Christy's Healthy Living

So you've just finish having this fantastic,sumptuous full meal and all you just want to do is lay down to watch your favorite movies, or go for a smoke, take a bath or actually head straight to bed for a nap?,these are really bad for your health.Food are important to our overall health,but so also are the things we do after eating.There are several things you should never do right after eating, in order to achieve optimal health.

Taking a Bath: Do not take a bath or shower immediately after eating,this can lead to digestive problems.Bathing increases the blood flow to the body, hand and legs,instead of helping with digestion.
Digestion requires a good amount of blood flow towards the stomach,but bathing diverts the blood flow away from the stomach to other parts of the body instead. If you must take a bath at all, wait at least 30-45 minutes after a meal before doing that.
Eating Fruits: Fruits are healthy, nutritious and necessary for optimal health,but eating it at the right time is the key.Eating fruits right after a meal might end up doing you more harm than good.its best to eat fruits first before a meal,because they take little time to digest and when you eat them right after a meal they get stuck with all the other food and not getting to the intestine on time, can make it rot in the gut, causing heartburn, indigestion.
Sleeping: Do not lay down or go for a nap after eating this is a bad idea, except of course if you're in the mood for a party with indigestion, heartburn, or burning throat.Laying down after a meal causes acid reflux symptoms that causes chest discomfort,heartburn and burning throat.Remember to eat at least two hours before bedtime, in order to avoid digestion issues.Eating close to bedtime especially foods high in fat, will result in bloating.Sleeping right after meal can increase the risk of stroke, so try and avoid that.
Smoking: Smoking is really bad for the health no matter how you look at it.Smoking increase the chance of lung cancer and other related health issues.Smoking one cigarettes after eating, is actually like smoking ten cigarettes,and that is like increasing the risk of lung cancer and other related health issues ten times.This is detrimental to your overall health.
Drinking Tea: Drinking tea right after a meal should be avoided. The acidity in the tea can make it difficult to digest food. Tannin acids in tea harden protein, and make them harder to digest, and keep your body from properly absorbing iron.if you need to drink tea after your meal, wait at least one hour after eating before doing so.

Oranges are one of the worlds healthiest fruits to eat. They are not just juicy and sweet, but very good for smooth functioning, of the human body. Oranges are highly rich in Vitamins C and A, flavonoids,calcium, antioxidants,magnesium,potassium, and dietary fibers. There are loads of reasons why eating an orange daily, is the perfect idea for your health.They are not only low in calories, but full of nutrients that is needed for good health.

                               Health Benefits Of Oranges:

•  Relieves constipation: if you suffer from constipation, include orange in your diet. The high dietary fiber in oranges, makes it one of the best fruits for digestive system. Consuming oranges on a regular basis, makes constipation a thing of the past.
• Regulates blood pressure: The presence of Hesperidin,a flavonoid in oranges ,helps to regulate high blood pressure and the abundance of magnesium in oranges maintain the blood pressure.
• Cancer prevention:High concentration of Vitamin C in oranges, helps prevents the occurrence of free radicals that damage the cells, and cause cancer. Consuming oranges regularly, helps in reducing the risk of Breast,skin, oral, lung and colon cancer.
• Boost immunity: The high Vitamin C contents in oranges, helps the body to maintain strong and fundamental immune system.Oranges helps reduce the risk of chronic health conditions, and helps in reducing the occurrence of everyday virus and infections like common cold.
• Fights viral infections: Polyphenols in oranges, helps to protect the internal system from attacks from infections
• Improve vision quality: Consuming oranges helps in improving your eyesight. The vitamin A in oranges helps your eyes absorbs light, and improve night vision. Vitamin C in oranges also helps reduce the risk of cataracts.
• Purifies the blood: Oranges are high in iron and vitamin B6 which helps in the production of hemoglobin, and also purifies the blood.
• Strong and health Bones: if you want strong bones and teeth, include oranges in your daily diet. Calcium in oranges helps keep your bones and teeth strong and healthy.
• Cholesterol level: Consuming oranges regularly helps cut down the bad cholesterol level in the body. This reduces the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and other related health issues.
• Heart Health: Oranges are full of potassium, making it the number one requirement for improving heart health. Potassium is required in maintaining the balance of the heart and its beat. The lack of adequate potassium in the body, can creates severe heart issues. The abundance of potassium in oranges helps in maintaining good heart health.

