Why is the Liver important and Foods to naturally heal the liver

By Carly Fraser

Why is the liver so important? It helps process nutrients in our food, makes bile, removes toxic substances from the body and is involved in the building of proteins. When our liver is not functioning properly then nutrients are no longer effectively processed and we become deficient in minerals and vitamins. The bile that is produced in the liver helps digest food (especially fat), and without sufficient bile production (due to a malfunctioning liver), this fat is no longer broken down and clogs our cells, vessels and arteries.

 A major function of the liver, removing toxins from blood, is especially important. If the liver is not working properly, then it cannot pull out toxins from the blood, and instead, these toxins get re-absorbed into our cells, accumulating and creating problems that manifest in forms of different illnesses and disease.   Taking care of our liver is incredibly important! Avoiding alcohol, refined sugar & processed foods, and fatty foods is your first step to healing the liver. Getting rid of the root of the problem, and repairing the liver with natural foods is a recipe for liver-repairing success!   When consuming alcohol, an array of chemical reactions take place in the liver resulting in damaged cells - the liver then tries to repair these cells, scarring itself and inflaming surrounding tissues.

Refined sugar & processed foods as well as fatty foods create problems for the liver too - eating these foods day after day can lead to a condition known as fatty liver (also caused by excessive alcohol consumption), which is caused by triglyceride fat accumulation. This is then accompanied by progressive inflammation and scarring of the liver.

Foods to help naturally heal the liver:

 Dandelion Greens Leafy greens, especially dandelion greens and mustard greens are great for the liver! They are incredibly high in chlorophyll which helps remove accumulated toxins. Dandelion greens help stimulate digestion and are considered a diuretic (helps promote water loss from the body through urination) - because of their diuretic effects, dandelion greens help lower blood pressure and relieve premenstrual fluid retention. The extremely bitter taste of dandelion greens and mustard greens promotes bile flow from the liver and gallbladder, and thus allow for more efficient liver processing of nutrients.

 Beets Beets are a great way to detoxify the liver. They have been used to fight liver toxins for centuries. Beets contain a substance called betaine which protects the liver and bile ducts which are important in proper liver function. This substance also encourages the liver to get rid of intra-cellular toxin buildup. Not only that, but betaine helps lower inflammation levels in the body and so it can help defend against fatty liver. Make sure to eat beets raw, or juice them raw, because this substance is most active when in its raw form.

 Horseradish This root helps digest fat, so it eases any work the liver may have at digesting excess fats from your diet. Consuming horseradish also helps to regenerate and heal the liver, keeping it cleansed of accumulated toxins from a life time of bad eating habits. In addition, horseradish is a powerful diuretic, and so it helps quicken the flushing of toxins and other inflammatory agents from our liver and kidneys (via increased urination).    

Artichoke Artichoke helps stimulate bile flow from the liver and thus it helps alleviate symptoms of heartburn and "hangovers" from alcohol consumption. Proper bile flow is essential for detoxification (a major task of the liver). Bile serves as a carrier for toxins that we breathe in through the air, eat in our food, or drink in our water - it helps to ensure that these toxins are taken to the intestine or kidneys for proper elimination from the body. Today, extracts of artichoke are used for dyspepsia and to help in the processing of fat metabolism.

Celery Celery is incredibly rich in iron and vitamins A, B and C. It is a great tonic for the liver and a mild diuretic for the kidneys. The phytonutrients in celery help protect the digestive tract and liver - specifically, researchers from Taiwan have found that when treated with celery extract, liver cells produced more of a specific liver enzyme which helps flush toxins and other contaminants from the body. The mild diuretic effects of celery also aid in the removal of bodily toxins and lowering blood pressure.

 Asparagus Asparagus has been found to boost ADH and ALDH, two liver enzymes which help metabolize ethanol (aka. the alcohol you might have drank last night). This makes asparagus a great way to alleviate symptoms of an alcohol "hangover" and helps protect the liver against toxic contaminants which otherwise may lead to scarring and fatty liver. It should also be noted that the leaves of asparagus also have therapeutic value, and are extremely high in enzymes ADH and ALDH. Make sure to eat fresh asparagus, particularly in its raw state to help boost the enzymatic activity of this vegetable.

