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Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Chlorella Benefits – 9 Reasons to Consume This Powerful Superfood

 

Chlorella Benefits - 9 Reasons to Consume This Powerful Superfood. If you’re looking for a natural way to boost your energy levels, detox your body, and clear up your skin, chlorella could be the answer.


Click HERE to Discover these 80 Keto-Friendly and Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes



Chlorella – What It Is & Health Benefits

If you’re looking for a natural way to boost your energy levels, detox your body, and clear up your skin, chlorella could be the answer. In fact, chlorella can also help improve digestion, strengthen your immune system, and speed up post-workout recovery time (for any crossfitters out there).

Of course, there’s no shortage of nutritional supplements that make tall promises and fail to deliver results. But as a single-celled green algae, chlorella is actually more of a food than a supplement—and it contains potent nutrition that your body can use right away. Chlorella is chock full of essential nutrients and is one of the riches sources of vitamin A.

This superfood’s impressive nutrient profile includes all eight essential amino acids, which makes it a complete source of plant-based protein. It’s rich in essential nutrients, including fiber, omega 3 fatty acids, iron, magnesium, calcium, and beta-carotene (the antioxidant form of vitamin A).

A single serving of 100 grams is said to be one of the richest plant sources of vitamin A, which is needed to promote detoxification and maintain healthy skin, teeth, and vision.

But one of the most unique, beneficial nutrients is called Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF).

What is CGF?

CGF acts like a growth hormone because it allows chlorella to rapidly multiply by 4 every 20 hours. And when we absorb CGF, the growth factor helps regenerate our cells.

CGF contains the nucleic acids RNA and DNA, which provide your cells with the “blueprints” (i.e., instructions) they need to repair and regenerate. And as you may already know, the healthier your cells are, the more youthful you’ll feel.

In other words, you’ll have fewer fine lines and wrinkles, a sharper memory, and a rock-solid immune system. CGF (Chlorella Growth Factor) helps regenerate cells to keep you feeling younger.

Our body naturally produces nucleic acids, but our production declines with age—which is when signs of aging begin to appear. That’s why it’s so beneficial to get nucleic acids from dietary sources, such as chlorella.

CGF contains a special nutrient of its own (called a beta-glucan). A beta-glucan is a type of fiber that’s been shown to have antioxidant activity—by destroying cancer cells and reducing tumor growth. For this reason, beta-glucans are a powerful nutrient for enhancing and supporting immune-system functions.

The power of these nutrients are only scratching the surface of chlorella’s many health benefits. Here are 9 more reasons why this little known superfood is a superior source of nutrition—that you should include in your diet every day.

Chlorella Health Benefits

1. Chlorella Detoxifies Heavy Metals

Chlorella has the ability to bind and safely remove heavy metals from the body, which is a natural process known as chelation. We’re exposed to heavy metals (such as mercury and lead) via our environment (from pollution in the air we breathe and chemicals in the tap water we drink).

Heavy metals are toxic to our system. They can cause serious neurological damage when they accumulate in our tissues. A few common symptoms of heavy-metal toxicity include anxietymemory loss, confusion, chronic fatiguemigraines, and insomnia. If you remember the Mad Hatter from Alice and Wonderland, he went “mad” from mercury poisoning.

As you can see, heavy metals have no place in our bodies. That’s why it’s important that we support our natural detoxification process with nutrients that can improve their elimination.

2. Chlorella Alkalizes Your Body

Chlorella is an alkaline food, which means it helps alkalize your blood once it’s been metabolized. To remain in optimal health, your blood should never be too acidic or alkaline. But many of the foods most people eat regularly are highly acidic, such as animal protein.

That’s why it’s important to increase the alkaline foods in your diet whenever possible: To help maintain a balanced blood pH. Chlorella helps balance acidity in the body, which is especially needed after a strenuous workout!

As an alkaline food, this plant protein can also help alkalize your body after an intense workout. During strenuous activity, your body naturally produces lactic acid, which helps you produce energy.

When it’s being produced regularly, lactic acid can build up in your muscle tissues and cause lactic acidosis. By including alkaline foods in your post-workout smoothie, you can help neutralize this acidity.

3. Chlorella Helps Skin Look Younger and Brighter

In order to have brighter, younger-looking skin, you must have healthy cells. As mentioned above, CGF provides the body with nucleic acids to speed up cellular repair and regeneration—which leads to healthier skin.

