The post Natural Medicines appeared first on Natural Bodyguard.

The post 8 Natural Decongestants appeared first on Natural Bodyguard.

Dietary levels of magnesium have dropped significantly during the last century making magnesium deficiencies all too common.  In her book The Magnesium Miracle, Dr Carolyn Dean explains how a deficiency in magnesium can lead to dozens of health conditions such as chronic fatigue, and fibromyalgia, heart problems, diabetes, stress-related illness, inflammation and migraines. A published medical study concluded that all migraine sufferers should be given magnesium based on the strong evidence that magnesium defiencicy is much more prevalent in migraine sufferers than healthy controls.

Magnesium protects cells from heavy metals and emerging evidence is suggesting that low levels of magnesium may contribute to the heavy metal build-up in the brain that precedes Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s.

Here’s where Epsom salt can really help. Epsom salt is made up of magnesium sulphate crystals and by soaking in an Epsom salt bath,  you absorb magnesium and the sulphates through your skin. The sulphates flush out toxins and heavy metals and excess fluids are drawn out through the skin. This can really help with bloating, constipation, congestion and migraines. Magnesium is a natural stress reliever so soaking in an epsom salt bath can  help to ease stress levels, promote sleep and can also help to ease muscle strain and soothe back pain.

A report carried out at the University of Birmingham UK has shown that bathing in Epsom salts is a safe and easy way to increase sulphate and magnesium levels in the body.  Topping up magnesium levels transdermally may more advantageous than taking magnesium in supplement form as the presence of certain foods or drugs or certain medical conditions can interfere with the effectiveness of the supplements.  Of course, be sure to consult with a health professional before using Epsom salts if you have any medical conditions or are pregnant.

How to use Epsom salt in a bath

Add 2 cups of epsom salt to a warm bath and soak for a minimum of 20 minutes 2-3 times a week.

You may also like to add around 6-8 drops of your favourite essential oil -e.g  lavender works well for insomnia, anxiety, depression, and as a natural stress reliever.

Frankincense oil which is also known as the King of Oils has some amazing physical and spiritual healing properties. It has been successfully used to treat digestive and immune system issues, oral health, respiratory concerns and stress/anxiety. Another very important property of Frankincense is it’s ability to fight cancer. More and more studies are appearing showing how frankincense can kill cancer cells – one study from the University of Leicester, UK in 2013 showed that frankincense compound is effective at killing late-stage ovarian cancer cells.

For a full essential oils database, go to Dr Eric Z at http://drericz.com/essential-oils/

Baking Soda

Another great addition to a bath is baking soda which is a powerful detoxifier due it’s extremely alkalising properties. It is known to help detoxify from the effects of radiation poisoning. It helps to exfoliate the skin and  studies have shown that it can also help in the treatment of psoriasis. In his book Sodium Bicarbonate Nature’s Unique First Aid Remedy – Dr Mark Sircus states that ‘combining the baking soda with magnesium salts brings dramatic changes to human physiology’. Try adding 1 cup of baking soda to a warm bath.

Ascorbic acid powder – adding teaspoon of ascorbic acid powder is recommended if  your water is unfiltered as it helps to neutralise the chlorine in the bath water.

Sources : –

The Magnesium Miracle – Dr Carolyn Dean MD

Magnesium in prevention and therapy –

Why all migraine sufferers should be treated with magnesium 

Report on absorption of magnesium sulphate (Epsom Salt) across the skin – University of Birmingham, UK

Christmas gift brings treatment hope for cancer sufferers – University of Leicester UK

Sodium Bicarbonate Nature’s Unique First Aid Remedy – Dr Mark Sircus

The post Top up your Magnesium levels with an Epsom Salt Bath appeared first on Natural Bodyguard.

