Pumpkins And Squash For Healthy Aging
Pumpkins and squash come in various deep orange and yellow colors, and these colors are the secret to their very nutritional value.
Rich in vitamins B and C, pumpkins and squash also contain manganese, which is an antioxidant mineral rich in beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is the ultimate component of nutrition, and the deeper the color, the more beta-carotene the vegetable contains. It is important to eye health and also an aid to fighting cancer. As it regulates insulin in the body, it is helpful for diabetes as well.
The omega-3 fatty acids contained in these vegetables provide anti-inflammatory effects adding to their other virtues.
This autumn take advantage of a wide selection of pumpkins and squash to adorn your dinner plate as well as to decorate the table.
Grandma Nature
Therapeutic Plants For Aging Skin
What could be better than using natural resources to care for your skin as you age?
Here are a few therapeutic plants you can use to care for aging skin.
- Avocado oil contains vitamins A and D in great quantities and is known for beneficial action to regenerate the skin.
- Pomegranate is rich in sodium, potassium and tannin, a natural antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals. It stimulates skin growth.
- Olive oil has a high level of vitamin E which flights against dryness.
- Calendula-marigold is good for regenerating and healing irritated or inflamed skin.
- Lavender has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungus properties. Its perfume has a relaxing effect.
- The rind of the lemon contains antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties.
Enjoy the aromas and textures as well as the healing qualities of these therapeutic plants.
Grandma Nature
Bananas For Healthy Aging
Did you know that there are over 1,000 different varieties of bananas worldwide? It seems that there are about as many health benefits as well!
Bananas are a powerhouse of vitamins when completely yellow. As brown spots begin to appear they have more sugar and become sweeter.
Vitamins C and B6 are part of its components as well as the minerals potassium and magnesium. Potassium is good for the function of the nervous and muscular systems and regulates arterial pressure. B6 is important for the regulation of the nervous and immune systems. Bananas help to regulate the gastro-intestinal system in order to aid digestion.
Why not have a banana for your daytime snack? It is both filling and nutritious and benefits healthy aging and therefor age esteem.
Grandma Nature
Calcium For Healthy Aging
We all know about calcium, how good and necessary it is for strong bones and teeth. We all probably know as well in what foods high quantities of calcium are found such as milk, cheese and yogurt among others.
Latest studies show that calcium is also helpful in maintaining the arteries and a healthy heart. It is the only natural nutrient which plays this double role. In fact, it is known to lower blood pressure. This wonder mineral also aids in weight loss, eliminating bad fat.
However, most recent research in various countries and through many tests show that in order for calcium to be assimilated in the body and deposited where it should be, in the bones and the blood, and perform its miracles, vitamin K2 is needed. Where is vitamin K2 found?
For many years the Japanese have known the benefits of menaquinones which is found in vitamin K2. The highest amount is in a food called natto (fermented soja) which they eat in abundance. In other parts of the world where this food is not consumed one can get vitamin K2 in the following foods: dark green vegetables, meat, eggs and high fat dairy products.
A balanced diet, by eating a variety of food, will supply enough vitamin K2 so that one will feel healthy and strong because of the assimilation of calcium in the body.
Grandma Nature
Bicycling For Healthy Aging
In most cases bicycling is done to improve one’ s figure and to tone up the muscles.
However cycling is also a wonderful cardio-vascular exercise that reduces blood pressure and cholesterol, thus lowering the risk of cardio vascular disease. New studies show cycling is good for the back and joints and even for arthritis.
Why not go bicycling in the open air with a friend? Breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the wonders of nature also contribute to a healthy body, a positive attitude and enhance your age-esteem.
Grandma Nature
Cherries For Healthy Aging
Cherry season is a healthy season for us as we age. Sweet and sour cherries are very beneficial for good health.
Sour cherries have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body and are rich in antioxidants. One study has found that reduction in pain from arthritis is a positive effect of sour cherries on the body.
Sweet cherries are rich in vitamin C. They lower the level of urates in the blood, thus reducing the risk of gout. Cherries maintain their health benefits after being cooked as well.
Foods such as cherries are also beneficial for our age-esteem. When we pick cherries we exercise many muscles as we stretch and bend. If we share the cherry picking or eating with others it creates a valuable social experience. And why not tap into your creative juices to make something new with the cherries? All of these ideas, added to the healthy benefits to your body, will also enhance your age-esteem.
Grandma Nature
Homeopathy – How Does It Work?
Homeopathy rests on this simple idea: Treat an illness by administering, in very small dosages, a substance capable of provoking the symptoms that it has. The defenses of the organism are thus stimulated, and enable the body to combat the illness by itself.
In many parts of the world homeopathy is practiced widely as the main form of medicine.
Grandma Nature
Carrots For Healthy Aging
The orange substance in carrots is beta-carotene. Beta-carotene contains lutein and lycopene. Both substances are very important for general good eyesight and night vision. Beta-carotene is also thought to reduce some cancers.
Some nutrients disappear and the color becomes less bright as soon as the carrots are picked. This indicates the loss of some of the healthy nutrients in the vegetable.
To get the greatest benefit:
- Eat carrots soon after they are picked;
- Purchase carrots in small quantities; and
- Replace carrots often so they will be fresher.
Carrots provide an easy snack. Eat them often to benefit from the beta-carotene they provide.
Grandma Nature
Avocados For Healthy Aging
An avocado a day can be very helpful for your heart health.
Avocados contain high levels of vitamin E, iron and potassium. Even though they are high in fat, it is the good fat, which controls cholesterol levels and is important to heart health.
In addition avocado contains as a substance that, when it is eaten in the evening, helps to improve sleep and relaxation.
Add avocado to your salads, eat it directly out of its skin, or enjoy it in guacamole. There are many ways to add avocado to your diet for healthy aging.
Grandma Nature
Lettuce For Healthy Aging
Lettuce is loaded with nutrients. There are many different varieties of lettuce and they are all rich in vitamins A, C and K, and in dietary fibers. Minerals, especially iron, are also found in lettuce.
It seems that the romaine or cos salad, as it is called, has the highest level of nutrients among the green leaf lettuces. However, the mixture of green and red small leaf salad found today is the most valuable because of the phytonutrients – the mixture of colors. The darker the leaves the richer the lettuce is in nutrients.
To enhance the nutritional value use olive oil in the dressing.
Grandma Nature
