SLEEPING CUTS THE RISKS OF………

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Good sleep is the cornerstone of great health. 7-8 hours is the optimal amount of sleep for most adults, getting too little or even too much sleep can effect your health in a negative way!

Sleep deprivation has become so common that many people may not even realize they are suffering from it.  Some of the serious problems that a sleep deficit can cause include:

  • A weakened immune system
  • Poor memory
  • Poor concentration and mental performance
  • Poor physical performance
  • Stress related disorders such as heart disease, ulcers, and depression
  • Reduced growth hormone produced (accelerating the aging process)
  • Hunger and weight gain

We are all designed the same way and just like a car or any form of transportation which uses an engine to run which needs fuel to keep it working, as human beings our creator gave us sleep to renew and recharge our bodies.

Life as we know it and its pace keeps picking up speed, yet the confusing thing is the more products we create to make our lives easier, iPhones, laptops, online shopping, fast food, faster transport….the less time we actually have to do things!! Yet we seem to be cutting ourselves short on one of the most important things we need, Sleep, this is what makes our bodies better to cope with things physically, mentally and emotionally and where a lot of people who cut their sleeping time short its actually effecting their nutrition intake, which in turn has a ripple effect to a faster burnout regarding their health.

I saw in todays paper headlines, “Sleep cuts Risks of Diabetes” ~  Just an extra 30 minutes helps. (Daily Express) http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/564218/Sleeping-cuts-risk-diabetes-30-minutes-extra-helps-new-study
I agree with what they are saying to a point, as people who suffer from “Sleep Debt” are 72% more likely to be obese and suffer with weight related problems such as Type 2 Diabetes.

So try and stop living against your body clock, as a constant lack of sleep actually can speed up your Ageing process!! Start organising your day and note a time you are ready to commit in switching off and getting at least 7-8 hours sleep each night. I know I do and it was a challenge but your body will thank you in so many ways. Also another important note keep your body hydrated drink at least a large glass of water before you go to bed as sometimes if your body becomes dehydrated during the night you will wake up, so hydration is important so you don’t wake up out of a very comfortable sleep.

Sweet Dreams

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Part 2: 10 Affordable Superfood’s which suit your bodies Wellness

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Superfood’s get their name because they provide a huge amount of beneficial nutrients to our body.

Sometimes they can be a little expensive so here is the continuation of our list,the remaining 5 out of 10 affordable superfood’s that you can incorporate into your lifestyle to give you great health benefits as we have seen in part one of this blog.

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6. Avocado’s ~ This is a very nutritional fruit both internally and also externally! Avocados are very high in essential vitamins and minerals, including Fiber, Vitamins A, B5, B6, Vitamin C , potassium and Vitamin E which can help against excessive blood clotting. Avocados are low in sodium and Fructose. Also they are a rich source of oleic acid which is a powerful anti oxidant, and has been noted upon  lowering cholesterol. Regarding weight control, Its monounsaturated fat speeds up the metabolic rate, as compared with saturated fat. Its high fat content gives a quicker feeling of fullness, thus helping to reduce overeating. Its high fat content makes an overall sound diet more palatable, reducing the temptation to binge on foods high in sugars or saturated fats.Its rich supply of vitamins and minerals also makes the diet more wholesome and satisfying and thus more conducive to overall health and to moderation in consumption.

brussels-sprouts17. Brussel Sprouts ~An important anti-inflammatory nutrient found in Brussels sprouts is vitamin K. Vitamin K is a direct regulator of inflammatory responses, and we need optimal intake of this vitamin in order to avoid chronic, excessive inflammation and helps regulate blood clotting, and may help the body against osteoporosis, and inflammatory diseases. You can count on Brussels sprouts for cardiovascular support involves their cholesterol-lowering ability. The fiber content of Brussels sprouts, a cupful makes this vegetable a natural choice for digestive system support. You’re going to get half of your Daily Value for fiber from only 200 calories’ worth of Brussels sprouts. Yet the fiber content of Brussels sprouts is only one of their digestive support mechanisms. The brussels sprout is a little edible power ball in health protection against our risk of inflammation conditions such as: inflammatory bowel disease, IBS, ulcerative colitis and type 2 diabetes.

FALW88FH9G12L31.LARGE8. Carrots ~ Besides Bugs Bunny’s favourite nibble carrots are actually a very powerful vegetable alone and taste great. There are many ways of using carrots, both of my favourite’s are juicing and eating them raw with a selection of tasty dips! The bright colour orange in carrots is due to the presence of beta carotene, this is a source of Vitamin A, which is a vital nutrient for skin health. They are also a great anti-inflammatory and has been shown to be incredibly protective to the cardiovascular system. Carrots are great at strengthening the immune system. They detoxify, and assist bowel movement and eliminate constipation, (note to have some over the christmas period!)
Carrots prevent high blood pressure, heart attacks, strengthens the lungs, prevents liver, kidney and pancreas disease.Lessens the menstrual cycle. Good for your eyesight.

curly-kale9. Kale ~ Ok this is one of my favourites and when I was small it was always Halloween time I so looked forward in getting this funny looking cabbage! Yes times have changed, if you have not tried Kale yet now is the time. This is a superfood and in very, very close competition with spinach, yes the gloves are out between them, Kale is also one of the healthiest foods to consume, as a dark leafy green just like spinach they are both important for hair, skin, bone health and they provide iron, protein, vitamins and minerals. The possible health benefits of consuming kale include improving blood glucose control in diabetics, lowering the risk of cancer, lowering blood pressure, improving bone health, lowering the risk of developing asthma and more. Kale has got great health benefits and like most of the superfoods there is many ways of eating or drinking/juicing them.

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10. Dark Chocolate ~ Last but most definitely not the least my most, most, most FAVOURITE Dark Chocolate, yes I’m a Chocoholic!! Cacao ~ raw chocolate has over 1,500 Active chemicals which gives us the best impact on our health.It is a great anti oxidant and the next piece you will so understand, cacao has amazing benefits regarding our heart health, it is loaded with a vital mineral Magnesium. This works at regulating our heart rhythm, ( ladies can you now understand the meaning, the LOVE for chocolate…..right from our hearts!) and this vital mineral works with maintaining healthy blood pressure.

But of course, this doesn’t mean people should go all out and consume lots of chocolate every day. It is still loaded with calories and easy to overeat on. Maybe have a square or two after dinner and try to really savor them. Be aware that a lot of the chocolate on the market is low-grade. You need to choose quality stuff… organic, dark chocolate with 70% or higher cocoa content.Dark chocolates often contains some sugar, but the amounts are usually small and the darker the chocolate, the less sugar it will contain. There is also a selection of dark chocolates with savoury and fruity additions, by all means please enjoy!dark-chocolate-300x300
I hope you enjoyed reading my 10 affordable superfood’s.

If you’d like to work with me to help you make those changes then one Call & Conversation may change your life? Schedule a free initial consultation with me today, and arrange a free initial health consultation. Maree