Certain hair products may increase breast cancer risk

New research findings have uncovered that black women who use certain hair dyes and white women using certain chemical relaxants have a higher risk of breast cancer. The study involved over 4,000 women.

The study found that black women who used dark brown of black hair dyes had a 51 percent higher risk for breast cancer. White women who used hair relaxers had a 71 percent higher risk for breast cancer. Although the study uncovered an association between these hair products and breast cancer risk, it did not explain the connection.

The study’s lead author Adana Llanos explained, “Our findings do not suggest that simply using hair dyes, relaxers or both will cause a woman to get breast cancer. The reality is that we regularly encounter a variety of harmful exposures, which we have no control over.”

The takeaway here is that we should be limiting our exposure to harsh chemicals as much as possible.

Harsh hair products increase cancer risk

There has been a long-standing debate regarding the safety of hair chemicals like dyes and relaxants. There haven’t been many conclusive studies on the topic, so it’s often been unclear whether or not these products are safe to use.

In the past, studies on hair products and safety didn’t include black women. This study is the first of its kind The women in the study were asked about their use of hair products. Among those surveyed were 2,280 breast cancer survivors.

The products that the researchers analyzed included hair dyes, chemical relaxers, and deep conditioners that contained cholesterol or placenta.

It isn’t clear why there’s an association between the use of these hair products and breast cancer. Llanos suggested, “One hypothesis is that the chemical composition of hair products marketed for and used among whites may differ from the products marketed for use by African-Americans. More research is needed to determine specifically which compounds and chemicals are dangerous and even which specific consumer products and brands contain those chemicals.”

After adjusting for other factors, Llanos suggests that the association between hair product use and breast cancer may come down to lifestyle habits.

Don’t fret

Toxicologist Linda Loretz explained, “Those who use cosmetics and personal care products can feel confident that they are protected by a combination of strong federal safety regulations enacted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA] and the science-based safety assessments from the companies that manufacture these products.”

Does this mean that you need to stop treating your hair in fear of breast cancer? No, not necessarily. There are lots of factors that can contribute to a person’s risk of developing breast cancer, such as family history, genetics, and lifestyle habits. If you are concerned about your own risk, you should speak to your doctor.

Certain hair products may increase breast cancer risk

Is Coconut Oil Good for Your Skin?

Coconut oil is a type of fat that has been touted for its health-promoting properties.

From decreasing levels of LDL cholesterol to improving brain function in Alzheimer’s patients, coconut oil is associated with a multitude of health benefits .

In fact, several studies have even found it might have benefits for skin health as well.

This article looks at the evidence to examine whether coconut oil is good for skin.

What Is Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is a highly saturated oil that is traditionally made by extracting the oil from raw coconuts or dried coconut kernels .

At room temperature it’s solid, but when heated it can soften or even melt.

It’s frequently used in cooking or applied directly to the skin and hair.

Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids, which are a form of saturated fat. In fact, these medium-chain fatty acids make up about 65% of its total composition .

The fatty acids found in coconut oil include :

• Lauric acid: 49%
• Myristic acid: 18%
• Caprylic acid: 8%
• Palmitic acid: 8%
• Capric acid: 7%
• Oleic acid: 6%
• Linoleic acid: 2%
• Stearic acid: 2%

Although coconut oil is about 90% saturated fat, it does contain small amounts of mono and polyunsaturated fats as well. One tablespoon contains about 12 grams of saturated fat and 1 gram of unsaturated fat .

Summary: Coconut oil is used in cooking but can also be applied to the skin or hair. It’s rich in saturated fat and medium-chain fatty acids, especially lauric acid.

It Can Kill Harmful Microorganisms

The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil have antimicrobial properties that can help protect against harmful microorganisms.

This is especially important for skin health, as many types of skin infections, including acne, cellulitis, folliculitis and athlete’s foot, are caused by bacteria or fungi .

Applying coconut oil directly to the skin may prevent the growth of these microorganisms.

This is due to its lauric acid content, which makes up nearly 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil and can fight harmful microorganisms.

One study tested the antibacterial properties of 30 types of fatty acids against 20 different strains of bacteria. Lauric acid was found to be the most effective at blocking the growth of bacteria .

Another test-tube study showed that lauric acid can kill off Propionibacterium acnes, a type of bacteria that leads to the development of inflammatory acne .

Furthermore, capric acid is another medium-chain fatty acid found in coconut oil, although to a lesser extent. Like lauric acid, capric acid has been shown to have potent antimicrobial properties.

A test-tube study showed that both lauric and capric acid effectively killed off strains of bacteria .

Another test-tube study demonstrated the anti-fungal effects of capric acid, showing that it was able to inhibit the growth of certain types of fungi .

Summary: The fatty acids found in coconut oil have antimicrobial properties that effectively kill bacteria and fungi.

Coconut Oil Could Reduce Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a major component of many different types of skin disorders, including psoriasis, contact dermatitis and eczema .

Interestingly, coconut oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

In one study, researchers applied virgin coconut oil to the inflamed ears of rats. Not only was coconut oil found to have an anti-inflammatory effect, but it relieved pain as well .

What’s more, coconut oil may ease inflammation by improving antioxidant status.

Antioxidants work by stabilizing free radicals in the body, neutralizing the reactive atoms that can contribute to inflammation .

A 2013 animal study fed rats different types of oil, including coconut oil, olive oil and sunflower oil. At the end of the 45-day study, virgin coconut oil had improved antioxidant status and prevented oxidative stress to the greatest extent .

It’s important to keep in mind that most current research is limited to animal and test-tube studies, so it’s hard to know how these results may translate to humans.

However, based on these studies, coconut oil shows great potential in its ability to reduce inflammation when consumed or applied to the skin.

Summary: Animal studies have shown that coconut oil may relieve inflammation by improving antioxidant status and decreasing oxidative stress.

Coconut Oil May Help Treat Acne

While some think coconut oil clogs pores, considerable research shows it might actually help treat acne.

Acne is an inflammatory condition, and many of the medications used to treat it work by targeting and reducing inflammation .

Because coconut oil and its components may help reduce inflammation in the body, it may also aid in the treatment of acne.

Furthermore, the antibacterial properties of the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil could also help reduce acne.

Numerous studies have shown that lauric acid, which accounts for nearly half of the fatty acids in coconut oil, has been shown to kill off the strain of bacteria linked to acne .

In fact, test-tube and animal studies have shown that lauric acid is more effective than benzoyl peroxide at preventing the growth of acne-causing bacteria .

Along with lauric acid, capric acid has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

A 2014 animal and test-tube study showed that both lauric and capric acid were successful in reducing inflammation and preventing acne by killing off bacteria .

To get the best results, coconut oil should be applied directly to the skin in areas where acne is found.

Summary: The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of coconut oil and its components could help treat acne.

Coconut Oil Can Moisturize Dry Skin

In addition to its effects on acne and inflammation, applying coconut oil to your skin can also help keep it hydrated.

One study in patients with mild to moderately dry skin compared the effects of coconut oil to mineral oil, a type of oil made from petroleum that’s often used to treat dry skin.

The two-week study found that coconut oil significantly improved skin hydration and was just as effective as mineral oil .

It has also been shown to help treat eczema, a skin condition characterized by scaly, itchy rashes.

A study comparing the effects of olive oil and coconut oil in 52 adults with eczema found that applying coconut oil helped reduce dryness, in addition to helping treat eczema .

Another study found similar results, showing that coconut oil led to a 68% decrease in eczema severity, making it significantly more effective than mineral oil in the treatment of eczema .

Keeping your skin hydrated can help preserve its function as a barrier to keep out bacteria, promote the healing of scars and maintain overall skin integrity .

Summary: Coconut oil can be an effective moisturizer and aid in the treatment of dry skin and eczema.

Coconut Oil May Help With Wound Healing

Several studies have demonstrated that coconut oil may also aid wound healing.

One animal study looked at how coconut oil applied to the skin affected wound healing in rats.

It found that treating the wounds with virgin coconut oil sped up healing, improved antioxidant status and increased levels of collagen, an important protein that aids in wound healing .

