18 Amazing Ways Avocado Can Change Your Life!

If you are not fan of avocados, you are indeed missing out a lot! In case you are indulging on them on a regular basis, the ultimate guide to its health benefits will make you fall deeper in love with them!

18 Avocado Uses

Here are the 18 ways in which avocado will change your life, keeping your health at optimal level!

1. Packed With Nutrients

Avocados are packed with 20 vitamins and minerals which are of utmost importance for good health and optimal body function. One avocado contains 53 percent of the RDI of vitamin K, 41 percent folate, 33 percent vitamin C, 28 percent potassium, 26 percent vitamin B6, 21 percent vitamin E, and 19 percent copper.

2. Source of Fats

Most people consider avocados to be extremely fattening. However, its fats are good (monounsaturated), meaning that they are completely safe to ingest. As an added bonus, they help lower bad cholesterol levels in the body.

3. Weight Management

Not only is a great source of fat, but avocado has been shown to prevent hunger when eaten along with your healthy meals.  If you often reach for snacks afternoon, add avocados to your diet and you will feel much less inclined to snacking.

4. Diabetes Prevention

Whine only an estimate, diabetes will affect 40 percent of Americans at certain point in their life. The good news is that there are a few things that can be done to lower the risk of this disease; one of which is keeping the blood sugar levels stable.

According to a study in which a group of subjects ate lunches with avocado and the other without, those who had eaten avocado exhibited no increase in their blood sugar levels.

5. Reduce Cholesterol

Avocados play critical role in unclogging arteries! It has been scientifically shown that eating avocados on a daily basis helps improve blood cholesterol, lowering bad cholesterol and improving the good one.

6. Fight Inflammation

Most modern diseases, including arthritis, heart disease, asthma, and allergies, stem from chronic inflammation.  Oleic acid has been found to lower inflammation in multiple studies, and is found in high quantities in avocados. Hence, avocados prevent damage to artery walls, which then lowers the risk of heart disease.

7. Pain Relief

Avocado extract has been shown to reduce arthritis symptoms, and thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, inflammatory-related pains and aches could be notably reduced by adding it to your diet.

8. Control Blood Pressure

A diet high in sodium increases the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension).  In addition to limiting your sodium intake, potassium ( found in avocados) can also go a long way in diminishing the effects of sodium and thus controlling your blood pressure levels.

9, Nutrient Absorption

Did you know that you can eat all fruits and veggies and still be failing to reap the full benefits of the their vitamins and minerals? The reason behind this is the fact that our intake of nutrients depends on our ability to absorb them.

Adding avocado to a salad boosts the ability to absorb any fat soluble nutrients found in the rest of the ingredients, including vitamins A,D and E as well as many antioxidants.

10. Eye Health

Avocados contain lutein and zeaxanthin, nutrients that are critical for combating macular degeneration- one of the leading causes of blindness in Americans today.

11. Improve Brain Function

Avocados contain about 20 percent of the RDI for copper, a mineral that acts as brain stimulant. In addition, this mineral has been associated with innovative and creative thought processes.

12. Boost Mood

Healthy fats present in avocados help increase endorphins and raise dopamine levels. Therefore, regular consumption of this fruit boosts mood and helps prevent any mood swings.

13. Energy Boost

The same healthy fats release energy in the body during the day.  Adding avocado to your breakfast or lunch increases energy levels, slows down the digestion of carbohydrates, and prevents sugar crash that typically follows later on.

14. Vital Nutrients For Expectant Mothers

Folate is of utmost importance for the development of the fetus, particularly the development of the baby`s spinal cord, bones, and brain. Pregnant women can eat avocados as great source of folate, vitamins B6 and C, and potassium.

15. Improved Immunity

Those who are getting sick frequently should make avocado part of their daily diet. Vitamin C boosts

the immune system while B vitamins help combat infection and illnesses.  To keep sickness away, load up on avocados as they contain all three defense-strengthening vitamins.

16. Improved Digestion

Avocados are packed with many essential components, including fiber. One avocado contains about 54 percent of the RDI of fiber, which is critical for the digestive system.

17. Strong Bones

The health of our bones depends on various vitamins and minerals, including copper, folate, and vitamin K. Amazingly, avocados are full of all of these three!

