Cascia Talbert's Blog, page 35

What is Pectin?

by Tiffany Pratt

Pectin, also known as soluble fiber, is complex polysaccharides that are found in the cell walls and primary layer of plant tissues. Its main components are galacturonic acid and glucose, both sugars commonly found in plant cells. It was first discovered and defined in 1825 by French chemist Henri Braconnot.

Pectin can be separated into three categories depending on the method of extraction used: soluble, polysaccharides, and non-soluble fibers. Soluble pectin consists of 50% of the pectin content of fruits and vegetables. Pectin that is extracted using a steam distillation method yields plasma (mainly water) pectin beads. Beaded pectin does not include water but instead contains mucilage-like, cholesterol-like, fibrillar protein-like, or albumin components. The other two categories of pectin are polysaccharides and non-soluble fiber, which can be extracted through different methods.

Most pectin manufacturers process it through either powder or liquid ingredients. Although there are some companies that still process their pectin through pasteurization or through smokehouse conditions powder pectin remains the most popular form of processing. By powder-extraction, the particles are filtered through a sieve to remove smaller particles that are soluable. The solvents used in this process yield powdery products, which are further processed through various additional steps to produce gel-like and foam-like products.

Gel-like products formed from the solvents and washed off using a strong detergent are calling pectin and are available as gels, breads, cakes, and puddings. These products contain small quantities of pectin but high amounts of water content. As for the foam-like products, they have very little pectin and are rich in water, sugar, or starch. They are applied as additives to food such as sauces, custards, ice cream, meat, and fish, especially to those that have a lot of fruit content. In fact, fruit juices are often made with pectin to preserve them and for use as an alternative to fruit juice, when fruit juices are not readily available.

In the past, pectic acid was thought of as a buffer or preservative for the preservation of foods. In fact, it was used as a natural preservative because it is so similar to the sweetness of natural fruit, without any artificial processes. Because of its great preservation qualities, the ancient Romans favored using pectic acid as a food substance and even included it in their standard food list. The Romans were ahead of other civilizations in making use of pectin, even though the Chinese had already found ways of using it for preserving foods.

The benefits of pectin include its ability to retain moisture. It prevents the fruits from drying out after they have been picked.  Some studies showed that there might be a link between pectin and prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is associated with diets rich in fiber and high levels of animal fat. However, this study has been disputed, and experts do not believe that the high pectin levels in meat caused the cancer.

There are also studies showing that there could be a link between pectin and colon cancer.  The pectin in the orange and grapefruit contain fiber, which could help prevent colon cancer. Similarly, pectin could prevent or reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and breast cancer. Some studies also show that when pectin is added to the cereal or blended in with juice, that it could reduce the formation of blood clots.

Pectin can also be used for making jelly, jellies, ice creams, and sherbets. It can also be added as an ingredient to lip balms, facial balms, and eye gels. Jellies made with pectin are widely available today. For those who want to add the pectin to their diet, there are many juices, smoothies, and pills containing pectin that are available on the market.

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The article What is Pectin? by Tiffany Pratt appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Does Green Tea Help You Avoid Cancer?

by Tammy Jones

When people discuss the effects of green tea, they usually focus on its supposed cancer-fighting properties. The debate over this topic is often more about what the ingredients in green tea are and how they may not be beneficial than it is about whether green tea really does contain the antioxidants that have been claimed. Before considering the health benefits of green tea, however, you need to look at its actual properties.

While the chemical composition of green tea is virtually identical to that of black tea, the processing of the two differs significantly. In Asia, green tea is boiled for a few minutes and then cooled quickly before being brewed. In North America, most green teas are instantiated, meaning that they are processed after the leaves have finished blooming. Instant tea can be brewed several times before it reaches its full flavor. Read the best articles about prostate cancer here and how to manage it.

Green tea is typically described as having a bitter taste, although the truth is that no one knows exactly why this occurs. A number of possible explanations exist, including the presence of naturally occurring caffeine. However, no one has come up with a definitive explanation for this bitter taste.

Based on the symptoms of tinnitus–a ringing or buzzing sound heard by the patient–many have suggested that green tea may actually help to treat this condition. It is not clear whether this is true, but the fact that patients who drank this beverage reported significant improvements in the frequency and severity of their ringing in their ears proves that there may be something to the claim.

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When drinking green tea, it is also recommended that you increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, which will also reduce your blood pressure. Green tea is commonly taken in the form of a capsule, and many have found that taking them every day has had the desired effect. There is some evidence to suggest that green tea may also have some positive effects on cholesterol levels.

Since the reason many people use green tea for their overall health and well-being is to lower their blood pressure, it is important to note that some studies have suggested that there may be more risk to drinking this beverage if you already have high blood pressure. It is unknown why this happens, but it could be related to an interaction between the constituents of green tea and your blood pressure. To be on the safe side, however, you should try to consume moderate amounts of green tea each day, without adding other beverages such as coffee, and always drink several glasses of water.

Though there is little doubt that green tea may help to improve your health, there is one negative side to drinking it. People who smoke cigarettes have been found to be more susceptible to certain cancers such as lung cancer.

