Spinach is a low-calorie leafy green that contains vitamins A, C, and E, in addition to magnesium, zinc, and antioxidant compounds. Researchers note that leafy greens like spinach can help reduce inflammation in the body and improve immune function. It also helps maintain mucus membranes, which are essential for eyesight!

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Do you get pink eye often? There are roughly about 6 million cases of pink eye in the U.S. each year! What is causing this pink eye? Stick around and let’s find out!

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:40 What causes pink eye?
1:27 How long are you contagious?
2:29 How many cases are there every year in the US?
3:12 Outro

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Even though they may not be as expensive or fancy, handmade gifts tend to mean more than those bought in the store. Obviously, a homemade sugar scrub is not the same as a brand new laptop, but top-tier electronics are not always in the budget. Perhaps the laptop is in the budget, but you want to give a lot of gifts to friends, colleagues, and family. A great way to do that is by making your own beauty gifts. 

Heartfelt, homemade gifts always put a smile on the gift receiver’s face. It’s a beautiful gesture and people appreciate the time you took to make them something. The great thing about homemade sugar scrubs, bath bombs, soaps, or lotions is that you can make large batches and portion them out into small containers. Decorate the containers to your liking! You can even adhere labels on them that detail the ingredients or instructions to whatever you make. 

Since dry skin is very common during the winter, there are several DIY beauty recipes in this article that help moisturize the skin. There’s nothing wrong with giving a gift that improves skin health! Your gifts may be so well received that you have some repeat customers the following year. Or maybe you share the recipe(s) with your friends and family so they can enjoy the products year round. 

We wish you all a wonderful holiday season and hope these gifts go over well, should you decide to make and gift them. They are perfect for anyone on a budget, and the best part is that they are free of harmful chemicals. Let us know in the comments if you make one of the recipes, and if the people enjoy them as gifts!

Soothing DIY Lavender Oatmeal Bath Bombs

Release all the tension in your body and hydrate your skin in a relaxing soak with these DIY lavender oatmeal bath bombs. 

Click here to make the bath bomb. 

DIY Peppermint Sugar Scrub

Not only is this peppermint sugar scrub easy to make and beneficial for the skin, but it also utilizes some of the best scents of the holiday season.

Click here to make the sugar scrub. 

DIY Beard Oils With An Essential Oil Blend

Do you know someone with a beard? Help them get rid of any itchiness or dryness by gifting them this DIY all-natural beard oil. It’ll tame that mane!

Click here to make the beard oil. 

DIY Mint Foot Butter For Softer Feet

Nourish your feet, freshen them up, decrease cracked heels, and get rid of unpleasant odors by applying this DIY mint foot butter. People will notice the different after only a couple applications!

Click here to make the foot butter. 

DIY Under Eye Cream For Dark Circles

Do you want to help someone tighten their skin, reduce puffiness, and reduce wrinkles with 3 ingredients? Make this all-natural DIY under eye cream and people will love it!

Click here to make the eye cream.

DIY Aftershave Made With Essential Oils

Don’t let your male friends or family members plague their skin with the chemicals in personal care products after they shave. Instead, help them soothe their skin with this DIY aftershave.

Click here to make the aftershave.

DIY Apple Spice Sugar Scrub

Slather on a big dollop of this apple spice sugar scrub on the skin for maximum hydration, exfoliation, and moisture during dryer weather.

Click here to make the sugar scrub.

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Too much sugar can worsen your vision. It impacts your vision by resulting in high blood sugar levels which damage the tiny blood vessels of the retina at the back of the eye. If this damage remains untreated, it can lead to vision loss and blindness. You should be checked for diabetic retinopathy immediately if you’re diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Treating diabetic vision loss can repair damage to the eye and even prevent blindness in most people if caught early. Treatment includes laser therapy, surgery, and injections.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:41 Sugar can damage your eyes.
1:55 Diabetic people are at increased risk of cataracts.
3:38 If diabetes cuts off your vision, it’s actually because blood is filling the inside of your eye.
5:28 There’s no treatment for diabetic vision loss.
7:00 Outro

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Vitamin A doubles as a fat-soluble vitamin and an antioxidant, so getting enough of it on a daily basis can help you maintain overall health. The general recommended daily intake (RDI) for adult men is 900 micrograms (mcg) per day, while adult women should consume 700 mcg per day. Children and adolescents should ideally consume between 300-600 mcg of vitamin A per day. 

