Tag: healthy

Healthy Immune System Improved from Cinnamon Oil

 

Cinnamon is an aromatic spice that is made from the peeled and dried bark of cinnamon trees. It has been used not only as a spice, but also as a medicine and as a trade commodity for hundreds of years.

Benefits of Cinnamon Oil

Anti-inflammatory

Cinnamon oil is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve stiff muscles and joints. It is also recommended for people suffering from arthritis and can even alleviate headaches caused by colds.

Treatment for Type II Diabetes

Cinnamon has been found to decrease blood glucose concentration and enhance insulin sensitivity.

Chemopreventive drug

Cinnamon has become one of the most common herbal medicines used for inhibiting tumor growth, particularly in cervical cancer. The reports have shown that cinnamon can cause apoptosis, or cell death, of cervical cancer cells.

Improves Blood Circulation

Cinnamon contains blood thinning properties, which makes the blood circulate in the body effectively. Good blood circulation helps transport the oxygen through all parts of the body. This will result in the proper functioning of all the body systems. It will also prevent heart attacks and stroke.

Antibacterial Properties

Cinnamon oil also has antibacterial properties, as well as anti-fungal, antiviral and antiseptic properties. It is effective in treating infections outside the body and can penetrate deeper into the body as well. Cinnamon oil has also been found to destroy staph infections and germs in the gall bladder.

Different Healthy Ways to Include Cinnamon with Food

  • Add cinnamon to cereal and rice pudding.
  • Ground cinnamon is a great spice for fruit pies such as pear, peach, apple, prune, and apricot.
  • Ground cinnamon can be added to beef or lamb marinades.
  • Cinnamon tea with honey has added health benefits.
  • Boiled milk with a cinnamon stick improves sleep.
  • Make a healthier cinnamon toast without sugar – substitute honey.

Different Types of Cinnamon

Saigon Cinnamon

Saigon cinnamon or Vietnamese cinnamon has superior flavor and odor. It is used mainly in ground form. It is often found in baked goods and processed foods.

Ceylon Cinnamon

It has a subtle and mild scent and is slightly sweeter. It is often seen rolled as a cigar and is soft and crumbly to the touch. It also appears lighter in color. Ceylon cinnamon has low coumarin levels, which are linked to liver failure. So, for those who want to take cinnamon as a daily supplement, Ceylon is the perfect choice.

Cassia Cinnamon

Cassia cinnamon, also known as Chinese cinnamon, is hard, hollow and has only one layer.

Korintje Cinnamon

An intense and spicy cinnamon it is smoother than the others, which is why it is a common choice for bakeries. It is also cheaper, but has a great flavor.

Conclusion

The flavor of cinnamon oil has always been unique. Its aroma is one of the most fragrant and addictive. A daily dose of this spice has many health benefits that will help improve your immune system. So why don’t you try some now?

10 Tips for Raising a Healthy Eater

(DrFrankLipman – Courtney Blatt) Parenting comes with lots of joy, but it can also be stressful when trying to balance all the ‘should do’s’ in your life.  As a practicing health coach and mom, I know one of my most important responsibilities is to make sure my child is well nourished-both emotionally and physically.  I’m often asked how I find time to cook and actually get my toddler to eat my healthy meals.

I started this journey by reading books and speaking to experienced colleagues within my nutrition-based community, but in the end I decided to follow my intuition. Once my son was old enough to eat solids, I asked myself, why can’t he just eat what I eat? I made it my mission to start him on a path of eating real, fresh food, just like I eat real, fresh food.

Now that he’s a toddler it’s gotten a bit more challenging, but with a little creativity and resourcefulness he’s on a great path. His diet is full of whole foods and we’ve managed to skip the typical child’s menu altogether. Whoo hoo!

Here are my top 10 tips to setting your child up for a lifetime of healthy eating habits:

1. Keep your Pregnancy Diet Clean

Research shows that what we eat while pregnant shapes our child’s food preferences later in life. Wow, is this true. I ate a ton of veggies during my pregnancy, and now my son’s favorite foods are plain, cut vegetables.

2. Don’t Cook Twice

As long as you’re eating fresh, whole foods, there’s no reason for a child to eat different foods than you. Luckily toddlers often want to eat what you’re eating. By setting a good example, it will encourage them to eat healthy foods too!

3. Keep a Set Schedule

With a regular sleeping and eating regimen kids are much less likely to ask for food outside meal or snack times.

4. Don’t use Food as a Reward

Giving your child treats for good behavior early in life sets them up for emotional eating habits a an adult.

5. Be Creative

Come up with ways to introduce different foods and flavors. If your little one doesn’t like a certain food the first time he tries it, present it another way. My son despised beans the first time I made them. I tried again with a simple chicken chili recipe and now it’s a staple in our house!

6. Plan Ahead for the Week

It’s easy to fall in the trap of reaching for processed food shortcuts if you don’t know what you’re making for a meal in advance. On Sunday night, I plan meals and shopping times for the week so I don’t get overwhelmed.

7. Utilize a Slow Cooker

It’s a great tool for making food for the entire family. You can also cook a large batch when you have time, and freeze in small containers for easy meals in busy weeks to come.

8. Be Flexible and Give Choices

If a meal isn’t working out, try giving your child another choice. Toddlers love to show their independence, so give them the opportunity to choose between two healthy options.

9. Skip the Kid’s Menu

Almost every option on the kid’s menu is fried, loaded with butter, or smothered in cheese. So what alternatives do you have? Ask them to make a small version of what you’re ordering. If that doesn’t work, request they grill the protein instead of frying it and add a vegetable. Or just order an extra side and share your meal!

10. Don’t Make Food an Issue

The last thing you want is your child feeling deprived. If he’s at a birthday party or event and there are limited options, it’s not the end of the world. Chances are if your child is eating healthy, they’ll develop an inclination for healthy foods. With any luck once they can make their own decision, they won’t even want the junk food!