Care to have a bite?
Quick fact. Ready? Chewing our food sends signals to the rest of the digestive system to prepare itself for a meal; it then responds by releasing our digestive enzymes.
More wonderful facts for you here, friend!
Quick fact. Ready? Vitamin C helps with the formation of collagen, which is a major component of things like our skin, nails, and hair. Thus, obtaining an adequate amount of vitamin C helps with the maintenance of healthy skin!
Quick fact. Ready? There are two main stages when it comes to the removal of toxins from the body; known as Phase 1 and Phase 2. Phase 1 involves the conversion of toxins to less harmful ones, which occurs in the liver. These products must be removed quickly, however, for too many accumulating in the body can be detrimental to one's health. Phase 2 involves the activation of enzymes that must remove these toxins completely from the body. Each step of this important process involves a high level of dietary antioxidants to perform. This is where a diet rich in fruits and vegetables comes into play; to help support the liver as it removes harmful toxins from your very own body!
Quick fact. Ready? Adding milk to green tea may prevent the absorption of some of its beneficial components; such as the theanine, catechins, and other important antioxidants that green tea is known for. So next time, ask yourself whether you would like milk in your tea, or simply drink it at another point in the day!
Quick fact. Ready? Acidic tasting foods actually quite often help to alkalinize the body. Some examples of these would be things like lemons, lines, or Apple cider vinegar. Why? Just because a food tastes acidic does not necessarily mean that it forms acidic by products once metabolized.
Quick fact. Ready? The long chain fatty acids EPA and DHA are extremely important for the proper functioning of our brains. They make up components of neurons, cell membranes, and nerve cell endings; making them essential for healthy cellular communication.
Quick fact. Ready? Vitamins are more complex in chemical structure than minerals are. Also, it is far easier for vitamins, especially the water soluble B and C vitamins, to escape from foods through rough handling, washing, or high temperatures.
Quick fact. Ready? L-Theanine is a non dietary amino acid that is exclusively found in green tea (along with caffeine and green tea catechins) This amino acid is not used for building muscle or enzymes, but to help with the synthesis of GABA and glutamic acid; both of which provides a sense of relaxation and calmness. Only one of the many benefits of green tea!
Quick fact. Ready? Garlic may help to repel insects like mosquitoes and ticks! Why? Because it's aromatic cloves have such a strong smell that bugs typically try to avoid. So, where's the garlic?
Quick fact. Ready? Bilirubin is a by product from the breakdown of red blood cells. This compound can be either insoluble in the blood, or soluble in the bile from our livers. When incorporated into bile, it is excreted from the body as solid waste. Ever wonder why poop is the colour that it is? Bilirubin is why.
Quick fact. Ready? Looking for a natural teeth whitener? Try rubbing a bit of organic Apple cider vinegar on your teeth! Or maybe a natural hair conditioner? Mix a tbsp of organic Apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water and coconut oil, and use as a natural form of hair care!
More useful facts for you here, friend!
Quick fact. Ready? Nitric Oxide is a compound produced in the body that helps to increase blood flow. How? By causing a relaxation response in blood vessels, allowing for more to pass through. However, Nitric Oxide really only exists in the body for about five seconds before it breaks down into Nitrogen and Oxygen. Weird.
Quick fact. Ready? Vitamin C has been shown to not necessarily decrease the frequency of colds, but decrease the duration of them. How? Vitamin C has such strong antioxidant and protective properties towards our cells. Make sure that you're getting an adequate daily amount of this vitamin. Some good sources include oranges and peppers. I mean, who wants to have a cold for any longer than they should?
Quick fact. Ready? The dietary fat that we consume determines the health of the membranes that surround our cells. Why? Because these membranes themselves are mainly composed of fats called phospholipids. A diet high in mono and polyunsaturated fats results in healthy cell membranes, and thus cells are better able to function, hold nutrients, and communicate more efficiently with one another.
Quick fact. Ready? When it comes to cinnamon, there are two kinds; Cassia and Ceylon. Both or these contain a toxic substance known as coumarin, which puts strain on the liver. However, Ceylon cinnamon contains far less of it, and for this reason it's considered somewhat safer to consume if taken a lot.
Quick fact. Ready? A continuous severe lack of sleep can lead to a change in brain waves that our brain emits. Normal alpha brain waves instead get turned into ones that resemble those released during a state of depression. So please, whether it's taking care of your body or your mind; be sure to get enough sleep. Each and every night.