8 Benefits of Coconut Water You Didn’t Know About

Coconut water is the ultimate thirst quencher and offers a tasty alternative to water. This pure liquid is packed with nutrients that yield an array of health benefits. Here are 8 Benefits of Coconut Water that explain why it has become so popular:

1. Aids in Weight-loss Efforts.

The fat content in coconut water is extremely low, so generous quantities can be consumed without the fear of immediately packing on the pounds. It also suppresses the appetite and makes you feel full because of its rich nature.

2. Picture-Perfect Skin.

For those with acne or other blemishes on the surface of the skin, topical application of coconut water can go a great distance as it has the ability to clear up and subsequently tone the skin. It also moisturizes the skin from within if ingested orally and eliminates large amounts of oil. This explains why products such as facial creams, shampoos, conditioners and lotions that contain traces of coconut extract are more effective.

3. The Ultimate Hangover Remedy.

Next time you overdo it and drink more than your belly can handle, consume coconut water to settle your stomach. It will also replace those essential electrolytes that exit the body if you experience bouts of frequent urination and vomiting.

4. Facilitates Digestion.

If you constantly encounter difficulty during the digestion process, coconut water may provide a source of relief. Because of its high concentration of fiber, it aids in the prevention of indigestion and reduces the occurrence of acid reflux.

5. Boosts Hydration.

The ingredients in coconut water are way more effective at hydrating the human body than those of sports and energy drinks. During rigorous exercise or extended periods of physical activity, the human body loses mineral-rich fluids. However, coconut water serves as an excellent replacement medium with 294 mg of potassium and 5 mg of natural sugar per glass, unlike your favorite sports drink that only contains half of the potassium content and five times the amount of processed sugar. In addition, the sodium count is only 25 mg, which is relatively low compared to the 41 and 20 mg found in sports drinks and energy drinks respectively.

6. Reduces Blood Pressure.

In many instances, a disproportionate level of electrolytes can result in high blood pressure. Because coconut water contains an adequate supply of each, it can be used as a balancing mechanism. In some instances, it is recommended that coconut water be consumed at the start of each day to foster the balance of these electrolytes.

7. Rich in Nutrients.

Unlike any other beverage on the market, coconut water contains five essential electrolytes that are present in the human body. These include: calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and sodium. Because of its unique composition, coconut water can be enjoyed by individuals with varying medical conditions.

8. Compatible with Human Blood.

Since it is isotonic to human plasma, coconut water can be used in extreme emergencies to quickly rehydrate the human body if administered intravenously. It is not uncommon for the drink to be used in poorer, third-world countries to save human lives.

How Much Should You Consume?

Coconut water can be enjoyed as a stand-alone beverage or combined with another liquid product. There is no hard and fast rule regarding the amount that should be consumed on a daily basis, but experts from the Mayo Clinic strongly suggest that you consider maintaining an active lifestyle if consuming large amounts of coconut water since each eight ounce serving is accompanied by 45 to 60 calories.

When searching for the perfect fresh coconut to enjoy, be sure to steer clear of those that have a hard brown shell as this is an indication that it is mature. Instead, look for those that are young and green on the exterior as they usually contain a large supply of the actual coconut water substance. To test it out, simply shake the coconut up and down to gauge how much liquid it contains.

Source
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/8-benefits-coconut-water-you-didnt-know-about.html

Benefits of Honey in Weight Loss

The benefits of honey mostly apply to weight loss programs. If you are trying to lose weight, honey can be very helpful, but before we discuss the benefits of honey in weight loss, we should address some of the concerns that people often have regarding honey.

Many people ask: Isn’t honey a type of sugar? Doesn’t it contribute to weight gain? Won’t the calories in honey negate weight loss efforts?

That is correct, because honey does contain sugar. However, unlike refined sugar, honey contains beneficial vitamins and minerals as well. Refined table sugar, which people often use to sweeten their food, is considered a source of “empty calories”, meaning that there is no ulterior benefit to eating them.

Normally, to digest sugar, vitamins and minerals stored in the body are utilized, which uses up many of these essential nutrients. These nutrients are essential to dissolve fats and cholesterol, so ingesting pure sugar is somewhat wasteful.Therefore, when you eat too much sugar, you tend to gain weight not only because of the calories, but from the subsequent lack of vitamins and minerals. Honey balances this effect because it is a  good source of nutrients that help people in their efforts to lose weight.

