​Chocolates comprise most of the popularly eaten candies. In fact, it has ranked at least seven among the top 25 mostly eaten candies across the globe. It is clearly a testament that most of the people have sweet teeth. Sometimes, it becomes too excessive. This is one of the many factors that cause diabetes in all age groups. 

But, recently, the market gave life to dark chocolate. It is a variety of chocolate which has less sugar and milk that leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. It has more cacao seeds as an ingredient which is the main derivative of chocolate. This is good news for most individuals who have cardiovascular problems as well as diabetes, specifically, those who really love chocolates. 

​Studies have revealed that dark chocolate has the capabilities to prevent high blood pressure by inhibiting the formation of blood clots. This results in the prevention of the development of atherosclerosis which is directly caused by blood clots. In addition, it increases the flow of blood throughout the system. But, this only happens if taken two to three times a week. And as a result, it also helps improve the brain’s function because of the amount of blood flow. 

Dark chocolate is the opposite of its close relative, the milk chocolate. Instead of causing diabetes, it prevents it. This is caused by flavonoids, which is abundant in dark chocolate. This decreases insulin resistance, thus, it makes use insulin more efficiently. Moreover, it also prevents the development of cavities. Again, it is the opposite of milk chocolate. This is caused by theobromine, but this is not an excuse in avoiding proper dental hygiene. This is just a supplement, thus good dental hygiene is still a must. 

Additionally, it also helps in the prevention of cancer due to its antioxidants which helps in minimizing the free radicals in the body. Free radicals, when in excess, do cause damage to the cells of the body that paves the way for the development of cancer. It is also rich in certain vitamins and minerals which supplement its health benefits. For example, magnesium and copper are good for the blood vessels and in the prevention of iron deficiency anemia.  

But “too much of a good thing is bad” still applies to this type of chocolate. Dark chocolate still contains fats and sugars. Though they are in lesser amounts and are derived from healthier sources, it still needs to be consumed in limited amounts. And importantly, do not choose dark chocolates which have ingredients that increase fats and sugar such as mint and caramel fillings for you might end up in regrets.

​Most of us know onions for tears they bring onto the eye as you slice them. What we might not know, are hidden health secrets behind their structure. What are onions? Well, onions belong to the lily family and are part of allium vegetables. They are many types of onions but they are all rich in sulfides, sulfoxides and thiosulfinates all which are the cause of teary eyes. 

Why do you need to eat onions? Simple, they are the best gift to your health! Onions improve Vitamin C functions in the body and this prevents you from diseases. They are also rich in a substance known as bioflavonoids which contains a component known as quercetin. This bioflavonoid component is known for its effectiveness as an anti-oxidant and in breast cancer prevention especially among women. 

Some of the benefits of onions for medication are:

• Used in inflammation treatment

Due to its bioflavonoids, onions have an anti-inflammatory effect and as such can be used for treatment of body inflammations.

• Used in the treatment of blood diseases

Components found in onions are very effective in preventing blood and heart related diseases. Research has proved that intake of onions will prevent heart related diseases, high blood pressure and reduce body cholesterol levels.
​

• Used in Cancer treatment

In their studies, scientists claim that onions can either treat or prevent some forms of cancers such as breast cancer that is prevalent among women. Generally, quercetin compounds in onions have the capability to fight against stomach and colon cancers.
​

• Onions boosts the body’s immune system

Onions are antimicrobial. They greatly boost the immunity of the body system and will greatly prevent sickness. They will also get rid of harmful viruses and bacteria from the body.

• Onions help in the fight against diabetes

Because of the chromium content in onions, they successfully improve body tolerance. This greatly lowers insulin levels. Chromium is a substance in onions that successfully regulates blood sugar.
​

• Other health benefits of onions

There are many other health benefits attributed to onions. For instance, they assist in asthma related complications reduction and improve hair growth when used on the scalp. If you are ever bitten by a bee, application of onion juice can relieve pain and ease sensation.

In conclusion, that there are many reasons why you should be taking onions and all onions are good for your health. The higher the concentration of bioflavonoids in an onion, the better the onion is. If you want to know the best onions for your health, then, select on those with stronger smells as they have higher concentrations of bioflavonoids.

​The delicious taste of mango is the main reason why it’s the favorite of many. Aside from its palatable characteristic, there are sweet health benefits that you can get every instant you eat it. Let me inform you of some interesting healthy facts about this fruit aside from satisfying your sweet tooth.

Cancer is one of the deadly illnesses that people around the world fear. Mango has unique nutrient contents: astragalin, methylgallat, gallic acid, isoquercitrin, and quercetin that aid in preventing the development of cancer cells in the body.  It’s abundant with natural enzymes that aid weight loss and digestion. 

