THE NEW COCONUT OIL

Most of the older studies that gave coconut oil a bad rap involved partially hydrogenated oil which is loaded with trans-fatty acids. But the unrefined virgin coconut oil now available in many health food stores is not chemically treated and is trans - fat free. According to the American Diabetic Association which is a non profit organization of nutritionists, explains that the main saturated that is in virgin coconut oil is lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid that can help increase levels of HDL (good cholesterol).

Go Loco for Cocoa

Science indicates that cocoa possesses impressive disease fighting properties. It appears to help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, hypertension, high cholesterol and even cancer. Cocoa comsumption is also associated with reduced cognitive decline of old age. The Kune indians of Panama experience very low blood pressure, live longer than other Panamanians, and experience less heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. One outstanding feature of their diet includes a very high intake of cocoa.

Today people have many options in how they consume cocoa. They can eat high cocoa content chocolate bars, use organic cocoa powder, or take hogh flavanol cocoa supplements.

Living Abroad Boosts Creativity

Students that have lived abroad appear to be more creative than their peers that have not had such an experience, according to a study in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. Enhanced Creativity was linked directly to the students" open minded approach in adapting to a new culture in another country. The results indicated that multicultural learning is a critical component of the adaptation process which acts as a catalyst for creativity.

6 ways to ease arthritis pain

Supplements, herbs, and exercise can help when it comes to treating arthritis. Arthritis you may know it as a stiffness in your fingers or an ache in your knees, but it takes many forms, it encompasses more than 100 diseases and conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissues, typically causing pain, swelling, and tenderness. The condition progresses and can become debilitating as cartilage that protects the ends of the bones gradually wear away. But exercise and dietary changes can significantly help alleviate discomfort.

Here is s list of 6 things that will help you to alleviate arthritis pain from your body.

1. LOSE WEIGHT: This is the first step toward easing arthritis pain according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Being overweight is directly linked to osteoarthritis of the knee which is the most common form of the disease. The CDC says that losing about 1 pound can cut a women's risk of knee osteoarthritis in half. Losing weight can also reduce stress on weight bearing joints. In fact each one pound increase in weight translates to a two to three pound increase in the overall force on the knees.

2. GET MOVING: Low impact exercises such as cycling and swimming 30 minutes a day are great for arthritis patients. Walking, water aerobics, and t'chi are other good options. Staying active can keep joints from stiffening and help to manage pain, and stronger muscles keep joints from rubbing against each other.

3. EAT HEALTHY FATS: The Arthritis foundation says that diet is increasingly seen as an antidote to arthritis pain. Omega-3 fatty acids appear to be particularly beneficial. Abundant in cold water fish such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel omega 3s are also available in supplement form. The body converts them to anti inflammatory compounds. Krill oil supplements have recently been shown to be effective in easing pain and swelling caused by arthritis. Olive oil has also been proven to be effective as well in easing pain and swelling caused by arthritis.

4. BE AN EGGHEAD: Eggshell membrane contains compounds that are necessary for maintaining healthy joint and connective tissues. A Study published in 2009 found that taking 500 milligrams daily led to significant reductions in joint pain and inflexibility. Positive responces were seen after seven days and continued throughout the 30 day trial leading researchers to conclude that eggshell membrane is a possible new effective and safe therapeutic option for the treatment of pain and inflexibility associated with joint and connective tissue disorders.

5. TRY THESE HERBS: Two herbs from India appear to reduce chronic pain and inflammation. Curcumin is an active compound in the spice turmeric, and boswellia is a tree that emits a medicinal resin. Curcumin was shown to be at least as effective as ibuprofen at relieving knee osteoarthritis pain in a recent study it also appears to protect cartilage from breakdown. Boswellia is an effective pain reducer and antiinflammatory agent.

6.GET NUTTY: Extracts from the seed of the African Shea tree appear to offer multiple beneficial activities in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knees and hips, according to a study published in 2010. Participants experienced significant decreases in inflammation and cartilage breakdown after the 15 week trial the nuts have been used traditionally in West Africa for the treatment of arthritis.

Go Green For Bone Health

Vegetables appear to be a good source of calcium, particularly for people who do not consume much milk. Korean scientists recently analysed the diets of postmenopausal women and determined that "high dietary intake of calcium, especially plant calcium, reduces the risk of osteoporosis and increases bone mineral density. Vegetables may be an important source of calcium and may also provide vitamins and minerals that exert additional beneficial effects on the bone". The body does not produce calcium. This mineral is abundant in dark green vegetables, including kale and broccoli.

The Scoop on the Drupe

You might call it a cultural craze, since the coconut has been exploding on the scene lately. In fact the two largest soda brands have both recently acquired coconut water brands. Additionally, you can find coconut related products in health food stores and in mainstream retail. It's everywhere! So let's take a look at this fascinating phenomenon called the coconut. Even though the word nut is in coconut, its not a nut or wholly even a fruit for that matter. It's technically called a drupe: it's a fruit with an outer husk or skin, a usually succulent middle layer, and a hard and woody inner shell typically enclosing a single seed.

