How to Look MORE Beautiful

Oil Pulling & Homemade Remineralizing Toothpaste

I've gotten a lot of requests for this blog lately! I wanted to blend the two techniques together because they are a great combo to do in conjunction for mouth health. I would like to forewarn all of you- this recipe is NOT supposed to taste good, and that these techniques are solely for health purposes :)

Oil Pulling

I am sure many of you have heard of the term oil pulling before, and basically it is exactly as it sounds! This technique has been around for more than 3,000 years and has been known to improve not only oral health but also internal health throughout the entire body. According to http://www.health.harvard.edu, some of the bacteria that lives on the surface of your teeth can cause cardiovascular problems including heart attack and blood clots. In oil pulling, the oil acts as a magnet, pulling bacteria and other toxins/debris from your gums while brightening your teeth at the same time! Doing this every day will improve your gum health as well as heart health and much more.

All You Need-
1 tbsp. of a cold pressed oil (I prefer coconut oil)

Directions-
First thing in the morning (before you eat or drink) put 1 tbsp. of oil into your mouth and swish it around for 20 minutes! I know it sounds like a long time, but it can be done while you shower or while you make breakfast! If you're not much of the breakfast type then you can do it on the way to work. I actually do mine while I do my makeup! After the 20 minutes is up you can spit it out and rinse your mouth out with water (do not swallow).





Homemade Remineralizing Toothpaste
Remineralizing toothpaste helps to strengthen the tooth enamel, remove debris and bacteria, restore gum health and brighten/whiten teeth! This recipe is great to do following oil pulling in the morning.

What You'll Need-
 1 tsp. 100% pure calcium bentonite clay
1 tbsp. Coconut oil
1/2 tsp. Witch hazel
1 tsp. Baking soda
Small mixing bowl
Toothbrush

Directions-

In a small bowl, mix the calcium bentonite clay and baking soda together until an even mixture. Add the coconut oil (folding it in with a small spoon helps instead of stirring) and then the witch hazel! The texture should be a smooth paste. Add to your toothbrush and brush away :)

How These Ingredients Work-

Calcium Bentonite- (although it has not been scientifically proven) it may help to remineralize the tooth enamel, it absorbs bacteria and debris and also acts as a safe cleaning agent due to it's texture therefore can help to lift stains

Coconut Oil- contains lauric acid which has anti-microbial properties that fight bacteria and helps to remove debris from the gums

Witch Hazel- fights bad breath causing bacteria

Baking Soda- excellent cleaning agent, also helps to fight bacteria and whitens teeth

Make Your Own Simple & Natural Whitening Toothpaste

Did you know that some of the ingredients in your toothpaste can actually cause harm to your health? We all love to have clean white teeth and fresh breath but there are many ways to achieve oral health without using store bought products. This recipe that I found a few years ago actually works wonders... and YES it even whitens your teeth safely and gently! I get a ton of comments and questions on what I use so I thought I would share it with all of you. 

What You Will Need-

1 tbsp. of Coconut Oil

1 tsp. of Baking Soda

1-2 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil

1 drop of Tea Tree and Lavender Essential Oil Blend

Small spoon

Container with a lid

Toothbrush

How To-

Mix together the Coconut Oil and Baking Soda with a small spoon until  it becomes a smooth white paste. Add the essential oils and mix well! You can brush your teeth with this solution 1x a day (baking soda is slightly abrasive on the tooth enamel if used everyday 2x a day) use your best judgement based on your own tooth sensitivity! I like to alternate mine with a remineralizing homemade toothpaste and oil pulling (which I will blog about next).

How/Why These Ingredients Work-

Coconut Oil- contains lauric acid which has anti-microbial properties (kills bacteria) and supports gum health

Baking Soda- natural whitening properties that help remove stains

Peppermint Oil- contains anti-microbial properties that help to fight bad breath

Tea Tree and Lavender Oil Blend- Tea Tree oil kills bacteria that causes bad breath and is a great remedy for receding gums while Lavender also helps to fight off bacteria and soothes red and inflamed gums! 

