Probiotic Benefits: More than Just a Gut Feeling

Uhhhh…what’s that yellow glob floating on the surface of my milk? 

Now, before you get all grossed out—it’s just probiotics growing overnight, so you can enjoy digestive regularity for breakfast the next morning!

These bacteria cultures promote gastrointestinal health, immune support, allergy or inflammatory relief, weight management and cholesterol reduction, among other wellness benefits. And they’re safe to consume on a daily basis—add one scoopful in powdered form to non-dairy milk then leave in room temperature for several hours until the liquid becomes a yogurt consistency. Probiotics at work, people!

Inside your body live trillions of bacterial inhabitants who play a vital role in organ function. Therefore, recent evidence suggests hacking this microbiome through probiotic supplements can take your overall health from mediocre to all-systems-go!

Not all probiotics are created equal though. So, the kicker is determining which supplements back up their marketing claims with long-term results. Here are some factors to consider before joining the probiotic party:

• Opt for multi-strain. These little guys prefer the “buddy system,” so choose a supplement that combines two or more probiotic types for maximum efficacy.

• Keep it live & active. If the cultures die before you even ingest them, consider their benefits null and void, so choose a supplement that guarantees shelf-life.

• Steer clear of artificial. Refined sweeteners or processed ingredients don’t have your best interests in mind, so choose a supplement that’s both natural and plant-based.

• Avoid the “pre” suffix. Prebiotics are sugary carb clusters which your GI tract cannot regulate, so choose a supplement that doesn’t hype the “prebiotic ploy.” 

Wanna learn more about which probiotic brands deliver optimal wellness? Check out the complete bacterial breakdown here.

Now, go forth…and keep that gut of yours gleeful!

Embed from Getty Images

 

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Thanks to reviews.com for supplying the research featured in this post.

10 Turmeric Hacks to “Spice” Up Your Daily Wellness Ritual

Turmeric. It’s basically the kale of 2016. This close relative of the ginger root has been initiated into the “superfood” clique—sorry, avocado…we had a vote—and everyone, from  Ayurvedic healers to that cashier at Whole Foods, now swears by its anti-inflammatory benefits.

But turns out, turmeric is worth the hype. Containing high levels of antioxidants—more specifically, curcumin—this exotic orange-yellow-ish powder has been found to protect against cancer, stroke, arthritis, liver disease and even Alzheimer’s.

So, yeah. “Superfood” indeed.

If you’re like me though, you’ve got this internal dialogue playing on-loop right about now: Ummm…medicinal properties are cool, but how am I supposed to actually use this stuff? Well, aside from being a wellness wonder, turmeric also earns versatility points. Consider it your spice rack’s answer to coconut oil.

Whether ingested or applied topically, the following hacks will transform turmeric into a health and beauty must-have:

Whiten Your Teeth

Douse a toothbrush in water then dip the bristles in 1/8 teaspoon turmeric. Scrub your teeth with the turmeric and leave on for 5 minutes. Rinse your mouth then brush again with regular toothpaste.

Minimize Dandruff

Whisk 1/2 teaspoon turmeric with 1 tablespoon coconut oil until both ingredients are combined. Massage this mixture into your scalp and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse your hair then shampoo normally.

Heal Inflamed Skin

Mix 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon water until these ingredients form a paste. Spread this mask across your face—paying close attention to acne-prone areas—then leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse your skin with cold water.

Sooth Joint Swelling

Combine 2 tablespoons turmeric, 1 tablespoon lime juice and 1/4 teaspoon water until these ingredients form a poultice. Apply this mixture directly onto the injured body part then wrap in a cloth bandage. Leave on for 20 minutes, at minimum.

Blend Into Smoothies

Include a few dashes of turmeric in your favorite beverage concoctions, along with other superfood enhancements like chia seeds, hemp hearts, cacao nibs or spirulina.

Make “Longevi-Tea” 

Add 1 teaspoon turmeric to 1 cup boiling water then simmer for 10 minutes. Strain any leftover turmeric grounds from the water then stir in ginger or honey, to taste.

Make “Golden Milk”

Mix together 1 teaspoon turmeric and 1/4 cup water on low heat until both ingredients form a paste. Add 1 cup unsweetened almond milk and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon coconut oil or ghee, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.

Toss With Salads

Whisk 1/4 teaspoon turmeric with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 tablespoon whole grain Dijon mustard and 2 teaspoons lemon juice. Pour this mixture over fresh veggies and use salad tongs to distribute the liquid evenly.

Spice Up Bone Broth

Infuse 1 teaspoon turmeric into a healthy homemade stock—like this recipe from Wellness Mama—for extra flavor, zest and color.

Kickstart Your Morning

Sprinkle a few dashes of turmeric over scrambled eggs, oatmeal, avocado toast, plain Greek yogurt or sliced apples with almond butter.

Behold: the Not-so-Average Avocado

I’m an avocado aficionado. And not just because of Chipotle guacamole (Although, real talk: what’s more delectable than a creamy, gloppy mound of Chipotle guac? Uhhh…what is “NOTHING for 200,” Alex!)

But — I digress — there’s more to this superfood than a slathering of lusciousness on top of your burrito bowl.

The avocado is truly a nutritional powerhouse, which may just be the best news you’ve heard all day. Why? Because you can enjoy all that rich texture and flavor without  questioning your life choices afterward.

