Insulin is often mentioned in the fitness world but rarely is it ever explained why. Insulin gets its muscle building rep from its giant role in your metabolism and from its role during your post workout window of time. This mega-important hormone is produced in the pancreas and flows throughout your bloodstream, managing many bodily functions along the way. Primarily controlling things like the metabolism of carbs and fat, absorbing glucose, and other important functions like proteolysis; the breakdown of muscle protein. But what you don’t often hear is the role insulin plays in controlling your appetite. So as you follow muscle building advice and shop for supplements etc. keep in mind this important hormone and all that it does.

So when choosing a supplement for your pre workout like Afterburn Fuel, keep your post workout insulin process in mind which is what the creators of Afterburn Fuel did. They created a pre workout supplement that aids insulin production which has numerous post workout benefits.

Let’s look at just how insulin works in your body and how Afterburn Fuel aids all that work! Without analyzing this process you can easily miss the opportunity to maximize the benefits of your muscle building routine!

After being secreted by the pancreas, insulin is released into the bloodstream helping circulate glucose by instructing your body’s cells to absorb glucose which reduces you blood’s glucose level. The amount of insulin that gets released into your bloodstream is dependent upon the amount you have stored. Once you have nothing left in storage, another phase of insulin is then released. This process of storing insulin is no easy task! Insulin goes through a rigorous process of being synthesized, then processed, and then released, so the second phase of insulin comes awhile after the first phase.

How does this help you in your muscle building efforts? Well, glucose or carbohydrates are a very obvious need to keep up our strength and endurance in the gym and well, for life. As insulin molecules flow through the blood stream they search for insulin receptors. These receptors stimulate the amount of glucose absorbed into different tissues that contain GLUT4. GLUT4 stands for type 4 glucose transporters. GLUT4 is a major player when it comes to exercise related glucose transportation!

Such tissues that contain GLUT4 are the skeletal muscles which burn the glucose it receives into energy and also fat tissues which take the glucose they receive and convert it into triglycerides for storage.

Exercising is the number one stimulator for GLUT4 in the skeletal muscle, activating it and allowing it to benefit you post workout when insulin is hard at work and glucose is being stored. This being the prime opportunity to consume carbohydrates (right after your workout) because they will be divided up and sent to those muscles, making the most out of your workout. Also, the key step in glucose metabolism is the activation and increased levels of GLUT4!

Afterburn Fuel contains many key ingredients that support this process and can help you maximize your efforts in the gym!  One such ingredient is Agmatine Sulfate, which also aids the post workout by decreasing recovery time and has many other benefits like aiding  insulin production, hormonal control, cortisol levels, and so much more!

Check out all the beneficial ingredients of Afterburn Fuel and buy some for your pre workout supplement here!

The post What Hormone is Crucial to Building Muscle? appeared first on Always Eat Good.

I wasn’t aware of there health benefits until recently though.

Video Overview

1. A single cup of bell peppers are only about 45 calories and in that same cup you would acquire more than your daily value of vitamins A and C.

2. Though all bell peppers have vitamin C the greatest amount is found in red bell peppers. As you probably already know, vitamin C is good for your immune system.

3. It’s been proven that bell peppers can help cholesterol, pain and inflammation, and control your diabetes.

4.  Bell peppers can aid in protecting you from certain cancers because of their sulfur content.

5. Bell peppers contain vitamin E (good for youthful hair and skin), vitamin B6 (good for the nervous system), and enzymes that can protect the eyes.

Here’s a healthy recipe I found…Roasted Peppers and Seasonal Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 large red bell pepper, seeded, cut in eighths
• 1 large green bell pepper, seeded, cut in eighths
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, seeded, cut in eighths
• 2 small yellow summer squash, cut in eighths
• 2 green zucchini, sliced in eighths
• 1 onion, peeled, cut in eighths
• salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar, or sherry vinegar
• 2 fresh thyme springs, leaves picked
• 1 fresh rosemary spring, leaves picked

Preparation:

The post SuperFood: B – Bell Peppers appeared first on Always Eat Good.

