Tag Archives: heart health

ALOE GLOE Organic Aloe Vera Water

In a recent post, I showed you how I make our AFTER SUN LOTION with Aloe vera and essential oils.  It’s been fun getting feedback from you guys who have made it!  It really DOES work so well!

Topical Aloe application, however, is just the tip of the Aloe vera iceberg in terms of health potential.  So I thought it would be fun to stay with the Aloe theme but this time talk about drinking Aloe vera!

aloe vera water

 

I bought this one (of course it includes coconut water which feeds my coconut obsession)  but there are other kinds too.  I choose to drink this brand – ALOE GLOE – because I trust the company.  I think this tastes good and is very refreshing. It’s got a mild taste and is lightly sweetened with organic cane sugar and organic stevia and has only 18 calories per serving.  If you don’t like drinking it, you can add it to smoothie or something.  It’s packed with vitamins and is clinically proven to improve skin and cardiovascular health (for all you nerds out there, I have more details on the benefits below)

Do you drink it?  What’s you favorite?  I’d love to know!

Click the link below for 12 pack (15 oz) of Aloe Gloe Organic Aloe Water

   


Some of you are like me and want to know why in the world we would buy this and then drink it. The answer ‘It’s good for you”  isn’t good enough.  Tell me why!  I don’t like to do things blindly.  So if you’re in my camp I included some benefits discovered from research below.

For the others, this is all TMI… and that’s ok too!   You guys should definitely just trust me that it’s GOOD FOR YOU, be done reading this post and now click the link above to buy your Aloe Gloe!  THE END and thanks for reading!

WHY SUPPLEMENT ALOE VERA 

ANTIOXIDANTS >>> Phase II enzymes are known to reduce oxidative stress (… aging process…), and Aloe vera has been shown to stimulate the production of natural Phase II antioxidants. Daily dosing of Aloe vera can stimulate a person’s natural, inherent antioxidant system to help fight oxidative stress.  source

INSIDE BEAUTY >>> Thirty healthy female subjects over the age of 45 were orally supplemented with either a low or a high dose (low dose=1,200 mg/day; high dose=3,600 mg/day) of Aloe vera gel for 90 days. After completion of the 90-day period, the KFDA concluded that ingested Aloe vera gel resulted in a significant reduction in facial wrinkles and a significant increase in skin elasticity. There were no adverse events reported. There was also an increase in collagen production and a decrease in collagen-degrading MMP-1 gene expression.  source <<<  DONE.  NUF SAID.  I’M IN.

CARDIOVASCULAR BENEFITS >>> Cardiovascular disease is the number-one killer in the United States. Lowering cholesterol is a key prevention in mitigating the risk of heart disease. A number of studies done in the United States and abroad have shown Aloe vera taken as a supplement can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. One human clinical study showed that the group taking aloe experienced a 10% drop in total cholesterol. This same study showed a drop in LDL and triglyceride levels to near optimum levels.

Cardiovascular health, as well as metabolic syndrome and related issues like diabetes, is also linked to oxidative stress. A recent placebo-controlled human clinical trial showed that the group taking Aloe vera had a significant reduction in risk factors associated with oxidative stress, including C-reactive protein, a marker of oxidative stress and inflammation. In the Aloe vera group, C-reactive protein dropped by 38%, and isoprostanes, compounds formed by the peroxidation of essential fatty acids, dropped by 32%.  source

IMMUNE HEALTH >>> Science has shown us ways to enhance our innate immune systems through supplementation, with tests now able to determine if an ingredient is increasing Peripheral Blood Monocyte (PBM) CD56 and the cell-killing capability of natural killer cells.

A study sanctioned by the Korean Food and Drug Administration indicated that the group taking an Aloe vera supplement saw increased PBM CD56 and the cell-killing capability of natural killer cells, indicating immune enhancement. As a result of this study, the KFDA has allowed immune-health claims to be made for products containing Aloe vera.  source

There are other benefits being discovered, but I’m sold from just this.

   


OUR STORY —> aloegloe.com
For us, Aloe Gloe is so much more than just a beverage.