18. Healthy Skin And Hair

Avocados can actually provide the same results as the expensive hair products offered on the market and marketed as the latest ‘beauty secret’.  As an added bonus, avocados are more natural, healthier, and safer to use.

source: http://besthealthyguide.com

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10 High-Protein Vegetables You Should Start Eating Today

Protein is an extremely important nutrient which the body utilizes to build and repair tissues. While animal products like eggs are the highest in protein, some veggies also contain solid amounts.

If you are fed up with boiled eggs and chicken, you should definitely consider incorporating the following protein-rich veggies in your diet.  They can be found anywhere and take only a few minutes to cook. Check them out!

1. Pearly Peas

Peas are packed with protein and they are one of the richest source of protein available for other vegetable.  They are highly versatile and can be eaten fresh, fried, boiled, frozen, etc.  Feel free to toss them into rice, soups, or sauté them in virgin olive oil and eat them as an addition to your meal.

2. Strengthening Spinach

Spinach is definitely one of the most nutrient-dense leafy green veggies you can consume. A cup of spinach provides one gram of protein and up to 181 percent of the RDI for vitamin K. Interestingly, protein accounts for 30 percent of its calories.  It is also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which makes it an excellent weight loss tool.  You can add chopped leaves in your soups or sauté them in olive oil with other vegetables.

3. Lush Kale

Kale is one of the best green veggies and is a decent source of both protein and other essential nutrients. It is highly versatile too, you can eat them boiled and topped on casserole or soups, blended into a green smoothie, added in salads, and many more.

4. Forest-y Broccoli

Broccoli is packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.  Interestingly, for all these nutrients, a cup-serving of broccoli contains as little as 31 calories. To reap the benefits of the wide array of nutrition it offers, you can enjoy it in salads, soups, or steamed.  Weight-watchers can enjoy it as an excellent low-calorie and healthy evening snack.

5. Springy Sprouts

Sprouts are packed in protein and help manage your weight by satiating your hunger. They are an ideal solution for the hunger prangs in the evenings.  People typically cook them by steaming, roasting, boiling, or grilling. They are a great side dish, but can be also added to soups, salads, and sandwiches.

6. Button-like Mushrooms

A half-cup of raw mushrooms contains about 1 gram of protein, although the amount depends on the type. Mushrooms are healthy and tasty addition to any meal, given their nutritional profile and immune boosting properties.  To reap their benefits, grill them with other veggies or add them to soups.

7. Little Balls of Brussels Sprouts

Cruciferous veggies are loaded in fiber and protein, both of which play a significant role in weight loss. You can add them to salads or even better, roast them and drizzle some salt and olive oil for a mouth-watering meal.

8. Heartful Artichokes

People love eating artichokes, and what`s not to love? From the heart to the outer leaves, artichokes are simply tasty and colorful! They are filling, delicious, and packed with protein! You can eat them steamed, roasted, blended, or any other way.

9. Stalk-y Asparagus

Asparagus is rich in protein and fiber, both of which are important for the metabolism.  It is a great detox food as well, and it offers a wide array of health benefits. The cooking time is the best thing about this veggie! It takes less than 5 minutes to sauté them and combine them with your meal. You can also cook them in the oven or enjoy then boiled, grilled, or pan-fried.

10. Sun-kissed Corn

Just like asparagus, corn is rich in both fiber and protein content.  You can eat them fresh or add them to salads, soups, snacks, and other meals.

source: http://besthealthyguide.com/

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5 surprising causes of anxiety that nobody ever talks about

Anxiety is definitely one of the most prevalent mental conditions in North America, judging by the 12 percent of Canadians suffering from it each year.  It turns out that anxiety is sort of an umbrella term for mental conditions with pretty much the same symptoms, although it applies differently to different people. The symptoms are similar, but they can range from mild to quite severe panic attacks.

According to the DSM-IV, anxiety disorders are diverse, including -traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), specific phobias, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and mixed anxiety and depression.

Symptoms

The symptoms of anxiety range from mental symptoms like nervousness, excessive worry, and insomnia to genitourinary symptoms like gastrointestinal symptoms and frequent urination.

Other symptoms of anxiety include rapid heart rate, excessive sweating, muscle tension, hot and cold flashes, and even suicidal thoughts.

Conventional Treatment

The first line treatment involves mediations like citalopram, a serotonin inhibitor which is also used to treat depression.