Green tea is most frequently consumed by people who have quit smoking, and the consumption of this beverage tends to be reduced when people start smoking again. If you are not sure that you are going to continue your quitting process, you should consider stopping smoking as part of your daily routine so that you will be able to enjoy green tea in moderation.

In addition to its claim to improve the immune system, tea also contains a number of vitamins and minerals. One of the most popular vitamins is known as EGCG, or epigallocatechin gallate. This is a polyphenol that is believed to help to prevent the formation of cancerous tumors.

Another popular vitamin in green tea is the antioxidant quercetin. This antioxidant is also found in red wine and has the ability to help to cleanse the body of toxins. It has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties.

So, do green tea and cancer really go hand in hand? This is a question that a lot of people have asked. However, if you were to read what the authors of the research concerning the relationship between green tea and cancer have to say, you will see that their conclusions are quite different than those of some people who have promoted their own beliefs about green tea and cancer.

The studies of this matter have not really shown evidence that green tea is a direct cause of cancer, but they have shown that there is a strong correlation between cancer and excess consumption of this beverage. Therefore, green tea may not be the direct cause of cancer, but it certainly can be a contributing factor.

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The article Does Green Tea Help You Avoid Cancer? by Tammy Jones appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

How to Have an Enjoyable Back to School Shopping Experience

by Andrea Crawley

Whether your child is in first grade or tenth grade, back to school shopping must-haves are an important part of back to school activities. Any child will need a back to school shopping list, even if they have already made their back to school supplies purchases. Regardless of what age your children are, there is a back to school shopping list and many other must-haves listed below. It’s at the very end of the shopping list.

* School supply store coupons are important back to school supplies items. You can also use these coupons when you go shopping for classroom furnishings, desk supplies, art supplies, and many other classroom necessities. Some online sites offer free shopping coupons, so use them. Some websites also offer weekly and monthly newsletters that keep parents abreast of what new classroom furnishings, accessories, art supplies, and more are available.

* School snack time is one of the best times for parents to talk with children about back to school snacking and make shopping for school supplies easier. When children are allowed to go shopping for supplies during a shopping break, parents can ask questions about what kinds of snacks they would like to bring, how much sugar is in each snack, and which brands of snacks might be best. You don’t have to worry about what to buy. The snacks are ready.

* Need help finding appliances for back to school? Check out Dollar General for several great deals. They offer free home delivery on selected in-store items and some of their in-home appliances such as dishwashers and refrigerators have a built-in microwave functionality. Other kitchen appliance brands like LG know people often need help finding paper products, so they offer special gifts with in-store purchase for extra convenience. These include a free-rolling notebook or pen set.

* If you’re not buying anything else but just stocking up on back-to-school supplies, try adding a few essentials to your list. A basic travel planner makes sure you have everything needed to manage your day and avoid last minute scrambling for supplies. Also, stock up on tissues, a roll of index cards, and pens to take notes. Last but not least, get to the supplies store early to snag the best deals and possibly find an item you didn’t expect to find!

* Take a minute to make a shopping list for the entire family. The shopping list doesn’t have to include exact prices but it should include the basic household staples. Stock up on toilet paper, tissue, binder clips, pencils, large sticky notes, highlighters, a small leather backpack, and more. Shopping lists can vary but start with this, and add to it as you go through your shopping list.

* If you find you have several weeks until the new year begins, you’ll have plenty of time to shop around for back-to-school shopping supplies. In fact, it’s recommended you do some shopping even if you’re only going to be out for one day. You never know when you’ll stumble across the perfect item that will be a perfect addition to your new school supplies. For example, one of my friends actually brought home a magnetic whiteboard to use at home once the shopping was done because it was the perfect item to help her memorize everything for her science class.

Finally, the key to a great shopping trip is taking time to pick out the supplies you really need. If you’re going to make a trip to the mall, take the time to decide what exactly you want to buy ahead of time. Take a friend along too; they can help you pick out the right items so that you both can enjoy your back-to-school shopping experience.

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The article How to Have an Enjoyable Back to School Shopping Experience by Andrea Crawley appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Health Benefits of Licorice Root

by LouAnn Moss

Licorice comes from a berry-like plant of the same name found in Asia. The species Glycyrrhiza has been a source of therapeutic medicines for ages. Licorice is also the traditional name for Glycyrrhiza glabra, a perennial flowering plant of the mint family, in the seed of which a tasteful, aromatic flavor can sometimes be extracted. From an ancient Greek word, Glycyrrhizae, the name licorice comes from the Greek word glycyrrhizin, meaning sweet. Both the root and the flowering branches of licorice bear this fruit’s distinctive flavor.

Licorice has been used traditionally as a sweetener to help boost energy and reduce fatigue. It was also thought to treat such medical problems as influenza, colitis, blood pressure, nausea, sore throat, toothache, neuralgia (newly developed numbness in the jaw), rheumatism, gonorrhea, cough, asthma, bronchitis, heartburn, liver disease, dyspepsia, and tooth decay. It may even help to increase the production of serotonin, an important neurotransmitter. However, there is no evidence that licorice root does any of these things.

