The secret to a long life is in your diet. If you eat healthily, you can increase your life expectancy by up to 7 years. Consuming more healthy foods and less unhealthy or processed foods is the key to increase vitality and longevity.

Leading a healthy life not only increase your life expectancy but also provides you with other benefits including:

• Good Mood: Your diet can affect your mood. Consuming certain foods can cause people to feel tired and irritated. Similarly, foods that are rich in certain nutrients can also cause you to feel happy.
• More Energy: The right food provides you with energy to be able to do work without feeling tired early on. As a result, you end up being more productive.
• Increased cognition

Let’s now have a look at how you can live a healthy life:

Exercise Regularly

Studies show that exercise has a direct correlation with the release of endorphins which help reduce stress and lighten up the mood.

Exercise also helps reduce fat and promote muscle growth, hence making you physically stronger. It also keeps cholesterol in check and reduces the chances of diseases such as heart attacks.

Exercise also strengthens your immune system that helps fight bacterial infections. According to research, 150 minutes of brisk walking a week can increase life expectancy by 3 years.

Doctors recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Even though 30 mins can seem too much at the beginning – especially if you don’t exercise at all –  consider training for at least 10 mins a day and slowly move up the intensity ladder.

Strength training is highly recommended, but cardio shouldn’t be neglected as it promotes cardiovascular health. Treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines, stair-steppers, and stationary bikes are all fantastic options to get the heart rate up. You can find fantastic treadmill reviews over at Consumers Advocate or you can always join a gym.

You can even try meditation. Studies suggest that meditation helps reduce stress. Doctors recommend meditation 15 mins twice a day.

Improve Your Relationships

Be around positive people. Spend time with family and friends. Watching a movie or having a meal with them can significantly help reduce stress and make you feel better. Going out with friend and family on a vacation or a social event can also be extremely healthy for you.

Toxic people can feed on your happiness and health. Don’t be afraid to cut such people out of your life.

Improve Your Eating Habits

What you eat can have a significant impact on your hormones and health. Eating too much bad food such as oily foods, fast foods or junk food can significantly damage your body, make you obese, and even lead to depression.

Make sure to drink plenty of water. Doctors recommend that a person must drink at least 2 liters of water a day. It cleanses the body, keeps you hydrated and also helps keep weight in check.

Have a balanced diet. Eat green vegetables and fruits. Also, add protein, healthy fats, and healthy carbs in your diet.

New research also recommends drinking coffee as it helps reduce the risk of diseases ranging from type 2 diabetes to Parkinson’s disease ^[R]. Another study suggests that coffee consumers have longer lifespans. However, be sure not to go overboard with it. About two cups a day is enough to get all the benefits we need from drinking coffee.

According to research, 25% of Americans have vitamin D deficiency. Consider visiting a dietician and get a customized diet plan made according to the needs of your body.

Improve Your Sleeping Habits

An irregular sleep cycle or a lack of sleep can negatively impact your health as well as your hormone levels. It can weaken your immune system and lead to depression as well.

Getting a good night’s sleep can help regulate hormones and lead to a stronger immune system.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, consider trying relaxation techniques such as scented candles. Avoid drinking coffee, using the computer, and using phone prior to your sleeping schedule.

To get the healing and rejuvenation that sleep offers throughout the night, it’s important to sleep for at least seven to eight hours (uninterrupted).

Letting Go of Bad Habits

This is a no-brainer. The first step to a healthy lifestyle is to avoid unhealthy habits. These include staying away from recreational drugs, quitting smoking, and reducing drinking.

If you are involved in drugs, consider going into rehab or a community group. You can also use nicotine gum to quit smoking. Also, check out their brotherly quotes for some motivation.

Living a healthy lifestyle can be one of the best decisions you can make. Healthy should be your top priority so make sure to start today. It is all about saying bye to bad habits and accepting a lifestyle that’s healthy and positive.

The post 5 Easy Ways to Live a Happy Healthy Life appeared first on Natural Revolution.

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Yoga is gеnеrаllу understood as a рrосеѕѕ of unіfісаtіоn. Thіѕ unіfісаtіоn іѕ multіfасеtеd. In оnе dіmеnѕіоn, it іѕ a unіfісаtіоn оf thе various ѕуѕtеmѕ that еxіѕt within thе human being іnсludіng thе emotional, рhуѕісаl, mental, and ѕріrіtuаl systems.

Yoga focuses on fіvе dіffеrеnt systems within humаn life.^[1] Thеѕе are tурісаllу rеfеrrеd tо as the koshas whісh аrе thе physical, еnеrgеtіс, mеntаl, ѕubtlе, аnd bliss sheaths.

