10 Best Natural Moisturizers

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Many moisturizers on the market contain harmful chemicals that get absorbed into the skin and enter the bloodstream. About one in eight of the 82,000 ingredients used in personal care products are industrial chemicals which include carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins, and hormone disruptors. When you think that your skin is the largest organ in your body, and you spread these products on your skin day by day, you can start to imagine the harm that you are putting your body through, as well as the environment. Some products may also include plasticizers, degreasers and surfactants, things that are found in concrete, auto shops and paint tubs.

What I want you to do right now is grab any one of your moisturizers and read through the ingredients. If it contains any of the following, I would suggest you throw it out immediately:

1. BHA & BHT: Used in makeup and moisturizers as preservatives. Suspected endocrine disruptor and may cause cancer.

2. Coal tar dyes: p-phenylenediamine and colours listed as “CI” followed by a five digit number: May also be listed as FD&C Blue No. 1 or Blue 1. Potential to cause cancer and heavy metal toxicity to the brain.

3. DEA-related ingredients: Used in moisturizers and shampoo. Can react to form nitrosamines which cause cancer.

4. Dibutyl phthalate: Suspected endocrine disruptor and reproductive toxicant.

5. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives: DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine and quarternium-15. Slowly releases small amounts of formaldehyde which cause cancer.

6. Parabens: Suspected endocrine disruptors and interferes with male reproductive functions.

7. Parfum (a.k.a fragrance): Can trigger allergies and asthma. Some are linked to cancer and neurotoxicity.

8. PEG compounds: Used in many cream bases. Can cause cancer.

9. Petrolatum: Petroleum product that can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which may cause cancer.

10. Siloxanes: Suspected endocrine disruptor and reproductive toxicant.

11. Sodium laureth sulfate: May cause cancer. Also called SLS. Related chemicals called sodium lauryl sulfate and other ingredients ending with letters “eth”.

12. Triclosan: Suspected endocrine disruptor and may contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

Instead, opt for nature-made oils that will help repair your skin, and make it glow! Below is a list of 10 natural oils that are wonderful for all types of skin care such as moisturizing, helping get rid of wrinkles and fine lines, clearing up acne and blemishes, treating dry and/or oily skin. I personally love to use jojoba oil mixed with some rose hip seed oil on my face, as well as hemp oil on my face. For my body I typically use jojoba and grapeseed oil.

10 Natural Skin Care Oils:

1. Coconut Oil: has high moisture retaining capacity so it acts as an excellent moisturizer for your skin. It melts into your skin and increases the levels of skin surface lipids which helps soften it. Small wounds (caused by acne or pimples) also soften and heal quickly. Also has added benefits of protecting your skin from microbes, and treating various skin conditions like psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and many other skin infections. Do you suffer from acne? Coconut oil has the ability to cure acne by killing the bacteria that cause the problem (acne vulgaris).

2. Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is technically not an oil but a wax ester. In fact, the jojoba wax ester is most similar to human skin oil (sebum). Applying jojoba oil to the skin will actually make the skin think it is producing enough oil and thus balances oil production. Jojoba oil helps to moisturize the skin all day long – it does not evaporate like commercial moisturizers (which are water based), and can be used for the face and body (only need a couple drops – it spreads well!). This oil is also a good make-up remover (doesn’t irritate the eyes), and can act as a wonderful lip balm and hair conditioner (add a few drops to your hair after shampooing – helps combat dandruff).

3. Grapeseed Oil: Grapeseed oil contains linoleic acid which helps strengthen cell membranes and improve skin health. There are also many antioxidants in this oil type, which can help prevent pores from clogging (clogged pores normally trigger acne breakouts, so regular application of this oil can help prevent problems associated with acne). Grapeseed oil is medically useful for reducing swelling because of its wonderful anti-inflammatory properties and can help tighten and tone the skin. This oil is very light, and thus it is easily absorbed by the skin and will not leave any oil residue. It also helps stimulate skin tissue regeneration, and can quicken the healing process of wounds.

4. Macadamia Nut Oil: This oil contains the highest amount of palmitoleic acid (omega 7 fatty acid) of any plant. Palmitoleic acid is plentiful in our skin when we are young, but decreases with aging. This acid helps mature skin retain suppleness and replaces naturally occurring skin on the lips, allowing the skin to remain looking younger. This oil reduces wrinkles and dryness and is light and non-greasy. It also contains proteins and plenty of vitamin E which contributes to healthy, supple looking skin.