Taking licorice extract can be very helpful if you have a problem with high blood pressure. However, there is much controversy concerning whether taking licorice extract is actually helpful. Most reliable reviews of herbal remedies suggest that licorice may actually cause high blood pressure to increase. The evidence is not conclusive, but many scientists feel that more research is needed. If you have high blood pressure, and wish to try a natural remedy, then it would probably be best to talk with your doctor before starting to take licorice extract.

Many researchers believe that black licorice extract can actually lower high blood pressure by relaxing the muscles of the heart. In addition, black licorice appears to lower the levels of “bad” cholesterol in the body. It seems to do this by reducing the amounts of “bad” cholesterol and “good” cholesterol in the blood. Also, licorice seems to help lower triglyceride levels, which may help prevent heart attacks or stroke. The combination of these two benefits, reduced blood pressure, and lowered triglycerides, make black licorice another great natural remedy for high blood pressure.

There are other possible uses for licorice extracts. One popular home remedy uses licorice root to treat diabetes. Some claim that it can help lower blood sugar. This effect is thought to be due to the presence of insulin in licorice, which serves as a kind of receptor for glucose. Others say that licorice’s glycyrrhizin, which causes the laxative effect, reduces insulin production. Either way, the effect is supposed to be a decrease in blood sugar levels that can help people with diabetes control their blood sugar.

Licorice also has high levels of potassium, making it useful for treating a range of urinary problems. Researchers believe that licorice, by working at blocking the entrance of urine into the urinary tract, helps reduce the symptoms of UTI. Interestingly, licorice also has the effect of relaxing the ureter, allowing increased urine flow. This effect makes licorice useful for treating both enlarged prostate and bladder, another common urinary problem.

The Glycyrrhizin in licorice extract may also have some benefit in treating diabetes. It appears to inhibit the production of insulin, which can partially reverse the effects of insulin in the body. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Licorice may also help treat arthritis, as well as kidney disease, gallstone formation, cavities, headaches, insomnia, nervousness, and coughing. The glycyrrhizin found in licorice appears to reduce acetylcholine, which has been linked to a range of serious diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It has also been used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. The glycyrrhizin in licorice has been shown to relieve the symptoms of Crohn’s disease, and licorice root has been found to have positive effects on the stomach and digestive tract of patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Other studies show that it may be beneficial for treating ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause serious damage to the colon.

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The article Health Benefits of Licorice Root by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

7 Tips for Moms to Reduce Stress during the Holiday Season

by Kyle Colbert

Like a whirlwind, school starts, then Halloween, Thanksgiving, and before you know it, you’re catapulted into December. It can feel busy and out-of-control for many moms. But, it doesn’t have to. If Christmas feels stressful rather than peaceful, keep reading, because you can reduce stress during the Holiday Season.

It’s not easy.

Inevitably, there are extra things to do. Extra programming, baking, events, shopping, and more. It can feel like the list goes on and on.

But this year, you can take back control. God has given us the greatest gift of all. Let’s celebrate and reduce stress. Here are our 7 tips.

7 Tips for Moms to Reduce Stress During the Holiday Season1. Got Stress? Identify Your Sources to Reduce Stress During the Holiday Season

You can’t eliminate what you can’t name. The first tip? Take a few minutes to really think about the source of your Holiday stress. Name it. Then, keep reading to find out how to reduce it.

While there are many stressors during December, here are some common ones that may be affecting you:

Stressful Holiday guests of family membersGrieving a loved oneHallmark-Movie Unrealistic expectationsBusyness with ObligationsLonelinessEnd-of-year tax, work, or household stress

Take some moments to yourself, identify, and write down what’s stressing you.

2. Turn Your Stressors into Prayers.

The best source of strength for a mom? God, plain and simple. He’s given us a surefire way to destress; talk to Him about it. Pray about it. If you have trustworthy friends, ask them to pray about it as well.

There are many reasons to pray. Here’s how it can reduce stress during the Holiday Season:

Prayer relinquished control from you to God. You are verbally committing to relying on Him. Prayer will change your heart. It may not change your situation, but it will give you new eyes to see it.You will find Truth when you pray. God tells us not to worry, that He loves you more than the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, of which He takes great care. He will also take care of you. When you know this truth, stressors automatically reduce3. Repeat After Me, “No.”

I’m talking about extra activities, obligations, and “Holiday” tasks. You can, and should, say “no” to some.

First, decide if it’s absolutely necessary. If it is, fine.

If not, decide if it’s worth your time, effort, and stress. One way to become clear about unnecessary obligations is to realize that every “Yes” to that obligation is a “No” to something else.

That “something else” maybe your mental health and stress, your family, time with God, or quiet and relaxing downtime.

Even if the task or event sounds fun and cheerful, become very mindful and proactive about choosing your extra activities. If possible, reduce it to just a couple of busy nights per week (and 4-5) not-so-busy. Yes, even during this Holiday Season.

And if you need a “nicer” way to say it than “no,” simply say “I wish I could, but I can’t.” You can leave out: “Because I feel too busy, I value quiet evenings, I want to reduce stress during the Holiday Season.”

“I wish I could, but I can’t.” Leave it at that. If we all reduced the busyness, we’d all reduce stress during the Holiday Season.