• Both Pea and Hemp have an excellent amino acid profile. Hemp is a complete protein as it contains all the 9 essential amino acids that are bodies must acquire from food every day.
• This makes Pea and Hemp ideal sources of protein for vegans and vegetarians.
• They are great for those suffering from allergies as they are dairy and gluten free.
• They are rich in insoluble fibre which makes them very easy to digest.
• They can help with weight loss as their high nutrient and protein content can help to curb hunger pangs. The fibre they contain can also help to regulate blood glucose levels.
• They are naturally low in fat.
• They can help to boost the immune system with their high nutrient content.
• Their high iron content can help with energy levels.
• They are rich in branched- chain amino acids (BCAA). These are leucine, isoleucine and valine and they are used as fuel by the muscles for energy.

 Pea Protein facts

Choosing Plant Based Protein Powder

Look out for high quality clean powders free from synthetic chemicals, artificial sweeteners, flavourings, colours and GMO’s .

Recipes

Chocolate and Banana Hemp Smoothie (dairy-free)
1 banana (ideally frozen)
2 cups chocolate almond milk
1 scoop Hemp Protein Complex powder

Whizz all ingredients together in a NutriBullet or blender.

Hemp Protein Omega-3 Breakfast Shake  (dairy-free)
1 cup frozen berries
4 tbsp oats (gluten-free if necessary)
1 scoop Hemp Protein Complex powder
1 tbsp ground flaxseed
2 cups chocolate almond milk

Whizz all the ingredients together in a blender or NutriBullet.

References :- http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=55

The post Benefits of Pea and Hemp plant based protein powder appeared first on Natural Bodyguard.

Are you one of the many people today suffering from any of the following issues ? :-

• IBS and Digestive problems
• Bloating
• Candida (yeast overgrowth)
• Food sensitivities and allergies
• Thyroid conditions
• Joint pain
• Fatigue
• Headaches and skin issues
• Mood disorders
• Diabetes and cancer

If so then it’s most likely that your gut needs a bit of TLC :-

Hippocrates is famous for saying “All disease begins in the gut”  and so taking the time to care for your gut should be a good starting point on the road towards health.

The disorders listed above could be leaky gut symptoms – leaky gut arises because the barrier of the gut has been damaged and small microscopic holes have appeared. The inside of your gut is a very toxic environment from which your body needs to be protected. In cases of leaky gut, the toxins are able to leak out into the rest of the body where they can cause chronic inflammation and disease.

Unfortunately, our modern diet and lifestyles seem to be causing an epidemic of leaky gut.  The delicate balance of good and bad bacteria known as our gut flora or microbiome has become disturbed by a wide range of factors. One of the most important ones is antibiotics.  We are taking them in not just as medicines but also from the food we consume such as meat and dairy, where the animals have been treated with routine antibiotics. Other factors which disturb gut flora include environmental toxins e.g pesticides, GMO’s, artificial sweeteners (which cause bad bacteria to multiply), medications e.g Aspirin, NSAIDs, chronic stress and  improperly prepared gluten food –  most processed bread is now made far too quickly and the beneficial bacteria which would make the bread digestible and nutritious are not being given enough time to develop. This is causing havoc for many people’s digestion.

Recent studies are now showing that many illnesses have been linked to the loss of diversity of your gut bacteria.

What you can do to help heal your gut

1. Make your diet as natural as possible and try to cut back on sugar and processed foods which are difficult for the body to digest. For more details see diet clean-up plan. Try and recognise your own triggers by keeping a food diary.
2. Drink more water ( lemon water is an excellent cleanser and body alkaliser).
3. Replace processed fats with healthy healing fats such as coconut oil .
4. Recent studies are showing that curcumin (the active ingredient  found in turmeric) is a powerful medicinal herb which can really help with digestion and gut inflammation.
5. Consider supplementation with good high-quality live probiotics to repopulate gut bacteria especially if you have recently taken antibiotics.
6. Digestive enzymes can help if your diet doesn’t include many naturally enzyme rich foods such as fruit and vegetables. Detoxifying superfood capsules and powders can also really help to restore alkalinity in the gut and expel heavy metals from the body.
7. Juicing is an excellent way to give your body and digestive system a chance to heal. Cucumber juice, particularly has a very cleansing effect on the body. See Juicing for health for more details.
8. Managing your stress levels is very important. The stress hormone cortisol can have a very negative effect on the intestinal barrier so look at your health holistically and focus on how to get calm and reduce your stress levels. Yoga is great for healing body and mind and certain stomach postures can help balance the contractions of the gut which can really help digestive disorders.