Honey contains nutrients such as protein, water, energy, fiber, sugars and various vitamins and minerals. It contains minerals such as iron, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc and calcium. Honey is a good source of vitamins that include folate, niacin, riboflavin, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B6.

For people who are overweight or obese, honey not only reduces risk of cardiovascular disorders, it also does not increase the body weight.

Findings of research study suggests that consumption of honey may help in reducing cholesterol as compared to sugar. It also leads to lower increase in plasma glucose levels.

Benefits of Honey in Relation to Weight Loss

Honey and Warm Water

Normally, fat remains as an unused resource in the body, adding bulk and weight, but it is believed that honey has the ability to mobilize this stored fat. When this fat is burnt to provide energy for your daily activities, you will see a gradual decrease in weight and a relief from the problems of obesity.

Honey has also been shown to positively increase the levels of “good” cholesterol in the body, and alsoreduces cardiovascular strain, which means you can lead a more active, healthy life, which will further promote your weight loss programs, since you won’t be worried as much about artherosclerosis, or the risk of heart attacks or strokes when going for a morning run! Research suggests that drinking honey (about one tablespoon daily), with an equal amount of warm water can stimulate this beneficial process.

Honey and Lemon Juice

Honey can also help in weight loss when consumed with warm water and lemon juice. Many people drink this formula as a start to their day as a way of stimulating weight loss. Honey is packed with 22 amino acids and a number of valuable vitamins and minerals, many of which benefit the body’s metabolism. By regulating the function of the metabolism, food is utilized properly, fat is converted into usable energy, and overall health is improved.

The lemon juice in this mixture also is loaded with Vitamin-C (also known as ascorbic acid), which increases liver function and fat metabolism. Furthermore, lemon juice increases the function of glutathione, which is a key antioxidant for detoxification and quick slimming.

Combining the weight loss powers of lemon juice with the metabolism-stimulating effects of honey, this elixir, if drunk once a day, can give you some seriously attractive results!

Honey and cinnamon

Another popular recipe combines cinnamon with honey and warm water. Research studies suggest that the use of cinnamon is beneficial for weight loss.

Mix one tablespoon of cinnamon power with one tablespoon of honey and one cup of warm water. Thoroughly mix these ingredients and drink it on an empty stomach.

Cinnamon has also been shown to have a regulating effect on blood sugar levels, and the metabolism of glucose. High blood sugar levels can lead to increased storage of fat in the body, so cinnamon has a positive impact on this aspect of weight loss. Combined with the metabolism power of honey, this mixture can be a powerful boost to your weight loss efforts.

Research has not clearly explained how this mixture helps in weight loss, but many people claim to have seen positive results from its regular consumption.

Hibernation Diet

With all of the new diets that spring up every year, it is difficult to know which one will benefit your body and weight loss efforts. One aspect of the hibernation diet to lose weight is to consume a spoonful of honey before going to bed. As you sleep, the honey will continue stimulating liver function, keep your metabolism burning fat, and easing the amount of stress hormones which are in your system. As the name implies, it helps you hibernate in a healthy and relaxing way!

Improves Digestion

Honey also improves your digestion, which can help in reducing static weight in your digestive system. Therefore, honey can be consumed after dinner, particularly after eating a large meal.

Good Substitute of Sugar

Honey is a good substitute of sugar. It can be used in different beverages such as tea, lime juice. Among other food items, it can be used in desserts, pancakes instead of sugar. One may add honey to oatmeal, peanut butter sandwich for additional nutrients, good taste and a lower risk of weight gain.

Many people stop eating to reduce their weight, but this is a potentially dangerous practice. If you don’t eat enough food, which is the primary way of acquiring calories, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, your immune system will weaken.

Your weight loss program should focus on reducing the intake of calories, rather than stopping the intake of calories. Furthermore, you should also increase your daily elimination of calories through regular exercise.

Let me know what you guys think! Have you tried substituting honey instead of sugar? Do you find it satisfy's your sugar cravings? Comment below.


Source
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/animal-product/benefits-of-honey-in-weight-loss.html

10 ways drinking warm water with lemon and honey can do wonders for your health

Drinking honey and lemon mixed with warm water, every morning, on an empty stomach is often touted as the best way to lose weight. But this mixture, if had at the right time in the day, can do much more than help you reach your weight loss goal. Here are 9 ways a mixture of honey, lemon juice and warm water can help you stay fit and healthy. Here are 10 ways to use honey for your skin, hair and body.