CGF can also help speed up the healing of wounds, and may be helpful for reducing the swelling and redness associated with acne breakouts.

4. Chlorella Promotes Weight Loss

In a recent study performed on individuals who were at risk for lifestyle factors (such obesitydiabetes, and heart disease), the regular intake of chlorella was shown to lower blood glucosereduce cholesterol, and reduce body-fat percentages.

Now, that isn’t to say that this supplement is a miracle weight-loss pill; it isn’t.

However, the high concentration of nutrients found in chlorella can help support several of your body’s functions that result in weight loss, such as detoxification and blood-sugar balance.

5. Chlorella Speeds Up Muscle Recovery

Animal protein may be your go-to source of amino acids, which aid in tissue repair after a workout. But you may also want to consider taking chlorella to help speed up the recovery time of muscles.

As mentioned above, this plant protein is unlike most plant foods. It contains all 8 essential amino acids, which are needed for optimal recovery from exercise—including the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) needed for building muscle.

For this reason, chlorella can be an ideal addition to your post-workout routine, which supports and accelerates your recovery time.

6. Chlorella Boosts Energy

Chlorella contains a nutrient called chlorophyll, which gives plant foods their dark green pigment. Chlorophyll is considered “plant blood” because it gives plants life by allowing them to absorb energy from light—a process known as photosynthesis. Chlorella contains chlorophyll, which will energize the body at a cellular level.

But chlorophyll has also been shown to energize the human body by promoting adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis, which is our primary energy molecule.

So it can help energize the body at a cellular level, which is essential for reducing chronic fatigue.

7. Chlorella Improves Digestion

Chlorella contains fiber and magnesium, two essential nutrients for healthy digestionFiber is needed to help eliminate “sweep” toxins from the intestinal tract; meanwhile, magnesium promotes muscle relaxation.

Since your GI tract is made entirely from muscle tissue, increasing the magnesium in your diet can help relieve constipation and other digestive issues.

8. Chlorella Supports Immune System

As mentioned above, the beta-glucans found in CGF have incredible health benefits—when it comes to defending your body against disease.

But chlorella offers extra nutritional support with vitamin C and zinc—two other nutrients that are required for immune health. If Mother Nature had created a multivitamin, you can bet it would be this.

9. Chlorella Internally Deodorizes

Since chlorella promotes natural body detoxification, it can help clear toxins and bacteria from your digestive system that promote body odor. Chlorophyll is also said to act as a natural internal deodorant, which eliminates bad breath by cleansing the colon of odor-causing bacteria.

Not All Chlorella is Created Equal

Chlorella contains a tough outer shell (known as the cell wall), which protects all of its life-giving nutrients. Unfortunately, this cell wall is impossible for the body to break down, so it must be cracked or broken for the human body to use any of its nutrients.

When looking for a chlorella supplement, always be sure the nutrition label states that it is “cracked cell wall” or “broken cell wall.” A high-quality supplement should only be processed by using pressure to extract the nutrients—not chemicals or high temperatures that can destroy its nutrients.

Chlorella grows in Taiwan, China, and Japan, but most of its supplements are sourced from freshwater pools in Japan.

Since radioactive chemicals are found in Japan’s water supply, it’s important to ensure that your supplement undergoes routine testing for toxicity and heavy-metal contamination. Although chlorella can help detoxify heavy metals from your body, it’s not ideal to consume a supplement that’s already laden with chemicals.

How to Add Chlorella to Your Diet?

Chlorella can be added to your diet in powdered form, capsule, or tablet form. While you may initially find algae to have a strong, potent flavor, you can still make it taste amazing (and mask the flavor) by blending it in a smoothie.

My personal favorite combination adds coconut water, avocado, pineapplebananaspinach, parsley, and romaine lettuce.

Watch these 2 videos –

What is Chlorella Anyway? | Fresh P


What is CHLORELLA + How to Use It | Thrive Market


Written by Brandi Black

Author Bio:

Brandi Black is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and the creator of Feel Best Naked, a health blog for women who want to clear up their skin, lose the muffin top and make the bloat disappear. After years of experiencing (and then healing) her own unbalanced hormones, she’s now obsessed with helping other women feel spectacular in their own skin with natural remedies for hormone balance.