4. Shift Your Focus to People and Quality Time, Rather than Stuff and To-Dos

We live in a commercialized world, and it’s never more apparent than the weeks before Christmas. It can be difficult to focus on what matters, and less material things. It can be especially difficult to lead your children in this challenge.

The Christmas mornings I’ve regretted most are those that find my children tearing through one package after another, hardly noticing the one before or who gave it.

But, we can be diligent to help our kids, and ourselves, really focus on the true meaning of Christmas, and the gift of Jesus Christ.

Some strategies include:

Use an advent calendar to focus on the birth of Christ. You can download one. You can make an easy one with some Steam train calendars . For the last few years I’ve actually cut a printed out the Christmas story into 25 sections. Each night I hide the chronologically ordered section, and give an easy clue to the kids to find it. As they find them day after day, they tape the story together and read as we go. It’s hard to miss the Christmas story when you read it for 25 days straight!Consider only one meaningful gift instead of many small ones for each child or combined.Talk to family members and grandparents about meaningful gifts, or gifts that provide activities (zoo passes, swimming lessons, etc.), rather than material things.Involve your children in giving to others by putting together a charity shoebox, ringing a bell for donations, and working at a soup kitchen.Simply talk to your kids and loved one lower the expectations to a comfortable level for your family. There is simply no reason to go into debt for Christmas presents, despite what the neighbors down the street do.

As you reflect on the finances versus the gifts given on the first Christmas, it’s easy to see how far we’ve strayed. This year, you can set your family’s course with a better focus and gifting expectations.

5. If You’re Grieving, Allow Yourself the Space to Do So

There’s simply no way around it, for many, the Holidays are also a time of grief.

Thankfully, God doesn’t ask us to pretend that everything is always perfect. In fact, He’s always chosen to meet us in our imperfection, in our grief, in our sadness and loneliness, as well as our joy.

If possible, surround yourself with loved ones who understand your grief. Reach out to friends. And pray.

You don’t have to pretend that it’s all beautiful wreaths and sparkly gifts.

6. If You Suffer from Seasonal Depression, Find Small Things to Help

Wintertime depression is a real thing, and the Holidays are smack in the middle of it. Not only do they occur at the darkest time of the year, they can also add a bunch of stressing triggers to depression. Some strategies to fight it include:

Get out into the sunshine, even on cold days, every day.Work time into your schedule for laughter. There are many clean, hilarious comedians, books, and podcasts out there.Add a potent fish oil supplement, with a 2:1 milligram ratio of Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Aim for about 1000 mg EPA and 500 mg DHA, each day throughout the Winter Season (1).Add Vitamin D. If you think you may be low, get your total vitamin D checked. If you think you just need to maintain levels, take 1000 IU per day throughout the Winter Season. (2)Prioritize sleep. Winter sleep fights depression, disease and sickness, and more, so do your best to get a good 6+, or even better, 8 hours per night (3).

As moms, you may not be able to do all of the above. Do what you can!

7. Get Real with Your Expectations and Choose Joy Over Grand

Even though we all know that Hallmark Christmas movies are not real life, it’s easy to get sucked into the fantasy. Movies, Facebook and Instagram feeds, and childhood memories can all cloud our expectations. They set us up for failure and less joy.

Lower your expectations. Consider listing 3 things you really want for the Season, and focus on these alone. Everything else will be the icing on the cake. For example, I want to:

Finish my shopping, and wrapping by December 10th.Fill a shoebox and send it to charity.Go to a Christmas Eve church service.

That is it. It’s not grand.

In fact, it may seem too simple and easy, but that’s the point.

If you also make cookies, watch “It’s a Beautiful Life,” go sledding, or anything else, that’s great! But if not, choose to not be disappointed and delight in meeting your low expectations for the Holidays.

Lower, and get real with your expectations this year. Choose joy over grand.

Bottom Line

It’s not society, or companies, or our friends that have pushed us over the Holiday edge. It’s our own choices. And this year, we can choose to reduce stress during the Holidays and choose joy instead. While you may not be able to control it all, you can control some of it. And that’s enough.

 

 

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The article 7 Tips for Moms to Reduce Stress during the Holiday Season by Kyle Colbert appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Home Remedies for a Sinus Infection

by Tammy Jones

If you’re suffering from a sinus infection, it can be incredibly painful and irritating to deal with. You may also feel a lot of pressure and tension in your face. That’s why so many people suffer from chronic sinusitis problems over the years. Here are a few home remedies to help alleviate your sinus headache and inflammation for more immediate relief to eliminate your sinus infection quicker.

Use a neti pot. Use a neti pot, a small treatment which uses distilled water and salt solution, to flush out your sinuses. Fill a clean container with warm water and salt. It’s helpful to stir the mixture slowly to avoid any type of injury to your nasal cavity or sinuses. Then, using a clean cloth, gently wash your nose by splashing the liquid gently into your nose. Repeat this a few times per day for better and faster results.

Eucalyptus oil is another natural remedy you can use. Eucalyptus oil can be obtained from any type of fresh or dried eucalyptus plant. It has a strong aroma that is great for inhaling. The oil is diluted with oil water, then applied directly to the sinuses. This can be used on its own as well as combined with other medicinal herbs or therapies for more effective relief from acute sinusitis.