Truth is however, they have quite the array of of health benefits.

Video Overview

1. Beets are low in calories and have absolutely ZERO trans fat and ZERO saturated fat which means they can sate your hunger AND you won’t feel guilty. They also tend to be on  the sweeter side so you can get a guilt-free fix for your sweet tooth. 

2. Beets naturally fuel the body with energy since they have so many carbohydrates.

3. Beets are jam packed with minerals and vitamins…I mean, sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorous, vitamin A, vitamin C, niacin and they are also considered a fiber food. You really can’t get any better than that.

4. Plenty of studies have proven that beets can protect you against heart disease and cancer.

5. There are many people who take folic acid as a herbal supplement. It is especially important for pregnant women and people going through a physical healing process since it is a major part of both the production and maintenance of  new cells.

6. Beets have been known to cleanse the blood and the colon as well as strengthen the gallbladder and liver.

7. Doctors sometimes use beets to help those with blood diseases, leukemia and even get rid of tumors with something called Beet Therapy.

8. There are people who use beets to treat and cure abscesses, acne, and boils. I’m not sure how it’s done exactly but I would assume it’s done topically instead of by ingestion.

I tried to find recipes with the least amount of cooking to keep the nutrients as pure as possible so here’s a salad and a juice.

Beet and Apple Salad

Ingredients

2 Apples – sliced thin
4 Celery Stalks – sliced thin with leaves
1 Shallot – minced
1 Lemon – juiced
1 Beet – peeled then sliced into matchsticks
1 tsp sugar
3 tbsp chopped walnuts
3 tbsp olive oil

Toss all into a bowl and salt and pepper to taste. Let stand 10 minutes, then serve on a bed of sliced endive.

Pineapple Beet Treat (Juice)
2 beets
1/2 a cucumber
1 cup of pineapple flesh

Beet Cleanse Juice
2 beets
3 carrots
1/2 an apple
1/2 a cucumber
2 celery stalks
1″ slice of ginger

~Alancia M

The post SuperFoods: B – Beets appeared first on Always Eat Good.

Video Overview

Beans and lentils can…

1. Boost your enzymes

One cup of Adzuki beans contain 34% of your daily copper value. Copper is important for making both your connective tissue and skin pigment by helping the function of you enzymes.

2. Control high blood pressure

Their protein and fiber help to prevent and control hypertension.

3.  Control weight

A study by the Journal of the American College of Nutrition revealed that those who ate beans had a 22% lower chance of obesity than those who did not.

4. Increase iron intake

The vitamin C found in lentils is a great way for the body to naturally absorb more of the iron found in beans.

5. Prevent birth defects

A single cup of lentils provides 90% of your daily value of folate which is important foreveryone but eevn more so for pregnant women.

6. Reduce risks of cancer

The Harvard School of Public Health performed a study which found that women between the ages of 26 to 46 who ate beans and lentils at least two times a week were 25% less at risk for breast cancer than women who ate them only once a month.

Here is a Weight Watchers recipe I found for Lentil and Black Bean Chili

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup(s) dry lentils, French-variety, picked over for debris
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 large uncooked onion(s), diced
1 large sweet red pepper(s), diced
2 Tbsp minced garlic
3 Tbsp chili powder
2 tsp dried oregano
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp kosher salt
29 oz canned diced tomatoes, fire-roasted with chilies, undrained
31 oz canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup(s) cilantro, fresh, chopped

Directions

Place lentils in a large sauce pan and cover with water by several inches; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until lentils are tender but retain a little bite, about 10 to 15 minutes; drain well and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook onion, pepper and garlic, stirring often, until vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes.

In a cup, combine chili powder, oregano, cumin, cayenne and salt; add to skillet and stir well to combine. Cook, stirring often, about 1 minute.