Another animal study showed that coconut oil combined with an antibiotic applied to the skin was effective at healing burn wounds .

In addition to improving wound healing, its antimicrobial properties may also prevent infection, one of the major risk factors that can complicate the healing process .

Summary: Animal studies have shown that coconut oil may help accelerate wound healing.

Who Shouldn’t Use Coconut Oil?

While research shows coconut oil can benefit skin health, applying it to the skin may not be ideal for everyone.

For example, those who have oily skin may want to avoid doing so, as it may block pores and cause blackheads.

As with most things, trial and error may be the best approach to determine if coconut oil works for you.

Additionally, if you have sensitive skin, use a small amount or try applying it only to a small section of skin to make sure it doesn’t cause irritation or blocked pores.

Yet, eating and cooking with coconut oil is generally not a problem for most people.

That said, if you have oily or highly sensitive skin, consider adding coconut oil to your diet instead to take advantage of its benefits.

Summary: Coconut oil could potentially clog pores. Using a small amount and slowly testing your tolerance to it is recommended for those with oily or sensitive skin.

Which Type of Coconut Oil Is Best?

Coconut oil can be produced through dry or wet processing.

Dry processing involves drying coconut meat to create kernels, pressing them to extract the oil, then bleaching and deodorizing them.

This process forms refined coconut oil, which has a more neutral scent and higher smoke point .

In wet processing, coconut oil is obtained from raw coconut meat — instead of dried — to create virgin coconut oil. This helps retain the coconut scent and results in a lower smoke point .

While refined coconut oil may be better suited for cooking at high temperatures, virgin coconut oil is a better choice in terms of skin health.

Not only does most of the existing research focus specifically on the effects of virgin coconut oil, but there’s also evidence that it may have added health benefits.

A 2009 animal study found that virgin coconut oil improved antioxidant status and increased ability to neutralize disease-causing free radicals, compared to refined coconut oil .

Another test-tube study showed that virgin coconut oil had a greater amount of inflammation-reducing antioxidants, as well as an improved ability to fight free radicals, compared to refined coconut oil .

The results of these two studies indicate that virgin coconut oil may be more effective than refined coconut oil at preventing oxidation and neutralizing free radicals, which can damage cells and lead to inflammation and disease.

Summary: Virgin coconut oil may be a better choice than refined coconut oil, given that it provides added health benefits like improved antioxidant status.

The Bottom Line

Although the health benefits of eating coconut oil are well-studied, research on its effects on the skin is mostly limited to animal or test-tube studies.

However, coconut oil may be linked to some potential benefits for skin, including reducing inflammation, keeping skin moisturized and helping heal wounds.

The medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil also possess antimicrobial properties that can help treat acne and protect the skin from harmful bacteria.

If you have oily or highly sensitive skin, make sure to start slowly to assess your tolerance, and consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns.

Is Coconut Oil Good for Your Skin?

9 Impressive Health Benefits of Chlorella

Move over spirulina, there’s a new algae in town — chlorella. This nutrient-dense algae has been receiving a lot of buzz for its health benefits.

Furthermore, as a supplement, it has shown promise in improving cholesterol levels and ridding the body of toxins.

This article tells you all you need to know about chlorella, including what it is, the research behind its health claims and how to take it as a supplement.

What Is Chlorella?

Chlorella is a single-celled, green freshwater algae .

There are over 30 different species, but two types — Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorella pyrenoidosa — are most commonly used in research .

Because chlorella has a hard cell wall that humans cannot digest, you must take it as a supplement to reap its benefits .

It’s available in capsule, tablet, powder and extract form .

In addition to being used as a nutritional supplement, chlorella is also used as a biodiesel fuel .

Interestingly, studies indicate it can have many health benefits. Here are 9 of them.

1. Very Nutritious

Chlorella’s impressive nutritional profile has led some to call it a “super food.”

While its exact nutrient content depends on growing conditions, the species used and how supplements are processed, it’s clear it packs several beneficial nutrients.

They include:

• Protein: Chlorella is 50–60% protein. What’s more, it’s a complete protein source, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids .
• Vitamin B12: Some chlorella varieties may also contain vitamin B12, but more studies are needed .
• Iron and vitamin C: Chlorella can be a good source of iron. Depending on the supplement, it may provide anywhere from 6–40% of your daily need. It’s also an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps you absorb iron .
• Other antioxidants: These tiny green cells provide a wide range of antioxidants .
• Other vitamins and minerals: Chlorella provides small amounts of magnesium, zinc, copper, potassium, calcium, folic acid and other B vitamins .
• Omega-3s: As with other algae, chlorella contains some omega-3s. Just 3 grams of chlorella delivers 100 mg of omega-3s .
• Fiber: In large quantities, chlorella can be a good source of fiber. However, most supplements don’t provide even 1 gram of fiber per dose .

Summary: Chlorella contains many nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and omega-3 fats. Exact quantities may differ among brands.

2. Binds to Heavy Metals, Aiding Detox

Chlorella has gotten some buzz for its ability to help the body “detox.”

In fact, animal studies indicate that it’s effective at helping remove heavy metals and other harmful compounds from the body .

Heavy metals include some elements that are essential in small amounts, such as iron and copper, but these and other heavy metals like cadmium and lead can be toxic in larger amounts.

While it’s rare for people to have dangerous levels of heavy metals in their system, people can get exposed to heavy metals through pollution or certain jobs such as mining .

In animals, algae, including chlorella, has been found to weaken the heavy metal toxicity of the liver, brain and kidneys .

Furthermore, chlorella has been shown to help lower the amount of other harmful chemicals that are sometimes found in food. One of these is dioxin, a hormone disruptor that can contaminate animals in the food supply .

Based on this evidence, it seems that chlorella could help enhance your body’s natural ability to clear toxins.

Summary: Chlorella may help the body detox by binding to heavy metals and other toxins.

3. Could Enhance Your Immune System

Your immune system helps keep you healthy by fighting off infections.

It’s a complex system made up of multiple mechanisms and cells that get into gear when an invader enters your body.

Chlorella has been found to enhance the immune response in both animal and human studies, although the evidence so far is limited.

In one small study, men produced more antibodies when taking chlorella than when they took a placebo. Antibodies help fight foreign invaders in your body, meaning this finding is quite promising .

In another small, eight-week study, healthy adults who took chlorella showed markers of increased immune activity .

Nevertheless, findings have been mixed, with some studies showing little to no effect.

For instance, one study found that chlorella supplements enhanced immune function in participants aged 50–55, but not those over 55 .

So it’s possible that chlorella may have immune-boosting effects in some populations and age groups, but not in all. More and larger-scale studies are needed.

Summary: Chlorella may bolster immune function by increasing the activity of various parts of the immune system.

4. May Help Improve Cholesterol

Several studies have suggested that chlorella supplements may help lower cholesterol .

Specifically, several studies have shown that taking 5–10 grams of chlorella daily lowered total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in people with high blood pressure and/or slightly elevated cholesterol .

Chlorella’s content of the following may help improve blood lipid levels:

• Niacin: A B vitamin known to lower cholesterol .
• Fiber: A cholesterol-lowering agent .
• Carotenoids: Have been shown to naturally lower cholesterol .
• Antioxidants: Help prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which is known to contribute to heart disease .

Summary: The nutrients found in chlorella, including niacin, fiber, carotenoids and antioxidants, may help lower your cholesterol levels.

5. Acts as an Antioxidant

Chlorella contains several compounds that are considered antioxidants, including chlorophyll, vitamin C, beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein .

These antioxidants can help fight many chronic diseases .

Some of these antioxidants seem to reduce the production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which drive many of the complications of diabetes .

In animals and lab studies, chlorella has interfered with the way genes age .

Also, a human study showed chlorella supplements increased antioxidant levels in chronic cigarette smokers, a population at a higher risk of oxidative damage .

Although much of this research is promising, it is still preliminary.

Summary: Chlorella’s antioxidant content may provide some protection against chronic disease, but more human studies are needed to confirm this.

6. Helps Keep Blood Pressure in Check

Chlorella supplements could help promote heart and kidney health, which is essential for normal blood pressure.