YAAAAAAAS!!!

image courtesy of Theresa Garnero — defeatdiabetes.org

This wondrous fruit runs the full spectrum of health benefits, thanks to 15 grams of omega-3 fatty acids, 6 grams of protein, 7 grams of fiber, and a veritable pantheon of essential nutrients.

For example, in just a single serving, here’s what you’re ingesting:

• Vitamin C (17% Recommended Daily Value)
• Vitamin B5 (14% Recommended Daily Value)
• Vitamin B6 (13% Recommended Daily Value)
• Vitamin E (10% Recommended Daily Value)
• Vitamin K (26% Recommended Daily Value)
• Potassium (14% Recommended Daily Value)
• Folate (20% Recommended Daily Value)
• Vitamin A (Trace Amounts)
• Vitamin B1 (Trace Amounts)
• Vitamin B2 (Trace Amounts)
• Magnesium (Trace Amounts)
• Manganese (Trace Amounts)
• Copper (Trace Amounts)
• Iron (Trace Amounts)
• Zinc (Trace Amounts)

Sorry, butter. You should be so lucky to have these star ingredients on your nutrition label.

So, seeking weight management without compromising taste? Grab an avocado! Dying for a Loreal spokesmodel-worthy mane? Yup. There’s an avocado for that! Or, how about a clear complexion? Yet again…avocado for the win!

Now that’s one all-inclusive superfood, which is why I can’t resist sneaking avocados into practically everything I cook — from Asian to Mexican and even some Italian dishes. Versatility at its finest, folks!

And speaking of versatility, here are 5 reasons to make this oval-shaped stud muffin your body’s new BFF:

1. Antioxidant carotenoid properties reduce fine lines, wrinkles, UV damage and other visible signs of aging, while improving skin’s overall firmness and elasticity.

2. Monounsaturated fatty acid properties improve cardiovascular health by lowering harmful cholesterol and blood sugar levels, which cause heart disease.

3. Slow-burning energy properties promote weight loss due to a high density of healthy fats, which satisfies hunger and provides the body with expendable fuel.

4. Numerous protein and vitamin properties stimulate hair growth, while adding noticeable shine to otherwise lackluster locks when used as a deep conditioner. 

5. Anti-inflammatory properties decrease the risk of arthritis-related pain by alleviating joint irritation, while strengthening bone density with potassium. 

So, on the off-chance that sheer delight of shoveling down guacamole isn’t enough incentive to make avocados a regular fixture in your diet…

Oh, who are we kidding?! Of course, it is!

In fact, I might just bite into one right now. Skin and all.

Who’s judging? We’ve all been there.

*information compiled by authoritynutrition.com and healthiestfoods.co.uk

P.S. Got a favorite avocado recipe in your repertoire? Feel free to share in the comments below!

Nutri Maqui: Because “Natural” Doesn’t Have to Mean “Nasty”

image courtesy of nutrilifescience.com

Why is the claim “all-natural” typically met with groans, eye rolling, and outright skepticism from the average consumer?

Well, because it’s often just that — a claim. Pretentious-sounding marketing ploys that guilt people into buying overpriced (not to mention, unappetizing!) products, which may or may not legitimately support a nutritious lifestyle.

The result? Money wasted, and no perceptible health benefits to justify the cost (or assault on your taste buds!).

If only there was a dietary supplement out there, which could live up to the “all-natural” hype, without compromising flavor and affordability…

Enter: Nutri Maqui.

This gluten-free superfruit juice is the solution to our dilemma, dear readers! Made with the purest and highest quality ingredients found in nature, Nutri Maqui delivers optimum nutritional benefits and tastes startlingly delicious, too. Think: sweet with just a hint of satisfying tartness. Fabuloso!

Developed by Nutri Lifescience, a Florida-based company dedicated to preserving the overall wellbeing of its customers with premium-grade health products, Nutri Maqui packs an energizing punch, guaranteed to power you through even the most hectic schedule.

Its primary active ingredient — maqui berry — is nature’s richest known source of antioxidants (essential nutrients that fight disease-causing free radicals in the body) and can only be harvested from the Patagonian region of South America. This extraordinary superfruit has been proven to fortify immune function, alleviate oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and promote both physical and mental longevity.

These are the very same benefits you can expect from just a single serving of Nutri Maqui!

Plus, integrating this dietary supplement into your regular routine couldn’t be simpler. Jump-start your morning by blending it into a smoothie. Drink it straight from the bottle for pre-workout fuel or post-workout recovery. Even enjoy it as an afternoon pick-me-up instead of reaching for those Doritos. Regardless of how you choose to get your daily dosage, Nutri Maqui fits in with any lifestyle demand.

Now, let’s discuss cost. One 32-ounce bottle retails on Amazon for $39.95, and — I can assure you — the value is worth the price tag. Check it out: Each serving equals 1 cap-ful, and every bottle contains 32 servings. That’s 32 days full of energy-boosting, antioxidant-enriching nourishment. Talk about a bang for your buck!

My personal experience with this superfruit juice can only be described as “love at first sip.” Nutri Maqui is the real deal, — not just another poser of false advertising — and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

So, whether you’re already an all-natural enthusiast or you’re striving to live healthier in the New Year, Nutri Maqui has you covered!

image used with permission from Nutri Lifescience, LLC

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