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Going Healthy, Going Strong, Health, Lifestyle

The Major Health Benefits of Working Out

02/09/2021 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

Physical activity is scientifically proven to be highly beneficial to the human body. However, research shows that less than 50% of adults engage in dedicated exercise. This has led to an increase in health hazards globally. Common illnesses that result from not exercising are heart-related problems and stroke. Working out is fundamental in boosting your health, which is why many people get a home gym installed. Since I took fitness seriously, I have been in good physical condition. Major health benefits I have enjoyed because of workouts include:

Controlling Weight

When I started working out nine years ago, my main goal was to cut weight. I would watch my diet and strictly watch the workout routine. I started with 328 pounds and had an aim of getting below 220 pounds. To reach my target, I had to hit the gym. Consistent workouts helped me burn calories and subsequently lose weight. Currently, I weigh 200 pounds, a figure that makes me feel confident and fit. To maintain this weight and keep healthy, I still exercise frequently.

Reduces Risk of Heart Illnesses

During the time I weighed 328 pounds, I did some research on the risks arising from being overweight. Heart problems could lead to a heart attack which became a big scare. Excess weight also affects blood pressure. To prevent this from happening, I took to exercising. Working out has a lot of benefits to the heart. It leads to increased blood flow which increases the oxygen supply in the body. Working out is beneficial because it helps keep such illnesses at bay.

Helps Improve the Mental Health

Mental health issues are on the increase in today’s world. To counter such illnesses, medical practitioners advocate for people to do exercise. Exercise helps me relax my mind by giving me a break from real-life problems. Research shows that workouts make the body release chemicals to boost a person’s mood, thus relieving stress. This has helped my mental health by reducing the risk of falling into depression.

Strengthens the Bones and Muscles

A strong body contributes to good health. Workouts help in building muscles and strengthening bones. I engage in a lot of muscle-building exercises. Looking at my physique, I can note some improvement in terms of strong muscles. I feel my joints get better thanks to the workouts.

Boosts Immunity

Exercise has a positive impact on the body’s immune system. A strong and healthy body is good for fighting against diseases. With a healthy body, one stands a higher chance of good well-being because the body is able to fend off illnesses. Since I started working out, I have lived a healthy life. I have not visited the hospital due to illness apart from when attending for routine check-ups.

The Body Can Manage Blood Sugar and Insulin Levels

Blood sugar and insulin level problems put a person at risk of illnesses like metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Doing exercises helps to make the insulin work well and lower the blood sugar level, therefore, reducing the risk of getting ill. One can do exercises as a precaution and as an action to manage existing problems.

Improve Quality of Sleep

Good health, as noted by many experts, is a result of many factors, sleep being among them. Working out helps me improve the quality of sleep and thus aiding good health. Anytime I do exercises, I am sure of getting sound sleep.

The importance of exercise to the human body cannot be overstated. While exercising may be punishing sometimes, the results are always rewarding. You do not have to begin with heavy exercises to reap these benefits. Starting slowly and growing gradually is always a sure way towards a happy life.

Going Healthy, Health, Life

The Benefits Of CBD Oil You Ought To Know

02/18/2020 R.C. Liley 2 Comments

CBD, cbd oil, hemp, sleep, rest, anxiety, stress, depression

If you are usually excited by using natural products, then you might have heard about CBD oil. Yes, Cannabidiol, otherwise known as CBD, is a mild extract from marijuana that’s gaining popularity around the world. There’s so much you ought to know about CBD oil, and it’s benefits. Let’s delve right to it.

Health benefits of CBD oil

1. Fighting Skin Problems

Cannabidiol oil is proving quite effective in combating skin conditions such as acne, eczema, wrinkles, and skin sensitivity. Acne is a common skin condition that subjects victims to irritation and low self-confidence. If you have been struggling with this condition, CBD oil can help. It regulates how the body produces sebum by ensuring it is not too much that it will clog pores to cause acne. The oil also has anti-inflammatory features that block the activation of cytokines that trigger acne. In consequence, it prevents other skin breakouts, and with time, you will see the skin healing.

