Nutrition Archives - Smart Health Shop

5 Health Benefits of the Turmeric Plant

Turmeric is a spice that has been used throughout history, not only for its robust flavor but also for its myriad of health benefits.

The turmeric plant is also in the same family as ginger — the Zingiberaceae family. They’re both also rhizomes, or plant stems.

You can commonly find turmeric in the spice aisle and use it to flavor some popular dishes, such as curry. Its yellow-orange hue stands out from other common spices.

Because of its health benefits, turmeric supplements are becoming more common.

But what are these health benefits? Will turmeric improve your health? Here are 5 benefits of turmeric.

1. Anti-Inflammation

Inflammation is our body’s natural response when something is wrong. Short-term inflammation isn’t worrisome because your immune system communicates with other bodily areas to repair any damage.

However, chronic inflammation can hinder your natural body processes. This is when anti-inflammatory compounds come in. Turmeric has been used as an anti-inflammatory aid throughout history.

This study shows turmeric blocks NF-kB, a molecule that activates inflammation.

2. Improves Brain Function

This study shows turmeric can increase BDNF, a growth hormone located in the brain.

Lack of BDNF has been linked to many brain ailments, from depression all the way to Alzheimer’s. The secret lies within curcumin, which is a substance in the turmeric plant.

While turmeric may not fully cure these ailments, they can prevent and delay brain-related diseases.

3. Increases Your Body’s Antioxidant Capacity

Oxidation causes many bodily ailments and can even accelerate aging. This is why we consume antioxidants — to try and reverse or delay the oxidation effects.

Fortunately, antioxidants are abundant in many foods and supplements, such as turmeric.

Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that can fight off free radicals in the body. In addition, curcumin is powerful enough to activate your body’s own antioxidant enzymes.

4. Turmeric Can Prevent Cancer

While its treatment is still debatable, there are studies that suggest turmeric can prevent cancer. For example, this study found turmeric played a role in cancer development, growth, and even the spreading of cancer.

However, it’s unclear how we can dose or take turmeric. However, turmeric gummies and supplements have the most promise.

5. Lowers Your Risk of Heart Disease

Heart disease is deadly on a global scale. However, it’s complex and there are many steps in the heart disease process. This is why heart disease treatment is difficult.

While turmeric can’t cure heart disease, compounds such as curcumin can help reverse its effects.

For example, curcumin improves the endothelium’s function. The endothelium is the lining of the blood vessels. Endothelial dysfunction is a major heart disease contributor.

Treat and Prevent Diseases with the Turmeric Plant

From protecting the brain to reversing heart disease, the turmeric plant is more powerful than we could ever expect. Turmeric and its compound curcumin benefits our body and even our mental health in many ways.

Whether you take a turmeric supplement or use it in your food, it’s important you consume turmeric daily.

Need more diet advice? Continue reading our blog.

Have you tried the Cocktail Trends of 2019?

We all know that alcohol is injurious to health, but who doesn’t want to try the trendy new cocktails? Here we have some of the greatest cocktails you can try out which are right now on the trending list this year. Most of them are available in the nearest restaurants, bars, and pubs. On the contrary, you can prepare them at home if you have all the necessary ingredients. For the people who are inclined towards trying out new cocktails, this article is meant for you. So, go through it and enjoy and surely don’t forget to try one of them.

Elevated Cocktails

This year, it is not about the regular cocktails. The list is being upgraded with some of the amazing cocktails. Bartenders around the world have initiated this process to add interesting cocktails to the menu. All these cocktails added in the menu are unique in their way. They are created using homemade tonics, juices, and syrups. Besides fermented ingredients are also a huge part of these cocktails. If you haven’t tried any of them then try it now.

The Pairing of Unexpected Ingredients

Have you ever thought that ingredients such as black sapote, perennial grains, chorizo, endive, anchovy, and blessed thistle could be used in cocktails? The bizarre experiments on cocktails have led the bartenders to include vegetables in these unique cocktails. These extraordinary combinations look bizarre but they taste brilliant. Who would have imagined that chayote, tomatillo, and fiddleheads will be a part of cocktails?

