You’ve probably already heard that getting more Omega 3 polyunsaturated fats in your diet is really good for your health. Really good.

More and more scientists are finding more areas of our health that can benefit from getting more Omega 3 into our bodies. Our heart, our brain, our internal organs, our eyes, so many things need more Omega 3.

There’s lots of good fats found in fish. The 2 most important essential fatty acids are DHA and EPA and these are both found in fish.

And as there is plenty of these in fish oil most Omega 3 supplements are based on fish oil.

But there is also a plant based Omega 3 fatty acid. Its called ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). The benefit to the body is that it converts ALA to DHA, although there is debate about how much ALA actually gets converted, some say not a lot. For that reason DHA from fish oil is better, because your body doesnt need to convert it.

What you eat is what gives you your Omega 3. By far the best way to get a daily dose is to take fish oil supplements daily, but adding some more Omega 3 fats to your diet using some Omega 3 recipes from a good Omega 3 cookbook.

There are good fats and bad fats. Saturated fat found mainly in dairy products and meat, are not healthy fats. But if you eat the right foods with the good fats in them then youre eating better food and getting healthier from what you eat.

Some oils like olive oil and flaxseed oil have good fats too, for cooking. And there are vegetables that do too like brussel sprouts and spinach.

The fat found in vegetables is ALA but if you’re getting your DHA and EPA from your daily fish oil supplements then you’re getting everything you need. And eat fish, but not too much. The FDA tells us to eat only moderate amounts of fish due to chemical contamination.

So if you’re taking your daily fish oil supplements and you’re doing some good Omega 3 cooking then you’re getting the best of both worlds. So start looking for some high Omega 3 foods and find a few good Omega 3 recipes for the kitchen. You need to source an Omega 3 cookbook to find some great recipes.

A good Omega 3 cookbook should have plenty of great recipes with Omega rich foods and so you can do some really good healthy cooking. Cook some fish recipes and concentrate on cooking with the high Omega oils and get the right vegetables into your cooking.

So here’s what you do. Start taking your fish oil supplements for your DHA and EPA and find yourself a good Omega 3 cookbook. Start cooking some of those high Omega 3 recipes and you’ve got a formula for great health.

Remember, not all fish oil supplements are the same. If you want to know how to select the best ones visit my website to find out.

Want to know more about Fish Oil Benefits? Or about more about Omega 3 Cooking? Visit Peter’s Website Healthy Omega 3 Fish Oil.

Therapeutic essential oils are found in the highest quality beauty care products designed for mature skin. Natural oils have many beneficial properties including the stimulation of cellular metabolism, the regeneration of tissues, reduction of oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory effects, as well as various hormone-like activities. These known benefits are the therapeutic fundamentals for topical support of the health and beauty of aging skin. Not only are true essential oils kinder to the planet than synthetic mixtures, their health-giving effects can be dramatic. Beyond the obvious benefits, the natural health enthusiast can make a skin care blend precisely suited to their skin’s personal needs, at a fraction of the cost of the high-end laboratory-made blends. Many of the ingredients are available locally at your health food store. The more esoteric items found either on the internet or through mail order from providers of therapeutic-grade aromatherapy and apothecary supplies.

The Chemistry of Therapeutic Skin Care

You may ask, “What makes essential oils and their complementary carrier oils so effective for natural skin care?” The answer is found in nature herself. It happens that the elemental structures of plant oils are beautifully and decidedly compatible with that of our skin. Essential oils are easily absorbed through the skin’s various layers, and even through the skin’s individual cell walls. And the essential oils offer a myriad of healthful effects: they supply important nutrients and, they detoxify the skin, and they even signal skin cells to heal themselves! This compatibility makes the process of creating and using your own formulas extremely simple. One only need blend together a few ingredients to create a state-of-the-art healing and nourishing formula for better looking and feeling skin.