The detailed research of Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride has shown just how much your gut can affect all aspects of your health. Her book – the Gut and Psychology Syndrome explains the link between gut flora and chronic disease including neurological disorders such as depression, ADHD and autism. She developed the GAPS protocol diet to help her son who suffered from autism.

Sources for this article :-

Antibiotics and the gut microbiota – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26793178

http://arstechnica.co.uk/science/2015/11/single-course-of-antibiotics-can-mess-up-the-gut-microbiome-for-a-year/

Metabolic effects of non-nutritive sweeteners : –http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26095119

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/the-shocking-truth-about-bread-413156.html

Probiotics in digestive diseases http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26657927

The effects of curcumin on inflammation www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25861416

The post Gut issues – the silent epidemic and what you can do appeared first on Natural Bodyguard.

Have you tried juicing yet? If not this might be a great time to start. A juicing plan can help you on your way to a radiant and energetic life and truly optimal health.

Try adding one juice/smoothie a day to your regular diet and notice how you feel. Just one juice a day will give you a huge nutrient boost – (it’s a lot easier to receive the nutrition that 6 carrots and 4 apples will give you in a juice rather than eating them!) . This will help to fill you up and also help considerably towards your daily fruit and vegetable intake.

Juicing or Blending?

Firstly, let’s describe the difference between juicers and blenders. A juicer will literally extract the juice only from the fruit or vegetables and leave the pulp behind. The advantage of this is that the nutrients from the juice go straight into your bloodstream and are absorbed immediately giving  you an instant boost. Juicing also gives your digestive system a break so it can help with healing. The disadvantage is that all the fibre is left behind in the pulp and wasted.

A blender, however, will blend the whole fruit or vegetable including all the beneficial fibre contained in it. This means that, although you won’t feel the benefits straight away, you will feel fuller for longer and you will get the benefit of all the fibre which is important with fruit particularly as the fibre in the fruit balances out the fructose so it will stop you getting blood-sugar spikes.

For juicing, you should be ideally looking at juicing a higher ratio of vegetables to fruit (80:20 ideally)  so as not to overly increase your daily sugar consumption. This particularly applies if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, insulin resistance or high cholesterol.

The exception to the fruit rule is lemons and limes as they have virtually no sugar to worry about. They can also help to eliminate any bitterness from the vegetables.

Which are the best fruits/ vegetables to juice?

Buy organic vegetables where ever possible and maybe think about joining a local box scheme where they will very often do a juicing box full of local organic seasonal vegetables.  Some veggies which are great for juicing are :-

• Cucumbers – great for cleansing.
• Celery- anti-inflammatory. Can help to lower blood pressure.  Great for digestive issues.
• Carrots, rich in beta-carotene, beneficial for eyesight, and also a great liver/gall bladder cleanser.
• Kale, exceptionally high in nutrients, high in iron and very alkalising.
• Fennel, excellent for digestion, reduces bloating.
• Apples – great as a base for most juices –  helps to sweeten and also helps with detoxification.

Smoothies

We use and recommend the NUTRIBULLET blender. It is more of a nutrition extraction device and it can break down the pulp, skin, seeds and stems of the fruit and vegetables. You can also add nuts and other seeds such as sunflower and pumpkin to further boost your levels of vitamins and minerals. Herbs are great too – consider adding Parsley for a vitamin C boost and for general digestion and detoxification, Coriander for boosting iron levels, detoxifying heavy metals and for lowering blood sugar,  Basil for it’s anti-inflammatory benefits and Mint for  immunity boosting and digestive support .

