The internet became obsessed with coconut oil. People started to believe that it falls under the category of superfoods. Numerous studies have praised it and confirmed its benefits. Still, there are many questions and concerns around it as to how beneficial it actually is. While some are convinced that coconut oil has multiple health benefits, others claim that it does more harm than good. When it comes to nutritional facts, coconut oil has 862 calories per 100 grams and is 99% fat, with 90% saturated, 9% unsaturated fats, and 1% plant sterols and other fat-dissolving chemicals. Saturated fats are chemically prone to change when heated, but compared to polyunsaturated fatty acids, they create less harmful compounds (aldehydes). Once ingested, they are metabolized quickly, but they might build up in the body and lead to high levels of bad cholesterol. The only controversy surrounding coconut oil is that its fats are a bit less harmful than those found in butter or beef. Nevertheless, people globally seem to love its aroma and notice more benefits than adverse effects.   Coconut Oil for Healthier Teeth and Gums Coconut oil has antimicrobial components, such as lauric acid. Lauric acid is proved to be the most effective when it comes to fighting harmful bacteria in the mouth. It’s especially useful in killing streptococcus mutans and lactobacillus bacteria that cause tooth decay. Coconut oil also reduces plaque and fights gingivitis. Oil pulling with coconut oil for only seven days results in a significant decrease in plaque.   Coconut Oil Helps Treat Itchy Scalp and Moisturizes Dry Skin Coconut oil helps maintain moisture in the hair. It’s great for itchy scalp, against dandruff, hair loss, and frizz. Since it’s rich in fatty acids and antioxidants and has antifungal properties, coconut oil is beneficial for the skin too. It can fight skin allergies, rashes, yeast infections, and dermatitis. Its hydrating effects are perfect for dry skin. It can also be used for oily skin as a face mask. Rubbing coconut oil on cuticles and brittle nails helps to keep them healthy and strong. It also serves as excellent makeup removal.   Antimicrobial and Antifungal Properties of Fatty Acids in Coconut Oil  We’ve already mentioned the lauric acid and the antimicrobial and antifungal properties of coconut oil, but there’s more. Aside from lauric, coconut oil contains capric, myristic, palmitic, and other acids. Some are used in beauty products since they benefit the skin. The way these acids work is by disrupting the bacterial, fungal, and viral cell membranes, leading to cell death. While the research proves that lauric acid doesn’t have the same potential as antibiotics, it can still be used in the treatment of moderate skin infections due to the low risk of side effects.   Coconut Oil Boosts Metabolism Medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil can help boost metabolism and increase energy levels. Four studies have confirmed the correlation between decreased weight and fat reduction and coconut oil consumption. Even though some [...]

Water is one of the most crucial substances for our organs to function well. Our bodies use water for various parts of our body: tissues, organs, cells and so on. Our body absorbs water in order to regulate our body temperature, metabolism and so on. Also, we lose a lot of fluids while sweating, digesting or even breathing, so it is important to replenish our stores by drinking water. However, not all types of water can be completely safe to drink. Drinking tap water can negatively affect our kidneys, brain, red blood cells and sometimes make a serious harm for pregnant women or women who breast-feed. Viruses, bacteria, parasites or even fungus can be removed in the process of distillation, so that is why it is important to have distilled water at home.   What is distilled water? Distilled water is created in the process of distillation. It is a purified type of water, which is created through the specialised heating process. Distilled water is well-cooled vapor, which returns to its liquid state at the end of the process. Distilled water does not contain any bacteria or other harmful substances, so it is really great if you want to replenish your fluids’ stores by choosing this type of water. On the other hand, distilled water does not contain any minerals either. So, if you drink it, it is important to recover the sources of minerals by eating food, which has a lot of such substances: watermelons, strawberries, apples and etc.   Wide range of activities to use distilled water for your home There are many applications where distilled water can be used. It is not just drinking or cooking where distilled water usually can be recommended. Distilled water can be used for car installations, humidifiers or household products. Also, it can be helpful in the cleaning process. For example, if water is distilled, streaks and blurred lines on the glass don’t occur – it leaves no marks after the cleaning is done. Furthermore, it is safe to prepare baby formula with the distilled water – fragile infant immune systems can adjust to this type of water easily.   Water purity is guaranteed A water distiller provides you a superior purity of the water. It does not contain any inorganic compounds, bacteria, viruses or fungus. You can even get protection from salts, metals, and solids, which comes from old water pipelines in your city. So, it is useful to drink distilled water and be sure that it is completely pure.   Safe investment Having your own distilled water at home is way cheaper than purchasing it from the store. Even though water distillers are rather expensive units, it is way more beneficial than bottled water. Also, distilled water, which is produced at the store is usually bottled. Bottled water is unfriendly in an environmental way and may leave plastic substances in the water. Well maintained distilled water may stay in good quality for 10 years – so [...]

