Spinach helps you lose weight by curbing cravings for sweet treats and junk food

• Swedish researchers found green leaf membranes called thylakoids boost weight loss by 43%, curbing food cravings by 95%

• Membranes gradually slowed digestion process giving intestinal hormone enough time to signal to the brain that the body is full

• Participants taking extract found it easier to stick to three meals a day and did not experience any cravings 

Spinach could be the latest weight-loss aid curbing food cravings by nearly 95 per cent, new research has found.

Scientists at Lund University in Sweden discovered a spinach extract containing green leaf membranes called thylakoids boost weight loss by almost 43 per cent. 

They based their findings on analysis of 38 overweight women. 

Food cravings are also known as hedonic hunger - the urges people have for unhealthy foods including sweet treats and fast food.

The study shows that taking thylakoids reinforces the body's production of satiety hormones and suppresses hedonic hunger, which leads to better appetite control, healthier eating habits and increased weight loss. 

Professor Charlotte Erlanson-Albertsson who took part in the study, said: 'Our analyses show that having a drink containing thylakoids before breakfast reduces cravings and keeps you feeling more satisfied all day.'

The study involved 38 overweight women and ran for three months.

Every morning before breakfast the participants had a green drink. 

Half of the women were given 5 grams of spinach extract and the other half, the control group, were given a placebo. 

The participants did not know which group they belonged to – the only instructions they received were to eat a balanced diet including three meals a day and not to go on any other diet.

'In the study, the control group lost an average of 3.5 kg while the group that was given thylakoids lost 5 kg,' said Professor Erlanson-Albertsson.

'The thylakoid group also found that it was easier to stick to three meals a day – and they did not experience any cravings.'

The team of researchers said the green leaf membranes gradually slowed down the digestion process giving the intestinal hormone sufficient time to be release and signal to the brain the body is satisfied.

Professor Erlanson-Albertsson, added: 'It is about making use of the time it takes to digest our food.

'There is nothing wrong with our digestive system, but it doesn’t work well with the modern ‘pre-chewed’ food. 

'The thylakoids extend digestion, producing a feeling of satiety.

'This means that we are able to stick to the diet we are meant for without snacks and unnecessary foods like sweets, crisps and such.'

Source
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2742026/Spinach-extract-boosts-weight-loss-50-curbing-cravings-sweet-treats-junk-food.html

12 Unexpected Benefits of Drinking Hot Water

I think that most of us know by now that water is essential to our survival. We’ve probably also all heard doctors say that drinking roughly eight glasses a day is ideal. However, what most people don’t know is that warm water and hot water have some exclusive benefits of their own that you just can’t get when you drink water cold. Here are 12 benefits of drinking hot water:

1. Weight Loss

Hot water is great for maintaining a healthy metabolism, which is what you want if you’re trying to shed a few kilos. The best way to do this is to kick start your metabolism early in the morning with a glass of hot water and lemon. As an added bonus, hot water will help to break down the adipose tissue (aka body fat) in your body.

2. Assists with Nasal and Throat Congestion

Drinking hot water is an excellent natural remedy for colds, coughs and a sore throat. It dissolves phlegm and also helps to remove it from your respiratory tract. As such, it can provide relief from a sore throat. It also helps in clearing nasal congestion.

3. Menstrual Cramps

Hot water can also aid in diminishing menstrual cramps. The heat of the water has a calming and soothing effect on the abdominal muscles, which eventually can help to cure cramps and spasms.

4. Body Detoxification

Hot water is fantastic for helping your body to detox. When you drink hot water, your body temperature begins to rise, which results in sweat. You want this to happen because it helps to release toxins from your body and cleanse it properly. For optimal results, add a squeeze of lemon before drinking.

5. Prevents Premature Aging

There’s a reason you should want to clear your body of toxins: they make you age faster. Also, drinking hot water helps to repair the skin cells that increase the elasticity of your skin and are affected by harmful free radicals. Subsequently, your damaged skin becomes smoother.

6. Prevents Acne and Pimples

The benefits for your skin just keep on coming. Hot water deep cleanses your body and eliminates the root causes of acne-related infections.

7. Hair Health and Vitality

Drinking hot water is also good for obtaining soft, shiny hair. It energizes the nerve endings in your hair roots and makes them active. This is beneficial for getting back the natural vitality of your hair and keeping it healthy.

8. Promotes Hair Growth

Activating the roots of your hair has another added benefit—growth! The hot water promotes the regular activity of the roots and subsequently accelerates the growth of your hair.

9. Prevents Dandruff

Hot water keeps your scalp hydrated and helps fight against dry scalp or dandruff.

10. Enhances Blood Circulation and Promotes A Healthy Nervous System

Another important benefit of drinking hot water is that it enhances your blood circulation, which is important for proper muscle and nerve activity. In addition, it keeps your nervous system healthy by breaking down the fat deposits around it.