Last but not least, spices can add a great bit of flavour and they have amazing medicinal properties.

Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and can also help with nausea, colds and flu, pain, blood circulation and respiratory problems.

Cinammon  is one of the most powerful spices around and can help with weight loss due to its amazing ability speed up the metabolism, control insulin levels, suppress appetite  and decrease blood sugar.

Cayenne is helpful for weight loss and for reducing acidity. It fights irritation so is great for helping upset stomachs and ulcers. It also helps to fight colds and flu as it is good at breaking down mucous. It’s active ingredient capsaicin can help to prevent migraines and even act as a possible anti-cancer agent.

Turmeric root is also a great spice to add to juice drinks -many studies are now showing how curcumin – ( the active compound found in turmeric) also known as the ‘king of spices’ can be help with many conditions such as depression, inflammation and RA, chronic pain, diabetes,  cancer, ageing, brain health and memory.

Cardamom is also known as the ‘queen of spices’ and can really help with digestive issues such as bloating and IBS. It can also be helpful for high blood sugar, diabetes and high blood pressure. It helps the body to detoxify by eliminating waste through the kidneys. It’s also acts as a natural antidepressant and has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Click here for smoothie remedy recipes.

For more information on how juicing could help you heal, have a look at ‘The Juice Lady’s Guide to Juicing for Health : Unleashing the Healing Power of Whole Fruits and Vegetables” by Cherie Calbom. Read a sample here.

The post Juicing for Health appeared first on Natural Bodyguard.

EFA’s are called essential because they have to be taken in as part of the daily diet as they cannot be manufactured by the body. These two EFA’s are called LA  (linoleic acid) and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid).

LA is the Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid  found in nuts, seeds, avocados,  sunflower, sesame, corn, safflower and other oils.

ALA is the Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid is harder to obtain from the diet. By far the best source is in flax seed  and flax oil  It’s also found in  walnuts, pecans, hemp seeds and  in very small amounts in leafy green vegetables.

When the body is supplied with these EFA’s it is then able to manufacture or convert these fatty acids into other fatty acid derivatives needed by the body. These derivatives are GLA ( found in primrose oil), arachidonic acid ( found in meat,eggs and dairy) and EPA and DHA  – the anti-inflammatory fats (found in fish).

Why Do I Need EFA’s?

EFA’s are crucial to life. For two decades Udo Erasmus Ph.D has dedicated his working life to understanding the effects of fats and oils on human health. In his book ‘Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill’, Udo calls them ‘The Healing Essential Fatty Acids.’ He states that ‘ in our frenzy to avoid killer fats, we can easily forget the fats that heal- those fats that we must obtain from foods in order to be healthy.’

They are in fact required for many body processes including energy production, cell activity and communication, heart beat regulation, oxygen transfer, fatigue offset and immune system regulation.

Omega-3 ALA produces smooth skin, increases stamina and vitality, speeds up healing and helps with overall calmness. It also reduces inflammation, water retention, blood pressure and platelet stickiness. It  inhibits tumour growth. It is also a great help with PMS and in treating bacterial infections . Omega-3 fats also turn on the fat burning process and turn off fat production, so they can help with weight loss.

Udo explains in his book how lack of Omega-3 plays a part in every major degenerative condition. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, inflammation, auto-immune conditions, motor co-ordination problems, depression, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, allergies, blood sugar problems, excess body fat and digestive problems.

Studies have  shown that body cells deprived of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids become cancerous. This means that it is very difficult to heal from cancer without adequate levels of these essential fats.

Omega-6 deficiency symptoms include joint pain, paper thin skin, dry eyes and skipped heart beats. An Omega-6 deficiency is rare today due to the abundance of omega-6 fats in the western diet.

Of vital importance  is the Omega-6 to Omega-3 balance. Ideally this ratio should be about 1:1 to 4:1.

Unfortunately, the ratio in the modern western diet tends to be in excess of  20:1  and the latest research is revealing that this ratio is contributing to chronic inflammation and disease and a widespread Omega-3 deficiency.