While surfing in Manhattan Beach, co-founder Danny Stepper had an accident that gashed open his forehead. After getting stitches, his doctor prescribed not only applying Aloe Vera to the scar but also recommended drinking it. The problem was he couldn’t find any healthy options that weren’t full of sugar, organic or local. Luckily for Stepper, he and his friends are in the beverage business.

Aloe Gloe is part of L.A. Libations, an emerging beverage incubator that was founded by Stepper, Pat Bolden and Dino Sarti. The three first met while working as merchandisers for Coca-Cola Enterprises and after many successful years in the beverage industry they reunited to create L.A. Libations and in turn their own passion project, Aloe Gloe.


Don’t forget to check out my ALOE VERA AFTER SUN LOTION! 

DIY After Sun Lotion

CHEERS TO BETTER HEALTH!

Anti-Aging: 12 Oatmeal

OATMEAL


Add oatmeal to your normal diet to slow down the aging process because it

  1. lowers cholesterol

  2. boosts immune system

  3. stabilizes blood sugar

  4. reduces risk of diabetes

  5. has special antioxidants to protect heart

  6. prevents breast cancer

  7. gluten-friendly – it has a small amount of gluten but studies have shown that adults and children with celiac disease can tolerate it

Add other Anti-Aging foods to your oatmeal… like

Check out  Mr. Breakfast.com for 144 

different ways to make oatmeal!

Let me know what you try and how you like it!

Anti-Aging: 10 Prunes

PRUNES…Dried PLUMBS

One of the healthiest foods!

They are most commonly known as a natural laxative, but there are numerous other benefits from these fruits.

Prune Nutrition Facts

HealwithFood.org
Glycemic Index (GI) Rating: Although rich in simple sugars, prunes do not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels, possibly because of their high fiber, fructose, and sorbitol content. Therefore, prunes have a low GI rating of 29. The Glycemic Load (GL) of prunes is 9.57 (low).
Calories: Prunes have about 240 calories per 100 grams (67 calories per 1 ounce).
Macronutrients: Prunes are rich in carbohydrates. They are also an excellent source of dietary fiber (6.1 grams per 100 grams). Prunes contain very little protein and hardly any fat.
Vitamins: Prunes are a good source of vitamin A and vitamin K.
Minerals and Trace Elements: Prunes are a good source of potassium, copper, boron and magnesium.
Phenolic Compounds: Prunes are rich in phenolic compounds (184 mg/100 g) such as neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acids.

Anti-Aging: 6 Cruciferous Vegetables

CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES

Cruciferous vegetables are from the mustard family ::

MUSTARD GREENS, CABBAGES, BROCCOLI, CAULIFLOWER, 

BRUSSELS SPROUTS, KALE


They prevent and slow down aging in the body!

They are filled with vitamins, fiber, and disease-fighting phytochemicals.

By adding these foods to your daily diet, you may be lowering your risk for cancer!

Some have shown to STOP the growth of cancer cells

for tumors in the:

  1. breast
  2. uterine lining (endometrium)
  3. lung
  4. colon
  5. liver
  6. cervix

                                        according to the American Institute for Cancer Research

These vegetables fight against the overload of 

free-radicals that cause cancer by reducing oxidative stress.


Cruciferous veggies also protect against cardiovascular disease.  Studies have shown that diets rich in these foods lower amounts of inflammation in the body!

Which cruciferous vegetables have the most vitamin A, vitamin C, and folic acid?

The answers are:

  1. Kale (vitamin A)

  2. Broccoli (vitamin C)

  3. Brussels sprouts and broccoli (tied for folic acid)

Brussels sprouts have the most vitamin E (about 9% of the Daily Value) and vitamin B-1 (15% Daily Value). And it’s broccoli and Brussels sprouts again that have the most healthy plant omega-3s: A cup of broccoli contributes about 200 milligrams, and a cup of Brussels sprouts about 260 milligrams.

Here’s a comparison table of cruciferous vegetables, including the nutrients for which they contribute at least 10% of the Daily Value. Keep in mind that about half of the fiber in cruciferous vegetables is super-healthy soluble fiber.