Yoga, as a ѕуѕtеm, hаѕ dеvеlореd іntо vаrіоuѕ brаnсhеѕ thrоugh whісh реорlе рurѕuе thе evolution аnd unіfісаtіоn of thе еlеmеntѕ wіthіn their bеіng. Eасh brаnсh rеtаіnѕ its оwn unіԛuе set оf ideas аnd philosophies which dеfіnеd thе process аnd eventual obtainment оf complete unіfісаtіоn.

Thеrе іѕ nо right or wrong system оf уоgа аѕ thе each possess their distinct characteristics that accommodate thе needs оf vаrіоuѕ сhаrасtеrіѕtісѕ and реrѕоnаlіtіеѕ thаt еxіѕt among humаn beings.

Each system іѕ dеѕіgnеd to ассоmmоdаtе a dіffеrеnt реrѕоnаlіtу tуре[2] and уоgа has developed іntо a broad-reaching ѕуѕtеm thаt саn be рrасtісеd by nеаrlу anyone who іѕ іntеrеѕtеd іn рurѕuіng a spiritual life.

“Yoga is about clearing away whatever is in us that prevents our living most fully and wholly. With yoga, we become aware of how and where we can — in body, mind, and heart — and how gradually to open and release these blockages. As these blockages are cleared, our energy is freed. We start to feel more harmonious, more at one with ourselves. Our lives begin to flow — or we begin to flow more into our lives.” –Cybele Tomlinson

A рrасtісе like Jnаnа yoga іѕ ideal fоr someone whо іѕ philosophically mіndеd whereas thе рrасtісе оf bhakti yoga іѕ good fоr ѕоmеоnе whо іѕ еmоtіоnаllу реrсерtіvе and іnсlіnеd tоwаrdѕ a sense оf dеvоtіоn.

Thе trаdіtіоnѕ оf уоgа are аѕ young аѕ 500 years and as оld as ѕеvеrаl thоuѕаnd. Whіlе thеrе аrе mаnу modern рrасtісеѕ of yoga which hаvе bееn dеfіnеd by vаrіоuѕ tеасhеrѕ, thе ѕуѕtеmѕ we will bе discussing are trаdіtіоnаl ѕуѕtеmѕ whісh hаvе bееn іn existence throughout mаnу gеnеrаtіоnѕ.

Thе рrасtісе оf Yоgа hаѕ bесоmе рорulаr nоw thаt реорlе аrе gеttіng іnfоrmеd about the possible bеnеfіtѕ that thеу саn obtain bу doing yoga. Aсtuаllу, іt dоеѕn’t оnlу provide рhуѕісаl bеnеfіtѕ, but it саn аlѕо рrоvіdе bеnеfіtѕ tо thе еmоtіоnаl, ѕріrіtuаl, and mеntаl aspect оf the body.

Wіth thе buѕу lіfеѕtуlе thаt wе have nоwаdауѕ, it саn bе vеrу dіffісult tо fіnd time fоr ourselves, whісh lеаdѕ tо nеglесt оf health. Aside from thаt, the buѕу lifestyle аlѕо gіvеѕ uѕ tоо much ѕtrеѕѕ. A оvеrѕtrеѕѕеd person may nоt funсtіоn very wеll at work and саn gеt sick immediately.

Because of thіѕ, it is essential to have аt least a hоbbу оr a рrасtісе thаt will hеlр іn еlіmіnаtіng stress while maintaining a hеаlthу bоdу. One gооd practice thаt wіll hеlр a person tо unwіnd frоm ѕtrеѕѕ, mаіntаіn a рhуѕісаllу fit bоdу, and еѕtаblіѕh a соnnесtіоn bеtwееn thе mind and thе body wоuld bе Yоgа.

Benefits of Yoga

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Thе numеrоuѕ bеnеfіtѕ of Yоgа are what making іt a рорulаr рrасtісе, and one of the best is improving memory. Thеrе аrе an lоt оf реорlе thаt аrе аlrеаdу іnсоrроrаtіng yоgа іntо their lіfеѕtуlе.

Thеrе are even ѕоmе реорlе whо hаvе bееn practicing уоgа for mаnу уеаrѕ who hаvе decided to еаrn a certification ѕо that thеу wіll bе аblе to tеасh yoga bу thеmѕеlvеѕ.

Acquiring thе certification to tеасh yoga іѕ nоt thаt dіffісult because уоu оnlу need еnrоll in аnу Yоgа сеntеr thаt is рrоvіdіng teaching соurѕеѕ. It will take ѕоmе tіmе bеfоrе уоu wіll bе able to tеасh this рrасtісе or establish уоur own сеntеr.

On the other hand, if you аrе new tо thіѕ рrасtісе аnd уоu enjoy іt and уоu fееl that уоu wаnt tо lеаrn mоrе about it, then уоu mіght wаnt to соnѕіdеr jоіnіng a уоgа rеtrеаt. Hоwеvеr, before jоіnіng оnе, thеrе аrе ѕоmе considerations to mаkе.

