It’s Entirely Natural - Articles

Beans and lentils are healthy foods. They are sometimes neglected as a good source for health and nutrition because they can be perceived as boring and flavorless. Beans and lentils are nevertheless extremely nutritious and should be included as a part of a healthy diet.

Both beans and lentils are packed full of fiber and protein and contain very little fat. Beans and lentils are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, which can be beneficial in fighting a number of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke, inflammatory diseases, osteoporosis and depression.

Black beans are a source of soluble fiber and are effective in lowering bad cholesterol by as much as 24 percent. A side-benefit of this decrease in LDL’s is to lower blood pressure. The fiber in black beans is able to sufficiently keep sugar levels to within a healthy zone, while damping hunger. Black beans are good for diabetics because they can level out their calorie consumption without elevating their glucose levels.

These same beneficial effects can be found in a number of different kinds of beans. The most popular kinds of beans and peas include chickpeas (or garbanzo beans), lima beans, fava beans, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, navy beans, pinto beans and great northern beans.

Lentils are rich in many nutrients, but are particularly rich when it comes to the B vitamins. These B vitamins can help to prevent heart attacks. Lentils are also very rich in protein, fiber and a variety of minerals such as ones that help support the strength of the immune system. Examples of these are copper, zinc and manganese and iron. Lentils are particularly rich in iron, which recommends them for people with certain kinds of iron-deficiency anemia.

Miso may not be found in many American households, but it should be considered as a healthy alternative, and a great way to increase the number of beans in your diet. Miso is a type of soybean paste that is often used as a seasoning for sauces and soups. Miso is rich in substances called isoflavones which are believed to help protect against the development and growth of breast cancer because they inhibit the growth of the blood vessels that are responsible fro the rapid growth of tumors.

Also rich in both iron and calcium (when it is sufficiently processed with the salts of calcium) is soybean curd or tofu. Tempeh is another soy product that boasts high levels of vitaimin A, B6, magnesium and zinc. Tempeh has slightly lower levels of fat than does tofu. Other soy products are worth considering because of their nutritional value, including soymilk and other soy beverages such as chocolate soymilk, soy nuts, soy yogurt, tofu (as previously mentioned) and a variety of products made from tofu.

All soy products are derived from soybeans. This means that they all are high in protein content. Protein is made up of all of the essential amino acids that the body needs to function at its healthiest. Soybeans are also extremely rich in all of the B vitamins, as well as fiber, the omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and phosphorus.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Food Cures.

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Tags: antioxidants, beans, cholesterol, Depression, Fiber, Food Cures, immune system, lentils, magnesium, nutrition, nuts, omega 3 fatty acids

More and more research studies are showing that a variety of foods have the ability to heal the body thanks to the abundance of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that many of them contain. This article will review several types of food that are good for our health.

Many foods are ancient folk cures for a multitude of ailments. For example, parsley is believed to be better than mouthwash as a breath freshener. Licorice is beneficial for people suffering from colds, coughs and the flu. Lemonade is said to get rid of hiccups. Cucumber can be cut into slices and placed on the eyes to reduce bags under the eyes after a late night. The interior peel of the cucumber can also be used to rub over the face in order to clean the face and make it feel toned and fresh.

Lemon can be mixed with olive oil and drank on a daily basis. All that is required is one organic or unwaxed lemon mixed with one tablespoon of olive oil (preferably extra virgin olive oil) and also a glass to a glass and a half of water (it can be spring water, filtered water or even regular tap water). This drink is an excellent detoxifier for the gallbladder and lemon and can be consumed one hour before eating, preferably first thing in the morning. This lemon/olive oil drink is particularly beneficial for individuals who suffer from gallstones or who are underweight.

Lemons are also excellent for combating cancer, projecting the circulatory system, controlling blood pressure, as well as smoothing and toning the skin. Back in history lemons help to prevent the disease of scurvy. Olive oil is helpful to health in its own right. Olive oil helps to protect the heart and it encourages weight loss and helps to combat cancer. Olive oil, like lemons is good for the skin and it is beneficial for those who suffer from diabetes.