In one study, people with mildly high blood pressure took four grams of chlorella daily for 12 weeks.

By the end, these people had lower blood pressure readings than participants who took the placebo .

Another small study in healthy men showed that taking chlorella supplements was linked to less stiffness of the arteries, a factor that affects blood pressure .

One theory to explain this is that some of chlorella’s nutrients, including arginine, potassium, calcium and omega-3s, help protect arteries from hardening .

Summary: Some research on chlorella has pointed to a blood pressure-lowering effect. Many of its nutrients have been shown to prevent arteries from hardening.

7. Could Improve Blood Sugar Levels

Some research shows that chlorella may help lower blood sugar levels .

One study found that taking chlorella for 12 weeks lowered fasting blood sugar levels in both healthy individuals and those at high risk of lifestyle-related diseases.

Other studies have shown that supplementing with chlorella improves blood sugar control and increases insulin sensitivity in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease .

There isn’t enough research yet to say that you should take chlorella to manage blood sugar, but it may help when combined with other therapies.

Summary: Taking chlorella supplements may help lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity.

8. May Help Manage Respiratory Diseases

Managing respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often requires controlling inflammation .

Chlorella has some components that can help reduce inflammation, including its many antioxidants .

One study found that chlorella supplements improved antioxidant status in COPD patients, but that didn’t translate into any improvements in breathing capability .

More studies are needed to determine its true effect on respiratory conditions, but chlorella might help with inflammation.

Summary: The antioxidants in chlorella may have anti-inflammatory effects, which can possibly improve asthma and other respiratory diseases.

9. May Enhance Aerobic Endurance

Only one study has looked at chlorella’s effect on aerobic endurance, but it showed a positive effect.

Researchers gave a group of young adults six grams of chlorella or a placebo daily for four weeks.

At the end of the study, the chlorella group showed a significantly improved ability to saturate their lungs with oxygen, which is a measure of endurance. The placebo group did not experience any changes in endurance .

This effect may be due to chlorella’s branched-chain amino acid content.

Branched-chain amino acids are a collection of three amino acids that have been found to improve aerobic performance in various studies .

Summary: Chlorella may improve your aerobic performance, although scientific support for this benefit is limited.

Other Potential Benefits

Many other possible benefits have been proposed, but there’s little research to support these claims.

Here are some of the main health claims:

• Promotes eye health: Chlorella contains lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids that protect the eye and lower the risk of macular degeneration .
• Supports liver health: Chlorella supplements have been shown to improve markers of liver health in people with liver disease. However, it’s not clear whether there’s a benefit for healthy people .
• Improved digestion: Many sources claim chlorella eases digestion and reduces bloating. However, no studies have assessed these proposed benefits.
• Relieves PMS: Anecdotal evidence says that chlorella can relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It could be a stretch, but chlorella contains calcium and B-vitamins, both of which have been shown to reduce PMS .

While there’s no specific research to back up these claims, chlorella’s nutrient content could, in theory, have these benefits .

Summary: Chlorella has been claimed to improve energy levels, liver health, digestion and symptoms of PMS. Nevertheless, scientific evidence is currently lacking to directly support these claims.

Potential Concerns

Chlorella has been deemed “generally recognized as safe” by the FDA .

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when considering chlorella supplements:

• Possible side effects: Some people have experienced nausea and abdominal discomfort .
• Lack of regulation: Some countries, including the US, do not regulate supplements, and you can’t be sure you’re getting what the label says.
• Inconsistent products: The nutrition content of chlorella supplements may vary, depending on the algae species, growing conditions and processing .
• Immune effects: Since chlorella affects the immune system, it may not be appropriate for people with immunodeficiency or on immune system medications.

Furthermore, it’s important to keep in mind that dietary supplements may interact with some medications.

While chlorella is generally recognized as safe and few side effects have been reported, it might not be appropriate for everyone.

Summary: For most people, taking chlorella supplements doesn’t seem to pose any serious risks.

How to Supplement With Chlorella

The current scientific literature on chlorella doesn’t specify a specific dosage.

This is because there’s insufficient evidence to determine the amount needed to see therapeutic effects .

Some studies have found benefits with 1.2 grams per day, while others looked at doses of 5–10 grams per day .

Most supplements indicate a daily dosage of 2–3 grams, which seems about right considering the research.

Moreover, it’s important to find a quality supplement. The best way to do this is to look for one that has a quality assurance seal from third-party testing.

Additionally, some product descriptions mention testing for quality assurance, as well as the source and growing conditions of the chlorella.

Try to find chlorella supplements from a supplement brand you trust.

Summary: Look for a quality assurance seal to ensure you’re getting what you pay for. The dose of 2–3 grams indicated by most supplements seems appropriate, given the doses used in studies.

The Bottom Line

Chlorella is a type of algae that packs a big nutrient punch, as it’s a good source of several vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

In fact, emerging research shows that it could help shuttle toxins out of your body and improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels, among other health benefits.

For now, there doesn’t seem to be any harm in taking chlorella supplements, and they could support your health.

9 Impressive Health Benefits of Chlorella

Vegan Blackberry Peach Ice Cream

Cool summer treats like ice cream are always yummy — unless you’re abstaining from dairy or following a vegan diet. In that case, the sound of the ice cream truck isn’t exactly welcome. But that’s all about to change with this Vegan Blackberry Peach Ice Cream.

This frozen treat is made from only seven ingredients. Medjool dates, blackberries and peaches provide lots of flavor and natural sweetness, while the nutrition-rich coconut milk gives a smooth, creamy texture, just like “real” ice cream.

Even if you’re not vegan, I know you’ll enjoy this vegan ice cream.

In a high-speed blender, puree the coconut milk and dates until they’re completely smooth.

Next, add in peaches, blackberries, lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla extract to the coconut mix. Purée it all up until it’s well blended.

Now, pour the mixture into a glass container and store in the freezer for an hour. If you have more time, you can refrigerate until the ice cream mixture is extremely cold.

Once the blackberry mixture has reached the right temperature, add the vegan blackberry peach ice cream to your ice cream machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Afterward, add the ice cream to a large glass container with a lid and place in the freezer for an hour or overnight.

If you’ll be freezing the blackberry peach ice cream for an hour, serve immediately. Try this delicious Coconut Whipped Cream on top. If the ice cream sets overnight, let it thaw for 10–15 minutes before serving in a bowl.

 

Vegan Blackberry Peach Ice Cream

Total Time: 45 minutes

Serves: 6–8

Ingredients:

• One 13.5 ounce can of coconut milk
• 5 medjool dates, pitted
• 3 small peaches, peeled and diced
• 1 cup blackberries
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ¾ teaspoon lemon zest
• ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. In a high-speed blender or food processor, puree coconut milk and dates until completely smooth.
2. Add in peaches, blackberries, lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla extract to the coconut mixture.
3. Puree on high until well blended.
4. Pour mixture into a glass container and store in the freezer for an hour or refrigerate until very cold.
5. Add blackberry mixture into your ice cream machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. In a large glass container with a lid, add ice cream and place in the freezer for at least one hour or overnight.
7. If freezing ice cream for an hour, serve immediately.
8. If freezing overnight, set ice cream on the counter to thaw for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Vegan Blackberry Peach Ice Cream

Salted Paleo Sunbutter Cups Recipe

Most of us have probably had a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup at some point and while they might be tasty, between the potentially dangerous additives and chemicals, the ingredients list should be enough to make you go running. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy a version of the sweet treat. These Salted Paleo Sunbutter Cups are the answer.

This healthier version is grain-free and uses sunflower seed butter, a healthier peanut butter alternative. They’re naturally sweetened with medjool dates — no refined sugar here! You probably have all the ingredients on hand to make this incredible dessert.

Line two mini-muffin pans with liners and set aside.

In a double boiler, add in the chocolate chips, coconut oil and vanilla. Melt it over a pot of simmering, hot water until the ingredients are incorporated. Fill each liner with 1–2 teaspoons of the chocolate mixture.

Set aside the remaining chocolate to cover the cups with later. Place the muffin pans in the freezer while you prepare the paleo sunbutter cups filling.