Ingredients to Avoid in Store Bought Toothpastes

FD&C Blue Dye #2- Center for Science in the Public Interest warns that it may have a connection to several learning and behavioral issues as well as severe allergic reactions and other health issues.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate- Higher concentrations of this are in many household cleaners! It has been known to cause severe gum problems such as skin corrosion, inflammation and canker sores. SLS also produces nitrosamines (potential carcinogen) that can enter the blood stream and effect the liver, brain and heart after a long period of time.

Triclosan- In animal testing (which I also do not agree with) triclosan had a negative effect on the thyroid and endocrine system as well as helped to create bacteria that was resistant to antibiotics.

Saccharine and Aspartame- Both have been linked to cancer as well as migraine headaches, nausea, tongue blisters and other health problems. 

Sodium Flouride- Found in rat poisoning and linked to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Enough of this can actually kill you. 

Beauty Smoothie That You Can Eat & Wear as a Mask!

The next time you make a smoothie and you're about to rinse out the blender... WAIT! Have you ever thought about putting what's left over on your face? Just about everything that makes up a healthy/vitamin rich smoothie also can benefit your skin if applied directly to it. Why waste that last bit when it can be used to get a healthy glow, reduce free radical damage, re-hydrate, minimize fine lines/wrinkles, promote cell growth and stimulate collagen production. 

Here's what you'll need-

1/2 cup of non-fat plain greek yogurt (for vegan substitute use coconut yogurt)

1 cup of chilled acai green tea

Small handful of blueberries (fresh or frozen)

Small handful of chopped strawberries (fresh or frozen)

Handful of fresh spinach

1 tbsp. of coconut oil

1/2 tbsp. of honey

1 tsp. of chia seeds

Blend together in a blender, adding green tea as needed! As a face mask- leave on for 10-15 minutes and rinse with cool water. 

Beauty Benefits of Each Ingredient-

Greek Yogurt Inner- contains probiotics (strains of good bacteria) that improve digestion which can improve acne, calcium which promotes new cell growth and B vitamins that help to reduce free radicals.

Greek Yogurt Outer- contains zinc which reduces inflammation/redness, lactic acid which exfoliates (reduces fine lines and wrinkles) as well as helps to lighten scarring within the skin.

Acai Green Tea Inner- helps with weight loss, reduces inflammation, fights free radicals, packed with anti-oxidants and vitamin B12, contains omega fatty acids and amino acids.

Acai Green Tea Outer- reduces redness and inflammation and helps to fight acne with anti-bacterial properties as well as detoxes the skin and reduces free radicals.

Blueberries Inner- rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins A/B/C/E, zinc, copper, potassium, iron and magnesium.

Blueberries Outer- all of the above which help to promote collagen production, promote new cell growth, provide healing properties, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties as well as reduces fine lines and wrinkles.

Strawberries Inner- contains vitamin C, vitamin A, folic acid, calcium, potassium and magnesium which all help to reduce free radicals, promote skin/bone health as well as immune system health.

Strawberries Outer- all of the above which help to promote collagen production/cell growth, lighten/brighten skin tone, cancer fighting anti-oxidants and contains malic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid) that exfoliates away dead skin cells and firms skin.

Spinach Inner- packed with anti-oxidants, vitamin A/C/E/K, magnesium, folic acid and calcium which all help to promote collagen production/cell growth, promote healing, support skin/hair/bone health and contain anti-inflammatory properties.

Spinach Outer- all of the above which help to reduce redness and inflammation, promote new cell growth/healing, help to remove impurities/toxins from pores and prevents premature aging of the skin.

Coconut Oil Inner- helps with weight loss (medium chain fatty acids), strengthens immune system, helps with proper digestion, contains anti-microbial properties that fight bacteria and promotes healing.

Coconut Oil Outer- all of the above which help to hydrate/strengthen/rebuild skin, promote new cell growth, fight bacteria and reduce acne. 

Honey Inner- natural energy boost, strengthens immune system, has carcinogen-preventing properties (anti-cancer), healing properties, anti-microbial properties and high in anti-oxidants.

Honey Outer- reduces inflammation, hydrates skin, promotes healing, contains anti-microbial properties that help with acne and lesions and reduce free radicals within the skin.

Chia Seeds Inner- contain omega 3 fatty acids, B vitamins, zinc, magnesium and potassium and also contains some protein.