Per 1 cup:

Broccoli

Cauliflower

Cabbage

B. Sprouts

Bok Choy

Kale
(steamed) (frozen, cooked) (raw) (cooked) (cooked) (cooked)
Calories 44 34 22 60 20 36
Fiber 5g 5 2 4 3 3
Vitamin A 33% DV 1% 2% 16% 62% 137%
Vitamin B-2 16% 9% 3% 11% 10% 8%
Vitamin B-6 17% 12% 7% 21% 22% 14%
Vitamin C 165% 75% 38% 129% 59% 71%
Folic Acid 23% 18% 10% 23% 17% 4%
Magnesium 12% 5% 4% 10% 6% 7%
Potassium 14% 7% 6% 14% 18% 8%
Omega-3s 200 mg 140 mg 60 mg 260 mg 100 mg 100 mg

Tips for Enjoying Cruciferous Vegetables

To maximize taste and nutrition, here are some tips for buying and cooking cruciferous vegetables:

  • Don’t overcook cruciferous vegetables. They can produce a strong sulfur odor and become unappealing.

  • You can buy several types of cruciferous vegetables ready-to-go in the frozen or fresh packaged sections of your supermarket, including broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.

  • No raw veggie platter is complete without dark green broccoli or snowy white cauliflower florets.

  • Add raw broccoli or cauliflower florets to your green salad to give the nutrients a big boost.

  • Add chopped cruciferous veggies to soups, stews, and casseroles.

  • When buying fresh broccoli, look for firm florets with a purple, dark green, or bluish hue on the top. They’re likely to contain more beta-carotene and vitamin C than florets with lighter green tops. If it has yellow in it or is limp and bendable, the broccoli is old — don’t buy it.

according to WebMD

Cauliflower Tomato Soup

One of my family’s favorites from Allrecipes.com

Ingredients


  • 1/4 cup sliced leek (white portion only)

  • 1/4 cup chopped celery

  • 1 tablespoon butter or margarine

  • 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup, undiluted

  • 1 1/4 cups water

  • 1 cup fresh cauliflowerets

  • 1/2 cup frozen peas

  • 1/4 teaspoon dill weed

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions
  1. In a saucepan, saute leek and celery in butter until tender. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 12-16 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

Brown Rice and Steamed Broccoli & Cauliflower

I use this as a side dish or a stand alone meal.

  • cook the brown rice according to the instructions

  • steam either frozen or fresh broccoli & cauliflower

  • combine them

  • drizzle Braggs Liquid Amino’s and Flax Seed Oil on top and mix

  • if you are really feeling healthy, sprinkle kelp flakes over the rice and veggies!

OK, now it’s your turn.  I want to hear from you.

PLEASE share your Cruciferous Vegetables recipes!

Anti-Aging: 1 Wild Salmon

Slow down the aging process by controlling inflammation and eliminating  free radicals from your body through your diet!

WILD SALMON





Definitions

Antioxidant:   protects the body from damaging molecules called free radicals.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids:  the most anti-inflammatory substance that exists; A class of fatty acids found in fish oils, especially from salmon and other cold-water fish; has many health benefits including:

  • lower blood pressure
  • lower triglyceride levels
  • brain & heart health
  • radiant & youthful skin
  • encourages a better mood

PCBs:  Short for polychlorinated biphenyl.  Compounds used as lubricants, heat-transfer fluids, and plasticizers. The manufacture and use of PCBs has been  restricted since the 1970s because they are very harmful to the environment, being especially deadly to fish and invertebrates,and stay in the food chain for many years.

Salmon with Lemon and Dill allrecipes.com

Ingredients

  • 1 pound salmon fillets
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 5 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon dried dill weed
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • sea salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
  2. Place salmon in the baking dish. Mix the butter and lemon juice in a small bowl, and drizzle over the salmon. Season with dill, garlic powder, sea salt, and pepper.
  3. Bake 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until salmon is easily flaked with a fork.
Please share good Salmon recipes you love!