Without water, you cannot survive. That makes it a pretty important liquid, to put it lightly. There are numerous reasons that you should drink enough water every single day of your life. First of all, it keeps you alive and keeps your body functioning optimally. Water assists the body with the elimination of toxins and aids digestive function. When you don’t drink enough water and get dehydrated, things start to take a turn for the worse. 

People who fail to drink enough water can commonly experience fatigue, weight gain, weaker immune function, and headaches. The less water you drink, especially during the hotter summer months, the more at risk you are of developing heat-related illness. Dehydration is such a common experience during summer because of all the sweating that occurs. Not only do you lose water when you sweat, but you also lose electrolytes that you need for proper fluid balance in the body. When the body enters a state of dehydration in hot weather, it may not sweat fast enough to counteract the heat and cool itself down. That increases the risk of heat stroke, which is why you need to stay on top of your hydration.

The Answer To Hydration

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: people don’t drink enough water. The answer to optimal hydration does not lie in the bottom of a large soda, two cups of coffee, or a can of some energy drink with a radioactive color. If you want to keep the body in a hydrated state, experts suggest drinking half of your body weight in ounces of water every day. If you weigh 150 pounds and divide that by two to get 75, you should drink 75 ounces of water per day. Now, your consumption of water may need to increase based on level of physical activity, but the following tips should help you keep your hydration game on point. 

Drink Enough Water

Water isn’t the only factor that plays into your hydration efforts, but it does play a large role. As stated previously, the number one goal is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day. While you should pay attention to the water and other hydrating fluids that you intake, you should also take note of the fluids that leave your body. If you exercise on a hot day and sweat a lot, you may need to increase your water consumption. Also take note of your urine, as that is an indicator of how hydrated you are. 

Balance Your Electrolytes

When people think of electrolytes, they think of sports drinks. Yes, these beverages do contain electrolytes, but they also contain tons of added sugars and dyes. Electrolytes like potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium are key components to fluid balance in the body. You have to choose the right sources of electrolytes, though. Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of electrolytes and help you fight electrolyte imbalance. Some electrolyte powders are great to consume, so long as they don’t have a lot of sugar. 

Eat Fruits And Vegetables

Speaking of fruits and vegetables, eating more of them can enhance your hydration efforts. Not only do fruits and vegetables contain electrolytes, but many of them also contain lots of water. One study looked at how fruits and vegetables affected hydration in children. Researchers noted that regular intake of fruits and vegetables relatively improved the hydration status in participants. Some great hydrating produce items include tomatoes, citrus fruits, berries, melons, cucumbers, bell peppers, kiwis, lettuce, zucchini, grapes, pineapple, celery, spinach, carrots, radishes, and broccoli. 

Stay Away From Dehydrating Beverages

If you want to stay hydrated, it stands to reason that you should avoid beverages that dehydrate the body. Caffeine and alcohol, for example, dehydrate the body by increasing urination and electrolyte loss. Plus, sugary drinks can also increase the risk of inflammation, blood sugar fluctuations, brain fog, and headaches. 

Consume Sea Salt

Throw out the table salt and get yourself some all-natural sea salt. Both Celtic sea salt or Himalayan pink salt are great salt options. Sprinkling a little sea salt on your food can help balance your water and potassium levels because of the sodium content. Together, sodium and potassium work to enhance hydration, but sodium also helps to keep your body in an alkaline state. Just don’t go overboard with sea salt because too much salt can negatively impact your health.

SHARE:

The post 5 Steps Towards Optimal Hydration appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

A classic summer activity is a day at the beach, lake, or pool. You absorb some sun, enjoy snacks, socialize, and enjoy time in the refreshing water. When you spend a lot of time in the water, you run the risk of developing swimmer’s ear, which can make your enjoyable day take a turn for the worse. 

What Is Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s ear, Otitis externa, is an acute inflammatory condition that occurs within the tissue of the outer ear canal. This canal runs from your eardrum to the outside of your head. The condition typically affects children, but adults can also develop the problem, which tends to result from swimming in lakes or oceans. It tends to affect the outer ear, but the inner ear canal can also become infected. The ears are very susceptible to infection because moisture and bacteria can get trapped inside, similar to nasal passageways. This is why long days at the lake or beach can put you at risk for swimmer’s ear. The constant wetness and moisture can lead to bacterial buildup and inflammation. 