Another line of drugs which are used to treat anxiety include benzodiazepines, but they are typically used in the short term to manage quite serious symptoms.

Naturopathic Approach

No two cases should be approached the same, so it is important to get a complete history of the case. Past medical history and details about hormonal symptoms, sleep, diet, and digestive symptoms are a must.

Identifying the root cause of anxiety is the key when to naturopathic diagnostic process. Naturopathic medicine addresses anxiety holistically, unlike conventional medicine that focuses on dysfunctions in the brain.

The 5 Root Causes of Anxiety

1. Stress

Chronic stress is affected by the production of the hormone cortisol, and it affects more than half of North American adults these days.

Chronic stress is associated with adrenal fatigue, which leads to an inability of the body to deal with stress properly. Instead of producing cortisol, the adrenal glands rely on adrenaline and noradrenaline to deal with stressful events.

These hormones stuck the person in the fight or flight state, resulting in symptoms like muscle tension, mental worry, dry mouth, sweating, rapid respiration, and rapid heart rate.

2. Malnutrition and Hypoglycaemia

Vitamins, minerals, and protein are building blocks needed by the body to perform its chemical reactions. So, lack of any nutrient when healing anxiety is like trying to build a house without bricks.

Serotonin and dopamine, as well as hormones like cortisol, need tryptophan and tyrosine for their synthesis. They also need builders to make neurotransmitters, such as magnesium, iron, zinc, and B-vitamins.

Stress interferes with cortisol production and may deplete the body of these nutrients, which increases dairy requirements.  Failing to get enough of these nutrients from food means that supplementation is more than necessary to ensure the body is functioning optimally.

Rising and falling blood glucose levels due to a high-carb diet can lead to hypoglycemia, a condition that mimics the symptoms of anxiety, including fatigue, sweating, irritability, rapid heartbeat, and dizziness.

3. Digestive Issues

While serotonin is mostly active in the brain, many studies suggest that up to 90 percent of it is created in the intestinal tract.  This means that any disruption in the health of the digestive cells may lead to digestive symptoms like IBS as well as mood swings.

Foods sensitivities and intestinal issues can cause inflammation in the body, impacting the nervous system. It has been scientifically shown that low levels of inflammation in the brain and overactive immune system may lead to mental conditions like depression and symptoms like headaches, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating.

4. Hormonal Imbalance

Due to the high exposure to toxic estrogen, many North American women suffer from estrogen dominance, a condition manifested by too much estrogen in the body or lack of progesterone.  Symptoms of this condition include acne, fibroids, irregular periods, painful and heavy periods, weight gain, PMS, and even an increased risk of ovarian and breast cancer.

Progesterone and estrogen not only control secondary sex characteristics but also affect the brain. Hormonal imbalance may lead to anxiety and irritability symptoms and may even aggravate existing anxiety.

5. Core Beliefs and Mental Schemas

Anxiety and other mental conditions may often be symptoms of emotional memories (mental schemes) which are experienced alongside strong emotions.  If left untreated, they can seriously affect our daily lives.

When triggered, they lead to anxiety symptoms, which means that getting to the core of the symptoms and addressing these memories is the key to treating any mood disorder, including anxiety.

Holistic Solutions for Anxiety

Judging by the causes outlined above, it is evident that the holistic solutions rely on their diagnosis.

• Getting a thorough history, doing blood work, and checking the iron and B12 status of the patient
• Checking for food sensitivity and hormone levels like cortisol, estrogen, and progesterone
• Developing a strategy for dealing with stress, such as setting healthy boundaries and reducing work hours
• Looking for activities that lower stress, such as going for long walks, engaging in yoga or meditation, or engaging in nature exposure
• Adding more protein in their diet and reducing carb and sugar intake as well as alcohol and caffeine
• Supplementing with probiotic, removing food sensitivities, and eating a diet low in pro-inflammatory foods
• Balancing hormones by adjusting birth control dosage, limiting exposure to toxins, and treating estrogen dominance
• Identifying core beliefs and addressing them with the help of Coherence therapy, Narrative therapy, mindfulness training, and CBT

source: http://besthealthyguide.com

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What Happens When You Take Turmeric Every Day

In addition to being used for culinary purposes, turmeric keeps finding new ways to surprise researchers regarding its wide plethora of health benefits. While initially focused on anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties, recent studies show that turmeric helps improve blood sugar balance, kidney function, and cognitive function. At the same time, it has the potential to reduce the severity linked to a few forms of arthritis and some digestive disorders.