Banana, juicy and one of the most popular fruits eaten by both young and old. This fruit is filled with loads of nutrients and vitamins that your body needs.
Do you know that the peels of this banana fruits is also filled with lots and lots of nutrients and vitamins?.Are you in the habits of throwing away the peels after you finish eating the banana?, please stop,yeah seriously stop ,you are throwing away essential nutrients that is good for you.
Banana peels contain high amount of vitamin B6 and B12, Magnesium and also Potassium. It also contain some fiber and protein. Let look at the health benefits and uses for Banana peels.

Health Benefits of Banana Peels:

• Whitening Teeth: if you what a sparkling and brighter teeth, instead of spending loads of money on teeth whiten products, you might want to consider Banana peels . You heard me right, Banana peels helps in whitening the teeth. Brush your teeth normally with toothbrush and paste,rub in banana peel in circular motion on your teeth for about two minutes,rinse normally. you can do this twice daily.
• Relieves Pain: Banana peel is a good pain reliever,mix some vegetable oil with Banana peel, apply the mixture on the affected area, leave to rest for about 3o minutes, the pain will subsides.
• Remove Warts:one of the simplest uses of Banana peels for the skin is in removing warts. simply clean the affected area with soap and water, rub the Banana peel on the affected area or you might leave small banana peel piece round the wart, apply adhesive bandage over it and leave overnight.
• Relieves Mosquitoes and Bug bites: Banana peels gives relieves from pain and itches from mosquitoes and Bug bites. Apply directly on the bites, and in a short while it no longer itches.
• Wrinkles: Banana peels helps in eliminating wrinkles. Banana peels helps keep your skin hydrated. Mix one egg yolk with mashed banana peels, apply this on your face for five minutes and wash it off after five minutes.
• Pimples: To cure Pimples, gently massage mash banana peels on your face for five minutes, rinse off with lukewarm water. Do this daily till the pimples clear off.
• Headaches: Are you always having headaches? banana peels might be the answer.Mash the Banana peels very well and place it on  your forehead to prevent painful headaches.

The juice you make yourself at home is more nutritious and healthy than store bought ones. You are in total control of whatever goes in and what you decide to leave out like too much sugar and any kind of preservatives.
Be  it fruits or vegetables, whichever is your personal preference, the following homemade juice recipes  are not only fantastically delicious but also nutritious.


LEMON LIME JUICE: Lemon and Lime are great source of vitamin C, B6, Folate, Potassium and Limonini which contain anti cancer properties.They both help neutralize excess acid waste in the body which causes cellular damage and inflammation. They both help fight cold, flu and other infections.This Lemon Lime juice is not only delicious but full of health benefits.

INGREDIENTS                 Total Time:25 mins                Yields: 10 cups

1/2 cup Lime juice
1 cup Lemon juice
1 cup sugar
1 lemon sliced
11 lime sliced

METHOD

Put 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar in a large saucepan on medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, take off heat and allow to cool. In a large jug add the Lime and Lemon juice ,Add the sugar syrup and stir. fill with 8 cups of water and stir properly.Add the Lime and Lemon slices.



WATERMELON LEMONADE: This watermelon Lemonade is delicious, nutritious and highly refreshing.

Ingredients                          Total Time: 15 mins                   Yields: 12 servings

1 cup sugar
8 cups seeded watermelon
4 cups water
1/2 cup Lemons

METHOD
place the watermelon and 1 cup of water in a blender, blend on medium speed. puree and strain out the juice through a sieve mesh.
In a large saucepan, put 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a saucepan , put it on medium heat. whisk it slowly until the sugar dissolves, allow to cool.stir in 3 cups of water, 1/2 cup of Lemon juice inside the sugar syrup. Stir very well and top up with ice.



