WOW!

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Walnut = Brain

Did you ever take a walnut, remove it from its shell and notice that it looks like the human brain?!  Well, it does!

Did you know that just a handful of walnuts everyday helps reduce your chances of heart disease, diabetes and cancer?

Here are some more benefits-

• Promotes good health for the brain! 
• Make sure you eat the skin of the walnut because 90% of the nutrients are on the skin.
• Contains a great amount of omega 3.
• Relieves irritable bowel syndrome
• Lowers cholesterol
• Reduces blood pressure
• Anti-inflammatory
• Has a potent phytonutrient quinone juglone, which is abundant in walnuts that destroys cancer and precancerous cells leaving healthy tissue intact.
• Decreases LDL cholesterol
• Increases sperm health

Almonds - Headache Remedy

Did you know that 10-12 almonds is equal to 1-2 aspirins for a headache?

Give it a shot next time you have a headache.

A Cup Full Of Almonds

Just a cup full of almonds -

• has a great source of calcium
• prevents constipation
• fights cravings
• controls blood sugar levels
• contains high levels of Vitamin E
• boosts energy
• is best to eat when soaked over night and skin removed 

Benefits of Avocados

Avocados are really good for you and have such great health benefits.

They're great on your cholesterol level
Blood sugar regulation
Blood pressure
Great on digestion
The heart
The brain
The eyes
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-cancer
High level of natural fiber
Anti-oxidant booster
Boosts immune system
Promotes healthy bones because of its Vitamin K contents

Great Tip - Avocados

Here's a great tip about avocados!

# 1 Valentine's Day Recommendation

Happy Valentine's Day!
Wishing you all a great day with love and happiness.

The main recommendation to help you feel good after the over load of chocolates and dinner -
An hour and a half before bed time, drink 4-5 glasses of hot water AND do the same the next morning as soon as you wake up - this will help with opening and clearing the channels after eating lots of chocolates and a heavy dinner.

P.S. - hope you all are favoring the dark chocolates today! (http://ayurvedanyc.blogspot.com/2013/12/dark-chocolate-lovers.html)

Menstruation Guidelines

In today's world, women curse to the knowledge of having their period.  But according to Ayurveda, having your period is a blessing and not a curse.  Apart from preparing the body for conception and pregnancy, the body is being cleared of all toxins.  Every month we get to clean out our system and we don't even have to do anything!  Nature does it for us!  Our bodies are being renewed.  We are born again!  What a beautiful support from the laws of nature.

Constipation, diarrhea, irritability, mood swings, bloating, upset stomach, cravings, fatigue, breast tenderness, breakouts, sadness, anger, sensitivity - just to mention the very few variety of symptoms we might experience.

Here are some guidelines that will help during our menstruation -

• the body needs to be free of ama - this means no fast food, junk food, leftovers, alcohol and drugs.  Best to favor vegetables, grains, fruits, milk.  These fresh foods will keep your body clean and be easy on your digestive system.
• favor light and warm foods - the ones that will pacify your Vata.
• take it easy!  Don't engage in certain activities or people that will get you moody.  Best to be more inwards.
• light to moderate exercise is recommended; walks in particular
• avoid daily massages during menstruation 
• definitely follow a routine when menstruating as this will help in regulating your menstruation 
• use the following spice mix when cooking to help balance your cycle - 
• 6 parts fennel
• 1 part black cumin
• 1 part cumin
• 6 parts coriander 
• 1 part turmeric 
• 1 part black pepper 
• sauté this mix in ghee and add to your meals 

9 Things Every Woman Should Know About Menstruation

9 Things Every Woman Should Know About Menstruation

By Anea Bogue

1. Menstruation Follows a 28-ish Day Cycle, Just Like The Moon. Many of us are told about the 5-7 day ‘period’ of bleeding, but not the whole series of amazing changes your entire body is cycling through over the course of 28-ish days. Just as the moon waxes (or grows outward into the night sky) until it becomes full and then wanes (or gets smaller) as if moving back into itself–so do you.