Mushroom Infused Drinks

Do you wish to try some mushroom-infused drinks? As we all know that mushrooms are famous for their nutrient value, but how does it help a cocktail? Well, bartenders have developed new ways to induce mushrooms in cocktails. There are drinks made with mushroom and vodka, mushroom and wine, etc. For instance, the mushroom- and thyme-infused vodka, mushroom tea mixed with sparkling wine and fungi Irish coffee are some of the exotic cocktails.

Cocktails with Food

These cocktails are not served with snacks but they are made with food items. Even it does sound a little odd, but they look and taste brilliant. The famous gyro inspired gin with mint, cucumber, lemon, and Greek yogurt is a great example for these types of cocktails. Some amazing food ingredients used in cocktails are beet, bacon, bone broth, gravy, and Szechuan peppercorns. All these ingredients add a different taste to the cocktail. Bartenders are going crazy after serving these cocktails. It is like people are craving for such more quirky cocktails.

Trending Cocktails around the World

Moscow Mule

Trending on the top of the list, this cocktail is a vodka classic. This copper-clad Moscow Mule is still a star cocktail at 82% bars round the world.

Aperol Spritz

Another beauty in the cocktail menu is the Aperol Spritz. This is also a classic cocktail from the 1950s. Almost 40% of the bars around the world serve this as one of their best cocktails. It is more of a mocktail but you can blend some alcohol to make it a lovely cocktail.

Margarita

One of the best tequila classics ever is the Margarita. Almost 45% bars all across the world are still drooling over Margarita. Besides, it recently got an upgrade which brought it into the trending cocktail list. Infuse mozzarella with tequila, add basil, lime, orange bitter, cherry tomato shrub, celery and agave nectar to it. The result is marvelous beauty both for the eyes and your taste buds.

Espresso Martini

The Espresso Martini is back in the race of trending cocktails. Thanks to the recipe which is again drawing huge customers at the bar. This cocktail is also known as Vodka Espresso as it is made of two main ingredients, vodka, and coffee. Trending among the top cocktails, this is going to stay for quite a long time now.

Dry Martini

Dry Martini is another mouthwatering cocktail belonging to the gin family. Also, it is known as Vodkatini because you can swap the gin with vodka. Either way, it is a lovely cocktail. As much as 35% bars around the world have listed this cocktail among the top 10 of their menu.

Daiquiri

The only rum cocktail to make into the top trends of cocktail list is the daiquiri. This Cuban classic is pouring glasses after glasses and people love it truly. As much as 58% bars all across the world serve it as the best rum cocktail. It is a popular cocktail which is also a part of the trending cocktail list of 2019.

Whiskey Sour

This cocktail is consistent in the trending list for the past couple of years. The classic whiskey sour recipe was first published in the year 1862 in The Bon Vivant’s Companion. This is a book written by Jerry Thomas. Since then this recipe exists in every bar of the world. It revived recently again and made it to the trending cocktail list of 2019.

Negroni

This Italian cocktail is too sweet for your alcohol thirst. There is a story behind its name being Negroni. It was Count Camillio Negroni who ordered a strong Americano and was served with gin instead of soda water by bartender Fosco Scarselli. Since then, the cocktail is in the top list of most bars. Another cocktail developed from the classic Negroni which is known as Dante’s Negroni. The recipe of Dante’s Negroni is, ¾ ounce of Campari, 1 once of Bombay Sapphire and ¾ ounce of Martini Rossi. These ingredients blend to deliver this trending cocktail.

All these above-mentioned cocktails have revived from the past and now are on the trending list of cocktails for this year. Some are still in their old fashioned way while others just got a makeover to suit customer demands. Either way, you will experience some with among these cocktails. So, which one are you going to try next when you visit a bar? You can also learn about the recipes in details and try them out at home.

Yes, Vaping Is Considered a “Smart” Health Choice

Well, there is a lot of talk about vaping being a smart thing for you. But the truth is that there is a lot of information out there that can confirm that. So, no matter what your perspective is- about vaping- you will eventually agree that vaping is a great thing for you especially if you have been a cigarette smoker for years. Yes, you can quit smoking.

See, almost seven out of every ten smokers want to stop the habit. And if you make up your mind, you will find it is easy since you do not have to quit immediately and starve. You can shift to vaping as you gradually reduce intake of nicotine with time. Eventually, you will completely stop smoking through getting vapes from buyv2cigs.co.uk. Here is why vaping is such a smart health choice for you.