Onions and garlic are the king and queen of the vegetable kingdom! It is no surprise that they are so respected for their health benefits, for they help the body in many ways.

Onions help to decrease the risk of a person suffering a heart attack and they lower cholesterol and help to combat cancer. Onions are an antifungal agent and are very beneficial at killing bacteria.

Garlic does many of the same things as onions do, as it is related to the same Lily family. Garlic lowers cholesterol levels and it controls blood pressure. Garlic is also an effective defense against cancer and it kills bacteria and fights the development of fungus in the body.

If you enjoy eating grapes, then you are in luck! Grapes are good for the eyes and help to get rid of kidney stones. Grapes are also cancer fighters and they protect the circulatory system and encourage the proper flow of body throughout the body.

Grapefruit at breakfast and is an excellent way to start the day. Grapefruit protects a person from suffering a heart attack and it reduces the threat of strokes. Grapefruit also lowers cholesterol, combats the development of prostrate cancer in men and is effective for those attempting to drop a few (or many) pounds.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Food Cures.

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Tags: antioxidants, cholesterol, Food Cures, garlic, grapes, lemons, licorice, vitamins

Garlic and onions are more than just an ingredient in tonight’s dinner. Garlic and onions also help fight infections and heal the human body. People far back in history were well aware that both of these foods had medicinal. They were consumed on a regular basis in order to protect themselves from getting sick and also as a way to help them heal quicker in the event that they did come down with an infection.

Scientific research studies support the fact that onions and garlic are worthy of being eaten every single day in order to provide optimum health benefits. Although pungent, these are not foods that should be easily dismissed. Never let the unpleasant aroma cause you to avoid them. Perhaps it would not be wise to eat onions or garlic before an important meeting or a date however.

These natural foods are full of chemicals that can help protect a person from a variety of infections, diseases and illnesses. Garlic and onions help to protect against a plethora of physical problems such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory concerns, diabetes, and a variety of cancers.

A number of tests have shown that a diet rich in garlic helps to lower the total cholesterol rate of an individual, including the bad cholesterol or LDL while at the same time it raises the good HDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. Garlic is responsible for producing cells in the blood that are deemed “natural killers” and these can help to fight off many different kinds of infections as well as deadly tumors. Garlic lowers blood pressure and it decreases the risk of developing blood clots. Blood clots are to blame for the incidence of many strokes and heart attacks.

Garlic fights bacteria and viruses and therefore helps to prevent infections and it decreases the risks of a number of different types of cancer, with an emphasis on cancers of the stomach. It is important to note that garlic is best eaten in its raw form and its medicinal properties are at their height when garlic is cut up, sliced up or chopped. Cooking garlic, especially for too long or at high temperatures is responsible for destroying some of the compound known as “allicin” in it as it is allicin that makes garlic as healing in nature as it is.

Onions have many health benefits as well. Much like garlic, onions help to increase the HDL cholesterol in the blood, especially when they are eaten in their raw state. Onions also help to decrease the bad cholesterol or LDL in the blood and they increase the ability of the blood to dissolve blood clots. Onions are excellent at decreasing the risk inherent in developing diabetes and help to fight off the bacteria that are responsible for causing many infections in the human body. Onions decrease the risk of many different types of cancers. A compound known as quercetin has been discovered in onions and this compound is extremely powerful when it comes to fighting cancer and is an excellent antioxidant.

While eating onions and garlic may not win you any fans, they will win you many years of good health.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more informaton on Food Cures.

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Tags: antioxidants, cancer, cholesterol, Diabetes - Insulin Resistance, Food Cures, garlic, hdl cholesterol, onions

Plants are just as prone to viruses, bacteria and diseases as people are. We have an immune system to fight diseases while plants have developed their own form of immune system which consists of a protective substances called phytochemicals.

