Hidden Poison

By Kevin Koskella           

Did you know that there might be poison in many of your favorite foods found on grocery store shelves everywhere? Breads, crackers, cookies, energy bars, tortillas, frozen pizza are just a few examples of these dangerous foods. The poison in these items is called partially hydrogenated fat, often referred to as trans-fatty acids.

A trans-fatty acid is usually made from a vegetable oil- corn, cottonseed, or soybean, for example- that has been treated by a process called hydrogenation to make it a solid at room temperature. Originally, when margarine first appeared in supermarkets, consumers were led to believe they could lower their risk of heart disease and cancer by replacing butter with this product. What became evident later is that the chemical process that made vegetable oil "look" like a saturated fat by solidifying caused it to act like one as well, making high levels of either fat a health risk.

Some of the harmful effects of trans-fatty acids include:

- Cause you to store fat and burn sugar

- Increase levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol

- Decrease levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) or "good" cholesterol

- Increase your perception of pain

Thankfully, trans fats are starting to appear on nutrition information on some food products. This trend will continue to rise as the law goes into affect next year forcing brands to disclose the amount of trans fat per serving.

Still, I'm betting you will see foods advertised as "low in trans fat." Don't fall for it.

Small amounts of trans fats are more harmful than larger amounts of saturated fats. A small increase in saturated fats results in a 17 percent increase in coronary artery disease. A similar increase in trans fats leads to a 93 percent increase!

As a general rule, avoid all foods containing trans-fatty oils. Most of these include foods that have to sit on a shelf, such as baked goods, snack chips, some national brands of peanut butter, candy bars, cookies, etc. Even some supposedly healthy diet products that are marketed as a food to help you lose weight contain this poison!

Don't make the mistake of eating these product just because they're there, or because "everyone else is." Take your health into your hands and make sure you read those labels!

Click here to get your free audio, "3 Pillars to Achieving Your Perfect Weight Using the Mind-Body Connection"

Kevin Koskella is a consultant in rational nutrition and building healthy minds and fit bodies. Most recently, he wrote the book "Healthy Mind, Fit Body" He is also a professional triathlon and Master's swim coach in the San Diego area. For more information, click here.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Kevin_Koskella/248

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Blueberry Picking Techniques

By Mr Jody Hudson

First of all you have to have a bucket. You will soon want to have a few with you as the berries are so good that you never get enough, especially when you start freezing them, cooking them for jams and sauces or, my favorite, putting them in the blender with various things for a morning liquid breakfast and treat. Anyway, even if your first intention is to just get enough for your breakfast cereal, you will likely get carried away and want more and more and more. We all do!

There are all sorts of bucket carry methods. Some have replaced the bail of the pail with a strap and hooks so they can sling it around their neck, over their shoulder or even around their waist. You can get an adjustable luggage strap, with a heavy shoulder pad and non-slip grip, from the luggage store. It already has the end hooks, which can be attached to the pail, and such a strap can be had about twelve bucks. Just take off the bail and figure a way to attach the hooks to the pail. You can experiment with all sorts of carry arrangements.

Some of the old-timers, like my Pop Pop, used to lace their belt through the pail and just let it hang as they walked around each bush and picked until it was full. He had both hands free to pick that way. Who would ever want to pick with only one hand? That's way too slow! When I was younger I hung the bucket around by neck on a big soft rope. Now I use the luggage strap method and change it around all the time for comfort and utility. I think most people just hold and move the pail or slip one arm through it to the elbow, like you would carry a purse while paying the cashier.

Most folks seem to look for those giant blueberries (or any other berry they are picking) and often leave all the small and ordinary ones. I like the ripest fruit the best, by far. I have been known to go to where the bushes have already been picked a few days earlier and get the ready-to-burst ripe berries. Some scientists say that a fruit is not fully nutritious until the moment it is ready to fall to the ground as a seed carrier. I am that way too. I prefer all my fruit when it is so ripe that I just touch it and it falls into my hands. The complex chemical changes in the plant that turn the fruit into a perfect food for the seed occur just before it falls to earth and that is when I want it for my body's use.

I like the fruit plump, juicy and cool! I eat a LOT as I pick, so for me the very best time of the day to pick is the cool of the early morning, as early as I can arrange it. There is no better way to start the day than picking blueberries in the field and having a belly full of fresh berries for breakfast. I just give the cashier more money to pay for all the berries I eat while picking. My favorite picking fantasy, and one I've luckily enjoyed a few times, is picking at sunrise in a heavy cool dew and staying at it 'till the warming sun has burned off the last of the wetness and I'm full as a tick on a hound dog's ear.