Sources: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19895471   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23603008   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23061292   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12405796   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23421107   http://jcb.rupress.org/content/20/3/497.abstract

9 Fruits You Can Use to Replace Medications

9 Fruits You Can Use to Replace Medications

1. Apricot – Apricots contain beta-carotene which stops radicals from damaging the inner structures of the organism and it is also very useful for our eyes. In our body, the beta-carotene form the A vitamin which prevent from developing a series of cancer diseases, especially the skin cancer. One fruit contain 17 calories 1 gram of carbohydrates and doe

s not contain any fats.

Apricots are an excellent source of beta-carotene and are useful in reducing infections or skin problems. They are a good source of iron and potassium. Fresh juice of apricot leaves is useful in skin diseases. It can be applied with beneficial results in scabies, eczema, sun burn and itching of the skin due to cold exposure. Apricots have an alkaline reaction in the system. They aid the digestion, if consumed before a meal. The fruit is highly valued as a gentle laxative and is beneficial in the treatment of constipation. The fresh juice of apricots, when mixed with glucose or honey forms a very cooling and soothing drink during fevers. Its many benefits include quenching the thirst, and eliminating waste products from the body. In addition, it tones up the eyes, stomach, liver, heart and nerves by supplying minerals and vitamins.

Advice: Try to buy apricots while there are still hard (green). When the apricots become soft, they begin to loose their nourishing properties.

2. Avocados – The oleic acid and the unsaturated fats containing in this fruit decrease the level of cholesterol and increase the quantity of high density lipoproteins. Beside that avocado contain a large quantity of cellulose, iron and vitamin C. One piece contains 81 calories, 8 grams of fats and 3 grams of carbohydrates. In order to fasten the ripping process put avocados in a closed plastic bag with an apple or a banana.

Advice: Try to replace the mayonnaise in your sandwiches with pieces of avocado.

3. Raspberries. Raspberries contain the ellagic acid which helps decrease the growth of cancer cells. These berries also contains the C vitamin, decrease the level of cholesterol and the probability of cardiovascular diseases. Rich in vitamin C, folate, iron and potassium, raspberries also provide high amounts of insoluble fiber (thanks to all those little seeds) as well as respectable amounts of the soluble fiber pectin, which helps control cholesterol levels.

Raspberries contain a large amount of cellulose. Since cooking does not destroy these compounds, raspberry jam may also be beneficial. Raspberry is one of the few fruits whose consumption would not have much effect on the body’s blood sugar levels. A glass of Raspberries contains 60 calories, 1 gram of fats and 8 grams of carbohydrates.

Advice: A natural face mask made raspberries helps protect against the suns rays. Vitamin C’s antioxidant powers help fade age spots and discoloration. It also rounds out the skin to fill in minor wrinkles.

4. Mango. A middle-sized mango fruit contains 57 milligrams of C vitamin which constitutes the daily norm for a human’ nourishment. This antioxidant helps to prevent the arthritis, is used in wounds recovery and enforces the immunity system. Pregnant women and people with anaemia are advised to eat this fruit regularly. It is also valuable to combat acidity and poor digestion. Mango also contains the A vitamin. One fruit of mango has 135 calories, 1 gram of fats and 4 grams of carbohydrates.

Advice: Some varieties do not turn red, orange or yellow. If buying these green varieties, look for other signs they are ripe such as a nice sweet fragrance. They should yield nicely to a light press with the fingertip. If they are brought unripe, they can be put in a paper bag in a warm place and they will ripen in a day or two.

5. Cantaloupe. Contain vitamin C (117 milligrams of C vitamin is contained in a half of cantaloupe – a double daily norm) and beta-carotene which stops the radicals from damaging the inner structures of the organism. It also contains 853 milligrams of potassium, which is twice more than in a banana. Potassium decreases the blood pressure. Cantaloupe has antioxidants that help us fight with heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, aging, etc. Cantaloupe is also a very good source of potassium, vitamin B6, dietary fiber and niacin (vitamin B3). A half of cantaloupe contains 97 calories 1 gram of fats, 2 grams of carbohydrates. Cantaloupe is beneficial for arthritis, obesity, fever, rheumatism, skin diseases, high blood pressure, abdominal and stomach gas and many other diseases.

Advice: When choosing cantaloupe, choose a fully ripened melon, because according to research as fruits fully ripen, almost to the point of spoilage their antioxidant levels actually increase.