The health and wellness of our teeth and gums is just as important as the wellbeing of any other part of our body. While we may have our diets and fitness gym routines down to a T, do we give our mouth the same attention and importance? Achieving that perfect smile is important and is a desired trait that we all strive to attain. There are some dental issues that may need cosmetic attention or work, such as chipped, crooked, and cracked teeth that may be in the way of that immaculate looking grin. In general, it is pretty simple to get that show-stopping smile. A sure way to get that picture-perfect smile is by looking after the health of your teeth and gums, and maintaining their great condition on a daily basis. There are simple practices that can be done everyday to get your smile gleaming and shining that bit brighter, whilst making sure your teeth and gums are the healthiest they can be.   Brush twice a day We are told this from a very young age. Our parents' voices echoing and ringing in our minds, “don’t go to bed before brushing your teeth,” but how many of us keep this important routine up on a daily basis? Laziness and negligence creep into our way of keeping this necessary step of our mouth hygiene up and it can be very easy to forget and overlook. It is so important to brush your teeth before sleeping as bacteria that has built up throughout the entire day can harden overnight and turn into plaque, which in the long run can be a disaster for your teeth!   Use a fluoride toothpaste  Choosing the correct toothpaste to use is just as important as brushing your teeth consistently and regularly. Using a toothpaste that has strengthening and whitening powers is great, but the most important ingredient is fluoride. Fluoride is a vital component in toothpaste as it fights against the germs and bacteria that can cause tooth decay, whilst creating a protective barrier for your teeth.   Floss! Flossing gets into the nooks and crannies that brushing can’t reach, especially in between the tight spots of your teeth. Flossing is great for reaching and removing those small pieces of food and germs from in between your teeth. Flossing is also great for reducing plaque buildup in your teeth whilst stimulating the gum area to lower any inflammation in that area. Only flossing once a day is enough to reap its benefits for your gums and teeth.   Use mouthwash Rinsing your mouth out with mouthwash is also an effective way to clean hard-to-reach bacteria and germs that are stuck in between your teeth gums. It is also great to use mouthwash on a daily basis as it reduces the acidity in your mouth and maintains a healthy, balanced pH level. Brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash are great routine practices to do on a daily basis to [...]

