or even worse, heart burn, all the while getting the healthy effects of this delicious fruit.

If you experience this or love pineapples as much as Mitzi does, comment and let us know!

Author: Nazanin Yashar

Sources: http://naturalhealthtechniques.com/pineapple.htm http://www.livestrong.com/article/503049-how-to-avoid-acid-burn-from-eating-pineapple/

Looks like everyone has been coco for coconuts lately. In the past year, we have seen doctors nutritionists, skin care professionals, and even makeup artists recommend and put this yummy and healthy oil to great use.

You will question, well coconuts have been around for forever now, why the sudden popularity? The answer is that in the 1970s a propaganda spread by the corn oil and soy oil industries against coconut oil. They stated that coconut oil was considered harmful for the human body due to its high saturated fat content. This has been proven otherwise in the last decade when people began to question the claims of the propaganda.

Found in tropical countries like India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Philippines etc. Coconuts have several benefits including hair care, skin care, stress relief, cholesterol level maintenance, weight loss, boosted immune system, proper digestion and regulated metabolism. It also provides relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV, and cancer, while helping to improve dental quality and bone strength.

So is it actually good for you? The oil of a coconut has a large presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and respective properties, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-fungal, antibacterial and soothing qualities. So in other words, it is AMAZING for you!

Food:

• Popping Popcorn - First, add the coconut oil and popcorn to a heavy-bottomed pan. Coat the area of the pot with the oil, and use just enough popcorn to make a single layer over the bottom of the pot. Give the pot a little shake to make sure all of the kernels are coated with oil. Next, place the pot over medium heat. Put the lid on the pot, leaving it slightly open so that steam can escape. It should take about five minutes for the popcorn to pop completely. Yum!

• Smoothies - Add one tablespoon of coconut oil into your favorite smoothie recipe to increase your energy!

• Cheekbone Highlighter - Apply a small amount on cheekbones over makeup for natural glow.

• Shaving Lotion - Sensitive skin? use coconut on dry skin to get a close shave, and a moisturizer at the same time.

• Makeup Remover - Wash your face using coconut oil to remove any makeup without any irritation...P.S. Healthier, stronger and longer eye lashes are just a bonus!

• Body Moisturizer - Apply directly after showering for smooth skin without the harsh chemicals used in most brand named lotions. And no Mitzi, you do not smell like coconuts! ;)

• Fade Age Spots - Rub on hands or other areas daily to fade signs of aging and age spots.

• Sunburn Care - Use instead of aloe vera for a great soothing moisturizer to use after you've gotten a bit too much sun.

Hair

Authors: Nazanin Yashar

Sources:
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/oils/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html
http://www.swansonvitamins.com/blog/natural-health-tips/using-coconut-oil