6. Cranberries. Helps to combat the infections in the urinary bladder, stop the in growing number of bacteria. Cranberry juice can inhibit the aggregation of bacteria that cause dental plaque and based on evaluation of several vitro screening tests, it has been suggested that the proanthocyanidin compounds found in cranberry may exhibit some anti-carcinogenic activity. Some medical professionals and specialists believe that quinic acid abundant in cranberry may help to prevent the development of kidney stones. Recent scientific research shows that cranberries and cranberry products contain significant amounts of antioxidants and other phytonutrients that may help protect against heart disease, cancer and other diseases. In some people, regular cranberry juice consumption for months can kill the H. pylori bacteria, which can cause stomach cancer and ulcers. Drinking cranberry juice daily may increase levels of HDL, or good cholesterol and reduce levels of LDL, or bad cholesterol. A cup of cranberry juice contains 144 calories. There are no fats or carbohydrates.

Advice: Buy a 100% cranberry juice and add water without sugar.

7. Raisins: These little pearls- are the main resource of iron which helps to transmit the oxygen to tissues. The phytonutrients and olenolic acid present in raisins makes them beneficial for the health of teeth and gums. Having antioxidant properties, raisins help keep the blood clean and flowing, by getting rid of al the impurities. Raisins are believed to be good for bone density and have been associated with lower risk of osteoporosis in women. Studies claim that raisins contain additional nutritive compounds that can protect against heart disease and colon cancer. A half cup of Raisins contains 218 calories, 3 grams of carbohydrates. It does not contain fats.

Advice: Raisins are a good source of fiber and can help cure constipation. For the purpose, boil raisins in a saucepan of water, strain the liquid and drink it. Every morning try to add little raisins in your cereals.

8. Fig. The fig is a source of potassium and carbohydrates, it also contains the vitamin B6, which is responsible for the serotonyne – “hormone of pleasure”; it decreases the amount of cholesterol. One fig contains 37-48 calories, 2 grams of carbohydrates, 0 fats. Figs are high in natural and simple sugars, minerals and fiber. They contain good levels of potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and manganese. Dried figs contain an impressive 250mg of calcium per 100g, compared to whole milk with only 118mg. Dried figs consist from about 60% of sugar, contain a lot of vitamins and it is said that humans could live on figs only.

Advice: Eat dries figs as a healthy energy snack. For extra flavor and nutrients, stuff them with nuts and a little honey.

9. Lemon. Lemon contains limonene and C vitamin which help to prevent cancer. It has a limited number of calories and does not contain carbohydrates or fats. You must know that citrus fruits in general may have a great benefit over our body; citruses are useful for your skin, bones and heart; it’s a well-known fact that citruses are great eyesight defenders and mood enhancers.


 HomesteadSurvival.com

Immunity Booster Banana Citrus Smoothie

I don’t know about you but being sick is my least favourite thing to be in the world! I turn into a huge baby and feel like crawling under a rock until I’m better. So being raw vegan has really worked out well for me because I don’t worry about getting sick or catching a cold from the person hacking all over the produce aisle anymore.
Keeping your immune system in tip top shape is easier then you think! Fresh fruits & veggies are the best way to maintain vibrant health all year round without any sick days. Maybe you’re thinking.. but I like sick days, I get to skip work or school and do whatever I want… but imagine a “sick day” without the sickness. Of course if your a momma, sick days are definitely not fun and I’m happy to say this smoothie will be a kid pleaser for sure so drink up!
Ingredients:
1 small Lime, peeled
1 small Lemon, peeled
2 Oranges, peeled
2-3 frozen ripe Bananas
1-2 cups water
Instructions: Put all of your ingredients in the Vitamix, add water and blend on high for about 15 seconds or until creamy and serve!

3 Rawesome Facts About this Smoothie

1. Citrus fruits are super high in Vitamin C helping prevent cold, cough & flu.
2. Oranges help your body absorb calcium and Vitamin D so eat them to promote strong bones, glowing skin and happiness.
3. Bananas help regulate blood chemistry and prevent your body from becoming overly acidic.


http://www.youngandraw.com/immunity-booster-banana-citrus-smoothie/

9 Common Migraine Triggers

Hidden Triggers: Tyramine or Phenylethylamine
While what triggers a migraine is different for everybody, the most common food culprits out there contain tyramine or phenylethylamine, two amino acids found in chocolate, aged or fermented cheese (including cheddar, blue, Brie, and all hard and “moldy” cheeses), soy foods, all nuts and most seeds, citrus fruits, and vinegar (both red and balsamic).