With swimmer’s ear, the affected person commonly experiences throbbing or general pain. Swimmer’s ear tends to affect about three to 10% of the population on a recurring basis. An additional two million people experience swimmer’s ear every year, which tends to last less than six weeks. Chronic infections, however, can last more than three months, but this is very rare. The most common symptoms include:

• Itching in the ear canal
• Slight redness inside the ear
• Drainage of clear, odorless fluid
• Irritation or discomfort that worsens when you pull on the outer ear
• Excessive fluid drainage
• Decreased or muffled hearing
• Increasing pain

What Causes Swimmer’s Ear?

Bacteria is typically the cause of the swimmer’s ear infection. Some people think that a fungus or virus leads to swimmer’s ear, but this is seldom the case. The infection happens because the ear’s natural defenses have been overwhelmed. You see, the ear has outer canals that keep them clean and protected. There is a thin, water-repellent layer of acidic film that lines the ear canal to discourage bacterial growth. The outer ear also helps prevent foreign things from entering the ear canal. Excess moisture in the ear, however, creates an environment for bacterial growth, which causes the infection. Contaminated water and damage to the ear canal can also cause the infection. 

Although you can see a doctor to receive prescription ear drops to get rid of swimmer’s ear, there are natural remedies that may provide equal relief. Continue reading to learn which ones may help. 

Hydrogen Peroxide

We feel the need to say that placing hydrogen peroxide in your ear is an interesting feeling, to say the least. Hydrogen peroxide does have antiseptic properties that may help to kill the bacteria in the ear. However, it can also destroy healthy bacteria, so you may want to dilute it by mixing one part hydrogen peroxide with one part water. To use, dip a cotton swab into the solution and gently clean the ear canal. Don’t penetrate the ear! You can also tilt your head to the side and drop three drops of the solution in the ear, allowing it to sit for 30 seconds before draining. 

Heat Therapy

It’s a well known fact that heat can help soothe pain and inflammation, especially in regards to swimmer’s ear. Hold a hot water bottle, which you wrap in cloth, against the infected ear for five to 10 minutes. You can also use a heating pad or therapeutic heating wrap if you have one of those items. Apply the heat a few times a day until the infection clears. 

Don’t Remove Earwax

It can be tempting to go into the ear in an attempt to remove earwax, but it serves several important functions. Earwax works to protect your ears from bad bacteria and helps to prevent moisture from accumulating. Don’t use cotton swabs inside the ear to remove wax, especially if you are prone to infection. If you feel that you produce more earwax than normal, consider talking with an expert about this to figure out the right treatment. 

Garlic Oil Drops

Garlic exhibits antibacterial properties that may be beneficial in treating swimmer’s ear. You can purchase garlic ear oil at health food stores, but you can also make garlic oil yourself. Mince a few cloves of garlic and add them to a jar with extra virgin olive oil. Allow the garlic to infuse in the oil overnight and then strain the garlic. Use a dropper to place three to five drops of garlic oil in the affected ear. Plug the ear with a clean cotton ball and lie down on your side, keeping the plugged ear facing up. Stay in this position for about 10-15 minutes and then let the oil drain. Repeat twice per day until symptoms are gone.

SHARE:

The post Swimmer’s Ear: What It Is And Natural Remedies appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Face masks, not to be confused with COVID facial coverings, should belong to anyone’s skin care regimen. Applying a face mask is an amazing self-care ritual that helps you recharge the batteries. Aim to do a face mask two times per week to make your skin look and feel great. The only problem with face masks is that they can make a dent in your bank account if you enjoy them regularly. 

That’s all going to change when you start making your own face masks, like the one in this article. Not to mention, a lot of people already have the necessary ingredients for face masks at home. Most of them contain ingredients you keep in the pantry, minus some essential oils and clays or powders. This recipe contains bentonite clay, raw honey, apple cider vinegar, avocado oil, and cedarwood, sweet orange, and frankincense essential oils. 