It doesn’t have a Distinct Odor

Do you find this statement tacky? Well, it could be so but it is true that you may not want to have a nasty smell from a cigarette. Look: the smoke from the cigarette will not only damage your respiratory tract including the lungs but will also hang on to everything you handle.

Yes, even if you have a baby around you, the odor will hang on their clothes. And even on your bed, chairs and almost everything around you. But vaping does not have that discrete odor that can hand on your clothes. Heck no! Its smell is simply amazing and no residues whatsoever.

Helps you Quit Smoking

As mentioned above, 7 out of every 10 cigarette smokers keep encouraging themselves to quit smoking. But it is not always easy. Truly, you may not simply wake up on a Saturday morning and vow that you have stopped smoking. It will prove to be the hardest you have ever attempted.

You need something to help you out. This ‘thing’ will help you get the same satisfaction as a cigarette as you gradually reduce its use. So, here is the deal: Get yourself an e-cigarette. Simply, start vaping today and you will soon refrain from smoking regular cigarettes. You will love the vapor more than the cigarette smoke you are used to since it comes in numerous amazing flavors. Try it today.

Vaping is far-much Safer

Well, smoking cigarettes has a plethora of health complications that you can escape as long as you are used to smoking. Health risks such as lung cancer, respiratory problems, gum diseases, teeth discoloration, etc. are linked to smoking cigarettes. So, you can agree smoking cigarettes is not safe for your health.

Here is a smart option: Vaping! With this, you do not risk getting illnesses associated with smoke containing harmful substances because e-cigarettes contain e-juice that produce vapor. Your white tooth will not turn yellowish or brownish; gums will not develop issues and many more health benefits that come with vaping.

Conclusion

You have seen that vaping is such a smart health choice for you. If you want to quit smoking, it about time you considered buying e-cigarettes. You will be safer, and won’t hallways have smelly clothes or anything around you. Hopefully, you will enjoy your vape.

5 Key Health Benefits of Using Cayenne Pepper

It seems like some of life’s most complex mysteries have the simplest answers.

For example, the United States is facing an epidemic health problem, the average American is overweight or obese. Yet, all we need to do is eat better foods, and be more active. Complex problem, simple solution.

Similarly, if you looked at simple tricks, such as using cayenne pepper in your diet, you may find some unexpected aid for problems that are seemingly unrelated.

Keep reading to see how adding this one simple ingredient can have a great effect on your health!

Benefits of Using Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper has dozens of benefits for the human body, both when it’s consumed and used in a topical agent. However, we’ve broken the list down to our top five picks.

1. Stave Off Hunger

Interestingly consuming cayenne pepper has shown to reduce how much people eat throughout the day. In fact, these studies show that people ingesting cayenne pepper reduced their food intake by up to 16%.

Using cayenne pepper helps you eat less because it reduces the amount of ghrelin you produce, which is a chemical in your body that makes you hungry.

2. Pain Relief

Our bodies have a chemical called substance P which sends pain messages to our brains. Using cayenne pepper in topical solutions for nerve and joint pain reduces the amount of substance P.

Cayenne pepper has also been shown to help with migraine and stomach pain.

3. Improves Digestion and Metabolism

In your digestive system, cayenne pepper acts as a catalyst. It stimulates salivary glands, which helps with digestion and bad breath. It also helps push digestive enzymes through while aiding in defense against infections.

Many diet pills work through a process called thermogenesis. However, they also contain tons of chemicals and “proprietary blends” which is supplement-speak for “anything we want”.

Using cayenne pepper will give you the same thermogenic result without the risk! It heats up your body, speeding up your metabolism.

4. Helps with Detox

Using cayenne pepper is a common tactic people employ for detoxifying their bodies. It has many properties that help our natural processes push bacteria and toxins out of the body.

Detox can mean many things. To most of us, detox means a simple flush of chemicals, bacteria and toxins out of our bodies.

However, detox for other people can mean something more serious, such as detoxing from drugs or alcohol, which can be much worse. For example, Oxycodone withdrawal can be physically and mentally painful, even life-threatening.

5. Could Help Fight Cancer

While admittedly a bold claim, some research suggests that using cayenne pepper may actually aid in fighting off cancer. The capsaicin in cayenne pepper appears to be toxic to cancer cells.

