Tag Archives: Healthy eating

Vitamin K- The Forgotten

Vitamin K is a group of compounds. There is K1 which is found in plants. K2 is synthesized in our intestinal tract and present in animal products and fermented food.

Vitamin K has a reputation for promoting blood clotting. It also contributes to strong bones and heart, lowering cancer risks, and protects against diabetes and internal bleeding. The body needs fat to properly absorb it. Vitamin K is stored in the liver and fat cells.

Dr. Cee Vermeer, a Vitamin K researcher, believes most people have a vitamin K deficiency. We may get consume enough to maintain clotting but most of us do not get enough to protect us from other health issues. National research says that only 25% of Americans receive the average requirement of 90-120 mcg of vitamin K.

Being deficient in the vitamin can have some far-reaching effects such as varicose veins, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, tooth decay, pneumonia and some cancers… lung, prostate, and liver and leukemia.

Vitamin K transports calcium through the body regulating clotting and plays a major role in platelet aggregation. It also promotes blood circulation in peripheral bodies and tissue. Vitamin K is also important when it comes to brain development and works in the nervous system by enabling metabolism of fats in brain cells. It also is said to stall degenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s by enhancing your memory.

Chronic kidney disease is linked to Vitamin K as well. Low levels appear to play into the development of accumulation of calcium in small blood vessels of skin and fat tissue, to include kidney tissue.

Vitamin K has a low toxicity potential. People with blood disorders and pregnant women need to be careful in their consumption of the vitamin in food and supplement form. If you have a history of heart disease or stroke, you should consult your doctor before changing your vitamin intake.

Vitamin K plays a major role in overall health. Foods high in Vitamin K keep the blood healthy and the bones strong.

Here are some foods rich in vitamin K….

Kale and leafy greens

Natto (Japanese food made with fermented soybeans)

Brussel sprouts

Broccoli

Cabbage

Scallions

Prunes

Fermented dairy products

Asparagus

Fresh and dried basil

Soybeans

Cucumber

Extra virgin olive oil

Our body works hard to take care of us. We should do what we can to give it what it needs to do the work efficiently. I have been mean to my body but the more I learn, the more I want to do better. I thank my God and my body every morning for working hard to keep me alive to get one step closer to being who I am meant to be. Now I have to do my part to show my appreciation…..

Feed Me: Baked Eggs with Bacon

bakedeggs1So I am in this new fancy kitchen of mine so I have been trying to make fancy food. I seriously have been wearing my little apron and everything acting like I am on Iron Chef or something. I am trying new, healthier dishes, trying new ingredients…it has been fun!

 

So it is breakfast time and you don’t have time to stand over the stove to fix your eggs and bacon…you have to try this.

I have giant children in my house and if you are like me, you have to make extra. It is a quick and easy prep and you can get dressed and have breakfast ready on those crazy days.

You will need:

  • 8 Large eggs
  • 6 cooked bacon slicesbakedeggs3
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp fresh dill
  • 2 tsp fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Preheat oven to 425. Stir all of the dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. In an ovenproof skillet, add the whipping cream and the dry ingredients together and simmer over medium-low heat. Break eggs into the mixture.

Bake until the whites of the eggs are set and the yolks are to your desired doneness. You can break the yolks or scramble the eggs if you prefer. Sprinkle the dish with the bacon and cheddar cheese. Serve with some toast and enjoy!

bakedeggsTry not to overcook. Eggs continue to cook after they are removed from the heat so be careful.

You can also make this dish with egg whites and spinach…my favorite!

Have a Good Morning!

Honey–Beauty Tips

honeySo in this ever-growing and changing beauty world, there are some old tricks that will never die. I use honey for a lot of things, especially in addition to my regular beauty regimen when my body needs some extra loving. Raw honey has anti-microbial, antiseptic, and anti-bacterial properties. It also speeds up the healing process and prevents infection. So here are some uses for honey to add to your nighttime routine for a healthier, more beautiful you…honey3

  • Winter is coming and that means our lips are going to need a little extra attention. For dry lips, I exfoliate with a thin layer of honey and sugar before I go to bed. Follow with Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask and I wake up with soft, smooth lips.
  • If you have problems with acne, which I do occasionally, you can apply raw honey to the affected area and cover it with a bandaid. Leave it overnight and just rinse in the morning. Enzymes in the honey will draw out fluid, drying it out.
  • honey1Winter also brings dry hair for some. You can mix raw honey with some olive oil or coconut oil and wrap your hair up overnight. This will help to add moisture to your hair.
  • For beautiful glowing skin, this trick has been awesome for me. I have to skip applying it to my nose because my nose is an over-achiever in the department of making oil so I just miss my nose. Mix one part raw honey and two parts aloe vera gel. Apply this on your face before you go to bed.
  • You can use honey for scars too! Just apply a thin layer of raw, organic honey and leave it on the scar overnight.
  • Do you have blackheads? Mix some honey and lemon juice and apply it to the affected area.