Powdered vs. Liquid Face Masks

Ultimately, it comes down to a matter of preference. In order to apply a powdered face mask, you need to mix it with water or another liquid. Liquid face masks don’t require any additional liquids and you can easily apply them out of the bottle. Depending on the liquid face mask, though, it may or may not contain preservatives in the formulations to combat the increased risk of bacterial growth. Some synthetic preservatives can irritate the skin, but not all liquid face masks are created equal. Continue reading to learn why we love the face masks in this article. 

Honey

Incorporating honey into your skin care regimen can help calm inflammation on the skin. Many people say that they experience notably calmer and smoother skin after using honey. Additionally, honey exhibits antibacterial and antioxidant properties that may help clean out the pores. Some studies found that honey can kill several types of bacteria, but it has not been effective at killing the type of bacteria that causes acne. It may help soothe or reduce the intensity of a breakout, as opposed to getting rid of it entirely. One study found that combining honey with cinnamon bark may offer enough antibacterial properties to fight the primary bacteria that causes acne. 

Bentonite Clay

According to researchers, bentonite clay works by adsorbing oils and bacteria from the skin. It does this by sticking to the molecules or ions in the bacteria, and as you wash clay away from the body, it removes those impurities. Bentonite clay also contains iron, magnesium, and calcium, which may provide additional benefits. The clay works to remove sebum from the skin’s surface, which may help reduce the severity of breakouts. There are many anecdotal reports that say bentonite clay helps to clear up the skin and make it appear younger, but research is needed on this matter. The important thing to remember about bentonite clay is that you should never use metal bowls or utensils to mix bentonite clay with other ingredients. Use glass bowls and wooden utensils because the clay can adsorb some of the metal’s properties over time. 

DIY Honey Clay Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons each: raw honey, avocado oil, and apple cider vinegar
• 5 drops each: sweet orange, cedarwood, and frankincense essential oil
• 1/4 cup bentonite clay

Instructions:

• In a glass bowl, combine the honey, avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, and the different essential oils with a wooden utensil. 
• While you’re stirring, pour in the bentonite clay and continue stirring until you get a smooth, thick consistency. 
• Transfer the mixture to a glass container and store in a cool, dry place. 
• Spread a thin layer of the mask on your face and leave on for 10 minutes. 
• Rinse with warm water and scrub away with a gentle exfoliant. Pat your face dry.

SHARE:

The post DIY Honey Clay Face Mask For Dry And Acne-Prone Skin appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Ready for a nutritionally balanced, zesty, refreshing, and filling smoothie? If yes, then you clicked on the right recipe. Made with eight ingredients, including blueberries, lemon, and avocado, this smoothie is exactly what you want on a hot summer morning. The healthy fats, protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates help to keep you full until your next meal, helping you avoid cravings and unnecessary snacking.

When you make a smoothie, you aim to include macro and micronutrients. Fat, protein, and carbohydrates are the three major macronutrients, and vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants fall under the micronutrient umbrella. The majority of the micronutrients come from the blueberries, lemon, and avocados, but avocados also offer macronutrients. Avocados contain healthy fats, protein, and a small amount of complex carbohydrates, which may help you regulate blood sugar levels.

There are two ways that you can go about making this smoothie. The first way is that you can freeze the avocado pieces and blueberries overnight, and then add them with the rest of the fresh ingredients to a blender. The other option is that you can add all of the ingredients to a blender, blend them up, pour the mixture into a jar, and refrigerate overnight. Your breakfast will be ready to go in the morning. You can also make a larger batch, divide the mixture between several jars, and place them in the freezer. You’ll have smoothies for the week!

SHARE:

The post Lemon Blueberry Avocado Smoothie appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The watermelon diet may be 2022’s version of the trendy grapefruit diet that made the rounds in the 1970s. Is it just another fad diet that became popular because a celebrity posted about it doing wonders for their health? Brooke Shields promoted the grapefruit diet and it seems that Gabi Butler is the one who sparked public interest in the watermelon diet. 