The cancer cell exposed to cayenne pepper were both inhibited and killed off. More research is being done in this field, but the results have been promising.

Be Creative

Using cayenne pepper can come in many different forms. You don’t have to do an extreme detox cleanse or anything like that!

Add some cayenne pepper to some meals for some extra kick, or throw some in a drink throughout the day. You can also get cayenne pepper in an easy-to-use pill form.

No matter what, it seems silly to leave something so helpful and so simple just sitting on the table.

Start using cayenne pepper today!

Harmful Effects of the use of alcohol on Human Brain

The impact of alcohol on the human body begins from the moment your first draught. When you start drinking alcohol, you feel sociable, happy, confident and relaxed. It is a drink that is taken for pleasure and peace of mind. All its pleasurable effects are unable to deny. It makes it simple to forget the harmful effects such as plenty impairments, impaired motor functions, impaired memory, poor judgment, warped thinking, reduced coordination, slowed reflexes and many more. The negative impact occurs whenever you drink it. Drinking alcohol can cause high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, brain reduction and many more.

Aside from the harms on the body, the use of alcohol can cause societal withdrawal, violent behavior, anxiety, and depression. For understanding alcohol abuse on human actions, you must learn about its impact on the brain. A small amount of alcohol if it is taken frequently can cause an increase in unprotected sex, dangers of domestic violence, injury, suicide, motor vehicle accidents, and drowning. It causes unbelievable damage to the human brain in routine life. Some of the common disorders due to alcohol are given below.

Stress

Alcohol creates stress, and it is behind several mental and physical health issues. It is not suitable for health because it damages the body in different ways. It can create brain fatigue and inflammation. The reason behind it, are the changes in three hormones that control mood through dopamine, Serotonin, and cortisol. Cortisol is the hormone that activates during stress for keeping you awake and alert. Dopamine and Serotonin help you in keeping fresh, jolly, motivated and calm. Due to the disturbance in the hormone secretion, the brain function gets disturbed.

Neurodegenerative Disorders

When a person loses some brain faculties due to the structural changes in the brain, he/she has to face neurodegenerative disorders. Due to the use of an excess amount of alcohol, cognitive abilities are disturbed patient feels difficulty in retrieving a memory, processing information, and learning. It kills the brain cells and impairs cognition permanently.

Getting complete knowledge about your disorder is your first right. Search and learn about your mental issues. Before treating brain disorders, you must focus on the causes of the problem. Frequent use of alcohol can make the situation worse for you. Knowing about an object is essential for the treatment.

Brain Fog

One of the most severe brain disorders is brain fog. Do you feel that you are distracted or forget things? It is a visible sign of brain fog. It is a state of clouding of consciousness that can be mild or severe. It can create mental confusion that can strike you without any warnings. The reasons behind this mental disorder are side effects of medications, neurological disorders, nutritional deficiencies, substance abuse, stress, lack of sleep and others. Its visible signs are difficulty in learning new things, lack of mental clarity, confusion, and poor short term memory. It can be harmful to your routine, personal and professional life if it is not treated on time.

How to Stay Healthy?

Keeping your body healthy should be a priority for everyone. From minor health issues such as headache, cold, sore throat to major health conditions like sugar and pressure, all disorders have an impact on your body. Taking care of your body properly will make you healthier which will help you in leading a healthy and happy life.

Most of the health issues require regular monitoring and check-ups for which you will have to visit your nearest health centers or hospitals regularly. Your habits and routine play a huge role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You will have to take care of your health by regularly exercising, eating good food, quit smoking if you are a chain smoker. For example, if you are a chain smoker, you can try alternative methods to cut down your cigarettes such as vaping. However, smoking and vaping are considered harmful to your health. Work, social life and happiness get affected if you are not leading a healthy lifestyle. Good health is the foundation of a happy life for you and your family.

Staying healthy for a more extended period is the only way you can lead a happy and stress-free life. As precaution is better than cure, eating healthy food and regularly exercising helps you to stay fit and happy.

How Eating Healthy Keeps You Fit?

Food has a major role in helping you to lead a healthy lifestyle. What you eat and how you eat are very important factors for your body. You should always eat food which will help you to stimulate your energy and increase the metabolism processes by absorbing good vitamins and minerals.