The Base Oils: The Base of Every Recipe

Essential oils for topical application in nearly every instance will be blended with what are known as carrier oils or ‘base’ oils. These cold-pressed seed or nut oils make up the foundation of most natural skin care formulas. There are a many lovely carrier oils from which to choose – a few favorites for nourishing and healing mature skin include: Avocado is known to be both hydrating, and nutritive; it has a medium consistency and is generally included at about 20% of the total base oil mixture. Apricot Kernel is fantastic for dry skin and is used for healing damaged or irritated skin. Apricot oil can be used in combination or with other carriers or as 100% of the base oil. Borage oil is used as a small (perhaps 10%) portion of the carrier blend; it helps to calm inflammation and supplies important essential fatty acid nutrients. Borage and Evening Primrose oil may be interchanged though the Evening Primrose should be used in slightly larger concentrations of up to one-quarter of the base formula. Hazelnut oil is a very common carrier in skin care blends. It has a thinner consistency and is best used by those with oily skin conditions. With its astringent properties Hazelnut should not exacerbate oily-skin conditions. Lastly, and likely most importantly, we have Rosehip Seed. Rosehip seed oil combines a plethora of therapeutic properties including the ability to speed turnover of skin cells without drying or flaking (as can be a common side effect of synthetic preparations with the same purpose). An excellent base oil mix for mature skin might include 70% Apricot Kernel, 15% Rosehip and 15% Evening Primrose. For those with dry skin, add Avocado oil at 20% and reduce the Apricot Kernel to 50%. For oily skin, replace Apricot Kernel with Hazelnut.

Plant Magic: The Essential Oils

And now for the magic ingredients, the essential oils: Carrot Seed essential oil is distilled from the seeds of Wild Carrot, Daucus carota. It is considered one of the most potent revitalizing essential oils for the skin where one’s lifestyle and/or environment may have taken their toll on the skin’s vibrancy. Also for revitalizing the skin, Rosemary Verbenone can be highly effective – this is a type of rosemary essential oil containing a higher amount of regenerative ketones than common rosemary. The essential oil ‘displays its main activity in the dermis (the middle layer of the skin), where it stimulates the metabolic functions, circulation, and elimination of waste products’ according to Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, one of America’s leading medical aromatherapists, in his ‘Advanced Aromatherapy’. And perhaps the most revered essential oil of all for women’s skin is Rose Otto. This really belongs in every women’s skin care recipe — despite its high cost, its value cannot be underestimated. Only the tiniest amounts are needed; even 1/2% (4 drops per ounce) will have an excellent therapeutic result (and the aroma is absolutely heavenly!)

Especially for Women

Clary Sage is renowned as being particularly suited to natural skin and beauty care. A component of the essential oil mimics the effects of estrogen, which may enhance the vibrancy of aging skin. Clary Sage is also celebrated for its regulation of the skin’s secretions, naturally bringing balance to both over-oily as well as under-oily skin. It’s aroma is considered relaxing and mildly euphoric which may also contribute to its positive effects. Sweet Fennel is another oil with estrogen-like action, listed by herbalist and author Valerie Worwood in blends for wrinkle prevention at every stage in life.

The Nutritive Oils

Sea Buckthorn Berry CO2 (a cold-processed essential oil) is a gentle oil with a pleasingly sweet aroma. Sea Buckthorn contains significant amounts of essential fatty acids along with antioxidant vitamins A, C and E. This specialty skin care essential oil is rich in carotenes, which likely impart its rejuvenative effects. It is noted as a particularly effective anti-wrinkle and skin softening agent. Carrot Root (note this is different than the Seed) is another amazing nutritive essential oil. Carrot Root oil is also a CO2 extract, very high in beta-carotenes, and highly regenerative too. Carrot root has less of an aroma, and will not leave the skin red for minutes after application like Sea Buckthorn, so it may be the better choice for a daytime forumula.