A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.

Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.

To find out more, click on – Keto Slow Cooker Cookbook


Spirulina Benefits – 9 Reasons to Consume This Powerful Superfood

 

Spirulina Benefits - 9 Reasons to Consume This Powerful Superfood. You may have heard of spirulina, or even set eyes on the startling, blue-green color it produces in smoothies. But what exactly is this emerald superfood made of? Do the rumored spirulina benefits stand the tests of science?


Click HERE to Discover these 80 Keto-Friendly and Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes



You may have heard of spirulina, or even set eyes on the startling, blue-green color it produces in smoothies. But what exactly is this emerald superfood made of? Do the rumored spirulina benefits stand the tests of science?

The answer is a resounding yes.

Spirulina, a blue-green freshwater algae, that grows in many exotic locales across the world from Mexico to Hawaii, is bursting with well-researched benefits.

9 Spirulina Benefits

Even if you’re a well-seasoned spirulina consumer, some of the following benefits might still surprise you:

1. Spirulina Fights Candida

While candida, a type of microflora, is naturally found in the intestines of healthy adults, it can become problematic when it begins to overtake other species of microflora in our guts.

Unfortunately, this occurs easily in individuals eating the Standard American Diet (SAD) due to its high sugar content, which feeds the spread of candida. Spirulina is an antimicrobial agent that can help balance the microflora in your gut.

If you’re suffering from an imbalanced microflora, spirulina may be another weapon in your arsenal against the bacteria. In several studies, spirulina has been found to fight candida overgrowth by increasing the efficiency of the immune system and acting as an antimicrobial agent.

2. Spirulina Improves Immunity

You may want to add some spirulina to that vitamin C-rich orange juice you typically sip on when you start to get sick.

In addition to containing a wide range of vitamins and minerals that support a healthy immune system, spirulina contains immune-boosting polysaccharides, or complex carbohydrates, which lend our immunity an additional boost. It has also been found to stimulate the immune system by producing immune cytokines, which are signaled when the body begins to fight off an infection.

3. Spirulina Detoxes Heavy Metals

Heavy metals that are often found in drinking water, such as arsenic or lead, can have a detrimental effect on health. Just a few of these effects include hair lossliver cirrhosis, and anemia. Spirulina can detox the body of arsenic, lead and other heavy metals found in drinking water.

Researchers looking for alternative treatments to heavy-metal poisoning (specifically arsenic, in this case), discovered that compared to patients receiving a placebo, those taking spirulina had a 47 percent decrease in arsenic levels.

4. Spirulina Lowers Cholesterol

Spirulina has also been shown to reduce high cholesterol levels.

A study of 30 participants with high cholesterol and hypertension revealed that just eight weeks of spirulina supplementation significantly reduced total serum cholesterol.

The researchers also found this effect was even more pronounced in participants with the highest cholesterol levels, and that when supplementation was stopped, cholesterol levels returned to baseline.

One of the best aspects of this study? There were no adverse side effects of spirulina supplementation.

5. Spirulina Lowers Blood Pressure

In the same vein, researchers at Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico discovered that spirulina intake decreases blood pressure and plasma lipid concentrations. This occurs due to its ability to help produce and release nitric oxide, which acts as a vasodilator, expanding the blood vessels.

The study also suggested that spirulina decreases the release of a vasoconstrictor (a no-no when we talk about blood pressure, as vasoconstrictors further tighten blood vessels, thus increasing pressure.) Spirulina helps expand blood vessels, lowering blood pressure

It seems spirulina is able to knock down blood pressure with a one-two combination of vasodilation and hindered vasoconstriction.

6. Spirulina Improves Allergies and Sinus Problems

If you’re experiencing the sniffling, itching, congestion, or discharge common with allergies, spirulina can possibly provide relief.

A 2005 study found patients given 2,000 mg of spirulina experienced protective effects against allergic rhinitis by lowering the immune reaction that is responsible for the above symptoms. In this case, spirulina supplementation reduced the activity of a particular cytokine present during reactions by 32 percent.

7. Spirulina is Anti-inflammatory

Inflammation can cause a host of problems, and it’s specifically dangerous when it comes to cardiovascular health. Spirulina works to fight this inflammation by protecting antioxidants and enzymes that play a role in lowering inflammation levels, such as glutathione peroxidase and selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase.