Vitamin A exists both in plant and animal foods and comes in two different forms: preformed vitamin provitamin A. The former is the active form of vitamin A, which the body can use as it is, while the latter exists in animal products and includes several compounds, including retinal, retinol, and retinoic acid. Some provitamin A carotenoids include beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, and alpha-carotene, all of which are the inactive form of the vitamin and found in plants. When you consume those compounds, the body converts them to the vitamin’s active form in the body. Now, let’s take a look at a few of the ways that vitamin A benefits the body.

Supports Optimal Immune Function

Vitamin A works to support several of the body’s natural defenses. For example, it helps to enhance the function of mucus barriers in the eyes, lungs, gut, and genitals to help trap bacteria and other pathogens. Vitamin A also aids the production of white blood cells, which work to cleanse bacteria and other pathogens from the bloodstream. A deficiency in vitamin A, then, can reduce the body’s ability to recover from sickness. On the other hand, it makes the body more susceptible to infections. 

Keeps Your Skin Glowing

Dermatologists tend to prescribe vitamin A to help fight acne and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. One study found that the topical application of retinol to the skin significantly reduced fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, retinol increased the skin’s ability to withstand injury. Vitamin A exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, such as retinaldehyde, which may help reduce symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and acne. 

Supports Bone Health

A lot of people tend to focus on protein, calcium, and vitamin D when it comes to bone health. These three nutrients encourage healthier bones, but vitamin A is also necessary for proper growth and development. Plus, research indicates that lacking vitamin A has been linked to poor bone health and a higher risk of fractures. A recent meta-analysis of observational studies found that people with higher amounts of total vitamin A in their diet had a 6% reduced risk of fractures. That said, researchers observed that people who consumed a lot of vitamin A also had a higher risk of fractures. That means that the link between vitamin A and bone health is not fully understood and more trials and studies are necessary. 

Relieves Inflammation

Beta-carotene acts as an antioxidant in the body and works to reduce free radical build-up. It may also protect cells from inflammation and oxidative stress. Inflammation is the root cause of many chronic health conditions, from heart disease to diabetes. By reducing inflammation, you also lower your risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Researchers note that vitamin A also improved symptoms of other inflammatory conditions, including Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. 

Protects The Eyes

Potentially the most well-known benefit of vitamin A is that it supports eye health. Researchers attribute this ability to the rhodopsin molecule, which activates when light shines on the retina and sends a signal to the brain that results in vision. Beta-carotene also plays a role in prevention of macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of age-related blindness. One study monitored people, who had a high risk for macular degeneration, who took a daily multivitamin that included vitamins A, C, & E, zinc, and copper. They experience a 25% reduction in advanced macular degeneration during a six-year period.

Contains Cancer-Fighting Properties

A growing body of research suggests a strong link between what you eat and your risk of cancer. Vitamin A influences the health of your cells, so its influence on cancer prevention is of great interest to researchers. During observational studies, participants who ate higher amounts of vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene experienced decreased risks of cervical, lung, and bladder cancers. It’s important to note that high intakes of vitamin from plant-based foods have been associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers. Vitamin A from animal-based foods have not yielded the same results. At the moment, more research is necessary to fully understand the relationship between vitamin A levels in the body and cancer risk.

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They’ll get stuck underneath the eyelid, but won’t get lost behind your eye. The reason for this is because it has nowhere to go. If it happens to get stuck, lift your eyelid and move your eyeball the opposite direction.

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Goji berries are the tiny red fruits you see on acai bowls, and they are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Not only do they add a colorful pop to your plate, but they also exhibit a rich flavor that is slightly tart and sweet. Goji berries are native to Asia, where people have consumed and used them in medicinal practices for over 2,000 years. Nowadays, they are widely available in health food stores and online. 

An Overview Of Goji Berries

These highly nutritious berries have a vibrant red hue and exhibit a sweet, slightly sour flavor. Certain studies found that they may slow the signs of aging, strengthen the liver, kidneys, and lungs, and maintain eye health. Due to their growing popularity, you can find goji berries on their own, in superfood blends, and alongside other fruits, herbs, and extracts. Additionally, goji berry powder tends to show up in a variety of superfood supplements, and for good reason! Just five tablespoons of dried goji berries contains:

• Calories: 98
• Protein: 4 grams (g)
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 21.6 g
• Fiber: 3.6 g
• Sugar: 21.8 g
• Iron: 11% of the daily value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 15% of the DV
• Vitamin A: 501% of the DV

As you can see, a small serving of goji berries is quite nutritious and contains several essential vitamins and minerals. Goji berries also contain antioxidant compounds that work to reduce several markers of oxidative stress. According to research, increasing your antioxidant intake can help lower inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Read on to learn more about the health benefits of goji berries. 