Healthy food reduces the number of fats you consume, increases your immunity power and helps all your organs to function smoothly and correctly. It will also benefit you in keeping your mind calm and works to its optimum which will help you in having a stress-free life.

A healthy diet plays a vital role in maintaining proper fitness and helping you lead a healthy life. Eating unhealthy food would obtain unnecessary in numerous organs and force you to be obese. A healthy diet will make sure that you face fewer problems in your daily activity because of the energy it provides to your body. A poor diet will increase the deficiency of minerals in your body and would make you lazy and inactive. Gaining unnecessary fats in your body would accompany a lot of complications as you grow old.

Why is Fitness Very Important?

A healthy diet and daily exercising will help you to stay fit. A fit body will have fewer health problems. In the present scenario, people tend to sit in front of computers in offices and are occupied with their work. They don’t get enough time to exercise properly or maintain a balanced diet. Nowadays, a lot of organizations are stressing on their employees to maintain a proper work-life balance and stay fit.

Apart from the above, you should prioritize exercising regularly and manage your time with your work schedule. Few examples to exercise in the office are:

– You can avoid elevators and use the staircase in your office building or your housing complex. Try to utilize your free time and exercise.

– If you have a habit of listening to music, you can take a morning walk by putting on your headphones and walking a minimum of 3 kilometers daily. A morning walk is not only good for your health but is also good for your mind.

– Exercise helps your mind to stay calm and active. It also helps in diverting your mind from your regular work-related tensions and reduces stress.

How quitting Cigarettes Helps?

It is understandable that smoking cigarettes are harmful to your lungs for several obvious reasons. Inhalation of tobacco (smoking cigarettes involves burning tobacco), can cause oesophageal cancers, lung cancers, respiration problems, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), emphysema, bronchitis, sinus issues and a lot of more deadly lung infections. Cigarette smoke directly attacks the lungs in a lot of ways. Cigarettes consist of several harmful chemicals like nicotine and carcinogens which are dangerous for your lungs and body. Vaping, on the other hand, doesn’t produce carcinogens in such large quantities which can be considered as risky for your health and also doesn’t have any solid particles which may hamper your cells or tissues, unlike smoking. It is proved that Vaping doesn’t contain any major chemicals and most of the things which actually cause harm to your lungs are absent.

How Cutting Sugar Could Change Your Life

Many of us have a sweet tooth and many overindulge in sugar. Sugar is actually an addictive substance and your body can crave it and want more. Many people know all too well about sugar cravings and the intense feeling of a downer after consuming too much sugar. Whilst it may seem impossible, cutting sugar from your life can have many beneficial impacts and with the right willpower, it is possible. Even if you cannot completely cut it from your life, cutting down on this sweet substance can change your life, here’s how.

Weight Loss

Sugary foods are one of the easiest ways to gain weight. One chocolate bar can contain as many calories as we are supposed to eat in a day but because it tastes good it is difficult to say no. If you are determined to lose weight, cutting as much sugar from your diet as you can is one way to do so. There is sugar in almost anything we eat and sometimes we do not realize just how much sugar we are consuming. Next time you go food shopping, check how much sugar is in the things you buy, such as ready-made pasta sauces. Choosing to make your own could reduce the amount of sugar you are consuming. Cutting back on sugary drinks and cutting back on sugar in your hot drinks can all aid in weight loss. When you take a step back and look at how much sugar you are consuming in one day, you may be surprised.

Healthier Teeth

Sugar negatively impacts our teeth and even if you look after your teeth in every other way, sugar could ruin all your hard work and cause cavities. Cutting back on sugar can give you a healthier set of teeth and gums and minimizes the risk of bacteria build-up which can then cause plaque. The bacteria that can be found on the teeth and gums love sugar, so the more sugar you eat, the more they can feed and grow. These bacteria then release acid when feeding on this sugar, which causes tooth decay over time. If you do eat anything sugary, make sure that you brush your teeth afterward as the longer you leave it, the worse it can impact on your teeth. Brushing twice a day and attending the dentist regularly can also help in taking good care of your teeth, find out more here.