Studies are showing that the same phytochemicals that protect plants can also help to protect people from a variety of cancers as well as other diseases. Some of the foods containing this chemical include whole grains, dark and leafy green colored fruits and vegetables, legumes, orange, yellow, and red colored fruits and vegetables, cruciferous vegetables and anti-bacterial vegetables.

Fruits and vegetables that are dark in color something known as flavonoids. Flavonoids are found in a variety of different fruits and vegetables which include blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, bilberries, cranberries, red grapes, red grapes, apples, onions, broccoli, peppers and eggplant. There are estimated to be well over 4,000 flavonoids in existence and they are then broken down into a variety of subcategories which include anthocyanidins, polyphenolic acid, proanthocyanidins, ellagic acid, tannins and quercetic.

Research studies into dark colored fruits and vegetables have shown that they are all very powerful when it comes to anti-oxidant properties and some are believed to have 50 times the anti-oxidant capability of both vitamin E as well as vitamin C. Other studies have shown that flavonoids found in both fruits and vegetables are helpful in decreasing the risk of a variety of cancers as well as diabetes, arthritis and atherosclerosis. Flavonoids are beneficial when it comes to protecting the collagen protein found in blood vessels and joints from the damage that can be done by free radicals in the body. By protecting the collagen protein this is a way to reduce the incidence of hemorrhoids, edema and varicose veins.

A study done at Cornell University yielded the result that the flavonoids found in apples known as quercetin, was effective at protecting the brain against the onset of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease which are both classified as being neuro-generative diseases. This study was a follow-up to another study that was conducted at the same university by Professor Lee. Professor Lee discovered that the phytochemical found in both a variety of berries as well as apples had a greater “antioxidant protective effect” than did vitamin C when it came to fighting liver cancer cells and colon cancer cells. While blueberries and strawberries both have excellent anti-oxidant properties, blueberries have an estimated 40 percent more power to fight off diseases and t o heal. In a study done by neuroscientist James Joseph from Tufts University it was found that blueberries are excellent when it comes to fighting cancer and a multitude of diseases but they are also helpful in preventing or slowing short-term memory loss which can affect individuals as they age.

So, the next time you make a trip to the grocery store, be sure to stock up on healing fruits and vegetables. Fresh produce is the best to buy, with frozen being the second best. Canned fruits and vegetables tend to have a great deal of salt in them so opt for fresh if possible. For a change of pace whip up a salad with a variety of vegetables (and some fruits thrown in to add some tang) or whip up a delectable fruit salad for yourself and your family to enjoy.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more informaton on Food Cures.

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Tags: antioxidants, blueberries, broccoli, cranberries, flavonoids, Food Cures, free radicals, fruits and vegetables, grapes, immune system, strawberries, vitamin C, vitamin E, whole grains

Sunflower seeds are not just fun to eat; they are also very nutritious to the body. While sunflower seeds contain approximately the same amount of polyunsaturated fats as their counterpart nuts, they are much richer in antioxidants that ward off cancer, cataracts and heart disease. Sunflower seeds are also high in vitamin E content. It has been shown by research studies that consuming high amounts, which is to say in the area of 100 IU (the RDA is presently at 15 IU on a daily basis) of vitamin E on a daily basis helps to cut the risk of developing heart disease by approximately 40 percent.

Fish and fish oils contain the very important omega 3 fatty acids that the body requires to help lower the blood fats, and in particular triglycerides. It is believed that high amounts of triglycerides in the blood are more dangerous for females than they are for males. Eating regular portions of fish is also beneficial for lowering blood pressure and for easing many of the discomforts that arthritis brings with it. The fish highest in omega 3 fatty acids include salmon, blue fish, anchovies, sardines, mackerel, herring and lake trout. It is recommended that an individual eat two to three servings of fish per week. It is not recommended that you start taking fish oil supplements unless you first discuss it with your physician.