May Improve Immune Function

In traditional medicine, goji berries were used to ward off illness and infection because they naturally enhanced immunity. A 30-day study in 60 older adults found that drinking four ounces of goji berry juice per day increased immune cell levels. The participants in the study also experienced an improvement in general well-being. A separate three-month study in 150 older adults found that taking goji berry supplements improved immune response to an influenza vaccine. 

May Improve Depression, Anxiety, And Sleep

A human study in the United States found that drinking goji berry juice improved energy levels and worked to balance mood. In this study, healthy adult participants consumed 120 milliliters of goji berry juice daily or a placebo drink for two weeks. Participants completed questionnaires to record their feelings of well-being, neurological and psychological health, and digestive health. Researchers analyzed the data and measured each participant’s blood pressure, body mass, weight, pulse, and vision before and after the study. The group that consumed goji berry juice reported improved energy, better focus, mental acuity, and feelings of calmness after the study. That group also experienced better sleep and mental health. 

May Promote Eye Health

As previously stated in the nutritional overview, goji berries have an incredible amount of vitamin A. This nutrient may enhance eye health and protect against macular degeneration, an age-related eye condition that can cause vision loss. A 90-day study in over 150 adults found that supplementing with goji berries helped improve blood antioxidant levels. The goji berries also helped soften fatty protein deposits under the retina and prevented hypo pigmentation of the macula (central area of retina). Goji berries also contain antioxidants like zeaxanthin, which works to protect your lenses and retinas against damage.

May Improve Skin Health

Beta-carotene, a carotenoid in goji berries, is an essential plant compound that works to promote healthy skin. Beta-carotene is a common ingredient in skin creams because it works to manage the effects of sun damage, reduce skin irritation, reduce signs of aging, and improve overall skin health. One animal study observed mice that drank 5% goji juice, which gave them enough antioxidants to protect against UV light damage. More human research is still necessary in this field, though. 

May Regulate Blood Sugar

Goji berries may aid in your efforts to regulate blood sugar levels. A 2015 study found that goji berries were able to balance insulin and glucose levels in the blood. That same study linked goji berries to increased HDL (good) cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Increasing your consumption of goji berries may also help alleviate insulin resistance and improve sugar tolerance. 

May Detox The Liver

Goji berries, along with traditional herbs like licorice and ganoderma, are commonly in liver cleanses. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), goji berries benefit the liver and kidneys, helping to restore strength and vitality to the person who eats them. According to some sources, this aspect of goji berries also makes them a great natural remedy for kidney stones, but you may want to consult with your doctor about eating them for that purpose first.

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Whether you want to boost your health or enjoy a sweetly tart fruit, berries are a great option. How do you know which berries to choose? Which ones are the healthiest? In this article, we will outline what many health experts consider to be the top berries for your health. Plus, their health benefits may surprise you!

Berries are among the healthiest foods on the planet because they have incredibly high concentrations of antioxidant compounds. Incorporating them into your diet can help enhance energy levels, improve immune function, aid digestion, and optimize cognitive and cardiovascular functions. Read on to learn about the best berry options for your health. 

Acai Berries

Native to the Brazilian Amazon region, acai berries grow on acai palms. In recent years, they have become incredibly popular in the health world because of their high antioxidant content. It’s as if you can’t go anywhere without seeing an acai bowl establishment, or at least one on a restaurant menu. Acai berries are one of the best sources of antioxidant polyphenols, potentially containing as much as 10 times more antioxidants than blueberries. Consuming raw acai berries can help increase blood antioxidant levels, which help to reduce chemicals that lead to oxidative stress. Additionally, acai berry pulp may help reduce blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels in overweight individuals. Keep in mind that people typically consume acai berries in dried or freeze-dried form, which can alter the nutritional content.

Blueberries

Are blueberries the most well-known berries of the berry bunch? That is up for debate, but they are some of the best berries to consume if you look at their antioxidant levels. One study found that eating at least three servings of blueberries per week may save women from a heart attack. In other research, blueberries exhibited flavonoids that may have the potential to lower blood pressure and prevent hypertension. Health experts attribute these benefits to the anthocyanins in blueberries, which may enhance the function of arteries. A large observational study found that people who consume blueberries experience slower rates of cognitive decline. 

Cranberries

It’s rare for people to consume fresh cranberries outside of the fall and winter season, so people opt for cranberry juice or dried cranberries. Fresh cranberries have the best benefits, the primary of which is the ability to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Several studies found that drinking fresh cranberry juice can reduce the risk of UTIs. Researchers identified certain properties in cranberries that prevent E. Coli bacteria from adhering to the wall of the bladder or urinary tract. This is the reason cranberries may reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, cranberries may benefit heart health by helping to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and oxidative stress. 