More Energy

For many, eliminating sugar from their diet can lead to more energy. Whilst at first it can be hard to kick the sugar habit as your body has become reliant on the stuff, getting through this cranky and fatigued stage allows you to be more focused and alert. If you constantly find it difficult to concentrate on situations and focus on tasks, it could be that cutting sugar from your life changes this forever. For some, this is one of the biggest benefits of cutting sugar from their diet. A change in blood sugar causes a burst of energy that is usually followed by an immediate drop, which causes you to become sluggish, so whilst it may feel like sugar is giving you more energy, the aftermath is worse.

Improves Mood

Especially for women, cutting sugar can improve mood. Women have a lot more hormonal changes to deal with than men and adding sugar into the mix can worsen the situation. Sugar affects the body in a variety of different ways and when you are craving sugar you can become irritable and moody. Combine this with the time of the month and you can become extremely hot-headed. If it has come to the point where sugar affects your mood, it may be time to cut back on the sweet stuff. Studies have also been carried out which link high-sugar diets to depression and anxiety. A healthier diet will improve your overall mental wellbeing and the state of your physical health can impact the state of your mental health.

Better Complexion

Although not the only reason for spots, sugar can have negative impacts on the skin and those who consume a lot are more likely to develop spots. This is due to the fact that an increase in blood sugar levels from a sugary treat will increase oil production and inflammation, which may play a part in developing acne. A better complexion begins with what you put into your body, not what you put on your skin. This means cutting back on sugar and drinking lots of water. This isn’t something that will happen overnight but cutting down on your sugar intake will lead to a better complexion, especially if you consume a lot of sugar, to begin with. If you are prone to spotty skin, perhaps think about your sugar intake as this may be causing or contributing to your poor complexion.

Reduces the Risk of Some Health Problems

Those who consume a lot of sugar are more likely to be overweight which brings with it many health problems including diabetes and heart disease. Whilst eating sugar, in general, does not cause diabetes, it is the effect that this has on the body which could cause it. Weight gain from consuming too much sugar increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes, so changing your lifestyle can stop this condition from occurring. There have been studies carried out that prove those with high-sugar diets are more at risk of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for people worldwide. Furthermore, being overweight can lead to many forms of cancer, so cutting down on that sugar may actually save your life.

Cutting sugar from your life completely, or at least cutting down on the stuff dramatically has so many health benefits. For those with a poor complexion or for those who find it difficult to concentrate, cutting sugar could change your life. If you want to lose weight and reduce the risk of other health complications, consider cutting sugar from your life.

The Truth About Vaping: It Can Help You Quit Smoking

The dangerous consequences of smoking are obvious and well-publicized, yet people keep doing it.

Why is that?

Because it’s so hard to quit.

The best way to prevent death from tobacco-related diseases is to not start smoking in the first place. For many people, it’s far too late for that option.

Fortunately, there is a way to quit smoking and lessen your risk of death from its effects- vaping.

You’ve probably heard about vaping by now. If you haven’t tried it or aren’t sure what it is, vaping is a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes.

The truth about vaping is that it has been proven to help you quit smoking. Keep reading for more information about vaping and how it can help you kick the habit.

What is Vaping?

Vaping is using an e-cigarette, which is a battery-powered device that heats a liquid to release aerosol vapor that is inhaled.

The liquid contains propylene glycol, flavorings, and nicotine. Companies like VaporDNA produce a variety of vape juices and accessories for you to choose from.

Vaping has fewer health risks than smoking cigarettes. They do not contain tobacco, filters, or paper. They also don’t burn like cigarettes.

Most people don’t call them e-cigarettes anymore. Vaping can be done without using nicotine which poses even less risk to your health.

The Truth About Vaping

The truth about vaping is that not only is it a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes, but it can also help you quit smoking.

While the ultimate goal is to quit using nicotine altogether, vaping is an effective stepping stone in that process. Users can choose the type of vaping juice they want to use.

They can choose ones with nicotine or without and can even choose products with smaller amounts of nicotine than others.

A new study has proven that vaping can effectively help you quit smoking.

This study used 900 people who wanted to quit smoking. They gave half of the participants e-cigarettes and half nicotine replacement products like patches and gums.

The participants also received weekly individual counseling for four weeks. At the one year mark, participants were tested by measuring exhaled carbon monoxide to confirm smoking cessation.

The study found that twice as many of the participants who were assigned to vaping successfully quit smoking than those who used traditional nicotine replacement products.