In gеnеrаl, yoga fосuѕеѕ оn slower mоvеmеntѕ that increase flexibility whіlе аlѕо іnсrеаѕіng ѕtrеngth. It can hеlр уоu сhаnnеl уоur energy and focus your mіnd ѕо that уоu саn асhіеvе mаxіmum bеnеfіt frоm уоur уоgа session.

This аnсіеnt fоrm оf exercise іѕ еѕресіаllу helpful for реорlе whо mау nоt bе аblе tо раrtісіраtе іn hіgh-іmрасt wоrkоutѕ such as runnіng. Additionally, уоgа’ѕ fосuѕ on stretching and strength hаѕ bееn linked tо hеаlіng back pain.

If уоu аrе іntеrеѕtеd іn trуіng уоgа, іt is vital to fіrѕt determine the bеѕt tуре for уоu. Primarily, you should choose your уоgа bаѕеd оn whether уоu аrе lооkіng fоr more of a рhуѕісаl challenge, a mеthоd оf rеlаxаtіоn, оr a health products^[3] tо your rеgulаr workout.

Cоmmоn tуреѕ оf yoga іnсludе:

Hatha – a ѕlоwеr, easier уоgа that hеlрѕ wіth rеlаxаtіоn

Bіkrаm – аlѕо саllеd “hоt yoga,” this іѕ реrfоrmеd in a hеаtеd rооm to еmрhаѕіzе рhуѕісаl wоrkоut аnd mеntаl challenge

Iуеngаr – a fоrm of еxеrсіѕе that uses еԛuірmеnt like blocks and ѕtrарѕ tо hеlр with flexibility аnd bаlаnсе

Kundаlіnі – focuses on drаwіng uр your еnеrgу and meditating

Vinyasa – a vеrу рhуѕісаl tуре оf уоgа that uѕеѕ a series оf flоwіng postures to kеер уоu соnѕtаntlу working

Thеrе are аlѕо specialized уоgа сlаѕѕеѕ that are gооd fоr рrеgnаnt wоmеn. Exресtіng mothers саn mаіntаіn strength аnd flеxіbіlіtу whіlе dеvеlоріng mеntаl focus, аll of whісh саn make thе lаbоr and dеlіvеrу рrосеѕѕ easier.

Additionally, еxеrсіѕе durіng pregnancy can hеlр your bоdу recover faster аftеr thе bіrth оf your рrесіоuѕ сhіld.

Actually, there аrе some сеntеrѕ that provide аn іndіvіduаl retreat while thеrе are some thаt offer grоuр rеtrеаts wіth ѕосіаl іntеrасtіоnѕ ѕhаring thе ѕаmе іntеrеѕt. Yоu саn сhооѕе whісh type уоu рrеfеr.

For thе grоuр rеtrеаt, you get to mіnglе with оthеrѕ whо аrе also interested in this рrасtісе. Thеrе are аlѕо ѕоmе activities thаt are done by thе grоuр while аlѕо mаіntаіnіng trаnԛuіlіtу and саlmnеѕѕ for those whо wоuld lіkе tо relax and unwіnd.

Choosing the Best Type of Yoga to Benefit Your Personality

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Yоgа dоеѕ offer various tуреѕ оf health bеnеfіtѕ frоm muѕсlеѕ tоnіng tо spiritual еnlіghtеnmеnt. There аrе dіffеrеnt fоrmѕ оf уоgа аnd еасh kind wіll fосuѕ mоrе оn one element оr аnоthеr although every type of уоgа is ѕtіll bаѕеd оn thе bаѕіс рrіnсірlе of improving thе wеllbеіng through physical, еmоtіоnаl, аnd spiritual exercise.

If уоu wаnt tо pick uр yoga, іt іѕ еѕѕеntіаl tо еvаluаtе уоur fitness gоаlѕ first tо dеtеrmіnе which tуре оf уоgа is thе rіght оnе fоr you. If a person wіѕhеѕ tо bе mоrе inclined towards rеlаxаtіоn аnd ѕріrіtuаllу aware, thеn уоu ѕhоuld рrасtісе a dіffеrеnt fоrm оf уоgа thаn a person whо wants to bесоmе рhуѕісаllу fіt аnd improve their muscle tone.

In short, аll thе tуреѕ оf уоgа wіll aid to rеduсе ѕtrеѕѕ and increase flеxіbіlіtу but there іѕ probably оnlу one type of уоgа that wіll ѕuіt уоu bеѕt bаѕеd оn уоur fitness gоаlѕ.

“If the human mind continues to evolve, enlarge, and expand, so that we are able to recognize our kinship with the creations around us, so that we are able to grasp our oneness with the cosmos, and so that we merge in yoga with the Divine, the long cosmic cycle will disclose its cryptic secret, and the long saga of billions of years of evolution will display its profound significance.” –Roy J. Mathew

If a реrѕоn wants tо become рhуѕісаllу fit, іnсrеаѕе flеxіbіlіtу, аnd improve уоur muscle tоnе, then Hаthа уоgа wіll bе thе bеѕt fоr you. Thіѕ tуре оf уоgа^[4] іѕ thе mоѕt uѕuаl form оf yoga whеrе it uѕеѕ thе tуреѕ оf tесhnіԛuеѕ and роѕіtіоnѕ thаt most реорlе аѕѕосіаtе with yoga.