Raspberries

Popular in the dessert world, raspberries offer a sweet yet slightly tart flavor that is almost unmatched. They contain ellagitannins, which are antioxidant polyphenols that help reduce oxidative stress. One study found that cyclists who consumed raspberries experienced a significant decrease in oxidative stress induced by exercise. Although red raspberries are the most commonly consumed varieties, black raspberries exhibit more impressive health benefits. For example, one study linked the consumption of black raspberries to lower risk factors for heart disease, including blood pressure and blood cholesterol. Other studies found that black raspberries may reduce inflammation in people with metabolic syndrome, but more research is still necessary. 

Strawberries

Ahhh, the lovely strawberry is an undeniably delicious berry that exhibits bold flavor and even bolder health benefits. Strawberries contain anthocyanins, which are antioxidants that boost the body’s activity of antibodies and T-cells, which work to fight off infections. Strawberries are also rich in vitamin C, a known immune booster. One of the more impressive benefits of strawberries is that they may reduce inflammation in people with arthritis. One study found that women who ate a diet high in strawberries reduced their risk of developing arthritis by 33%, compared to those who did not eat strawberries. Eating strawberries may also help lower cholesterol levels. In fact, studies show that daily consumption of strawberries can lower cholesterol by up to 12%. 

Goji Berries

Goji berries, or wolfberries, are native to China and used in traditional medicinal practices. Nowadays, they are a popular ingredient in breakfast cereal, trail mix, and acai bowls. Goji berries exhibit high levels of vitamin A and zeaxanthin, both of which are imperative for eye health. One study found that older adults who consumed 14 grams of goji berry formulation were able to reduce age-related decline in eye health. A similar study suggested that eating goji berries may raise blood zeaxanthin levels, a sign that they may improve vision. Like the other berries on this list, goji berries are naturally rich in antioxidant polyphenols. One study found that drinking goji berry juice daily for two weeks increased metabolism and reduced waist size in overweight people.

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Pink eye is the layman’s term for the medical condition conjunctivitis. It’s an eye condition that causes the eye to become pink and irritated. It is very contagious, with about 80% of infections being viral. And despite the high rate of viral infections, they typically remain undiagnosed because the symptoms resemble allergic conjunctivitis or dry eye. Viral pink eye differs from allergic pink eye in that signs include red eyes, tearing, and irritation, staring in one eye and then spreading to the other. 

Although it is an irritating condition, pink eye tends to go away via home remedies and proper hygiene. The symptoms fade when the infection has gone or the allergic reaction comes to an end. Optometrists explain that there is no magic medicine to take that will make it go away. Pink eye is like the common cold in that regard. There are, however, a lot of things you can do to alleviate symptoms and promote faster healing. Use the following home remedies while you wait for pink eye to run its course, regardless of any underlying cause. 

Make A Cold Compress

Give your eyes a rest and apply a soothing, cold washcloth or eye mask. In addition to relieving inflammation and soreness, the cold may also reduce itchiness. One medical review of studios found that a cold compress is one of the most effective ways to feel better when you have pink eye.  Soak a clean washcloth or towel in cold water and wring out excess water. Apply it over your eyes for about five to 10 minutes. If an infection is the cause of pink eye, make sure that you do not reuse the washcloth, especially with other family members. Use a new clean washcloth when you want to apply another cold compress. If using an eye mask, make sure to properly sanitize it between uses. 

Don’t Use Contacts

If you wear contact lenses, take them out until symptoms come to an end. Ophthalmologists say that removing contacts will reduce irritation and help prevent reinfection. If you were wearing contacts when you developed symptoms, make sure that you discard those contacts, in addition to everything else involved in wearing them. That includes the case, bottle of solution, and anything else. For the same reason, stop wearing and discard any eye makeup that you used when you first noticed symptoms. 

Turn Off Your Screens

According to a 2021 study, looking at digital screens is associated with dry eye syndrome. The main thing to remember during your recovery period is to rest your eyes, which means avoiding screens. Take a break from working on a computer, scrolling through social media, or watching TV for extended periods. Entertain yourself the old fashioned way with a newspaper, a paperback book, or try painting. The main takeaway is to avoid any and all devices that irritate your eyes or cause them to dry out. 