Not only that but among those who had successfully quit, 80% of the vaping group had maintained their therapy and only 9% of the nicotine replacement group were still using the products.

Reported side effects from cigarette use like coughing and producing phlegm dropped in the group assigned to vaping. Ultimately, e-cigarette users were twice as successful at quitting smoking than nicotine replacement users.

Advocates of vaping have long stated that using e-cigarettes can help you quit smoking. This new study has proven these claims to be true.

Start Vaping Today

If you have been wanting to stop smoking, hopefully learning the truth about vaping has given you inspiration. Vaping will help you quit smoking and improve your health.

For tips on how to make the switch, check out this article.

Best Fruits for a Diabetic Diet

Our lives have become so complicated these days that every person seems to be having one health issue or another. Some people have to take daily medications due to problems like high blood pressure while some have to depend on insulin injections to combat diabetes and blood sugar problems. If you also have diabetes and you are looking for diet and lifestyle changes that can help, then you should read on to know the best fruits for a diabetic diet.

Clear the Myth

Many people believe that fruits are not good for people who have blood sugar issues as they are often loaded with fruit sugars. This is not altogether correct. Though there are some fruits loaded with fruit sugars, the sugar levels are not as bad as refined sugars. Also, all fruits are packed with fiber, minerals, and vitamins which help in regulating the blood sugar and might reduce your dependence on insulin injections. In addition to fruits, you should also consider depending on reliable supplements like this one- https://www.yeswellness.com/lorna-vanderhaeghe-glucosmart-with-chirositol.html to help control the blood sugar.

The Best Way to Have Fruits as a Diabetic Patient

If you have diabetes, you should stay away from juices, especially processed juices as it might increase your sugar levels. Instead, you should consume the fruits in their natural form. It is also a smart idea to avoid processed fruits that have been preserved by adding additional sugars as they might raise your blood sugar levels as well. The best way to have fruits is to have them fresh and pick them from the produce aisle or freezer section of the nearest grocery store.

Ø Have More Berries

When wondering which are the best fruits for a diabetic diet, you should add berries to the list. You can choose the berries you like best, be it strawberries, blueberries or any other types of berries you fancy. Berries are also great for your overall health as they are loaded with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. They also have low GI levels which help diabetic patients. They are a low-calorie option as well because a cup of fresh berries has just 62 calories and 16 grams of carbohydrates. If you are tired of having them fresh, you can have berries in a parfait and add layers of nonfat yogurt to the berries to make a breakfast addition or a dessert post dinner.

Ø Go for Apricots

Another low-calorie fruit option for people with diabetes is apricot as a single apricot has only 17 calories and 4-gram carbohydrates. Having just one apricot a day will make up 50 percent of your body’s requirement of vitamin A. Apricots are also a reliable source of fiber. You can have apricots as an addition to cold cereal or toss it in the salad you intend to have. If you want something more special, you can try making this apricot and almond tiramisu.

Ø Get Apples

We’ve all heard “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” This phrase is apt for diabetic patients as having an apple daily will provide you with antioxidants, fiber and vitamin C. An apple has just 77 calories and 21 grams of carbohydrates. Have them with the skins for maximum nutritional value. Here’s a tip. Munch on an apple while commuting to work every morning.

Ø Buy Oranges

Oranges are loaded with potassium and folate, both of which might help you in normalizing the blood sugar levels. Having one orange a day is enough to meet your daily requirement of vitamin C. An orange also has just 62 calories and 15 grams of carbohydrates. In addition to oranges, have other citrus fruits like grapefruit to help control the blood sugar levels.

Ø Depend on Tart Cherries

If you want to have only low GI fruits, you can trust tart cherries. One cup of them has 78 calories and just 19 grams of carbohydrates. They are good for fighting inflammation and may help with other serious health issues like cancer, heart problems, etc. But only fresh cherries, nit dried, canned or frozen as they might be loaded with added sugars.

Ø Prefer Peaches

Summers always seem a little bit tasteless until you have plump and juicy peaches. They are loaded with fiber, potassium and vitamins A and C. You can add them to the iced teas and make them more delicious. You can also puree peaches and add them to some low-fat buttermilk, a sprinkle of ginger or cinnamon and a bit of crushed ice to have a smoothie ready.