On an episode of Netflix’s Cheer series, Butler’s character tells her mother that she and a teammate are going on the watermelon diet to cleanse their bodies. Basically, it is a watermelon fast, only you don’t actually fast in the traditional sense. According to Butler, she does it every once in a while if she feels like she ate poorly that week. She claims that it helps to improve her physical appearance and overall mental state. But what do the experts have to say about this diet?

What Is The Watermelon Diet?

The watermelon diet is a promoted detox plan that aims to cleanse the body and help with weight loss. People claim that it helps to flush out toxins, improve energy levels, and thwart cravings and infections. The guidelines of the diet state that you can only eat watermelon for five, seven, or 10 days at a time. That is the primary rule, and the secondary rule says that you have to eat one kilogram (2.2 pounds) of watermelon for every 10 kilograms of body weight. That’s a lot of watermelon, but that’s all you can eat. 

Not all dietitians are necessarily fans of the watermelon diet, though. Some say that the watermelon diet is more toxic than the toxins you aim to get rid of during that cleanse. The main reason that dietitians aren’t excited about this diet is because there is no science behind it. More than that, they say that the celebrity endorsement of such a diet without knowing the side effects or science is not a positive influence on the general public. Yes, watermelon is a healthy produce item, but there’s no evidence that only eating watermelon is a healthy thing to do. 

Does The Watermelon Diet Work For Weight Loss?

Similar to the pineapple diet, cantaloupe diet, or grapefruit diet, the watermelon diet is a slimming plan low in calories. It is a crash diet that limits your food choices, and can ultimately take a toll on your health. Experts say that the watermelon diet may contribute to short-term weight loss, but this is only temporary. The calorie restriction causes rapid weight loss, which ultimately slows down your metabolism. When you incorporate regular food back into your eating regimen, you may have a harder time burning calories and continuing weight loss. 

When you lose weight rapidly on the watermelon diet, you actually burn muscle mass instead of fat. That ultimately decreases your body’s long-term strength and ability to burn calories. That means that you can easily gain back whatever you lose on the watermelon diet at your own personal expense. 

Is The Watermelon Diet Harmful?

When it comes to fasting or detox diets, it’s always beneficial to do your research. A 2018 study found that crash diets like the watermelon diet may negatively affect cardiovascular function. In the study, people followed a diet that only allowed 600-800 calories per day. The participants experienced a 44% increase in heart fat levels after just one week on that diet. Fasting diets can also cause hair loss, fatigue, energy loss, weaker immune function, and digestive problems, including constipation. 

Study after study points to the fact that fad-type diets don’t work in the long run. Once the diet period is over, the majority of people return to old eating habits. This causes them to regain the weight they lost, until they reach a point when it’s finally time to test drive the next diet. Watermelon also doesn’t contain any fat, which is an essential macronutrient like protein. Because watermelon is very low in protein and doesn’t contain fat, people with certain health conditions like diabetes should avoid the watermelon diet. In fact, it’s better to avoid it entirely and focus on eating an array of fresh fruits and vegetables to diversify your nutrient intake.

SHARE:

The post The Watermelon Diet: What Is It And Is It Safe? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

It’s completely natural to avoid warming up before a workout. Warm-ups are not necessarily interesting and it can feel like you are simply going through boring motions. If you are short on time, warming up seems unnecessary. After all, these movements only take away from your actual workout, right? Wrong, and we’ll explain why below. 

Warming up before a workout can positively influence your overall performance. Whether you engage in a cardiovascular or strength training workout session, warming up can help reduce your risk of injury. A proper warm-up also readies your nervous system and muscles for optimal performance. Moving through the warm-up exercises in this article may help you prime your muscles and joints for the movements in your workout. Warming up actually informs the brain of what movement patterns it should expect. Read on to learn how to properly warm up before you workout. 

Side Reach

Begin in a standing position with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. In one motion, lean your body to the right side, bending the right knee slightly. Simultaneously, reach your left arm to the sky at a diagonal over your right side. Stretch your left leg long and immediately switch sides. Continue alternating from right to left for 30-60 seconds. 

