Dried fruits are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage. Some of the most popular dried fruits include raisins, cranberries, apricots, and figs.

Dark chocolate is also a good source of antioxidants. It is also a good source of fiber, iron, and magnesium. Dark chocolate has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including improved heart health, blood sugar control, and cognitive function.

When you combine dried fruits and dark chocolate, you get a dessert that is both delicious and healthy. The dried fruits provide the sweetness, while the dark chocolate provides the antioxidants and other nutrients. This dessert is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing your health.

Here are some of the specific health benefits of this dessert

• Improved heart health: The antioxidants in dried fruits and dark chocolate can help protect your heart from damage.
• Blood sugar control: The fiber in dried fruits can help slow down the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream, which can help control blood sugar levels.
• Cognitive function: The antioxidants in dark chocolate can help improve cognitive function, including memory and learning.
• Weight loss: The fiber in dried fruits can help you feel full, which can help you eat less and lose weight.

This recipe is a healthy and delicious way to get your daily dose of fruits and nuts. Dried fruits are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while nuts are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Dark chocolate is also a good source of antioxidants, and it has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including improved heart health, blood sugar control, and cognitive function.

The health benefits of eating dark chocolate

Here are some additional tips for making this dessert even healthier:

• Use organic dried fruits.
• Use dark chocolate that is at least 70% cocoa.
• Use a sugar-free dark chocolate.
• Add other healthy ingredients to the dessert, such as nuts, seeds, or oats.
• Add fresh or frozen blueberries or other berries if you are going to consume within a few days! A wonderful addition.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried fruit, such as apricots, cranberries, cherries, dates, figs, or raisins
• 1/4 cup nut butter, such as almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 scoop ImmunoPower Gold or Greens
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• ¼ cup coconut oil or butter
• Flaky sea salt, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine the dried fruit, nut butter, ImmunoPower and water. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula as needed.
2. Spoon the fruit mixture into cake pan or pie shell. Press down.
3. Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil or butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
4. Drizzle the chocolate mixture over the fruit medley. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if desired.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.

Tips:

• For a chewier snack, you can blend the fruit and nut butter together in a food processor until they form a sticky dough. Then, press the dough into a 9×13 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the dough is firm. Cut into bars and enjoy.
• You can use any type of dried fruit you like in this recipe. Some other good options include blueberries, raspberries, mangoes, and dates.
• If you don’t have butter, you can use mashed banana or applesauce instead.
• Adjust coconut oil and/or butter to adjust softness of chocolate

Easy to make dairy free salad dressings

No Bake Dessert – Dried Fruit, Nuts and Dark Chocolate

This homemade dessert with a dried fruit base, soaked in water with dark chocolate drizzled on top is a delicious and healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth. It is packed with nutrients and antioxidants, and it can help improve your heart health, blood sugar control, cognitive function, and weight loss.

If you are looking for a healthy and delicious dessert option, this is a great choice.

Enjoy!

The post Healthy No Bake Dessert – Dried Fruit, Nuts and Dark Chocolate appeared first on ImmunoPower Nutrition.

Our bodies naturally maintain a slightly alkaline pH level of around 7.4. However, certain factors, such as stress, poor diet, and environmental toxins, can cause our bodies to become more acidic. This can lead to a number of health problems, including fatigue, weight gain, headaches, and chronic pain.

Flush Toxins

Alkaline smoothies can help to counteract acidity and restore our bodies’ natural balance. The alkaline ingredients in these smoothies can help to flush out toxins, improve digestion, and boost the immune system.

Benefits of Alkaline Smoothies:

• Improved digestion. Alkaline smoothies can help to improve digestion by neutralizing stomach acid and reducing inflammation in the gut. This can help to relieve symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and constipation.
• Boosted immune system. The alkaline ingredients in smoothies can help to boost the immune system by providing antioxidants and nutrients that fight off infection.
• Reduced inflammation. Alkaline smoothies can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body by providing anti-inflammatory nutrients such as quercetin and beta-carotene.
• Weight loss. Alkaline smoothies can help with weight loss by providing a healthy and filling snack or meal. They are also low in calories and fat, and they can help to boost metabolism.
• Increased energy levels. Alkaline smoothies can help to increase energy levels by providing essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They can also help to improve sleep quality, which can lead to increased energy levels during the day.

Is Salt Really Good For You?

If you are looking for a healthy and delicious way to boost your health, alkaline smoothies are a great option. There are many different recipes available, so you can find one that fits your taste and dietary needs.

Alkaline Smoothie Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 scoop ImmunoPower
• 1 banana
• 1 cup of almond milk
• 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon organic honey
• 4-5 ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Enjoy!

This smoothie is packed with alkaline ingredients that are beneficial for your health. The spinach is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as magnesium and calcium. The banana is a good source of potassium and vitamin B6. The almond milk is a good source of protein and calcium. The chia seeds are a good source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. The spirulina powder is a good source of protein, antioxidants, and other nutrients.

Homemade Salad Dressings

Delicious Alkaline Smoothie

This smoothie is a great way to start your day or as a healthy snack. It is also vegan and gluten-free. So, if you are looking for a healthy and delicious alkaline smoothie that is good for your body, give this alkaline smoothie recipe a try.

The post Alkaline Smoothie Recipe appeared first on ImmunoPower Nutrition.

Your Organs and Tissues Need Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential trace mineral, which operates on a cellular level and accumulates in organs and tissues. It is a cofactor for hundreds of enzymes and therefore involved in more than 300 regulatory and biochemical functions such as energy production; synthesis of essential molecules (DNA, RNA and proteins); hormonal pathways and regulation of other minerals (calcium, copper, zinc, potassium) and vitamin D in the body. Magnesium is also necessary to get calcium into bone matter and plays a structural role in making strong bones and teeth with calcium and vitamin D. This is what contributes to us getting healthier. It is required for temperature regulations, transmission of nerve impulses, detoxification in the liver, and for optimal functioning of all systems in the body such as nervous, muscular, cardiovascular and excretory systems.