11. Digestion

Hot water is particularly beneficial for digestion. Studies have shown that drinking cold water during or after a meal can harden the oil present in the consumed foods. This can create a fat deposit on the inner wall of your intestine, which can eventually result in intestinal cancer. However, if you replace the glass of cold water with hot, you can avoid this problem. In addition, hot water is beneficial to digestion, which is what you want after a meal.

12. Bowel Movements

Speaking of digestion, hot water can help to keep you regular, as well as make your bowel movements healthy and pain free. Dehydration can result in chronic problems with constipation. As the stool gets accumulated inside your intestine, the movement of the bowel becomes slower. It is always recommended that you consume a glassful of hot or warm water every morning when your stomach is empty. It decomposes any remnant foodstuffs and makes the movement of the particles smooth and less painful through the intestine.

Source
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/12-unexpected-benefits-drinking-hot-water.html

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

3 tablespoons of olive oil can save your life and make you slimmer

Olive oil has long been touted as healthy – now it’s also being credited with aiding weight loss and preventing cancer. Liz Graham gets the good oil on the benefits of this golden elixir

The results are in: Olive oil is a true superfood. Not only is it delicious in a salad dressing or drizzled over pasta, it has scientifically proven medicinal and weight-loss properties, which can be sourced by having three tablespoons or about 50ml of olive oil a day. 

This is the opinion of US nutritionist and associate professor of clinical medicine Dr Mary Flynn, who’s been studying the effects and health benefits of olive oil since the 1990s.

“The general body of research says that once you have two or more tablespoons a day, you’ll improve your blood pressure, your glucose levels and your good cholesterol,” Flynn says. “But I’ve found that the weight-loss effect comes into play at three tablespoons, so that’s what I recommend. It’s an amazing food – it does all these things that help your body, plus it tastes good.” 

It’s important to note that when Flynn refers to “olive oil”, she’s talking about extra-virgin olive oil, otherwise known as EVOO. This highest quality version is made by simply cold pressing oil from the olive fruit, and has been found to have the most effect on heart health, which is likely due to it being richer in nutrients.

Secret weapon for weight loss

Consuming three tablespoons of EVOO isn’t enough to start shedding the kilos, Flynn says, explaining that the weight-loss effect kicks in when it’s combined with a healthy Mediterranean-style diet. This is rich in vegetables, fruit, legumes and whole grains, moderate in dairy and low in meat (about three serves of white meat or fish a week for women, and red meat only once or twice a month). 

“This way of eating essentially takes the calories you’d normally be consuming with meat and gives them to vegetables and olive oil,” she says.

Flynn proved the success of a diet that’s high in healthy fats in 2010 with a study of 44 women over 50 who’d become overweight during breast cancer treatment. Each woman trialled two eight-week diets: Flynn’s olive oil-based diet and a low-fat food plan as recommended by the US National Cancer Institute. Both diets were made up of 1500 calories a day.

After the 16 weeks, the average weight loss was 7kg, however, the women lost twice as much on the olive oil diet as the low-fat diet, and they also showed improved breast cancer biomarkers, lower triglycerides and higher levels of the “good” HDL cholesterol. 

In addition, when the women were asked to choose the diet they preferred, all but one chose the olive oil diet as they found the food more appetising, accessible and affordable. The results of this study formed the basis of Flynn’s successful Pink Ribbon Diet, a weight-loss plan that’s aimed at lowering the risk of breast cancer.

While the benefits of being a healthy weight are particularly important to women who’ve had breast cancer (being overweight increases the risk of the cancer recurring), being overweight or obese also increases the risk of cancer and other illnesses generally. “I recommend this diet to everyone,” Flynn says.

Did you know?

Eating olive oil may protect the skin

Extra virgin olive oil contains squalene, which Flynn says is believed to help prevent skin cancer. “It’s thought to be the reason why people who [eat] lots of olive oil have less skin cancer,” she says.

A day on the olive oil diet

3 tbs extra-virgin olive oil (used in cooking or as a dressing)

3 cups veg (at least)

2-3 serves fruit

6-7 serves starch (wholegrains where possible)

2 serves dairy (including eggs)

1/2 serve of white meat or fish (3 serves a week)

Source
http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/weight+loss/diets/3+tablespoons+of+olive+oil+can+save+your+life+and+make+you+slimmer,34445
Based on The Pink Ribbon Diet: A Revolutionary New Weight Loss Plan to Lower Your Breast Cancer Risk by Dr Mary Flynn and Nancy Verde Barr (Da Capo Press)

Glowing Green Smoothie Recipe for Great Skin & Weight Loss.

