Category Archive: MFLV

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Health And Beauty Tips For New Moms

When you’re a new mommy, you have so much to do and somehow, you end up at the bottom of the list. Even though the new baby is important, don’t forget about yourself. Consider these ways you can develop your appearance and enhance your beauty as a new mom.

1. Makeup Routine
You won’t be getting a lot of sleep during the first few months. In order to balance it all and look bright-eyed, dab some concealer under your eyes. Put on some mascara and these two steps will help you look well-rested and stunning. Add a bright-colored lipstick or pretty lipgloss to pull the look together.

Woman with brown hair doing lipstick and holding little mirror

2. Hair
Consider wearing a simple style that allows you to be comfortable and effortlessly chic. Whether it’s a specific haircut that’s easy to maintain or a sleek bun, find ways to pull your hair together and keep it moving. You can also throw on a fun bolero or stylish cap whenever you’re having a bad hair day.

3. Wardrobe
Choose outfits that are effortless and easy to clean. It makes no sense to have a bunch of designer clothes that the baby will eventually spit up on. Chances are you’ll have to change your clothes multiple times every day. Consider a uniform of a cute cotton v-neck t-shirt in a bright color matched with a pair of comfortable jeans or leggings. Accesorize with a fun necklace, a few bangles or a nice pair of earrings. Keep it simple and fresh for those first few months when everything is hectic.

Woman Carrying Baby Sitting on Gray Surface

4. Nutrition
Eating right is so important. If you’re a mom who prefers to snack, find healthy options for your favorite snacks. If you like chips, try carrots and hummus instead. You can also purchase popcorn kernels and create your own popcorn at home. It’ll be a lot healthier and it’ll taste great too. Just be sure to add the right seasonings like nutritional yeast flakes and a dash of vegan butter. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Drink tons of water before you reach for that beloved cup of coffee. You can even get assistance by checking out weight loss programs that work from ThinCo.

Blue Denim Jeans

 

5. Positive Affirmations
Pregnancy activates a whirlwind of hormones. It’s easy to get into a place of post-partum depression or dissatisfaction due to lack of sleep. One of the ways to manage it all involves listening to positive messages that affirm who you are and who you want to be. Listen to motivational and inspirational speakers every morning. They’ll help you get the strength and determination to keep pushing every day. When you have the right mindset, your life will follow in the same direction.

6. Exercise
Exercise is such an important facet to include as a new mother. You don’t want to get into the habit of skipping workouts. Once you receive clearance from your doctor, start with light exercises like walking. Take the baby for a walk in the stroller on a nice day. While the baby is sleeping, do a workout video in the living room. Go to a Zumba or swim class while the baby is with your spouse. When you take this time to invest in your physical body, you’ll feel stronger and more capable to conquer anything.

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7. Undergarments
There’s a reason why a brilliant woman came up with Spanx. So many women swear by its capabilities to tighten, tone and shape the body. As you work on getting your body to a place that’s ideal for you, consider trying waist-shaping undergarments that tuck you in and help you feel better when you walk out the door.

8. Treatments
As a new mother who just pushed out a baby, you deserve all of the special treatment in the world. However, you have to make sure you prioritize yourself. In addition to making sure the baby goes to all of the important appointments, schedule your own appointments for pampering. Get your nails done and your hair done. Sure, these are tasks you could’ve done yourself at one point, but sometimes it’s nice to let someone else do it. Plus, this is a great opportunity for you to sit back and relax while someone else does the hard work.

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Health Matters 101: Simple Solutions That Will Facilitate Wellness

Once individuals realize that their habitual patterns, lifestyle, or mindset is leading them down a path of unhealthy living, they may consciously decide that they are ready to change. However, readiness to change is only the first step on the path to getting healthy. Once you make the decision to pursue personal wellness, you’ll need a game plan or several strategies that you can systematically implement for the purpose of optimizing your mental and physical well-being. Implement some or all of the following health strategies to begin facilitating wellness:

1. Start Walking
One of the best ways to get healthy is by regularly walking around your neighborhood, at a local trail, or on the treadmill in the gym. Walking brings a wide range of health benefits, some of which include improving your mood and managing unwanted conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Walking can also improve your coordination and balance. Another big benefit of walking is that it strengthens your muscles and bones.