Besides, these myriad functions, magnesium is the vitally important mineral that works as an electrolyte and maintain electrical stability of every cell in the body especially the heart, muscles, brain and kidneys. Therefore, magnesium deficiency makes people susceptible to a wide range of clinical and subclinical symptoms:

1. Cardiovascular symptoms: arrhythmia (or abnormal heart rhythms or palpitations), high blood pressure, high serum cholesterol and triglycerides levels, and circulatory disturbances (atherosclerosis, stroke and congestive heart failure)
2. Neurological symptoms: migraine headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, anxiety, agitation, irritability or restlessness, ADHD, sensitivity to noise, poor memory, confusion, seizures and depression.
3. Gastro-intestinal disturbances: food allergies, sensitivities, nausea and vomiting, gut disorders, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, constipation and lack of appetite.
4. Muscular symptoms: muscle soreness or weakness, muscle spasms, cramps, back pain, restless legs syndrome (RLS), fibromyalgia, cystic fibrosis, vertigo, tremors and trouble in swallowing
5. Poor bone and teeth health: calcium deficiency, osteoporosis, low vitamin D levels, frequent cavities and poor dental health
6. Kidney disease: kidney stones
7. Diabetes: pancreatitis or insulin resistance  
8. Thyroid issues: hyperthyroidism
9. Insomnia: sleep disturbances
10. Preeclampsia and eclampsia: A sharp rise in blood pressure during the third trimester of pregnancy i.e. preeclampsia. These women may develop seizures, which is then called eclampsia.

Studies suggest that women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) such as bloating, insomnia, leg swelling, weight gain and breast tenderness are often deficient in magnesium. Low levels of magnesium may also increase the risk of developing asthma, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and certain cancer. If you are suffering from more than one of the above symptoms and diseases, you are more likely to be magnesium deficient and can get healthier and benefit by adding this nutrient.  Learn how you can boost your immune system naturally. 

In fact, magnesium is used in the hospitals as a critical “medication” in emergency situations such as life-threatening arrhythmia, pre-term labor, seizures associated with eclampsia or complications from preeclampsia. Several research studies show that intravenous (IV) magnesium and magnesium inhaled through a nebulizer can treat acute attacks of asthma in adults and children.

Magnesium in Drinking Water

Though, magnesium is found abundantly on earth and in natural water sources, modern lifestyle habits may be the reason behind the prevalent magnesium deficiency. Industrial monoculture agricultural practices use massive amount of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides that are absorbed into the soil, making soil depleted and the food produce deficient in natural minerals. Drinking water from municipal supplies is also lacking in minerals that are found in healthy drinking water from natural sources. Fluoride content can hinder magnesium absorption.

Further, consumption of a highly-processed, refined diet (that contains no magnesium) with too much sugar and salt, caffeine, soda, alcohol depletes body’s magnesium stores and lead to leaky gut syndrome which making it difficult to absorb vital nutrients (vitamins and minerals) from your food.  Hectic working schedules and prolonged and intense stress can lead to complete depletion of magnesium stores, as magnesium is required for stress hormone production.

It is important to focus on maintaining a healthy diet.

Magnesium and Medications

Use of some drugs like birth control pills, antacid, antibiotics, diuretics, insulin and hypertension medicine also deplete magnesium levels. In certain conditions (such as pregnancy, recovery from surgery and illnesses, and athletic training) you become more susceptible for magnesium deficiency because of increased requirement.

To treat magnesium deficiency the first step is to strengthen the digestive system and restore gut health by eating magnesium rich foods such as seeds (flax, pumpkin, sun flower, sesame), nuts, green leafy vegetables, legumes especially beans, avocado and whole grains. Other dietary sources of magnesium are bananas, baked potatoes (with skin), okra, blackstrap molasses and cocoa powder. Try magnesium rich seaweeds (Agar), herbs and spices (coriander, celery, sage, mustard, basil, fennel, poppy and cumin seed) to flavor your regular meals. Also, dark chocolate is good source of magnesium. If you are a chocolate lover, go ahead!  

However, for some raising magnesium levels may require additional efforts. It is possible to increase magnesium levels by applying magnesium chloride also known as magnesium oil to your body, or soak in epsom salt bath for better absorption of magnesium through your skin in the blood and tissues of the body. It is possible to greatly improve magnesium deficiency symptoms like swelling, inflammation, and muscle aches and pains. Practicing relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga will further help in reducing your stress levels and the body’s demand for magnesium..

If you are considering magnesium supplementation go for more absorbable forms such as magnesium citrate, glycinate, taurate, or aspartate. Also, it will be a good idea to take a multi-vitamin-mineral formula with magnesium supplement as you need enough vitamin B6, vitamin D and selenium for proper absorption of magnesium into the cells. As a precautionary measure people suffering from kidney disease or severe heart disease should take magnesium supplementation only under a doctor’s supervision.

The post Magnesium Deficiency Symptoms appeared first on ImmunoPower Nutrition.

“Death begins in the colon.” wrote the Nobel prize winner Eli Metchnikoff, PhD. Your gut contains about 100 trillion microbes that are symbiotic organisms. In exchange for you providing them with “room and board”, these organisms play a key role in your mental and physical health. The type and quantity of the bacterial species in your gut (digestive tract) influence your metabolism and determine how efficiently you will lose or put on weight on your belly. These little critters also have a huge impact on your overall health and cancer risk.

Research suggests that healthy gut microbiome has an important role in maintaining optimum health. It facilitates normal functioning of digestive system; controls appetite; regulates metabolism; maintains blood pressure; produces vitamins and hormones; and boosts immunity and mental health.

Healthy Gut Microbiome Reduces Inflammation

However, various lifestyle factors (chronic stress, poor diet and environmental toxins) cause significant overgrowth of unhealthy microbes in your body, which disrupts the balance in your gut and ultimately causes an unhealthy gut microbiome. This modulation in the composition and metabolic activity of your gut flora triggers inflammation and damages your intestinal lining resulting in leaky gut.