Nasal allergy. An obvious connection between a sinus infection and a sinus allergy is the occurrence of nasal congestion. Allergens cause inflammation of the lining of the sinus cavities. If this inflammation goes untreated, it leads to symptoms such as a runny nose, difficulty in breathing and pain in the forehead and cheeks. Nasal allergy can also result to a red and irritated face.

Colds and fever: Another unusual symptom of sinusitis is the occurrence of high fever. You may have noticed that you are more easily overheated when you have been exposed to some factors that trigger the onset of high temperature. If your temperature readings go up beyond the normal limit, it may be due to the infection causing the higher fever. When you are diagnosed with a sinus infection or chronic bronchitis, you should immediately consult your physician so you can take the appropriate antibiotics needed for the proper treatment of the condition.

Dropping your guard with medicines: Many people who suffer from acute sinusitis also have the habit of ignoring their nose symptoms and failing to consult their doctors. Once you get yourself diagnosed with sinus infections, make sure to keep your guard up with the medicines prescribed by the doctor. Taking medicines without the doctor’s advice can bring serious consequences.

Allergic reaction: Sometimes, people with sinus infection and chronic bronchitis experience allergic reactions on the nasal mucosa. Some common symptoms of an allergic reaction include watery and itchy nose, sore throat, cough, post-nasal drip, red-eye, and itchiness. Though these symptoms can be triggered by several factors, one of the most common triggers is dust and pollen. In order to avoid having an allergic reaction to dust and pollen, you should clean your nose regularly.

Nose scrapers: Although medical procedures can help in the diagnosis of sinus infection or chronic bronchitis, sometimes a simple home remedy can do the trick. A thin, clean tweezers can effectively help you remove any obstruction in the nasal passages. Likewise, if you are experiencing a stuffy nose, it can be treated using a similar tool. To be on the safe side, never use blunt-tipped instruments as they may cause injury to the nasal bones. You may also want to try gargling with saltwater to relieve and prevent any possible blockage of the nasal passages.

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The article Home Remedies for a Sinus Infection by Tammy Jones appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

8 Proven Ways Collagen Can Improve Winter Skin

by Kyle Colbert

Wintertime can be a beautiful time of year. However, it can also be a season that wreaks havoc on a mom’s skin, leaving it dull, dry and itchy.

This year, you can give yourself the gift of healthy winter skin. One product, in particular, can improve your skin’s health, appearance, and structure from the inside out: collagen.

But not all collagens equal. In fact, there are more than 30 different types of collagen that can be put in a supplement.

Here’s why moms’ skin needs collagen in the winter, which type to choose, and the science-backed evidence that makes it this year’s best gift for your skin.

Why Winter is Tough on Skin

It’s not just your imagination; winter really is harder on your skin. Here’s why:

Hot drinks can dry out skin. If you turn to caffeinated coffee or tea more in the winter, you may experience drier skin due to their subtle diuresis effects.Winter’s cold air and low humidity dry out skin. Winter air can be intensely drying to skin, nails, and hair. It can significantly affect the amount of moisture they retain.Indoor heat also dries out skin. When it’s cold outside, you may head indoors. Heaters, indoor fires, forced air, and other heat sources all reduce the humidity in the air and in our tissues.Warming up in a hot shower can dry out skin. Believe it or not, hot water dries the skin out more than lukewarm water.Winter and spring winds. Winds are strongest during winter and spring. Wind dries out skin.

Can collagen actually help improve winter skin against all these challenges?

8 Proven Ways Collagen Can Improve Winter Skin1. Collagen Changes Skins’ Structure from the Inside Out

A recent 2017 study was conducted to see if collagen supplementation actually changed the collagen content in the skin itself.

The results?

It did! In fact, collagen consumption for 6 months increased the collagen in the skin and improved its structure. What’s more, scientists have also found that collagen supplementation improves the color and luster of hair (or fur) in mice studies (1).

2. When Winter Dries Skin, Collagen can Actually Increase Skin Water Retention

In addition to the increase in collagen content of the skin, these same researchers found that skin elasticity improved. Incredibly, the moisture content was significantly improved with less transepidermal water loss.

Another study of 20 Japanese women found that 10 grams of daily Hydrolyzed Collagen improved water absorption of skin (2).

Great news for moms!

3. Skin Elasticity, Collagen, and Healthy Winter Skin

One of the reasons winter skin feels itchy is that it is drier and loses elasticity of the skin. In fact, a 2014 study of 46 women, ages 35-55, studied the elasticity of skin and collagen supplementation.

After 8 weeks of collagen powder supplementation, the researchers found that skin elasticity improved significantly within just 4 weeks (3).

Not only does improved elasticity improve how skin feels, it also improves its ability to rebound, reduces sagging, and make it more youthful in appearance.

4. Collagen vs. Wrinkles 

In another 2014 study, researchers found that daily collagen supplementation reduced wrinkles after just 8 weeks of use (4).

Of course, this is fantastic news! But there’s more. Another study found that collagen supplementation improved skin moisture produced younger-looking skin, and reduced the appearance of fragmentation in the skin (5).