Balancing and Regeneration

And what review of therapeutic skin oils could ignore the vast healing properties of Lavender? Well-known for its relaxing effects, true lavender can be included in aromatherapy blends for skin of any age. With regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and balancing effects, lavender is especially supportive of aging skin. Lavender’s support for stress reduction alone can result in improving the appearance of your skin. It may be added in whatever concentration one chooses in alignment with one’s personal taste. For those wanting even stronger anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects, try Helichrysum essential oil. Helichrysum is known widely as a profoundly healing essential oil for damaged skin, and is often called for in blends for healing wounds or reducing the appearance of scars. Note that if you are combining aromatherapy with other treatments such as chemical peels or microdermabasion, this essential oil would be a valuable ingredient in your personal formula.

Mixing Your Own Perfect Formula

The recipes for natural skin for mature skin are quite simple. A good starting place is the following ratio: ten drops of each essential oil to every one ounce of carrier oil. For example, if you have four total ounces of carrier oil, use forty drops of each essential oil. More essential oil is rarely better when blending a formula for the skin – many essential oils work best at low concentrations with some oils potentially irritating the skin at high doses. A good rule of thumb is to keep your overall concentration of essential oils below five percent of the total concentration. This ratio works out to about thirty drops per ounce of carrier. If you are designing your own recipe, you can start with equal amounts of essential oil in your blend. Some oils will have more powerful aromas than others; most of these very potent aromas will be oils that you will want to use in smaller quantities. You can also adjust according to your aromatic preferences as well, thus creating a formula that not only supports your skin’s health and metabolism, but smells lovely too.

Blending For Men

Many of the oils mentioned here are found in blends for women, but there is no rule that prevents men from using them as well. For an aroma that a man may appreciate, deeper, earthier essential oils can be used – Sandalwood, Frankincense and Myrrh are all essential oils noted for their benefits to mature skin. Also, for any gender, including essential oils for their fragrance and not just their therapeutic properties is certainly an option. With one’s emotional health often clearly reflected in the condition of their skin, there’s more than likely to be a benefit beyond simply smelling nice! Just be aware that there are a few oils that should not be applied to the face; these are some of the spicier oils – Cinnamon, Oregano, Clove and Thyme varieties; cold-pressed citrus oils like lime, lemon, orange and bergamot should also be avoided for facial care, as these oils can cause the skin to be extra-sensitive to UV light. If you have any uncertainty about a particular oil, there are many quality resources regarding essential oil safety available both on the internet and in print.

You Too Can Make Your Own High End Skin Care!

Blending a personal formula may seem overwhelming at first, but in fact it is quite a natural and pleasant experience. Once the formula is decided upon, one simply needs to mix each selected essential oil into the one or more base oils at the recommended concentrations and apply to clean skin on a regular basis. The creation of synergistic therapeutic blends for mature skin is enjoyable, easy-to-do, and a wise choice for the skin, the planet, and the pocket-book. By using therapeutic-grade oils and carriers, you’ll be creating an effective, beautiful smelling formula that is designed precisely for your own skin condition. Moreover, you can adjust the recipe over time as your needs change, or make different formulas with various aromas to double as natural perfumes. As always with aromatherapy, start slowly, pay attention to your body, enjoy the process!

More information on buying essential oils online and coconut and other aromatherapy carrier oils is available at the Ananda Apothecary.

Science is now firmly convinced of the health benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids, but should you be eating the new foods containing Omega 3 fatty acids that you are now seeing on the shelves of your supermarket?

There’s basically 2 forms of Omega 3 fats, plant based and marine based. It’s generally considered that the marine based Omega 3 fats DHA and EPA are better for you.

So food manufacturers are jumping on the bandwagon and making foods high in Omega 3. And these are now available for you to buy. So should you eat Omega 3 rich foods or is it just marketing?

Firstly lets say that there’s nothing wrong with eating foods containing Omega fats. The manufacturers generally use fish oil for the fortification process and fish oil is good for getting those healthy polyunsaturated fats DHA and EPA.

So no, there’s no reason why you should avoid foods containing Omega 3. But that isn’t the end of the answer.

Demand for these foods has increased so food companies see an opportunity, and are charging a lot more for foods high in Omega 3.