As a consequence of leaky gut you get elevated blood sugar levels, which stimulate production of insulin (fat-storing hormone) and leptin (the hunger hormone). This condition makes it difficult for you to lose fat especially in your abdominal region and increases your risk of metabolic diseases, too.

If you have any of following symptoms (gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, frequent illnesses, sugar cravings), improving your gut microbiome will see an improvement in your health.

Steps to Restore Gut Microbiome

Foods for Healthy Gut Microbiome

The food you eat determines the type of bacteria you are feeding in your gut.

Choose a Healthy Diet

Refined carbohydrates, sugary, fatty foods and alcohol, all these foods feed pathogenic bacteria and are toxins that stop good bacteria from growing in your gut. As, gut bugs thrive on such foods, they produce cravings for these junk foods. So, eliminating these foods from your diet besides helping you take control of your gut flora, aids in losing belly fat.

For the same reason avoid artificial sweeteners (splenda, sucralose and others) and watch your intake of fructose, as these sugars serve as fertilizer for unhealthy microflora (bacteria, yeast and fungi), which disrupts the balance in your gut.

Also a diet high in animal fat and protein (meat and cheese) feeds a type of bacteria that triggers inflammation and intestinal diseases. Eat a plant based diet, which includes: fruit, vegetable, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, sea weed, mushroom, and medicinal seasonings. Add meat (beef, pork, chicken, fish, eggs) in limited quantities.

Eat Plant-Based Diet

Whole grains (whole wheat, brown rice, oats, barley, millets), legumes (beans), vegetables and fruits are also called prebiotics, as these are rich in fiber, which acts like fertilizer in nourishing healthy and diverse microflora in your gut. These fiber rich foods make you feel full for longer and also discourage the growth of bad bugs, which helps in combating cravings. When you eat, whole fruits the fiber and polyphenols content help in balancing out the effects of fructose and reduce inflammation caused by unhealthy bacteria. So, do make sure that you eat a fiber rich whole food diet after a junk food treat to replenish good bacteria.

Probiotics are type of healthy bacteria that are similar to the ones found inside your gut and fermented foods are the natural source of probiotics. To enjoy fermented food with maximum amount of beneficial bacteria make your own fermented vegetables (kimchi and sauerkraut), kefir, raw pickles, olives, yogurt, cheese, tempeh, miso and natto. Fermented foods can inoculate the gut with the healthy probiotic bacteria to keep your gut and health in good shape.

Add Variety in your Meals

Eating variety of fiber-rich, nutritious, whole foods helps in nourishing diverse and rich microflora in your gut. This helps in controlling the population of unhealthy bacteria and thereby reduces the risk for inflammation and leaky gut syndrome.

Fight Cancer Naturally

Improve Gut Microbiome with Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Hydration

Staying hydrated is crucial to foster friendly flora in your gut. Your gut needs water for proper digestion of food, maintaining balance of microflora and flushing out toxins and wastes from the body. Drinking water before meals besides increasing your metabolic rate; prevents overeating and makes you feel full for longer. It also helps in eliminating sugar or calorie consumed via sodas, juices or alcoholic drinks. So, keep yourself hydrated by drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water every day, to heal your gut and reduce belly fat.

Exercise can Improve Gut Microbiome

Exercise helps in boosting healthy bacteria in your gut by increasing your intestinal flow rate and boosting metabolism. Research shows that microbiomes of people who do regular exercise are more diverse than that of people, who don’t. In another study, a significant increase in number of healthy bacteria was found in the microbiota of rats, who had access to exercise. Exercise helps to trigger peristalsis in the gut, which is the rhythmic action of muscles moving the feces toward the colon for a bowel movement. When you take your dog for a walk, that is what triggers the dog’s bowel movement and the need to clean up after your pet. Humans need movement to encourage a bowel movement.

Manage Your Stress for a Healthy Gut

Stressful conditions trigger release of “fight-or-flight” hormones i.e. cortisol, norepinephrine and epinephrine. When you have chronic stress, your cortisol level remains high for a prolonged period of time, which creates a condition of chronic starvation and leads to formation of stubborn belly fat. Stress also weakens the health of your gut by releasing inflammatory cytokines and causing imbalance in your microbiome. So, to heal your gut schedule sometime daily for stress reducing activities such as relaxation exercises (mindfulness, yoga and meditation), spending quality time with family, watching or reading something funny.

Adequate Rest

A consistent sleep cycle helps in production of hormones melatonin and prolactin. Research shows that these hormones help in proper digestion of food by maintaining balance in your gut. Circadian disorganization due to travel, shift job or other reasons alters intestinal microbiota, so you must practice good sleep hygiene and get at least 7-8 hours of sleep, to restore balance in your gut.

Easy Stress Relief Habits

Less Exposure to Toxins

When toxic chemicals from your environment, food and household products make way into your gut, they trigger an inflammatory cytokine response. This leads to increased fat storage and decreased fat breakdown. So, limit your exposure to toxic chemicals by choosing pesticide, fertilizer and antibiotic free organic food and using all-natural household products.

Avoid Antibiotics

Excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics can cause serious damage to your long term health, as these antibiotic pills kill both healthy and unhealthy bacteria in your gut. GMO food is genetically modified organisms, which means altered to tolerate lethal doses of glyphosate (Roundup) which was patented as an antibiotic. There are 12,000 lawsuits pending against Bayer/Monsanto for lymphoma cancer caused by Roundup, because it affects the microbiome. Eat organic food whenever possible. Avoid hard liquor which acts like antibiotics on the gut. Please consult with your healthcare professional before changing medications.