Using a food processor or heavy-duty blender, add in the sunbutter, coconut oil, sea salt and dates. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Grab the muffin pans from the freezer, then spoon 1 teaspoon of the sunbutter mix atop each chocolate-filled muffin liner. How good are these sunbutter cups starting to look?

Next, take the bowl of melted chocolate and spoon 1–2 teaspoons to cover each sunbutter cup and sprinkle with sea salt.

Add the sunbutter cups into the freezer for about half hour or until the paleo sunbutter cups are set. Serve these little chocolatey treats frozen.

These sunbutter cups are a fantastic way to satisfy your sweet tooth without any icky ingredients. Enjoy!

Salted Paleo Sunbutter Cups Recipe

Total Time: 1 hour

Serves: Makes 24 mini cups

Ingredients:

• CHOCOLATE SHELL:
• 3 cups 70% dark chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• FILLING:
• 3 tablespoons sunflower seed butter
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• ¼ cup pitted medjool dates
• TOPPING:
• Pink Himalayan salt, to taste

Directions:

1. Prepare two standard mini muffin pans with mini muffin liners and set aside.
2. In a double boiler, add in dark chocolate chips, coconut oil and vanilla.
3. Melt over a pot of simmering (not boiling) hot water until well incorporated.
4. Fill the bottom of each muffin liner with 1 to 2 teaspoons of the chocolate mixture. Set aside leftover chocolate to put on top of the cups.
5. Set the muffin pans in the freezer.
6. In a food processor or heavy duty blender, add in sunbutter, sea salt, coconut oil and dates. Blend or pulse until smooth and creamy.
7. Remove muffin pans out of the freezer.
8. Spoon out 1 teaspoon of the sunbutter mixture on top of each chocolate filled muffin liner.
9. Take the bowl of melted chocolate and spoon out 1-2 teaspoons to cover each cup.
10. Sprinkle Himalayan salt on top.
11. Place the cups back in the freezer for 30 minutes or longer until set. Serve frozen.

Salted Paleo Sunbutter Cups Recipe

Quinoa Krispie Treats

Krispie treats: they sound so cute and friendly and yummy. It’s unfortunate that they’re essentially made of rice, sugar, butter and marshmallows — lots of it.

But what if I told you there was a way to enjoy the dessert guilt-free? Goodbye, rice krispies, hello Quinoa Krispie Treats! This healthified version replaces the rice with protein-rich quinoa and sweetens things up the natural way thanks to healing raw honey. And instead of using gobs of butter, the quinoa krispie treats are held together with almond and sunflower seed butters. Yum!

Try this new take on an old treat tonight.

Start by lining an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper. In a small pot, melt add the coconut oil, honey, almond butter and sunflower seed butter.

Remove the pot from heat once the mixture has melted and sprinkle with the sea salt and cinnamon. Then pour it all into the waiting baking dish.

Stir the puffed quinoa through the almond butter mixture, making sure all the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.

With a spatula, even out the quinoa krispie mix so it’s all level. Then place the baking pan in the freezer, letting the krispie treats set for 20 minutes or so.

When you’re ready to serve, remove the quinoa krispie treats from the freezer and cut immediately. Serve while still frozen.

These are healthy quinoa krispie treats are delicious and so easy to make. Kids love to help make them — and eat them, of course!

Quinoa Krispie Treats

Total Time: 10 minutes

Serves: 10–12

Ingredients:

• 3 cups puffed quinoa or millet
• 1 cup almond butter
• ½ cup sunflower seed butter
• ½ cup raw honey
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

1. Prepare a 8×8 baking dish by lining it with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a small pot, melt almond butter, sunbutter, honey and coconut oil.
3. Remove from heat and stir in sea salt and cinnamon.
4. Add in puffed quinoa and stir until well incorporated.
5. Pour almond butter mixture into prepared dish.
6. Spread out mixture with a spatula to make an even layer in the dish. Freeze for 20 minutes or longer until set.
7. When ready to serve, remove from freezer and cut immediately. Serve frozen.

Quinoa Krispie Treats

Carrot Cake Cupcakes Recipe

Just because the word “carrot” is in the name, doesn’t mean that carrot cake is a healthy option for dessert. Well, at least not always. My carrot cake cupcake recipe includes beneficial alternatives for the typical, not-so-healthy ingredients in carrot cake.

I use gluten-free flours in my carrot cake and natural sugars; plus, it’s topped with my all-natural and organic cream cheese frosting.

When eating these cupcakes, you can actually feel like you’re doing something good for your body. And you aren’t counteracting the benefits of carrots (like their ability to protect your eyesight and brain function) with pro-inflammatory flour and sugar.

Can a Carrot Cake Be Healthy?

Many carrot cake recipes call for white sugar, white flour and canola oil — ingredients that I choose not to use in my desserts. The truth is that you can stick to healthy ingredients without forfeiting the taste. These carrot cake cupcakes prove just that.

I use two gluten-free flours in my carrot cake cupcakes: almond flour and coconut flour. Almond flour is made from almonds and only almonds, which are blanched to remove the skin and then ground. Almonds nutrition comes with a ton of health benefits, including boosting your heart health, managing your blood sugar levels and slimming your waistline.

Instead of using an ingredient like white flour, that could be detrimental to your health, why not choose a flour that will promote your well-being and supply vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium?

Just like almond flour, coconut flour is gluten-free, which is important to me because gluten can irritate the gut, which we know can lead to a slew of health issues. Coconut flour is high in fiber, so its components move through the digestive tract quickly, taking toxins and waste with them.

I also choose to use coconut oil instead of canola oil in my healthy carrot cake cupcakes. I don’t like to use canola oil because it’s a refined, genetically modified product that can cause a number of health issues, including cardiovascular concerns like high blood pressure, kidney and liver problems and immunosuppression.

Coconut oil, on the other hand, helps to prevent heart disease and high blood pressure, and it works to protect the liver and kidneys.

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How to Make Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Now that we know healthy carrot cake recipes do exist, let’s get into baking these delicious cupcakes. Before you get your batter prepared, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large mixing bowl, begin to add your ingredients. I start with the dry ingredients first: add 1¼ cups of almond flour, 2 tablespoons of coconut flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and 1–2 teaspoons ground ginger.

The cinnamon and ginger really enhance the flavor of these carrot cake cupcakes. And, in case you didn’t know, ginger health benefits include its ability to help relieve indigestion and boost the immune system with its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Instead of sugar, I use ⅓ cup of maple syrup, which is a great alternative when used in small amounts. The glycemic index score of maple syrup is about 54, compared to a score of 65 for regular cane sugar. This means that maple syrup doesn’t impact your blood sugar levels as drastically, and it also supplies trace minerals and antioxidants, while sugar lacks both of these.

After you add your maple syrup to the dry ingredients, add the remainder of your wet ingredients, 2 eggs, ⅓ cup of coconut oil and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.

Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes so that it all comes together and then fold in ½ cup of grated carrots.

Add the mixture to a lined or oiled muffin pan and bake them for 18–20 minutes. This recipe should make about 12 cupcakes.

Let your muffins cool off when they come out of the oven and then add my cream cheese frosting. I make my cream cheese frosting with four simple ingredients: organic cream cheese, coconut milk, maple sugar and coconut flakes. The coconut sugar adds a unique taste (and color) to the frosting, and I think you’ll love it.

Your carrot cake cupcakes are done and ready to enjoy!

Carrot Cake Cupcakes Recipe

Total Time: 25 minutes

Serves: Makes 12 cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1¼ cups almond flour
• 2 tablespoons coconut flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1–2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 eggs
• ⅓ cup coconut oil
• ⅓ cup maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• ½ cup grated carrots

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. in a large mixing bowl, add all the ingredients, except the carrots, mixing until well combined.
3. Allow mixture to sit for 5 minutes.
4. Fold in the carrots.
5. Add mixture to a lined or oiled muffin pan.
6. Bake for 18–20 minutes.
7. Top with cream cheese frosting.