Alcohol
Be careful at cocktail parties! Beer, red wine, sherry, and vermouth contain large amounts of tyramine, one of the most powerful migraine triggers. A bigger reason to steer clear of booze is that any type of alcohol causes dehydration, which is a major cause of headaches. If you’re drinking, it’s always a good idea to alternate alcoholic drinks with water or seltzer — but if alcohol is a trigger for your migraines, it’s best to refrain completely.

Leftovers
Because tyramine content increases over time, especially if food is improperly stored, migraine sufferers should avoid eating leftovers. Be mindful of this when eating at parties or at the office — both are typical places where food is left unrefrigerated for long periods. If you do need to store food, be vigilant about using airtight containers.

Nitrites
Hot dogs, deli meats, and pepperoni all contain nitrites, another common trigger for migraines. Used mostly as a preservative and for added flavor, nitrites are also found in sausages (including chicken, turkey and soy sausages), jerky (beef and turkey), corned beef, or other foods that have been cured, smoked, pickled, or canned. To stay safe, look for nitrite-free varieties of these items at the grocery store and steer clear of them when dining out.

Tannins
Tea, red-skinned apples and pears, apple juice and cider, and red wine all contain tannins, plant compounds most notable for giving the foods that contain them their astringent taste (or that dry, puckering sensation in your mouth). The evidence is only anecdotal at this point, but tannins seem to be a strong, consistent trigger for some individuals.

Sulfites
Sulfites, another preservative, are commonly found in most dried fruits (including prunes, figs, and apricots), wine (white and red), and many processed foods. Check labels carefully to avoid this sneaky migraine trigger.

Common Additives
Many other food additives are also known to increase the chances for a migraine. Check labels carefully and avoid foods that contain monosodium glutamate (MSG), yeast extract, hydrolyzed or autolyzed yeast, hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), hydrolyzed plant protein (HPP), sodium caseinate, and kombu extract (often used in Japanese foods).

Aspartame
Some people report that aspartame, a common artificial sweetener, can also be a migraine trigger. Take note when partaking of diet beverages, light yogurts, sugar-free candies, low-calorie desserts, and other foods and beverages made with this artificial sweetener (also known as NutraSweet and Equal) to see whether they are a migraine trigger for you.

Caffeine
People with sensitivity to caffeine can develop migraines after drinking coffee, black tea, green tea, cola soft drinks, or other caffeinated beverages. But caffeine can also be used to stop a migraine that is just beginning — that’s why many over-the-counter migraine medications contain caffeine. Test your personal response to caffeine: If it gives you headaches, avoid it.

Click here for your personal Migraine Food Cure, printable Migraine Diary,
and and wallet-sized card of migraine triggers to avoid.

Top Cancer Causing Foods & Cancer Preventing Foods

Top cancer causing foods:

Sweetened drinks: it’s been shown that people whom consume two or more servings of soda per week have an astonishing 87% higher chance of developing pancreatic cancer!

Fried foods: this includes potato related foods such as french fries, tater tots, potato chips and hash browns. This is due to acrylamide which is created during the frying process at high temperatures. Acrylamide causes tumors and has detrimental effects on the brain as well as the reproductive system.

Process meats and bacon: these products contain sodium nitrite (aka nitrate), an ingredient added by manufactures to give the meats the pink or what is considered “fresh” look to them. When digested, sodium nitrites convert in the body to something called nitrosamine, a known carcinogen. When meats are cooked at high temperatures, a cancer causing toxin equivalent to burning tobacco develops.

Doughnuts: these cute little rings of deliciousness are high in sugar and refined carbs, not to mention deep-fried! They contain hydrogenated oils which create trans fat, known to be associated with heart disease and cancer.

Snacks such as chips and cookies: these treats are full of refined sugars, trans fats and white flour. Look out!