Chia Seeds Outer- all of the above including high in anti-oxidants which help to promote new cell growth, contain healing properties, reduce inflammation and lightens/brightens skin.

11 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Acne

Unfortunately, acne happens for many different reasons- stress/anxiety, hormones, excess oil/clogged pores, toxins within the body, medications and negative reactions to foods/poor diet. If there is a healthy or unhealthy balance internally... then we show it externally. Besides a well balanced skin care regimen, I believe that the best way to clear up acne is to start on the inside!

Here are 11 natural ways to clear up your acne-

 

Chinese Face Mapping- Use this chart to identify some of the possible reasons behind your breakouts, that way you have somewhere to start. Example: I get breakouts on my chin every couple of weeks which may have a connection to my reproductive system (a.k.a. hormonal breakouts).

  

Drink Plenty of Water- Water helps your body to flush out toxins/impurities! By drinking approx. 64oz. of water a day you're not only removing toxins but you're also providing the necessary hydration for your skin to stay healthy.

Drink Green Tea- Substitute your soda/pop with a cup of green tea! It naturally contains a high amount of catechins (anti-oxidants), anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties to help fight off acne. Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine because it can dehydrate the skin!

Use Coconut Oil- coconut oil contains Lauric Acid and Capric Acid which are 2 of the most powerful antimicrobial fatty acids. They help to fight off bacteria within the skin when applied topically and taken internally. Coconut Oil also contains Vitamin E (helps to regulate hyperactive oil glands), Vitamin K (antimicrobial), Vitamin A (helps regulate cell turnover when consumed) and anti-inflammatory properties! Replace your cooking oil with coconut oil and spot treat your acne with it as well! You will see positive results.

Super B-Complex by Nature's Bounty- Taking this daily has helped my skin SO much! It has biotin and folic acid along with B/C vitamins to help give your skin what it needs. Always consult a doctor before taking any sort of vitamin or supplement and never take more than directed! Our bodies can only absorb so much at one time and anything in excess is never a good thing!

Colorful Fruits & Vegetables-  Try adding at least one of them to each meal! For breakfast, add blueberries and raspberries to your Greek yogurt or cereal. Have a "colorful" salad for lunch- mix it up and don't be afraid to put as many veggies and even fruits as you want! For dinner, substitute your baked potato with a sweet potato! Raw fruits and vegetables are PACKED with anti-oxidants, vitamins A/B/C etc. and are an important piece to looking/feeling healthy.

Magnesium- It is said that magnesium can help combat acne by reducing stress within the body and also helps to reduce inflammation. Some foods with good levels of magnesium are spinach, kale, nuts (shown above), whole milk, dried apricots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, tomatoes, blackberries, bananas and oranges! Try some almonds and blackberries for a small snack during the day (you'll also get a good amount of protein, vitamin C, iron and calcium)!   

Omega-3 Fatty Acids- These are the "good fats" that our bodies regularly need. According to chriskresser.com, consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may lead to smoother, younger-looking skin with a visible reduction in inflammatory skin conditions like acne and psoriasis. I got mine at Costco, but there are plenty of brands that are just as great! Nature's Bounty has odorless gels that are really easy to swallow.

Miso Soup- The "miso" in the broth is actually a concentrated paste made from fermented soy beans. When all ingredients are added this soup is packed with anti-oxidants, linoleic acid (helps lighten pigmentation within skin), essential fatty acids, vitamin E and the fermented ingredients help to fight off bacteria, boost the immune system and remove toxins from the body. Try a low sodium miso if you have a sensitivity to sodium (I get headaches).  

Get Rid of White Foods- Foods like white bread, white rice, white refined flour, French fries and mashed potatoes have GOT to go if you want clear skin. All of those sugary cookies, cakes, breads etc. are the main culprits not only when it comes to acne but also all around bad health. Try substituting your sandwich bread or pasta with a whole grain one. When you get a side of rice get brown instead! Not only will you see a difference... you'll feel it!