5. More Antioxidant Activity in Skin Means Healthy Winter Skin

Especially during winter, our skin is under attack from oxidative stress (from our own bodily reactions, the environments, foods, UV rays, etc.).

Collagen improves skin health and increases the antioxidants in the skin to fight aging free radicals (6).

6. Collagen Improves Digestion to Improve Skin

Digestion is vital to every other organ in the body, including skin. When we digest and absorb nutrients better, more nutrients are delivered to the skin. Fortunately, collagen improves the health of the digestive tract.

How?

Type II Collagen is a vital part of the gut lining, and it improves the barrier of the gut to the rest of the body. This actually improves both digestion and immune function.

7. Collagen Improves Heart Health to Improve Skin

Once nutrients are digested and absorbed, they depend on the circulatory system to get to all organs, including the skin.

Fortunately, collagen also improves heart health. In fact, it helps form artery walls in the human body.

8. Collagen Improves Wound Healing for Healthy Winter Skin

If you want your skin to be healthy, it must be able to heal. As moms, we are constantly bombarded with scrapes, burns, and skin injuries from our everyday tasks.

Collagen can help your skin heal better.

In fact, a 2009 lab study showed quicker wound closure, better tissue regeneration, and better skin structure with collagen supplementation (7).

Which Collagen Should You Buy? 

The best collagen supplements have these 3 attributes:

It’s hydrolyzed. Hydrolyzed collagen is absorbed and distributed throughout the body more efficiently than native collagen. It provides building blocks for skin fibers, and stimulates the growth of new collagen (8).It’s a powder. It’s simply too tough to get a full 8-12 grams of collagen per day through pills, gummies, capsules, and other preparations. Powders make it much easier; usually just 1-2 scoops. Why is this important? Most human studies show benefits with 8-12 grams collagen per day, not the measly 1-2 grams found in many supplements.It contains 3 types of collagen: Type I, Type II, and Type III. If you want all the benefits listed above, you need all 3 types.A Great Collagen Supplement

Dr. Colbert’s Keto Zone Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder is 1) hydrolyzed, 2) a powder, and 3) contains all 3 types of collagen.

But, it does even more. It also contains probiotics to improve the absorption of collagen and digestion in general, is sourced from industry-best marine sources, and comes in delicious flavors.

It is the best option available for healthy winter skin.

Bottom Line

In the winter, your skin needs all the help it can get. And, most busy moms don’t have time for weekly facials and treatments. By making just 8-12 grams of collagen per day part of your routine, you can vastly improve your skin plus boost immune, cardiovascular, and digestive health. Healthy winter skin is only one scoop away!

 

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The article 8 Proven Ways Collagen Can Improve Winter Skin by Kyle Colbert appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

10 Unique Last-Minute Gifts for Healthy Moms

by Kyle Colbert

Looking for a unique, thoughtful gift for a healthy mom friend or loved one? One that you can still buy in time for Christmas? We’ve got you covered with a list of our top 10 unique last-minute gifts for healthy moms.

Some are subscriptions and others can easily be found locally. Some gifts are for beautiful (and practical) workout gear. But no matter what you give or receive, the power of being a supportive healthy mom friend is always the best, however, we found some interesting gift ideas at Fairy Glen to make it easier for you.

10 Best Gifts for Healthy Moms1. Herb Garden Kit

We all know fresh herbs are good for us and taste delicious. But, did you know that they are bonified superfoods that fight disease? It’s true!

Basil, for example, has many whole-body health-benefiting attributes. vbbvBasil:

Basil has many healthful properties that improve skin appearance and health. And what’s more, it and other herbs can directly affect skin health. It:

Fights free radicals. Basil contains flavonoids, and they get busy in the body fighting harmful free radicals and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress and inflammation both contribute to the aging of skin, cholesterol plaques, and disease.Supports healthy blood flow:  Basil also contains vitamin A and magnesium. Magnesium specifically improves blood flow by prompting muscles and blood vessels to relax. Every inch of your body benefits from good blood flow, from all organs to heart to brain to skin.

You can make a kit yourself with a beautiful pot, soil, plant food, and herb seeds. Or, buy a kit like one from Burpee.

2. Keto Zone Diet Book and Keto Zone Cookbook

If you have a friend who is ready for a great lifestyle change for overall health, weight loss, mental health, or all-day energy, consider buying her the Keto Zone Diet Book. If she’s already interested in Keto, she’ll find this book to be a lifesaver as she learns about the lifestyle and how to get started, without all the misinformation that often swarms the internet.

In fact, Keto Zone is a diet proven to promote healthy, efficient weight loss without hunger, targeting the mid-section (this area of fat is most detrimental to health) (1, 2), and provides amazing mental focus and energy.

And what’s more, the Keto Zone Cookbook will make it easy for her to find quick, healthy recipes she’ll love!

3. Cute Cold Weather Headband

Have a friend who likes to run? But also, doesn’t need frost-bitten ears? Of course, you do!

These days, there are many cute choices for running headbands. Take a look at the ones from Athletica, Patagonia, or your favorite online retailer.

Or, if you’re a seasoned knitter, you can likely knit one in an evening that will be cherished for years!