Top cancer preventing foods:

Leafy vegetables, broccoli: Let’s start with the more obvious choice, leafy vegetables such as cabbage, kale, and most importantly, broccoli. These cute little green trees help to fight off stomach, liver, skin, lung, bladder, prostate, and breast cancers. Broccoli contains sulforaphane, an antioxidant that rids the body of cancer-causing toxins. Simply put eat broccoli as much as possible. Toss it in your salad, rice, and stir fry.

Berries: All types of berries are beneficial to your health. Black raspberries fight off skin, oral, colon, and esophageal cancers. They contain anthocyanins, antioxidants that slow the growth of premalignant cells.

Garlic; isn’t just for keeping vampires away, it helps keep cancer away too. When consuming certain red meats, nitrates are injested, forming carcinogens in the stomach. Garlic helps slow down this process and fight stomach, esophageal, breast, and colon cancers. Crush up some garlic and add to your tomato sauce for a cancer fighting double whammy!

Tomatoes; contain lycopene, which has been shown to stop cancer cell growth according to research. The sure fire way to increase lycopene is by cooking tomatoes. So whip up some of your own sauce or tomato stew and ward off lung, cancer, prostate, and endometrial cancers.

Walnuts; are great for fighting both breast and prostate cancers. Adding just an ounce of walnuts a day will help to keep the cancer away.

Beans: Navy and black beans help delay cancer growth of breast and colon cancers. Add a half a cup to your diet a week for a natural colon cleanse!

As always, stay away from animal fats, processed meat, and excessive amounts of alcohol.

Source: health-heaven

The health benefits of Flaxseed

Richest source of omega fatty acids and lignans (potent cancer fighters) known in nature. The immune-enhancing omega fatty acids 3, 6, and 9 are balanced in the combination your body requires for optimal health. Also loaded with vitamins and phytonutrients, and an excellent source of protein and fiber, flaxseed is nature’s gift to health!

Provides improved Immune Function- Immunity is the body’s ability to defend itself successfully against foreign substances. The alpha linolenic acid, as well as the lignans, decreases inflammation and promotes healthy functioning of the immune system. Flax seed may be useful to manage autoimmune and inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and lupus.

Weight Management - research indicates that including flaxseed in your daily diet can help you manage your weight. Besides stabilizing your sugar levels, flax expands five times in bulk when ingested. Flax taken half an hour before meals will help you eat less, so you will lose weight while simultaneously strengthening your immune system.

Affect on Hormone Levels - Flax seed, with its high concentration of lignans, is a great choice for all women, whether younger, middle-aged, or older, as a natural way to normalize the menstrual cycle, manage menopause, and lower the risk of osteoporosis, cancer and heart disease. Intake of flaxseed on a daily basis results in hormonal changes that are beneficial to women of all ages. In menstruating women who consumed 10 grams (about 2 teaspoons) of flax seed on a daily basis, significant hormonal changes have resulted. These changes are similar to those seen after consumption of soy isoflavones. Positive effects included fewer cycle changes, along with a reduction in ovarian disfunction. This, in turn, may decrease the development of breast and other cancers. As women reach menopause, the level of estrogens in their body decreases. This not only gives rise to menopausal symptoms, but also increases the risk of disease, including cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. In post-menopausal women the protective effects of lignans is due primarily to their estrogenic activity. Lignans have even been proposed as an alternative to hormone-replacement therapy in post-menopausal women.

Protection against bone loss - Daily dietary intake of flaxseed offers protection against bone loss, may increase bone density, and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.

Flax seeds have Anti-cancer Effects - Extensive studies on both breast and colon cancer indicate that flax seed may play an important role in cancer treatment, as well as prevention. A breast cancer prevention program done at the Princess Margaret Hospital and the Toronto Hospital, involving 50 women diagnosed with breast cancer revealed that- while waiting for surgery, half of the women received muffins containing 25 grams of milled flax seed daily while the other half received ordinary muffins. The women who received the flax seed muffins had slower-growing tumours compared to the other group.