Promote Healthy Gut Microbiome

A healthy gut is essential for your overall well-being. It helps you digest food, absorb nutrients, fight infections and prevent diseases. To maintain a healthy gut, you should eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fiber, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and probiotics. These foods feed the good bacteria in your gut and keep them diverse and strong. You should also avoid processed foods, excess alcohol, smoking and unnecessary antibiotics that can harm your gut microbiome. In conclusion, a healthy gut is a key to a healthy life.

The post Gut Microbiome appeared first on ImmunoPower Nutrition.

1. Better for your health: Many store-bought salad dressings contain unhealthy ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup, unhealthy oils, and preservatives. Homemade dressings are made with fresh ingredients and allow you to control the amount of salt and sugar in your dressing.

2. Saves money: Making your own salad dressing is much cheaper than buying store-bought dressings, which can sometimes cost more than $5 per bottle. Homemade dressings can be made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

3. Customizable: Homemade salad dressings allow you to create your own flavor combinations and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can experiment with different herbs, spices, and vinegars to create a dressing that complements your salad perfectly.

4. Helps you eat more vegetables: These dairy free homemade salad dressings are packed with flavor can make it easier to eat more salads and vegetables. By combining healthy fats, such as olive oil, with flavorful ingredients like garlic, lemon juice, and herbs, you can make salads that are both delicious and nutritious.

5. Supports local produce: If you use fresh, locally-grown ingredients to make your dressing, you support local farmers and ensure that you are eating the freshest, healthiest ingredients possible.

Overall, homemade salad dressings that are dairy free, are a simple way to make your salads healthier and more flavorful. You can experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find the perfect dressing for your taste buds, and in the process, improve your overall health and wellbeing.

Boost Your Gut Microbiome

1. Lemon Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

– ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp honey
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing

Ingredients:

– ½ cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

3. Balsamic Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

– ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp honey
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

4. Blueberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1 tsp citrus juice
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place blueberries in saucepan and cook on medium low heat until berries are soft
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic, citrus juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend on high blueberries and liquid.
2. Great served warm or cold. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Homemade Salad Dressings – Dairy Free

Homemade salad dressings are easy to make, taste great and are much healthier for you. Be flexible with your ingredients. If you have a home garden or kitchen herbs, make sure to use them.

The post Homemade Salad Dressings – Dairy Free appeared first on ImmunoPower Nutrition.

Aloe thrives on neglect. All the plant needs is decent soil and a little water and sun, then you get to harvest one of Nature’s most versatile and impressive healers. Fresh aloe gel applied topically may be the greatest skin cream on the planet earth. The yellow bitter part of the plant leaf is a proven laxative. And whole-leaf extracts have the ability to gear up the immune system, reduce swelling, improve healing, kill bacteria and viruses, and improve communication between cells (intercellular) and within the cell (intracellular). Aloe plants begin generating medicinally active mannans after 2 or 3 years. Younger plants are relatively ineffective.

Biological Active Ingredients

Of the 300 species of aloe, it is aloe vera that has received the most attention. Aloe certainly typifies the complexity of understanding the healing properties of plants. There are over 200 biologically active ingredients in aloe vera, including prostaglandins, essential fatty acids (including GLA), vitamins, minerals, anthraquinones, and polysaccharides (longer chains of sugar-like molecules).

There are receptor sites on immune cells (macrophages) for D-mannose (one of the sugars in aloe) just like a key fitting a keyhole.

Aloe may help in many ways

Antibacterial & Antifungal Properties

Aloe vera applied topically to burn regions of animals was superior to the common antibacterial medication used, silver sulfadiazine.

Antiviral Activity

Feline leukemia is a form of cancer contracted by cats and caused by a virus. This disease is invariably fatal, with 70% of cats dying within 8 weeks of early symptoms. Most cats are euthanized as soon as the diagnosis is made. In one study, acemannan from aloe was injected weekly for 6 weeks into the cats, with a followup 6-week waiting period. After this 12 week study, 71% of the cats were alive and in good health. Acemannan has also demonstrated a potent ability to fight the flu virus, measles, and the HIV virus, while also reducing the dosage required of the drug AZT.

Anti-Inflammatory

Drugs, such as cortisone, that are effective at reducing inflammation also shut down wound recovery. Aloe has the ability to reduce swelling, while also enhancing wound recovery.

Immune Stimulant

Aloe has been shown to increase the activity of the immune system. Aloe seems to provide neutrophils with more “bullets”, or toxic substances to kill cancer and invading organisms. Aloe (acemannan) increases the production of nitric oxide, a potent anti-cancer “napalm” used by immune cells.

Health benefits of zucchini

Anti-Cancer Activity

Various fractions of aloe (mannans and glucans) have been found to have potent anti-neoplastic activity.

Radiation-Protective

Some forms of mannan are bone marrow stimulants and can protect mice against cobalt-60 radiation. In my experience with cancer patients, those who took aloe before and during radiation therapy had minimal damage of healthy tissue while still getting an impressive anti-cancer effect from the radiation. Generalized radiation to the pelvic region for prostate or colon cancer can be particularly nasty in harming the bladder and gastrointestinal tract. One cancer patient used aloe throughout 40 rounds of pelvic radiation and suffered no burns and only mild GI distress.

Improve memory and concentration naturally

Cell Communication

Many forms of carbohydrates, called glycoproteins, may play a key role in promoting healthy communication within the cell and between cells. Aloe may contribute an important carbohydrate (mannan) that becomes part of this crucial “telegraph system”, which prevents or slows down cancer. Given the 8 monosaccharides used in the body and the 18 configurations used to arrange these molecules, the possible number of “words” in this complex “telegraph” system works out to 18 to the 8th power, or over 11 billion “messages”. No doubt, more important breakthroughs will come out of this new and exciting field of cell communication.

The post Benefits of Aloe Vera appeared first on ImmunoPower Nutrition.