5. Hempseed Oil: Contains agents (linoleic and linolenic acids) that give it anti-inflammatory properties, as well as natural antioxidant properties. It helps to clean and detoxify your skin and to even out skin tone. This oil does not stick to your skin and clog your pores, so it is a wonderful way to moisturize without feeling overly greasy. Hempseed oil is also beneficial for healing skin lesions and balancing dry skin and fighting skin inflammations. It has antioxidants in the form of vitamin E and carotene, as well as phytosterols, phospholipids, as well as a variety of skin beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium, sulfur, potassium, and phosphorous.

6. Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil provides strong antioxidants like vitamins A and E that help repair and renew skin that have been damaged from overexposure to sun, air pollution and other modern-day environmental hazards. These antioxidants naturally keep the skin firm, smooth and healthy. Olive oil deeply penetrates the skin and provides a long-lasting shield of moisture to keep skin smooth and supple.

7. Argan Oil: Argan oil has been claimed as “liquid gold” for the skin. It is credited with helping repair damaged hair, reducing wrinkles and acne, diminishing the appearance of age spots and healing dry scalp and diaper rash. Argan oil is naturally rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, carotenoids, ferulic acid, sterols, polyphenols, vitamin E and squalene, which help heal the skin, reduce inflammation and fight off free radicals.

8. Almond Oil: Almonds oil is more of an emollient because it softens skin rather than hydrates it. However, it acts as a humectant to help prevent the loss of moisture. Almond oil is great for relieving dry, flaking, and itchy skin due to eczema, psoriasis, and rashes. It can also be applied to the scalp to relieve dryness and to condition hair roots. It is readily absorbed into the skin without leaving behind any greasy residue. Apply one to two drops of almond oil on each side of your skin and with clean warm hands, massage the oil on your face in upward strokes. Be sure to include the area around your eyes, gently patting. This oil also has anti-aging properties, like reducing fine lines and crow’s feet, as well as reducing dark circles and puffy eyes.

9. Avocado Oil: This oil is very rich in nutrients like vitamins A, B, C, D and E, as well as healthy amino acids and lecithin. It has strong antibacterial and antioxidant properties and mono-unsaturated fatty acids which help revitalize dry and dull skin. It is one of the most effective natural skin care remedies around and penetrates the skin much more deeply than oils like jojoba. It is great for people suffering from dark circles, crow’s feet and sagging skin, and can help firm up the skin, leaving it youthful and toned. The sugars found in avocado also boost collagen production in the skin, making the skin wrinkle free, and helping to fade any scars or other skin blemishes.

10. Rosehip Oil: Contains vitamin C to help boost tissue repair, as well as vitamin A (otherwise known as Retinol) which is a staple in most skin products. Rosehip oil helps to rehydrate the skin because of the high content of essential fatty acids, and can help the skin hold moisture and reduce dryness. It can also be used to bring a shine to the skin which resembles a lively glow. This oil is very well known for helping reduce the appearance of scars from stretch marks or acne. Over time, this oil can help shrink, and in some cases even eliminate stretch marks completely. Scars caused from chicken pox are also excellent candidates for pure rosehip oil treatment. Rosehip oil is a wonderful toner too! It can help with problems of premature aging.

Source : Live Love Fruit

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Health Benefits of Kiwi

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                                                              What’s in a Name?

The kiwi, originally called the Chinese gooseberry and later the “sunny peach”, was renamed the kiwi by New Zealand natives after their national bird. There are over 400 varieties of this fuzzy fruit, which grows off of vines on a trellis, much like grapes are cultivated.

                                                            KIWI BENEFITS! 

People are attracted to kiwi fruit because of its brilliant green color and exotic taste. But, the real uniqueness of kiwi fruit comes from its health benefits. Read the kiwi’s fourteen health benefits:.

1. Helps Your Digestions with Enzymes

Raw kiwi contains actinidain, a protein-dissolving enzyme that can help digest a meal much like the papain in papaya or bromelain in pineapple.

2. Helps Manage Blood Pressure

Kiwi’s high level of potassium helps keep our electrolytes in balance by counteracting the effects of sodium.

