Things You Didn’t Know About Watermelon

It has more lycopene than raw tomatoes

In just one cup, watermelon has 1.5 times the stuff than a large fresh tomato, 6 milligrams compared to 4 milligrams, according to the USDA. That matters because lycopene is thought to act as a super antioxidant, stopping free radicals from damaging your cells and messing with your immune system. Some research even suggests that lycopene, typically found in red fruits and vegetables, may help fight heart disease and several types of cancer.

The juice may relieve muscle soreness

A Spanish study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that drinking watermelon juice can actually be quite soothing after a grueling workout. Athletes who consumed a little more than 16 ounces an hour before exercise had less muscle soreness and a lower heart rate within a day. That may be because watermelon contains a natural substance called citrulline that’s been tied to improved artery function and lower blood pressure. In fact, its ability to relax the blood vessels led Texas A&M University researchers to say watermelon has Viagra-like effects. But you’ll need to look beyond the pink flesh if you really want to load up on citrulline—it’s concentrated most in the rind. If that’s not your thing, you can always save it for pickling or preserving later, Sass says.

It’s a fruit AND a vegetable

Talk about an overachiever. Like most fruits, watermelon is the product of a seed-producing plant and has a signature sweet taste. But it can be traced back to the squash, pumpkin, and cucumber family known as Cucurbitaceae. Remember how you can eat the rind? The dual nature of watermelon makes it all edible, so there’s no excuse to leave any part behind.

It’s packed with, well, water

Now this is a food with some serious hydration power. Watermelon is 91.5% water, according to the USDA. That’s a big deal seeing as how being dehydrated is bad for your health. A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that women with even mild dehydration experienced headaches, poor concentration, fatigue, and worse moods. More reason to whip up some watermelon recipes, stat.

There’s a yellow variety

It’s hard to believe there’s a watermelon that’s NOT pink on the inside, but there’s another variety, known as Yellow Crimson, has a sunny interior and the flesh has a sweeter, honey-like taste. Thing is, the two are nearly identical on the outside, so unless you’re reading the signs at your grocery store or farmers’ market, it can be hard to tell which is which. If you want the regular pink watermelon, ask for a Crimson Sweet.

Add this healthy, delicious fruit to you water and enjoy a Fruit Infused Water in your Infuser Water Bottle ! 

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8 BENEFITS OF COCONUT WATER YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT

1. Aids in Weight-loss Efforts.

The fat content in coconut water is extremely low, so generous quantities can be consumed without the fear of immediately packing on the pounds. It also suppresses the appetite and makes you feel full because of its rich nature.

2. Picture-Perfect Skin.

For those with acne or other blemishes on the surface of the skin, topical application of coconut water can go a great distance as it has the ability to clear up and subsequently tone the skin. It also moisturizes the skin from within if ingested orally and eliminates large amounts of oil. This explains why products such as facial creams, shampoos, conditioners and lotions that contain traces of coconut extract are more effective.

3. The Ultimate Hangover Remedy.

Next time you overdo it and drink more than your belly can handle, consume coconut water to settle your stomach. It will also replace those essential electrolytes that exit the body if you experience bouts of frequent urination and vomiting.

4. Facilitates Digestion.

If you constantly encounter difficulty during the digestion process, coconut water may provide a source of relief. Because of its high concentration of fiber, it aids in the prevention of indigestion and reduces the occurrence of acid reflux.

5. Boosts Hydration.

The ingredients in coconut water are way more effective at hydrating the human body than those of sports and energy drinks. During rigorous exercise or extended periods of physical activity, the human body loses mineral-rich fluids. However, coconut water serves as an excellent replacement medium with 294 mg of potassium and 5 mg of natural sugar per glass, unlike your favorite sports drink that only contains half of the potassium content and five times the amount of processed sugar. In addition, the sodium count is only 25 mg, which is relatively low compared to the 41 and 20 mg found in sports drinks and energy drinks respectively.

6. Reduces Blood Pressure.

In many instances, a disproportionate level of electrolytes can result in high blood pressure. Because coconut water contains an adequate supply of each, it can be used as a balancing mechanism. In some instances, it is recommended that coconut water be consumed at the start of each day to foster the balance of these electrolytes.