Flax seeds help Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease - It aids in decreasing the so-called “bad” cholesterol. Increase the “good” cholesterol, decrease blood pressure, suppresse the development of atherosclerosis and inflammation, and enhances blood vessel tone. Researchers at the University of Toronto found that total blood cholesterol levels dropped by 9% and LDL (“bad” cholesterol) decreased by 18% when a group of nine healthy women added flax seeds to their regular diets. The women ate 50 grams of milled flax seed a day for four weeks

Seed for Fiber - The benefits of flaxseed in its whole seed form far surpass those of flax oil because freshly ground seed includes the fiber content that is so vital to maintaining digestive health. The insoluble fibre in flax seed is helpful in regulating bowel movements, increasing the frequency of bowel movements, and preventing or treating bowel irregularities and constipation. Soluble fibre is helpful in lowering blood cholesterol levels as well as lowering blood sugar levels (important for people suffereing from diabetes).

Flavor enhancer - The light, nutty taste of flax seed enhances the flavour of food, and adds nutritional value to your diet. Flax seed may be eaten on its own, sprinkled on cereal, popcorn, and salads, or added to oatmeal, yogurt, and blender drinks. Adding flax seed to baked goods adds flavour, extra texture, and good nutrition. Milled flax seed may be baked into a variety of products including breads, pancakes, bagels, muffins, and cookies.

Look for a brand that has been certified organic - If you opt for oil or capsules, make sure the oil is expeller-pressed (also called “cold-pressed”). Expeller-pressed seeds produce the highest-quality flax oils. But most importantly, look for the lignans. Milled flax is by far your best source of lignans, but if you prefer oil or capsules, the bottle should state “with lignans” clearly on the label.

Adding just 1/8-1/4 cup of flaxseed to your daily diet can help reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and assists with healthy weight management.

10 Diabetes Super Foods

Eating right is key to managing diabetes. Here are 10 super foods that will help minimize blood sugar and even throw your disease into reverse.

1. Vegetables. Packed with powerhouse nutrients, vegetables are naturally low in calories, and they're full of fiber, so they're plenty filling. Loading your plate with vegetables will automatically mean you're eating fewer simple carbs (which raise blood sugar) and saturated fats (which increase insulin resistance).

2. Fruit. Packed with almost all the same advantages as vegetables fruit is brimming with nutrients you need, it's low in fat, it's high in fiber, and it's lower in calories than most other foods. Best of all, fruit is loaded with antioxidants that help protect your nerves, your eyes, and your heart.

Because fruit has more natural sugar and calories than most vegetables, you can't eat it with utter abandon. Aim to get three or four servings a day. (A serving is one piece of whole fruit, 1/2 cup cooked or canned fruit, or 1 cup raw fruit.) Choose whole produce over juice. Many of the nutrients and a lot of the fiber are found in the skin, flesh, and seeds of fruit, so they’re lost during juicing, and more of the calories and sugar remain.

3. Beans. Beans are just about your best source of dietary fiber, which not only makes you feel full longer, it actually slows digestion and keeps blood sugar from spiking after a meal. This effect is so powerful that it can even lower your overall blood sugar levels.

Throw canned beans into every salad you make (rinse them first), and add them to pasta and chili. Black bean, split pea, or lentil soup is an excellent lunch, even if it comes from a can.

4. Cereal. The right breakfast cereal is your absolute best opportunity to pack more fiber into your day. There's a bonus: Studies show that people who start the morning with a high-fiber cereal actually eat less later on. So don't forgo breakfast. Better yet, choose a cereal with at least 5 grams fiber per serving. Good choices include Kashi GoLean Crunch! (10 grams), Kellogg's Raisin Bran (8 grams), General Mills Multi-Bran Chex (8 grams), Post Wheat 'N Bran Spoon Size (8 grams), Kellogg's All-Bran Original (10 grams) and General Mills Fiber One (14 grams). Top your cereal with fruit and you've checked off a fruit serving for the day.

5. Fish. Fast and easy to prepare, fish is a good source of protein, and a great substitute for higher-fat meats. Also, fatty fish is the best source of omega-3 fatty acids, those remarkable good-for-you fats that help keep the arteries clear. People with diabetes often have high triglycerides and low levels of HDL, the 'good' cholesterol. Omega-3 fatty acids can improve both numbers. Aim to eat fish at least twice a week. Excellent sources of omega-3s are salmon, mackerel, and tuna.

6. Poultry breast. Versatile, extremely lean, and low in calories, chicken breast is practically a miracle food. Unlike steaks and hamburgers, it's low in saturated fat, which raises 'bad' cholesterol and may increase insulin resistance, making blood sugar control more difficult. A 3-ounce serving of skinless chicken breast has only 142 calories and 3 grams fat. Turkey breast is even leaner and lower in calories.