Food Good for Eyes

Similar to the heart, a large part of eye balls are vascular (blood vessels) in nature and a consistent supply of blood and oxygen through these blood vessels ensures healthy vision. To keep blood vessels in your eyes healthy, eat a heart-healthy diet that is rich in antioxidants and low in sugar (especially fructose), trans and saturated fat. Avoid processed, packaged, baked and fried foods such as french fries, fried chicken, doughnuts, cookies, pastries, and crackers.

For healthy vision, besides maintaining an overall healthy and active lifestyle, eat a well-balanced diet that is rich in whole plant-based foods. These foods are loaded with eye-friendly nutrients such as antioxidants, phyto-nutrients (lutein, zeaxanthin, anthocyanin, lycopene, beta-carotene), vitamin C, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids and zinc.  Antioxidants can prevent or at least delay age-related macular degeneration (AMD) 

Foods and Nutrients for Eye Health

Research shows that these eye-friendly nutrients are found in the lens and retina of your eyes and work as antioxidants to protect your eyes against free-radical damage caused by direct sunlight or other environmental toxins found in today’s environment.

Dark Leafy Greens

Green leafy vegetables are excellent source of nutrient carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin) that are essential for eye health. These antioxidants are stored in the macula region of your eyes and act as a natural sun block, protecting your eyes from damaging light and reducing your risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Though, kale and spinach are the richest source, you can choose other healthy options such as collard greens, dark green lettuce, turnip greens and Swiss chard.

Easy to follow every day healthy living tips

Which Foods are Best for Eye Health?

Vegetables

Other green vegetables such as broccoli, peas, green beans, carrots, sweet potatoes, yams, pumpkin, squash, peppers, corn and Brussels sprouts are also good source of lutein and zeaxanthin, which help in protecting central vision by preventing cell damage and vision loss. These nutrients besides improving your vision also help in maintaining a healthy vision for long-term. Broccoli is also a good source of vitamin C, which further enhances the protective properties of lutein and zeaxanthin, and help in significantly reducing the risk of vision loss. Read more about the benefits of broccoli here

Fruits

Fruits including apricots, cantaloupe, tomatoes, strawberries are excellent choices for improving eye health. These foods are excellent source of vitamin C too, which works in synergy with vitamin A to protect eyes against disease and promote healthy vision. Orange Pepper has the highest amount of zeaxanthin. Eating more of these bright colored fruits can significantly reduce your risk of losing these pigments with age and protect your eyes from cataracts and age related vision loss.

Citrus Fruits and Berries

Oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, lemons and strawberries are loaded with vitamin C, an antioxidant that promotes eye health and reduces the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. Papaya, green and red peppers, peaches, cauliflower and tomatoes are other good sources of vitamin C. Tomatoes, besides being excellent source of vitamin C, are packed with carotenoids such as lycopene, which helps in protecting vision by preventing light-induced damage to the eye.

Improve gut microbiome and improve your health

Nuts & Seeds for Eye Health

Eye-friendly nutrients (lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene and carotenoids) are fat soluble in nature, so to boost the absorption and functioning of these nutrients you need to eat your fruits and vegetables with healthy fats. Nuts such as pistachios, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts and peanuts are rich source of healthy fat such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, which protect your eyes from free radical damage and slow down the progression of cataracts and AMD. Pistachios are the only nuts that also contain significant amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin.

Seeds are also excellent sources of vitamin E and zinc, which help in boosting eye health and protect them against disease. Snack on sunflower and flax seeds, as these are excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids that promote eye health and help in preventing dry eye syndrome, macular degeneration and cataracts.  Consider adding dark chocolate to your diet also! 

Improve Eye Health with Whole Grains

Complex carbohydrates from whole grains help in controlling blood sugar spikes and reduce risk of diabetes and AMD. So, include more whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, whole oats and whole-wheat breads and pasta in your diet. These whole grains are also good source of vitamin E, zinc and niacin that are essential to promote overall eye health. Wheat germ is especially an excellent source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects the eyes from free-radical damage and slows down the progression of cataracts and age related vision loss. You can add wheat germ while baking, making smoothies or sprinkle it on oatmeal, yogurt and salads.

Legumes for Good Eyesight

Legumes of all kinds be it beans or lentils are good sources of bio-flavonoids and zinc that help in protecting your eyes from the damaging effects of light and lower the risk of developing macular degeneration and cataracts. Add beans such as kidney beans, lima beans, black-eyed peas, chickpeas, mung beans and lentils in stews and casseroles, or add a handful of them to your salads.

Other foods for healthy eyes and sharp vision include black currants, bilberries, organic pastured egg yolks and wild-caught Alaskan salmon. Include these foods on a regular basis and certainly over the holidays to maintain excellent vision.

Vitamins for Eye Health

• Foods rich in Vitamins A, C E are all vital to good eye health. As an antioxidant, vitamin C helps protect the body from damage caused by some things we eat, unhealthy habits and environmental factors.
• Another important antioxidant is vitamin E, which helps keep cells healthy. Vitamin E can be found in avocados, almonds and sunflower seeds.
• Carrots are a well-known source of vitamin A. Sweet potatoes provide even more vitamin A. Sweet potato has more than 200% of the daily dose of vitamin A doctors recommend. Fruits, including cantaloupe and apricots, can be a good source of vitamin A. 

The post Foods for Eye Health appeared first on ImmunoPower Nutrition.

Should I eat garlic?

Here is a list of compelling reasons to include raw garlic in your diet:

1. Fights infection: Garlic has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties that help in fighting almost all kind of infections i.e. from common cold to food poisoning. The powerful compound allicin in garlic is capable of fighting microbial, fungal, parasitic and viral infections. It is even effective in treating multi-drug pathogens and drug-resistant microbial diseases. It also works as natural antiseptic to heal skin infections and burns. Garlic can prevent and help in recovering from yeast, fungi and worm infection. In fact, raw garlic works as a natural antibiotic, which helps in killing harmful strains of bacteria without disturbing healthy micro flora in your body.