I hope this helps! let me know what you guys think. comment below what other videos you'd like to see? or any information your not sure about and want an article or post on it.

14 Best Fruit and Vegetable Juices for a Healthy Life Style

The health benefits of fresh juicy fruits and vegetables need no further emphasis, but with our busy schedules and over dependence on processed foods and ready to eat meals most of us fail to reach the daily intake of 4-5 servings of fruits and vegetables. But juicing is an easy and fun way of consuming all the nutrients and goodness of vegetable sand fruits without spending time on cooking. Juices are an integral part of any well-planned weight loss diet and in addition it also provides great and youthful looking skin, shining hair and healthy nails.

The high level of vitamins, minerals and nutrients in juices helps in maintaining proper health and regular consumption enhances beauty naturally and promotes healthy hair growth. The vitamin C in freshly squeezed juices improves collagen level in skin which is a key factor for skin elasticity that makes skin smooth, supple and younger. The mineral calcium present in certain fruit and vegetables juices helps in strengthening bones, fighting arthritis, lowering high blood pressure and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Potassium reduces stiffness of joints and increases flexibility thereby reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

 

Fruit and Vegetable Juices for Quick Weight Loss:

When it comes to weight loss, it is always better to stick to more vegetable juices because fruit juices contain a large amount of fruit sugar even when no additional sugar is added to it and it can affect a person’s weight loss efforts in a negative way. Therefore it is recommended to add more vegetables to your weight loss smoothie.

 

Green Detox:

Ingredients:

• Fresh Chopped Kale- 3 Cups
• Apples- 2
• Cucumber-1
• Lemon-1/2

Put all the ingredients in a juices or food processor and process till it turns in to a nice smoothie. The best time to have this smoothie is for breakfast or lunch. The kale and cucumber helps in complete detoxification of the entire system and it soothes the digestive system as well. Both apples and cucumber are great natural weight loss foods that help in losing weight.

 

Fresh Green Lemonade:

Ingredients:

• Kale- 3 Cups chopped
• Apples-2
• Cucumber-1
• Mint-1/2 Cup
• Lemon-2

Kale is an amazing vegetable loaded with vitamins and minerals. It is a great source of vitamin K, C, beta-carotene, lutein, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and manganese. Both apples and kale are super foods for weight loss and mint is a natural stimulant that helps digestion and converts fats in to usable energy. Put all the ingredients in a juicer and juice till it turns in to a smoothie. Sip it for breakfast or lunch for best results.

 

Metabolism Booster:

Ingredients:

• Cucumbers-2
• Celery-5 stalks
• Apple-1
• Coriander-1 Cup
• Lemon-1
• Red Pepper-1

Boosting metabolism is the key to fast weight loss. Speeding up metabolism leads to more calorie burn and lemons and spicy peppers work effectively in boosting it. The high water content of cucumber and celery keeps the body hydrated and fuller for a longer period of time. Put all the ingredients in a juicer and make a smooth paste with thin consistency.  Have it as a mid-morning snack or in the afternoon.

 

Grapefruit Crusher:

Ingredients:

• Grapefruit-1
• Apple-1
• Kale-2 Cups Chopped
• Cucumber-1
• Lime-1

Grapefruit is a power food for weight loss because a certain enzyme present in this pink citrus fruit lowers insulin level in blood and prevents the secretion of fat storing hormones that helps in weight loss. In addition, it is a great source of vitamin C that not only fights cold and flu but also provides youthful and smooth skin. Peel the grapefruit and cut it into a few pieces add with all the other ingredients in the juicer and enjoy your tangy smoothie.

 

Fruit and Vegetable Juices for Amazing Skin:

As far as beautiful and healthy skin is concerned, it is best to choose fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins, A, B and C and beta-carotene as vitamin C and beta-carotene are the building blocks of youthful and bright skin that glows from within.

 

Skin Cleansing Potion:

Ingredients:

• Carrots-2
• Spinach-2 Cups
• Apple-1
• Cucumber-1
• Ginger-1 Inch

Carrots are a rich source of vitamin A, C and D along with folic acid, biotin, pantothenic acid and small quantities of potassium, sodium, magnesium and copper. The vitamins present in carrots helps in maintaining the skin cells and the beta carotene in apples and spinach prevents skin damage whereas silicon present in cucumbers improves skin tone, quality of hair and nails. The anti-oxidants present in ginger prevent premature skin aging and acts as a natural remedy for acne and pimples. Put all the ingredients in a juicer and blend well. Drink it during breakfast to flush out toxins from the skin.

 

Youth Enhancer:

Ingredients:

• Cabage-8 Leaves
• Carrtos-4
• Ginger-1 Inch

The beta-carotene present in carrots and cabbage provides a natural radiance to skin and adds a healthy glow to the face. It also helps in maintaining collagen in skin that keeps the skin supple and youthful and prevents appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It also acts as a natural sunscreen that reduces sun burn and protects skin from within. Put all the ingredients in a juicer and enjoy this refreshing smoothie.