2. Your Period Isn’t the End. In Fact, It’s the Beginning. Day one (and phase one) of your menstrual cycle begins when your period arrives. Within hours of starting your period, your estrogen levels will slowly begin to rise and you will tend to feel a shift from the heaviness or ‘PMS’ of the days before. This is a time of release so it is a great time to let go of things you no longer need in your life: stuff, unhealthy relationships and emotions that may be weighing you down (anger, regret, anxiety).

3. Your Vagina Is One of the Most Porous Parts of Your Body. The lining of your vagina is one of the most absorbent parts of your body so if you use tampons during your period, it’s really important they are bleach and dioxin free. Since the EPA states there is NO SAFE LEVEL for dioxin exposure, 100% organic tampons are the safest option.

4. Estrogen = Energy, Enthusiasm & Expression. Throughout your Estrogen Phase (week 2), the steady increase in estrogen boosts your brain’s serotonin levels, which leads to an increase in energy, enthusiasm and a more upbeat feeling overall. It also heightens your verbal abilities so week two of your cycle is a great time to do presentations and have those important conversations.

5. If Your Cycle Were Ruled by a Queen, She’d Be Ovulation. Ovulation refers to the release of a tiny egg from one of your two ovaries (they alternate from one cycle to the next). This typically happens between Days 12-16, making it the time you are most likely to get pregnant. You are also likely to feel more attracted to others at this time and whether you believe it’s pheromones or just a healthy glow, others are likely to find you more attractive than ever, too!

6. Progesterone Heightens Introspection and Intuition. On the other side of ovulation, you’ll feel the effects of decreasing estrogen and testosterone and increasing progesterone. Progesterone is the ‘ebb’ to estrogen’s ‘flow’. It will increase your desire to move inward, like the waning moon. Research shows greater activity in the right hemisphere of the brain–the part associated with intuitive knowing–in weeks 3 and 4 of your cycle. Always trust your intuition. But pay especially close attention to it in the second half of your cycle!

7. Nutrition Profoundly Effects Your Cycle. You have the power to maximize each phase and reduce physical and emotional discomforts by maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and taking vitamins that support your female body. For example, increasing your magnesium intake (via food or supplements), especially in week 4 of your cycle, can significantly reduce cramping, while regular intake of vitamin B6 throughout your cycle can help to minimize bloating.

8. You’re Not Crazy! The Pre-Menstrual phase (week 4) consists of the final days before you begin a new cycle. Progesterone continues to rise until just before the end of this phase when estrogen, testosterone and progesterone all plummet to their lowest levels. If you deny the natural need you have to slow down and turn inward, feelings of resentment, frustration and anger find a way to surface. The solution? Give yourself permission to move a little slower and take care of YOU.

9. A Little PMA (Positive Menstrual Attitude) Goes a Long Way! Studies have shown that many of the less desirable physical and emotional manifestations of the Pre-Menstrual Phase (week 4) can be minimized by developing a more informed and positive attitude around your menstrual cycle.

For more information on this important topic, there are many great women dedicated to keeping women informed. Check out some of my very favorites: Vicki Noble, Dr. Christiane Northrup, Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, Kristi Meisenbach Boylan, and Miranda Gray.

Did You Know - About Sugar

Did you know that sugar suppresses the immune system?
When you eat a big dose of sugar, like a bottle of coke or a candy bar, you temporarily damp down your immune system's ability to respond to challenges.
Organic, unbleached sugar or raw sugar is the way to go.
Everything in moderation!

Salad - For Lunch

Mom mad a delicious salad for lunch today with kale, lettuce, beets, cranberries, celery and so much more!

Remember - it's best to have a salad for lunch rather than dinner since salad is raw and takes time to digest.  Definitely avoid it for dinner.

Did You Know

If the pineapple you picked isn't sweet enough, add some salt and it will be!

Fun Read

Benefits of Cauliflower

My mom is making cauliflower for lunch today, my favorite!!!




Here are some health benefits of cauliflower.




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