The reason why these are part of my nighttime self-care is that nighttime is when we work on repairing and rejuvenating our skin. Our skin needs to be nourished and nighttime is when we should address our skin issues, like antiaging and acne.IMG_5805

Be sure that you are purchasing raw honey to receive the full benefits. Raw honey contains the beneficial compounds associated with the healing and health benefits associated with this organic food. Other benefits of raw honey are that it boosts your energy levels, helps you fall asleep faster, cut and burn treatment, treat fever blisters, soothes acid reflux, aids in digestion, boosts your immune system, hangovers, and sinus issues to name just a few.

So let’s thank the bees for hooking us up and get all of the benefits of honey that we can.

 

Health Minute: Celery

celery3

When my babies were smaller, I used to love making “ants on a log” …that was their celery4favorite snack. “Ants on a log” is easy to make and is a tasty and healthy snack. All you need is celery, peanut butter, and raisins. BOOM! They didn’t even know how healthy that was..hehehehehe

Now that they are older, unless celery is in a recipe, I do not even purchase it very often…not until recently when I was refreshed on its benefits and how it can change your body.

They say that celery is made up of mostly water and holds no nutritional value. This iscelery2 not true! Celery provides us with a few health benefits.

Now, celery is made up of 95% water, that’s true but it is a vegetable that is very high in fiber,  which aids in digestion and promotes regular movement (we all need that!). When you eat it in combination with whole foods that are high in fat and protein (hello peanut butter, hummus), it is said to help you lose and maintain weight because it helps to keep you feeling fuller longer…..hello!

Celery has phytonutrients, which have anti-inflammatory properties. I usually looked to turmeric for this but that is a bonus. Phytonutrients are good for your liver function as well.  It’s also packed with essential vitamins and minerals including folate, vitamin B6, potassium, vitamin K, and vitamin C.

celeryIf it is gonna benefit you like this, why not reintroduce it into your diet, I am! I actually wanna try it with hummus…I have never tried that because I can’t get past the look and the fact that I am a mom who nursed all of her children (baby poop)…but I am going to give it a go and see what happens.

Don’t forget that because it is made up of mostly water, it is a good source for hydration. We have to drink lots of water, especially during the summer. Staying hydrated is going to give us energy, keep our skin looking good, rids the body of toxins, and keep us from passing out in this heat because of dehydration.

So give celery another try….Here are some other benefits….

  • Lowers inflammation
  • reduces high cholesterolcelery1
  • treats high blood pressure
  • fights infection
  • cures bloating and improve digestion
  • reduces the risk of UTIs
  • boosts your immune system
  • improves your mood
  • fights cramps
  • reduces blood sugar
  • improves eye health
  • boosts energy and brain health

let’s go!!

Health/Beauty Break….Apple Cider Vinegar

acv2I am sure that most people have heard of all the wonderful things that apple cider vinegar can do for your body and hair. It has been labeled a “miracle” natural remedy for things like reducing blood pressure and blood sugars, weight loss, warding off cancer, a great clay mask for persons with oily skin and adding shine to your hair when used as a rinse and many more….. Not all of these have been proven or supported by science as of yet but many people swear by their results. I have to admit that I have used it and I was impressed by my results.

Now I am not about to tell you that it is a bad idea to use ACV. I am still consuming it to this day, but I am going to say that too much of anything is gonna cause some issues eventually. Consuming too much ACV can lead to some adverse effects…..these to name a few…

  • acv4Stomach issues– If you have ulcers, inflammation, or a sensitive stomach, ACV may aggravate them. Drinking too much of it can also cause erosion to happen to your stomach lining, not to mention cramping and some frequent not-so-pleasant visits to the bathroom
  • Tooth Decay–The vinegar is acidic so too much of it will cause erosion that will weaken your enamel and lead to tooth decay.
  • Temporary weight loss–We have all seen the ads and interviews where celebrities have claimed to have lost weight drinking ACV, but we have to know that it is not a magic pill..or drink. Drinking ACV alone can reduce water weight but we all know that losing water weight is temporary, especially us women. All it takes is a cycle and that burning drink will be all for naught. IF you use ACV as a dressing though, it can be a part of a healthy effort to maintain your weight.
  • Lower your potassium– this drink can cause your potassium levels to drop. This can be bad for people who are on diuretic medications for their blood pressure.acv3 Low potassium can cause problems for you like severe leg cramps or stomach cramps, tingling or numbness to name a few.
  • Appetite issues- There are people out there that try to use ACV as an appetite suppressant but I talked to my nutritionist and she says it can backfire on you and cause excessive hunger because you are not taking in calories.

acv1It is never a good idea for us to starve ourselves. There are so many fad diets and weight loss methods that may work for one person but not for you. Find a healthy way to lose weight that will not cause you to lose teeth or limbs. I am trying to use the old food pyramid and see what that and some daily exercise is gonna so for me. I am happy that I get to talk to people about these things to pass them on. You never know who needs the information that you have learned today!

No I will say this….ACV does do wonders for detoxing your scalp and adding shine to your hair. Use it as a rinse before you shampoo so that you don’t go outside smelling like you have hygiene issues…I’m just saying..