Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Cucumbers for Hair? YES and More!


15 Health Benefits of Cucumber

cucumber health benefitsCucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a vegetable that belongs to the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae, which includes gourds, melons, and squashes.
Cucumber is one of the oldest cultivated vegetables and is believed to be originated in northern India. Today, cucumbers are the fourth most widely grown vegetable crop in the world – after tomatoes, onions and cabbage. They’re grown worldwide in temperate regions.
There are two types of cucumbers: slicing cucumbers and pickling cucumbers. The pickling varieties tend to be smaller, thicker, and have bumpy skin with black-dotted spines.
Cucumber is often regarded as a healthy food because it is low in calories and fat. Cucumber also contains many vitamins and minerals that make them a healthy choice for cooking and snacking. Here are 15 health benefits of cucumber:
  1. Keep you hydrated
    Cucumber has 96% water content that is more nutritious than regular water, which helps in keeping the body hydrated and regulating body temperature. It also helps in flushing out the toxins from the body.
  2. Skin care
    The high water content and the presence of certain vitamins and minerals make cucumber an essential part of skin care. Facial masks containing cucumber juice can be used for skin tightening. Ascorbic acid and caffeic acid present in cucumbers can bring down the water retention rate which in turn diminishes the puffiness and swelling under the eyes. Cucumber skin also can bring relief to the skin caused by sunburn or windburn.
  3. Fight cancers
    Cucumber contains lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol – three lignans that have a strong history of research in connection with reduced risk of several cancer types, including
    breast cancer, prostate cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer.
  4. Control Blood Pressure
    Cucumber juice contains a lot of potassium, magnesium and fiber which are very helpful for regulating blood pressure. This makes cucumber especially good for treating both
    low blood pressure and high blood pressure.
  5. Beneficial for teeth and gums
    Cucumber juice is also beneficial for people with teeth and gums problems, especially in cases of pyorrhea. Cucumber is a good source of dietary fiber and this fiber massage in the teeth and gums.
  6. Aid digestion
    Digestive disorders, such as heartburn, gastritis, and even ulcers, can be cured by the daily consumption of fresh cucumber juice. The high water content and dietary fiber in cucumber are very effective in driving away the toxins from the digestive system and hence aid digestion. Daily consumption of cucumber can be regarded as a remedy for chronic constipation.
  7. Promotes joint health
    Cucumber is an excellent source of silica which is known to help promotes joint health by strengthening the connective tissues.
  8. Get rid of bad breath
    The photochemicals present in cucumber help kills the bacteria in your mouth which are responsible for bad breath. To get rid of bad breath, press a slice of cucumber in between your mouth with your tongue for at least 30 seconds.
  9. Nail care
    The high silica content in cucumber also helps prevent splitting and spoiling of nails of the fingers and toes.
  10. Relieve gout and arthritis pain
    Cucumber is a best ingredient for gout pain relief. When mixed with carrot juice, they can relieve gout and arthritis pain by lowering the uric acid levels.
  11. Cures diabetes
    The cucumber juice has been found to be beneficial for the diabetic patients. This vegetable contains a hormone needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin.
  12. Reduces cholesterol
    Researchers found that some compound called sterols in cucumber may help reduce cholesterol levels.
  13. Stimulate hair growth
    Cucumber contains silicon and sulphur and thus a regular intake of cucumber can help promote healthy hair growth. For best results, mix cucumber juice with the juices of
    carrot, lettuce or spinach.
  14. Acts as a diuretic
    The water content of cucumber acts as a diuretic. It encourages the elimination of waste products from the body through urination. Regular intake of cucumber helps to dissolve bladder or kidney stones.
  15. Aid in weight loss
    Due to its low calorie and high water content, cucumber is an ideal diet for people who looking for weight loss.
When buying cucumber, choose the ones that are firm to touch and dark green in color. Do not buy overly matured or yellow colored as they are prone to contain more insoluble fiber and mature seeds. Go for organically grown cucumber to get a rich taste and more nutrients content.

 
 

Ladies! Want more shinier hair? Smoother Skin? Healthier Lifestyle?

 
 Avocado Oil
I've used Avocado Oil in my hair spray bottle along with other natural oils such as Almond Oil, Olive Oil, Sesame Oil, and a few others. Now I'm using it by itself to get the full extent of this prodigious oil.
 
Update: After using Avocado Oil, my hair is shinier and not greasy. My skin is smoother and the moisture last longer than the regular lotions. My face is clearer after using it for five days.
 
Over all rating for Avocado 4.5 of 5
 
Here are a nutritional Facts:
 
For your face: The oil can be applied directly to the skin to treat dry, dehydrated skin. Avocado oil bestows moisture onto sun-damaged skin. This is a great nourishing choice.

For inflammation: Avocado oil reduces inflammation on irritated areas of the skin. The oil can also reduce the itching sensation.

For your hair: Avocado oil can be applied directly to the hair or added in a shampoo or conditioner to aid hair growth. The oil disperses a shiny healthy glow to your locks.

For sunburn: Tired of feeling the pain and agony of a sunburn? Apply a generous amount of avocado oil to your skin before soaking up the rays to prevent sunburn.

For culinary uses: Avocado oil is known for deep- frying and baking. If you are looking for healthy substitute for butter try avocado oil. Fun fact: 53 million pounds of guacamole are consumed by Americans during the month of February. Yes, only February. I guess the super bowl calls for a lot of guacamole. That amount of guacamole would fill a football field, if it were 5 feet deep. Wow!

For your mouth: Avocado oil has been shown to prevent gum disease and reduce inflammation of the gums.

For health: Manage your cholesterol with the use of avocado oil. This oil is also great for your cardiovascular system. Studies have proved that the acids that make up avocado oil slow the growth of cancerous tumors.

For your skin: Burns and wounds are no match for avocado oil’s healing properties. Applying avocado oil to the injuries speeds up the healing process. Also great in lotions and creams, avocado oil has a very quick absorption rate which leaves a great feeling on your skin.

Please share your experiences in the comment box. I am always open to new ideas!

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Pescitarian Meals!

Here are some meals I've Prepared for my family and some friends.

Mango Salsa
 Guacamole, Mango Salsa and Blue Tortillas
 Veggie Eggplant Sandwich

 Baked Veggies, Potatoes and Tomatoes OH MY!!!
 Mango Shrimp Salad
 Lentil Broccoli Soup
 Pancakes and Salad
 Pancakes Salad and Salmon

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

My Pescetarian Journey

First and foremost I must give honor to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I did the Daniel Fast July 1-31 and truly I was blessed. After my 31 days, I decided to continue on with it as my Life Changing Diet but added fish and some dairy. Did some research and found out the proper name for it was "Pescetarian"  and have been doing great since. 

I must say the first week was rough because I suffered from habitual eating. The second week I suffered from unknown triggers and favorite foods like muffins, doughnuts, biscuits, pretty much baked breads. Then after I got a hold of those, I had to pray for the off guard meals. One thing that helped me also was bringing my own treats and meals with me somewhen the fried chicken and macaroni was served I had my own favorites.

Some laughed and made fun but I knew they were watching to see if I would give in. And sometimes people would offer knowing I wasn't eating "meat" and/or products made from animals and sugars. 

I still struggle with some childhood aromas and favorites. I smell them instead of eating it. I'll post some meals within the next few days. Also, my children love the meals I fix. Especially the ones made with fruit and fish. I'm still trying to get my husband to go Pescetarian with me but in time he may!