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2. Meditate Regularly
In addition to walking regularly, make sure that you start meditating regularly. Regular meditation is imperative because it promotes clear thinking while also decreasing the incidence of unwanted cognitive patterns such as rumination. Although defined broadly, rumination is a cognitive process which involves continually thinking about a problem. It oftentimes involves thinking extensively about the darker side of life, and this practice can have an adverse impact on mental health. Luckily, meditation is a mindfulness strategy that ruminators can utilize to limit their experience of the negative thinking that typically results from rumination. Many people benefit from the mantra form of meditation, with this modality involving the silent recitation of positive words inside. Examples include “Love and light” and “Peace, love, and joy.”

Photography of a Woman Meditating

3. Don’t Neglect Your Appearance
Mental health is a big part of the wellness puzzle. When people maintain a stable mood and positive mindset, they’re much more likely to exhibit signs of health such as high self-esteem and healthy interactions with other individuals. Luckily, there are hundreds and hundreds of beauty strategies you can deploy to enhance your appearance. One of them includes attaining professional cosmetic services. If you’re seeking out a botox Cary NC company, know that the representatives of Cary Plastic Surgery can assist you.

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Conclusion
Three wellness tips that you can use in your life for the purpose of attaining optimal mental and physical well-being are outlined above. Begin using them now so you can lead the healthy life that will keep you in a productive, positive state of being!

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Meditating With Candles

Ancient Indians believed there were seven centers of spiritual energy within the human body, located along the spine and neck, and at the crown of the head. The power of these spiritual nexuses, which are called chakras, can be activated through meditation.

With the rising popularity of yoga, reiki, and other alternative healing systems, chakras are once again in the limelight. One of the most effective ways to catalyze the power of your chakras is to meditate using chakra candles to focus the flow of your thoughts.

What Is a Chakra Candle?

Meditation candles come in seven colors. Each color is associated with a chakra that’s located in a specific part of your body and correlated with precise emotional and psychological functions.

 

• Red candles: Red candles symbolize the Muladhara or Root Chakra, which is situated at the base of your spine. The Root Chakra rules vitality and self-confidence.

• Orange candles: Reflecting on an orange candle can trigger the power of the Svadhisthana or Sacral Chakra. The Sacral Chakra rules love, sexuality, and intimacy.

• Yellow candles: The Manipura or Solar Plexus Chakra is associated with the color yellow. The solar plexus or diaphragm provides the body with inspiration, so yellow candles can be used to sharpen intellectual processes.

• Green candles: Green represents the Anahata or Heart Chakra. When you meditate using green candles, you’ll be able to unlock the healing powers in your deepest emotions.

• Blue candles: Blue candles signify the Vishuddha or Throat Chakra. As its name implies, the Vishuddha Chakra is located at the very center of the throat and corresponds with expressiveness and the ability to communicate effectively.

• Indigo candles: The Ajna Chakra is also known as the Third Eye. This chakra, which is correlated with the deep blue color called indigo, can connect you to intuition and spiritual wisdom.

• Purple candles: You’ll find the Sahasrara or Crown Chakra at the topmost part of your head. Its purple color is associated with the purest state of consciousness and compassion, and by focusing on a purple candle, you’ll be able to tap into deep wellsprings of hidden creativity.