Yoga- Stress can cause a TON of internal issues including acne. According to NCCAM (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) studies suggest that practicing yoga (as well as other forms of regular exercise) might improve quality of life; reduce stress; lower heart rate and blood pressure; help relieve anxiety, depression, and insomnia; and improve overall physical fitness, strength, and flexibility. Try adding a yoga class to your schedule 2-3x a week either before you begin your day or before you wind down for bed. It will make a huge difference!

Beauty & Health Benefits of Honey

Honey (as we all probably know) is a natural sweetener that comes from the honey bee. According to ycbk.org, it takes about 10,000 worker bees to gather 1 pound of honey. One single bee colony can produce more than 110 pounds!

Honey is mostly made up of sugar therefore is has quite the "unhealthy" reputation. When we eat sugar (sucrose), our stomachs have to use their own enzymes to break down the glucose and fructose. However, bees have already added that enzyme to honey, so the glucose and fructose are much more easily absorbed by the body. Not to mention honey also has a lower GI (glycemic index) which allows for a more gradual/healthier digestive process.

The Health & Beauty Benefits of Honey

-Great source of energy

-Packed with antioxidants to help rid the body of free radicals (great anti-aging benefits as a mask)

-Great anti-bacterial/anti-microbial properties to help fight off disease

-Helps to inhibit the destruction of collagen within the skin

-Can speed up the oxidation of alcohol by the liver (hangover cure)

-Has anti-inflammatory/healing properties

-Helps to increase metabolism (great for weight loss)

-May help in easing stress hormones within the body

-When used in skin care it helps reduce pore size, moisturize, reduce inflammation and fight off bacteria (helpful in healing acne).

Check out these mask recipes with honey in them!

They're easy to make with the ingredients you already have at home!

Click Here! 

What is Pearl Powder?

Pearls are one of the most beautiful creations by nature itself. Believe it or not, they are simply formed by an oyster protecting itself from debris that has slipped into it's shell. The oyster coats the debris with layers upon layers of a calcium carbonate (shiny coating on the outside of the shell) which in time then creates a pearl!

Pearl powder comes from "finely milled" seawater/freshwater pearls and can be orally ingested or applied topically. Seawater pearls contain almost double the amount of ions, amino acids and minerals as opposed to freshwater therefore they are more highly recommended. Some of the beneficial ingredients include- calcium, magnesium, silica, B-vitamins, iron, zinc and copper.

Health benefits of topical application or ingestion are anti-aging, promotes collagen production within the skin, stimulates circulation, provides natural sun protection, strengthens bones and increases bone density, whitens teeth, helps heal acne, heals/brightens skin, regulates immune system, improves heart health, relieves stress/anxiety, improves sleep and helps to remove toxic substances from the body.

Here are a few products to try out :) keep an eye out

for my next blog on a home made anti-aging

pearl powder mask!

100% pure seawater pearl powder by Super Micro Powder.

It comes in a 500 mg capsule that is easy to take, and can be opened and used in a homemade mask.

click here 

Pearl powder mask for lightening and toning the skin, by My Beauty Diary. Great for dark spots, acne scarring and other pigmentation.

click here

Triple Pearl Powder Finishing Powder by Jane Iredale. Gives your makeup a finishing glow while giving anti-aging benefits to you skin.

click here

Health & Beauty Benefits of White Tea

White tea has been consumed daily by people all over the world for hundreds of years. Not only does it have minimal caffeine levels and is the least processed of all teas, but also contains high levels of an antioxidant called "catechin". According to livestrong.com, catechins inhibit the growth of cancer cells (stomach, liver, breast, skin, colon, prostate, lung, esophagus, pancreas and ovarian), can prevent tumor blood vessel growth, protect against the development of atherosclerotic plaque build up in arteries, help promote anti-diabetic effects in insulin resistance and provide significant protection against Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Rumor also has it that catechins may help promote weight loss by stimulating the fat burning activity within the body!

Aside from cancer prevention, white tea also helps improve artery health, lowers blood pressure, helps to lower bad cholesterol levels while maintaining the good cholesterol levels, may aide in bone density and strength, has natural anti-bacterial properties that may help fight off sickness and also reduces free radicals (which cause premature aging) within the body that promotes healthy and radiant skin!

In one 8oz. cup of white tea there's approximately 15mg of caffeine as opposed to the 47mg in black tea.