First things first — how to make the mixture.

Fill a tall glass with warm water (as hot as you can tolerate), add the juice of half a lemon and one teaspoon of honey to it. Now stir the mixture well and drink it. If you are a diabetic, there is no need to shy away from this drink, here is why it is safe for you to add honey to this elixir. Also, remember to avoid drinking tea or coffee for at least half an hour after you have had the honey and lemon mixture. While this remedy is perfect to help you stay healthy and beautiful, there are a lot of people who manufacture fake honey. Here’s how you can differentiate between real and fake honey.

Here’s how this drink can help you:

Helps keep constipation at bay: Warm water with lemon and honey, when had in the morning, stimulates the digestive system, helps produce intestinal mucus, hydrates the colon and infuses water into dried stool — a common reason for constipation. Apart from that the warm water helps kick start bowel movements, aiding in regular and constipation free motions. But if you suffer from long-standing constipation woes you could try some of these home remedies.

Hastens the process of weight loss:  Apart from cleansing your stomach, the lemon juice present in the mixture, goes a long way in helping you lose weight. Packed with a type of fiber called pectin, lemon helps make you feel full and keeps cravings at bay. The warm water, honey and lemon also creates a more alkaline atmosphere in your stomach, helping you lose weight faster. Apart from this, you could also supplement your weight loss efforts with these tips to lose weight in 20 days.

Aids in better digestion: Better digestion is essential for the proper functioning of your body, and this mixture is exactly what you need to keep your digestive tract in great condition. Each of the components of this drink aid in better digestion. Lemon helps your liver produce more bile that helps your digestive system break down complex foods better and utilise the essential components. Honey, on the other hand, has antibacterial properties that help thwart any infections you might have. Apart from that it also helps increase the production of mucous in your stomach which indirectly helps in flushing out toxins from your body. Apart from drinking this healthy drink every day, make sure you avoid these foods that are difficult to digest.

Can improve the functioning of the colon:  In Ayurveda it is believed that we tend to have a build up of toxins or ‘ama’ on the inner lining of our stomach, that is the reason for a number of ailments including cancer. This product of undigested food, intestinal cells and dead bacteria often coats the inner lining of our stomach and is thought to lead to diseases. By drinking lemon and honey mixed with warm water the walls of the intestine – especially the colon – get stimulated; leading to the expulsion of this ama. If understanding Ayurveda is not your thing, allopathy describes this mixture as a potent natural way to cleanse the colon, allowing it to function better by helping your body absorb nutrients, get rid of toxins, stay adequately hydrated and keep bloating at bay. Also, do try the Ayurvedic detox diet on a regular basis to keep your insides clean and functioning well.

Helps cleanse the lymphatic system: According to experts, a dehydrated lymphatic system is one of the leading causes of illness. Lack of water and essential fluids in the lymphatic system can make you feel sluggish, fatigued, lead to constipation, disturbed sleep, high or low blood pressure, stress and an all-around lack in mental function. The benefit of drinking this mixture early in the morning is that it gives your lymphatic system a boost and helps hydrate the entire system.

Can give your energy levels a boost and improve your mood: Not a morning person? Well, this mixture can help beat that lethargy and fatigue you often feel every morning. How? Well, honey is an instant energy booster – minus the calories. Water helps clear your mind by providing fresh blood to your brain, and lemon activates your digestive system, getting to work properly and eliminating toxins that are often the reason for lethargy. Moreover, the scent of lemon is known to be a natural relaxant and can help uplift your mood. If you continue to feel fatigued, even after trying this remedy, there may be other causes for your symptoms. Do not neglect it and visit a doctor.

Aids in cleansing your urinary tract and acts as a diuretic: Honey is a very potent antibacterial agent, that has the capability to beat a number of common infections. When mixed with lemon and water – two agents that act as excellent diuretics (agents that flush out water from your body) – this concoction is the best way to cleanse your urinary tract. For women who suffer from frequent UTI (urinary tract infection), this is a boon and is known to keep recurrent infections at bay.

Helps beat bad breath and improves oral health: The acidic nature of lemon combined with the innate properties of honey and water can help beat bad breath almost instantly. The lemon cleanses your mouth, activating your salivary glands and killing offensive bacteria. When added to honey and water, it helps wash down bacteria and degraded food that is usually present in your mouth and throat early in the morning. Another reason for bad breath is the formation of a white film on your tongue (mainly consisting of decaying food and bacteria), this effectively gets rid of that film, making your breath fresh – naturally. If this doesn’t freshen your breath, you can try these expert tips.