The more spirulina you ingest, the better your chances of fighting DNA damage and inflammation.

Interestingly, studies show that spirulina “dose-dependently” inactivates free radicals that cause DNA damage and reduces inflammation levels, hinting that the more spirulina ingested, the greater its anti-inflammatory activity.

8. Spirulina Helps Prevent Aging

As we saw earlier, spirulina helps protect potent antioxidants, like glutathione, from the damaging effects of environmental damage and inflammation. However, spirulina is also rich in an array of antioxidants like as beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, and lutein.

These antioxidants, members of the carotenoid family of phytonutrients, are some of the most potent forms of antioxidants when it comes to protecting skin from DNA damage.

9. Spirulina Fights Cancer and HIV

Spirulina has clearly demonstrated its ability to boost the immune system, warding off viruses and bad bacterial overgrowth.

It turns out this ability may be so potent that it can even help prevent cancer. One study found that spirulina-treated pancreatic cells significantly decreased the spread of human pancreatic cancer cells in vitro. It also stated that this effect was dose dependent, meaning more could definitely mean better in terms of effects.

Supplementing with spirulina can help your body fight HIV, cancer and other viruses.

In addition, researchers have also found that HIV patients supplementing with spirulina experienced a significant increase in a form of white blood cells that fight infection.

They also found that the spirulina essentially caused the immune system to stabilize rather than continue to degrade, as is commonly seen in HIV. Remarkably, longer-term supplementation over a 13-month period caused a lowering of the HIV viral load!

As you can see, there are remarkable spirulina benefits. As a daily supplement, the sky really is the limit as to what beneficial effect this unassuming algae can give.

How to Eat Spirulina

Spirulina’s earthy taste might be off-putting to some if taken straight in powder form, but there are several other ways to sneakily incorporate this green.

Add to sweet smoothies for an extra nutrient boost.

Mix spirulina with water, fresh lemon juice, a dash of maple syrup, stevia, and a smidge of salt for a quick, post-workout recovery drink.

Add spirulina as a healthy boost to homemade salad dressings and rich desserts like Paleo brownies.

Spirulina can also be taken in tablet form in you’re in a hurry. The bottom line remains: however, you take this mighty algae, your body will thank you for it.

Watch the following 3 videos –

Green Smoothie Recipe with Spirulina


Chocolate Spirulina Brittles (Raw/Vegan/Paleo)


HOW TO USE SPIRULINA | 3 different recipes by Simply Quinoa


Written by Megan Patiry

Author Bio:

Megan is an inquisitive nutrition and wellness writer harboring an editorial love affair with the decadent and the nutritious. She is a dedicated researcher in all areas of ancestral health, a certified specialist in fitness nutrition, personal trainer, and professional almond milk latte addict.

A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.

Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.

To find out more, click on – Keto Slow Cooker Cookbook


Thursday, September 8, 2022

4 Ways to Fix Muscle Cramps + DIY Natural Electrolyte Drink Recipe

 

Plagued by sudden, random muscle cramps? Here’s some common causes of muscle cramps, and 4 ways to fix muscle cramp. Plus, get a tasty, easy drink recipe below to naturally replenish your electrolytes.

Click HERE to Discover these 80 Keto-Friendly and Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes



Plagued by sudden, random muscle cramps? Here’s some common causes of muscle cramps, and how to stop them. Plus, get a tasty, easy drink recipe below to naturally replenish your electrolytes.

Muscle cramps are involuntary contractions of certain muscles in your body. While they most commonly occur in your legs, feet, and calves; they can plague any muscle that is having trouble relaxing.

Some examples of pain caused by muscle cramps include lower back painmenstrual cramps, and aching calves. This type of pain is different from the pain of a pulled muscle, which will come on suddenly from activity and possibly start to swell. Also the pain of a pulled muscle will usually stick around much longer than a muscle cramp.

4 Common Causes of Muscle Cramps

There are several causes of muscle cramps, with each depending on your lifestyle and activities.

1. Electrolyte Imbalance

One of the most common causes of muscle cramps is electrolyte imbalance.

Electrolytes are natural chemicals such as calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, and chloride, that are used by your body for nerve signalling, regulating blood pressure, and maintaining fluid balance.