Nuts are very good for the heart. In particular, walnuts have been found to lower levels of bad cholesterol a great deal. By getting rid of saturated fats in the diet and instead substituting polyunsaturated fats that are contained in nuts you can do a great deal of good for your heart. Nuts, listed in order of those containing the highest levels of monounsaturated fatty acids to the least include macadamias, hazelnuts, pecans, almonds, cashews, pistachios, Brazil nuts, peanuts, pine nuts and walnuts.

Olive oil is very rich monounsaturated fat, which helps to decrease the level of cholesterol in the blood. Olive oil is a mainstay of those living in the Mediterranean region. Oliver oil can be purchased in regular, light tasting, virgin and extra virgin. If you do not particularly like the taste of olive oil then reach for canola oil as it contains plenty of monounsaturated fats and is low in saturated fat content. Other types of oils that are healthiest because of their monounsaturated fats include flaxseed oil, peanut oil, sesame oil, grape seed oil, soybean oil and walnut oil. If you want to decrease your bad cholesterol (LDL) by anywhere from seven to ten percent then substitute either olive oil or canola oil fro butter or margarine (more so if you are replacing butter which contains more fat than margarine). Be aware however that all oils have at least 144 grams of fat, not to mention 120 calories for every tablespoon.

Flaxseed oil is another oil that is beneficial for health. This type of oil comes the flax plant and is an “oilseed.” Flaxseed oil is an excellent source of omega -3 fatty acids as well as lignans. Eating a diet rich in lignans helps to decrease the risk of developing many different kinds of cancers, not to mention osteoporosis and circulatory disease.

Seeds, nuts, fish and oils have many health benefits and if you are looking to live a healthier life they should become a staple in your diet.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more informaton on Food Cures.

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Tags: fish oil, flaxseed oil, Food Cures, lowering blood pressure, monounsaturated fats, nuts, olive oil, omega 3 fatty acids, saturated fats, sunflower seeds, vitamin E

Knowing how the digestive system works is key to understanding how food heal the human body. In order for carbohydrates to be properly digested the entire process starts in the mouth where the food is first broken down by the chewing action of the teeth and also due to the chemical side of digestion, which is to say by way of the salivary enzyme amylase.

Once food hits the stomach, gastric juices begin to digest the proteins that are in the food and the food that is only partially digested at this point becomes very paste-like in substance and is now given the name chyme. To backtrack a bit, the gastric juices in the stomach are made up of pepsin and hydrochloric acid.

The chyme is then released into another organ which is the small intestine and the digestive bile that comes from the gallbladder, liver and pancreatic enzymes as well as the enzymes that derive from the exocrine cells that make up the mucosa in the small intestine then round out the complete digestive process in regards to carbohydrates, fats and proteins. The food that has now been digested is absorbed by the villi (or the intestinal wall lining) and then it goes directly into the blood stream. The “nutrient void food” then makes its way as carefully as possible into the large intestine and once it reaches the large intestine it absorbs electrolytes and water and from here there is the completes process of feces or waste from the body which includes the formation, storage and finally elimination of wastes the body does not require.

In order to have a healthy gastrointestinal and intestinal system you have to be careful what you put into your body when it comes to the foods you eat and the drinks you consume. The better care you take of your body the more likely it will be to reward you with good health, stamina and vitality. In order to allow your stomach lining to be as healthy as possible and to improve how well your liver and intestines detoxify themselves, learn to chew and eat your food as slowly as possible and schedule your meal at regular intervals. Work to balance out your macro-nutritional needs as well as possible. For example aim for 30 percent of proteins, 50 percent high fiber, 20 percent essential fatty acid fats and low glycemic carbohydrates. Doing all of these things can help to develop and maintain the excellent condition of your colon and it can also help to prevent harmful toxins from getting into your bloodstream.