Everyone wants to have a fit body, a healthy mind, and clear skin. Every day we are exposed to toxins that might be difficult for the body to deal with. Imagine toxins building up in your tissues and cells. Scary right? Detoxing is a great way of boosting the immune system and helping the body function at its peak. Toxins can be from the environment, food, or stress, which all produce harmful chemicals that are dangerous to the body. Instead of quick-fix detoxes, you should focus more on self-care and natural body detoxification by optimizing the body’s natural detoxifying organs. The liver, skin, kidney, digestive system, and lungs are the organs responsible for eliminating toxins. These organs can only function well when they are healthy. When your lifestyle has been less than ideal, you can try any or all of these natural detox methods for your body.   1. Drink More Water The first step is to drink more and more water. It flushes the toxins and helps hydration, which is essential for effective body functions. Low hydration level causes fatigue, headaches, and inability to concentrate. Water does more than quenching thirst; it performs marijuana cleanse, as shown in this article. It aids digestion, regulates body temperature, and eliminates waste products from the body. Water is responsible for transporting these waste products. It removes them efficiently through breathing, sweating, and urination. Health professionals recommend at least 3.7 liters of water for men and 2.7 liters of water for women daily. How much water are you drinking? You don’t have to wait until you are thirsty. You can deduce your hydration level just by looking at your urine. If it is dark, you need to drink more water. If your urine is pale yellow, you are doing an impressive job with water. Consume fruits with high water content like watermelon and cucumbers. You should also infuse them into your daily diet. You can start your day with a glass of warm water and lemon.   2. Catch Enough Sleep Adequate and quality night sleep is a way the body naturally detoxifies itself. Sleeping allows the brain to recharge and remove waste products accumulated during the day. An example of such a product is Beta-Amyloid, a protein that contributes to Alzheimer’s disease in older people. Sleep deprivation does not allow the body to function effectively. The body won’t have time to eliminate waste that can build up and affect your overall health. Not just Alzheimer’s disease, poor sleep cause stress, obesity, unhealthy cravings, anxiety, and high blood pressure. It is advisable to get up to 7-9 hours of sleep every night to promote good health. If you have trouble sleeping at night, try sticking to a sleep schedule and limit distractions from your phones, TV, and laptop.   3. Reduce Stress The body will not work well when it is under stress. This makes it difficult for you to detoxify. Learn how to manage stress as it [...]

If you’ve ever forgotten something important, then you know how frustrating it is. Most people associate memory loss with aging, but the truth is that most people could benefit from consciously improving their working memory, ability to focus, and overall cognitive performance. Daily practice can help you improve your ability to recall details and manage your daily responsibilities. Training your brain for enhanced memory in focus will allow you to fully engage in life, become more productive, and stay “sharp.” Here are some tips for improving your cognition.   Pay Attention to Your Diet & Exercise Routine Diet is an important factor in cognitive performance and making sure you’re getting the right nutrients is key for improving memory and focus. A diet rich in leafy green vegetables, fish, nuts, berries, and even coffee and tea can improve your memory and help you function at your peak. Fuel your brain (and your body!) the right way to stay mentally fit. You should also get outside or to the gym and exercise regularly. Exercise has countless benefits, with cognitive performance being one of them. Research indicates that people who exercise regularly develop a larger hippocampus, which affects memory.   Play Memory Games Your brain needs exercise, just like your body. Committing to daily brain teasers and memory games is a great way to stay sharp as you get older. Something as simple as writing down ten words and then doing something else before trying to remember the words you wrote down is a simple, yet effective way to keep your brain “in shape.” Brain games don’t have to take up a lot of time, but you should do them consistently. They can also be a lot of fun—jigsaw puzzles, the daily crossword, Sudoku are all fantastic brain exercises. Try keeping a book of puzzles next to the couch and tackle one each day. You can also boost your brainpower by learning a new skill or improving an existing one. Your cognitive function will begin to deteriorate over time if you don’t challenge your brain with novel experiences. Even simply listening to music or exploring an unfamiliar environment can help!   Take Up Meditation and Get a Good Night’s Sleep Although it’s important to challenge your brain, it’s just as important to let it rest. Workaholics take note: you need to step back and relax if you want to operate at your peak level of performance. Meditation is a great daily habit for improving focus and memory. You can do it anywhere you can find a quiet space, and even just a few minutes can be beneficial. Yoga and Tai Chi can also be beneficial for your mental wellness and performance. You should also ensure that you’re getting enough sleep. Sleep improves memory and is essential for focus, mood, and general health and well-being. If you’re having trouble sleeping, it’s important to find out why so you can make adjustments and get more rest.   Spend Time with [...]