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Three Health Strategies That Can Take Your Life To Another Level

People who have decided that they want to get healthy in 2017 should know that they can. One big secret to success is keeping the health optimization process as organized and systematic as possible. To make this happen, try integrating some or all of the following wellness techniques into your lifestyle:

1. Purchase Wellness Products Via Online.

One wellness technique that you can implement to improve the quality of your life is purchasing wellness products via online. This approach to health optimization is empowering because it makes the process of getting healthy convenient. Specifically, online shopping helps you avoid the inconveniences and irritations that can result from having to drive to a physical store, stand in long check-out lines, and deal with aggressive company representatives who just want to sell you things. By shopping online, you can compare and contrast prices on your own. And given that you’ll already be in the internet realm, you can do research via websites to determine which products and services would be ideal for you. If you want to buy fat blasters online, note that you can accomplish this objective through internet retailers like Health365.

 

2. Start Meditating When You Wake Up.

Another health strategy you can implement to take your life to another level is meditating when you wake up. This technique facilitates health by helping you start your day in a manner that involves gaining access to and control over your thought processes. Note that during meditation, you may be able to identify and subsequently eliminate any thought processes that are conducive to productivity and positivity. Also keep in mind that meditation is a wonderful way to fight stress, boost immunity, and enhance the functioning of your cardiovascular system.

7 Renewing Benefits of Meditating 7 Minutes a Day

3. Get Into Exercise.

If you’re really serious about health optimization, get into exercise. This wellness strategy is beneficial because it helps you fight a wide range of diseases that are common in society. Some of those diseases include obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and depression. In addition to enhancing your body’s ability to fight disease, exercising regularly will empower you to think more clearly, enhance your energy levels, and accelerate the weight loss process. In the event that you’re not trying to lose weight, note that exercise is an effective weight management strategy.

If you’re ready to start exercising, note that there are multiple modalities available to you. Some of them include:

• yoga
• weight-lifting
• pilates
• jump rope
• running
• cycling
• step aerobics

Also note that many gyms are now offering new forms of exercise within the group fitness setting. Some of these new forms include Zumba and POUND. In addition to providing members with group fitness classes, note that working out in the gym setting can grant you access to skilled, knowledgeable personal trainers who know how to put together customized exercise routines that address your unique wellness goals.

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Conclusion

If you’re tired of mediocre living, it’s time to begin implementing lifestyle changes that will help you take your life to a new level. By focusing on health optimization, you can attain a wide range of incredible benefits that enable you to lead a more productive, positive life. Three health strategies that you can implement to move beyond mediocre living are outlined above. Start making the mental shifts and lifestyle changes explained in this article so that you can begin seeing a dynamic difference soon!

 

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Finding Good Seafood

Good seafood always set the mood right in our family. My hubby is a big fan of seafood, especially crabs, prawns, cockles, abalone and all types of shell fish. Whenever we have a celebration, he almost always suggests having seafood. One time, he drove our girls out at 10 at night to the nearest seafood restaurant to get take-out sweet and sour crabs for supper just because he had been craving for crabs for days! Thereafter, father and 3 daughters sat in front of the TV and savored their sweet and sour crabs. Everyone was happy but not me as I had to clean up the stinky aftermath at midnight!

Here’s a little food for thought. If you’ve always believed that crabs are unhealthy and cause havoc to your cholesterol level, it may not be quite the truth. Here’s why:

1. Crabs are rich in chromium, which helps insulin to metabolize sugar, and thereby lowers the blood glucose levels in the body.

2. Source of good cholesterol – While crab meat is considered low in saturated fat, the presence of chromium helps increase the level of HDL (good cholesterol) in your body, and thus reduces the risk of strokes, coronary and circulatory heart disease. In fact, crabs contain sterol, which restrict the absorption of other cholesterol eaten during a meal, thus cancelling out the harmful effects of other fats added to your meal. Now, isn’t this music to your ears?

3. Crab is a great source of two beneficial long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Research suggests they help lower blood pressure, protect against heart disease, improve cognitive function, and reduce conditions such as psoriasis and ulcerative colitis. Minerals in crab, such as copper, zinc and selenium, support the immune system.