The cool of the evening is another good time to pick, when the sun has had the entire day to nourish the leaves and push that good juice into the berry. I love the feel of the cool air and the warmth of the sun burned soil coming up in my face, when I pick berries in the cool, late, afternoon or early evening! Personally, I am not a middle-of-the-hot-sunny-day picker. Some like it hot. I don't. There is something special about having a couple of full pails of blueberries beside me as I travel home in my vehicle at sunset.

Blueberries are a delight to pick, at Ryan's Blueberry Farm, as they are tended in rows with good walking spaces in-between. The thorns are not a problem like they are on other berries, or some of the wild berries at the edge of fields and woods. At Ryan's I can wear a T-shirt, shorts and even sandals if I want. As I am not a heat of the day picker, I don't need the big straw hat. If you pick middle of the day, to do your berry harvesting, bring a big cool hat and sunscreen.

Some of my favorite times have been when I've picked with children or a friend. I have a bad back so blueberries are nowhere near the trouble that strawberries are! What a relief that is! Still, for berry picking, I like to bring my lightweight folding stool or chair. Nearly weightless folding stools and chairs are available at K-Mart, WallMart or outdoors stores like Sunny's Surplus. In the old days, lots of folks around here used to bring the milking stools with them or even a folding card-table chair to move around the bushes with. They weighed a lot more than my folding stool that I got from a hunting store where they sell them to the dove hunters.

As I am only interested in the ripest of the berries, I only seek those that are deep, dark, and blue all over. They aren't ripe till they are deepest blue. It's that deep blue that has all the miracle ingredients that makes blueberries one of the healthiest foods on earth! Let the immature blueberry-children grow -- leave the unripe ones to ripen is my motto.

Like all fruit that I'm aware of, the ripe berries are ready to fall off the bush and the unripe ones need some pulling and tugging. When the kids are with me, I tell them that if the bush is moving much when they pull the berries, the berries are not ripe. Sure, the unripe berries will get more blue if you set them in the sunlight, even after you pick them. But, I doubt that they are getting all the same nutrients from just the sun that they would be getting on the plant if they stayed there until they were done. The bush ripened ones seem to be a lot sweeter to me.

I look forward to being spoiled again this year, with fresh and nutritious berries from the farm. Those ones in the store just don't make it for me, unless that is all I can get.

Copyright © 2001-2005 www.JodyHudson.com

Source of Article: [http://www.kate-jody.com/essays/blueberrypicking.html]

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Safety Ideas for a Great Meal for You and Your Family

By Blessie Paradero 

Has anyone heard of a diet that promised to prevent unwanted diseases? Would such diet defend cancer? Would it stop a possible stroke or heart attack? Until now, the cure for cancer had illuded our community since this deadly disease claimed its victims. What could you possibly do when you receive dreadful diagnosis unexpectedly one day?

Today, any debilitating illness can be prevented and the risk of cancer may be reduced, enjoying a life spent free of diseases. But, how can you completely take pleasure in such a blissful life? The key can be found in your kitchen --- cook, consume a palatable and nutritious diet every meal.

Listed below are a summary of what can you add in a good meal essentially healthy for your family and friends.

1. Consume an increased amount of fiber rich foods such as whole grains, beans, and vegetables in your diet. As you very well know, fiber functions as a helper to effortlessly fasten the movement of food and to easily promote food digestion in your intestines. Aside from that, with fiber added to your diet it could helped your intestine absorb water which your body needed it. These process can result in an absolutely cleansed body from any toxins that could further impair your health as you aged.

2. High amount of vitamin A and C in your meals should not be neglected. These vitamins can easily be found in dark green and deep yellow vegetables. Most notably rich vitamin C vegetables has long been discovered in kiwi, broccoli, bell peppers and berries. Research showed that a Kiwi fruit could provide 95% of vitamin C needed for your daily intake. The reason why these vitamins reported to be essential in your diet is that it provides antioxidant lowering your risk of chronic diseases. Aside from that, it helped your body boost its immunity improving your white blood cells to function better and to fight infections vigorously.