Carrot Cake Cupcakes Recipe

Ketosis and Ketogenic Diet Symptoms

Symptoms and side effects of the ketogenic diet

There are many symptoms and adverse effects reported by study groups on low carbohydrate diets such as the ketogenic diet.

The main ketogenic diet symptoms are:
headache, dizziness, presence of diarrhea and constipation, weakness, loss of concentration, bad breath, low blood pressure, increased heart rate, among many others.

According to Dr. Mauro DiPasquale, a respected member of the international sports community as an athlete, administrator and physician, and author of the famous book “The Anabolic Diet”, he originally created this diet for bodybuilders and athletes, but since then he has developed other versions for the general public.

This is a very interesting article about ketogenic diet from ncbi. about “Long-term effects of a ketogenic diet in obese patients”.

He says that in the first week of the ketogenic diet the body is going through the metabolic shift from being a carb and muscle-burning machine to being a fat burner, and that can be very difficult.

This is called the induction phase and people may have some symptoms including lethargy, dizziness, mental fogginess, irritability, and irregular bowels, depending on how your body reacts to the radical shift in macronutrients.

Some people will suffer few symptoms, others will be very affected. Your energy can also drop and there might be a frequent feeling of you being hungry.

That’s because the body is going through a readjustment phase.

Due to the low amount of nutrients, especially vitamins and minerals, may also occur weakening of the immune system, leaving the body more susceptible to several infections. So, the discipline and persistence during the first week of the ketogenic diet is very important to experience the benefits later.

The energy will come back and you will feel better. This will usually take 3-4 weeks.

Now, let’s see the 3 untold symptoms and side effects you probably don’t know about the ketogenic diet:

Problems with brain function (in the ketosis diet)

The brain, as well as the various parts of our body needs glucose to function properly, using around 30% of the glucose metabolism needs.

This means that when starting a ketogenic diet that has very low levels of carbohydrates and glucose, your brain will be one of the first places to not receive glucose in sufficient quantities.

In the first 2 to 3 days following a ketogenic diet, it was reported symptoms such as lethargy, reduced ability to concentrate, focus and reasoning as the the body uses fat for energy instead of glucose.

The brain begins to deplete the glucose stored rapidly, presenting these symptoms in the early days of you beginning the ketogenic diet.

After these early days, as the process of ketosis and energy production start through the use of the fat metabolism, the brain starts to receive strength and these symptoms subside.

Another issue occurring with the decrease of glucose levels in the brain is the reduction of neurotransmitter production called serotonin.

This neurotransmitter is responsible for the well-being, and reducing its levels in the brain can cause a considerable heightened sense of irritation and bad mood.

This is another symptom reported by people in the early days of the ketogenic diet.

With the reduction of serotonin, the body starts to increase the feeling and the desire to eat sweets and quick-release carbohydrates, causing an uncontrolled appetite, greatly damaging the discipline in the first 2-5 days of the diet.

To meet this demand on the brain, it is recommended to increase fat levels in the early days of the diet, accelerating the ketosis process to provide energy.

This helps in improving concentration and focus functions in the brain.

It is also recommended the practice of light exercise such as walking that help in the release of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which reduces the feeling of irritation and helps in controlling the desire for sweets.

A diet rich in fresh vegetables along with the proteins of the ketogenic diet can also help some consumption of important minerals for the release of serotonin such as iron, manganese, potassium and magnesium.

Moderate salt intake also helps in increasing of some of these minerals.

Kidney stone formation (in the ketogenic diet)

Some short-term side effects were detected in researches on the use of the ketogenic diet in the treatment of epilepsy in children, including constipation, acidosis and hypoglycemia.

In a long-term studies of the ketogenic diet in these children, it identified the formation of bone fractures and stone formation in the kidneys.

The formation of kidney stones is associated with the following dietary factors:

• Presence of excess calcium in the urine that occurs due to bone demineralization with acidosis. The bones are formed basically by calcium phosphate, which reacts with the acid present in the body and excreted by the kidneys;
• The low concentration of citrate in the urine promotes the accumulation of free calcium, as this substance is responsible for dissolving calcium;
• Increased dehydration which occurs due to the elimination of glucose stored as glycogen in the muscles and liver. With the breakdown of glycogen, all the water that binds it happens to be eliminated from the body through the kidney, increasing the concentration of calcium and the chances of forming gallstones;

Besides the problem of kidney stones due to dehydration, there is also the appearance of symptoms such as fatigue, lightheadedness, dizziness, muscle cramps and headaches that occur due to increased release of minerals such as potassium and magnesium in the urine.

For this reason, the use of salt during the ketogenic diet is very important in making these minerals replacement, since the loss of sodium in the urine causes the reduction of potassium and magnesium.

The use of vitamin and mineral supplements to reduce the problem is also recommended.

There are also many researchers trying to show that protein and ketones are not hard on the kidney and liver.

They discovered that most of the nitrogen from the protein is converted to urea in the liver and excreted by the kidneys, and that the carbons are oxidized to carbon dioxide and water.

They also realized that the renal system automatically responds to stabilize our system.

The increase of water consumption during a ketogenic diet can help prevent the formation of kidney stones, avoiding the dehydration process.

An alternative was found in a survey conducted by John Hopkins Hospital that was also a supplementation of oral potassium citrate, a substance that helps in decreasing the incidence of kidney stones in patients during the ketogenic diet.

Digestive system problems (for ketosis)

With the drastic reduction in carbohydrates during the ketogenic diet it has been observed in many studies the presence of symptoms such as diarrhea and constipation, both associated with severe reduction mainly of dietary fiber in food.

The high protein content in the ketogenic diet also promotes changing the texture of the stool, causing changes in the intestinal flora and also in the rhythm of the intestine.

Another factor is the mineral magnesium deficiency that increases the incidence of constipation in patients following the ketogenic diet.

With the changes in relation to the proportion of the nutrients in food, bacteria of the intestinal flora are affected and this promotes several changes in the processes of the digestive and intestinal system.

To avoid this problem, it is recommended the use of probiotic supplements containing beneficial bacteria for health promotion of intestinal flora.

Magnesium supplementation with the use of magnesium citrate or magnesium chloride is also recommended.

One can also add dairy food in ketogenic diet food, such as cheese, milk and yogurt without adding sugar, among others.

The low-carbohydrate diet history

Throughout human history we have seen the development of agriculture, allowing societies to remain in a stable physical location changing food habits over the years.

The hunting societies had fat and protein as the primary sources of dietary energy, on the other hand the agricultural societies had a grain-based diet.

As the science of nutrition developed in the early 20th century, many comparative studies showed the differences between all kinds of diets.

Most of these studies supported the idea that carbohydrates were a necessary nutrition for optimum human health and function.

In modern society, however, excess carbohydrates found in processed foods, especially foods high in sugar, has caused many problems dramatically increasing rates of obesity and the risk of disease.

From the 50’s and 60’s, there was a considerable increase in research on calorie restriction diets to be used in the treatment of obesity.

In the early 70’s came the diets high in protein and low in carbohydrates.

With the advent of the Internet and the media, diets restricted to the academic world became part of television programs, magazines, and newspapers widely being discussed by the digital medium.

This, unfortunately, has brought an increase in fad diets that promise miraculous results in a short time and without much effort.

These diets, in turn, may increase the risk of health problems if performed without the supervision of a health professional.

Because of this scenario, most physicians and nutrition scientists still believe that carbohydrate should be the major component of one’s daily energy intake.

Is has also been reinforced by the clinical experience of many of these physicians, whose patients followed low carbohydrate diets and frequently complained of experiencing many symptoms and side effects such as lightheadedness, weakness and fatigue.

One of the first studies about low-carbohydrate diets and the ketosis process was made by Frederick Schwatka during his expedition in April of 1879, after a prolonged experience eating meat and fat.

There was something new and interesting about the low calorie intake and the very low carbohydrate diets, such as the ketogenic diets, that showed up during the 1970’s due to the weight loss studies.

In a traditional diet, the daily recommendation is 55% to 60% of total calories from carbohydrate sources, about 15% of total calories from protein sources and around 30% of total calories from fat sources.