Add tomatoes and their juice, and beans to skillet; stir well to combine. Cover skillet and simmer so flavors can blend, about 5 to 10 minutes. Fold in lentils and cilantro; serve.

Yields about 8 servings at 1 cup per serving.

~Alancia M

The post SuperFood: B – Beans And Lentils appeared first on Always Eat Good.

Video Overview

Okay so I’m gonna try to do this in list format… Avocados can help to:

1. MAINTAIN A HEALTHY HEART
Vitamin B6 and folic acid regulate homo-cysteine levels which reduces risks of heart disease.  Vitamin E, glutathione, and monounsaturated fat, also help.

2. LOWER CHOLESTEROL LEVELS
Beta-sitosterol keeps blood cholesterol levels low. Not only does it decrease bad cholesterol levels (LDL), it increases good cholesterol levels (HDL).

3. CONTROL BLOOD PRESSURE
The potassium helps control blood pressure levels.

4. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES
The polyphenols and flavonoids in avocados have anti-inflammatory properties which reduces the risk of inflammatory and degenerative disorders.

5. PROMOTE EYE HEALTH
The excellent source of carotenoid lutein is known to help protect against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

6. REGULATE BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS
Monounsaturated fats (the good ones) and soluble fibers can help to regulate blood sugar levels.

7. PREVENT BIRTH DEFECTS
The high amount of folate in avocado plays a big part in the prevention of birth defects like neural tube defect and spina bifida.

8. REDUCE STROKE RISKS
The folate can also protect against stroke.

9. PROTECT AGAINST CANCER
Avocado can affect the growth of prostate cancer while the oleic acid in it prevents breast cancer.

10. FIGHT FREE RADICALS
A powerful antioxidants called glutathione helps fight free radicals in the body.

11. ANTI-AGING PROPERTIES
The antioxidants preventing aging symptoms. The glutathione may boost immune systems, slows aging process, and encourages a healthy nervous system.

12. CURE BAD BREATH
Avocados cleanse intestine which is the real cause of coated tongue and bad breath.

13. INCREASE NUTRIENT ABSORPTION
Studies link avocado to increased nutrient absorption. The study showed that those who ate salads with avocado in them absorbed five times more carotenoids than those who ate salads without it.

14. SKIN CARE

Avocado oil has the ability to nourish the skin and make your skin glow. It also helps to treat psoriasis.

15. Weight gain
Avocado has 200 calories for every 100 grams. Fruits usually have around 60-80 calories for 100 grams. Avocado is a healthy source of calories, unlike many other calorie-dense foods that may contain excess saturated fats and sugar. So if you want to gain/maintain your weight then avocado is the way to go.

Avocado can be eaten raw and if you want the most nutrients out of it then that is the best way to consume them.

I don’t have a recipe for this one but they are easy to find. I would recommend using avocados in place of mayo, adding them to your salads, eating slices of it with your dinner and so on.

~Alancia M

When it comes to avocados, you just can’t go wrong. Juicing, smoothies, salads, snacks and treats… you name it! All of them delicious!  Below are some of our favorite avocado treats!

Tostitos Avocado Salsa

Perfection Snacks Mini Tortilla Chips (to dip into your avocado salsa!)

Triscuit Avocado, Cilantro, & Lime Crackers

The post SuperFood: A – Avocado appeared first on Always Eat Good.

Video Overview

So here are some things asparagus can be used for that are a bit intriguing. Asparagus can be used…

1 – AS A DETOX

Asparagus contains 288 mg of potassium – which is known for reducing belly fat – and 3 g of fiber –  which cleanses the digestive system – per cup. It has almost no sodium so no bloating during PMS, no fat or cholesterol, and only 40 calories per cup.

2 – FOR ANTI-AGING PURPOSES

Besides potassium, asparagus is rich in vitamin A, folate, and glutathione – an amino acid compound with potent antioxidant properties; a must as an anti-aging deterrent since it protects cells from toxins such as free radicals.