So you have to consider how much Omega 3s you are getting and at what price to answer the question. And generally speaking you don’t get a lot of good fats in most of the fortified foods, and you pay for the privilege.

To give you an example a serving of Omega 3 enriched bread will give you somewhere around 120mg of Omega 3 fats. Nice but not a lot compared to the 3000 mg you get from eating a serving of fish. And that bread will probably cost a lot more than regular bread.

Eating fish isn’t cheap and you run the risk of getting a little dose of PCBs and mercury too.

The simplest and most cost effective way to increase the amount of Omega 3 polyunsaturated fats in your diet is to take fish oil supplements. They are clean and you can take them easily each day.

So whilst there’s no problem eating foods containing Omega 3 fatty acids, it’s expensive. Use your money on good supplements and buy the non fortified foods and you’re in front on how much good fats you’re getting for the money.

Note that not all fish oil capsules are the same. Visit my website to find out how to compare fish oil capsules.

Want to know more about the Benefits of Fish Oil? Or more about Foods Containing Omega 3 Fatty Acids? Visit Peter’s Website Healthy Omega 3 Fish Oil.

In a first to investigate the acai berry, the University of Florida found in a recent study that the fruit contained enough antioxidants to destroy human cancer cells.

This study showed that acai berry triggered a self-destruct response in up to 86 percent of the leukemia cells tested according to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry where the results were published.

A abundant source of antioxidants which fight and prevent harmful acai from entering the body can be found in the acai berry. This research has strengthened the hypothesis that adding an acai berry extract can be very beneficial to the human body.

The study also noted that it is not intended to show that leukemic can be cured in humans with the the acai berry elements.

The benefits on the acai berry related to leukemia was never intended to raise any kind of false hope. The findings are still very encouraging however. Elements that have proven well in cell-culture trials have proven very beneficial when tested on humans.

Antioxidants have not been directly proven to fight cancer cells in the human body because of other factors such as biochemical processes. However, research has shown that fruits such as guavas, grapes, and mango’s’ have antioxidants that have been known to kill cancer cells as well.

The fragility of the acai berry is the primary reason so little is known because they must be consumed shortly after they are picked. The process of extracting the important elements of the acai berry is new and has also delayed the process of researching in depth.

The acai berry is found on a palm tree that is frequently found along the amazon river flood plains. The color of the berry is a dark purple when ripe and is the size and similarity is that of a red grape. The acai berry is contained i a thin layer of a pulp that can be eaten surrounded by a large seed.

The indigenous people of the amazon have used the acai berry to treat symptoms ranging from digestive disorders to skin conditions. The acai berry has also been proven recently to help loose weight and gain energy.

For the past 30 years,Dr. Mathias Wikenslop has been researching all of the wondrous benefits of the acai berry. He has a detailed acai benefits website where he goes into detail about the best acai berry products on the market today. He also has a acai benefits website that has freeinformation on everything that is related to the acai berry

While some fitness enthusiasts relentlessly seek out the latest, trendiest exercise crazes, many others are returning to good, old-fashioned walking to help them feel great and get into shape. Whether enjoying the wonder of nature, or simply the company of a friend, walking can be a healthy and invigorating experience. And thanks to its convenience and simplicity, walking just might be right for you too, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).

Benefits: You don’t need to become a member of an expensive gym to go walking. And except for a good pair of walking shoes, it requires virtually no equipment.

“A sedentary lifestyle has debilitating influence on people’s health as they age” says Dr. Jerome McAndrews, who is a national spokesperson for the ACA. “Exercise is imperative.” Walking accomplishes all of the following and more:

Improves cardiovascular endurance Tones muscles of the lower body Burns calories: about 80 if walking 2 miles per hour, and about 107 if walking 4 1/2 miles per hour Reduces risk of heart disease Shoes: The very first item of business when beginning your walking program is to select the right pair of shoes. Dr. McAndrews recommends the following tips:

Make sure the shoes you purchase fit properly. The balls of your feet should rest exactly at the point where the toe end of the shoe bends during walking. Avoid high-top shoes, that, often cover the entire ankle, limiting your foot’s ability to move freely and naturally. Opt instead for shoes that offer your ankle a fuller range of motion.

