Life

Nature Wonders - Mangoes

Eight Health Benefits Mangoes 

Mango Prevent obesity~

Mango contains a sufficient quantity of

fiber, which causes slow absorption of sugar into the blood stream; helps reducing appetite, maintain blood sugar

levels resulting in controlling body weight.

When the fiber passes through intestines it also eliminates a number of harmful fats of the body.

Mango is also valuable to combat acidity and poor digestion.

1. Improves Digestion

Mangoes are very much beneficial for people suffering from acidity and its enzymes helps to relieve indigestion problems. The Bio-active elements such as Esters, Terpenes and Aldehydes present in mango aids to easy digestion.

2. Lowers Cholesterol

High level of soluble dietary fiber, Pectin and Vitamin C present in mangoes helps to lower serum cholesterol levels specifically Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol.

3. For Better Sex

The Vitamin E which is abundantly present in mangoes helps to regulate sex hormones and boosts sex drive. In many varieties of mango there is about 2.3 to 3 mg of Vitamin E per mango.

4. Improves Concentration and Memory Power

Mangoes are useful to children who lack concentration in studies as it contains Glutamine acid which is good to boost memory and keep cells active.

5. For Treating Acne

Mango helps in clearing clogged pores that causes acne. Just slice the mango into very thin pieces and keep it on your face for 10 to 15 min and then take bath or wash your face. Use warm water for washing your face.

6. High Iron for Women

It’s a known fact that Mango is rich in Iron. People who suffer from anemia can regularly take mango along with their dinner. Generally women after menopause become weak and they should take mangoes and other fruits rich in iron. Pregnant ladies can also take mangoes occasionally as their body needs iron and calcium during that time. Too much consumption of mangoes should be avoided during pregnancy. If you have generally taken lots of mangoes right from your childhood then you can consume mangoes when you are pregnant as it wont affect your body.

7. For Diabetes

Mango is slowly gaining new acclaim as diabetes fighter. Earlier there was a myth that people with diabetes should not eat mangoes but that’s not true. Not only the fruit the leaves also fight against diabetes. Before going to bed put some 10 or 15 mango leaves in warm water and close it with lid. Next day morning filter the water and drink it in empty stomach. Do this regularly.

8. Prevents Cancer and Heart diseases

High amount of antioxidants are present in mangoes. So mango when consumed regularly fights against cancer and other heart diseases. As mentioned earlier it also lowers cholesterol.

8D Laos, Luang Prabang

INTO THE WILD

Day 1

Arrive in Laung Prabang 

Climb the stairs of Mount Phousi and watch the sunset. Transfer back to hotel, stopping along the way at the hilltribe evening market for some shopping.

Day 2

Tour Luang Prabang , visit Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre. 

Learn more about Laos Culture and locally made products by visiting The Stay Another Day exhibit, Enjoy a Lao Tea tasting ceremony.

Day 3

Witness monks leaving their pagodas to receive offerings of food. 

Visit the Kuangsi Waterfalls and Bear Rescue Centre to learn about the conservation program in place for these endangered species.

Day 4

Transfer to Nong Khiaw

Day 5

Depart early morning for Khmu Night Safari in Ban Son Koua. Cruise the Nam Nern River on your night safari.

Day 6

Venture into the jungle and learn about the use of medicinal plants. Transfer to Xamneua to visit weaving houses and local market.

Day 7

Transfer to Viengxay where you can explore this traditional town and the "hidden city" built inside the limestone peaks. Take an audio tour that tells the story of the 'hidden city" through its history.

Day 8

Take time in the morning to explore the beautiful and historical caves of Viengxay, then take a 3 hour drive to Vietnam border to continue your journey or transfer back to Laung Prabang.

Alternative Itinerary

Day 1

Cross the border, where the guide and car will be waiting. After formalities are completed, drive to Viengxay.

Day 2

Discover Viengxay, a town hiding an intricate cave network that sheltered people during the vietnam war. Drive to Sam Neua for a tour of the town, temples, weaving houses and market.

Day 3

Experience a Kamu Night Safari in  Ban Son Koua, an ethnic Khamu Village. Take a boat journey upstream.