     By drinking 1-2 cups a day, you can lower your chances for health problems later on in life!

For more information on white tea click here!

I also wanted to share my favorite tea company at the moment with you guys! Its called Teavana. They have some of the best/freshest teas and they also sell different kinds of infusers and mugs etc.! Be sure to check them out :)

http://www.teavana.com/     

Quick & Easy Smoothie Recipe

I like to make this smoothie in the morning before work or the gym! It's quick/easy to make and gives me the energy I need, plus I've noticed a huge difference in how my skin looks! 

You will need (for one serving)-

1 cup of coconut milk (almond is fine too)

 1/2 cup of plain nonfat greek yogurt

1/4 cup of blueberries (frozen is okay)

1 tbsp of honey

3 leaves of kale (despined)

 A handful of spinach

1/4 cup of pomegranate juice

*For extra protein you may add 1 scoop of whey protein powder

In a blender- add all ingredients and blend until smooth! If it tastes too tangy then try a vanilla flavored greek yogurt or whey powder to help bring it down! If you're making them for the week ahead, put individual servings into medium sized freezer bags, and the night before just place one in the fridge to thaw out. The easiest way to get the smoothie into a cup is to cut the bottom corner of the bag and squeeze it into the cup! 

Health Benefits

Coconut Milk- "Healthy" kind of fat and contains anti-microbial properties that help fight off infection and disease.

Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt- Contains anywhere from 12-20 grams of protein per serving.

Blueberries- Packed with vitamins and anti-oxidants, help reduce the risk of heart attack and helps slow the break-down of collagen within the skin due to UV exposure.

Honey- Provides energy for the body, controls blood sugar and helps fight inflammation within the body.

Kale- Packed with vitamins and anti-oxidants for skin, eyes and bones as well as anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent certain cancers.

Spinach- Low in calories/high in fiber and helps maintain control of healthy weight.

Pomegranate- High in anti-oxidants and vitamin C which helps control production of collagen within the skin. 

Relieve Your Cold Symptoms with Peppermint Oil

The Facts About Peppermint Essential Oil

-Naturally derived from the peppermint plant which is a cross between water mint and spear mint!

-Can help with motion sickness/upset stomach as well as heartburn (when paired with caraway oil).

-According to livestrong.com, peppermint essential oil naturally contains anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.

-Temporarily relieves nasal congestion and respiratory problems due to it being an effective expectorant (it thins the mucus).

-Relieves headaches due to its analgesic properties.

-Can be used topically (less concentrated version) to treat pain and inflammation!

Peppermint Essential Oil Uses to Relieve Common Cold Symptoms

*Note- The use of peppermint essential oil is not approved by the FDA. All essential oils are very concentrated and can be toxic to the body in excessive form, therefore you should notify your doctor before using any amount of concentration internally or externally.

Stuffy Nose- Apply one drop of peppermint oil to your pinky and lightly dab it beneath both nostrils. This may cause your nose to run (be extremely careful NOT to get it anywhere near the eyes).

Sore Throat- Apply one drop on your tongue and inhale slowly/deeply OR make warm tea and add 1-2 drops of peppermint essential oil and sip slow.

Swollen Lymph Nodes in Throat- Sometimes the tonsils can swell and cause a great deal of pain. Apply a small drop of peppermint essential oil to ring finger, rub with other ring finger and gently dab onto swollen area (usually beneath outer jaw bone). Temporarily will reduce inflammation and pain.

Sinus Headache- Heat some water in a bowl and then apply 2-4 drops of peppermint essential oil. Place your face over the steaming water and inhale through your nose. You can also apply one drop to the palm of your hand, using your ring finger apply the oil to the forehead, the bridge of the nose and then to sinus cavities on your cheek bones. See this page for a map of the facial sinuses- http://www.webmd.com/allergies/picture-of-the-sinuses

Respiratory Problems- Apply peppermint essential oil to the throat, neck and chest. You can also try the same steamed water remedy with peppermint essential oil in it OR even a warm bath (just add 4-6 drops since there will be more water).  