3 – AS AN APHRODISIAC

Asperge is the French word for asparagus which also happens to be the slang term for penis. It is said to trigger the mind to have a physiological response  because of its shape making it a psycho-physiological aphrodisiac.

4 – AGAINST CANER

Asparagus is high in folate, now known to be an important protection against cancer.

5 – TO REDUCE PAIN AND INFLAMMATION

The folate in asparagus also helps reduce inflammation.

6 – TO PREVENT OSTEOPOROSIS AND OSTEOARTHRITIS

The vitamin K in asparagus has can help prevent osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Vitamin K helps formation and repair of bones and is for the synthesis of osteocalcin. Osteocalcin is a protein in bone tissue on which calcium crystallizes.

7 – TO REDUCE HEART DISEASE RISKS

Once again, it’s the folate that has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.

8 – TO PREVENT BIRTH DEFECTS

As you can see, folates can do a lot for your health. Getting enough folate is even more important for women who either are, or plan to become pregnant. A folate deficiency has been linked to increased risks of Spina Bifida (a spinal cord birth defect) as well as Anencephaly (a neural tube defect). Folate also helps to regulate embryonic and fetal nerve cell formation and may aid in preventing premature births.

Okay, so when I was looking this up I got really curious about what folate actually is and where else I could find it.

Folate is naturally in leafy green vegetables, and citrus fruits. Folic acid, though said to be the same as folate, is actually the supplemental form. As usual, it’s best if you get your health benefits from its original source.

Here’s a recipe for you to try. Also, just as a tip, try to make sure your vegetables – when cooked – retain their crunch. If they are limp then most, if not all, of the nutrients have probably been cooked out of them.

Fettuccine Alfredo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Veggies

INGREDIENTS
8 ounces dried Fettuccine
1/2 cup dried tomatoes (not oil-packed), chopped
4 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 ounces fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
4 ounces fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and quartered
1 1/2 cups fresh broccoli florets
8 fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups milk
1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
1 1/4 cups milk
1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons finely shredded lemon peel

DIRECTIONS
1. Cook pasta according to package directions, adding dried tomatoes the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and return to saucepan; keep warm.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet heat 1 tablespoon of the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and mushrooms. Cook over medium heat for 8 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Remove vegetables from skillet; set aside.
3. In same skillet melt remaining butter over medium heat. Stir in flour. Cook and stir 1 minute. Stir in milk. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Gently stir in pasta and vegetables. Stir in additional milk to reach desired consistency. Sprinkle with lemon peel and additional shredded Parmesan cheese. Makes 4 (1-1/2 cup) servings.

As usual, feel free to leave comments.

~Alancia M

Ramp up your asparagus intake with this delicious Asparagus snacks!

This Asparagus powder can also be added to smoothies, juices, and your everyday cooking!

The post SuperFood: A – Asparagus appeared first on Always Eat Good.

Raw Artichoke Salad with Parmesan and Mint

I have never eaten an artichoke…don’t judge me. I hear though, the heart of them are the part people enjoy the most.

After reading up on them, I’ve learned that only the heart of an artichoke can be eaten raw.

The leaves, however, are actually the most nutrient packed part of an artichoke.

Even though only the heart can be eaten raw, you can cook it so that the entire vegetable can be consumed.

(I’ll give a few recipes at the after I go over the health benefits.)

Video Overview

1. Artichokes are high in both antioxidants and fiber. A USDA study found that artichokes have more antioxidants than any other vegetable. Out of 1,000 different foods, they ranked seventh in a study of the antioxidant levels. In addition, one large artichoke contains a quarter of the recommended daily intake of fiber while a medium one has more fiber than a cup of prunes.

2. Artichoke leaves have been known to reduce bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and increase good cholesterol levels (HDL).

3. Artichokes aid in the prevention and treatment of cancer.  Studies on artichoke leaf extract show that they induce apoptosis (cell death) and decrease cell proliferation in cancers such as prostate cancer, leukemia, breast cancer, and some others. An Italian study found that an artichoke rich diet reduces the risk of breast cancer.