Day 4

Embark on a jungle walkwith a guide. Sample earthen jar wine, a local delicacy before driving to the charming town of Nong Khiaw.

Day 5

Embark on an optional trek just out of Nong Khiaw. In the afternoon, drive up to Luang Prabang. As evening arrives, climb Mount Phousi to view sunset over the city and hills.

Day 6

Tour Luang Prabang, stopping at the Royal Palace, temples, Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre and the Stay Another Day Exhibition. A baci ceremony is optional. At a home or temple, join the locals for a traditional Baci Ceremony that involves blessings and offerings. Guest help in the preparation of flowers before being seated on the floor for the ceremonial tying of string bracelets around their wrists. The ceremony is an integral part of Lao culture and is used to bless, welcome or wish good luck. This is a great way to experience Lao tradition with friendly and hospitable locals and the bracelet serving as a memory and keepsake.

Day 7

For early risers, take part in the alms ritual. Visit Kuang Si Falls with an opportunity to visit the Bear Rescue Centre. An optional dinner cruise onboard the Nava mekong is available.

Day 8

Enjoy the morning at leisure before transferring to the airport.

Nature Wonders - Anti-Depressant

Food to Improve Your Moods & Natural Anti-Depressants

Avocado - can elevate your spirit!

(Avocados contain serotonin, a type of feel-good neurotransmitter)

Raw Cocoa - High in magnesium and contains significant quantities of the essential amino acid Tryptophan, which is crucial for the production of the neurotransmitter, serotonin.

Spinach - Nutrient dense and a powerful health - mood and illness prevention food. Spinach is full of vitamin B9 (folate) which helps the body maintain normal levels of the mood-enhancing neurotransmitter serotonin. Low levels of folate are often associated with depression. RDA is around 400 micrograms. *Some other folate rich foods include asparagus, beans and broccoli.

Chia Seeds - A potent vegetarian source of omega 3 and packed with amino acids.

Sunflower Seeds - Their richness in vitamin E - Selenium and Magnesium all contribute to improving your mood! (also rich in selenium)

10 Natural Ways to Fight Depression

1. Exercise! - Studies have shown that regular exercise can be as effective or better than antidepressants or psychotherapy.

2. Gardening! is known for its meditative and relaxing effects. Medical News Today reports UK scientists found a helpful bacteria in soil that affects the brain in nearly the same way anti depressants do - by increasing the release of serotonin.

3. Ingesting good fats! like omega 3 have been known to produce a positive affect on brain neurotransmitters and is critical for the functionality of the nervous system.

4. Meditation! BBC News reports that meditation reduces depression by over 50%.

5. Natural Vitamins! Studies show that vitamin B-12, Folic acid, vitamin D3 and Tyrosine are fantastic vitamins that naturally fight depression. You can find them in foods like: Fish, Oysters, Beans, Nuts, Whole Grains, and Leafy Vegetables.

6. GET MORE SUN!  Light early in the morning is highly effective on altering your mood positively. Natural sunshine and using light therapy have shown they can have a positive effect as well.

7. BURN SOME INCENSE! A study (that can be found at The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology) has shown that burning resin from the Boswellia plant activates ion channels in the brain that alleviate depression. Floracopeia provides high quality, organic frankincense available as incense and oil.

8. WATCH WHAT YOU EAT! Carbohydrates, alcohol - caffeine and dairy have been reported to cause your mood to plummet. Helpful Tip: Try keeping a food diary of the things you eat and the way you feel each day. (big help)

9. St. John's Wort! the wild yellow flower has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. St. John's Wort is helpful in treating mild to moderate depression. According to two large studies, one sponsored by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

10. GET MORE SLEEP! Irritability and mood swings can often be due to lack of sleep. You need about eight hours a night but most people get less! Stay healthy naturally!

Nature Wonders - Coconut

Did you know that coconut water was used during WWII when blood plasma was low, as a blood substitute? Maybe that’s because its one of the most valuable super-foods on earth! Delicious coconut water is so rich, so nurturing, so valuable in regards to minerals, vitamins, electrolytes and alkalizing your system, aids with digestion, helps with diabetes, lowers blood sugar level and is also known for its antibacterial and antifungal qualities. So, yes, these tropical “cocos” are an amazing fruit, and you don’t have to live in Costa Rica to buy yourself fresh coconut water, you can find it in almost every grocery store.