3. Protects from DNA Damage

A study showed that the unique combination of antioxidants in Kiwi fruit helps protect the cell DNA from oxidative damage. Some experts conclude this can help prevent cancer.

4. Boosts Your Immunity

Kiwi’s high vitamin C content along with other antioxidant compounds has been proven to boost the immune system.

5. Smart Carb for Weight Loss

Kiwi’s low glycemic index and high fiber content means it will not create a strong insulin rush like other fruit with high sugar contents — so the body will not respond by storing fat.

6. Improves Digestive Health

Kiwis are a great source of fiber. This prevents constipation and other intestinal problems.

7. Helps Clean Out Toxins

The fuzzy fiber of Kiwi helps bind and move toxins from your intestinal tract.

8. Helps Fight Heart Disease

Eating 2-3 kiwis a day has been shown to reduce the potential of blood clotting by 18% and reduce triglycerides by 15%. Many individuals take aspirin to reduce blood clotting, but this causes many side effects including inflammation and intestinal bleeding. Kiwi fruit has the same anti-clotting benefits with no side effects, just additional health benefits!

9. Suitable For Diabetics

Kiwi is in the ‘low’ category for glycemic index, meaning it does not raise your blood sugar quickly. It has a glycemic load of 4 which means it is safe for diabetics.

10. Protects Against Macular Degeneration and Other Eye Problems

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. A study on over 110,000 men and women showed that eating 3 or more serving of fruit per day decreased macular degeneration by 36%. This is thought to be associated with the kiwi’s high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin — both of which are natural chemicals found in the human eye. Although both fruits and vegetables were studied, this same effect was not shown for vegetables.

11. Create Alkaline Balance

Kiwi is in the ‘most alkaline’ category for fruits, meaning it has a rich supply of minerals to replace the excess of acidic foods most individuals consume. A few of the benefits of a properly acid/alkaline balanced body are: youthful skin, deeper sleep, abundant physical energy, fewer colds, less arthritis, and reduced osteoporosis.

12. Great for the Skin

Kiwis are a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant known to protect skin from degeneration.

13. Exotic Taste and Look for Food Variety

Kiwis look and taste great. Kids often love them because they are so different from most fruits.

For nutritional balance it is always good to eat a variety of foods. Each food has its own unique qualities and powers. The trouble with most people’s diet is that we eat such a limited number of foods. It increases our chances of not getting enough of important nutrients.

14. Naturally Organic

Kiwi fruit is on the list of foods that are generally safe from a lot of pesticide residues. For 2012 it came in with the top 10 safest foods. While it is always good to support organic when you can as a matter of principle, it’s also good to know whether there is a big danger if organic is not available or viable for you.

Selecting, Storing, and Eating a Kiwi

How do I choose a kiwi?

-Look for a fruit that is plump and fragrant with no visible bruising or wrinkles and a slightly firm feel

What if I chose a fruit that isn’t yet ripe?

-Kiwis ripen quickly when placed in either a paper or plastic bag with a banana. However, once they are ripened, store them away from other fruit or they will decompose more quickly!

How long are kiwis good for once I buy them?

-Ripe kiwi fruit can last in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.

Can I eat the skin?

 You can, but wash carefully to remove unwanted pesticides! Rub it a bit to minimize the fuzz. The skin actually provides more fiber to your sweet snack. If you’re not fond of the fuzzy exterior, simply “sloop” it out by slicing the kiwi in half horizontally and spooning out each end to enjoy.

The Kiwi Craze
Kiwi fruit can be enjoyed in smoothies, sprinkled into your morning yogurt, mixed into fruit salad, or eaten plain. For a few more creative ideas to incorporate kiwis into your daily meals, check out the ideas below:

-Make a “fruit pizza” out of graham crackers and a creamy topping (peanut butter, honey, ricotta cheese- the possibilities are endless!) and sprinkle chopped kiwi on top.

-Involve your kids and make fruit kabobs with kiwi as the star (Make sure to use blunt end skewers so the little ones don’t hurt themselves!).-

-Incorporate kiwi into a citrusy jam, jelly, or chutney.

-Rub on meat for an all-natural meat tenderizer- the kiwi contains enzymes that aid in breaking down protein.