3. The consumption of green leafy vegetables in every meal had been a constant battle especially for kids. All mothers should be encouraged to learn how to prepare delightful recipes and to educate yourself how beneficial the green leafy vegetables to you. For instance, a green smoothie made from green leafy veggies, green apple and nuts can be a perfect choice to served your toddlers. Furthermore, it should be noted that green veggies contained substances called sterols and stanols. These substances served as aids to your body from absorbing cholesterol. As you aged, cholesterol tend to clog veins and arteries. When an increase buildup of cholesterol found in your blood, myocardial infarction follows. Also known as heart attack.

4. A well planned meal should include any dessert. Cravings for dessert is remedied when you have great selection of fruits prepared throughout the week. Candies, pies, ice cream, chocolates, and cakes should be limited. A cup of fruit is packed with vitamins and minerals necessary to boost your immune system. An important thing to remember when you hoped for a good meal is to own a food processor. Having one can provide you various ideas to make a healthy meal. For example, frozen fruits like berries, bananas and apples mixed together in the food processor providing you a delicious ice cream free of unnatural sweeteners.

A healthy life free of diseases and illnesses can only be achieved when you change your diet and lifestyle today. Would you prefer to appreciate a satisfying life or a troubled life force to endure suffering when you age?

Your life. Your choice.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Blessie_Paradero/731286

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Can CBD Oil Benefit You?

By Carol Chuang             

Background

CBD (Cannabidiol) oil is derived from hemp. Many people confuse hemp with marijuana, but hemp is a very different plant. Marijuana and hemp may share the same scientific name, Cannabis sativa, but they are not the same.

Marijuana is cultivated primarily for its psychoactive cannabinoid, a chemical compound called tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, for recreational and medicinal use. Marijuana contains both THC and CBD.

Hemp contains only a trace of THC, less than 0.3% compared to marijuana's hefty 5-35%. The main cannabinoid in hemp is CBD, but there are over 100 other cannabinoids in hemp, as well as compounds that produce tastes and scents called terpenes (e.g. citrusy smell of oranges, unique aroma of pine trees, or sweet flower smell of lavender).

For thousands of years, hemp has been cultivated for food, clothing, fiber, and fuel. It is one of the world's oldest domesticated crops. In the early days, hemp was a vital crop in the U.S. During the 1700s, colonial farmers grew hemp mainly for its strong fiber.

However, hemp production came to a screeching halt when the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was passed. Mainstream attitudes towards cannabis began to sway greatly towards the negative. Hemp became the "evil weed" because it shares the same species as marijuana even though it does not contain marijuana's abundant THC.

Over the years, many have speculated that the real reason for the anti-cannabis campaign boiled down to the worry that hemp could become a low-cost substitute for paper pulp. American industrialist William Randolph Hearst and the DuPont family had major investments in the timber and newspaper industries. They initiated a smear campaign to destroy the lucrative hemp market for fear that the rise of hemp would undercut their profits. Nevertheless, years later, it became known that hemp does not contain a high enough concentration of cellulose to be an effective paper substitute.

Eighty long years later, hemp finally regained its legal status in the U.S. after the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. Hemp, defined as cannabis with less than 0.3% THC, is removed from Schedule I controlled substances. Hemp-derived products are legal as long as they come from licensed hemp growers. More and more universities and hospitals have begun to study it. Americans can now use CBD legally. It can be ordered online and shipped to all 50 states.

Marijuana laws are also changing at a rapid pace across America. Even though it is still illegal on the federal level, many states have legalized marijuana. For the remaining states, some have allowed it for medical use and some recreational use.

The Human Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

Cannabinoids made by our own bodies are called endocannabinoids (the prefix "endo" means within). In the 1990s, researchers made an astonishing discovery that the ECS plays a major role in our overall health.

The ECS maintains constant communication with every organ system in the body.

This communication involves messenger molecules called endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors on every cell that accepts them. Think of it as a "key and lock" system. The receptors are locks and the endocannabinoids are keys that bind to these receptors and unlock them.

There are two main types of receptors within the ECS - cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2).

Researchers found more than 1,000 receptors in the body. CB1 receptors are located largely on nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, as well as the eye and retina. CB2 receptors are predominantly found in the immune system and in the organs and tissues, such as brain, spleen, blood cells, gastrointestinal, and urinary tracts.

The body produces two types of endocannabinoids - anandamide and 2-AG. These are transported into the cells through the CB1 and CB2 receptors. As we age, the body becomes less efficient in producing anandamide and 2-AG. The proper functioning of the ECS also depends on the adequacy of omega-3 in the diet.

Many people have experienced the feel good sensation or "high" after strenuous exercise. The lifted mood comes from the release of endorphins. Researchers now know that it is also from an increase in anandamide, which targets mainly the CB1 receptors and, to a lesser extent, the CB2 receptors.