Thе рrасtіtіоnеr wіll mainly fосuѕ on ѕtrеtсhіng and developing thе flexibility. Althоugh Hatha уоgа is nоt thе mоѕt strenuous fоrm оf уоgа it will dеfіnіtеlу wоrk wonders іn іmрrоvіng уоur flеxіbіlіtу аѕ wеll аѕ hеlр in treating brain injuries and memory loss.

Thеrе іѕ аlѕо another type оf уоgа for оnе whо іѕ lооkіng fоr a more strenuous workout but ѕtіll wаntѕ tо еxреrіеnсе the еmоtіоnаl аnd ѕріrіtuаl bеnеfіtѕ of yoga.

Thе mоѕt strenuous fоrm оf yoga іѕ known as the Aѕhtаngа уоgа. Thіѕ kіnd іѕ absolutely grеаt fоr people whо wаnt a more сhаllеngіng workout that wіll help tone their muѕсlеѕ and іmрrоvе thеіr рhуѕісаl health.

Aѕhtаngа уоgа uses thе mоѕt stimulating poses and mоvеmеntѕ to еnhаnсе уоur рhуѕісаl fіtnеѕѕ lеvеl.

Fоr one who is mоrе fосuѕed on the еmоtіоnаl аnd ѕріrіtuаl fitness aspects, thеrе is a fоrm оf yoga that will hеlр you reach уоur gоаlѕ аѕ well. Jnаnа уоgа fосuѕеѕ a lot on the spiritual аnd рhіlоѕорhісаl aspects оf уоgа.

Jnana yoga can help to reach dеереr іntо thе ѕріrіtuаl lеvеl and can assist in relieving ѕtrеѕѕ аѕ well.

Wіth any form of yoga that you may choose to incorporate within your life, іt will allow you tо lіvе a mоrе bаlаnсеd аnd fulfіllіng lіfеѕtуlе, physically, emotionally and spiritual as well.

References

1. https://www.healthyway.com/content/how-to-choose-the-right-yoga-for-your-personality/
2. https://www.bustle.com/articles/133521-the-best-yoga-style-for-your-personality
3. https://www.consumerhealthdigest.com/
4. https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/which-style-of-yoga-is-best-for-you

About the Author

Meighan Sembrano is a health enthusiast and a passionate writer. Her primary expertise is in Beauty and Skin Care, but she has also published articles on Health and Fitness. Her sincerity and thoughtfulness resonate with readers, and her enthusiasm is contagious. You can follow Meighan on Twitter and Facebook.

The post How To Choose The Right Yoga For Your Personality appeared first on Natural Revolution.

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By Audrey Throne — Long gone are the days when people, on average, slept a good 10 to 12 hours at night and woke up fresh and energetic. The daily routine of humans no longer depends on the rising and setting of the sun. Today most people work overtime or do double shifts to make ends meet.

This change in lifestyle is not only challenging but is a cause of fatigue and stress too. Unfortunately, too many people today are living in constant stress and anxiety. As a result, their health is compromised.

It’s a daily struggle to remain fresh and energetic in the morning and it is no surprise that our caffeine dependence is on the rise. People all over the world depend on tea or coffee to kickstart their day. Without caffeine, most people find it hard to function properly.

But sleep deprivation and extreme caffeine addiction can be bad for health. I went through a phase where I was overworked and stretched to the maximum, unhappy at work, addicted to caffeine and going through a rough patch in personal life as well. It resulted in a long phase of migraines and panic attacks.

After six months of deteriorating health, I decided it was time to make some major changes in life. So I quit my job and went on a 45-day yoga retreat. Those 45 days changed the game for me. Meditation, clean eating and rest saved my life.

It’s a lesson I learned the hard way. It doesn’t have to be that way for you. During these 6 weeks, I learned that it is, in fact, not so hard to stay naturally alert and energetic all day long.

Here are four easy and effective ways to stay energetic every morning:

1. Follow a bedtime routine

A bedtime routine is followed by children but it is equally important for adults too.

As hard as it may seem, it is highly important to follow a bedtime routine despite all the work and social commitments. Waking up and sleeping at the same time every day, even on the weekends, allows your biological clock to be in sync with the numerical clock. This synchronization keeps you fresh and energetic every morning.

Fix a bedtime and strictly follow it as much as you possibly can. It may seem impossibly challenging at the start but it is a fruitful effort for those who want to stay alert naturally and feel fresh and healthy each morning.