In the case of the ketogenic diet, these rates are changed, becoming a diet low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fat.

It works on the principle that by reducing the amount of carbohydrates, there is a process called ketosis which promotes lipid oxidation, influencing the reduction of adipose tissue, and also influencing the control of satiety and the increase of energy expenditure by your metabolism.

During the ketosis process, the body uses fat as the main source of energy, breaking it down into glycerol and free fatty acids, forming ketone compounds that are converted to energy within the cells.

The ketogenic diet had its wide dissemination with the famous diet proposed by Dr. Robert Atkins that today reaches about 20 million followers around the world.

The Atkins diet is a low calorie diet, similar to the ketogenic diet, which is based on consumption of fat, protein, and low carbohydrates.

It consists of three main phases: induction diet, diet, and permanent maintenance diet.

These three periods are different just by the amount of carbohydrates consumed, starting with a severe restriction of carbohydrates with only 15 to 20 g per day.

According to Dr. Atkins, the benefits of this diet are huge, with fast weight loss without starving, maintaining good health, and preventing cardiovascular disease.

The fastest weight loss happens mainly due to the control of the release of the hormone called insulin in the blood, promoting the regulation of short-term appetite controllers.

Insulin is a hormone that has antilipolytic action, it inhibits the activity of the enzyme lipase that is responsible for reduction of fat, resulting in the increase of adipose tissue in the body.

With the ketogenic diet, there is greater control of this hormones and the metabolism starts to seek the necessary energy in the fat stored by the body, which is why the Atkins diet promotes rapid loss of body fat by oxidation.

Satiety, promoted by the Atkins diet and the ketogenic diet, also occurs due to the increase in ketone bodies and serotonin levels in the brain.

Serotonin has a receptor in the hypothalamus, which promotes the reduction of food consumption.

However, several studies have shown that diets high in carbohydrate restriction, as it is the case of Dr. Atkins and all ketogenic diets, may cause many adverse problems and should not be followed for long periods of time.

The first identified aspect was that the ketogenic diets are more easily abandoned as time passes.

Due to carbohydrate restriction, people turn to follow a normal diet gaining weight again and promoting obesity.

This is due to the reduction of basal metabolic rate after the diet, turning the weight loss process more difficult.

Another identified effect of the ketogenic diet is the loss of muscle mass. With the reduction of insulin secretion, there is an increase of circulating fatty acids and ketone bodies in the blood, which increases the protein catabolism and, consequently, there is a reduction in lean body mass.

Some studies demonstrate effective preservation of lean body mass just by adjusting the protein intake maintaining the levels of protein intake in the range of 1.2 – 1.7g/kg in reference to your body weight.

The effects of reducing daily protein intake to below 1.2 g/kg in reference to your body weight during a ketogenic diet, it includes progressive loss of functional lean tissue.

Finally, the lack of concern of the Atkins diet and the ketogenic diet with intake of healthy foods can also cause serious health risks in the long run.

A major problem is the high consumption of saturated fat content in the diet implying increased risk of various diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases.

Conclusion…

Obesity is a major public health problem worldwide and is now considered an epidemic, according to the World Health Organization.

Several factors contribute to this problem, including the extra calories contained in processed foods, a sedentary lifestyle, bad habits and also stress.

An excess of body fat and being overweight can also increase levels of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and even certain types of cancer.

For this reason, many researchers have began several studies in search for the new alternative diets in order to control weight gain and combat obesity.

Diets low in carbohydrates, such as the ketogenic diet, are among the best diets for those who wish for faster and more efficient results in weight loss.

However, the ketogenic diet may also have some symptoms and adverse effects.

In this article, we are going to show you the 3 untold symptoms and side effects you probably don’t know and how they can affect your health.

The ketogenic diet is very famous for its quick results and more efficient weight reduction, helping a lot in reducing body fat.

However, many studies show that following a ketogenic diet can cause various symptoms and side effects.

The most common ketogenic diet symptoms are lethargy, dizziness, mental fogginess, irritability, and irregular bowels, depending on how your body reacts to the radical shift in macronutrients.

In this article, we also showed you the 3 untold symptoms and side effects you probably don’t know about the ketogenic diet.

Still after studying the symptons that are produced by following a ketogenic diet there are supplements and a dietary system that you can follow in order to reduce these symptoms.

Overall this is a great a healthy diet to follow due to its amazing benefits.

Before you follow a ketogenic diet, seek the guidance of a professional health care in order to avoid possible problems.

Continue with us in the next articles and leave your comments or questions here.

Ketosis and Ketogenic Diet Symptoms

What Is Ketosis?

Do you know what is ketosis, and how it can help you?

The body’s metabolism needs energy to maintain its function.

We take this energy from eating food which are classified in three main nutrient groups: fats, protein and carbohydrates.

Although these three nutrients can be used for energy, carbohydrates are the first energy option, being transformed into glucose and used as the body’s fuel before anything else.

Ketosis Definition

Ketosis is a metabolic process that occurs if you have a low-carbohydrate diet. For this reason, the body starts to burn fat instead of carbohydrates for energy increasing levels of ketones in the blood.

Ketones are substances that are produced when your body breaks down fat and are used for energy instead of glucose.

Research has showed that under conditions of extreme carbohydrate limitation (below 20g per day), the same energy sources are used, but a greater amount of energy must be derived from fatty acids and ketones and less energy from glucose.

That’s the reason why ketosis is so effective as a weight loss strategy.

It is used in low-carbohydrate diet plans, including the famous Atkins diet, and the Paleo diet created by Dr. Loren Cordain, a nutrition expert, helping the body to change from being a carbohydrate-burning organism into a fat-burning one.

According to Dr. Atkins, carbohydrates cause a spike in blood sugar levels and this causes the body to store fat.

Research also suggests that low-carbohydrate diets (like the ketogenic diet) appear to be at least as effective as low-fat diets.

It also shows that, after 6 months, individuals assigned to low-carbohydrate diets had lost more weight than individuals randomized to low-fat diets.

Conclusion

Ketosis is a very popular and efficient strategy for weight loss and fat burning.

With the right ketogenic diet plan you can turn your body into a fat burning machine, helping you increase your lean muscle and also helping you reduce that fat storage that is keeping you from obtaining your dream shape.

Continue with us in the next articles and leave your comments or questions below.

What Is Ketosis?

Ketopia Diet Review

4 Ketopia Diet Tips

Ketopia Diet Plan

Using these three products you will be following the 10-day program on a simple way and begin feeling the benefits of a real ketogenic lifestyle.

You are going to increase your energy and also start losing weight in a safe way. Here is the Ketopia diet plan:

• Breakfast: 1 KetonX Drink;
• Three hours later: 1 Dough bite + 16 oz. water;
• Three hours later: 1 FIXX shake in 8 oz. of water and ice (optional);
• Three hours later: Sensible meal high in protein and vegetables;
• All Day: Drink water! You should drink half your body weight in ounces each day;

To track your level of nutritional ketosis throughout the Ketopia program, you can use Peetopia Stix™ to measure when you get into ketosis within a few hours of your first drink of KetonX.

Ketopia Diet Tip #1 – Make changes in your lifestyle

It is important to know that a balanced and nutritious diet, plenty of rest, regular exercise and healthy lifestyle habits are essential in any wellness program.

So even if you are following the Ketopia program, you need to follow some recommendations that are crucial to maximize your results and help you develop healthier habits of living.

This way you will achieve the results you want both in your fat loss and be able to keep your weight for life.

The Ketopia system comes with everything you need to keep your body into the nutritional ketosis state.

But, besides the three products you are going to use during the 10-day Ketopia program, you will have some free meals and they should follow the same philosophy of the ketogenic diet.

Here are some tips to help you maximize your results during the Ketopia program and really get in your best shape ever:

 

Ketopia Diet Tip #2 – Prepare some healthy snacks and meals

You can make really great meals using lean proteins and eaten in small portions. They should have little to no carbs or sugars.

It is very easy to prepare your meals during the day to support your Ketopia 10-day program.

Proteins are the most important part of your meal and they should be lean and natural.