2. Boosts Immunity: Your body needs nutrients i.e. vitamins (vitamin C, vitamin B6), minerals (selenium and manganese) and phyto-nutrients (flavanoids) to heal any infection or allergy. Garlic is one of the “super foods” that is full of these essential disease-fighting nutrients (antioxidants) to give you the best defense against common cold to chronic diseases such as cancer, ulcers, hemorrhoids, obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Garlic also boosts your immune system by detoxifying your body and supporting growth of natural killer cells in your body. This alone is a good reason should garlic should be consumed.

3. Fights Cold & Cough: Garlic helps in lung and throat problems caused by cold and cough. When you consume garlic its pungent smell irritate the digestive tract and stimulate release of watery fluid in the lungs, which helps in relieving congestion by taking cough out of lungs. Further, anti-inflammatory properties of garlic besides reducing inflammation help in reducing frequency and severity of cold and flu.

4. Reduces Blood pressure: Garlic helps in hypertension by expanding your blood vessels and lowering your blood pressure, naturally. The sulfuric compounds in garlic also have anti-clotting properties that reduce platelet aggregation. Both of these actions increase smooth circulation of blood through your system and helps in controlling your blood pressure.  Do you really know why serotonin is so important for you?

6. Helps Protect against Inflammation: Garlic has antioxidants that arrest the oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which helps in preventing autoimmune and age related chronic diseases like arthritis, cataracts, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Anti-inflammatory sulfuric compounds and vital nutrients in garlic preserve bone health and prevent osteoarthritis.

7. Fight Cancer: Garlic intake is associated with lower risk of stomach, esophagus, pancreas lung, brain, breast, prostate and colon cancers. Garlic shows these cancer fighting properties by stimulating the production of hydrogen sulphide, which helps in reducing the occurrence and size of certain pre-cancerous tumors. Also, anti-cancer potential of garlic is due to its role in decreasing production of carcinogenic compounds and preventing DNA damage caused by these toxins in the body.

8. Promotes Detoxification: Besides keeping your liver healthy garlic supports its detoxification function. The sulfur-containing compounds in garlic stimulate the production of liver enzymes that help in flushing toxins, waste and heavy metals (lead and mercury) out of the body. 

9. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels: In diabetics, body’s cells become insulin resistant and have trouble responding to the insulin hormone. The sulfur compounds in garlic improve insulin sensitivity and thus support better regulation of blood sugar levels in diabetics.

10. Fights off fatigue and stress: Garlic can help in reducing stress and fatigue by improving iron metabolism, which boosts up your working capacity. Studies show that garlic supplementation can enhance athletic performance by reducing peak heart rate and improving exercise capacity.

11. Prevents obesity: The sulfur compounds in garlic boost your metabolic rate and decrease formation of fat cells in your body. Also, anti-inflammatory properties of garlic help in preventing weight gain and support weight loss.

12. Aids Digestion: Essential nutrients and sulfur compounds in garlic helps in digestion and absorption of vital nutrients, which gives your body that anti-inflammatory immune boost. Garlic also facilitates normal intestinal function and works as natural medicine in treating any digestive disorder i.e. dysentery, diarrhea, colitis and worm infestation.

13. Treats Skin Problems: Garlic facilitates detoxification, which purifies the blood and makes your skin healthy inside out. Also antioxidants and nutrients rich garlic helps in scavenging free radical damage, which prevents premature aging of your skin. These qualities of garlic make it excellent natural remedy for relieving skin problems like acne, wrinkles and blemishes.

14. Promotes Hair growth: The high sulfur content of garlic helps in making hair protein i.e. keratin. Therefore, eating garlic can help in treating hair loss problems by stimulating hair re-growth.

Add garlic to your salads, salsa, soups or roasted vegetables just before serving. Also, you can blend raw garlic with olive oil, vinegar and salt to make your own salad dressing. Incorporate about four cloves of garlic per day in your meals and get its amazing therapeutic benefits for living a healthy long life.

Precaution: People, who are diagnosed with lupus, asthma, bleeding disorder; or are on blood thinning medicines; or have allergies, should avoid garlic consumption.

Why should I eat garlic?

The health benefits of garlic are vast. It is best eaten raw, but slightly cooked is good too. If you want to grow garlic it is easy to do so, and it does not take much space.

The post Why Should I Eat Garlic? appeared first on ImmunoPower Nutrition.

Living in Tulsa, OK for 11 years, I asked the locals if crime was a problem.  They replied, “well, in August you better be sure to lock your car, because otherwise someone might put a bag of zucchini in your car.”    People who grow zucchini, like me, harvest more than we can eat. Zucchini is a one of the healthiest vegetables, packed with nutrition, and with many health benefits.

Zucchini, otherwise called summer squash, is a member of the gourd family. It originated from Central America from where it has spread to the rest of the world. This popular succulent vegetable does well in warm weather, in places with moist, fertile soil. It takes 35 to 60 days from planting to first harvest. The plant grows to a height of two and a half feet. For best flavor, zucchini fruits are harvested when they are 4-8 inches. Darker fruits are usually higher in nutrients. But what are the health benefits of zucchini?

Here are 9 health benefits of zucchini, they are packed with many nutritional benefits. They are a great addition to a healthy diet.

1.     Zucchini improves digestion

Incorporating zucchini in your diet can help improve digestion including reducing the incidence of constipation and other digestive issues. Zucchini is high in water. It also contains significant amounts of fiber, electrolytes and other nutrients that are necessary for a healthier digestive system. Regular consumption of zucchini can also prevent ulcers, IBS and colon cancer.

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2.     Slows down aging

Aging results from the activity of toxins, free radicals and inflammation that the body is exposed to over the years. These poisons and inflammation can be reduced by antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods. Zucchini is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients which help to rid the body of free radicals and excess inflammation. A popular health benefit of zucchini!