Beauty & Health Benefits of Drinking Red Wine

Red Wine has been around for centuries! Made all over the world for an assortment of texture and sophisticated taste, it is one of the most commonly consumed alcoholic beverages since B.C. times! So... it tastes great right? Well did you know that red wine is one of the most beneficial anti-aging weapons around? According to Dr. Oz (http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/cheers-red-wine) it has incredible amounts of anti-oxidants beneficial to the body inside and out as well as anti-inflammatory properties. Fact: our bodies collect free radicals on a daily basis that attack our DNA/cell membranes which leads to the aging process. Anti-oxidants help to remove those free radicals from our bodies thus slowing and preventing that process. NOW this isn't a "prescription" to go buy a bottle of wine-a-day! Remember that all alcoholic drinks contain calories and over consumption isn't going to help in the long run. According to Livestrong.com (http://www.livestrong.com/article/439545-how-much-red-wine-do-you-need-to-drink-for-health-benefits/) women can consume approx. 5oz and men 10oz. of red wine daily. Not an alcoholic beverage consumer? Check out my blog on the anti-aging benefits of grapes- http://theskingossip.blogspot.com/2012/11/anti-aging-grapes.html 

More benefits of red wine:

1. The resveratrol in red wine can help lower your cholesterol and risk of blood clotting! It helps reduce plaque build up in the arteries (dry reds such as cabernet sauvignon have the highest amounts).
2. It contains polyphenols that protect the skin from UV light (which helps preserve elastin).
3. Because of the anti-oxidant properties collagen is also better preserved!

The Power of Positive Thinking!

 

 

Sometimes we become so consumed with the bad things that happen to us we forget about the good. I believe that by reminding ourselves everyday of the things we are most fortunate for, we tend to move away from the things we are not!

Throughout a few experiences I've had in my life, I have come to the conclusion that what we tell ourselves is what becomes our reality. If you tell yourself that you are "unworthy" of love then eventually you will build up walls between yourself and the people that try to love you. The same goes for what we allow others to tell us about ourselves.

On my way to work one morning I heard a story on the radio about an older couple that really caught my attention. Every Sunday they both would take a piece of notebook paper, write something positive/meaningful about the other, and then read it aloud over a glass of wine after dinner. Telling one other those things helped keep the love in their marriage alive for over 50 years.

 

Their story gave me the idea to begin writing down all of the positive things that happened in my daily life. Whether it was the sunset that I saw after work or the semi-great hair day I was having, I made sure to put it in that book. Every week I would go back through and read all of my entries. Instead of thinking about the girl that was rude to me at the grocery store I was thinking about the older woman that smiled at me and complimented my shoes. I was beginning to focus on the good and forget about the bad.

Challenge: Go out and get a journal that speaks to you! Write in it everyday (all positive) and read back to remind yourself what a great life you actually live! Get out there and make more positive things happen for you and you will see a difference in yourself.

10 Superfoods That Will Give You Gorgeous/Healthy Skin!

"You are what you eat". Everything you consume has a negative/positive effect on your body inside and out! By choosing the right foods you can help reverse and prevent aging, moisture loss, free radical damage and even breakouts. Here are 10 superfoods that will positively effect the health of your skin:

1.) Acai Berry- packed with anti-oxidants to combat aging, amino acids and essential fatty acids.

2.) Salmon- contains vitamin A (boosts immune system and cell repair) and amino acids (amino acid glutamine stabilizes blood sugar and stress response). Any omega3 rich fish is beneficial!

3.) Olive Oil- contains vitamin E (helps repair and heal scarring). Cook with olive oil or even create your own salad dressing with 1 part oil and 1 part balsamic vinaigrette!

4.) Green or White Tea- both contain anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. See my previous post on green tea!

5.) Melons- cantaloupe contains high amounts of anti-oxidants and vitamin A (fiber too).

6.) Dandelion Root- (you can get it as a tea) contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, beta-carotene, calcium, boron, silicon, iron, zinc and anti-oxidants! Great for a detox as well as anti-aging benefits from the vitamin A, C and D.

7.) Millet- grain that contains silicon (benefits skin, hair and nails) and has anti-fungal properties.

8.) Vibrant Colored Vegetables- carrots, spinach, broccoli, brussel sprouts and sweet potatoes are all high in vitamin A!