ORANGEADE:I love orange juice there is nothing refreshing than gulping down a chilled cup of orange juice but to even take it to the next level adding a splash of lemon juice is out of this world.


INGREDIENTS                                   Total Time    15 mins                           Total Yield     8 cups

6 Oranges
1/2 cup Lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice

METHOD

Make simple sugar syrup by boiling 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water over a medium heat. Squeeze the oranges, and the Lemon juice and the sugar syrup. mix thoroughly and serve over ice.




CUCUMBER LIMEADE:This is a classic and  refreshing drink for any warm day.


INGREDIENTS                Total Time    10 mins                      Total  Yield          5 cups
1 English Cucumber peeled and diced
1/2 cup lime juice
1/2 cup sugar
4 cups water

METHOD
Blend together 2 cups of water, lime juice, sugar together in a blender. Pour through a fine mesh and add the remaining water. stir very well and pour over ice


PINEAPPLE JUICE; Who doesn't like the delicious taste of fresh homemade pineapple juice,easy to make, refreshing, and healthy tropical juice. pineapple juice is not only delicious but fill with all the essential vitamins and nutrients that your body needs for optimal health.


INGREDIENTS                                Total Time 15 mins                                Total Yields    8cups
3 Cups pineapple chunks
4 cups of water
1/2 cup of sugar
1 Lime juice

METHOD
Put the pineapple chunks and 1 cup of water in a blender, sugar, and the lime juice. Blend on medium speed. strain over a fine mesh. serve over ice.

Many people are not a big fan of plain water( i know am not), i find it extremely difficult to drink plain water. We all know water is very essential to our health, it helps with hydration, prevents constipation,and most importantly helps flush out harmful toxins from our body.Despite all these health benefits ,drinking plain water could be a very difficult and torturous task, which have discourage many people from drinking the required daily amount of water.if you are part of this group, help is on the way. Below are  ways that you can make your water taste better.


FRESH FRUIT WATER:Adding fresh fruits like cucumber, oranges, limes, lemons, strawberries,to your water not only make it enjoyable, but tasty and highly nutritious. Fresh fruit water also known as fruit infused water is the combination of any types of fruits in cold water.Drinking fruit infused water can help to detox the body and lose weight.

3 ingredients fruit infused water: This recipe helps with digestion and is great for the immune system.

Ingredients:
cucumber- 1/3 thinly sliced
1 lemon - squeezed
1 lime - squeezed

method:
Fill a large jug with water
put the cucumber,lemon and lime inside
refrigerate overnight

CUBE JUICE: make cube juice out of sugar free juice, add it to your water.

ingredients:
200ml of any fruit juice of your choice

method:
pour fruit juice into each of the ice cube tray compartment
put into freezer until completely frozen
add to your water




ADD MINT LEAVE: Add fresh mints leaves to your water and leave to steep in the water before drinking.

Apples are packed with disease fighting vitamins and antioxidants which is good for your health.

Eating Apples has been linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart diseases and dementia. Eating Apples in their whole form, will give you synergistic blend of nutrients and fibers the way nature intended,yielding greater health benefits than Apple juice.

The following are some of the health benefits of Apples:

• Apples gives you whiter and healthier teeth. The biting and chewing of an apple stimulates the production of saliva in the mouth ,which helps in reducing tooth decay, by lowering the level of bacteria.
• Apples lowers the risk of Alzheimer's disease.Drinking apple juice could keep Alzheimer's away, and help fight the effects of aging of the brain.
• Apples protects against Parkinson's disease. High fiber foods like Apples, protect against the occurrence of Parkinson's disease.
• Apples lower the risk of diabetes. Women who eat at least one apple a day, are 28% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who don't.
• Apples helps in reducing cholesterol. The fiber found in Apples, helps lower your cholesterol levels.
• Apples increase healthier heart. The phenolic compound found in Apples skins, prevents the cholesterol that get into your system from solidifying on your artery walls. When plaques builds inside your arteries, it reduces the blood flow into your heart, leading to coronary artery disease.
• Apples prevent gallstones. Gallstones form when there's too much cholesterol in your bile for it to remain as liquid, so it solidify. To prevent gallstones, doctors recommends diets that are high in fiber. The high fiber contents of Apples fights the formation of gallstones.
• Apples boost your immune system. Red Apples contain an antioxidants called quercetin which can help boost and fortify your immune system.