Coconut water is one of the most amazing beverages in the world for hydration. It’s compatible with our biological system and even in some remote areas of the world, it’s been used for intravenous hydration and resuscitation of critically dehydrated patients!

Interestingly, some studies have shown that coconut sugar is useful for lowering the blood pressure, as well as bad cholesterol in the blood.

Arthritis:  The antioxidant selenium found in coconut milk is known to help relieve the symptoms of arthritis by knocking out free radicals and helping to prevent joint inflammation.

Bone health:  Coconut milk contains calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium which all help in building and maintaining strong healthy bones and also help to naturally prevent osteoporosis.

Weight loss:  Plant based saturated fats found in coconut milk and pulp can actually help you lose weight naturally due to the fact that they make you feel full for longer.

Skin health:  Applying coconut milk topically hydrates and invigorates skin, repairing damage and naturally removing wrinkles.  The natural fats help to lock in moisture as well, compensating for environmental stressors and overexposure to chemicals and sunlight.

Heart health:  The saturated fats found in the milk of coconuts can help protect against heart disease by killing major types of bacteria which cause plaque buildup in blood vessels.  People who live on a diet high in coconut and coconut milk tend to have far lower rates of heart disease than those who don't.

Relaxation:  Loaded with magnesium, which helps to relax muscles by calming nerve cells and preventing excess muscle contractions.  Some people claim to sleep better when they consume significant amounts of food containing magnesium.

As you may have noticed, I always emphasis on the beneficial effects of “good” nutrition on our health. It’s so interesting that we already have some simple solutions for many devastating diseases and we still pay tons of money for chemical drugs that may not be as effective as natural remedies. The reason? There is not enough education and studies on natural treatments. Why?

You know the answer!

COCONUT OIL COUGH SYRUP

I found another natural cough syrup/ sore throat remedy! Not everything works for everyone, so I think it’s best to have a few options to try, also, with more options chances are better that you will have ingredients for one of them on hand! The last thing a sick person needs to be doing is running out to the store infecting everyone on the way. Enjoy!

COCONUT BODY SCRUB

Prepare a mixture of coconut oil and sugar (and honey is optional) and rub it over your skin! After 15-30 minutes rinse it off and see how soft and refreshed your skin becomes.

COCONUT TOOTHPASTE

Another toothpaste alternative, Coconut oil and baking soda, what could be easier? The mint drops make a big difference if you don’t like the taste of baking soda.

OTHER USES OF COCONUT

This is a great quick-look poster with a few of the many things you can do with that coconut oil you bought that’s just sitting around. It is not appropriate for high-heat cooking, other than that, at my house we use it for everything. Oil pulling, teeth brushing, hair frizz, baking, sauteing, nail fungus, dandruff, hand moisturizer, bug bites… this stuff is amazing! I don’t know what I ever did without it! You can mix a few drops of essential oil for scented moisturizer or flavored mouth cleaner, personal preference. 

Watch this video and you’d be amazed by how effective coconut oil is on the cure of Alzheimer’s disease.

It’s also interesting to know that coconut oil is not bad for your cholesterol. Coconut oil increases HDL (the good cholesterol) and lessens LDL (the bad cholesterol).

Also note that coconut oil can be effective on some other chronic diseases such as Parkinson, autism, dementia, epilepsy, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and schizophrenia.

Nature Wonders - Pain Killers

20 NATURAL PAIN KILLERS

1 - Ginger! (muscle pain)
2 - Apple Cider Vinegar! (heartburn)
3 - Clove! (toothache)
4 - Garlic! (earache)
5 - Cherries! (headache / joint pain)
6 - Fish! (stomach pain)

7 - Grapes (back pain)
8 - Yogurt (prevents PMS)
9 - Oats (Endrometrial)
10 - Salt (foot pain)
11 - Pineapple (digestive upsets)
12 -Peppermint (muscle pain)

13 - Turmeric (chronic pain)
14 - Flax Seed (breast pain / soreness)
15 - Horseradish (sinus)
16 - Tomato Juice (leg cramps)
17 - Blueberries (bladder infections)
18 - Honey (mouth sores)
19 - Water (injuries)
20 - Coffee (migraines)

Nature Wonders - Hair Masks

4 Homemade Hair Masks

Four different masks for each type of hair that you can easily make in minutes using all-natural ingredients you probably have sitting in your refrigerator or cupboard right now!