Each contains an electric charge (hence the name) that causes your nerves to send signals throughout your body. Specifically, a good balance of electrolytes keeps your muscles contracting and relaxing as they should.

Unfortunately, every time you sweat or urinate, you lose a certain amount of these electrolytes. In a perfect world, these would automatically be replaced through mineral-rich foods in the correct amounts.

However, if you don’t regularly consume a lot of organic veggies and fruit, you might end up getting too much sodium and not enough potassium or magnesium, which can cause your muscles to spasm because your nerves don’t have the means to send them proper signals.

In the same vein, if you avoid all sodium sources, you might find yourself with extremely low sodium levels, which can also affect how efficiently your muscles receive signals from your nerves. It’s a truly delicate balance that can easily be thrown out of whack if you’re not paying attention.

2. Lactic Acid Buildup

Researchers have long blamed sore muscles on the buildup of lactic acid – a by-product of muscle breakdown and repair.

While this soreness usually occurs around 12-48 hours after a workout, some evidence has shown that lactic acid accumulation during exercise can also cause muscle spasms, especially when the muscle is worked to fatigue. If you find you’re getting cramps during intense exercise, this could be to blame.

3. Lack of Circulation

If you’ve ever experienced your feet or hands feeling numb, you know that lack of blood circulation can definitely have an immediate effect on your body. One of these effects could also be muscle cramps, since a blockage or compressed area could reduce the blood flow of nutrients to certain muscles.

4. Posture

Similar to lack of circulation, poor posture can also put unnatural pressure on the muscles, ligaments, and nerves throughout your body. This could result in the signals to your muscles being blocked or compressed, causing them to spasm. Sit up straight! Poor posture could lead to muscle spasms.

If you’ve been getting enough electrolytes and regularly stretch your muscles, but still find you have persistent muscle cramps, you might want to work on your posture or see a chiropractor.

4 Ways to Fix Muscle Cramps

1. Eat More Mineral-Rich Foods

There’s a reason you’ve probably been told at least once in your life to eat a banana if you’re having cramps. Namely, bananas and several other fruits and veggies, are rich in potassium and electrolytes that can help get your muscle contractions back on track.

Some other excellent sources of minerals and electrolytes are avocado, sweet potato, citrus fruits, kale and leafy greens, root vegetables like carrots and beets, and seeds. Try adding more of these into your daily diet, making sure to get plenty before and after sweaty, intense workouts.

2. Get Moving

If your muscle cramps are being caused by lack of circulation, your best bet is to add more movement into your day. This could mean taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and standing once or twice every hour and doing some active stretches like arm circles and leg swings.

3. Stretch and Foam Roll

Stretching and foam rolling have been shown to help remove lactic acid buildup in muscles, which could reduce the chances of experiencing cramps. Massaging the area that’s cramping up can also bring immediate, effective relief.

4. Increase Electrolytes

As mentioned earlier, electrolyte imbalances are a common cause of repeated muscle cramps. Increasing electrolytes can help re-balance your system to help your muscles fire properly. Drink coconut water or pickle juice after your workouts — not Gatorade!

Aside from increasing your intake of mineral-rich foods, you can also consume drinks like coconut water and pickle juice, before and after your workouts, to help keep you hydrated. One thing you shouldn’t do, however, is down commercial sports drinks, since they’re often loaded with sugar and artificial colors, flavors, and chemicals.

Instead, check out the do-it-yourself electrolyte water recipe below!

DIY Natural Sports Drink with Electrolytes

Recipe by Megan Olson

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of coconut water
  • 1/8 cup lemon juice
  • 1/8 cup lime juice
  • 1 t honey
  • ½ t sea salt

Instructions:

  1. Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Process on high 2-3 minutes until honey is fully incorporated.
  • Transfer to a glass and drink.

Watch this video – Fix Muscle Cramps – 7 Causes & 7 Cures


Written by Megan Patiry

Author Bio:

Megan is an inquisitive nutrition and wellness writer harboring an editorial love affair with the decadent and the nutritious. She is a dedicated researcher in all areas of ancestral health, a certified specialist in fitness nutrition, personal trainer, and professional almond milk latte addict.

A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.

Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.

To find out more, click on – Keto Slow Cooker Cookbook


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