3.     Lowers blood sugar levels

High blood sugar levels and diabetes are problems that are worsened by a diet high in carbohydrates and low in fiber. By including zucchini in your diet, you increase the intake of fiber. You can also reduce your carbohydrate intake because you will feel full for longer. These diet changes can help reduce your blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity. This can mean that your body no longer requires excessive amounts of insulin to process sugar. This can change your risk of developing diabetes. Studies show that including at least 30 grams of fiber in your daily diet lowers your risk of getting diabetes significantly.

4.     Supports healthy circulation and a healthy heart

Zucchini is low in fat and sodium, but high in fiber and potassium. These properties help to maintain healthy blood circulation. Low sodium and high potassium help to maintain healthy blood pressure while fiber such as the polysaccharide in zucchini lowers cholesterol levels. This combination works synergistically to maintain good circulation which is necessary for healthy blood pressure and a healthy heart, all leading to healthy living.

5.     Zucchini may improve eye health

Zucchini is a good source of health protecting antioxidants and phytonutrients including vitamin C, beta-carotene, manganese, zeaxanthin and lutein. Zeaxanthin and lutein are especially useful in maintaining and improving eye health by fighting free radicals. This reduces the risk of developing age-related eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration. You can also use zucchini to treat puffy eyes by placing slices of raw zucchini over the eyes. Leave the slices in place for about 30 minutes and repeat several times in a day.  Best Foods for Great Vision

6.     Zucchini boosts energy

Because zucchini is a rich source of B-vitamins, especially folate, riboflavin and B6, it can help to boost energy production in the body; this reduces fatigue and improves moods. The body requires B-vitamins for protein and carbohydrate metabolism. The vitamins also aid in various brain functions including cognition; a great way to a healthy lifestyle.

This favorite food will help boost energy

7.     Zucchini aids in weight loss

Because zucchini is low in calories and high in water and fiber, it is a great food for those wishing to reduce their body weight. It is worth to note that excess body weight usually results from regular consumption of carbohydrate and sugary foods. By including zucchini in your diet, you increase the fiber and water content of your food. This means that you will feel full for longer and end up eating less. In the long term, you will lose some of your excess weight.

8.     Improved thyroid and adrenal functions

Zucchini contains high amounts of vitamin C and polyphenols, especially in the peels. Laboratory studies on rats by the Devi University found that the compounds in zucchini peels have positive effects on the thyroid and adrenal glands. Additionally, the compounds helped in the regulating insulin levels.

9.     Protects against oxidation and inflammation

Zucchini is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds including vitamins A and C, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Large amounts of these compounds are found in zucchini skin. For this reason, you should eat the skin together with the flesh.

Eating zucchini regularly reduces oxidation and inflammation within the body. This boosts your immunity and protects against diseases associated with inflammation.

These food can help boost the immune system

Zucchini nutrition facts

Zucchini contains zero fat, is high in water and fiber. Zucchini is packed with nutrition, and contains the following highly nutritious vitamins and minerals :

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin A
• Riboflavin
• Folate
• Copper
• Phosphorus
• Thiamine
• Potassium
• ManganeseThe summer squash also contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients.This makes zucchini, also known as courgette, a food rich in nutrition that you should include in your diet.

How to grow zucchini in your backyard

Zucchini grows best during the warmer months which is the reason it is also called summer squash. However, you can still grow it at other times provided it is shielded from extreme cold.  If you get your system down, zucchini plants can become extremely productive with fruits.

If you would like to grow zucchini in your backyard, here is what you need to do:

1. Prepare the growing area by digging to loosen the soil.
2. Add organic fertilizer and mix well into the soil
3. Create mounds of about 2-feet diameter, up to 10 inches high and about 4 feet apart.
4. Plant 6 seeds per mound, spacing them evenly. Cover each seed with soil no deeper than 1 inch and water them thoroughly.
5. Thereafter, water your zucchini seeds once or twice a week depending on the weather.
6. Once the seedlings emerge, wait until the healthiest are about 3 inches tall. Weed out the weaker ones, leaving two or three in each mound.
7. Continue watering as needed, aiming to get the water near the roots.
8. When your zucchini start flowering, you may need to add fertilizer to support growth of the fruits. Also water more often, especially if the weather is hot.
9. Zucchini takes about 60 days from planting to harvesting. Harvest zucchini as you need them when they are about 6 inches long. Fruits taste best at this stage. If you let them to grow for too long, they start getting woody and won’t taste too good.
10. Enjoy your home grown zucchini raw or cooked.

Tips on cooking:

Slice your zucchini in cross-sections, like small steaks, then apply a thin coating of olive or avocado oil, then sprinkle your favorite seasoning, like Lawry’s, then grill on the BBQ for 7 minutes on each side.  Or, if you tolerate dairy well, then make a pizza out of your zucchini by adding a big slice of tomato on top, then a layer of your favorite cheese, then bake in the oven at 350 F for 15 minutes.

References

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17846978

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19276533

The post Health Benefits of Zucchini appeared first on ImmunoPower Nutrition.

If you have heard the common advice that salt is bad for you, that low-salt or no salt diet is good for your body, then, it’s time to think again. The word “salary” comes from the Latin word for “salt” because Roman soldiers were paid with salt for their salary.  Salt has many health benefits that are essential for a healthy functioning body. Salt plays a vital role in maintaining adequate water retention, muscle contraction, maintenance of proper stomach pH and more. You do need salt in moderation to maintain good health.  Low sodium diets can lead to insulin resistance, or the beginning of diabetes.

In earlier times, salt was considered a prized substance. It was believed that salt was essential for boosting health and often prescribed to treat a many conditions such as toothaches, stomach pain and nausea. In last few decades salt content of commercial food has risen. And so has the prevalence of chronic diseases i.e. high blood pressure, stroke and coronary heart disease. This link led to public health measures advocating to limit salt consumption for prevention of these diseases.