The COVID-19 pandemic has turned everyone’s daily routine upside down. While it has forced everyone to stay at home and practice social distancing, seniors need to be extra careful. Social distancing can leave you feeling both isolated and bored. However, it doesn’t have to, you can stay at home and still do a lot of fun activities. The following list will help you stay active, enjoy yourself, and keep you busy while you socially distance yourself.   Stay in touch with loved ones Being isolated can take a toll on your mental health. But luckily, technology can help you stay in touch with loved ones. All you need is a computer, tablet, or smartphone and you can easily connect with your friends and family through video calls on numerous platforms such as Skype, Zoom, or WhatsApp.   Meditate Another great way to keep your mental health intact is through meditation. You don’t have to do it for hours, just put on music that you find soothing and focus on taking deep breaths. As you do that try to focus only on your breathing and nothing else. Do this for about 4-5 minutes a day to start and build it up to 10-15 minutes. Understand that it takes time and practice for you to meditate properly so keep at it and don’t give up if you find it difficult initially.   Exercise Exercise is great for both your physical and mental health. Working out alone or with a caregiver, you want to keep it simple. Chair exercises for seniors are a smart way to keep your whole body fit as it engages everything from your core to chest and legs. Make sure you understand each exercise before you attempt it to limit the risk of injury. Also, if you plan on using any weights, be sure that you opt for weights you can easily manage.   Read a book You’ve probably had a book just lying around that you’ve been meaning to get to. There is no better time than now to read it. With the extra time on your hand, reading books you’ve been meaning to read, not only will this keep you busy, but also allows you to let your imagination take you to places you’ve always wanted to go.   Watch movies you love Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime have made it easy to watch classic movies. With thousands of movies available with a click of a button, you can browse through to find movies you’ve been meaning to watch or ones you already love.   Cook or bake Don’t let all the boredom force you to eat junk food. Instead, take the time to engage yourself in cooking or baking healthy snacks and food. The activity will help you relax and the result will be something for you to enjoy.   Online shopping Since you can’t go out to shop, let the shops come into your home with the [...]

Health is wealth! There are many health issues through which a person deals in life. Among many, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a situation in medicine that causes hand numbness, pain, or discomfort, affecting approximately 75 million people worldwide. These syndrome therapies are relatively successful, but it is essential to diagnose early. If you think you are suffering from this syndrome, call the doctor for care.   Symptoms – The symptoms for this syndrome are as follows: Tingling and numbness in your hand & fingers, particularly the thumb, middle, and index finger. Aches in hand, back or forearm. Night time numbness or discomfort, which can make it difficult to sleep. Soreness, which arises when using your hand and wrist. Difficulty holding items like a car steering wheel. The thumb is weak   What is causing this syndrome? Again and again, making the very same hand gestures can lead to carpal tunnel disorder. It is most common among people whose work needs wrist movement, held the intent to pinch and grip. People more at-risk are individuals who use machines, carpenters, product checkers, production line employees, farmers, singers, and mechanics. Often activities like farming, needlework, golf, or canoeing will bring the effects. Females are more prone to have a carpal tunnel. Sometimes it is hereditary. Carpal tunnel syndrome can also be induced by a wrist injury, for example, a fracture. Or, diseases like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disease may trigger it. This disorder can also become more prevalent in the last few months during pregnancy.   Various therapies to cure Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Resting the hand or wearing a splint in the evening may be all that is requires to alleviate symptoms of mild cases for carpal tunnel syndrome. Side effects for carpal tunnel syndrome sometimes occur at night, causing people to wake up or shake and move their hands until the numbness subsides. Always consult your doctor before going for any therapy. Some remedies are as follows:   Yoga poses are designed to reinforce, stretch, and balance the upper portion of the body and ligaments, which can help to reduce pain or improve core strength. Hand-treatment – Early studies show that specific hand treatment strategies, both physical and behavioral, may reduce carpal tunnel disease. Take quick, frequent breaks from repetitive hands-on activities. Lose weight if you are obese or overweight. Turn your wrists or stretch your fingers or palms. In the evening, wear a comfortable but rigid wrist splint. Ice your wrist or soak it in an ice bath once or twice an hour for 10 to 15 minutes. Get relieved from pain at night via shaking your hand or wrist gently, or by any other hanging exercise for your hand. Immerse your palm in lukewarm water, then gently massage or stretch your wrist and hand. Do this 3-4 times per day.   Consume more vitamin B6 Vitamin B6 is an essential mineral involved in hormonal regulation, as well as reducing tiredness and fatigue. It [...]