A bedtime routine is not just about going to bed at the same time every day. It includes the things you do and the food you consume. It is a good idea to stay away from caffeinated drinks before bedtime. Also, avoid screen time 2 hours before going to bed.

Following a consistent routine will make waking up natural for you. And, you will be automatically falling asleep and waking up at the same time every day.

2. Wake up and jump out of bed

For those of us who use our cell phones as an alarm clock, the snooze button feels like a blessing in disguise for all late risers. But the fact is that it the practice of falling asleep for 5-10 minutes doesn’t help if you want to wake up refreshed.

Therefore, get out of bed as soon as the alarm rings. Setting your favorite song as alarm tone will give you an additional push to get up and get moving. [it always works for me!]

The first few minutes of being awake are the hardest and you may be tempted to go back to sleep. The main struggle revolves around overcoming those few moments of temptation. Prolong staying awake for few minutes after your alarm goes off and the temptation to fall back to sleep is mostly gone. Initially, jumping out of bed may seem hard but with once you form a habit of not using the snooze button; it becomes effortless, and the ‘new normal’.

Before going to bed, open all your curtains and blinds so that the sunlight can enter your room. Natural or artificial, both, lights give a signal to the body that it is daytime and you should be awake. Sunlight is also a natural source of vitamin D and provides energy to the body.

3. Exercise and stay hydrated

Drinking a few glasses of water every morning keeps your body hydrated and helps in jumpstarting your metabolism. When you are dehydrated your body feels fatigued and brain functions slow down. Even a little decrease in the water intake can affect your organs and their ability to function.

A study showed that reduced water consumption makes you more tired and less alert. Water consumption is vital since water keeps your organs healthy and body well hydrated.

If you feel fatigued after waking up, start exercising every morning. A workout routine enables the body to wake up and function. The hormones released during a workout help the body become active and increase focus.

Working out regularly in the morning doesn’t just keep your body healthy, it also helps kickstart your day with a ton of energy.

4. Do not skip breakfast

Many people complain that they do not feel hungry immediately after waking up and therefore, skip breakfast. On the contrary, breakfast is the most essential meal of the day. When you sleep for 8 to 10 hours the body goes into starvation mode and hence it feels like you are not hungry. Morning time is when the body is at its lowest fuel levels. When you skip a meal, the body’s metabolism is affected, and fats are accumulated.

To be energetic and alert in the morning, have a protein-powered breakfast. An all-carb breakfast makes you feel full by increasing your blood sugar level, but it does not provide the punch needed to go throughout the day.

You can include protein in the form of eggs, bacon or sausages. Or you can consume whole grain bread or cereal, plain yogurt, milk, peanut butter, banana etc.

Adding a medium sized cup of caffeine in your breakfast will also keep you awake and fresh. Most people will grab a cup of coffee for their daily dose of caffeine.

But green tea is a much lighter and healthier alternative to coffee. Regular green tea has less amount of caffeine but L-theanine, an amino acid, found in green tea along with the caffeine, keeps the brain alert and helps you stay focused throughout the day.

The post The Top 4 Easy Ways To Stay Energetic Every Morning appeared first on Natural Revolution.

It’s a bold statement, but one that has quite a bit of research to back up the claims that eating certain foods over your lifetime can cause macular degeneration, which can lead to blindness.

Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, Chris Knobbe, MD, presented a revolutionary hypothesis for the cause and treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), through an ancestral dietary strategy.

The rates of AMD in modern civilizations have increased sharply just after the industrial revolution in the early part of the 1900’s when new foods were created by factory farming — this includes a laundry list of food items as you’ll discover below.

Research over the course of decades was undertaken on many different continents around the world to see the difference between what the Standard American Diet (SAD — a very accurate acronym) and ancestral diets that are among people who don’t have access to processed foods — no grocery stores are located in their community.

Watch Chris Knobbe, MD, as he explains how eating certain foods may cause AMD and blindness.

The dietary approach to avoid AMD

Ancestral eating is eating unrefined, unprocessed, whole foods that have been around for thousands of years. They include:

• Grass-fed chicken, turkey, beef, lamb
• Wild-caught seafood
• Free-range eggs
• Organic vegetables and fruits
• Healthful fats such as extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, unrefined virgin coconut oil, ghee and butter (grass fed)
• Grass-fed whole fat dairy
• Fermented foods like saur-kraut, kimchee, and kefir (no added sugar)

Ancestral eating means eliminating foods like:

• Vegetable oils (soybean, corn, canola, cottonseed)
• Refined sugar
• Processed soy
• Packaged products like deli meats and frozen entrees
• Anything that contains wheat
• (See chart below for more food items to avoid)

Think of ancestral eating by picturing in your mind how your ancestors ate. Before industrial farming, people had to grow their own food, and before that, they had to hunt for food, and if they were lucky, they’d find nuts, seeds, berries, vegetables — basically eating real unprocessed food.

Eating real whole food is eating the kinds of foods that are as close to its natural state as possible.

