YzFit

Lets face it some of us even though we know coffee is bad for us just really want a cup of joe in the morning.  Its just one of those simple pleasures in life and sometimes giving that up is just down right hard(or doesn’t last long).  While I would love to say that I found some magical coffee plant, that spits out beans that makes our cellulite disappear and cures cancer, that is not the case.  However there are a few things you can do in preparing your coffee that can make it less of a health hazard. 

1.) Switch out your cream or milk for either soy milk or almond milk.  Cows milk is the most common food allergy and has been linked to eczema, asthma, sinus congestion and upset stomach.  Also 2% milk is actually 35% fat! (the 2% fat is calculated by weight not by calories!!) Soy is high in calcium and beneficial for heart health, prostate cells, and bone density.  Almond milk is another good alternative as it is high in protein giving the coffee a hint of nut flavor and providing a good alternative for those who do not like soy.

2.) Adding cinnamon to your coffee not only adds in a little extra flavor but gives a nice health boost.  Cinnamon has been linked with increased insulin sensitivity which is helpful in preventing and reversing diabetes.   Studies have shown that those who consume cinnamon have a reduced risk of cancer(breast), Alzheimer’s disease, high blood pressure, accelerated aging and heart disease.

3.) Switch from coffee to an Americano.  Americano is a shot of espresso with hot water.  It taste virtually the same as coffee but 1 shot of espresso will have less caffeine than a traditional cup of coffee. 

Be sure that you are consuming water through out the day to stay hydrated and make up for the diuretic effect that caffeine has.

Tomatoes are excellent sources of Vitamin C, Folate, Potassium, and Lycopene.  Lycopene is a carotenoid found in human serum and skin as well as the adrenal glands, liver, lungs, prostate and colon.  Studies documenting a high intake of Lycopene have shown a reduction in cancer rates.  

SpaFinder is an advocate of skin cancer awareness. They have an industry-wide campaign that focuses on understanding sun damage, self-examination, sunscreen use, and yearly full-body check-ups at the dermatologist. Over 65,000 people every year are diagnosed with melanoma, and 11,000 of those die. It is important to know when your skin is being damaged by the sun. SpaFinder is selling “I Will Reflect” bracelets to help raise awareness of skin cancer. The bracelet is white, but turns lavender when you have had enough harmful ultraviolet rays. It’s an easy and fashionable way to be reminded to go into the shade or reapply sunscreen. You can find the melanoma bracelet for $4.95 at
www.spafinder.com

Artichokes are high on the list of foods that are packed full of antioxidants. In a recent study done by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, artichokes ranked number one as the vegetable with the most antioxidants. Artichokes reduce inflammation throughout the entire body because they contain an antioxidant known as rutin. The reduced inflammation makes you more beautiful by decreasing puffiness and skin redness, and well as reducing wrinkles. Artichokes contain lots of fiber, which helps the body rid itself of toxins. This can help your skin by fighting acne. Artichokes also contain antioxidants known as Cynarin and Silymarin that are especially good for your liver and may prevent liver disease. According to folklore, artichokes have long been reputed to cure liver ailments and liver cancer, as well as curing hangovers. Just one artichoke contains about 25% of your daily requirement for fiber. Artichokes are very low in calories, just remember to watch out for high calorie dips!

Artichoke Nutrition Facts:
• Calories: 60
• Fat: 0 grams
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 115 mg
• Total Carbs: 13 grams
• Fiber: 6 grams
• Sugars: 1 gram
• Protein: 4 grams
• Potassium: 170 mg
• Vitamin A: 4% DV
• Calcium: 6% DV
• Vitamin C: 20% DV
• Iron: 8% DV
(DV = Daily Value)
photo credit: fontplaydotcom

A study done by Marshall University School of Medicine found that eating walnuts every day may help curb breast cancer. The study done on mice found that those that ate walnuts had fewer and smaller tumors than those who didn’t. Walnuts contain antioxidants and significantly higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids than other nuts. They also contain phytosterols, which bind to estrogen receptors and inhibit the growth of breast cancer tumors. The study suggests eating two handfuls of walnuts a day to receive benefits. More research needs to be done with human subjects, but the results are promising. Scientists estimate that eating walnuts every day may push off the development of tumors by up to nine years. Walnuts may also help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and improving blood vessel elasticity. They also reduce C-Reactive Protein, which is an independent marker and predictor of heart disease.

photocredit:FotoosVanRobin

If you think you’re beating the bad effects of cigarettes because you don’t smoke regularly, but still bum one now and then on a night out—you’re kidding yourself! Every puff you take increases your potential for arterial damage. A University of Georgia study found that sporadic smokers who smoked two cigarettes after two days of not smoking were 36 percent less responsive to blood flow changes than nonsmokers. After four cigarettes the arterial response was even worse. Impaired arterial response is the first step to heart disease. Cigarette smokers also have more build up of fatty deposits in their arteries. In fact, the Surgeon General has declared smoking “the leading preventable cause of disease and deaths in the United States.” Secondhand smoke will cause these same effects, so try to avoid it if possible. Smoking also decreases you HDL (good) cholesterol. And don’t forget—it’s bad for your lungs, too!

photo credit: vramak

One-third of printers studied emitted toner particles, a report in Environmental Science and Technology found. These particles could be potentially harmful to your health. Some printers give off as much pollution as a burning cigarette. These particles are a problem because they are so small they are inhaled deep into the lungs. Depending on how well ventilated the area is, these particles can stay in the air from a few minutes to a few hours. The best way to deal with this issue is to make sure the printer is in a well ventilated area. Try to keep the printer in a separate location than your workspace. The closer you are to the printer, the higher the concentration of the particles. If you don’t need to print something—don’t. Not only will you save some trees, you may save your lungs!

photo credit: Sir Adavis