​Majority of the foods we eat everyday is known to increase the cholesterol level in the body. Depriving ourselves with the food we love is really hard, especially if that’s the common food that we eat in the family or the region. Eating fruits like mango will balance or regulate the cholesterol content accumulated in the body. It’s rich in fiber, vitamin C, and pectin that help in eliminating bad cholesterol in the system known as Low-Density Lipoprotein. 

Fiber is the main agent necessary for a healthy digestion. Mango will give you more than enough. It has natural enzymes that will help the body break down proteins. It will help you get good skin without resorting to chemicals and dermatologist visits. It’s high in vitamin E that is proven to help the body with cell renewal. There are also study-based finding that say Vitamin E content in the fruit promotes sex life for some. 

It has vitamin A that is known to improve eyesight. Consuming a slice daily will cover 25% the body daily need of vitamin A. This vitamin will also lessen the possibility of experiencing night blindness, and dry eyes. Eating mango regularly will make the skin healthy and radiant. The fruit can be applied on the face, and is proven to unclog pores and remove pimples.  

Too much acid in the body is obviously not healthy and can cause serious illness. Mango will help you regulate the acidity of the body, by promoting alkali content with its unique and healthy acids-it has malic acid, tartaric acid, and citric acid.  

The key to a healthy body starts from within. Keep your body healthy by improving your immune system. With its vitamin C, A, and carotenoids contents, mango will definitely help you keep the doctors away. 

A great percentage of the world's commonly consumed foods are essential antioxidant sources. However, researchers have currently ranked the top 50 sources of antioxidants among commonly consumed foods and discovered strawberries to be exceptionally amazing. Strawberries turned out to be the best fruit source of vitamin C, a key antioxidant.

Each serving of strawberries, approximately 1 cup or 144 grams contains 141.1% vitamin C, 28% manganese, 11.5% fiber, 8.6% folate, 8.6% iodine, 6.2% potassium, 4.6% magnesium, 3.9% vitamin K, 3.7% omega-3 fats, and 2% calories.
​
Apart from raspberries, cranberries, and blackberries, strawberries turned out to be one among the highly nutritious fruits. We often think upon hearing its name that strawberry is a very ordinary fruit. In fact, the antioxidant property of strawberries is anything, but ordinary. Strawberries can be stored for up to 2 days without any significant loss of polyphenol and vitamin C phytonutrients.

Manganese is a cofactor in the antioxidant enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase, making it a pivotal antioxidant. However, the phytonutrient content of strawberry is what made this fruit popular.  Most of the phytonutrients present in strawberries function not only as antioxidants but also as anti-inflammatory nutrients.

With strawberry's plethora of phytonutrients which include phenolic acids, terpenoids, flavonols, ellagitanins, and anthocyanins, we can only expect that more and more researches that focus in the anti-inflammatory capacities of strawberries will be conducted. A study has shown that daily strawberry intake can improve a number of blood markers for chronic inflammation. 

The phytonutrients work together to provide cardiovascular benefits also. Strawberries can reduce the activity of the hyperactive enzyme that increase the risk of developing high blood pressure called the angiotensin I-converting enzyme. This enzyme is capable of lowering circulating fats levels which include LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol, and reducing lipid peroxidation or oxidation of fats.   

One cup of raw strawberries which is about 150 grams has shown to have the capability to decrease blood sugar escalations when table sugar was eaten along with them. Due to the presence of polyphenols in strawberries, the blood sugar response is being regulated.
​
Chronic inflammation and chronic oxidative stress are the common risk factors in developing cancer. Chronic oxidative stress is the lack of antioxidants and unsupported metabolism of oxygen. Since strawberries have amazing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, we can only expect the fruit to have cancer-fighting capacities.  Benefits from strawberries that help combat cancer are well-documented in cases of esophageal cancer, colon cancer, cervical cancer, and breast cancer.

​Genetically modified (GMO) foods can be found in practically all supermarkets these days. Over 85% of the United States corn and soy crops are said to be GMO foods, while up to 70% of processed items available in U.S supermarkets contain ingredients that are genetically modified. 
 
What GMO foods mean is that the food  has an are altered genetic DNA that is not naturally occurring in nature. These foods come from various organisms and are combined in various methods such as introducing a new gene to an organism. We call it GMO when the genetic makeup of an organism is altered in anyway. Some of the most common GMO foods aside from corn and soy include cotton and maize. These ingredients come in many snacks, breakfast options, baby foods and others.

​There are two different opinions when it comes to GMO foods. The U.S government states that GMO foods tend to be safer and can be helpful to those who are starving, whereas the EU prefers to keep their food natural and organic. The EU believes that GMO foods are detrimental to local farming and the risks are too great to ignore. 
 
The various risks associated with GMO foods include resistance to antibiotics, contamination, toxins in foods, altering nutritional content and possible effects on the environment. Since GMO foods are still in the early stages it is hard to tell what the consequences of these foods will have on our health. These foods have the possibility of creating entirely new types of bacteria that can severely affect our body. 
 
