Best Berry For Your Skin

 

ADAPTOGENIC SUPERPOWERS

This berry is even more interesting because it belongs to a class of herbs known as “adaptogenic herbs” or “superherbs.” Adaptogenic substances possess the following essential qualifying criteria:

• – Non toxic regardless of dosage
• Safe for daily use – A naturally occurring substance
• Have an anti-stress response
• Have a balancing effect on the body’s organ systems, promoting homeostasis
• They have a dual directional response on the body, meaning that they do not have only one specific function. Dual directional function enables it to change what it does based on what it brings to the body for it’s state of greatest optimum functioning and homeostasis.

SCHIZANDRA BERRY MEETS ALL OF THE ABOVE CRITERIA!

Consider a few of the key benefits associated with this potent superherb class berry:

Cleanses the Liver

We are exposed to toxins and pollutants on a daily basis, which we must process. We ingest unnatural chemicals in food and water, and end up storing heavy metals or metabolizing synthetic drugs and alcohol. The amount of exposure we undergo and the efficiency in which these toxins are processed has a significant impact on the health and quality of our skin. Our liver is one of the primary organs used by the body to detoxify foreign pollutants that make their way in. Taken daily, schizandra can protect the liver from harmful toxin buildup. Schizandra is safe for daily use, even for people with sensitive digestive systems and a low tolerance to supplements.

Cleanses the Blood

Schizandra has a unique capacity to not only cleanse the liver of toxins, but also to cleanse the blood once the waste from the liver has been removed. Some liver detox formulas put the user into a state of toxic overload as the body is cleansing itself (known as a Herxheimer Reaction), which comes with symptoms ranging from headache, diarrhea and flu-like symptoms. The bloodstream receives a tune up with this superherb, allowing for nutrients to flow more readily to organs and skin throughout the body.

Promotes Beautiful Skin

Packed with loads of antioxidants including key vitamins C and E, schizandra is a great superherb for skin wellness and protection. Schizandra’s strong astringent qualities enable the skin to hold in moisture for more fullness and beauty. It has always been popular amongst wealthy individuals in China, due to its ability to preserve youth in both physiology and appearance. The superherb has shown efficacy through countless dynasties, wherein the skin is said to glow, becoming clearer and finer after one imbibes it consistently for several months. Schizandra may also protect against UVB induced skin damage, and is still used as an important botanical in many Eastern skin formulas.

Lowers Stress

Like many herbs in the adaptogenic category, schizandra may support adrenal function by maintaining normalized levels of hormones in the body. Experiments done with adaptogenic herbs have shown notable reduction of cortisol levels due to the stress protective qualities of these herbs. With the strong correlation between one’s stress hormone levels and their capacity to deal with aging more efficiently, lowering stress is helpful for maintaining skin health. Furthermore, research has shown that schizandra helps slow the process of oxidative stress, which contributes to nearly every disease there is and results in the maintenance of healthy cells, tissues and organs.

Lowers Inflammation

High concentrations of antioxidant compounds allow schizandra to fight off free radical damage and lower inflammation response. Schizandra also has the capacity to improve and repair tissue via its ability to release leukocytes, which are anti-inflammatory.
Quality sources for high grade schizandra include dragon herbs, surthrival, Lost Empire Herbs and jing herbs.
BRAIN BONUS! Schizandra is also noted to improve mental clarity and focus in addition to increasing levels of bio-available energy, promoting feelings of calm and fighting off fatigue.

HOW TO USE

 

So, what is the best method to incorporate this little berry powerhouse into a diet tailored to achieve healthier skin and overall system health? Administration can take various forms. One can ingest it as a tincture, mix the powdered or fruit extract form in water, take it as an encapsulated supplement or drink it in a tea or tonic. As a true adaptogenic superherb, only one to three grams of the dried berry are necessary per day!
The recipe below is perfect for those who are sensitive to pungent tastes. It can be enjoyed at room temperature or warm:

• 8-12 oz. water
• ¼ -1/2 teaspoon schizandra berry powder
• Sweetener of your choice (optional)

Combine the ingredients above and then add in supportive herbs of your choice (ginger, lemon, goji powder, noni, turmeric, etc.). Stir and serve to your clients.
Urge your clients to take the challenge of taking schizandra for 100 days to upgrade their physiology!
Note: As with most herbs, one should not imbibe schizandra during pregnancy or when nursing.      
 