I am not a supporter of getting take-out crabs to be eaten at home. It’s too messy. Seafood with shells are messy, especially if they are accompanied with a sauce. I’d rather enjoy them at a restaurant and let the staff take care of the messy piles of stinky shells. I love good seafood restaurants where I can enjoy fresh seafood with great service, atmosphere and of course priced reasonably. One such restaurant is The Boiling Pots at Plano.

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At The Boiling Pot, you’ll surely seek the very best seafood experience possible with a fun atmosphere and clean establishment. The secret to this restaurant’s success is that they offer only the freshest and highest quality food available. Check them out today to give them a try!

 

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Feel Well And Wonderful With These Health Techniques

Although our modern world has led to numerous technological advancements and medical breakthroughs, millions of people across the globe still struggle with poor or mediocre health. If this is an issue for you and you’re ready to resolve the problem, this is the quick reference guide for you. Review the following information to get on track to feeling well and wonderful:

1. Cultivate A Meal Plan That Works For You.

Discourse regarding dieting for health is ongoing, and there is still no general consensus about which eating plan is the best. One point to remember is that finding a meal plan that you’ll actually stick to is immensely important. With the traditional process of dieting, people typically conform to a highly restrictive pattern of eating for a few weeks or months. After they attain some results, they typically go off the diet and gain the weight back. Another issue with traditional diets is that many of them are nutritionally lacking, meaning that they can endanger your health in addition to adversely impacting your metabolism. With all of this in mind, focus on finding several nutritious, delicious foods that you know you’ll get excited about eating! This could be anything from a huge salad comprised of your favorite fruits and veggies to a delicious banana smoothie. Veggie platters and celery sticks topped with peanut butter and raisins are two other options you should consider. Note that there are now thousands of healthy recipes that you can access for free via internet!

photo of fruits and vegetables

2. Don’t Make Excuses Not To Exercise

Outside of food, your level of physical activity plays the most significant role in determining whether you’ll attain and maintain a substantive level of well-being. This is the case because regular exercise is linked to multiple positive outcomes. Some of them include:

• increased respiratory capacity
• enhanced weight management/weight loss
• lowered resting heart rate
• enhanced metabolism
• increased cardiac output
• increased pulmonary ventilation
• decreased blood pressure
• improved body composition

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3. Address And Resolve Medical Issues With A Trained Professional

One final technique that can push you into a new dimension of wellness is addressing and resolving your health challenges with a medical expert. Note that many people fail to obtain a diagnosis despite knowing that something is significantly wrong with their body. Don’t let fear of a serious diagnosis prevent you from attaining the restorative care necessary to put you back on track to health. If you’re looking for an erectile dysfunction Florida professional, note that the professionals of Pinnacle Men’s Health can help you.

Start Feeling Well Now!

Three strategies that you can implement to start feeling incredible include cultivating a meal plan that works, exercising regularly rather than sporadically, and resolving medical challenges with a trained professional. Start using these techniques immediately so you can start seeing incredible results within your mind and body as soon as possible!

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Getting Help With Rehab

When you enter a Ft. Lauderdale Rehab Center, you will see that there are people who are ready and willing to help you overcome your addiction. Making the decision to enter a rehab facility is the first step that will have a positive impact on your life. There is a process that you will go through while you’re in the rehab center. One of the first things that you will do is talk to a doctor or a counselor to determine how bad the addiction is and if you need any kind of medication in order to get the substances out of the body. This is when you might begin to feel withdrawal effects on the body as the drugs are removed from the body. Since you aren’t allowed to have drugs in the center, the body will begin to detox so that it can be healthier.

There are different kinds of drug and alcohol detox centers. Some are more like a hospital with separate rooms and a schedule that you abide by throughout the day. Other rehab centers feature amenities that you might find at home, such as a swimming pool, but you are still involved with counselors and doctors who are there to help you with your addiction. Some centers will allow family members to visit once you become adjusted to the schedule f events, but there are many that will only allow phone calls or letters. The length of time you are at the center will vary depending on the severity of the addiction. Most people stay for at least 30 days as this is usually how long it takes for the body and the mind to realize that drugs and alcohol are no longer needed. If the rehab is court ordered, then you might be in the rehab center for longer than 30 days, staying there for the duration of the order given by the judge.