7. Rich in Nutrients.

Unlike any other beverage on the market, coconut water contains five essential electrolytes that are present in the human body. These include: calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and sodium. Because of its unique composition, coconut water can be enjoyed by individuals with varying medical conditions.

8. Compatible with Human Blood.

Since it is isotonic to human plasma, coconut water can be used in extreme emergencies to quickly rehydrate the human body if administered intravenously. It is not uncommon for the drink to be used in poorer, third-world countries to save human lives.

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Simple Ways to Eat Healthy on a Budget ...

 Unfortunately, the rising food prices make it hard to eat healthy. Your paycheck is most likely not rising as fast. Worst case you’re student which makes it even harder. These 10 tips will help you eat healthy on a budget.

1. Buy Whole Foods. Unprocessed foods are cheaper and more nutritious than processed foods. They also give you total control over the ingredients. Avoid anything that comes from a box 90% of the time.

 2. Buy Cheap Proteins. You need 1g protein per pound of body-weight per day to build and maintain muscle. Eating whole protein with each meal also helps fat loss as protein has a higher thermic effect than other foods. Keep the steaks & salmon for special occasions. Buy eggs, milk, whey, mackerel, tuna, calves liver, frozen chicken breast, cottage cheese, …

 

3. Buy Generic Food. And store brands. Raw foods like rice, pasta, eggs, milk, cottage cheese, frozen fruits/veggies, … 

4. Buy Supplements. They’re cheap and make your life easier, however whole food is better. You can use supplements, but make sure the bulk of your diet consists of whole, unprocessed foods. 

5. Buy in Bulk. Especially when you have promos running. Foods like pasta, rice and oats are easy to stockpile. If they’re on sale, buy as much as you can afford & store to last you until the next sale. 

6. Buy In Season Fruits & Veggies. Food grown in season tastes better and is cheaper. Root vegetables in the Winter. Apples & squash in the Fall. Broccoli & berries in the Summer. To know the season of veggies and fruits check this article: Fruits & Veggies: When are they in season ?

Learn More About Water Therapy ...

For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses, the water therapy had been found helpful by a Japanese medical society for cure for the diseases like Headache,Body Ache,Heart problems,Arthritis,Epilepsy,Excess Weight,Bronchitis,Asthma,,Meningitis,Kidney and Urinary diseases,Vomiting,gastritis,Diarrhea,Piles,Diabetes,Constipation,Eye Diseases and Menstrual Disorders.

Water Therapy – Method of Treatment

———————————————

1. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4-6 glasses of water each of 160 ml.

2. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minutes.

3. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.

4. Upto 15 minutes after breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything.

5. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink four glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to four glasses per day.

6. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.

What’s the Difference Between Tisane and Tea?

A tisane (or ptisan) is any herbal infusion other than from the leaves of the tea bush (Camellia sinensis). The English word “tisane” originated from the Greek word πτισάνη (ptisanē), a drink made from pearl barley.

 

Tisanes are made with fresh or dried flowers, leaves, stems, seeds or roots, generally by pouring hot (not boiling water) over the plant parts and letting them steep for about 10 minutes. Tough stems, seeds and roots must be boiled on a stove after being mashed. The tisane is then strained, sweetened if so desired, and served.

Some products labeled as “herbal teas” are true tisanes and some are not. Some “herbal teas” do not contain leaves from the tea bush and are therefore true tisanes. Why they are called “herbal teas” when they contain no tea I couldn’t say and is misleading. The only commonality tisanes and teas share is their preparation for drinking and this could be where the cross-over occurred. Other mixtures labeled as “herbal teas” do contain leaves from the tea bush and have been combined with herbal plant materials, hence the addition of “herbal” before the word “tea,” so be sure to check the ingredients. Real tea contains caffeine and if you are limiting your caffeine intake, knowing whether you are consuming a tisane or tea is important.