Ø Snack on Pears

To control diabetes, you should also try pears as they are loaded with vitamin K and fiber. Buy them fresh and keep them at room temperature for a few days to let them ripen up. You can have them as they are or add them to your preferred salad recipes.

Images Sources

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2018-10-discovery-insulin-cell-function-diabetes.html

https://www.cornerstones4care.com/about-diabetes/diabetes-basics/understanding-diabetes.html

Vegan Food Delivery Options in Toronto

If you’re a vegan living in Toronto who has a busy schedule and wants to sign up for some kind of delivery system which drops meals off at your doorstep, find some great options below. Food delivery systems are an extremely helpful option which can assist you in clearing up a chunk of time from your schedule, as well as in eating healthier, stay on track with your dietary goals and avoiding wasting money on unhealthy snacks.

The options listed below can help you in choosing the right meal plan pairing for yourself, and ensure that you choose the company that is closest to your food outlook. Additionally, some of these Toronto-based companies have trial plans which you can utilize to see whether having meals delivered to your doorstep is the ideal nutritional and lifestyle solution for you.

Upbeet: Start by purchasing a meal plan at only $9.58 per meal from the rotating menu and their experts will craft the meal and have it delivered to your doorstep twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays. If you prefer picking up the food yourself, that option is also available. Upbeet also caters events, so if you have a gathering come up where the guests are vegan, try out their services on for size!
Vegan on the Go: Vegan on the Go is a commitment-free meal delivery plan that can be started and canceled without any charges or penalties. 5 plant-based meals are delivered to your house for $84.95 per week, and if you sign up for a monthly bundle, you can get a price of $245.95. Additionally, you can get on a family plan where each additional plan gets a 5% discount. A good idea if you’re confused about signing up to a delivery plan is to try out their 10 meals for $135.95 plan, which can give you an idea of whether or not this system is suited for you.
ActivEats: ActivEats offers a meal plan of 1500-2000 calories per day which can be adjusted and customized to your dietary needs and requirements. The company will deliver an entire pre-cooked and healthy meal plan to your doorstep, ensuring that they include tofu, lentils, and other essential ingredients which keep you healthy regardless of your dietary preferences. ActivEat’s weekly meals start at just $99 per week, and the food can be stored in refrigerators for up to ten days. The company aims to match Toronto’s health-first outlook in its meal plans and menus, and if you are looking for vegan food delivery in Toronto, this might just be the perfect match!
Green Zebra Kitchen: The Green Zebra kitchen creates a new menu of 3 main dishes and 3 sides each week. The food is all organic, plant-based, gluten free, dairy free and made entirely of whole foods. An order has to be placed on Sunday night to be delivered to your doorstep the following Tuesday, ready to be eaten. The large plan includes 4 cups of each main dish and 2 cups of each side dish for a total of 6 to 8 lunches or dinners for the week, and the small plan provides 3 to 4 lunches or dinners per week.
Fresh N Lean: When it comes to Fit N Lean, you can choose between weekly delivery plans and solo meals. The food will be delivered to your doorstep for free and will be ready for eating in 3 minutes after basic heating. The packaging also ensures that the food is easy to take anywhere you go. The company knows that being healthy is difficult with urban and busy lifestyles, and they want to make it as easy as possible for their customers to stick to their nutritional requirements and dietary choices.
Plant Prepped: Plant prepped is a meal delivery system that will prepare meals from fresh ingredients directly sourced from farmers and deliver them right to your doorstep. The food is all 100% vegan, and can additionally be both soy and gluten-free if that is required. The food is delivered in eco-friendly boxed that have gel packs keeping the food cold and fresh, ensuring that the entire eating experience is as sustainable as possible. The box comes with step by step ingredients mapping out the recipe. If you do not have the time to make your entire meal but don’t want to sign up with a full meal delivery plan, this might be an excellent opportunity for you to avail. You can save plenty of time and yet still feel like you have the experience of cooking and preparing your own meals.
LivFit: LivFit delivers plant-based foods made to proportion and to boost fitness and health to your doorstep. The company aims to push customers to live healthier lifestyles which include getting fitter, losing extra weight and consuming better ingredients. By making your meals for you, the company takes care of portion control, balancing nutrients and ensuring health does not become synonymous with boring food.

Happy deciding!