You need to find the right kind of program for you to follow. If you have struggled with addiction for many years, then an inpatient center might be the best option. This is a center where you would not leave until you are done with your time there. The counselors and doctors can give you an idea as to how long you might need to stay. While at the center, you will be able to enjoy meals either alone or with the other people who are there. You will have time to talk to some of the other people in group settings, play games to stay busy and even watch television. The center is almost like home, but you have access to counselors who can talk to you about your addiction and try to help you in your recovery process. This is an important step as you need to get to the root of the problem instead of trying to mask it with drugs and alcohol.

An outpatient center is one where you will attend usually every day, but you won’t stay in the center like you would with an inpatient facility. You can take part in groups where you can speak with others who are dealing with similar addictions, and you can talk to doctors and counselors about what has caused you to drink and rely on drugs. This is a program for those who aren’t as addicted as they won’t stay at the center. You have to be able to trust yourself to stay away from the things that you are addicted to so that you don’t end up in an inpatient facility. If you can get through the addiction in this manner, then you can live your life with friends and family as you normally would while still getting the help that you need.

When you’re in an inpatient center, you’ll likely see that the environment is relaxing. The bedding is often plush and comfortable, making you feel like you’re more at home. There is an executive rehab center in some locations. This kind of center caters more to professionals who might not want others to know about the addictions that they have. They receive the same kind of treatment, but it’s kept more low-key than other rehab centers.

 

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Holistic Dentistry Tips for a Healthier Mouth and Body

The word “holistic” covers so many health elements nowadays that it’s hard to know what to trust. Too many health “gurus” use the term to encourage general fear mongering, conspiracy theories, misused or abused applications, or simply pad their own wallets by draining yours. There are, however, some truly beneficial holistic practices. You may have even had experience with some through chiropractors, osteopaths, and acupuncturists. Holistic dentistry also fits into the latter grouping as a total body health treatment through dental care. Like any successful medical treatment, holistic dentistry begins with the patient. So how can you help ensure a healthier mind and body in and out of the dentist’s chair?

 

Avoid Fluoride

Traditional dentistry branches encourage fluoride usage in America for its cleaning and enamel strengthening abilities. However, holistic research has proven a link between fluoride ingestion and cellular diseases such as cancer. Some holistic dentists approve the use of topical fluoride, however, it’s essential not to offer the drops or oral rinses to children. Also, be sure to choose a toothpaste free of fluoride and sodium lauryl sulfate (yes, the same stuff that creates lather in shampoo and body wash). A simple phone call to your Fort Lauderdale holistic dentist can answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding that topic.

 

Become More Alkaline

Countless medical maladies are driven by an excess of acid in the body. Fortunately, there are easy ways to balance our pH levels. It’s important to note, however, that over alkalizing the body can lead to problems as well. So focus on alkaline rich foods such as beans, greens, and fruit to limit the dietary acid. Also try to limit soda, coffee, sugar, and processed foods. Not only are they notoriously unhealthy, the acid also immediately breaks down enamel and feeds oral bacteria before starting on the rest of the body.

 

Become a Selective Shopper

Flossing is important, but those commercial brands are loaded with dangerous chemicals. Irrigators are more expensive up front, but the jet of water is just as effective without providing the negative factors of the waxy floss. You don’t have to settle for the alcohol or chemical-laden mouthwashes anymore. Simply rinse with a mixture of Himalayan or sea salt water and a couple drops of mint or clove oil. The results last longer tongue and the salt water mix reduces inflammation in the mouth. Invest in a good tongue cleaner. The U-shaped wire easily scrapes plaque-like residue off of the tongue for a deeper clean. A white coating on the tongue signals a build up of internal yeast, which can be easily controlled with natural probiotics.