Carrots belong to the umbelliferae family,others in that family include fennel, caraway, parsley and dill. Carrots can be found in a host of colors like white, yellow, red, purple and the most common orange. The nutrients in carrots may provide protection against heart disease, and cancer and also help you build strong bones and healthy nervous system.

Carrot are among the popular root vegetables, notably rich in heart benefiting compounds like beta-carotene, minerals,antioxidants,and falcarinol, a component that may stimulate cancer fighting mechanisms. Consuming carrots has been associated with a lower risk of heart attacks in women.Carrots is rich in beta-carotene which is converted into vitamin A and transformed in the retina to rhodopsin, a purple pigment necessary for night vision.

Carrots promotes healthier skin. it helps protect you from skin,lung,and oral cavity cancer.

Health Benefits of Carrots

• Carrots can reduce the risk of lung cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer
• The beta-carotene acts as an antioxidants to cell damage done to the body through regular metabolism, this helps slows done the aging of cells.
• The vitamin A and antioxidants in carrots helps protects the skin from sun damage
• Carrots are known to prevent infection and boost immunity level
• The fiber in carrots help clean out the colon and aid waste movement
• Carrots helps clean the teeth and mouth . it stimulates the gums and trigger a lot of saliva which balance out the acid forming, cavity-forming bacteria.The minerals in carrots prevent tooth damage.
• Studies have shown that people who eat more than six carrots a week, are less likely to suffer a stroke than those who ate only one carrot a month or less.
• The antioxidants and phytochemical in carrots, can help with blood sugar regulation
• Carrots contain high level of soluble fiber largely from pectin, which helps in lowering the cholesterol level
• Regular eating of Carrots helps improve memory
• Eating one carrot  per day reduce the risk of Stroke by 68%.

Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa) belong to the daisy family Asteraceae. it's a crispy and leafy green vegetables that is filled with lots of essential nutrients that is beneficial to your health. Lettuce is one of the very low calorie and zero fat green vegetables, but they are full of many phyto-nutrients that have health promoting,  and disease preventing properties.

Lettuce is also known as the perfect weight loss food because it fills you up easily and help promote weight loss. Lettuce is an excellent source of vitamin A and beta carotene, vitamin K, folates,calcium,iron,magnesium,and vitamin C,potassium. it is also rich in B-complex group of vitamins like thiamin,Vitamin B-6 and riboflavin.

Health Benefits

• Lettuce contain chlorophyll and iron which is essential for the synthesis of hemoglobin in the red blood cell.
• Lettuce contains unique nutrition that have sedative and pain killing properties, this make it an effective juice for sleep, anxiety, and nervous disorders.
• Lettuce is a whole food eaten raw,providing you with many micronutrients not found in cooked or processed food.
• Minerals in lettuce helps in removing toxins and keep your alkaline balance in order
• Lettuce contain fiber which helps fill you up and improve your digestive system
• Lettuce helps with insomnia. it contain Lactucarium which have relaxing and sleep inducing properties. Simply eat a few leaves or drink some lettuce juice to derive this benefits.
• Lettuce contain vitamin C and beta-carotene which prevent oxidation of Cholesterol, this prevent plaque build up which can lead to heart attack.
• Taking Lettuce Salad regularly is known to prevent Osteoporosis,anemia, cancer and Cardiovascular diseases,and iron-deficiency.
• Lettuce juice contain anti-cough agents which helps relieve irritable cough and symptoms of Asthma and Bronchitis.
• Lettuce juice is an excellent source of hydration .They are refreshing,thirst quenching, and help rehydrates the cells  and releasing toxins and harmful fats from your body.