Knee Lifts

Start in a standing position with your feet shoulder-width apart. Interlace your fingers behind your head and keep your elbows out to the side. Lean to the left and lift your right leg up, bending at the knee. Bring it out to the side as if you were going to touch your ribcage with your knee. Lower your right foot to the ground and then immediately repeat on the other side. Continue alternating for 30-60 seconds. 

Hip Rotations

Begin in a standing position with your feet shoulder-width apart. Interlace your fingers behind your head and keep your elbows out to the side. Bend your left knee slightly as you lift your right leg up, circling it across your body. In that fluid motion, your right leg should go up toward your left, up toward your chest, and then back down. Repeat on the other side and continue alternating for 30-60 seconds. 

Arm Reach

Start in a standing position with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart. In one fluid motion, pivot on your right foot and swing your right arm across your chest toward your left side. Make sure to gently twist your torso and upper body so that you face your left side. Immediately repeat with the other side and continue alternating for 30-60 seconds. 

Squat With Reach

This is essentially a bodyweight squat with a bit more motion to wake up your major muscle groups. Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart, angling your toes out to the sides just a little. Bend your knees and sit back as you reach your fingertips down to touch the ground in a low squat. Engage your glutes and press up through your heels to return to a standing position. As you do so, lift your arms high above your head. Immediately return to a low squat and continue this fluid motion for 30-60 seconds. 

Jumping Jacks

Stand up straight with your feet hip-distance apart and your arms down by your sides. In one motion, raise your arms out to the sides and over your head as you jump your feet out so they are wider than shoulder-width apart. Without pausing, reverse the movement in a quick motion to return to the starting position. Continue without stopping for 30-60 seconds. 

Plank Walk Out

Start in a standing position with your feet hip-distance apart and your arms down by your sides. Hinge at the hips and start to fold forward until your hands touch the ground in front of you. Start walking your hands out until you come into a full plank position, where your hands are on the ground directly beneath your shoulders. Pause for a second before walking your hands back toward your feet. Return to the starting position and then continue for 30-60 seconds. 

Lateral Lunge With Reach

Stand up straight with your feet in a wide straddle, keeping your hands by your sides. Reach your right hand down toward your left foot as you bend your left knee until your thigh is parallel to the ground. Immediately repeat on the other side and continue alternating for 30-60 seconds.

SHARE:

The post 8 Warm-Up Exercises To Make The Most Of Every Workout appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Summer is stone fruit season, which means that summer is cherry season! If you have the the ability, go to a cherry orchard and take part in some cherry picking. It’s a great activity for families because you get to be out in the sun picking and eating cherries. How can you not have fun doing that? Pick one, eat one, pick one, eat one, and continue that cycle. Well, maybe don’t do that because you don’t want to get sick or avoid paying for cherries. Sneak a few here and there for us, though.

Cherries come in several varieties, and this raw vegan sorbet recipe calls for tart cherries. If you can only get your hands on a certain variety, go ahead and use those. Using tart cherries for a sorbet makes it a little more refreshing for these hot summer days. Sweeter varieties will also be great! Cherries also exhibit some incredible health properties. Because they work to reduce uric acid and nitric oxide build-up, cherries help reduce gout and arthritis flair ups. They may also reduce inflammation and increase natural melatonin production, which may improve your sleep.

You may notice a couple interesting ingredients that may seem out of place in this recipe. We are talking about black pepper and nutmeg. You only need a pinch of each spice because you don’t want to overpower the other ingredients, especially the sweetness of the cherries. Black pepper actually helps awaken the cherries and a little hint brings a pleasant kick to the mix. Too much and, well, you will ruin your sorbet. A pinch of black pepper and nutmeg is a wonderful balance of harmonious flavors we think you’ll love.

SHARE:

The post Tart Cherry Sorbet appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

It’s the beloved diet that promises all sorts of health benefits. In fact, it often tops the lists of “The Best Diets to Follow,” especially in regards to improving heart health and reducing inflammation. We are, of course, referring to the Mediterranean diet, which involves eating like you live on the coastlines of Italy and Greece. That means you eat bounties of fresh vegetables, lots of olive oil, fine wine, and fresh fish. 