Omega-6 EFA’s are the main fats in processed foods as they are cheaper and easier to use for manufacturing purposes. EFA’s are however, unfortunately easily damaged during processing by light,heat and air . The means that most of the EFA’s in processed  vegetable  oils and margarines have damaged and changed bonds turning them into trans fatty acids which are harmful fats that are not easily broken down by the body. So a diet heavy in processed foods will contain not just too much Omega-6 but too much unhealthy Omega-6. It’s very important to realise the dangers of plastic or synthetic oils and fats and to try and obtain the Omega-6 you need from whole foods such as nuts and seeds, grass-fed meat ( which also contains Omega-3’s)  and from unprocessed oils.

To address a lack of Omega-3, 1 tbsp of ground flaxseeds or fresh flax oil will supply your daily requirement of ALA  Omega-3.

Research is still ongoing as to how successful the body is at converting ALA Omega-3 to DHA and EPA. This conversion process can vary from person to person depending on their overall diet and health but it can be greatly helped by eating fewer carbohydrates and trans fats and by increasing your intake of vitamins B3,B6, magnesium, zinc and vitamin C.

To ensure that you are getting the right amount of DHA and EPA, eating oily fish twice a week is recommend.

If your diet is heavy in processed Omega 6’s or you are suffering from a chronic condition, you may wish to supplement with a good supply of DHA in the form krill oil until your condition has stabilised. See Fish Oil vs Krill Oil.

The post Why EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids) are so important appeared first on Natural Bodyguard.

All proteins are made up of a different combination of 20 compounds called amino acids.  There are 2 types of these :- essential amino acids and non essential amino acids. Our bodies can make the non essential amino acids  but the 9 essential amino acids need to come from our diet every day.

Good sources of protein include those from animal products such as meat, eggs and dairy but a sometimes overlooked protein source is the one derived from plants. This can be ideal for vegans, vegetarians, those with dairy allergies or anyone who wants to feel healthier due to the alkalising effects of plants on the body.

Plant-based proteins are also high in fibre, vitamins and minerals. They also contain phyto nutrients with help with disease prevention.

The post Plant Protein Power appeared first on Natural Bodyguard.

That Product is Coconut Oil.

Coconut Oil Health Benefits

Coconut oil is a natural product which has been used in tropical countries for many centuries .

It is a saturated fat which means that it has been given bad press over the years but let’s look closer into this and into the work of Dr Weston Price in the 1930’s.  In his famous book, Nutrition and Physical Degeneration,  he outlines his travels around the world studying the effects of diet on different cultures. 

Dr Price found that South Pacific Islanders whose diets were high in coconut oil were healthy and trim and heart disease was virtually non-existent. All saturated fats are not the same and coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids (MCFA’s). When they are consumed, they digest very rapidly without needing pancreatic digestive enzymes or bile and are immediately absorbed into the liver where they are transformed into energy and not fat.  This makes coconut oil highly effective at providing instant nourishment for our cells. In his book  Coconut Cures, Dr Bruce Fife explains that ‘ It is the MCFA’s in coconut oil that make it different from other oils and which give it its remarkable nutritional and medicinal properties’. 

Coconut oil also contains 50% lauric acid (the main component of mother’s milk) which the body converts into monolaurin. This is a compound that disrupts the membranes of organisms such as fungus, bacteria and viruses and destroys them.  It also blocks the harmful effects of many dangerous chemicals. Coconut oil also enhances the absorption of minerals such as magnesium and calcium, fat soluble vitamins, some of the B vitamins and some amino acids.

When buying coconut oil, chose a high-quality unrefined coconut oil – this will either be labelled virgin or extra-virgin coconut oil.

There are many conditions that can be helped by coconut oil, here are some of the main ones:-

Coconut oil for Diabetes

The problem with getting energy from simple carbohydrates, is that they create an insulin spike in your bloodstream. Getting energy from coconut oil, however is a totally different process. The MCFA’s in the coconut oil are sent directly to your liver where they can be used as energy. Hence, there is no stress placed on the pancreas to create insulin which makes coconut oil a great fuel source for anyone with insulin related issues.