Turmeric has an exceptional nutritional profile, containing a wide array of vitamins, minerals, volatile oils, and curcuminoids.  Specifically, two teaspoons of turmeric provide 15.58 calories, 0.34 grams protein, 2.86 grams carbohydrates, 0.93 grams dietary fiber, and 0.43 grams fat.  As for the vitamins, it contains 2.16 mg choline, 1.72 mcg folate, 0.59 mcg vitamin K, 1.14 mg vitamin C, etc.  Ultimately, a 2-teaspoon serving provides  111.10 mg potassium, 8.05 mg calcium, 8.49 mg magnesium, 11.79 mg phosphorus, and solid amounts of iron, manganese, zinc, selenium, sodium, copper, and many more.

With this being said, it`s no wonder that this miraculous spice offers may different remedying powers.  Apart from anecdotal experiences, these benefits and healing properties are also backed up by science! Here are some of the miraculous healing powers of turmeric:

Fights inflammation naturally: Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is far superior to most anti-inflammatory drugs on the market in terms of reducing inflammation.

Protects the brain: Dementia, Alzheimer`s disease, and many other cognitive disorders are typically associated to a growth hormone called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). Curcumin affects the BDNF levels, which in turn delays or even reverses the deterioration of brain functions.

Protects the heart: It has been scientifically shown that curcumin lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. At the same time, it prevents blood clots from developing as well as build-ups in the arteries. By improving these cardiovascular factors, it works to protect the heart and ensure its optimal function.

Improves Digestion: Regular turmeric consumption helps prevent inflammation of the digestive tract, reduces bloating, and alleviates gas. Thanks to its ability to stimulate the gallbladder, it protects against gallbladder disease, too.

Improve the symptoms of arthritis: Being a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, turmeric reduces pain in the body, including arthritis pain. It is as effective as pharmaceutical drugs for arthritis, without the unpleasant adverse effects.

Delays aging and improves longevity: While it cannot delay time, it sure can keep you feel healthy and young regardless of the number on your birthday cake.  It is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent that protects the hearts, prevents cancer, and protects against other diseases.

Reduces your risk of cancer:  Turmeric is one of the best preventative measures against cancer growth, which inhibits the spread of cancer, too.

How to Enjoy

A Few Quick Serving Ideas

• Turmeric is a great addition to recipes using lentils
• Adding turmeric powder to salad dressings gives them a nice orange-yellow hue
• Cut cauliflower florets and sauté with a spoonful of turmeric for five minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste
• Add turmeric to egg salad
• Mix brown rice with cashews and raisins and season with turmeric, coriander, and cumin
• Add turmeric to curries, sautéed apples, steamed beans and onions, etc
• For a creamy and low-calorie dip, combine turmeric with dried onion, healthy mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. This dip perfectly pairs with sweet pepper, jicama, broccoli, celery, and cauliflower

source: http://besthealthyguide.com

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10 Nail Symptoms and What They Mean for Your Health

Did you know that the color, texture, and shape of the nails are all a window into the body? Although some nail symptoms are innocuous, others may be a sign of chronic disease, even cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology,

“Nails often reflect our general state of health. Changes in the nail, such as discoloration or thickening, can signal health problems including liver and kidney diseases, heart and lung conditions, anemia, and diabetes.”

Even the growth of your nails may be a sign of your underlying health. Healthy nails grow up to 3.5 millimeters on a monthly basis, but factors like medications, trauma, nutritional status, and aging process have a huge effect on their growth.

In case you notice any changes in your nails, such as changes in shape and thickness, discoloration, or swelling, consult a dermatologist as soon as possible. Although the change may be harmless, sometimes something as serious as diabetes could be the cause.

10 Nail Symptoms and What They Mean for Your Health

1. Yellow Nails

There are many reasons why your nails may yellow, such as aging, smoking, and use of nail polish and acrylic nails. If they are yellow, crumbly, and thick, it is very likely that a fungal infection is the underlying cause. Although rarely, conditions like thyroid disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, and psoriasis could also be to blame.

2. Dry, Cracked or Brittle Nails

Lifestyle factors play a significant role in this case, such as if you are exposed to chemicals, live in an area with low humidity, have your hands in water very often,  or use nails polish remover on a regular basis.