You can use many high-protein foods such as jerky, cheese, nuts, eggs, turkey, chicken, fish, beef, pork, lamb, duck, and so on.

Add some low-carbohydrate vegetables to complement your protein food such as lettuce, peppers, cucumbers, celery, olives, chicory, mushrooms, arugula, romaine, parsley, endive, radishes, spinach, zucchini, onions, brussels sprouts, snow peas, pumpkin, broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, tomatoes, kale, string beans, beans, chard, sauerkraut, and so on.

Fats are also important in the Ketopia program.

Choose some healthy foods such as avocado, macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts, pecans, almonds, nut butters, olive oil, coconut oil, cashews and many others. (check our ketogenic diet food list)

It is also very important to avoid eating processed foods such as canned, battered or fried meats, processed cheese, juices, soft drinks, sweets, or any high-carbohydrate foods especially high-sugar foods.

Water is one of the pillars of any health program.

It is recommended that you drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water per day. No sugar drinks such as coffee or herbal teas can also be used during the Ketopia program, but not in excess;

 

Ketopia Diet Tip #3 – Practice some physical activities

Any physical activity program can help you increase the weight loss process and keep you full of energy.

Do at least 20-30 minutes of physical activity three times a week.

There are many different types of physical activities among dancing, running, walking, swimming and even group sports such as basketball, volleyball, among many others.

If you don’t have enough time to keep an exercise plan, do anything to be more active. You can walk your dog out, use the stairs instead of the elevator, walk to the office, it really doesn’t matter, and the most important thing is to get more active each day at a time;

 

Ketopia Diet Tip #4 – Take care of your emotional state

Many people use food as an escape to feel better on a daily basis.

They are stressed, tired, depressed and sometimes even find that eating can be a relief to their problems.

So, it is very important to learn to control your emotions in relation to food.

The Ketopia program will give you all the support you need to keep your discipline and persistence during the weight loss process.

You can use many other strategies to feel great.

Instead of eating, go for a walk with a friend, with your pet, go to the movies and/or watch a funny movie. go out to have fun and distract your mind.

You will notice that after a while, the bad feeling will pass and you will reduce the desire to eat beyond what you need.

To further help your weight reduction program and body fat, ForeverGreen added KetoPM which is a unique product to go with your Ketopia program that is made ​​with hemp oil, marine phytoplankton and MCT oils – Ketone driving.

The KetoPM is designed to help you rest easy and to increase the quality of your sleep. Many studies claim that lack of sleep can mess up in weight reduction.

Using the KetoPM you will have all the benefits to sleep without feeling the negative side effects.

 

Conclusion…

The ketosis process is a widely used strategy in the diets of low levels of carbohydrates, helping a lot in reducing weight and reducing the percentage of body fat.

When the body enters into a state of ketosis it begins to use the fat stored in the body as the primary source of energy instead of using the glucose that was present in foods rich in carbohydrates.

However, making a ketogenic diet requires much discipline and persistence, and may have even several problems throughout the process with some possible side effects.

The Ketopia program was developed by a company called ForeverGreen to help resolve the weight loss problem.

It consists of a 10 day program containing three main products and a support system that will keep you on track to achieving your weight loss goals.

Thus, your body can more easily enter in the state of ketosis in a matter of 1-2 hours, not days.

You will also feel more energetic and have more disposition without feeling hungry, helping you lose weight quickly and easily.

The Ketopia program is the best solution currently on the market for those looking to reduce body fat with all the benefits of ketosis and without going through the adverse effects of performing a ketogenic diet.

You will also receive all the support you need to with your Ketopia program so you can stay committed to achieving your goals to the very end.

For more information, check our Ketopia Review and click in the button bellow.

4 Ketopia Diet Tips

This Homemade Recipe Can Help You Prevent Wrinkles

In fact, it could be argued that making the effort to reduce and prevent wrinkles is more successful if you begin earlier in life. This means taking action before too many wrinkles appear in the first place, so taking care of your skin from an early age is going to help massively.

Among all the products you can buy, there are a few homemade recipes for skin care that truly work. Using natural ingredients, this recipe can go a long way to help fight against wrinkles, and it couldn’t be easier to make!

You Will Need

• Vaseline
• Honey
• 2 Eggs
• Olive or Almond Oil

How to Make

Use four teaspoons of Vaseline jelly and turn it into a liquid. This can be done by using vapors from hot water to help melt the substance. Try filling a saucepan with water and placing on a medium heat. Place the Vaseline into a heatproof container and wait for the steam to rise and melt the substance, as if tempering chocolate for baking.

Now in liquid form, you can add two teaspoons of honey to the Vaseline, along with two tablespoons of either olive or almond oil depending on what you have available.

Break two eggs and retrieve only the yolks, disposing of the egg whites. Add the yolks into the mixture and give a good stir.

Once ready, simply massage the mix onto your skin!

This Homemade Recipe Can Help You Prevent Wrinkles

Foods That Prevent Wrinkles

CBD Oil Can Treat Epilepsy

Cannabidiol, or CBD as it is popularly known, is an interesting chemical and for good reasons. While everyone has probably heard of THC, not many people are aware of the CBD. Marijuana contains the two chemicals, but they serve different purposes.

Unlike THC, which is known for its euphoric effects, CBD does not make you high or pose the same kind of risks that scientists have identified for THC, like addiction and cognitive impairment. CBD oil is becoming increasingly popular as more and more people are becoming conscious of its many benefits. Let’s dive deep and look at some of the benefits of CBD oil.

1. Can treat epilepsy

People suffering from seizures and refractory epilepsies can also benefit from CBD oil. Studies have found that that CBD can help suppress seizures by calming the overactive parts of the brain. The best part is that it suppresses seizures with very few side effects, differently from the conventional medication treatments.

Several children with a different number of rare disorders that cause epilepsy are benefiting from the uso of CBD Oil. They can use it safely because there are no side effects and no psychoactive effects on their minds.

2. Alleviates stress

Stress is a normal, inevitable part of living, and a lot of people experience it every day in different ways. Stress worsens or increases the risk of such conditions as obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, depression, asthma and gastrointestinal problems. One of the many benefits of CBD oil is that it helps relieve stress. A number of studies have found that CBD oil stimulate the endocannabinoid system that control the state of the mind, the sleep and the response for pain.

3. Improves the quality of sleep

Studies have shown that CBD oil improves sleep quality as a side effect of another issue being addressed. For instance, research has also shown that CBD oil is able to alleviate pain from inflammations. Sleep disorders are a common symptom for those that suffer from pain, so as pain becomes more manageable, sleep quality improves as a result.

There is also evidence suggesting that CBD oil can affect the sleep cycle, inhibiting anxiety-induced sleep suppression. Also, people who suffer from epilepsy can have difficulties sleeping, and using CBD oil can bring benefits for both the seizures and the sleeping problems.

4. Helps alleviate anxiety

Social Anxiety Disorder, or SAD as it is commonly known, is one of the most popular forms of anxiety disorders. While it is normal to feel anxious once in a while, some people suffer from chronic anxiety that makes it difficult for them to undertake their everyday activities. CBD oil can also help reduce anxiety thanks to its antidepressant and anxiolytic properties. These two properties interact with 5­HT1, an important receptor that is involved in decreasing heart rate and blood pressure.

5. Relieves chronic pain

CBD has been used to treat disorders such as fibromyalgia and arthritis, both of which are caused by inflammation and can trigger pain. CBD contains anti-inflammatory properties, and it can reduce or completely alleviate the pain triggered by these conditions. Children or teenagers who suffer from autism may suffer from a lot of different pain, triggered by their brains, along with uncontrollable seizures, which can be both treated with cannabidiol.

 

Which CBD Oil is the best?

There you have it, benefits of CBD oil. There are many CBD oil products out there, making it difficult to buy CBD oil that will meet your particular needs. RSHO hemp oil by HempMeds is one of the best CDB oils on the market. RSHO hemp oil stands out as it is the most natural, the most effective, and the most pleasant to use CBD oil on the market. This oil is available in 50 states and in more than 40 countries across the world.