Dry hair –Olive Oil and Egg

In need of some major TLC ??? Combine three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with two eggs and apply the mixture to your hair and let the mixture sit for 20 minutes before rinsing in the shower.

The olive oil will help hydrate brittle locks, while the protein in the eggs will promote healthy hair growth.

All hair types — Avocado and Honey

Mask a ripened avocado and mix in a tablespoon of organic honey and allow it to sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it off in the shower.

Avocados are rich in a variety of vitamins and nutrients, including vitamin E and protein, both of which your hair needs to remain soft and healthy. Meanwhile, honey is a natural antibacterial agent.

Oily hair — Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon

Combine 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar with the grated peel of an entire lemon and allow it to set for 15 minutes to absorb the excess oil from your scalp, and then rinse in the shower.

Apple cider vinegar will remove build up from styling products and conditioners and strengthen the hair shaft, leaving you with soft, shiny strands. It will also balance hair’s pH level, kill bacteria, and is a cure for dandruff.

Dry, flaky scalp hair — Banana, Honey and Almond

Mash together 1/2 a ripe banana and add two tablespoons of honey and a few drops of almond oil and allow it to set with a shower cap on for 20 minutes before rinsing.

Bananas can increase the moisture of your hair, smooth frizz and soothe your itchy scalp.

Choose the one that fits you better and bring your hair back to life!! There is no need to buy the priciest conditioners on the market to moisturize and revitalize your hair.

Nature Wonders - Bananas

Not only are bananas delicious, they are filled with marvelous things for your body! They are wonderful plain, with peanut butter, in frosting, in pancakes, sliced on top of cereal, wherever you can think to put them. Enjoy!

Banana is a popular and tasty fruit with some fabulous health benefits, from boosting your mood to helping your digestion. Bananas contain enormous amounts of potassium (each average banana has around 400 mg of potassium) which is important in proper functioning of muscles and nerves system. Bananas are fat and cholesterol free and each banana contains around 110 calories. Interestingly in under-ripe bananas starch constitutes 80-90% of the carbohydrate content, which as the banana ripens changes into free sugars and that’s why it tastes sweeter. Banana contains fiber which can help you in digestion. Also it contains vitamins A and E. Check out this poster to learn more about some of these benefits:

Nature Wonders - 7 Food that help with Headaches

Are you one of the 100 million that people experience headaches in the form of Tension, Migraine headaches and sinus headaches? This happens very often and many people try varied techniques, like turning down the lights and resting until the headaches goes away or taking over-the-counter or prescription pain medications, but they still get those headaches, and what they don’t know is that you can eat certain foods to help alleviate it and even make it disappear for good.

Quinoa

Quinoa provides high levels of magnesium, which can help relax blood vessels, and this can prevent migraines as well as help reduce the frequency with which headaches occur. Magnesium deficiency may interrupt nerve and muscle impulses, too, which can result in irritability that may trigger headaches. Riboflavin, a vitamin called B2 also plentiful in quinoa, may also contribute toward reducing how often migraines occur.

Spinach

Spinach is high in magnesium; containing nearly 40 percent of the daily-recommended intake it also contains high levels of iron, a nutrient vital to warding off headaches due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, spinach contains almost 30 percent of the daily-recommended intake of vitamin C, which helps the body absorb iron. (Those with low iron often experience headaches)

Water

Dehydration is a common cause of headaches. Aim for at least eight glasses of water every day. Add a slice of lemon or lime for more benefits.