7. Nuts. Nuts have several things going for them -- and for you. They're loaded with 'good' fats that fight heart disease. These fats have even been shown to help reduce insulin resistance and make blood sugar easier to control. Nuts are also one of the best food sources of vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells and may help prevent nerve and eye damage. They are rich in fiber and magnesium, both of which may help regulate your blood sugar. Studies suggest that including them in your diet may even help you lose weight -- if you eat them in moderation. Don’t forget that they’re high in calories.

8. Olive oil. At the center of the famously heart-healthy Mediterranean diet is olive oil is considered a 'good' fat that helps slash the risk of heart attack -- and has been shown to help keep blood sugar steady by reducing insulin resistance. So toss the butter and cook with olive oil instead. At home and in restaurants, dip your bread in a bit of the stuff. Just watch how much you eat, because at 119 calories per tablespoon, even 'good' fat can pack on the pounds.

9. Yogurt. Yogurt is rich in protein and another weight loss powerhouse: calcium. Several studies have shown that people who eat plenty of calcium-rich foods have an easier time losing weight -- and are less likely to become insulin resistant. As a snack or for breakfast, choose nonfat plain yogurt, and add your own fresh fruit or a sprinkling of wheat germ or low-fat granola for a burst of extra nutrients.

10. Cinnamon. Believe it! Amazingly, just by sprinkling cinnamon on your foods, you could lower your blood sugar. Components in cinnamon help the body use insulin more efficiently, so more glucose can enter cells. A recent study found that in people with diabetes, just 1/2 teaspoon a day can significantly lower blood sugar levels. So go ahead and add powdered cinnamon to your whole wheat toast, oatmeal, baked apples, or even chicken dishes. Or soak a cinnamon stick in hot water to make a soothing and curative cup of cinnamon tea.

http://www.rd.com/slideshows/10-diabetes-super-foods/#slideshow=slide1

Top 15 Crazy Sexy Diet Tips

op 15 Crazy Sexy Diet Tips

1. Get back to nature and back to the garden – preferably the organic garden – when affordable – when not, try to choose fruits and veggies that are less sprayed. You can find a Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides at foodnews.org. There are over 80,000 chemicals in our world today, eating them and putting them on our bodies is a dangerous proposition.

2. Create an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle. Learn about pH, the acid/alkaline balance, and say goodbye to the SAD, acidic diet in favor of alkaline raw organic veggies, sprouts, green drinks, green smoothies, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, love and oxygen.

3. Make juice not war. Green smoothies are great too. My favorite juicer is the Breville Ikon, and the best blender is the Vitamix. Instead of your morning cup of Joe, (or nightly cup of booze) try filling your day with fresh vegetable juice.

4. Drink lots of clean, purified water.

5. Decrease the amount of animal products you consume (especially dairy products) and move towards more of a plant-based diet.

6. Refined sugars and processed starches are the devil – dump them. If it’s made in a lab it takes a lab to digest. If it has a shelf life longer than you, don’t eat it. Choose low glycemic foods as much as possible.

7. Shake your booty. Your lymph system, which carries away waste, needs you! Unlike your heart, it doesn’t have a pump. Aerobics is the pump. Brisk walking is the pump. Yoga is the pump.

8. Give your colon a regular spring-cleaning. That’s right, flood your body with alkalinity and flush it of toxins. As the good stuff goes in the bad stuff should come out – on a regular basis.

9. Use natural skincare products. Your skin is your largest organ and what you put on it you literally drink in. Everything you consume either gets assimilated or eliminated. Chemical creams and perfumes tax your body big time.

10. Stress also creates acidity, so turn down the volume on chaos and turn up the joy factor up. Find and regularly commit to activities that help you bring it down a notch. Some ideas: meditation, gratitude journaling, guided relaxation or visualization CD’s, nature.

11. Snooze. Snooze. Snooze. Optimal hours: 11-7am.

12. Chew. Your stomach does not have teeth.

13. And stop eating late so that when you snooze, your body can focus on repair instead of digestion.

14. Set boundaries so that you have the physical and emotional time to take care of yourself – it’s not selfish, it’s self-preserving.

15. Make time for fun, for love, for laughter!