CBD Oil Can Treat Epilepsy

Is Plexus Safe? The Truth About Plexus Slim

Every so often, a new product hits the market and everyone goes crazy. Often, these are MLM (multi-level marketing) products , so it seems like everyone you know is selling them. The big thing right now is Plexus, and you may be wondering: is Plexus safe?

 

What is Plexus Slim?

Plexus Slim (aka the “pink drink”) is a dietary supplement designed to aid in weight loss.

You can buy it online or directly from multi-level marketing sellers. It costs $84.95 for a one month supply (30 packets).

The Truth: Is Plexus Safe?

Plexus Slim ingredients

In the order they’re shown on the Plexus Slim label:

• Chromium- a naturally occurring mineral, chromium helps with normal bodily functions, like digestion. However, the form of chromium found in Plexus Slim is chromium polynicotinate. Chromium polynicotinate is created by combining chromium with niacin for better chromium absorption. Plexus Slim contains 167% of the RDA of chromium, which is more than most people will get from eating foods with naturally occurring chromium, like potatoes, meat, molasses, cheese, and produce. Bottom line: the type of chromium found in Plexus Slim is synthetic and in higher doses than one might get from a balanced diet.
• Plexus Slim Blend- green coffee bean extract, Garcinia cambonia fruit extract, and alpha lipoic acid: let’s break these down by parts.
  
  Green coffee bean extract is found frequently in diet products because it contains chlorogenic acid, which has been found to promote weight loss. Green coffee extract is made with green coffee beans, while the coffee we typically drink is made from roasted coffee beans and contains very little chlorogenic acid. Green coffee extract (“GCE”) can have some scary side effects, which we’ll detail below, and may also disrupt hormones.
  
  Garcinia cambonia is a tropical fruit said to block your body’s ability to make fat, suppress your appetite, and even regulate your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
  
  Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant found in liver, spinach, broccoli, and potatoes. It is purported to create energy and protect cells within the body.Plexus Slim Blend bottom line: these ingredients may have side effects and work counter-intuitively with your body to create hormonal disturbances.
• polydextrose- an “other” ingredient additive, polydextrose is a low-calorie, low-carbohydrate sweetener and fiber additive created from glucose and a sugar alcohol, sorbitol. Most dextrose products are derived from corn, though some also come from rice or tapioca. It’s unclear where the polydextrose in Plexus Slim comes from. Polydextrose most likely makes up the bulk of the product, as it’s listed first in the “other ingredients” area. We’ll talk more about that below. Bottom line: polydextrose is bad news.
• citric acid- a citrus based preservative, citric acid is often found in natural food products. It’s generally a very small amount, so most of us are ok with it, but should be aware of its origins. Since it would not be cost-effective to use citrus-derived citric acid in food products, the majority of products actually contain a synthetic compound derived from mold. It’s typically made from GMO sugars (derived from corn or other simple carbohydrates) and involves combing the sugar with mold spores. Bottom line: citric acid may not be as benign as we think.
• Natural Flavors- they’re supposed to be naturally derived, but, unfortunately, natural flavors can mean just about anything. While Plexus claims that the natural flavors in Plexus Slim are from berries, we have to assume it’s not just berries or the berries would be listed as ingredients. Instead, we see natural flavors, and from that, we can only assume something sinister is lurking in the flavoring of Plexus Slim. Bottom line: we don’t know what’s in the “natural flavors,” so we don’t know how safe this ingredient is.
• Beet Extract- responsible for giving Plexus Slim its signature pink color, beet extract does offer some vitamins and minerals, however, clearly this is not the aim of this ingredient, or it would be listed as an active ingredient along with the vitamin and mineral content. Bottom line: beets in and of themselves are super healthy, but don’t really offer any significant health benefits in Plexus Slim.
• Stevia Leaf Extract- added for sweetness and touted as totally natural, stevia leaf is a plant-based, no calorie sweetener. However, recent research has shown that stevia may be addictive, as well as cause hormonal imbalances. Bottom line: better than artificial sweeteners, but not as healthy as we previously thought.
• Luo-han-guo Fruit Extract- another sweetener, luo-han-guo is a herbaceous perennial vine also known as monk fruit. It’s used as a sugar substitute and also in herbal medicine. Bottom line: monk fruit is a natural sweetener with some purported medicinal benefits, but it is only a very small part of the Plexus Slim makeup.
• Guar Gum- a thickener derived from the guar bean, guar gum is a natural additive found in lots of foods, including organic coconut milk. It has been shown to lower blood glucose levels and body weight in high doses, though it may cause digestive upset for some people. Bottom line: guar gum is a benign additive with no real benefits but unlikely to cause harm.
• Silicon Dioxide- a naturally occurring mineral, silicon dioxide is often added to powdered products to help them flow and keep them from clumping. It is unlikely to cause any health issues. Bottom line: silicon dioxide is a natural additive found in lots of health supplements, and is typically not cause for concern.

Plexus Slim Side Effects

So, with all of the above ingredients in mind, is Plexus safe? Let’s take a look at the possible side effects.

Green Coffee Extract, one of the main weight-loss ingredients in Plexus Slim, has been shown to cause headaches, anxiety, nervousness, depression, gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and vomiting, mineral deficiency, and irregular heartbeat, to name a few.

Chromium, like GCE, can cause an irregular heartbeat and stomach discomfort, as well as damage to the liver and kidneys. It may also cause hypoglycemia by lowering the blood sugar too much.

Garcinia Cambonia can also cause dangerously low blood sugar, particularly for diabetics who are already taking medication.

Health Problems Plexus Slim May Cause

The two main health problems with Plexus Slim, however, are its main ingredient of synthetic fiber filler, and its ability to disrupt hormones.

While there is not an amount listed for the polydextrose, let’s do some simple math to see if we can’t guess how much might really be in it:

One packet of Plexus Slim is 5 grams. According to the label, there are 200 micrograms of chromium and 530 milligrams of the Plexus Slim Blend containing GCE, garcinia cambonia, and alpha lipoic acid.

We have to assume that since the active ingredients only make up a tiny fraction of the ingredients, the remaining ingredients are made up of some fibrous filler, and seeing as how polydextrose is listed first in the “other” ingredients, we can only assume it must make up the bulk of the powder.

Only about half a gram (just over 500 mg) is shown in the active, weight-loss-promoting ingredients. What makes up the remaining more than 4 grams?

The problem with taking a synthetic fiber like polydetxrose is that it may bulk up your bowel movements and initially relieve constipation, but in the long run, it can cause major problems with your colon and lead to diverticulitis, an infection.

Is Plexus Safe? The Hormone Concern

The whole reason women are attracted to Plexus Slim is because it claims to help them lose weight. It does this by speeding up the metabolism and reducing blood sugar, as well as stifling cravings.

Unfortunately, this is a recipe for disaster in the long run because it can cause the adrenal glands to become fatigued and imbalance hormones. When your blood sugar is artificially regulated by some mechanism other than food, your body may become confused and release glucose at the wrong time, or fail to release it when needed.

Your adrenal glands are responsible for helping to regulate your blood sugar, so if you are tampering with your blood sugar, your adrenal glands may become fatigued, which, ultimately, will send your hormones into a tailspin.

According to one study, green coffee extract is prized for its ability to temper your body’s reaction to sugar: “GCE has also been postulated to modify hormone secretion and glucose tolerance in humans.” (source) However, its this very ability that may cause long-term hormonal damage.

Is Plexus Safe?

With all of the above in mind, Plexus Slim is basically a synthetic fiber supplement with a little caffeine, which may increase energy, but can also leave you feeling jittery. Rather than depend on an overpriced fiber supplement to lose weight, consider these healthy options:

• Eat a balanced diet- lowering your carbohydrate intake and eating quality fats and protein is a healthy way to lose weight. Focus on getting your nutrients from fresh produce, rather than synthetic supplements.
• Try intermittent fasting- this easy fasting technique allows your digestive system to rest and spurs your body on to burn fat while you snooze.
• Get plenty of sleep and moderate exercise- focus on healthy lifestyle changes that work with and support your normal bodily needs, rather than working against them in the long run.

 

Is Plexus Safe? The Truth About Plexus Slim