It is known that diverse genes are more healthy and strong, therefore those that are altered can have less capability of handling drought, handling fungus and bacteria as a natural option would. If we modify and reduce the diversity of genes then it could affect areas that rely on crops that are GMO. 
 
When we put GMO foods out into the world, they will affect seeds and create traits that were not there in the first place. Even though the GMO was designed in a lab, the way that it interacts with nature will have its own effect, such as killing out essential foods or resources. 
 
One of the pitches of the US government that advocates that use of GMO foods states that it is better for the future of global food supply. However, since the introduction of GMO there has been no particular leap in yield boost or reduction of the use of pesticides. GMOs need a large amount of chemicals such as herbicides, fungicides and pesticides, which will affect our water and food supply. 

​Aqua detox refers to a system of cleansing that uses advanced methods to detoxify, re-energize and re-balance the body. It is a form of ionic treatment for the body. Anyone can use aqua detox to combat the pressure and toxins that are caused to the body through the environment, stress and lifestyle on a daily basis. 
 
The body has a hard time getting rid of the toxins in natural ways after some time. Those that will especially benefit from aqua detox may be experiencing mild symptoms or signs such as memory loss, fatigue, lowered immunity and problems with skin. More severe symptoms include chronic disease and illnesses.
 
Clients that are not suitable for aqua detox include pregnant women, those who experience psychotic or epileptic episodes and those with organ or electrical implants/transplants. It is recommended to undergo a detailed screening process in order for practitioners to determine if a candidate is suitable for aqua detox. 

​Those that are currently on medication are advised to refrain from taking medication at least two hours before the treatment commences. Those that take some form of prescribed steroids or prednisone are warned that they may experience localized swelling during the treatment. This can happen since the medication mixes with the bloodstream whilst the treatment is happening. 
 
Once a client has been screened, it is necessary for the practitioner to educate them on the benefits and procedure of the treatment. The treatment takes about half an hour in total per session. However, detoxification can continue for up to 48 hours after the treatment. It is normal for discoloration to occur during the treatment because of the reaction between saline solution, tap water, metal and low amperage current. 
 
It is hard to find natural circumstances these days that are entirely beneficial to our well-being. With all the pollutants and exposure to toxins on a daily basis, it is necessary to cleanse and detoxify our body. It is necessary to detoxify our bodies because we are influenced by consuming processed foods, medication, water from plastic bottles, chemicals that occur in the body due to stress and other factors that pollute our body over time.
 
The reason that our bodies contain so many toxins can be from environmental, mental, chemical and physical influences. It is the body’s job to determine what is good for the body and what is bad and should be neutralized. However, the body has a hard time assessing if free radicals, which are often caused by toxins, are good or bad. 

​Hydrotherapy, or Aquatic Physiotherapy, is a rehabilitation treatment that takes place in heated water (typically a pool). The exercises that take place have a different effect on our body than swimming due to the heated water temperature. It is good for a variety of conditions ranging from arthritis to musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and cardiovascular disorders. Performing the activities in water helps the body to remain buoyant and alleviate pain. 
 
It is beneficial to the body by encouraging muscle relaxation, reducing pain, reducing joint pressure and increasing joint activity.

Hydrotherapy can be used for such a wide variety of mental and physical problems because it encourages exercise and increases their ability to enjoy life. It has also been found to speed up recovery and help the healing process. Aside from these reasons, hydrotherapy also encourages relaxation and reduces stress. 

​Hydrotherapy can take place in a number of places. Some hospitals have a department of physiotherapy that features a heated pool, while other places specialize in hydrotherapy itself. 

​A physiotherapist or their assistant is there to make sure the exercises are understood and executed properly. A number of the exercises improve strength and movement range. It is much less strenuous on the body than aquarobics, a form of water aerobics, due to its slow movements and controlled techniques. 
 
The patient is in the water in the entire time of the treatment. The depth of the water depends on the activities that will be performed and the patients comfort level. Some activities are performed solely by the patient while the therapist guides others.

The majority of activities add strength to the muscles, relieve tension on the spine and encourage joint movement. Even if the patient does not have much range of motion outside of the water, the ability to perform the exercises in the water is greatly increased and more effective. It is common to feel mild soreness, as with any new work out, after the treatments. 
 
Other types of hydrotherapy include baths, sauna, compresses, wraps and Sitz baths. Baths should take place in warm water and last for about half an hour. It is recommended to add Epsom salts, sea salts or essential oils to make the most out of the bath. Saunas and steams use heat to relieve the body of pain or symptoms. A Sitz bath is comprised of 2 containers of water (a hot and cold one) and switching between both. The use of both hot and cold water reduces inflammation and encourages circulation. 