All of your meals should also sufficiently address the important of micro-nutrients which is to say vitamins, minerals, enzymes as well as essential phy6tochemicals that come from, vegetable, whole grains and fruits with a plant base. Phytochemicals were never researched very much in the past but now the focus has shifted and researchers and scientists are coming to recognize the extreme importance of them, despite the fact that they are classified as “nonessentials.”

Food is more than simply a means to an end. It is the means to a healthy body that can heal from disease and ailments and live a long life.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more informaton on Food Cures.

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Tags: digestion, electrolytes, Food Cures

Constipation is an uncomfortable yet common condition that is not fun for anyone, but unfortunately can be a part of life. Constipation is often the result of a lack of fiber and roughage in the diet. To improve this problem simply take a close look at what you are eating on a regular basis and resolve to make fiber more a part of your daily eating routine.

Bran is one of the best foods to prevent constipation, and in particular rice bran. Bran needs water to work properly and vice versa so drink as much fluid as possible. You should aim for at least six to eight glasses of water on a daily basis. It is recommended that you do not bombard your digestive system with a tremendous amount of fiber right away but start adding a little bit of it gradually each day. The body needs time to adjust to the addition of fiber to the system, especially when you are not inclined to consume much at all. Fluid needs to accompany fiber because the fiber is likely to absorb a great deal and the fluid will then in turn be able to “bulk up” the bran that is being eaten.

Why this works so effectively at combating constipation is that bran has rough edges and it is these rough edges that serve to stimulate the nerve endings in the bowel to start working to eliminate waste and in particular to increase the work of the colon. Bran is also beneficial to increase the amount of bulk that makes up the stools.

Not everyone is aware of this and researchers have no idea why it works but hot coffee, whether it be decaffeinated or regular helps to treat constipation. If you are constipated uncommon awakening drink six ounces but make sure you do so on an empty stomach so drink the coffee before you eat your breakfast. The good aspect of this remedy is that it yields almost immediate results. It is surmised that it is a chemical that is found in the coffee that makes it work like a charm, however it is not believed to be caffeine that makes it work so well. For reasons that have researchers baffled, the coffee for constipation cure works more effectively for women than it does men.

Prunes and prune juice have long been used as a treatment for constipation. The amount that is required to help a person tends to vary with the individual situation. The worse your constipation is, the more prunes or prune juice you will need to consume. It is unclear why prunes are effective when it comes to relieving constipation. Some researchers believe it is the fiber that is found in the prunes why others attribute it to the extremely high levels of sorbitol found in them. For those who are not familiar with sorbitol, it is an indigestible sugar alcohol.

Take the time to do your research over the Internet or at the public library to find other possible treatments for constipation if it is an issue for you.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more informaton on Food Cures.

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Tags: bran, coffee, constipation, Fiber, Food Cures, prunes

Unfortunately, no matter how well you take care of yourself, you still inevitably come down with a cold or the flu. Even if you do all the right things such as eating a nutritious diet, exercising on a regular and getting plenty of sleep, illness can still get you.

If you do catch a cold you are always told to make up a pot of chicken soup. Studies have proven that chicken soup is indeed effective at fighting the physical aches and pains of the common cold. Bear in mind, however, you should eat small quantities of chicken soup, but as often as possible, to reap the beneficial results for your health.

It has been shown that chicken soup works to break up the congestion in the nose by thwarting the flow of the secretions from the nose. The white blood cells that come out in droves due to a sore throat and a head cold can be inhibited by chicken soup, which decreases the inflammation in the head as well as the creation of phlegm.

There is an amino acid in chicken, which is known as cysteine, and this is released when the soup is added to broth to make a soup. Once the cysteine is released in the making of the soup it becomes very much like a popular drug called acetylcysteine that is prescribed by physicians to patients who are suffering from bronchititis.

The mucus in the lungs is thinned out and this helps to release much of the congestion and the cough. The vapors from the hot chicken soup are one of the best antidotes for “cleaning house” when it comes to the common cold. Hot, spicy foods are excellent for kick starting the immune system and flushing out impurities so add some items such as onions, garlic, cayenne pepper or even jalapeno peppers to your chicken soup to facilitate faster healing.