Unfortunately, this way of eating doesn’t really encapsulate the entire Mediterranean region. There are 21 countries that touch the Mediterranean Sea. These countries include Algeria, Albania, Herzegovina, France, Croatia, Bosnia, Turkey, Malta, Tunisia, Monaco, Morocco, Greece, Israel, Lebanon, Italy, Egypt, Syria, Libya, Spain, Cyprus, and Slovenia. While there is some crossover among these cuisines, the diets of locals differ from country to country. That means that the Mediterranean diet that health experts praise is exclusive, focusing on Greece, Italy, France, and Spain. 

Why The Exclusivity?

The reason that the Mediterranean diet receives a lot of praise is because researchers identified several blue zones in Italy and Greece. Blue zones are areas that have the highest number of centenarians (people that live over 100 years old). The foods that these people consume help to decrease the risk of heart disease and all-cause mortality. That’s why health experts began to promote this way of eating. Although other non-European cuisines in the Mediterranean are nutritious, they are not as nutritious as European Mediterranean diets, according to early research. 

Focusing On European Cuisines May Be Stigmatizing

No matter where you live, you can embrace the principles of the Mediterranean diet. Eat more plant-based foods (whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and legumes), wild caught fish and lean protein, and unsaturated fats (olive oil). When you only focus on the cuisines of Greece, Italy, France, and Spain, though, you realize that the Mediterranean diet’s food list lacks diversity. Non-European Mediterranean countries have foods that are just as healthy. Excluding them from the list can be stigmatizing, according to registered dietitians. Each country in the Mediterranean region has their own unique foods or cultural preferences. That means that these foods need to be highlighted just as much as the foods that are signature to European countries. 

How The Diet Differs From Country To Country

There isn’t one dish that epitomizes the Mediterranean region. The spice-laden dishes from Morocco are not the same as the lemon and caper-inspired dishes of Southern Italy, yet both exhibit myriad health benefits. Even though the cuisines are different, most Mediterranean countries tend to focus on high-quality ingredients and simple preparations. Dishes often involve more seafood than meat and poultry, in addition to olive oil, whole grains, beans, lentils, and fruits and vegetables. 

This is even true for the beverages that people consume. For example, people in Turkey drink cup after cup of Turkish Tea, also known as Cay, from morning until night. They drink it at weddings, funerals, work meetings, and more. In Spain and Italy, though, the get up and go drink is espresso. Tunisians tend to drink mint tea. All of these drinks have their own unique health benefits and are popular in the Mediterranean, so excluding one or the other from the Mediterranean diet is silly, to say the least. 

The Takeaway

Needless to say, you lose a lot of diversity when you look at the Mediterranean diet through a U.S. lens. There is nothing wrong with the foods that are on that Mediterranean diet list, though. In fact, we encourage you to eat a lot of them, especially vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats. Much like America, though, the Mediterranean is a melting pot of cultures that should include all cuisines from that region. Should you decide to subscribe to a Mediterranean diet, make sure to embrace ingredients and dishes from all of the Mediterranean countries. Explore new spices, preparation methods, and unique ingredients to reap the most benefits from your food. 

SHARE:

The post The Problem With The Mediterranean Diet That No One Discusses appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Coconut water is a trendy beverage, as is evident by the many cartons and bottles in grocery stores. It is the clear liquid that some people refer to as the nectar of the gods. In tropical regions, coconut water has long been an integral component of diets and healthcare practices. Ayurveda, for example, used coconut water to help support urination, semen production, and digestion. Nowadays, though, people mainly drink it to boost hydration and increase electrolyte intake. 

What Is Coconut Water?

Not to be confused with coconut milk, which combines coconut water and coconut meat, coconut water is the clear liquid inside coconuts. The right coconut water exhibits a sweet, nutty flavor profile. Younger coconuts tend to have the best tasting water, whereas the water in older coconuts with hardened meat tends to be more pungent. Coconut water is low in sugar and calories and contains potassium, magnesium, and sodium. These electrolytes work to replenish nutrients you lose via sweat. Although coconut water is not a replacement for regular water, it is better than any sugary sports drink you’ll find. Continue reading to learn more about the health benefits of this delicious elixir. 