4. Artichokes are good for both the liver and digestion. The meaty part of artichoke leaves contains a polyphenol antioxidant called cynarin which increases bile flow. T he cynarin paired with the antioxidant silymarin in artichokes are very beneficial to the liver. Studies show they could actually regenerate liver tissue. Artichokes are also a natural diuretic so they aid in digestion and improve gallbladder functions.

5. Last but most definitely not least, ARTICHOKES HELP HANGOVERS! Because artichokes help the liver the way they do, people have sworn by them as hangover treatments.

Here a few recipes…

Raw Artichoke Salad with Parmesan and Mint

SERVES 4
INGREDIENTS

2 lbs. baby artichokes (about 20)
2 lemons, halved
4 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup baby arugula
1/4 cup torn mint leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 oz. Parmesan, shaved thin with a peeler

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Trim away tough outer leaves of the artichokes to expose their tender pale green interior. Using a serrated-blade knife, cut off the spiky top third of the artichokes. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the tough outer layers around the base and stem. Squeeze 1 lemon into a bowl filled with cold water and submerge artichokes in the water.

2. Drain artichokes and pat dry with paper towels. Using a mandoline or a chef’s knife, cut the artichokes into thin slices and transfer to medium bowl. Squeeze remaining lemon and the oil over the artichokes; toss to coat. Add arugula and mint and season with salt and pepper; toss gently. Garnish salad with Parmesan shavings.

Chicken and Artichoke Fettuccine

SERVES 4
INGREDIENTS

Juice of 1 lemon
15 baby artichokes (about 2 lbs.)
3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 dried mushrooms, such as porcini,
chopped (about 1⁄8 oz.)
1 small carrot, finely chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper,
to taste
3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1 lb.),
cut into 1″ chunks
1 tbsp. tomato paste
1⁄4 cup white wine vinegar
4 tbsp. chopped tarragon leaves
3 cups chicken broth
1 lb. dried fettuccine
3⁄4 cup grated Parmesan

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Stir lemon juice into a medium bowl filled with water. Trim away tough outer leaves of the artichokes to expose their tender, pale green interior. (For illustrated, step-by-step instructions, see Trimming Baby Artichokes.) Put trimmed artichokes into lemon water; set aside.

2. Heat the oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, mushrooms, and carrots and cook, stirring frequently, until soft, about 8 minutes. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Increase heat to high and add the chicken and tomato paste; cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is lightly browned, about 6 minutes. Add the vinegar and cook, stirring constantly, until liquid has evaporated, about 1 minute. Drain the artichokes and add them, along with 2 tbsp. tarragon and the chicken broth, to the pot. Bring broth to a boil and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until chicken and artichokes are very tender and the broth has reduced by half, about 40 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and set sauce aside.

3. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 7 minutes. Reserve 1 cup pasta water. Drain pasta and transfer to pot with artichoke and chicken sauce; set over high heat. Bring sauce to a boil, stir in 1⁄2 cup Parmesan and cook, tossing occasionally with tongs, until sauce thickens and clings to pasta, about 2 minutes. (If sauce is too dry, pour in a little pasta water.) Add remaining tarragon and season with salt and pepper. Transfer pasta to 4 bowls and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.

Steamed Artichokes

SERVES 2
INGREDIENTS

2 large artichokes
1/2 tsp. kosher salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Bring 1″ of water to a boil over high heat in a 4-qt. saucepan. Place a small rack or steaming basket in bottom of pot.

2. Using a serrated-blade knife, cut off the stems of the artichokes so that they sit flat. Cut off top third of artichokes. Using kitchen shears, trim the pointed tops from the leaves. Transfer artichokes to the saucepan and sprinkle with salt; cover and steam over medium-high heat until tender, about 40 minutes. Using tongs, transfer artichokes to 2 plates. Serve with drawn butter or your favorite dipping sauce, if you like.

If you have any of your own recipes, please share.