   

Breakfast eggs

 

Ingredients

• 6 whole tortilla(s), corn
  whole-grain, 6-inch diameter
• 1 can(s) beans, black, no-salt-added
  drained
• 1 teaspoon cumin, ground

• 6 large egg(s)
  or 1 1/2 cups egg substitute
• 1/2 cup(s) cheese, cheddar, reduced-fat
  and Monterey Jack, grated
• 6 tablespoon salsa, fresh

Instructions

 

Serves 6
Preheat oven to 350 F. Generously spray 6 8-oz. custard cups with cooking spray and place on a cookie sheet. Place the tortillas in the microwave and heat for about 25 seconds or until they are warm and flexible. Gently press a tortilla into each cup. Spray the tops of the tortillas with cooking spray. Place the beans in a small bowl and mash coarsely with a fork or potato masher. Add cumin and stir until combined.
Spoon the bean mixture into the bottom of tortilla cups, dividing evenly. Crack 1 egg into each tortilla cup on top of the beans. Place the cookie sheet with the egg cups into the oven and bake for about 24 to 27 minutes or until the egg whites are set and the yolks are soft. Sprinkle each egg with grated cheese and place back in the oven for an additional minute or until the cheese is melted.
Remove the eggs from the oven and run a table knife around the tortillas to loosen them from the custard cups and transfer onto plates. Top the eggs with fresh salsa and serve immediately.

Fron the Mayo Clinic

   

Natural Anxiety Relief

 

                                                                             Read next Article

Try to drink three cups of chamomile tea a day when you're feeling anxious.

why: Chamomile contains two chemicals that promote relaxation, apigenin and luteolin. A study at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center found that patients with generalized anxiety disorder who took chamomile supplements for eight weeks had a significant decrease in anxiety symptoms compared to patients who were given a placebo 

Try to get between 1 and 3 grams of omega-3s a day.

Why: There is some evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may ease anxiety symptoms and lift your mood by lowering levels of stress chemicals such as adrenaline and cortisol in the body. Caned fatty fish, such as tuna and salmon, walnuts, and flax seeds are all great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. An Israeli study found that students given fish oil supplements had less test anxiety as measured by their eating and sleeping habits, cortisol levels, and mental states. 

Breathe in lavender.

 Why: One study found that people who received a massage with lavender oil were more upbeat and had less anxiety than people who had a lavender-free massage. Another found lavender massage can even lower systolic pressure the top blood pressure number that’s associated with stress. Try putting a few drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow or in your bath, or add a few drops to a cup of boiling water and inhale for a quick calm-me-down. You can even dab a few drops right on your skin—it’s one of the few essential oils that can be applied directly. The scent of vanilla has also been shown to alleviate symptoms of anxiety. In a study done at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, patients undergoing MRIs who breathed vanilla-scented air had 63% less anxiety than those who breathed unscented air.

 

 

Add L-lysine to your diet.

 Why: L-lysine is an amino acid and one of the building blocks of your brain's chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. Studies have shown that people taking L-lysine supplements had reduced symptoms of anxiety and reduced levels of stress hormones. L-lysine is commonly found in meat, fish, and beans, and is also sold as an oral supplement.

 

 

Try to get outside in natural sunlight for 15 minutes a day.

 Why: This is the best way to naturally increase your vitamin-D levels, which can decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety. A short 15 minute break will not only take your mind of stress, but also let you reap the benefits of outdoor activity. And the greener the better—one Japanese study found that people who walked through a forest for 20 minutes had lower stress hormone levels after their walk than those who took a comparable walk in an urban area. If you're stuck in an urban area, look for parks or quiet tree-lined streets to take a stroll.

 

 

Studies show 21 minutes is all it takes for exercise to reliably reduce symptoms of anxiety.

