Add some passion to your winter season

With the weather finally creeping up the thermometer, it is time to put some passion back into my winter.

The passion fruit has long been a staple of South American medicinal treatments and is now making its way into spas and cosmetics.

This powerful fruit is said to reduce cancer cell growth. Though research is underway, the phytochemicals in the fruit juice are considered to inhibit cancer cell growth. It also contains Vitamin C, Vitamin A, potassium and tons of antioxidants.

Since I don't have time for an all-day trip to the spa, I thought I would light my Scandle (for my spa treatment) and make a Passion Fruitini (for my mind treatment).

Passion Fruitini:
• 1 cup lemon vodka
• 2 tbsp triple sec
• 12 oz white cranberry juice
• 12 oz passion fruit juice

Put in large pitcher filled with ice, and stir briskly. Pour into cocktail glasses while straining the ice.

What are you doing to keep the spring in your winter season? Let us know.................

Brain food from the Mediteranean Coast

We know that a Mediterranean diet is excellent for our waistline but a new study published by Columbia University says this diet is also good for our brain.

The diet, which consists of fruits, vegetables, fish and olive oil has been shown to reduce the onset of Alzheimer's in patients already showing signs and also helps prevent the disease from even occurring in some cases.

Not only does the diet ward of dementia, people who consume a moderate to high amount of these foods are at a much lower risk of developing heart disease, some cancers and Parkinson's disease.

The study also says that people who were not extremely stringent in the diet still saw tremendous health improvements and a reduction in brain cognitive impairment.

The study couldn't pinpoint an exact reason why this diet is so good for the brain. But maybe it is the high fish content (they're packed with Omega-3s) or the olive oil (great for a healthy heart) and you can never go wrong with fruits and veggies.

What do you do to keep your brain healthy? What do you think about this study? Let us know.....

Hearts all around!!!!

Not only is February the month of love, it also the month of the heart.

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of Americans and there are small steps everyone can take to naturally reduce their risk of heart disease.

Exercise regularly, stay in your recommended weight range and reducing your stress levels are the most common ways to reduce your risk.

But in today's world there are other factors that we don't pay attention to as much. We do not eat the same as people 50 years ago. I know I enjoy a drive-thru meal every once and a while :) So we do not consume the vitamins we need from our food.

It is important to remember that daily heart health starts with what you consume. If you know you are not getting your recommended daily vitamins, incorporate at least a few of these:

• Fish oil. Even if you are an avid fish eater you might want to consider taking a small capsule daily. Cold water fish can sometimes be devoid of essential Omega 3's due to poor manufacturing and handling practice.
• Vitamins C, E and all of the Bs. These are the best for heart health (especially if your diet is a little lacking in the veges' department)
• CoQ10. If you already have high cholesterol or heart risk factors, this is one of the most important supplements.
  

What do you do to stay heart healthy? Let us know.............. Happy Heart Month!!

Cold season isn't over yet - don't let it ruin your Valentine's

As I (Charlie) sit working from home today with a horrible cold, I thought it would be fitting to share some natural ways to ward off that nasty little bug:

• Gargle once a day. Japanese researchers found that a daily gargling with water reduces your cold risk. People who gargled with water were 36 percent less likely to be struck down when compared with non-garglers.

• Drink your liquids. Hot tea, cold tea and simple water keep your body hydrated and able to better fight unwanted infections.

• Take a sauna. A recent study in Germany found that people who took a sauna twice a week were 50% less likely to get a cold.

• Wash your hands!!!!!

• Get plenty of sleep. It is important to get enough sleep to maintain your normal routine. That means you need even more to keep your immune system at its best

What do you do to keep that nasty bugger at bay? Let us know........ We all want to make it through to spring, cold free. Till next time AAACCCHHHHOOOO!

Red is the new green

Move over green tea, there is a new kid in town. Well, not too new.

Red tea has be around for centuries to soothe allergies, asthma and digestive problems.

Green tea has been hailed for years as one of the best ways to get your surge of antioxidants. But red tea is now making breakthroughs in the beauty industry. The antioxidant properties are 50 times higher in red than in green tea.

Red tea comes from South Africa and contains the highest levels of the most potent antioxidant, superoxide dismutase. These antioxidants are used in cosmetic products to reduce free radical damage to skin; more commonly to reduce fibrosis following radiation for breast cancer.

While many spas in the US are now serving up various red tea treatments, you can also consume the beverage daily, like green tea, to reap many of its topical benefits.


Got any red tea-rific treatments you have to rave about? Let us know....

Essential oil that cellulite away

We all have it; and women are much more likely to have the uneven, dimpled or trademark cottage-cheese-looking skin.

Many uncontrollable factors such as hormones, heredity, circulation and age contributor to cellulite. But your diet, exercise routine and massage regimen can also aid in the treatment of it.

Aromatherapy treatments are a great way to stimulate your body's circulatory system which aids in the redistribution of blood and lymphatic fluid, which is essential in the treatment of cellulite.

For your own cellulite treatment, essential oil massage, try the following:

• Combine 8 drops of juniper breeze oil with 10 drops of geranium and 2 drops of peppermint
• Mix your oils with about an ounce of sweet almond oil (you can also use fragrance-free lotion)
• Massage in a circular motion around the areas most in need of the treatment

This massage will stimulate circulation and support detoxification in the areas where cellulite accumulates.

What are some natural remedies you have tried? Where they successful? Let us know........

Vacation for your health

A new study released in the Netherlands says people who take regular vacations have many more health benefits than those who do not.

Regular vacationers not only have lower stress levels, they also weigh less, have lower blood pressure and develop fewer disease. There is even evidence they live longer too.

The study also showed that a change of your environment is beneficial to the brain. So remember when your planning those few and far between trips to completely change your scenery. It will help get those creative juices flowing once you return to work.

One sad thing about the study, in America especially, many people do not go on vacations at all.

If you are one of those lucky Americans who takes vacations, what's your favorite place to get away from it all? Let us know your top destination pick............

Breast cancer survivors get alternative to implants

Soon breast cancer survivors will have an alternative to cosmetic surgery. A revolutionary new breast growing treatment will be available to breast cancer survivors this year.

Instead of artificial implants, a breast-shaped chamber is inserted under the chest skin. The technique, called Neopac, will first be offered only to breast cancer survivors, starting next month.

Within a decade, this process may even be an alternative to women who want to increase their bust size for cosmetic reasons.

What do you think about this new technology?

Vitamin supplements, myth or fact?

There continues to be a debate between topical vitamin skin care treatments and vitamin supplements taken by mouth. Vitamin deficiencies can make skin look lifeless.

In a recent study, patients who took nutritional supplements while also using topical applications of beauty products containing vitamins saw healthier skin, reduced sun damage and in some result it can even repair DNA.

Do vitamin supplements really improve your skin?

Well, health care experts believe that for people who follow a strict, daily diet that provides an adequate dose of vitamins and supplements, it may be unnecessary. But for those of us a little less on the daily strict diet program, supplements are a vital part of a balanced skin care routine.

Here are some vitamins and their skin healthy benefits:

• Vitamin A is a necessity for the maintenance and repair of skin tissue
• Vitamins C and E reduce the damage free radicals cause to our skin
• Vitamin B Complex is essential for the maintenance of skin, hair and nails
• Colostrum contains natural growth factors to nourish skin
• Omega 3 promotes a healthy cellular process

What other vitamins are good for your skin? If you know, let us in on it too!