Other examples of drupes include: stone fruits such as plums, cherries, dates, mangoes, and apricots as well as raspberries and blackberries, which make up of clustered tiny droplets surrounding a central stem. While coconuts may fit neatly under the "drupe" umbrella, there are important differences within the coconut world to consider. While it is true that coconuts are superfoods packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, there's a difference, for instance between young coconuts verses mature coconuts as well as coconut water verses coconut milk. For example young coconuts have more water and soft gel- like coconut meat. While mature coconuts have less water and firmer coconut meat.

Speaking of coconut water, let's clarify that coconut water is the liquid inside the coconut. Coconut milk, however is made from the expressed juice of grated mature coconut meat and water. Going a step further coconut cream is made in a similar way as coconut milk, but contains a higher ratio of coconut to water, thereby making it thicker. You can even buy or make coconut kefir from coconut water or coconut milk. You'll not only get the health benefits of coconut, but since coconut kefir is a lacto- fermented beverage, you'll also get probiotics and enzymes, which help support digestion.

While we're at it let's not forget about coconut oil - known as the world's healthiest oil - from the coconut meat that contains ultra - healthy medium chain fatty acids like lauric acid, myristic acid, caprylic acid, palmitric acid and more. Don't use just any coconut oil, either because coconut oils on the market vary dramatically quality- wise. Low - quality coconut oils are processed by chemical extraction using solvents or are hydrogenated, bleached and deodorized. A high - quality virgin organic coconut oil derived from fresh coconuts with no GMO ingredients. bleaching, deodorizing, refining or hydrogenation is what you want to look for and use.

Two other coconut products gaining in popularity with the health trendsetter crowd are raw coconut cream and raw coconut kefir. Raw coconut cream is created by pressing or "juicing" the meat of the mature coconut. This creates a food loaded with medium- chain fatty acids that are easily absorbed by the body - providing a yummy source of quick energy. An added bonus is that raw coconut cream has the consistency of cream cheese and has a smooth texture - making it an ideal healthy snack or ingredient in a raw desert or smoothie. What's more, raw coconut cream is perfect for those on a raw, vegan diet.

Raw coconut kefir is made from raw coconut water that is naturally fermented with probiotics, but it's dairy - free suitable for vegans and packed with enzymes. Raw coconut kefir also promotes a healthy intestinal environment supporting your body's immune and digestive systems. Likewise, raw coconut kefir supports proper hydration since it is a highly organized ionized water source. With such great taste and a variety of health benefits it's no wonder there's a cultural coconut craze. So, if your going cuckoo for coconuts, now you have the scoop on this amazing drupe!

Energizing Enzymes For Our Health

Most of us have heard of enzymes, but if you need a refresher, here's an Enzymes 101" of sorts. There are three main types of enzymes: metabolic enzymes, digestive enzymes, and food enzymes. Metabolic enzymes are instrumantal in heart, brain, lung, and kidney function, and literally hundreds of metabolic enzymes keep the body running along. They're in our cells, internal organs, blood and even our bones. Digestive enzymes are secreted by the salvary glands, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine. They break down large food molecules into amaller units that can be absorbed by the blood and into cells. This is essential because that's how our bodies get nourished from the macronutrients: proteins, fats and carbs. In fact, the enzyme protease works to digest proteins, lipase woaks to digest fats, while amylase works to digest carbs. Digestive enzymes spped up the digestive process and without digestive enzymes, food molecules would break down fat to slowly to be absorbed. Food enzymes are found naturally in raw uncooked foods and help digest those foods so their nutrients can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Food enzymes, like digestive enzymes, help to digest food so that it can absorbed properly by the body. Food enzymes can be destroyed, however, when heated above temps of 118 degrees Fahrenheit. We usually lack enzymes from food because we cook them to death. without those raw enzymes, our digestive systems work harder to digest food. In fact, cooked foods can take up to 2 to 3 times longer to pass through the digestive system than raw foods do. Eating enzyme - dead food also taxes your pancreas and other organs from the wear and tear they undergo digesting mostly cooked foods. Additionally the more stress put on these organs, the less time they have to rebuild cells and tissues or keep the immune system strong. Overcooked foods aren't the only reason we come up short on enzymes, though. Eating processed or fast foods, being run down or under stress, living in an overly hot or cold climate, the aging process, pregnancy, being a frequent flyer, or even sweating can diminish enzyme stores. In turn your health can take a hit because overall health is tied to digestive health and good digestion relies on the right enzymes in the right amounts - at the right place and time. Luckily eating raw, cultured or sprouted foods can help keep your enzyme levels energized.