 Why: Exercise will not only make you feel better about yourself, but will flood your body with feel-good endorphins. Some researchers even believe that increasing your body heat, a natural result of exercise, may alter neural circuits controlling cognitive function and mood, including those that affect the neurotransmitter serotonin. Researchers believe this response can boost your mood, increase relaxation, and alleviate anxiety.

 

Take a hot bath with Epsom salts.

 Why: A soothing hot bath is always calming, and raising your body heat may help regulate mood and anxiety. For added benefits, stir in some Epsom salts. The magnesium sulfate in the salts has been shown to calm anxiety and lower blood pressure. You can also try adding lavender or vanilla essential oils to your bathwater, to reap the benefits of these calming scents

 

Cut out (or down) caffeine.

 Why: Caffeine boosts your energy, and can make you jittery and anxious. If you can't go cold turkey, try reducing by a cup a day and see if you notice any decrease in your anxiety symptoms. You can also try switching to a drink with less caffeine and more health benefits, such as green tea. Be aware of other sources of caffeine that may be in your diet such as soda, chocolate, tea, and some over-the-counter medications like Excedrin or Midol.

 

Examine your diet, and watch for:

  Caffeine, alcohol, and added sugars, which have all been shown to increase anxiety. • Deficiencies in magnesium, vitamin B12, and zinc have been linked to symptoms of anxiety. Vegans and vegetarians in particular should watch their B12 intake, as the vitamin is only found in animal products. • Studies link an unhappy gut with an unhappy mind, so avoid eating difficult to digest foods like processed meals, foods high in saturated fats, and fried foods. • Finally, don't let yourself become so hungry that your blood sugar drops, which can lead to an anxiety attack.

 

Eat these foods to help provide anxiety relief:

• Blueberries and peaches contain nutrients that relieve stress and have a calming effect. • Whole grains are rich in magnesium and tryptophan, an amino acid that your body converts to serotonin which is known to calm and improve your mood. • Oats also increase serotonin production and are high in fiber, which helps prevent blood sugar spikes that affect mood. • Avocados, eggs, milk, and meat are all packed with B vitamins that can help prevent anxiety. • Foods that help regulate and lower the stress hormone cortisol include foods rich in vitamin C, like oranges, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium rich foods like spinach and other dark leafy greens. Indulge every once in a while in dark chocolate, which also helps lower cortisol.

     Read next Article

Reader's Digest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

A healthy way to Indulge your sweet tooth

 

Sweets like cake, cookies, candy and doughnuts are loaded with "empty calories" — mostly from sugar and fat — because they are not very filling and offer very little (if any) nutritional value. But don't worry, you don't have to give up these foods entirely. Just be smart about your choices and portion sizes and pay attention to all the grams of sugar you are consuming in your cereal, coffee and other beverages. It adds up!
The Mayo Clinic Diet recommends limiting sweets to 75 calories a day. You can have your daily allowance or save up those calories for a special occasion, like a slice of birthday cake or a treat at the movies. Small amounts of dark chocolate or low-fat frozen yogurt are good choices for satisfying a sweet tooth, and you can also opt for other treats with some nutritional value, such as fresh fruit or smoothies.
Try this sweet and healthy milkshake recipe:
Strawberry-banana milkshake
Serves 2

Ingredients:
6 frozen strawberries, chopped
1 medium banana
1⁄2 cup soy milk
1 cup fat-free vanilla frozen yogurt, no sugar added
2 fresh strawberries, sliced
In a blender, combine frozen strawberries, banana, soy milk and frozen yogurt. Blend until smooth. Pour into tall, frosty glasses and garnish each with fresh strawberry slices.
Nutrition analysis per serving: 200 calories, 1 g total fat (trace of saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 1 g monounsaturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 1179 mg sodium, 284 mg potassium, 285 mg calcium, 42 g total carbohydrate (7 g fiber, 18g sugars*), 7 g protein
*Note – all sugar in this recipe is natural; there is no added sugar.
Over time, you just may start preferring healthier sweets over high-calorie, packaged goods. Don't assume you need a decadent dessert to satisfy a craving!
from the Mayo Clinic