Fungal infection and thyroid disease, especially hypothyroidism, may also be the causes of cracking and splitting.  Brittle nails may result from deficiency in biotin or vitamins A and C.

3. Clubbing

Clubbing is described as enlargement of the fingertips, accompanied with the nail becoming curved downward.  It can be related to low oxygen in the blood and lung disease as well as heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, and AIDS.

4. White Spots

White spots on the nails are typically sign of nail trauma.  They are usually not a big deal, and tend to fade away or grow out in a while on their own.  In some instances, they may indicate a fungal infection.

5. Horizontal Ridges

According to John Anthony, M.D., a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio “This is typically the result of direct trauma to the nail or a more serious illness, in which case you’ll see it on more than one nail at a time … Your body is literally saying, ‘I’ve got better things to do than make nails’ and pauses their growth.”

Also known as Beau`s lines, horizontal ridges may also be result of uncontrolled diabetes, zinc deficiency, circulatory disease, or psoriasis.  On the other hand, another type of horizontal line called Mees` lines may be due to malaria, leprosy, carbon monoxide poisoning, arsenic poisoning, and Hodgkin`s disease.

6. Vertical Ridges

Vertical ridges are most common in older individuals, as they are sign of aging and are not a cause for concern. In some cases, vertical ridges may be a sign of nutrient deficiency like deficiency in magnesium and vitamin B12.

7. Spoon Nails

If the nails curve upward at the edges, resembling a spoon, it is very likely that you are deficient in iron or suffer from heart disease or hypothyroidism.

8. Pitting

Having multiple pits on the nails is typically a sign of psoriasis. “Typically, pitting occurs in around half of people with psoriasis and 80 percent of people with psoriatic arthritis,” Chen says. Nail pitting may be also caused by connective tissue disorders or alopecia areata, the disease that causes hair loss.

9. Dark Discolorations

If you notice black streaks and painful growth on the nail, consult a doctor right away as they may be due to melanoma.

10. White Nails with a Strip of Pink

If your nails are white with a strip of pink, it may indicate congestive heart failure, diabetes, kidney failure, or liver disease.

Simple Nail Care Tips

• Eat a balanced, whole-food diet ( high in protein, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals)
• Protect the nails from excessive exposure to water or chemicals
• Minimize the use of nail polish and artificial nails
• Keep the nails trimmed relatively short
• Rub some coconut oil onto the nails on a regular basis to keep them moisturized

source: http://besthealthyguide.com/

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6 Detox Foods That Clean Your Body Every Day

As the holiday season ends, people start looking for a way to quit unhealthy habits, lose weight, fight off colds, and generally recover. In other worlds, the detox time of the year officially starts!  While most people turn to powder or tea to boost the detox process, it turns out that our bodies have their own mechanisms through which they do a good job of cleansing on their own.  However, there are certain foods that are proven to be extremely effective in cleaning the body and eliminate all the bacteria, viruses, and toxic matter from the body.

In case you are feeling bloated or experience constipation, fatigue, and brain fog, it`s time to detox and reset the body.  Here are 6 detox foods that will accelerate the process:

1. Bitter and Leafy Greens

Bitter greens, such as mustard greens, kale, chard, and dandelion, are widely used in folk medicine to help fight off health conditions like diabetes, gallstones, kidney problems, and poor liver health.  Specifically, dandelion root helps improve the function of the digestive system, alleviates constipation, and offers anti-aging properties.

Taraxacin, a compound found in bitter greens, has been found to promote stronger immunity, reduced cancer risk, weight loss support, and hormonal balance.  Greens also promote detoxification thanks to their high levels of fiber, water, and magnesium.

2. Beets

Many holistic healing traditions use beets as energy restorer, blood cleanser, and natural liver tonic. Beets are also believed to help with emotional balancing, and are often recommended during the winter season when people start feeling ill.

Beets, pumpkins, carrots, and winter squashes are great detoxifying agents, particularly during the late winter seasons, when most green veggies aren’t available.  Regular consumption of beets supplies the body with lots of folate, manganese, potassium, and fiber, all of which work to prevent fatigue, improve blood flow, and neutralize heavy metals and toxins.