Yogurt is creamy,tasty,and full of health benefits.it is a cultured milk products made by adding good bacteria called probiotics to the milk. This are live cultures, which helps the digestive system. They help keep the balance between the good and bad bacteria, necessary for healthy digestive system.it is nutrients rich and an excellent source of vitamins and minerals like,riboflavin,phosphorus,vitamin B5, vitamin B12,Potassium, and iodine.

Yogurt is a calcium rich food ,which makes it very good for your Bones and it is also a good source of high quality protein. Yogurt contains lower amount of lactose than milk,this is because the lactose in the milk used to make yogurt,is converted to lactic acid by the bacteria cultures, so people who are moderately lactose intolerant can enjoy yogurt.

Studies has shown a line between diary intake and risk of high blood pressure. A 50% reduction in the risk of developing high blood pressure, has been observed among people eating 2-3 servings of low-fat dairy daily, compared with those without any intake.

Health Benefits Of Yogurt:

• Yogurt helps with Colon health,reducing the risk of Colon Cancer
• it boost your immunity level
• it aids healing after intestinal infections
• Help prevent Osteoporosis
• Reduce the risk of high blood pressure
• Yogurt with Active cultures may discourage vaginal infections
• Helps you feel full,so helps with weight loss
• Yogurt contain good bacteria which is good for digestion 
• It is a rich source of calcium
• Excellent source of protein

Herbs and Spices not only add taste and flavors to foods, but are full of loads of nutrients and health benefits. They are filled with loads of disease fighting antioxidants, that helps the body fight against some deadly and life threatening diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

• Anise: Anise is a sweet and aromatic seed, which can be use to calm upset stomach, suppress cough and running nose, boost appetite. Anise is a good source of calcium and fiber.

• Basil: Basil has strong antioxidants and anti inflammatory properties, and it can also help cardiovascular health. it can also help with respiratory infection,asthma, and diabetes. its also shown to lower blood sugar level and cholesterol level.it is a rich source of magnesium.

• Ginger: Ginger contain  Gingerols which helps the body fight some cancer and also reduce arthritis pain. it is also used to help with menstrual cramps, sore muscle,upper respiratory tract infections. Ginger can also help with morning sickness, gas and diarrhea and it can be use to relieve upset stomach, and colds. it also destroy cancer cell and disrupt the metabolism of tumor cells.

• Turmeric: Turmeric is one of the main ingredients use in indian cuisine , its one of the main ingredients in curry powder. Curcumin the most active ingredients in turmeric helps reduce inflammation and ease the pain of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Sage: Sage is use for  gastrointestinal health and can also be use to treat depression,Alzheimer disease and memory loss. women use it to reduce menstrual pain and hot flashes during menopause. it can also be use to heal cold sores and gingivitis.

• Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a sweet scent high power substance, that is full of health benefits. it is used in treating muscle spams, relieving vomiting, helps to lower blood sugar level,lower the risk of heart disease. Cinnamon antimicrobial substance has been shown to fight against strains of  E-coli  and candida yeast.

• Rosemary: Rosemary is a fragrant evergreen herbs and it is full of fiber,calcium ,iron and vitamin B6. it helps to ease digestion and increase circulation. Rosemary was traditionally use for relieving muscle pain, improve memory, and boost the immune system.

• Thyme: Thyme is a popular herbs from the mint family. it is primarily use for cooking but also full of health benefits.it has been use for a long time as medicine, for chest and respiratory related illness like cough,bronchitis, and chest congestion.Thyme is pack with Vitamin C, and it is also a good source of Vitamin A. Thyme  helps in boosting  your immunity, and helps in getting rid of common cold.

• Coriander seeds: Coriander helps lower blood sugar level, lower cholesterol and get rid of free radicals in your body. it is also a good source of dietary fiber, regular in take of coriander helps your body fight against  food and water borne diseases like diarrhea, cholera, typhoid and food poisoning.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and what a better way to start the day than with a bowl of hot steaming oatmeal. This is not one of the favorite meal for kids but its pack with loads of nutrients. Oatmeal helps to:

• Lower cholesterol level
• Reduce risk of high blood pressure
• Boost  the immune system
• Prevent weight gain
• Reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes
• Stabilize blood sugar