Source : Dave Sommers

Related Articles:

More Reasons To Eat Fruit!

http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2013/02/more-reasons-to-eat-fruit.html

Health boosts from kiwi fruit!

http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2013/03/health-boosts-from-kiwi-fruit.html

The powerful effects of different colored food!

http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2013/04/the-powerful-effects-of-different.html

Natural Healing Properties Of Papaya

Papaya, the native fruit of Southern Mexico is found to be rich in antioxidants, vitamins and boasts natural healing properties. 

Papaya (or Pawpaw as it is also known) grows well in a tropical environment and the tree usually fruits within 3 years. It is naturally high in fibre, C, A and most B vitamins including folic acid and ribovlavin and potassium. Papaya is low in calories and has no cholesterol, but is packed with phyto-nutrients and minerals. It is rich in calcium too.

It is no wonder then that it can be ideal to heal the body. The seeds have been used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation, pain, parasites and fungal infections such as ringworm. The high vitamin A content promotes eye health whilst, Vitamin C boosts the body's immune system. It has been used to treat nausea and constipation, colon cancer and gastrointestinal problems. Papaya has been known to lower the risk of emphysema in smokers and aid in weight loss. 

All in all papaya is a great all round fruit bursting with natural goodness to promote good health.

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papaya

         http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/papaya-fruit.html

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Dry Body Brushing

Photo courtesy of Oasis Advance Wellness.com

Dry body brushing has been around for centuries. It is a great way to detoxify the skin, aid in lymphatic drainage, and helps in reducing cellulite, to name but a few of the many benefits.

Used widely in health spas as a slimming and / or detox treatment, body brushing can also be done at home. It is an easy technique to learn and all you need is a natural fiber brush, which can easily be found online or obtained from your local store. (See below for our recommended brushes from Amazon.) Be sure to choose a natural fiber brush as synthetic fibers may irritate or damage the skin.



The benefits are tremendous.

• Softens,smooths and firms skin
• Removes dead skin cells
• Improves nervous system
• Removes cellulite
• Cleanses the lymphatic system
• Aids in draining excess fluid from the body
• Helps tone muscles
• Aids digestion
• Natural and relaxing
• Strengthens immune system
• Reduces the need for body lotions and creams by stimulating the oil glands

How to Dry Body Brush Your Skin:

Dry body brushing is best to do in the morning, as its invigorating and awakening effect can interfere with sleep if done at night. Never brush cut or broken skin.

Make sure you are in a warm, dry room with somewhere to sit that is comfortable so that you can reach your legs and feet. Make sure to use firm, even strokes in the direction of the heart and go over each area several times in order to ensure the whole part of the body you are brushing is covered.

Start in a sitting position, working on one foot and make your way up to your buttocks. Repeat on the opposite leg.

Next move on to your arms. Start at the palms of the hands, working in towards the body. 

When brushing the abdomen, always use clockwise circular motions and slightly less pressure than on your arms and legs.

Once completed, move on to the neck and chest. These areas can be sensitive and it is recommended to use much lighter strokes.

Last of all, the face. It is beneficial to use a brush that is designed for the face or even a face cloth. It is essential to be very gentle to this area to get the maximum benefit and avoid any damage to the skin from excessive rubbing.

The key to remember is that this should be stimulating to the skin. You don't want to brush too hard as this can irritate or damage your skin's surface.The whole procedure should take no longer than 10 minutes. For maximum effects take a warm shower after dry brushing.

Sources for this article:

Health Benefits of Dry Body Brushing: http://www.exhibithealth.com/general-health/health-benefits-of-dry-body-brushing-661/

Dry Brushing Technique:http://naturalhealthtechniques.com/healingtechniquesdry_brushing_technique.htm

Article from Well and Good NYC: http://www.wellandgoodnyc.com/2010/07/01/how-to-dry-brush-your-body-for-the-beach/#

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Daily consumption of tomato provides a good boost to health aside from improving the flavor of food.

Eating tomatoes has been shown to be great for:

Vision - Gut - Hypertension - Healthy Skin - Lung / Stomach and prostate cancers - Atherosclerosis and diabetes - Heart disease - Cardiovascular disease - Asthma and chronic lung disease - Urinary tract infections - Strong and shiny hair - Kidney stones and gallstones - Inflammation - Ovarian cancer.

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