Coconut oil helps to controls hunger and cravings and the MCFA’s promote thermogenesis and lead to increased metabolic rate. Adding coconut oil to a meal slows down the absorption of sugar from the meal into the blood stream and helps to balance blood sugar levels. Studies have shown diabetes is rare in societies where people get many of their calories from saturated fats such as coconut oil. Coconut oil has also been shown to help improve circulation  ( for more information have a look at the video below by Dr Bruce Fife)

Coconut oil for Weight Loss

Coconut oil is a fat that helps you lose fat!  This is due to the MCFA’s which increase your metabolic rate.. In the 1940s, farmers found out about this effect by accident when they tried using inexpensive coconut oil to fatten up their livestock. It didn’t work! Instead, coconut oil made the animals thin and active!  Studies have shown that the increase in metabolism can last for up to 24 hours after consuming a meal with coconut oil.

Additionally, research has demonstrated that, due to this metabolic effect, coconut oil increases the activity of the thyroid. This may help some people who have a sluggish thyroid and are totally unable to lose weight at all.

Coconut oil for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia

Coconut oil can help in a number of ways.  Due to its antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties, it can destroy organisms such as Candida that may be interfering with the body’s strength and contributing to the condition.  As the the MCFA’s in coconut oil are used by the body to produce energy rather than body fat, it produces a surge in energy. This can be very helpful in both these conditions where energy levels are very low. It can also help to stablise thyroid function which can be a factor in CFS and Fibromyalgia and it  contains anti-inflammatory properties which can also help to relieve persistent inflammation.

Coconut oil for Digestion

The overgrowth of unfriendly bacteria in the digestive tract can be the root cause of many diseases and this is where coconut oil can really help. The MCFA’s in coconut oil kill disease-causing bacteria but leave friendly bacteria unharmed. It can really help to  heal inflammation in the digestive tract so can help with chronic conditions such as IBS, Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis.

Coconut oil for Alzheimer’s

Studies have shown that Alzheimers can be prevented and reversed with coconut oil. Alzheimer’s is also known as type 3 diabetes – a diabetes of the brain which has become insulin resistant and can’t absorb glucose for energy. This is where coconut oil can help – the MCFA’s in the coconut oil are digested by the liver which creates ketones which are absorbed by the brain and act as a super fuel even providing much more energy than glucose.  ( for more information have a look at the video below by Dr Bruce Fife)

Coconut oil for Skin

Coconut oil is ideal for your skin. Your skin ages by oxidation and coconut oil acts as an antioxidant. Your skin cells can use the MCFA’s  as food for nourishing your skin and protecting you from free radicals. Using coconut oil on your face can help restore more youthful-looking skin and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You can also use it around the eye area to reduce the appearance of dark circles and eye bags. It can also be used during pregnancy to help prevent stretch marks. As its a totally natural  product, you won’t be exposed to many of the chemicals which are a part of many shop bought skin creams. Skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis can also be greatly improved with the use of coconut oil.

Coconut oil for Hair

The lauric acid in coconut oil gives the oil its protective properties. It binds hair proteins and helps protect hair strands from breakage. It also keeps the hair strong and moisturised. The anti bacterial and anti fungal qualities of lauric acid have the ability to protect against dandruff and head lice.

Many people have discovered that when they apply coconut oil to the scalp, it promotes healthy hair growth. This is due to the many nutrients in coconut oil which not only help the hair to grow , but also help it to grow thicker, softer and shinier.

Coconut oil for Teeth and Gums

Oil Pulling

The ancient Ayurvedic practice of oil pulling has been around for centuries and is now making a comeback.