Can help give you a natural glow and clear skin: The benefits of lemon on your skin are aplenty, but apart from that, its cleansing action also helps in purifying your blood, also aiding in the production of new blood cells that acts as potent cleaning agents. The water and honey lend a unique restorative, antibacterial and collagen boosting properties to your skin as well.

Source
http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/why-drinking-water-early-in-the-morning-good-for-health-p214/

Apple Cider Vinegar and Health

You probably have a bottle of apple cider vinegar in your pantry right now. It’s a tasty addition to homemade pickles, marinades, and salad dressing, but is it also good for you?

As a folk remedy, apple cider vinegar has been credited with curing everything from theflu to warts. Many of its supposed benefits are unproven, but some experts think that adding a little of this sour liquid to your life may have some health benefits.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Weight Loss

Have you heard that apple cider vinegar will help you lose weight?

The only study to test the idea in people was done in Japan. In the study, 175 obese but healthy people took either vinegar or water daily for 12 weeks. Their diets were similar. They kept food journals. At the end of the study, those who used vinegar had lost slightly more weight. On average, the vinegar group lost 1-2 pounds over the 3-month period. They gained it all back after the study was over.

The researchers suggest that vinegar may turn on certain genes involved in breaking down fats.

The effect is probably very subtle, says Chicago dietitian Debbie Davis, RD. “It may have some benefits in terms of weight loss and weight management, but it is definitely not a quick fix."

If you want to lose weight, you’ll still need to exercise and practice portion control.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Blood Sugar

While apple cider vinegar probably won’t make you skinny, it does appear to help with diabetes and blood sugar control.

Carol Johnston, PhD, directs Arizona State University’s nutrition program. She has been studying apple cider vinegar for more than 10 years and believes its effects on blood sugar are similar to certain medications.

“Apple cider vinegar’s anti-glycemic effect is very well documented,” Johnston says.

She explains that the vinegar blocks some of the digestion of starch. “It doesn’t block the starch 100%, but it definitely prevents at least some of that starch from being digested and raising your blood sugar,” Johnston says.

Not every expert feels as confident about apple cider vinegar’s power.

"Trying to use vinegar to treat diabetes is like trying to bail out a flooded basement with a teaspoon," says Michael Dansinger, MD, director of Tufts University’s diabetes lifestyle coaching program.

He advises patients to focus instead on their overall diets -- a strategy backed by a lot more research, he says.

If you have gastroparesis, a common problem with diabetes that slows stomach emptying, be careful. Early research shows apple cider vinegar may make this problem worse.

"I’m concerned that drinking vinegar, even diluted in water, increases acid in your system, which puts a strain on your kidneys and bones,” Dansinger says.

If you have diabetes and want to try apple cider vinegar, let your doctor know, and keep an eye on your blood sugar levels.

Johnston stresses that if you are on medication for diabetes, you shouldn’t stop taking it and substitute vinegar. If you're thinking about using it to help manage your blood sugar, talk to your doctor first.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Digestion

If you drink apple cider vinegar with a starchy meal, then the starches you don't digest will feed the good bacteria in your gut, Johnston says.

Davis recommends using unfiltered apple cider vinegar, “the cloudy kind, where you can see a blob in the bottle.”

That blob is known as “the mother,” and it’s full of probiotics and other beneficial bacteria. “This kind of vinegar can support immune function and, for some people, even help with constipation,” Davis says.

Tips on Taking Apple Cider Vinegar

Don't drink it straight. It’s so acidic that it could harm your tooth enamel and your esophagus.

Don't use a lot. “Dilute 1 to 2 tablespoons in a big glass of water, and sip it along with your meals one or two times a day,” Johnston says.

Source
http://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/apple-cider-vinegar-and-health?page=2

Article Sources

SOURCES:

Carol Johnston, PhD, professor, director, nutrition program, Arizona State University.

Michael Dansinger, MD, founder, director, Tufts Medical Center’s Lifestyle Coaching Program for Diabetes and Weight Loss, Boston.

Debbie Davis, MS, RD, LDN, dietitian, Hines VA Hospital, Chicago; founder, DietitianDebbie.com.

Kondo, T. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, July 8, 2009.

Budak, N. Journal of Food Science, May 2014.

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