 

Prepare for Your Appointments

Sleep and exercise to fight off body inflammation. Prepare a list of questions or concerns early for your dentist. Select music and a trustworthy companion for appointments that involve Fort Lauderdale sedation dentistry – such as removal of mercury fillings. And always arrive on time for your bi-annual appointments. In need of a positive lifestyle change? Switching to a holistic dentist is a piece of cake and just might add life to your years. Contact Dr. Yolanda Cintron at Fort Lauderdale’s International Center for Dental Excellence to schedule your evaluation today.

 

 

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8 Great Apps That Can Help People Beat Addiction

If you or a loved one is battling addiction or substance abuse, you know how difficult the recovery process can be. Attempting to detoxify without professional help can lead to unwanted side effects, and trying to recover without a support system can sometimes seem impossible. If you’re serious about seeking help, consider enrolling in a detox center. Check out https://coastaldetox.com/ for more information.

While detox centers can be a crucial step towards sobriety, technology is also a great way to get started on the recovery process. Technology & addiction are increasingly linked, and there are a number of apps on the market aimed at helping people with addiction turn their lives around. Here are a few great choices.

Sober Grid
Sober Grid gives people struggling with addiction a community of support. People can use the app to reach out to the sober community, and the app gives users the safe environment they need to continue on their journey towards sobriety. No matter the time of the day or the location, people who are struggling can connect with other users instantly.

The app has two key features: Geosocial Networking and Sober Newsfeed. The Geosocial Networking feature lets users connect with sober people nearby, allowing them to make connections wherever they go. The Sober Newsfeed is a place where users can express the daily challenges of living a sober life, and receive the peer support they need to stay on the wagon.

Ascent
For people in need of peer-recovery coaching, Ascent can be an extremely useful app. When users sign up for the app, they are given a customized sobriety plan and access to an experienced peer-recovery coach. This helps users stay on the path of recovery, and gives them access to the tools they need to avoid a relapse.

The app also has a number of other great features, including a community messaging system, a recovery tracker, and an assortment of recovery videos. People can also use the app to find nearby meetings.

SoberTool
If you or a loved one is worried about relapsing, SoberTool offers excellent relapse prevention tools. There are specific thoughts and feelings that lead to a relapse. This app helps users identify potential relapse triggers, and gives them the support they need to break out of these detrimental mental habits. This is known as “sober thinking.”

SoberTool also helps users track the length of their sobriety, provides them with daily inspiration tailored to their current emotional state, and assesses the money they’ve saved by resisting their addiction.

12 Steps AA Companion
People who have found the teaching of Alcoholics Anonymous helpful will want to try this app. It acts as a compendium of many of the key AA teachings, including a Big Book reader and Big Book promises. It also gives users access to a meeting directory, a sobriety calculator, and a contacts list. In keeping with the philosophy of AA, all users can remain anonymous if they choose to.

CassavaSM
If you’re looking to find a support group or meeting, this app has a large database of current meetings. With over 150,000 available meetings, users from all over are sure to find one that meets their individual needs. The app also gives users the ability to track their progress. It gives each user a Sobriety Score, which is based on the number of recovery activities they participate in.

AA Speakers to Go
For some people, soothing and inspirational audio tracks are an effective way to stave off relapses. This handy app compiles over 500 hours of AA tapings, featuring a number of famous speeches. This app can provide people struggling with addiction a must needed jolt of encouragement during dark times.

Friend of Bill
For the most specific sobriety calculator on the market, try Friend of Bill. It keeps track of sobriety to the minute. It also features a number of inspirational slogans and messages. Knowing how far you’ve come can be a great way to stay on the right path. Friend of Bill gives users a daily push in the right direction.

One Day At A Time
This app gives users access to the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. The book is searchable, which can come in handy during AA meetings. The app also has Daily Meditations and contact information.