To further level up your artichoke intake, why not snack on some delicious artichoke hearts or even supplement with artichoke extract? Below are our recommendations.

POSHI Artichoke Hearts Vegetable Snack

Stonemill Kitchens, Spinach, Artichoke & Parmesan Dip

Jarrow Formulas Artichoke 500 mg – Liver Support & Digestion Dietary Supplement

~Alancia M

The post SuperFood: A – Artichokes appeared first on Always Eat Good.

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”… Well, apples can…

Video Overview

1. Aid in getting you whiter, healthier teeth

2. Help you avoid Alzheimer’s

3. Protect against Parkinson’s

4. Curb many kinds of caners

5. Decrease your  risk of diabetes

6. Reduce cholesterol

7. Get a healthier heart

8. Prevent gallstones

9. Beat diarrhea and constipation

10. Neutralize irritable bowel syndrome

11. Avert hemorrhoids

12. Control  your weight

13. Detoxify your liver

14. Boost your immune system

15. Prevent cataracts

Eating them raw is the best way to get the full benefits that they provide. Here are a few simple apple smoothies you can make…

Apple-Lemon
2 apples
1/2 lemon juiced
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
1 whole carrot
1/2 cup of water

Apple-Grape
1 apple
1 cup red grapes
1 whole carrot
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
1/2 cup water

Apple-Pear-Banana
1 apple
1 banana
1 pear
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
1 stalk of celery
1/2 – 1 cup water

Apple-Blueberry
1 apple
1 cup blueberries
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
¼ avocado
1/2 cup water

Apple Green
2 apples
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
1 celery stalk (optional)
1/2 cup water

Making Smoothies are super quick and easy, especially if you have the perfect smoothie maker! Our all time favorite Nutribullet Blender does a fantastic job!

If you are looking for a cheaper alternative, the Magic Bullet Blender performs and delivers, at a lesser price.

The post SuperFood: A – Apple appeared first on Always Eat Good.

The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry has made claims that a drink of coffee contains around 1g of soluble fibre per cup. This is a positive piece of news for coffee drinkers as this is the type of fibre that helps lower bad cholesterol levels. This information might make you wonder how a liquid drink can possibly contain fibre, but most people won’t worry about that in favour of this new intelligence. Coffee has long been linked to a number of benefits that are related to good health.

Video Overview

Coffee shouldn’t provide all of your fibre needs

This type of dietary fibre naturally dissolves in water and the parts that help prevent cholesterol are absorbed by the intestines and are more efficient than wine or orange juice. But wait – if you are considering getting your dietary fibre needs just from coffee, it won’t work. You would need to consume about 17 cups of instant coffee to reach the recommended daily intake of around 31g. This amount of dietary fibre is based upon the standard 2000 calorie daily diet.

Researchers from Harvard University linked nine separate studies involving almost 200,000 people while looking into a range of information about diabetes. Initially they found that regular coffee drinkers carried a much lower risk of getting type II diabetes than those who avoided coffee. The report went further to suggest that the more coffee people drink, then the lower the risk.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has carried out a study which reports that healthy people over the age of 65 who drink at least 4 cups of caffeinated coffee a day showed a more than 53% lower risk of sustaining a heart disease, compared to non-coffee drinkers.

The body learns to tolerate changes

The Harvard School of Public Health has issued information that suggests that any effects which temporarily raise the heart rate and blood pressure which make cells more resistant to insulin after drinking coffee are temporary because people develop a long-term tolerance. They go on to propose that after long and varied coffee tests, over the longer term, people who drink coffee more regularly will experience longer lasting effects for the benefit of their health.

Despite all of the research around coffee, the studies haven’t completely identified any of the necessary cause and effects relationships. Chlorogenic acid, which is closely related to polyphenols in grapes, acts as an antioxidant. As one of the top sources of antioxidants in a person’s diet, an equivalent single serving of coffee has more antioxidants than blueberries. They help suppress inflammation which will probably explain why coffee has had such a great effect in diseases like diabetes and heart disease which are inflammation related.