In fighting eczema, the anti-inflammatory features of the oil come to play by balancing the immune system. CBD helps in fighting wrinkles by providing an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect. It counters the formation of free radicals that cause aging, together with signs of inflammation such as skin dullness and uneven tones. Also, because of its anti-inflammatory effect, it soothes sensitive skin and reduces, or eliminates, the appearance of redness and swelling.

2. Pain Relief

Cannabidiol oil is also useful for a wide range of painful sensations. It’s thus commonly used to handle chronic pain, arthritis, migraine, and pain from conditions like cancer, etc. The testimonials that customers give confirms it’s effective at pain relief – accordingly, if you visit promisedrops.com you can learn more about some of the potential health-boosting benefits of CBD oil. The human body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that regulates sleep, pain, appetite, and the immune system. When cbd oil is used well, it interacts with a receptor in the endocannabinoid system, thus signaling the brain to send a different response, which creates a pain-relieving effect. The oil can either be used solely or in combination with other pharmaceutical products.

3. Helps in treating depression

When you are in a depressive state, you are unable to carry out necessary activities such as eat, sleep, work, or interact with others. Cannabidiol oil can boost the production of serotonin, which impacts your emotional state, thus fighting the depressive mood. It also fights anxiety, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and social anxiety, and substance abuse, among others.

4. Treating heart conditions

Heart conditions are one of the leading causes of death around the world. On many occasions, medical experts treat heart conditions by prescribing drugs and recommending changes in lifestyle and diet. When CBD oil is added to the package, the changes can manifest quickly. The natural product reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, which are common causes of cardiac complications, blood pressure, cholesterol level, and arterial blockage. Moreover, it prevents stress-related responses that can cause heart diseases.

5. Treating Schizophrenia

This is a severe mental condition treated using pharmaceutical products and therapy. Sadly, the side effects of the drugs can delay the recovery process, which is why CBD oil can be a good alternative. CBD oil will reduce hallucinations without the side effects of other medications.

Final Thoughts:

There are more benefits of CBD oil than the ones we have covered. There will be even more as scientific research on CBD gains traction!

Food, Going Healthy

10 Healthy Herbs & Spices and their Benefits

03/12/2016 R.C. Liley 1 Comment

Clear out your medicine cabinet to make room for healthy herbs and spices instead. Besides just a healthy way to boost flavor, they provide numerous health benefits too.

To create interesting flavors, I spin our spice rack around for every meal I make. Its fun to try new herbs and spices to see what you can make; sometimes good (daddy/husband of the year!!)…. sometimes bad (hello, couch), but always healthy. If you don’t already have these 10 herbs and spices, stock up now and start adding taste and nutrition to your meals.

1. Cayenne Pepper

If you want to add a lot of intense heat to your food, cayenne pepper is the best spice for the job. A tiny bit of cayenne goes a long way (I know from experience; so does Kelley….again, sorry dear), so start with very little and work your way up to what you’re comfortable with. Several reasons to “just add cayenne” include its ability to relieve congestion by clearing mucus from the lungs and nose, boost immunity, prevent stomach ulcers by killing bacteria, help with weight loss, reduce blood cholesterol, triglyceride levels and platelet aggregation, prevent many types of cancer, and relieve pain. Use it in anything you want to make spicy; vegetables, salad, chili (duh), corn bread, various dips, soups, and even chocolate (you have to try it). An interesting note: The hotter the pepper, the more capsaicin it contains.

2. Black Pepper

Slightly spicy and incredibly versatile, it’s no surprise that black pepper is the most common spice in the world. Black pepper is a great way to top off anything from eggs and salad to cooked grains and meat. For the best flavor and health benefits, freshly grind whole peppercorns using a pepper mill or coffee grinder. Black pepper has antioxidant and antibacterial properties; it improves digestion, helps prevent intestinal gas, is diaphoretic (promotes sweating), and diuretic (promotes urination). Black pepper provides high-quality amounts of manganese, vitamin K, iron, and the peppercorn’s outer layer is said to promote the breakdown of fat cells.

3. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is one of the best spices around as it can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a very potent spice, and only a little cinnamon is needed to bring its signature intense flavor to a dish. Cinnamon aids in digestion, circulation, and helps to treat diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and menstrual cramps. This spice is also well known for its blood-stabilizing abilities.

4. Cumin

A popular food spice, cumin has a deep smoky flavor that is used in a variety of dishes, mainly Mexican and Indian recipes. Cumin is one of the best spices for cooking because it can be used to add a smoky flavor without the spiciness of chile peppers. Cumin’s list of health benefits include aiding the digestive system, improves liver function, promotes assimilation of other foods, relieves abdominal distention, gas, and colic, as well as migraines and headaches. I put this on cooked foods and mixed into salads for a wonderful smoky salad.

5. Oregano

Oregano is a powerful antioxidant rich in phytonutrients. One gram of oregano contains 42 times more antioxidants than apples, 30 times more antioxidants than potatoes, 12 times more antioxidants than oranges and 4 times more antioxidants than blueberries. Two of the most important components of oregano are thymol and carvacol which have strong antibacterial properties. A study showed that in Mexico, oregano was more effective against amoebas than prescribed drugs. Fresh or dried oregano can be added to Italian and Mexican dishes, salads, egg dishes, vegetables, meats and more.

6. Cloves

Cloves are the top spice that contributes to the distinctive smell of Indian food and drinks like chai tea. Cloves, whether whole or crushed, have a strong flavor and are best used in small amounts. Sprinkle a bit of ground cloves in your coffee or tea for a nice chai flavor, or add a pinch to baking recipes for something sweet and spicy.

7. Turmeric

Turmeric ranks among the best spices for adding color to a dish, and has a warm, peppery flavor similar to ginger and orange; it’s what makes mustard yellow. Most of its benefits are from curcumin, a compound in turmeric that has potent antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. This yellow-colored spice is the highest known source of beta carotene. Turmeric tones the spleen, pancreas, liver, and stomach, and strengthens the immune system, enhances digestion, it may help control blood sugar in diabetics, and it helps to dissolve cysts and gallstones.

8. Coriander / Cilantro

Coriander is known for being anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol lowering. It increases HDL (the “good” cholesterol), and may help reduce free radical production. Coriander is a good source of dietary fiber, manganese, iron, and magnesium. The leaves of the plant, commonly known as cilantro in the United States, may have anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties.

Dried coriander is used for making baked goods, as a component in curries, and as a pickling spice. Cilantro is best when fresh, but either dried or fresh, it makes great salsa and adds flavor to dips, spreads, soups, and stews.

9. Parsley

Parsley is found in two varieties, curly and flat leaf. Fresh parsley is more flavorful than the dried variety. The curly version tends to have a more intense flavor than the flat-leaf variety. Use it in soups, salads, and casseroles, or to top any savory meal with or without meat. Among parsley’s beneficial properties is its ability to fight cancer; Animal studies have shown that it can inhibit tumor formation, particularly in the lungs. It’s also known to reduce the effect of carcinogens including those found in cigarette smoke and charcoal grill smoke.

As with most on this list, parsley is a rich source of antioxidants and essential nutrients like vitamin C, beta-carotene, and folic acid. It is also a great breath freshener and is commonly served at the end of a meal. Which is why I buy and recommend the bulk 1 pound bag!

10. Ginger

Spicy and pungent with just enough sweetness, ginger should be in the kitchen of every home cook. Great for adding an amazing sharpness to Chinese and Japanese recipes or a touch of spice to baked goods like cookies and cakes, ginger is one of the most unique spices because of its usefulness. It is warming, stimulates digestion, and boosts circulation, respiration, and nervous system function. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory and is useful for colds and fevers, alleviates motion sickness and nausea, and destroys intestinal parasites.

You really can’t go wrong adding any herb or spice to your meals (unless you’re allergic), but these are what I consider some of the best to have and use daily. I think garlic powder deserves an honorable mention for the list, but this is best consumed as fresh cloves crushed and chopped in recipes.

How many of these do you currently have and use in your kitchen?