The other endocannabinoid, 2-AG, transmits signals across the brain cells and activates both CB1 and CB2 receptors. 2-AG supports brain health, immune health, as well as insulin sensitivity.

Researchers have now discovered that both endocannabinoids, anandamide and 2-AG, have a considerable impact on a variety of functions including appetite, energy and balance, immunity, memory, metabolism, nervous system, sleep, and stress response.

Evidence For CBD Health Benefits

The Cannabis plant contains over 100 cannabinoids. These compounds closely resemble the human endocannaboids. The main cannabinoid in hemp is CBD, and in marijuana, THC.

Unlike THC, CBD does not bind directly into our cannabinoid receptors. Nevertheless, it does stimulate the activity of both CB1 and CB2 receptors without directly tapping into them. A study by the National Institute of Health found that CBD causes the body to release more endocannabinoids, especially 2-AG. Moreover, CBD inhibits the degradation of anandamide.

Scientists are now beginning to discover many of CBD's health benefits:

Childhood Eilepsy

CBD has been touted for a wide variety of health interests, but the strongest scientific evidence is for its effectiveness in treating two rare drug-resistant childhood epilepsy conditions, namely Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome (DS). The FDA has recently approved the first ever CBD-derived drug Epidiolex for these conditions. In numerous studies, CBD was able to reduce the number of seizures, and in some cases it was able to stop them altogether.

Pain Relief

CBD may offer an option for treating different types of chronic pain: fibromyalgia, gout, HIV, multiple sclerosis, neuropathic, and rheumatoid arthritis. Studies found that applying CBD oil directly on the problem area helps to lower pain and inflammation. CBD works by impacting cannabinoid receptor activity in the body, reducing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters.

Researchers also found that subjects did not build up a tolerance to the effects of CBD, so there was no need to increase dosage continually. Unlike some pain medications, CBD is not addictive and does not have any intoxicating effects, offering much relief for people who have chronic pain.

An oral spray called Sativex, which is a combination of CBD and THC, has been approved in a number of countries in Europe and Canada (but not in the U.S.) to treat pain and muscle spasms related to multiple sclerosis.

Another controlled study found that Sativex significantly improved pain during movement, pain at rest, and sleep quality in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Anxiety and Depression

Clinical trials have revealed that both marijuana and CBD may be effective in reducing different forms of anxiety including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Not only did participants in the studies felt better, they also reported reduced cognitive impairment and anxiousness. Scientists suggest that in addition to impacting the endocannabinoid system, CBD may influence receptors involved in the modulation of serotonin, a chemical messenger that plays a role in anxiety regulation.

In addition, some studies showed that CBD eases depression and helps with psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. (Please note that marijuana does not help with either and may actually worsen psychosis.)

Cancer-Related Symptoms

Researchers found that cancer patients treated with CBD and THC, the psychoactive compound from marijuana, experienced significant reduction in pain. In addition, a one-to-one combination of CBD and THC administered via mouth spray reduced side effects associated with cancer treatments like nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

At present, more research needs to be done on whether CBD alone can produce the same beneficial outcomes.

A number of cell culture studies found that cannabinoids can help slow tumor growth, reduce tumor invasion, and induce tumor cell death in various types of cancer, including brain, blood, breast, colon, pancreatic, and prostate.

Scientists believe that CBD probably works by starving cancer cells of energy, making them more sensitive to the body's immune response, and by blocking a newly discovered cannabinoid-related cancer pathway. However, human trials are needed before further conclusions can be drawn.

Other Potential CBD Benefits

• Lowers blood pressure (caution if taking blood pressure medication).
• Lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and total cholesterol.
• Lowers uric acid levels and reduces gout symptoms.
• Helps with insomnia due to relaxing and anxiety-reducing effects.
• Helps people to quit smoking and is a promising treatment for those with opioid addiction.
• Mitigates neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Some research suggests CBD could protect brain cells from damage and oxidative stress. Early results have been broadly positive but more studies are necessary.
• Reduces likelihood of developing type 1 and type 2 diabetes, especially at the early disease stages (no human trials yet).
• Lessens inflammation and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (no human trials yet).