Select shoes with plenty of cushioning in the soles to absorb the impact of your walking.

Getting Started: Walking just 12 minutes every other day can offer many important health benefits. Walking 20 minutes every other day is even better. But in order to increase your longevity, try to eventually work up to 30 minutes, five days per week. The following tips should help you get started safely and smoothly:

Move your arms freely, in coordination with the opposite leg. Don’t stoop your head or look down as you walk. This will challenge the normal forward curve of your neck, which, in turn, will cause you to carry your weight improperly. Don’t carry weights or dumbbells while walking. They’re better used as a separate part of your exercise regimen. If you do carry weights while walking, be sure that they are light enough that they do not interfere with the “rhythm” of your arms and legs; in order to counterbalance the body, when your right arm moves forward, the left leg should be moving forward, etc. Expect a little soreness in the thighs and calves for the first week or two. If you experience more than soreness, check with your doctor of chiropractic. Walk briskly, with “purpose.” Simply “sauntering,” while relaxing and enjoyable, is not an effective form of cardiovascular exercise. Keep in mind that, if you have not previously been physically active, you should consult your doctor before. Begin slowly with a walk of perhaps half of a mile at a pace that does not cause discomfort. Continue this for about two weeks, then start to increase the pace and length of time walking. Eventually – depending on your age – you can build your “target” heart rate/pulse to either 120 beats per minute or, if younger, as many as 140 beats per minute. For the average adult, a heart rate of 120 beats per minute would require walking at about 2 miles per hour, while a heart rate of 140 beats per minute would require a pace of 4 1/2 miles per hour.

HYDRATION

Drink 10 eight-ounce glasses of water a day to help keep the kidneys active, dilute and remove toxins from the body, and replace lost fluids. (Coffee, tea, soft drinks and alcohol are diuretics/dehydrators. Do not substitute them for water.) If you perspire during walking, you may need to drink even more.

Surfaces Some walking surfaces are better than others on your musculoskeletal system.

Walking on a cushioned or rubberized track is ideal, because the cushioning of this type of track absorbs most of the impact of your walking. Many recreation centers offer this type of track for use, free of charge.

Grass is another good surface, but watch out for hidden dips or holes in the ground. Walking on a surface with no give, such as concrete or a mall floor, is not your best choice, because this type of surface will not absorb much of the impact your body will experience. If you choose to walk on such a surface, be extra careful to select highly cushioned shoes.

Pain and Injury: Dr. McAndrews explains that while you may experience pain or injury in a particular area, such as a knee or a hip, the root of the problem can lie somewhere else. “Injuries of this nature are not regional, or isolated, but systemic,” says Dr. McAndrews. “A problem in the foot or ankle can create an imbalance in every step, leading to discomfort or injury that moves to the knees, hips, low back, or elsewhere.” If you suffer from pain beyond typical muscle soreness, your doctor of chiropractic can diagnose and treat your pain or injury and get you back into the swing of your walking routine.

For more information on health and nutrition please contact Dr. FowlerDr. Jason Fowler at www.lakestlouisdc.comwww.lakestlouisdc.com

Rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, mineral salts, tannin acid, caffeine, flavonoids, volatile oils and polyphenols, green tea has proven to be beneficial in preventing or treating various diseases.

Green tea is a natural source of antioxidants, protecting the body against free radicals. It has been scientifically confirmed that the antioxidant power of green tea is 100 times greater than vitamin C and 25 times greater than vitamin E. Green tea stimulates the cerebral activity and burns the extra fat.

We have everything we need to improve our health, but we are unable to fight against certain environmental and social factors that harm our body and mind. Despite the fact that we follow effective diets and exercise on a regular basis, it is still not enough. Does it really helps to drink green tea for a better health?