4. Massage Balls

Any mom who’s working out deals with sore muscles on occasion. While a gift certificate to a masseuse would be amazing, it may be out of your friend-gift-budget.

And anyway, busy moms may not always have time for appointments.

Try massage balls instead! You can find smooth ones, spiky ones, or a kit. They are amazing for at-home trigger point therapy (to loosen stubborn cramps and tight muscles), and feel great!

Take a look online or visit your favorite running store for options.

5. Amazon or iTunes Gift Card with Your Favorite Christian Pump-Up Songs for Inspiration

Did you know that music can actually improve workout results? It’s been studied, and the outcomes are favorable for both performance and enjoyment (3)! Whether it’s a home workout, one in a gym, a run, or hike, music makes it better.

And, when you combine great beats with inspirational Christian lyrics, you can truly transform a workout into a life-giving self-care session!

An easy quick gift is an online music gift-card. An incredibly thoughtful one comes with a curated list of amazing Christian pump-up songs as well as customized christian t-shirts!

6. Essential Oil Blends to Fight Cold Viruses, Improve Sleep or provide Muscle Pain Relief

If you’re not familiar with essential oils, they are amazing plant compounds that have a molecular size perfect to penetrate the skin. They can be safely absorbed by the body via skin or respiration.

And, most smell incredible.

Since there are safety concerns with applying undiluted oils, the easiest option is to buy blends that already include a “carrier” oil such as jojoba, coconut oil, or olive oil (you can find recipes online).

Great options include lavender blends for sleep and reduced anxiety. Lavender has been well-studied and has been shown in research to be an effective anti-anxiety option (4).

Commercial anti-flu and cold blends with frankincense, cloves, and more.

Or, if she’s an athlete who would love sore-muscle relief, look for blends with peppermint or other oils created for muscle massage.

7. Tea Sampler Kit

Teas are great health-promoting drinks, and especially during cold-weather months, they make great gifts.

You can find tea samplers at your favorite health food store, grocer, or online. Or, you can put together a kit with your favorite loose-leaf tea, a tea strainer, and a beautiful mug.

Both green and black teas are known to:

Improve metabolism and weight lossReduce stress and cortisolPromote brain and eye healthImprove cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and heart health

This makes tea one of the best gifts for healthy moms!

8. Keto Zone Shakes

Looking for gifts for healthy moms who are also busy moms?

Keto Zone Shakes are a great option. You can give this shake mix and rest assured that it contains ingredients that promote health, healthy weight loss, mental clarity, and energy, without any junk chemical ingredients founds in many shakes.

What’s more, Keto Zone shakes are delicious and come in Cookies and Cream, Vanilla, and Chocolate flavors.

9. DIY Body Scrub

Homemade self-care products are one of the most thoughtful gifts for healthy moms you can give. There are many recipes online that use every day and readily available ingredients such as salt, sugar, and oils. You can also find ones that add calming essential oils.

What’s more, it truly shows that you wish your friend time they can spend relaxing, even if just 15-20 minutes in a bath.

10. Yoga App Subscription

Did you know that yoga can truly change a healthy moms body and mind? It can. And best of all, it doesn’t have to require the time commitment (and child care) of a class.

There are now great yoga apps you can utilize in your own home, with classes that take as little as 5 minutes.

In 5 minutes, you can improve flexibility, have a quiet time of reflection, and feel lean and strong.

At-home yoga is a life-saver for many healthy moms. You may also give healthy moms Activewear or Chest Binders to complement with this yoga subscription.  

Bottom Line

It’s not too late! You can still give unique last-minute gifts for healthy moms! Whether a friend, family member or idea for yourself, these gifts for healthy moms will show your support and love year-round. And, that’s the best gift of all!

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The article 10 Unique Last-Minute Gifts for Healthy Moms by Kyle Colbert appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Is Rage a Healthy Emotion?

by Tiffany Pratt

Rage as a feeling of extreme, unchecked anger is normally a reaction to some sort of outrage. RAGE is usually an extremely rapid and intense emotional state. Rage as an emotion can be useful in regulating and controlling the situation when it is reasonable and necessary. However, when rage is not appropriate or is turned destructive it can lead to physical injury, self-injury, and even death.

What is rage? It is the explosive outbursts of anger, sometimes beginning without cause and escalating to uncontrollable levels. An individual with the personality characteristic of irritability, disruptive temperament, volatility, and sensitivity to criticism may develop sustained explosive states that can severely interfere with their ability to work, family relationships, and socialize with others. In contrast, healthy individuals who exhibit more balanced mood swings and are able to control their emotions may not be prone to rage outbursts.

If you want to know how to handle your rage, you must learn to control the cognitive dissonance that usually accompanies it. Controlling the cognitive dissonance requires using a series of techniques that work to relax the mind, calm the body, increase the awareness of the present moment, lower the stress level, and provide support for managing anger. These techniques can be applied anytime, anywhere, and work regardless of the emotional state of the person may be feeling at the time. They are easy to learn and are a powerful tool for managing anger. When you consider this, it becomes evident why it is critical to practice them on a daily basis.