Electrolytes Galore:

Coconut water is the natural, refreshing, healthier alternative to sugary sports drinks. One cup of coconut water, for example, contains 600 milligrams (mg) of potassium. That satisfies 16% of the daily value (DV) of potassium, which works to improve muscle contractions and kidney function. Additionally, potassium also works to regulate sodium levels in the body, which may help improve heart health. Coconut water also has fewer carbohydrates than bottled sports drinks, making it an excellent choice for post-workout rehydration. 

Kidney Stone Prevention

According to U.S. health surveys, 6% of women and 11% of men experience kidney stones at least once in their lifetime. One of the best ways to avoid kidney stones is to stay hydrated. A 2018 study monitored participants without kidney stones who drank coconut water. The researchers noted that coconut water helped participants expel more citrate, chloride, and potassium during urination. That means that coconut water may help loosen stones or prevent them from forming. A 2021 study had similar findings, including the fact that coconut water may alleviate kidney damage from diabetes. 

May Lower Blood Sugar

As of now, most of the studies about this ability involve animals, not humans. For that reason, more human studies are needed to confirm the following benefits on humans. A 2015 study found that rats with diabetes were able to maintain better blood sugar control when treated with coconut water. The same study observed that the rats that were given coconut water had lower levels of hemoglobin A1c, indicating better long-term blood sugar control. A separate 2021 study on rats with diabetes found that coconut water was able to reduce blood glucose levels. Another blood sugar benefit of coconut water is that it contains magnesium, which may help improve insulin sensitivity. 

Reduce Your Added Sugar Intake

Now, there is something to clarify in regards to this benefit. If you buy coconut water from grocery stores, you have to make sure that there are no added sugars or “natural flavors” on the ingredient list. You should purchase 100% coconut water that doesn’t come from concentrate. Harmless Harvest coconut water, for example, is an excellent option that is pure coconut water. Drinking 100% coconut water ensures that you don’t consume added sugars that are commonly in sodas, bottled juices, coffee drinks, and sports drinks.

Great After Prolonged Exercise

As we mentioned earlier in this article, coconut water is an excellent source of electrolytes. Replenishing electrolytes lost during exercise can help you maintain proper fluid balance and muscle function. Vital electrolytes include potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium, and coconut water happens to be rich in magnesium and potassium. Several studies found that drinking coconut water post workout is more beneficial than drinking water after exercise. A 2014 study found that coconut water improved exercise capacity better than a sports drink or water!

May Help Reduce Blood Pressure

Research suggests that including more potassium in your diet can help support heart health by reducing blood pressure. Potassium works to ease tension in your blood vessel walls, which helps to reduce blood pressure. Most Americans consume more sodium than they do potassium, which can increase blood pressure and risk of stroke. Eating more potassium rich foods like coconut water can help blunt the effects of sodium.

SHARE:

The post 6 Impressive Health Benefits Of Coconut Water appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Made with juicy, refreshing cantaloupe, banana, and freshly squeezed orange juice, this naturally sweet smoothie is perfect for summer. Not only is it an energizing and filling breakfast, but it also makes for a great afternoon snack, especially during a cleanse. You can have this smoothie ready in just five minutes and you can double, triple, or quadruple the recipe if more people express interest in it.

Melon mania is in full effect, given that summer is melon season. It may not seem like melons have a season to most people because cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon are available year round. They are freshest during summer, though, so get your hands on the freshest cantaloupe while you still can. Cantaloupe has a high water content (about 90%), which helps to increase your hydration efforts. It is also a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Some studies found that cantaloupe helps to support eye health because it contains beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.

Because cantaloupe is so juicy, you don’t need a lot of liquid in this smoothie. You do need to add some freshly squeezed orange juice, but only one-quarter cup. This brings a little acidity to the party, but not so much so that it overpowers the cantaloupe and banana. Remember to peel, slice, and freeze the banana overnight. This will make the blending process easy, especially if your blender isn’t high-speed or can’t handle large chunks of frozen fruit.

SHARE:

The post 3-Ingredient Cantaloupe Smoothie appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.