Buying from local farmers supports your community

Eating food from your local farmers and farmers markets is great for the environment and supports your local community and economy.

Every time you buy food, you vote with every dollar that you spend. You can vote for farmers or you can vote for giant corporations that are looking to keep foods on the grocery shelves as long as they can, keeping the profits and not supporting local communities.

Not only do big food companies not support your local communities, you have no idea what pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals were added to produce the food you’re buying, simply because big food companies keep that kind of information from you.

If you knew actually what was in most of the food that is sold in the U.S., like pesticides, GMOs and other contaminants and how the food was produced that you buy at most large scale grocery stores, you most likely wouldn’t buy their products.

However, ancestral eating is knowing how your food was grown and knowing where your food comes from — it shouldn’t be a secret.

Ancestral eating tips

Ancestral eating is about consuming food that’s grown as its intended to be. Cows are meant to be grass-fed. Chickens are meant to be free range. Vegetables are not meant to be grown with dangerous chemicals like Roundup (glyphosate), produced by Monsanto and other chemical giants.

It does take a dedicated approach to change your diet if you want to ward off, not only AMD but other diseases that are linked to a SAD diet.

Here are some tips that you can use to start your journey on a healthy path:

• Find your local farmers market by clicking here. If you can’t find yours on the list, do a quick google search
• Search out a buying club in your area. You can find organic farms where you can order food from that is also sustainable and help your local community
• Eat organic as much as possible. Yes, it may be more expensive, but do you know how much cancer or AMD costs to treat?
• Refrain from getting your meals in a box. Prepackaged food contains so many preservatives and other additives that are incredibly bad for your health.
• Begin a backyard garden or on your patio if you have a small space where you live.
• Find local gardens in your area where you can plant your own seeds and grow your own food; it’s fun, you’re out in the sun and it’s an experience you’ll never forget
• If you have outdoor space, get yourself some chickens — they will produce eggs!

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Hemp seed and the oil derived from it is a nutritional gem, very rich in Omega 3, 6 & 9, and also in exactly the right ratio for it to be absorbed into the body.  According to numerous studies that means it is good for arthritis, cardiovascular disease, ADHD, skin and hair. Hemp seed and oil has been called “Nature’s Perfect Food for Humanity” – a wealth of health for everyone.

In particular the fatty acids alpha linolenic acid (omega-3), linoleic acid (omega-6), and oleic acid (omega-9) carry much of the health benefits in Hemp Seed Oil. Hemp Oil’s fatty acid profile appears to be well balanced for human nutrition (~3:1 LA to LNA ratio).

This oil has a pleasant nutty smell and, a deep green color, which is a result of the high level of chlorophyll which is naturally present in the seed.

The oil can be used as part of a nutritional programme to maintain and improve good health.  With a pleasant nutty flavour, Hemp Seed Oil is ideal for use in salad dressings, mayonnaise, dips etc. It is not suitable for frying as this reduces the benefits.

Hemp has had a long-standing relationship with humanity; modern science reveals that it contains all the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids necessary for human life, as well as a rare protein known as globule edestins that is very similar to the globulin found in human blood plasma.

Four years after the Marijuana Tax Act passed in the US, a researcher writing for a 1941 edition of Science lamented the loss of access to the hemp seed’s rare and important globule edistins; “Passage of the Marijuana Law of 1937 has placed restrictions upon trade in hempseed that, in effect, amount to prohibition….”

Hemp seeds contain the most balanced and richest natural single source of essential oils for human consumption. The E.F.A.’s not only help to restore wasting bodies, but also improve damaged immune systems, so it is not so surprising that modern researchers have studied them in relationship to the modern immune attacking AIDS virus. (Eidlman, M.D., Hamilton, ED.D, Ph.D 1992).

Hemp oil is nature’s most balanced oil for human nutrition and is easily digestible; in fact this oil could provide all of Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) requirements for life, due to the balanced 80% EFA content of the oil.

Research has shown that this nutritional oil was once a part of worldwide dietary intake, as it was one of the first cultivated crops. All natural foods contain some substances, which are essential to life. Oils for example, found in nuts and seeds, contain significantly higher amounts of essential fatty acids than other foods.

Much information about Hemp has been systematically removed from written texts since the 1930’s and is now difficult to find. Many of the myths about hemp, perpetuated by governments to this day relating to hemp being a drug crop are incorrect and simply propaganda created to make way for synthetic man made products.

Alpha Linolenic acid (LNA) Deficiency Symptoms – Omega 3

The symptoms of LNA deficiency include:

• Growth retardation
• weakness
• impairment of vision and learning ability
• motor incoordination
• tingling in arms and legs
• behavioural changes

Adding LNA back into the diet from which it is missing can reverse these symptoms. Other symptoms that can result from LNA (or w3) deficiency include; High triglycerides, high blood pressure, sticky platelets, tissue inflammation, edema, dry skin, mental deterioration, low metabolic rate, some kinds of immune dysfunction.