9.) Citrus Fruits- oranges and grapefruits are packed with vitamin C which promotes cell growth, cell repair, reverses free radical damage and can prevent long term damage from sun exposure.

10.) Avocado- avocado oil contains vitamin E and anti-oxidants as well as a great moisturizer topically for hair and skin!

Check out these recipes that include superfoods:

Spicy Sweet Potato Wedges- Click Here

Acai-Blueberry Smoothie- Click Here

Spinach Salad with Orange Vinaigrette- Click Here

Grilled Salmon with Avocado Dip- Click Here

Beauty & Health Benefits of Drinking Water

 According to the U.S. Geological Survey- 60% of the human body is made of water, our brains 70% and our lungs 90%! That's a lot of water right? So how much should we all be drinking daily to stay healthy? Well it depends on whether you are male or female and how much you sweat (due to exercise or extreme heat). The Institute of Medicine determined that on average the daily amount an adult male should consume is about 3.7 liters (125 oz. or 15 cups) and for the adult female about 2.7 liters (91 oz. or 11 cups). 

Health Benefits

 1. Regulates body temperature

2. Protects body tissues, spinal cord, and joints

3. Helps the body rid itself of toxins and waste through perspiration

4. Regulates proper digestion

5. Improves circulation (brings nutrients and oxygen to cells)

*All of these benefit the skin!

 Make Drinking Water "Chic"!

 I found these really great water bottles by a company called EarthLust! They're an Eco Friendly company that makes reusable water bottles out of "high quality food-grade steel and BPA- free polypropylene which keeps plastic water bottles out of landfills and our environment". Their designs are so much fun and 100% worth the buy!

Check Them Out!

Health & Beauty Benefits of Coconut

When you hear the word Coconut you think of hot summer days, sandy beaches and pina coladas right? Well according to recent studies coconut is MUCH more than just that! Unfortunately it has been given a "bad rep" for being much too high in saturated fats. But after a lot of research I found that foods with high levels of fats aren't necessarily bad for you! Its all about the molecular size of the fat (the smaller the molecule the easier it is for your body to break it down). In comparison, coconut has smaller fat molecules than vegetable and seed oils, therefore your body metabolizes it easier! Which speeds up your metabolism and leads to weight loss and an increase in good cholesterol in the body!

Health Benefits of Coconut

1. Hair- Can help with protein loss and protect the hair against damage as well as being a great conditioner for dry ends and scalp.
2. Skin- Contains Lauric Acid which is an anti-viral component found in breast milk, has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial benefits, and is a great protectant against free radicals and aging. It is also a great moisturizer because of its molecular size allows better absorption by the skin.
3. Body- Increases the body's metabolism causing weight loss, helps with the absorption of vitamins and minerals, prevents indigestion, has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that fight against infections, can help in dissolving kidney stones, as well as boosting energy/endurance and assists in removing stress and mental fatigue.

Coconut Products to Check Out

Coconut Body Butter by The Body Shop- Im in LOVE with this stuff! Perfect for winter. Just use it after a shower or bath and it moisturizes for up to 24 hours!

Click Here

Coconut Lip Butter also by The Body Shop- I get chapped lips at night so this is the best before bed!

Click Here

Organic Coconut Oil for Cooking- You can get it at just about any local grocery store! But I have found the best brands that are certified organic at Whole Foods, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Trader Joe's!

Health & Beauty Benefits of Green Tea

Green Tea has been around promoting good health for centuries! Here are a few reasons why you should be drinking 2-4 cups of it everyday:

1. Green tea has a potent level of anitoxidants (polyphenols) that help prevent free radicals which can cause damage to the cells and tissues of the body.
2. Great source of caffeine without the dehydration and unfortunate teeth staining of coffee! Who doesnt want white teeth??
3. Contains anti-inflammatory and anit-bacterial agents for healthy skin!
4. Helps burn calories and lessen the storage of bad fats in the body.
5. Studies have shown green tea associated with a reduced risk of cancers such as: skin, breast, lung, colon, esophageal and bladder.

It has been said that there is a higher concentration of green tea benefits in fresh tea that has been stouped than the kind that have been bottled! Check out the company Teavana, they have some of the best loose-leaf teas and you can order them online- Click Here!