CBD Side Effects And Safety

CBD is generally well tolerated and rarely produces side effects. However, some people should take additional precautions, including:

• People with weakened immune system. In cell studies, CBD was associated with decreased activity of T and B immune cells, hence, increasing the likelihood of infections and worsening HIV, tumor growth, metastases, and asthma.
• People taking medications. CBD may decrease the activity of liver enzymes, called cytochrome P450, responsible for metabolizing more than 60% of prescribed drugs. Check with your doctor to rule out any interactions as CBD may increase or decrease the effects of your medications.
• Use caution when combining CBD with herbs or botanicals in dietary supplements. There is limited research on such interactions.
• Use caution when combining CBD with alcohol.

Most people who use CBD do not report any side effects, but some may include a slight decrease in blood pressure, dry mouth, light headedness, drowsiness, gastrointestinal upset, decrease in appetite, and mood changes.

Pregnant, Lactating Women And Children

At present, there is a lack of research regarding the safety of CBD use for pregnant and lactating women as well as children. Please consult with your doctor before use.

Avoid using marijuana while pregnant. Studies show that THC can interrupt the formation of neuronal networks and result in nervous system-related birth defects. Teenagers should not use marijuana either as the THC may have an effect on their developing brains.

Important Considerations When Buying CBD Oil

• Do not buy from vendors selling on Amazon. It is hard to verify the authenticity and quality of the products.
• It is best to buy USA grown hemp from licensed farmers. China is now a big exporter of CBD oil and has over 10% of the global market.
• Only buy CBD products that use the whole hemp plant, not synthetics and not isolates, as the whole plant contains the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes, the active compounds that give plants their taste and smell. Herbalists believe the terpenes in hemp interact synergistically with the cannabinoids to create an "entourage effect" that enhances the healthful effects of each individual component.
• Only buy organically grown hemp utilizing eco-farming practices and without pesticides and herbicides.
• Make sure the hemp is processed using CO2 extraction that is gentle, clean, and does not use harsh solvents, ETO (ethylene oxide) or gamma radiation. This method does not require heat and the entire spectrum of cannabinoids are retained in the blend.
• Only buy CBD products that are all natural and contain no additives, preservatives, emulsifiers, or flavorings.
• When buying CBD oil, the label should indicate how much CBD is in the bottle (in milligrams or mg) and its concentration (e.g. 1 drop = 2.4 mg of CBD).
• Only buy from a company that provides third-party lab-verified test results for each batch of CBD it sells. Since CBD oil is not regulated, there is no guarantee the consumer will get what is being advertised by a company. The Certificate of Analysis (COA) verifies that the product actually contains what it claims as well as the concentration of the CBD. It should include an analysis showing the levels of pesticides, herbicides, mold, fungi, mycotoxins, and heavy metals in the product. If the company cannot produce a COA, do not buy its products.

How To Use CBD Oil

First and foremost, there is no addiction with CBD oil. The U.S. federal government puts THC addiction at about 4%. CBD is zero. So there will not be any problems quitting cold turkey.

Additionally, the reason there have never been any deaths linked to cannabis overdose is because our brainstem, which controls our heart and breathing, have hardly any cannabinoid receptors. (The safety of vaping is a separate issue which is still under investigation.)

CBD oil can be taken sublingually, orally or topically. For sublingual use, hold the drops under the tongue for one minute before swallowing. For oral use, add to drinks or a smoothie. For topical use, apply the oil directly to the problem area.

Dosage

Effective dosage varies from person to person and can be different for every ailment or disorder.

For pain, the majority of CBD users use between 10 and 30 mg of CBD per day. Start with 5 mg of CBD on the first day. If you do not notice any positive effects, increase by 5 mg the following day. Repeat this process for several days until you notice positive results.

For psychological disorders like anxiety or depression, start off with an initial dose of 2 mg per day. Increase by 2 mg every day until you notice positive results.

Consistency is the most important part of taking CBD oil. It is good to split the drops between morning and night, taking it roughly at the same time each day. From there, you can adjust the number of drops up or down as you start noticing the impact it has on your body.

Drug Testing

As mandated by U.S. law, full spectrum CBD oil contains less than 0.3% THC. However, depending on the sensitivity of the drug test and the individual, it is possible that one can test positive for THC using full spectrum CBD oil.