Another excellent food remedy for congestion is garlic. At the very first sign of a cold starting consume several cloves of fresh garlic as it can help to encourage your immune system to get into gear and it helps to rid the body of congestion. Garlic is a very powerful food that has within it a special substance that is excellent at killing a virus known as the human rhino virus, which is to blame for many head colds as well as parainfluenza 3, which is a virus that causes a person to become sick with the flu. But the benefits of garlic when a person is sick do not end there. Garlic helps to encourage watery fluids building up in the lungs, throat and mouth to leave the body as soon as possible. The mucus that is characteristic of a cold is thinned out thanks to the presence of garlic and it is gotten rid of as swiftly as possible. Garlic also has the ability to fight inflammation, which makes it an excellent food to have on hand all of the time.

There is no cure for the common cold or flu but doing the right things can help to minimize it’s uncomfortable effects.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more informaton on Food Cures.

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Tags: chicken soup, cold, Food Cures, garlic

Hair is composed of 98 percent protein and for that reason it is imperative to eat a well-balanced, healthy diet each and every day. Also, be sure to consume plenty of protein as well as the vitamins A, B, C, E and K. In particular, eat foods such as eggs, meat and nuts to constantly replenish your hair.

Be aware that protein is made up of the amino acids and it is five in particular that hair needs for health. These include arginine, cystine, cysteine, lysine, methionine. When you do not take in enough protein on a regular basis this can cause hair to shed. Prevent this from happening by eating plenty of protein-rich foods such as fish, meats, chicken, dairy products, eggs, grains, nuts, and soy.

Hair requires plenty of carbohydrates as well. Carbohydrates are essential for both growth and energy and are an excellent source of many of the B vitamins. Always look for non-refined grains and flour. Fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains contain carbohydrates. You should try to obtain 55 to 60 percent of your carbohydrates on a daily basis from these healthy sources.

Fat is important but too much is overdoing it and can lead to high cholesterol and heart disease. The body needs a certain amount of dietary fats to be healthy and fat is also important fro the production of energy. Get the dietary fats you need from plant sources as well as lean meats and fish. Approximately 25 to 30 percent of the fats you consume in your diet should come from these sources.

Always seek to achieve a nutritional balance, for the sake of your hair and fro your good health in general. Eat as rich a variety of foods as you can. Do not over cook your food since this can destroy the nutritional value of it. Always choose foods that are as organic and natural as possible and avoid processed foods as much as possible. If you suspect that you are not getting enough nutrients from your food then take a vitamin supplement on a daily basis. A multi vitamin is the best choice for most people.

It cannot be emphasized enough, for healthy, luscious hair, eat plenty of protein rich foods. Eggs are one such source but if you are have high cholesterol then forego the eggs, as the yolk of eggs is high in cholesterol, which will only add to your problem.

Consume plenty of whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes and always make doubly sure that your daily diet is made up of 50 percent of both fruits and veggies. Hair, as well as fingernails requires foods that are rich in silicon and sulfur. This means eat lots of broccoli, fish, onions and sea vegetables. Biotin is also required for health hair and biotin can be found in soybeans, brown rice, not to mention brewer’s yeast, which can be found in the vitamin aisle in the grocery store or health food stores.

Flaxseed is good for the hair and flaxseed powder is the easiest form of flaxseed to digest. Sprinkle flaxseed powder or ground flax on your breakfast cereal, porridge and yogurt. Flaxseed is an excellent source of the essential fatty acids. Some teas are very good for hair health and these include tea that derives from alfalfa, dandelion, burdock root and yellow dock.

A healthy diet and good nutrition is vital not only for your hair but for your health as well. If you are going to begin a vitamin program, be sure to consult with your physician first.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more informaton on Food Cures.

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Tags: diet, Food Cures, fruits and vegetables, nutrition, whole grains