Sodium Health Benefits

Recent studies suggest that a low-salt diet may actually lead to adverse health consequences and higher overall mortality, particularly in conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Salt is a chemical compound called sodium chloride (NaCl) with a composition of 40% sodium and 60% chlorine. Inside your body salt dissolves back into individual ions in water and play vital role in many biological processes. Your body also uses salt for upkeep of your brain, spine, tears, bones, sweat glands, organs and blood.

Nutrient Deficiency or Disease?

Salt Deficiency

Salt health benefits are numerous and salt should be an essential part of your daily diet. The difference between a medicine and a poison is dosage.  Salt deficiency is dangerous and too little salt can cause disturbances in tissue-water and acid-base balance. Further, sodium deficiency may lead to symptoms of hyponatremia such as brain swelling, coma, congestive heart failure, cardiovascular collapse. So, take adequate salt (neither too much nor too little) in your diet. The recommended amount of salt ranges from: 0.75 tsp – 1 tsp of salt; that makes (3.75 grams – 6 grams of salt or 1500 mg-2300 mg of sodium) per day. Keeping in mind this recommended daily maximum limit will help you in choosing food.  Your salt needs are somewhat based on perspiration, which is rich in salt.  The more you sweat, the more salt you need in your diet.

Health Benefits of Eating Salt

Here is a list of 6 salt health benefits :

1. Salt Maintains Fluid Balance
   

   Your body uses electrolytes (Na and Cl) to carry electrical impulses, which control various bodily functions. To maintain fluid balance in the body these electrolytes trigger thirst mechanism, so that you consume adequate amounts of water. This water is then used by your kidneys to keep the appropriate balance of electrolytes in your bloodstream. As the amount of water retained in your body impacts blood pressure, your salt consumption is directly linked with your blood pressure.

2. Salt Supports Nerve and Muscle Activity
   

   Your nervous system and muscle contractions rely on sodium, and  chloride ions for regulation. Odium and chloride ions in salt play important role in the regulation of nervous system and muscle contraction. Nerve transmission as well as mechanical movement in your body happens only when changes in the concentrations of these ions allow neurons to send signals to other neurons and cells.

3. Salt Facilitates Cardiovascular Function
   

   Sodium in salt is a major component of extracellular fluid. It is essential for maintaining the volume of the plasma and normal cellular metabolism. Besides, maintenance of extracellular fluid volume, its role in proper transmission of nerve impulses and muscle activity helps in preserving your cardiovascular health.

4. Salt helps Digestion
   

   Salt is essential for digestion and absorption of your food. When your taste buds taste salt in your food, salivary amylase, an enzyme is secreted in your mouth that helps in breaking down your food. Chloride in salt is also required for producing hydrochloric acid, an important constituent of gastric juice, which besides helping in digestion and absorption of food, protects the body from illness by killing pathogens commonly found on foods.

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5. Salt Lowers Stress

   While salt may be nature’s antidepressant, as sodium levels rise in the blood, the kidneys produce more of feel good hormone oxytocin, which lowers blood pressure, pain and anxiety levels. The stress-reducing or mood-enhancing effect of salt was confirmed in a study, where women whose diets were high in sodium were found less depressed than other women.  Giving into to your salt cravings once in a while may actually make you feel better.
   

6. Salt Aids Growth
   

   Children often reach for more salt (independent of caloric intake) than adults do, which may explain the higher needs of salt for their growing bodies. Animal studies also suggest that low-salt diets make bones and muscles fail to grow as fast as they normally would.
   
   
   

Too Much Salt

Excessive sodium can cause a problem because of a deficiency of potassium (from fruits and vegetables), calcium and magnesium. It is the gross imbalance of these nutrients that causes problems. Therefore, if more people consumed optimal amounts of these four minerals – calcium, potassium, magnesium and sodium, then our health would be far better. In most people a blatant excess of sodium and a blatant deficiency of calcium, magnesium and potassium becomes the double edged sword in our health problems. Always use in moderation.

Does Salt Cause High Blood Pressure?

There is evidence that a salt may cause high blood pressure in a minority of people.  Yet, all of our body cells are bathed in a salty solution like the ocean.  There is even more evidence that hypertension (high blood pressure) is much more complicated than monitoring salt intake.  Fish oil (containing valuable omega 3 fats), vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, fitness, stress, body weight and percent body fat all add up to a complete equation that dictates hypertension.  In general, animal foods are higher in sodium and plant foods are higher in potassium.

Hidden Salt in Our Diets

Most people get enough salt without salting their food.  However, intense perspiration through heat and exercise drains the body of salt through sweat.  Make sure that you get enough calcium, magnesium, potassium and fish oil.  Salt to taste.  Monitor your blood pressure.  The vast majority of the population can eat reasonable amounts of salt without measurable increases in blood pressure. Try miso, Lite salt (half sodium, half potassium), vinegar, kelp, lemon juice, and more.

You will be surprised at the amount of hidden salt in our diets. The salt you add during cooking or at table contribute only a small amount to your diet. Often, salt is a ‘hidden’ ingredient in many foods. These foods contribute a lot of salt to your diet without you realizing it. Around 75% of the salt in your diet comes from ready-made and processed foods, such as bread, breakfast cereals, soups and baked beans.

Track Your Salt Intake if Needed

A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that more salt in US diet comes from bread and rolls and not salty snacks (potato chips, pretzels and popcorn). So, to keep track of your salt intake, get into the habit of checking the food labels to find out the salt content, as the amount you eat of a particular food decides how much salt you will get from it for e.g. if the food label says 1g of salt per 100g and you eat 500g, you get 5g. In case, food label specifies sodium, multiply the amount by 2.5.

How to Boost The Immune System

Remember, if label says more than 1.5g of salt (or 0.6g of sodium) per 100g, it is a high salt content food and if it has 0.3g of salt (0.1g of sodium) per 100g then it is a low salt content food. Try to consume processed packaged foods that are high in salt, less often or in smaller amounts and choose more natural foods. Also, while cooking, prefer using pure healthier versions such as sea, rock, black and celtic sea salts, which are rich in trace minerals.

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