Categories:
Bio Based Healing   and   Wellness   ​

Keywords and Tags:
#hydrotherapy #AquaticPhysiotherapy #arthritis #musculoskeletal #neuromuscular #cardiovascular   #bodyworktherapy #energytherapy #energywork #naturalhealing #alternativemedicine​

​Reflexology may be thought of as a mere foot massage, however there is much more to the practice than it appears to be. Reflexologists work on certain points on hands and feet that are linked with other parts of the body. These parts include organs, bones, muscles and more. Working on these points allows the body to relax, restores balance and promotes healing. 
 
It is believed that up to 75% of health conditions are directly related to tension and stress. Lowering stress or tension in the body is a key element in achieving a state of balance, which promotes and allows the body to deal with diseases or illnesses in a natural way. 

​Each foot contains around 7000 nerves that mirror other parts of the body. Reflexology charts map the body into 10 different zones of energy and each zone is linked to either a single foot or both feet. Each zone has its specific area.
 
During a reflexology session, stress areas can come up by touching on the reflex points. The practitioner can pinpoint the problem and find a way to heal the body via the feet zones. All areas of the body from head to toe are mapped out on the foot, ranging from brain, neck, lung, eye, liver, kidney, colon and so on. 
 
It is believed that when pressure is applied, it gives the brain a signal that is translated to the corresponding body part. It is also said that these points promote and enhance energy flow in the body. 
 
Reflexology is ideally used as a preventative measure instead of a cure. It maintains the body’s ability to heal itself naturally. Those that engage in reflexology on a frequent basis experience smoother function, lowered stress levels, reduced tension and increased blood circulation. 
 
Reflexology promotes immune system function and therefore makes us better at handling stress. It is not recommended to solely rely on reflexology for a healthy body and mind, but to incorporate this method of self-healing with good nutrition and adequate exercise. Practitioners of reflexology do not cure or diagnose diseases but they can help aid in healing. 
 
At the beginning of a reflexology session, the patient is asked to focus on deep breathing. It is common for practitioners to use essential oils to promote relaxation as well. The reflexologist then cleans, washes and gently massages the feet, which further enhances relaxation. The reflexology then commences with focus starting on the toes and moving down to the end of the foot, while working on points along the way. 

​Oxygen therapy is a type of treatment that gives our body more oxygen, which we need to survive and have optimal health. Our lungs typically receive oxygen from our environment and air, though there are a variety of illnesses that can hinder our ability to absorb adequate amounts. 
 
Those that have difficulties with oxygen absorption can choose to undergo oxygen therapy in order to improve function and activity. The oxygen comes from a cylinder made of mental, or several varieties of containers. It reaches our bodies through a tube that is connected to tools such as facemasks, nasal cannula or a tube that reaches into our windpipe. 

​Oxygen therapy can be performed in a variety of settings, including the home, medical centers and hospitals. Those that need to undergo continuous oxygen therapy tend to opt for the home version. 
 
The amount of oxygen that we typically receive from the air surrounding us is about 20%. Anything higher than this amount raises the oxygen levels in our blood. In a typical oxygen therapy session, the amount of oxygen that enters our bodies is between 30-35%, which is generally administered via a nasal cannula. Those that require 100% of oxygen use facemasks, whereas infants are required to use incubators instead.
 
Oxygen therapy is most typically used for cases of hypoxemia, which are dangerously low levels of oxygen in the blood. Other conditions that may require oxygen therapy include acute and chronic asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, trauma, chronic bronchitis, cor pulmonale, pulmonary hypertension, heart attacks, recovery after anesthesia and other respiratory illnesses. 
 
In a healthy human body, oxygen is constantly being absorbed through the air and converted into carbon dioxide. When this process is disrupted, due to the body’s inability to absorb oxygen, levels of oxygen in the blood lower significantly and can cause a number of problems, especially regarding tissue and respiratory function. Oxygen therapy aids the heart by helping ease the amount of work that would otherwise be required and lowers breath shortness. 
 
The varieties in oxygen therapy delivery include liquid oxygen, compressed oxygen, devices of oxygen conservation and oxygen concentrators. Liquid oxygen is stored in a portable container that is used for home treatment. Oxygen remains in a liquid state while it is cool and converts into gas upon warming. Compressed oxygen also comes in a tank but has an adjustable flow rate and drastically vary in size, which is typically used to engage in physical activities.

Oxygen conserving devices and concentrators are typically used in hospital or medical settings and are more carefully monitored. 

​Categories:
Bio Based Healing   and   Wellness​

Keywords and Tags:
#oxygentherapy #hypoxemia #asthma #emphysema #pneumonia #chronicbronchitis #pulmonaryhypertension   #bodyworktherapy #energytherapy #energywork #naturalhealing #alternativemedicine​