Minimize Allergens

If your pink eye stems from allergies, meaning that it resulted from a bodily reaction to an allergen, then you need to minimize allergens in your space. Ease your symptoms by reducing your exposure to whatever triggered your pink eye. For example, maybe you started using a new detergent or face wash and the pink eye started after the new addition to your life. Find out what you changed in your routine or what recently entered your environment and remove the potential culprits. If you don’t know what the allergen is, consider talking to an optometrist to figure out the cause of your symptoms. 

Artificial Tears

A mainstay of pink eye home treatment, artificial tears are lubricating drops that work to rinse out irritants in the eye. Whether it’s a microbe, pet dander, or cosmetic ingredient, these drops aim to get it out. Ideally, choose drops that are free of preservatives and irritating chemicals because you don’t want to worsen the pain or infection. Additionally, use single-use vials to prevent reinfection and store the drops in the refrigerator before each use. This helps to refresh your eye and relieve any discomfort or burning. As a final note for these drops, make sure that you don’t use the ones that promise relief from redness. They tend to contain a small amount of a medication that constricts blood vessels in the eyes. That can actually cause further irritation to your pink eye.

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Most of you probably know about the kiwi fruit, but if you haven’t, you may head to the grocery store after finishing this article. The vibrant green flesh has a tart and mildly sweet flavor profile that is great to eat on its own. In fact, it’s rare that kiwi ends up in anything more than a fruit salad or smoothie. The reason for that is because it’s difficult to compete with the mighty kiwi, especially when it comes to the nutritional profile. 

Kiwi fruit is native to the mountains and hillsides of Southwest China, but they now grow in many areas of the world. New Zealand is one of the top producers of kiwi fruit, but there are many areas in the United States that grow them as well. Technically speaking, kiwis are classified as berries, with green and yellow kiwis being the two most popular varieties. Yellow kiwis have a sweeter flavor profile and they don’t contain chlorophyll, which gives green kiwis their signature hue. 

The kiwi is one of the most nutritious fruits out there. In fact, one cup of kiwi provides nearly 275% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin C. The phytonutrients and other minerals all contribute to the following health benefits. 

Healthier Skin

Because of the vitamin C content, kiwis are excellent for improving the overall health and appearance of the skin. Vitamin C encourages collagen production and it also accelerates wound healing. The polysaccharides in kiwis can double collagen synthesis in the body, which is great because this activity decreases with age. According to nutritional data, the average kiwi weighs about 69 grams and provides 64 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C. That equates to about 71-85% of the RDI of vitamin C. Additionally, kiwis contain vitamin E, which exhibits antioxidant properties that help protect the skin from sun damage. 

Better Vision

One large kiwi fruit offers about 171 mg of lutein, which is substantially more than almost every other fruit. Lutein is a carotenoid that exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, and a large body of evidence states that it benefits the eyes. In fact, lutein may help prevent age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness and vision impairment. Research shows that lutein can protect the eyes by filtering out damaging short-wavelength UV light. 

Improved Digestion

The great thing about kiwis, aside from the vitamin C content, is that they contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Several studies confirm that a kiwi is about one-third soluble and two-thirds insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber may improve the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar and support healthy gut bacteria. Insoluble fiber can help keep your bowel movements regular. Researchers note that the fiber in kiwis can retain water and swell more than other types of fibers, like the fiber from apples or wheat bran. This means that kiwis may improve stool consistency and decrease the time it takes to eliminate your bowels. 

Anti-Cancer Properties

According to the National Cancer Institute, high levels of free radicals in the body can damage DNA and cause several types of cancer. Kiwis happen to be excellent sources of antioxidants, which work to remove free radicals from the body. For this reason, health experts believe that kiwis exhibit some anti-cancer properties. Additional research shows that people who eat more fiber, especially from fruits and vegetables, have a lower risk of colorectal cancer than people who eat barely any fiber. As we mentioned previously, kiwis contain lots of soluble and insoluble fiber! Several studies also proved that both the roots and fruit of kiwis have inhibitory effects on human lung, liver, and colon cancer cell growth. This is primarily due to the polysaccharides and antioxidant profile. 

Improved Cardiovascular Health 

Kiwi may be an excellent fruit to consume if you want to improve cardiovascular health. Several studies confirmed that eating one kiwi a day may reduce the risk of developing stroke, high blood pressure, blood clots, and other cardiovascular diseases. Kiwis also contain potassium, which works to counteract sodium in the body and lower blood pressure. Potassium is also a vasodilator, meaning it relaxes the blood vessels throughout the body. The vitamin K and dietary fiber in kiwis may also prevent the build-up of calcium in arteries, ultimately reducing the risk of heart attack. Finally, studies found that people who regularly enjoyed kiwis were able to lower overall triglyceride levels by 15%, which promotes better cardiovascular health.

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