Whole grains

Whole grains are a quality source of fiber and rich in magnesium, a mineral that can soothe headaches due to menstruation. Other magnesium-rich foods include seafood, nuts, seeds, avocadoes, raisins and leafy greens

Salmon

This flavorful, fatty fish, along with tuna and mackerel, is rich in omega-3s, healthy fats that have anti-inflammatory properties that can inhibit inflammation in the brain. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil are also high in omega-3s.

Olive oil

Olive oil can help improve circulation, reduce inflammation and balance out hormone levels because of its high in the power antioxidant vitamin E. Other sources of this vitamin include plant oils, nuts and nut butters, seeds and seed butters.

Ginger

Because of its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, this fiery little root is also beneficial in fighting headaches. Make a ginger root tea or nibble candied ginger when you feel a headache coming on.

Nature Wonders - Magnesium, The Super Mineral

Have you had your magnesium today? If you care about your health you will. Magnesium is one of the best kept secrets in the world of essential vitamins and minerals, it is vital to our body and how it works. 

Magnesium is one of the most important minerals for the body and yet, its health benefits are often under-appreciated. This important mineral is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body: Starting with maintaining normal muscle and nerve function to regulating the heart rhythm, from supporting a healthy immune system to keeping bones strong, magnesium plays an essential role. Magnesium also helps control blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure, and plays an important role in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. Check out this amazing infographic to learn more:

Magnesium, a major mineral essential for human health, is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body, according to the National Institutes of Health, and is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Here are some healthy sources of this amazing mineral !

1. Kelp delivers 780 mg of Mg–no other food source comes close to that.
2. Wheat germ provides 440 mg of magnesium.
3. Buckwheat contains a whopping 229 mg of magnesium per serving.
4. A cup of raw chickpeas (Garbanzo beans) delivers more than 230 mg of magnesium.
5. A serving of 3.5 ounces of oysters delivers up 76 mg.
6. Spinach, while not high in Maggie, its 88 mg is nutrient rich and delivers a great way to ease the stress of the day.
7. A half-cup of Almonds and cashews delivers 135 mg.
8. One cup of raw cocoa delivers 420 mg.
9. Let’s not forget the importance of Mg-rich water.
10. Bone broth stock, this nutrient-rich base for all manner of soups has provided a critical source for our minerals.

Nature Wonders - 7 Healing Herbal Tea

1. Chamomile — Soothes the tummy—and the soul

Chamomile is a relaxing tea that contains oils that relax the smooth muscles in the stomach, it can help with digestion, irritable bowel problems and colitis.

Directions: Use 1 tablespoon of flowers per cup of boiling water. Take for 2 months or more for chronic problems.

2. Lemon Balm — Reduces anxiety and restlessness

Lemon balm is a citrus-fresh tea that will help you feel sleepy and also tames tension, nervousness as well as lifting a mild case of the blues.

Directions: Use 1 tablespoon of leaves per cup of boiling water, and drink as needed.

3. Passionflower — Eases you into restful sleep

Passionflower is recommended for insomnia thanks to the sedating substances found in the flower, vine and leaves.

Directions: Use 1 teaspoon of dried herb per cup of boiling water.

4. Peppermint — Helps banish indigestion

Peppermint contains the digestive aid menthol that eases stubborn indigestion and gas to quell nausea and vomiting

Directions: Use 1 tablespoon of mint leaves per cup of boiling water.

5. Rosemary — Can ward off headaches

Rosemary wards off some stress-induced headaches, it also prevents headaches caused by vasoconstriction, since it helps keep blood vessels dilated, and this fragrant herb also perks up roasts and poultry.

Directions: Use 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary per cup of boiling water.

6. Sage — Banishes night sweats

Sage will help you get a good night sleep and relax by reducing night sweats, it also seasons poultry stuffing.

Directions: Use 4 heaping tablespoons of dried sage in 1 cup of boiling water. Cover tightly, and steep for 4 hours or more. Strain, then drink.

7. Thyme — Reduces cough, bronchitis, sinus pressure

Thyme tea is perfect to relax the bronchial spasms caused by the trigger coughing due to colds and similar afflictions.

Directions: Use 2 teaspoons of dried thyme per cup of boiling water, steep for 10 minutes, and drink three times a day.