If you are prone to rage, it becomes essential that you manage the underlying cause of your emotional volatility. Controlling the cognitive dissonance will require that you find the right way to express yourself and put across your feelings in a non-verbal manner. For many people, expressing anger is done through verbal expression. This can result in the exacerbation of feelings of rage since you are literally shouting into the abyss.

Controlling anger requires that you recognize when you are experiencing the symptoms of rage. Anger is characterized by sudden outbursts of overwhelming emotion. These outbursts occur even when the person is aware that they are having a reaction that could be healthy. There are times when individuals experience the emotion of rage when they are not expecting it. It is during these outbursts that it has become imperative that an individual learns to manage his or her anger.

The health complications that rage can create if left unchecked are particularly alarming. Individuals who consistently exhibit signs of rage tend to suffer from shortness of breath, heart palpitations, chest pain, difficulty in digestion, dizziness, nausea, insomnia, depression, memory loss, aggression, insomnia, paranoia, and several other serious health complications. Although these health complications are serious, they are far from fatal if they are immediately addressed.

People who are prone to rage often use several escape routes whenever they become angered. They engage in self-destructive behavior such as overeating, abuse alcohol, and self-injury in an effort to cope with their intense anger. As a result, these individuals often lose their sense of reality. They do not realize that they have lost touch with reality. Unfortunately, this often results in dangerous situations such as violence.

It is crucial for everyone to recognize the symptoms of rage. This will help them to identify when they are having an anger expression and how to manage it more effectively. Individuals who have an anger expression frequently experience irrational fears, confusion, and insecurity. In order to prevent these serious health complications, individuals must learn to deal with their emotions more effectively. Luckily, there are several excellent courses that teach individuals how to master controlling their anger and improve their emotional health.

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The article Is Rage a Healthy Emotion? by Tiffany Pratt appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

The Life-Changing Miracle of Christmas for Moms

by Kyle Colbert

I’ll admit it. For moms, Christmas can feel extremely exhausting. It can bring out frustrations, stress, sadness, and the kind of tired that moms know from adding even more to their already busy schedule. But, if you take the time this Christmas, maybe just a few moments of quiet, you can find the life-changing miracle of Christmas for moms.

Because it’s not about the schedule, the gifts, or the food. It’s not about the songs or the parties. It’s not even about the sermon at the Christmas Eve service.

It’s about the birth of Christ. Not only did this birth allow for our salvation, but it fulfilled the promises of God. And today, it can offer moms gratitude, peace, and optimism.

And it began one winter day with Christmas, brightened with a Christmas light display. A day that brought a life-changing miracle for moms. If you have a few moments, here are 3 ways you can capture this miracle, change your thoughts and emotions, and hold it in your heart for the next 364 days until it comes again.

How the Life-Changing Miracle of Christmas Offers Moms Gratitude, Peace, and OptimismLook Back on the Year with Gratitude.

Start with gratitude. Think back to all the days between this Christmas and the last one. There were likely good and bad days, good and bad moments. But, through it all, God was with you.

And this is enough for our gratitude.

When you focus on gratitude, you will change your life. It will change your mental health, stress, cortisol, risk of depression, and even decrease metabolic syndrome and other diseases (1). What’s more, our immune systems work better and we can fight diseases with better results when we’re grateful and optimistic (2).

What a miracle!

Live in the Present with Peace

Peaceful? Would you describe your Holidays as peaceful? I hope so. But if not, do what you can to step outside of the chaos, and choose peace for yourself.

Try these 3 steps:

Start with prayer about Christmas day. Ask for peace. Ask for patience. Ask for God’s heart and eyes towards those around you, your in-laws, your kids, your parents, your spouse, friends, and strangers. Ask for a strong sense of the miracle of Christmas as you let the rest fade away.If possible, simplify and slow down. Cut your to-do list in half for the next 2 days. Simply don’t over do it. Err on the side of slow and simple.Let go of expectations. Your Christmas will not likely look like a Hallmark movie. Spoiler: No one’s actually does. Christ’s certainly didn’t. It looked more like a cold barn. Set your mind and heart towards joy, peace, and gratitude this year.Looks to the New Year with Optimism

You started with gratitude for the past, and peace for the present.

What do Christmas and the birth of Christ offer as a life-changing miracle for moms for the future? Optimism. Joy. Hope.

Did you know that God’s plan entails optimism for us? He even provides it as a dose of health, when we choose it. In fact, recent research has shown that those with higher optimism have a longer life (both men and women). What’s more, it’s associated with exceptional longevity, or living more than 85 years.

And during that longer life? Optimistic people are typically healthier, and happier, and experience less depression. And if you feel that you simply weren’t born to be optimistic, research as found that it is 25% dependent on genetics (3), and 75% on attitude.

Bottom Line

The birth of Christ and salvation promised is best life-changing miracle of Christmas for moms.

But beyond this, God provides, even more, to help us in the day-in-day-out of our lives. This Christmas, take a few moments to meditate on the gratitude, peace, and optimism God offers from one Christmas to the next. His Son came to bring us life.e of your emotions and health as you close out the year. God’s given you this gift.

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The article The Life-Changing Miracle of Christmas for Moms by Kyle Colbert appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.