In his book Oil Pulling Therapy (Detoxifying and Healing the body thorough oral cleansing), Dr Bruce Fife explains how the oil acts like a cleanser. It pulls bacteria from the teeth and gums leaving them whiter and helping to heal deep seated gum pockets. Oil pulling has a very powerful detoxifying effect. Our mouths are home to billions of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other parasites and their toxins. Candida and Streptococcus are common residents in our mouths. It is these types of germs and their toxic waste products that cause gum disease and tooth decay and contribute to many other health problems including arthritis and heart disease.

Our immune system is constantly fighting these troublemakers. If our immune system becomes overloaded or burdened by excessive stress, poor diet, environmental toxins and such, these organisms can spread throughout the body causing secondary infections and chronic inflammation, leading to any number of health problems.

Coconut oil for Cooking

Coconut oil is great for cooking purposes as it is far more stable than many oils.

When heating oils up, it is important to use oils that are stable and don’t oxidise as the oxidation process forms free radicals which cause many health problems. The greater the number of bonds in the fatty acid molecules, the more chemically reactive and sensitive to heat they are.

Saturated fats have only single bonds, monounsaturated fats have one double bond and polyunsaturated fats have two or more. So oils high in saturated fats such as coconut oil are a great choice for cooking.

For snack recipes using coconut oil click here.

Learn more about coconut oil at Coconutresearchcenter.org

Click here to read inspirational success stories from people whose health has been transformed by coconut oil.

The post The Amazing Powers of Coconut Oil appeared first on Natural Bodyguard.

These 4 green foods are some of the world’s most nutritional foods and can help you by considerably boosting your nutrient intake.

What is Spirulina?

No other food on earth can match the health benefits of Spirulina.  It’s a deep blue green algae plant with a high ph (very alkaline).

It has been used as a food source for centuries and has recently been given the go ahead by NASA to be used a complete food supplement in space. Studies have found that 1kg of Spirulina has the same nutrients as 1,000kgs of vegetables!  So just by having a teaspoon a day, you are helping towards your daily recommended 4 to 9 servings of vegetables whilst protecting yourself from the stress, pollutants, toxins and chemicals that are part of today’s world.

Spirulina is a complete protein ( between 60-69%) and contains all the essential 9 amino acids. It also contains essential fatty acids including GLA ( which can reduce cholesterol and prevent heart disease), vitamins B and E, chlorophyll, phytonutrients and wide range of minerals including potassium, zinc, chromium,  copper, selenium and iron. Here are some of the ways in which Spirulina can help :-

1) Helps to Detoxify  – Spirulina can help with you to detox your body naturally – this is due to the high level of chlorophyll which has been shown in studies to bind to heavy metals such as mercury ( which can leach from dental fillings) and cadmium and help to excrete them from the body.

2) Helps Digestion – Spirulina promotes healthy bacteria in the gut and helps with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food as well as surpressing the bad bacteria such as e-coli and candida.

3) Helps boost the Immune System – Spirulina is a very powerful food for the immune system. It works by increasing T-cell counts ( the cells that help direct the immune system’s response to infection or malignancy).

The Russian government was granted the use of Spirulina in 1994 to help to reduce allergic reactions from radiation in children who were exposed to radioactive material after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986. The children who received 5g of Spirulina for forty-five days were successfully able to fight the effects of radiation poisoning .

4) Boosts Endurance Levels

Spirulina is a great superfood and is of great benefit when taken before a high intensity workout. It helps with energy levels and boosts stamina whilst helping to repair muscles in the body. It also helps with general fatigue.

5) Helps support healthy brain function

The essential amino acids in Spirulina have been found to balance brain chemistry as they contain all the elements which are necessary for neurotransmitter functioning.

6) Protects against allergic reactions.

Studies have shown that Spirulina can stop the release of histamines which are the main cause of allergic reactions such as sneezing, itching etc.

Chlorella

An equally amazing superfood is Chlorella , the cousin of Spirulina. It is a green algae plant which  derives its name from the Greek ‘chloros’ meaning green and ‘ella’ meaning small.