There is a belief that cells are much more sensitive against insulin because of the amount of magnesium in coffee. Caffeine has long been known to have an entire range of favourable effects. In particular, diabetes studies found a benefit to caffeine coffee drinkers over decaf for reducing the risk of diabetes. One part of the report suggests that you might need to move from decaf to full caffeinated coffee drinking because there is evidence of a much reduced risk of gallstones, cirrhosis, Parkinson’s disease and liver cancer.

Nevertheless, experts are not suggesting that people start drinking caffeinated coffee to prevent disease. New mothers, in particular, should be aware that caffeine can pass into breast milk and you wouldn’t want your young children being awake anymore than they usually are during the first two years of their lives as their time sleep is the mother’s time to rest.

Harvard is quite clear that for most people, there is no reason to change their coffee drinking practices and there is certainly no reason whatsoever to cut back or refuse coffee altogether.

Here are Food Network’s Top Three Best Coffee:

Best Overall: Stumptown Coffee Roasters

Runner-up Best Overall: Intelligentsia Coffee

Best Instant: Mount Hagen

Damien Higgins writes for Eden Springs who supply business coffee machines.

Image credit

The post Great News: Coffee Contains Soluble Fiber appeared first on Always Eat Good.

The causes are many and varied, and in some cases, low libido can be attributed to medication use or pre-existing health conditions. In addition, a lack of desire may also be caused by lifestyle habits like drinking, smoking and being sedentary, as well as by your diet, stress levels, age and even whether or not you have children in the home. When this occurs, doctors often place women on one of a variety of pharmaceutical drugs, most of which are known to possess a multitude of unpleasant or even dangerous side effects. For that reason, a growing number of affected women are opting to turn to different foods to bring their libido back.

Video Overview

Oatmeal
Oats are one of the best foods that women can use to enhance their sex drive. These grains, which are more effective in their minimally-processed form, help to boost levels of sex hormone. They do this by decreasing the body’s amounts of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), thereby allowing the sex hormones to act on the body and improve sexual desire and ability. Oatmeal is known to be so effective for women’s libido enhancement that many women report a noticeable difference in a matter of minutes after eating it.

This organic oats from Nature’s Path is one of our favorite oats out there.

Oysters
Many people believe that oysters are considered an aphrodisiac because of their startling resemblance to the female genitalia. In reality, the aphrodisiac properties of oysters stem from their extremely high zinc content. This mineral is needed by the body to produce adequate levels of sex hormones, particularly testosterone. Eat a serving of them at least twice per week to keep your libido more active.

You can also take oyster supplements like this one from Deep Blue Health.

Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a very healthy fat that has a long history of traditional use in Southeast Asia, the West Indies and the Pacific Islands. Besides stimulating weight loss and boosting energy, it also elevates testosterone levels. It does this by increasing the function of the thyroid gland, which controls the production and distribution of all of the body’s hormones. Regular coconut oil, while it isn’t the best kind to use, is the easiest variety to find. If possible, try to get virgin coconut oil since this form has been minimally processed, allowing it to retain more of its beneficial hormonal effects.

This organic virgin coconut oil from Nutiva is a bestseller.

Broccoli
All vegetables in the cabbage family are helpful for enhancing your libido, but broccoli has been shown to be especially effective. Like oatmeal, it reduces the ability of SHBG to lock your body’s sex hormones away and preventing them from having any benefit.

For those who do not really like to eat broccoli, then broccoli powders are a great alternative!

Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne is a common ingredient in almost all spicy dishes, but it can also be used for women’s libido enhancement. This hot pepper increases circulation, improving the flow of blood to the genitals and making arousal easier. Without adequate blood flow to this area, sensitivity is low and desire may be virtually nonexistent.

Cayenne, fortunately, is commonly present and readily available in most kitchens.

The post Foods to Eat for Women’s Libido Enhancement appeared first on Always Eat Good.