3. Berries (Especially Acai & Goji)

Apart from serving as great addition to oatmeal, desserts, smoothies, and yogurt, berries also provide powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  In addition to eating berries like blueberries and raspberries, consider “superfood” berries, such as acai, goji, and mulberry.

Goji berry has been traditionally used to improve digestion, stimulate weight loss, and support stamina, vitality, and longevity. Both Acai and goi are superior to health foods like blueberries, spinach, pomegranate seeds, and apples in terms of offering higher levels of antioxidants.

4. Fennel

It has been scientifically shown that apart from having a soothing effect on the digestive system, fennel also supplies the body with vitamin C and fiber, which in turn helps boost immunity and provide antibacterial properties.  Fennel is highly versatile, and it can be used raw, cooked, or steeped in hot tea.

Additionally, there`s also a fennel essential oil available, which is much more concentrated and contains stronger dose of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories like quercetin, limonene, and anethole. These compounds have been shown to alleviate symptoms of colic in infants, ease stomach cramps, reduce bloating, and help heal wounds.

5. Bone Broth

Real bone broth, made with vegetables, fresh herbs, animal parts, and vinegar, is a powerful concoction with potent anti-inflammatory constituents, collagen, antioxidants, electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals.

It also supplies the body with amino acids, which create proteins like proline, arginine, and glycine.  Therefore, going on a bone broth fast, while avoiding solid foods, gives the digestive system a break and facilitates detoxification.  Those who are pressed for time and cannot find the time to make bone broth from scratch, bone broth protein is a good idea.

6. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are packed with fiber, with about 5 grams per tablespoon.  Only a few tablespoons of chia seeds a day will provide almost half of the daily fiber needs.

Due to its high dietary fiber content, chia helps improve bowel function and support the formation of healthy stool. In the meantime, it slows down the digestion of sugar, provides a feeling of satiety that lasts longer, and regulates cholesterol.  They are quite versatile, and you can add them to pudding, pancakes, make them into chia water, and many more.

source: http://besthealthyguide.com

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18 Practical Uses Of Castor Oil at Home

Castor oil is obtained by pressing the seeds of Ricinus communis, commonly known as castor oil plant. If you don’t have a bottle of castor oil at home yet, get one as soon as possible, as its uses are endless. From treating parasitical worms to easing constipation, colds, and fever, castor oil is the to-go concoction we all need these days.

This highly versatile oil offers a wide plethora of health benefits and uses, despite the fact that there is minimal research backing them up.  As a matter of fact, it is one of the most popular natural remedies with quite a long history.

18 Ways You Can Use Castor Oil at Home

If you do have a bottle castor oil at home, great for you. In case you don’t, consider buying one as soon as possible. You will be amazed by the numerous uses of this versatile oil.

FOR BEAUTY

1. Removes Blemishes

Due to its high fatty acid content, it promotes growth of healthy skin tissues and helps remove blemishes, scars, stretch marks, and pigmentation.  Simply apply the oil onto the affected area every night until you get the wanted results.

2. Eliminates Warts and Skin Tags

Being packed with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, castor oil positively affects warts and skin tags. Apply the oil onto the wart/ skin tag on a daily basis for several weeks until you see them fall off.

3. Promotes Healthy Scalp and Hair Growth

Scalp infections cause issues like dandruff, itchiness, thinning, and bald patches.  The good news is that massaging warm castor oil on the scalp helps remove micro-organisms responsible for the scalp problem, stimulate the follicles, and promote hair growth. Repeat the procedure every night!

4. Gives Your Hair a Richer Hair

If you start noticing signs of graying, apply castor oil to prevent the hair from turning much grayer.  Castor oil has the ability to trap the moisture in the hair, which in turn gives richer and youthful look. Simply warm the oil and coat each strand of hair, running the fingers through the locks.

5. Natural Mascara

Melt a tablespoon of beeswax and combine with two tablespoons of charcoal or cocoa powder to create a paste. Unlike conventional mascaras, this one is completely free of toxic chemicals and is safe to use.  Another option is to apply the oil on the lid in order to get thicker and fuller eyelashes.

FOR EXTERNAL APPLICATION AND HEALTH

6. Treats Inflamed Skin

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, castor oil is great for treating inflamed skin caused by dry cracked skin, acne, bites, or sunburns.  Simply soak a cotton ball in castor oil, apply onto the inflamed area and let it work for an hour before washing it off.