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Tea is Richer in Vitamins than You Ever Thought

Vitamins in tea aren’t the flashiest topic for budding nutritional researchers. Magazine articles and news reports ramble on about L-theanine levels and ECGC content in a cup of tea, but they seldom ever mention the vitamin content of everyone’s favorite hot beverage. This is a shame because each variety of tea actually offers a completely different vitamin concentration. Getting some extra vitamins from a beloved tea blend is never a bad thing.

 

Vitamins in Green and Black Tea

Riboflavin is one of the most common vitamins. Bakeries are required to put extra amounts in flour. Nevertheless, it’s likely that many people still don’t get enough of this necessary vitamin. It plays a major role in regulating metabolism, and riboflavin is necessary for countless cellular processes. That’s why it’s good news that green tea can give you an extra boost in the riboflavin department. Those who are looking for another major vitamin B constitute, folate, might want to pay close attention to black tea. Each cup can add around 12 mcg of folic acid to your diet.

Manganese is a mineral that the popular health media seems to forget about, but that doesn’t make it any less important. Both black and green tea is a respectable source of manganese. This is especially good news when you consider the fact that it’s hard to get enough of this mineral from the foods that you eat.

Black tea is a better source of potassium than once thought. If you’re drinking a quality blend of black tea, then you’ll get around 88 mg for every full serving that you drink. Potassium can help lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. It may play a role in regulating blood pressure as well. This is good news for the countless tea drinkers who also suffer from cardiovascular problems.

A Word About Ashitaba

Ashitaba is the highest grade of Japanese ceremonial tea according to writers from Urbol, which is perhaps the only Western boutique that sells this highly sought-after blend. The kanji used to spell the word in Japanese can be translated as tomorrow’s leaf. If a leaf from the Ashitaba plant is harvested at dawn, then a new sprout generally grows in overnight. Most farmers notice new growths by the next morning. This regenerative property has long produced numerous stories about how the tea can regenerate diseased individuals.

Many of these stories have now turned out to be quite true. Many treatments from Japanese folk medicine are enjoying support from the scientific community today. A 20th century botanist by the name of Koizumi Gen’ichi preformed a great deal of research on the Ashitaba plant. Koizumi-sensei was fascinated by the long lifespan enjoyed by residents of the islands where this crop is cultivated. He believed there was a connection between the health of these farmers and the high levels of vitamin B12 found in cups of tea brewed from the plant’s leaves.

When he measured the pH level of the tea, he found that micronutrients called chalconoids were abundant in the finished beverage. His findings enjoyed so much support that the term koidzumi is sometimes used to describe cultivars of the plant in his honor. Tea made from this plant features some of the highest vitamin levels of any type of tea.

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Pine Needle Tea’s Unique Benefits and Flavor

Some people might not consider pine needle tea to be a legitimate hot beverage. It’s not technically tea, but it’s still an infusion of plant material into hot water. The high concentrations of vitamin C in a finished cup deserve a second look anyway.

Pine Needle Tea

 

Most nutritional experts talk about citrus fruit as a source of vitamin C, though there are many other sources including vegetables like potatoes. The vast majority of people never seem to get enough in their diet. A single cup of pine needle tea has more vitamin C than even the most active people need. While some tea drinkers with allergies will sometimes recommend it as a decongestant, pine needle tea is perfect for those with an illness based on the vitamin C content alone since it features five times more of this necessary immune-boosting vitamin than a ripe lemon does. A fresh cup also includes a significant amount of vitamin A, which means that it’s best not to overindulge on this unique beverage.

 

Tea Shouldn’t be Your Only Source

No one is suggesting that tea should be your only source of vitamins. You should be eating a balanced diet that gives you a proper mix of vitamins and minerals every day. Getting extra micronutrients from your tea is an added bonus that shouldn’t be ignored, however, so you should feel free to enjoy that extra cup of an exotic new blend while still feeling good about it.

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