 

Sweet Smoothie:

Ingredients:

• Sweet Potato- 1 Peeled
• Apples-2
• Carrots-2
• Spinach-1 Cup

Sweet potatoes are rich sources of vitamins A and E. While vitamin A that helps in removing age spots, wrinkles and fine lines vitamin E provides a clear glow to skin, reduces dryness and acts as a natural sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Spinach is a rich source of health benefiting minerals like iron and phyto-nutrients that have amazing anti-inflammatory properties and reduces the risk of prostate cancer.

 

Purple Haze:

Ingredients:

• Beet-1 Along with greens
• Cabbage-1/4th
• Cucumber-2
• Red Grapes-1 Cup
• Parsley-1 Cup

Beets are a rich source of vitamins A, C and K and minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper and magnesium. Beet juice reduces skin irritations, acne and pimples while the oxalic acids helps in dissolving inorganic calcium deposits that works as a natural remedy for kidney stones, arthritis and heart diseases. The anti-inflammatory properties of red grapes help in preventing inflammation of the arteries and protect the heart.

 

Berry Punch:

Ingredients:

• Strawberries- 2 Cups
• Blueberries- 2 Cups
• Blackberries- 2 Cups

This is an amazingly delicious berry smoothie that rich in anti-oxidants, anthocyanins, phytochemicals and flavonoids that  are not only helpful for gorgeous skin but also helps in the body from damage caused by free radicals, reduces chances of stroke, heart attack and type 2 diabetes. The essential fatty acids improve skin hydration while vitamin C protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals and increases the levels of elastin and collagen. Pour all the ingredients in a juicer and turn to a smooth paste.

 

Fruit and Vegetable Juices for Healthy Hair:

When it comes to healthy and shining long hair, Silica is the most important mineral that strengthens hair follicles by supplying vital nutrients to the scalp. It also treats hormonal imbalance which is a major reason for hair fall in women. Our hands are one of the first things that people notice and silica helps in strengthening nails that gives a beautiful appearance to the hands. Therefore, try to consume vegetables that are loaded with this mineral.

 

Cucumber Refresher:

Ingredients:

• Cucumbers-2
• Apples-2
• Mint Leaves-1 Cup

Enjoy this delicious juice while soaking up its goodness. It hydrates the body while potassium present in cucumber lowers high blood pressure. It is also a rich source of antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamins A and C that reduces the damage caused by free radicals; it also helps in reducing cholesterol and relieves joint pain, arthritis and gout. The silica present in cucumber promotes hair growth naturally and improves the texture of hair.

 

Healthy Hair Growth Juice:

Ingredients:

• Cucumbers-2
• Carrots-2
• Tomato-1

The mineral silica present in cucumber improves blood circulation to the scalp and encourages hair growth. Silica in combination with vitamin A and beta compounds strengthens the hair roots that prevents hair fall, brittleness, split ends and improves the quality of hair.

 

Hair Grow Smoothie:

Ingredients:

• Cucumbers-2
• Strawberries-1 Cup
• Carrots-2
• Apples-2
• Lemon-1

The antioxidants present in the strawberries improves blood circulation to the scalp and promotes fast hair growth whereas, silica present in cucumber improves hair texture, prevents hair breakage and split ends and increases the luster of the tresses. Beta-carotene present in carrots treats dandruff and itchiness of scalp. In addition, it also helps in improving the workings of the immune system.

 

Lettuce Crush:

Ingredients:

• Romaine Lettuce-3 Cups
• Cucumber-1
• Apple-1
• Parsley-1 Cup
• Lemon-1

 The vitamin C and beta-carotene in romaine lettuce make sit a heart healthy green veggie that reduces the risk of heart disease and also promotes the creation of hemoglobin in the blood. Whereas the silicon present in both lettuce and cucumber improves texture of hair, rejuvenates dull and limp hair  and strengthens nails. Parsley and lemon help in digestion.

 

Green Punch:

Ingredients:

• Spinach-3 Cups
• Cucumbers-2
• Red Grapes-1 Cup

The flavonoids present in spinach have anti-cancer properties whereas the antioxidants help in fighting chronic diseases. Lutein and zeaxanthin found in abundance in spinach improves vision and protects the eye. The high level of vitamin A increases moisture retention of skin and vitamin K promotes healthy functioning of the nervous system. Black grapes protect the scalp from infections and dandruff and prevent premature graying of hair. Now that you know the secret to a fit body, beautiful skin and shining long tresses; enjoy your juices and flaunt your beauty to the world.



Source