7. Moisturizes Skin and Relieves Itchiness

The fatty acids found in castor oil are ideal tool for moisturizing dry skin and relieving skin itchiness. Thanks to its viscous texture, it easily penetrates into the skin.  All you have to do is to rub a teaspoon between the palms and apply onto the affected area.

8. Healthy Lips

Castor oil is often added to conventional lip balms, as it really works wonders for dry lips.  To heal the cracks and prevent them from chapping again, rub a little castor oil on the lips. Simple as that!

9. Relieves Muscle Pain

Rubbing a little of this oil after a workout relieves soreness and promotes proper blood circulation. For optimal results, combine it with chamomile or peppermint oil.

10. Alleviates Joint Pain

Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which has a decongestant effect on the lymphatic system. For those who are not familiar with the function of this system, note that it`s responsible for collecting waste and transporting it to the bloodstream to be flushed out.

In case the lymphatic system isn’t working optimally, like in arthritis patients, joint pain occurs. The good news is that massaging castor oil on the joints helps alleviate the congestion and keep the lymphatic system working properly.

11. Treats Back Pain

To eliminate the pain in an instant and get rid of the stiffness, massage castor oil on the affected area. Another option is to apply castor oil onto the painful area, cover with cloth, and put a hot water pack over to keep the oil permeating through the skin.

12. Helps Treat Fungal Infections

Castor oil is well-known for its anti-fungal properties and its ability to treat infections like athlete`s foot, jock itch, or ringworm.  Warm the oil, apply on the affected before going to bed, and let it work overnight. Repeat the procedure every day or until the infection goes away.

13. Treats Your Pets’ Wounds

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, applying a bit of castor oil on your pets` wound helps accelerate the healing.

14. Safe and Natural Laxative

According to a 2010 study, castor oil packs help reduce constipation in elderly individuals.  Even the FDA notes that castor oil is “generally regarded as safe and effective” for use as a stimulant laxative.

Take it orally can purge the digestive tract in a matter of hours. The dose is the key, so make sure you get the adequate dose. Adults can take one tablespoon or two, while children 2-12 years old should take only a teaspoon or two.

15. Treats Hemorrhoids

Soak a cotton ball in castor oil and apply directly onto the hemorrhoid. Let it work for about 15 minutes and wear a pad to move around, if needed.  Castor oil really works wonders when it comes to shrinking hemorrhoids which are outside the body.

16. Promotes Good Sleep

Castor oil helps fall asleep easily and enjoy a deeper and longer sleep.  Additionally, you will wake up more refreshed and invigorated in the morning.  To reap these benefits, simply dab castor oil on the eyelids before bedtime.

17. Stops Colic in Infants

Colic typically occurs during the first months of baby`s life and often leads to excessive crying. While the root cause remains unknown, it is believed that gas is the major culprit.  To stop colic, warm some castor oil by rubbing it between the palms, and place it on the baby`s abdomen.

FOR USE AROUND THE HOUSE

18. All-Around Lubricant

Castor oil works amazingly for items that need lubrication, such as squeaky meat grinders, scissors, or hinges.  It withstands both hot and cold temperatures, thanks to its viscosity.

Caution! Castor Oil Can Stimulate Labor

It has been scientifically shown that ricinoleic acid causes contraction of the intestines and uterus, which in turn can stimulate labor.

A study involving 100 pregnant women found that half of the group given castor oil went into labor within 24 hours. However, it isn’t recommended to use it this way due to its potential side effects.

Castor Seeds Contain A Deadly Ingredient

Although castor oil is packed with numerous healing properties, it also contains a powerful poison called ricin. Oral, nasal, or intravenous transfusion prevents protein synthesis and destroys your cells.

However, there is no need to worry about ricin poisoning, since it is removed from the beans during the manufacturing process. As confirmed by International Journal of Toxicology’s Final Report on Castor Oil, ricin doesn’t “partition” into the castor oil, so it`s safe to use.

Potential Side Effects

• People with sensitive skin may experience an allergic reaction
• While ricinoleic acid helps alleviate constipation, it may also cause gastrointestinal upset and discomfort, nausea, and dizziness
• Those suffering from digestive problems like ulcers, colitis, hemorrhoids, cramps, diverticulitis, and irritable bowel syndrome should avoid castor oil

source: http://besthealthyguide.com/

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