Similar to Spirulina, it is a nutrient dense superfood containing around 60% protein and all the essential amino acids. It also contains high levels of chlorophyll and beta-carotene, vitamins A ,C, B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, E and K and minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorous.

As it’s name suggests, it contains high levels of chlorophyll which makes it even more suitable than Spirulina as a detoxifier. It also contains more iron than Spirulina and contains a special growth factor which can help repair damage to nerve tissue.

In the 1950’s,  the Carniege Institute in Washington confirmed that chlorella could be grown on a large commercial scale to help solve the world’s hunger problem. Chlorella  has been widely used in Japan for decades due to its impressive health benefits which include improving the immune system and digestion, helping reduce inflammation and cleansing the body of heavy metals and carcinogens. It is a very helpful supplement to use during a cleanse. Similar to Spirulina, it has been shown to increase the good bacteria in the gut which can help to treat ulcers, colitis, diverticulosis and Crohn’s disease. Chlorella has also been used to treat cancer and help protect the body from the effect of cancer radiation treatment.

Wheatgrass and Barley Grass

Word is spreading about these grasses as healthy super foods. The reason is that they contain high concentrations of valuable minerals, enzymes, vitamins and chlorophyll.

They are also highly alkaline which can help to balance the ph levels in the body. Highly processed diets and stress can result in the body becoming too acidic which can lead to illness and fatigue so foods like wheatgrass can be a great help.

Wheatgrass Benefits

Wheatgrass is one of the world’s most powerful foods, Dr Ann Wigmore was one of the first pioneers of Wheatgrass when she used it as part of her living foods program designed to overcome chronic illness.

Wheatgrass is grown from the germinated seed of wheat grains. When 2-3 ins high, the wheatgrass is ready to be harvested. This means that is it gluten free because it is cut before the grain forms. It must be processed either as juice, powder concentrate or in capsule form before it can be consumed. It is made up of 70% chlorophyll and it has such a high nutrient-to-calorie ratio that it is considered to be a complete food in itself or a superfood. One pound of fresh wheatgrass has the same nutritional value as 23 pounds of garden vegetables! Here are some of the main ways in which Wheatgrass helps:-

1) Blood purifier

Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in  then chloroplasts of algae and plants. It is formed in the presence of sunlight by the process of photosynthesis. It is thought to be beneficial to human health because it closely resembles the chemical make-up of ‘haem’ – part of the haemoglobin of human blood. The Japanese food scientist, Dr Yoshide Hagiwara, has suggested that chlorophyll can be absorbed directly into the blood because it is fat-soluble which means that the fat particles pass directly into the blood via the lymphatic system.

2) High Vitamin and Mineral Content

Wheatgrass contains vitamins A, C, E, K and the full spectrum of B vitamins. It contains many minerals including iron, phosphate, boron, copper, selenium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, chromium, manganese, phosphorous, silicon and zinc.

3) High Protein content

Wheatgrass contains all the essential amino acids which means it’s protein profile is similar to that of animal products. As it is a plant-based protein, it is also lean and doesn’t contain the high levels of saturated fat found in animal and dairy sources.

4) Dietary fibre in wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is rich in insoluble fibre which is the type of fibre that  passes through the digestive tract undigested and largely unchanged effectively sweeping the intestines clean.

This high level of fibre is a big support to digestive health, the circulatory system, healthy blood sugar levels and even healthy weight loss as the levels of fibre will help you feel fuller for longer.

5) Enzymes in wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is a good source of exogenous enzymes (i.e those not produced by the human digestive system) which makes wheatgrass an important digestive aid.

Barley Grass Benefits

Barley Grass and Wheatgrass are very similar to each other and therefore offer similar nutritional benefits but Barley Grass also acts as a free-radical collector. Free-radicals in the body are often responsible for the growth of cancerous cells.

Barley Grass is regarded as a near-perfect food. It is high in fibre, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and lysine ( an essential amino acid).

For superfood snack recipes click here

The post 4 great green superfoods to help protect you appeared first on Natural Bodyguard.