Recent studies have shown that green tea fights against caries. How does it work? This drink is extracted from the plant Camellia sinensis and contains many nutrients. Fluorine, one of the green tea ingredients, reduces the risk of caries by 50%, strengthening the teeth enamel.

This amazing tea lowers the level of LDL cholesterol and raises the HDL cholesterol, which brings many benefits to our health. In addition, green tea lowers the blood pressure and maintains the blood flow, preventing the clots. Therefore, people who present a risk of developing heart and circulatory diseases (stress, smoking, unhealthy nutrition, arterial hypertension) should drink as much green tea as possible.

Green tea can’t cure metabolic diseases such as diabetes (Diabetes mellitus), but it has a favorable influence by slowing down the decomposition of complex carbohydrates in the intestine.

This amazing tea is a great remedy for various digestive disorders, including diarrhea, heartburn, irritation of the stomach and gastritis. If you suffer from stomach acidity, consume the tea during meals.

Diarrhea is caused mostly by stress, bacterial infection or a bad diet. Also, some food allergies can cause stomach pain and diarrhea. Green tea helps in restoring the intestine functions. Last but not least, green tea replaces the fluid lost from the body and has a beneficial effect in the diarrhea caused by stress.

It is believed that green tea can boost the metabolism, burning the extra fat. A study confirmed that a combination of caffeine and green tea helps people to loose weight and to maintain a normal weight. A good substitute for coffee, green tea contains caffeine, the substance which, in reasonable quantities, stimulates every organ in the body; we’re talking especially about the nervous system, heart and liver. A cup of green tea relaxes your mind and stimulates the muscles.

April Kerr owns website Enjoy Tea which has info on cinnamon weight loss and weight loss teas.

One of the benefits of living green is it can extend your lifespan. This may be surprising, but it is very true. There are many things that not only help the earth, but they help you, too! Eating fresh organic foods, cutting down on driving, and many other things will help you live greener, longer!

Most foods are grown using pesticides; there are natural ways to get rid of these pests without polluting the earth. Commercial meet producers use growth hormones and antibiotics to grow the animals bigger and faster to gain more profits. You can buy organically grown foods or grow your own if you live where this is possible. You will be able to eat fresh food and meat daily, full of nutrients, and free from chemicals and the bad effects they can cause. This will greatly improve your health and also help the environment.

There are many things you can do to cut down on driving. Try to do everything in one trip if possible. You will save money, cut down on traffic, and reduce emissions into the environment. Driving is stressful and stress is not good for you so less driving means less stress. Ride with someone or use public transportation if you can. You can ride a bike or walk in some cases and it will also give you some healthy exercise.

Composting your food scraps can save you money in garbage waste and provide you with great soil next season for your own garden. It also keeps a lot of good stuff out of the landfills. Just keep adding your fruit and vegetable wastes, egg shells, coffee grounds, and grains to the compost pile. You can add your raked leaves and lawn clippings as well. Don’t add meat or bones… they will attract insects like flies and will take longer to compost. Water the compost down once in awhile to get the enzymes activated. Come spring, you’ll have some nice compost soil to add to your own vegetable garden for more healthy eating.

There is a lot you can do in your home to get more green. Open up the curtains and let the light in. Natural light is the best light to see by and you can avoid using energy by leaving your lights off more. Start using the new compact fluorescent light bulbs and stop wasting money and energy on the standard bulbs. These bulbs will last much longer and use less energy. You will love not having to change light bulbs all the time.

Do some recycling, cans, bottles, plastic, and anything they will take will save you money and help the environment. You may even get a little money back if you have aluminum cans. Use your own bags when shopping instead of the plastic ones they have at the store. Some stores even offer discounts for doing this. Every little bit helps and perhaps will encourage others to do the same.

It’s not that hard to live a greener life. You will feel much better about yourself and you will also feel better because you are eating more healthy foods. A green life means a longer life, give it a try and see the difference for yourself.