Many blends of real tea are prepared by adding other plants to an actual tea (black, oolong, green, or white tea); for example, the popular Earl Grey tea is black tea with bergamot added, Jasmine tea is Chinese tea with Jasmine included, and Genmaicha is green tea combined with roasted rice. Such preparations are varieties of tea, not tisanes.

Try making a Tisane in you Infuser Water Bottle.

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Make Your Own Detox Drink

Watermelon/cucumber, lemon/lime, mint leaves, and water.

Watermelon (or cucumber): Watermelon helps the body flush out toxins because it contains the organic compound citrulline, which is an amino acid that has been shown to help the liver and kidneys filter and get rid of ammonia. 

Water: H2O is just plain good for us, but it’s thought that it helps flush nasty toxins and waste through our system, giving organs like the liver and kidney an easier time doing their job.

Lemon (or lime): Lemon or lime juice helps stimulate and regulate the digestive track (which is why it’s so helpful with constipation, heartburn and gas), stimulates bile production, and thins out bile, which allows it to flow more freely. 

Mint leaves: Mint leaves are a nice refreshing flavor to add to your drink. On top of that, it can help you digest more effectively, improving the flow of bile from the liver, to the gallbladder, to the small intestine, where it breaks down dietary fats. Mint also helps relax cramped up stomach muscles.

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Foods That Are More Nutritious Raw

Raw Nuts Protect the Heart

Raw nuts have healthy fats that are essential to the body. Raw nuts can help lower the LDL (low-density lipoprotein), or "bad," cholesterol level in the blood.

Raw Broccoli Fights Cancer

Eating raw broccoli, and the chewing process involved, helps to rupture the special compound that is located in the plant's cell walls, an enzyme called myrosinase, that revs up your liver's ability to detoxify carcinogens.

Raw Juice Retains Vitamins

What could be better for you than fruit or vegetable juice from the store? Raw fruit and vegetable juice! When you buy juice, it is always pasteurized. Pasteurization not only kills bacteria and preserves the juice, it also destroys many (if not most) of the vitamins, minerals and enzymes, along with their health-promoting properties. 

Raw Cacao Is Brain Food

Raw cacao (chocolate) contains a wealth of nutrients: essential vitamins and minerals that boost the body's neurotransmitters, and phyto-chemicals that activate the mood-elevating emotion of "euphoria."

Raw Chia Seeds Are Nutrient-Dense

Four tablespoons of chia seeds supply as much calcium as three cups of milk, as much magnesium as 10 stalks of broccoli, as much iron as one-half cup of red kidney beans, 30% more antioxidants than blueberries, 25% more dietary fiber than flaxseed and approximately the same amount of omega-3 as a 32-ounce fillet of salmon. Instead of a typical hot breakfast cereal, try a chia breakfast pudding for a more nutritious start to your day!

FRUIT ICE CUBES

Add a dash of excitement to water, iced tea — even cocktails — with these colorful ice cubes filled with fruit, herbs, and edible flowers. Watch the video to see how it's done and for ample ideas, and then bust out the ice cube trays to cool down in style!

Watch how on : http://www.yumsugar.com/How-Make-Fruit-Ice-Cubes-31124045

Infused Water for Weight Loss

Which fruit infused water is best for weight loss? 

The answer is: the one you will drink the most. When it comes to weight loss, more water is better and the goal is to drink as much as you can. Drinking infused water for weight loss is one of the easiest habits you can have to help you lose weight without a lot of effort.

Additional benefits of drinking infused water for weight loss:

• Boosts your metabolism.
• Fills you up so you don’t eat as much junk.
• Naturally helps your body release fat cells.
• Keeps food moving through your system.
• Flushes toxins from your system.
• Improves your mood.
• Reduces muscle fatigue while working out.
• Helps you recuperate faster from a workout.
• Keeps your organs healthy while you’re sweating.
• Keeps you from feeling groggy in the afternoon.

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Watermelon and Mint

Full of important electrolytes, watermelon is a great snack to have on hand during the hot summer months to prevent dehydration.

• Watermelo, sliced.
• Mint, scrunched.
• Water
• Ice

Enjoy ! ♥

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