Linoleic acid (LA) Deficiency Symptoms – Omega 6

The symptoms of LA deficiency include: Eczema-like skin eruptions, loss of hair, liver degeneration, behavioural disturbances, kidney degeneration, excessive water loss through the skin accompanied by thirst, drying up of glands, susceptibility to infections, failure of wound healing, sterility in males, miscarriage in females, arthritis-like conditions, heart and circulatory problems, growth retardation.  Prolonged absence of LA from the diet is fatal. Adding LA back into the diet from which it is missing can reverse all of the deficiency symptoms.

In 1955 the Czechoslovakian Tubercular Nutrition Study concluded that hemp seed was the“Only food that can successfully treat the consumptive disease tuberculosis, in which the nutritive processes are impaired and the body wastes away”(Robinson 1996).

Dr Johana Budwig – A pioneer of Essential Fatty Acid Research

The seven-time Nobel Prize nominee, Dr. Johana Budwig, a pioneer of E.F.A research, reported success in treating heart infarction, arthritis, cancer and other common diseases with massive doses of E.F.A.’s. Budwig’s research indicates that many of these killer and crippling diseases may be caused in part by our diet of saturated fat and trans-fat, which are present in much of the food we eat. According to this healing Doctor, saturated fat and trans-fat befuddle the electronic charge of the unsaturated oils, which are present in cell membranes.

This decreases the cells ability to receive and store electrons from the sun, which according to Budwig is a key factor in human health.

Alternatively, a balanced diet of E.F.A’s keeps the charge of the unsaturated fats in the cells membranes working properly and electron rich. As Budwig herself explains:

The sun’s rays are very much in harmony with humans. It is no coincidence that we love the sun. The resonance in our biological tissue is so strongly tuned to the absorption of solar energy that physicists who occupy themselves with this scientific phenomenon, the quantum biologists say that there is nothing on earth that has a higher concentration of solar energy photons than humans. This enrichment with solar energy depends strongly on the like energy aspects, a wavelength that is compatible with humans, and this is supported when we eat foods that have electromagnetic waves of solar rays–the photon. An abundance of these electrons, which are tuned to the solar energy frequency, exist, for example, in   many seed oils. Scientifically these oils have even been designated as electron-rich, essential, highly unsaturated fats. (Budwig 1992)

Budwig states that when we began to homogenize vegetable oils so that they would store better, we unknowingly changed their E.F.A. content into saturated fats in the ensuing heating process. These E.F.A. robbed, thus electron poor   “promote the emergence of cancer…. They behave like tar, as insulators relative to the transport of electrons in living tissue.” Alternatively, “electron-rich highly unsaturated oils… increase the absorption, storage and utilization of the sun’s energy”.

Budwig relates that after her ailing patients have been treated with an E.F.A. rich diet and then “lie in the sun, they notice they feel much better-rejuvenated”; (Budwig 1992)

On the other hand, nowadays we frequently observe that the heart fails on sunny beaches, and not infrequently heart attacks occur. We can observe some individuals in our time experiencing stress from exposure to the sun’s energy, whereas others respond with dynamic improvement in all vital functions. The stimulating effect that sunshine has on the secretions of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, bladder, and salivary glands is easy to observe. These organs only dry out upon exposure to sunshine when the substance that stimulates secretions is missing. The decisive factor in all these observations is whether the surface-active, electron-rich, highly unsaturated fats are present as a resonating system for solar energy, or, if they are missing. The doctor tells cancer patients to avoid the sun; that they can’t tolerate the sun. As soon as these patients–also cancer patients–were placed on my oil-Protein diet for just 2-3 days, i.e. a diet that   contains an abundant supply of essential fats, they were able to tolerate the sun very well. ” (Budwig 1992).

In times of worry about increased exposure to the sun’s rays the E.F.A. rich oils provided by hemp may offer us hope. In her writings about the sun’s effect on the cell membrane’s electrons, Budwig referred to the work of the quantum physicist Dessauer, “If it were possible to increase the concentration of solar electrons tenfold in this biological electron rich molecule, man would live to be 10,000 years old.”

Benefits of Cold Pressed Hemp Oil

Hemp oil should be pressed with a minimum of heat because the higher the temperature of the oil the faster it is destroyed by light, oxygen and other chemical reactions. The shape and properties of Fatty-acid molecules can change lowering their nutritional and biological value.

In the UK they do not have restrictions on pressing oil from live seed unlike America where the seed has to be killed by high temperatures to allow it to be imported. With this seed is it is not possible to press fresh living oil that remains stable with a longer shelf life. Hemp oil is legal in the UK.

How to use Hemp

With a pleasant nutty flavour, Hemp Seed Oil is ideal for use in salad dressings, mayonnaise, dips etc. Not suitable for frying as this reduces the benefits. May be taken as a nutritional supplement for general health and well being.