Summary

• CBD is now legal in the U.S. It comes from hemp and does not give you a "high". It contains less than 0.3% of THC, which is the psychoactive compound in marijuana.
• CBD is non-addictive and the body does not build up a tolerance to it.
• Studies showed that CBD is quite safe and there are very few reported adverse effects. However, if you have a weakened immune system or are taking any medications, consult with your doctor before using CBD. Use caution if you drink alcohol or are using herbs or botanicals. Pregnant and lactating women and children should check with their doctors before using CBD.
• There are now two CBD-derived drugs - one for two rare forms of childhood epilepsy and one for multiple sclerosis.
• CBD has natural pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties.
• CBD may help reduce anxiety in people with certain related disorders.
• CBD, in conjunction with THC, are effective in alleviating cancer and cancer treatment-related symptoms.
• Hemp tends to suck up all the harmful chemicals from the soil. Therefore, it is pertinent that the CBD oil comes from plants grown using organic and sustainable farming practices.
• Buy CBD products that are whole-plant extracts (not synthetic or isolates) using CO2 extraction that retains the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes.

Carol Chuang is a Certified Nutrition Specialist. She has a Masters degree in Nutrition and is a Certified Gluten Practitioner. She specializes in Metabolic Typing and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Carol_Chuang/545843

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Is DASH Eating Right for You?

By Bonnie R Giller                

The DASH Eating Plan was created to help individuals lower or manage their blood pressure without the use of pharmaceuticals. This eating style has also been shown to help lower blood cholesterol levels, decrease inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity. Over time, these dietary changes can help to lower one's risk of developing stroke or heart disease.

DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. The eating plan emphasizes nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, low-fat/non-fat dairy products, nuts, seeds, and legumes, and less lean meats, poultry, and fish. DASH is effective because it provides good amounts of essential nutrients such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium - nutrients that have an impact on blood pressure.

Note there are additional lifestyle changes you can make to lower your blood pressure and improve heart health. Some of the changes include not smoking, moderate alcohol intake, and regular exercise.

A 2017 research article published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology compared a low-sodium diet versus a high-sodium diet and its effects on baseline blood pressure. The researchers took 412 adults with pre- or Stage 1 hypertension and instructed them to consume either a control diet or the DASH diet. At the end of the study, there were significant decreases in systolic blood pressure for participants following a low-sodium DASH eating plan. In other words, the less sodium a person consumed, the better their blood pressure level.

The foods recommended as part of the DASH eating plan are naturally low in sodium which is why it can be so effective at lowering blood pressure. The research article mentioned above is one of many demonstrating the benefits of this way of eating.

With a little bit of creativity, you can make plenty of satisfyingly delicious meals abundant with fiber, vitamins, minerals, protein, and heart-healthy fats on the DASH diet. Making small, gradual changes can help build a strong foundation of healthy living.

If you aren't sure where to begin, here are 4 tips for getting started:

1. Try new recipes - The internet is a great place to get inspired and find some yummy new recipes to try. With time and experimentation you'll surely find many recipes you love.

2. Eat your fruits and veggies - The plant kingdom of foods is brimming with color, flavor, and enjoyment. You can find creative ways to use fruits and veggies in your meals. Try making smoothies, soups, stew, veggie burgers, and more!

3. Meal planning and meal prep - It helps to sit down at the start of the week and figure out what you would like to eat. Making this practice a habit can help to keep you organized and save time (which is useful if you have a hectic life!). Preparing meals ahead of time by a few days or even the night before is another way to help support you in this new journey.

4. Get moving - Exercise is important for your body to be healthy and can help to lower blood pressure. Find a physical activity you enjoy so you'll feel more motivated to stick with it. Exercising moderately for just 30 minutes each day can be beneficial.

Now that the knowledge is in your hands, you have the power to make a change in your life for optimal health. Move at a pace that works for you, practice self-love, and enjoy the experience. Keep an open mind as you try new foods and recipes; you never know what you'll discover!

Reference: Juraschek, S.P., Miller III, E.R., Weaver, C.M., Appel, L.J. (2017). Effects of sodium reduction and the DASH diet in relation to baseline blood pressure. Journal of the America College of Cardiology. Vol: 70, Issue: 23, pages 2841 - 2848. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2017.10.011.

Bonnie R. Giller is a Registered and Certified Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. She helps chronic dieters, emotional eaters, and people with medical conditions like diabetes, break the spell that diets have over them and reclaim WholeBody Trust™ so they can live their life to the fullest. She does this by creating a tailored solution that combines the three pillars of WholeBody Trust™: Mind Trust, Hunger Trust and Food Trust™.

Join her free Break the Spell of Diets in 3 Days online experience at https://dietfreeradiantme.com/breakthespellofdiets

Have diabetes: Grab a free copy of her eBook: 5 Keys to Manage Diabetes Without Dieting at https://brghealth.com/5keysebook/

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