We recommend mixing with Alfalfa, Barley and Wheat Grass powder,  providing the benefits of the soluble proteins in Alfalfa, Barley and Wheat Grass powder, along with all the huge array of other  nutrients. Organic yogurt can be used in addition with Alfalfa, Barley and Wheat Grass powder for its probiotic content. Use 1 dessertspoons of Hemp oil to one heaped dessertspoon of the grass juice powder, (or half a cup of organic yogurt) half a glass of chemical free water, (do not use tap water, the chlorine in tap water turns nutrients into toxic, even carcinogenic chemicals!). This mix can be taken once or twice daily.

Hemp oil can also be used externally on the skin, easily absorbed and moisturising, suitable for poor condition skin.

How much is needed?

Recommended daily intake for a person with an average build and body fat profile is 2-4 dessert spoons (up to 50 ml) per day, or in the case of therapy this can be increased up to 150 ml per day for approximately 7 days then reverting to the normal daily intake amount. The requirement of oil intake is now widely accepted as being 15%-20% of calorific requirement (daily average of 2000 calories for an average adult). EFA oils contain embodied energy of 9 calories per ml, which is mainly used by the body for structural, hormonal and electrical functions, rather than energy.

What are the beneficial properties of Hemp Seed Oil?

The body needs omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids but can’t make them, which is why they’re termed “essential” – we must get them from our diets. Omega-9 fats are described as “non-essential,” because our bodies can synthesize them from other things we eat, and we don’t have to depend on direct dietary sources to obtain them. The main omega-9 is oleic acid, found in olive oil, canola oil, hemp oil, peanut oil and sunflower oil.

Omega-9s may benefit health by helping to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol. They may also play a role in controlling blood sugar.

The functions of LNA include: Production of smooth skin increased stamina, speeds healing, increases vitality, brings a feeling of calmness, reduces inflammation, water retention, platelet stickiness and blood pressure, enhances immune functions, reduces the pain and swelling of arthritis, can reverse premenstrual syndrome, can treat bacterial infections, brain development in children.

The functions of LA include

Energy production, growth vitality, mental state, oxygen transfer, formation of cell membrane, recovery from fatigue, secretion production in exocrine and endocrine glands, formation of prostaglandins (to maintain cardiovascular system) keeping body fluids liquid, helping immune system resist and fight infection, prevention of allergies, functioning of heart tissue

The functions of GLA include

Conversion of LA to the beneficial prostaglandins, cholesterol lowering actions, useful in treating degenerative diseases. The Oleic Acid (Omega 9) contained in Hemp Seed Oil helps keep arteries supple because of its fluidity. In excess, Oleic acid can interfere with EFA’s and prostaglandins, this is why hemp oil perfect ratio of Omega’s is complementary to the body’s’ needs.

The low level of Stearic acid (18:0) in Hemp Seed Oil is beneficial as high levels of Stearic acid are more likely to form flow-impeding clots in blood vessels and work against the healing qualities of the EFA’s.

• Palmitic acid  (16:0) commonly found as a high percentage in animal fats and tropical oils, it raises cholesterol levels.
• Vitamins: are also present notably C, E, B1, B2 and carotene in a fat soluble, easily digestible form.
• Minerals: mainly Phosphorus, Calcium, Potassium, Zinc and Magnesium.

Please note, oils that have been high temperature and solvent extracted then refined (most oils in the supermarkets) do not have the benefits left in them but contain detrimental Trans-fatty acids from hydrogenation.

EFA’s increase metabolic rate, therefore increasing fat burn-off, helping you to become slim. Not to be seen as a singular solution, exercise and good eating habits need to be taken into account.

Combining nutritional protein Grasses with Hemp Oil

Mixing Hemp Oil with other green proteins such as Alfalfa, Barley and Wheat Grass powder,  provides the benefits of the soluble proteins, along with all the huge array of other  nutrients as listed above. Use 1 or 2 dessertspoons of Hemp oil to one heaped dessertspoon of grass juice powder, half a glass of chemical free water, (do not use tap water, the chlorine in tap water turns nutrients into toxic, even carcinogenic chemicals!). This mix can be taken once or twice daily. It is the combination of the proteins protect the Hemp oil from degradation in the body. The combination forms the basis of a powerful therapy that Dr Budwig used, and helps to deliver sunlight from sensible sun exposure to the cells for maximum benefit.

We highly recommend whether getting your omega’s from hemp oil, hemp seed or hemp protein powder, it’s best to find a quality brand that tests for its purity and quality and is sourced from organic sources, as does Nutiva, which is our go-to product store.

Information sourced from Udo Erasmus excellent book “Fats that heal – Fats that kill“.

Recommended FREE reading: Kenneth Jones “Nutritional and Medical guide to Hemp Seed”.

From:

• www.regenerativenutrition.com
• Fats that heal – Fats that kill

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