MACA'S EXTRAORDINARY BENEFITS FOR WOMEN

by Minx life

Maca is an exceptionally hardy root plant native to the Andean mountain plateaus of Peru. Traditionally, Maca is best known as an adaptogenic plant, which simply means that it balances the body's response in dealing with all different types of stressors. Adaptogens are among the most useful medicinal herbs, helping individuals to better cope with fatigue, anxiety, stress, depression, and sleep problems. Mac is also amazingly rich in amino acids, phytonutrient, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.

Maca does not affect human hormones directly. Various studies even show that the herb does not contain plant estrogens or hormones. Rather, it has hormone-normalizing effects, which may be due to the root's unique nutritional profile. The plant provides optimum levels of of nutrients utilized by the body's endocrine system. This action regulates metabolism, energy levels, growth, sexual development and the sense of well-being and attitude.

More specifically, Maca has been known to nourish and calm the nerves with calcium, phosphorus, vitamins B1 and B12, and fatty acids, all of which work beneficially on the nervous system. At the same time it supports the adrenal glands so they don't have to rely on damaging cortisol steroids to fuel the body. The sterols, calcium, and vitamin C found in Maca help build muscle mass and it contains starches that aid in physical endurance.

Of particular importance to menopausal women is Maca research on the production of sex hormones, enhanced sex drive, stimulation of body metabolism, control of body weight, and increased energy, stress reduction, antidepressant activity, and memory improvement.

Recent research shows that Maca has actually stimulated estradiol levels, suppressed follicle stimulating hormone(FSH) and increased HDL. In addition, Maca significantly reduced both the frequency and severity of hot flashes and night sweats. Furthermore, studies on Maca are now showing a significant reduction in psychological symptoms as well, including anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction. As such, Maca tends to treat menopausal symptoms as a whole; it doesn't treat any one specific symptom of menopause(such as hot flashes) alone.

In Peru, Maca flour is used in baking as a base and flavoring. The supplement industry uses both the dry roots and Maca flour for different types of processing and concentrated extracts. Gelatinized Maca is stronger than powdered root, and is employed for mainly therapeutic, medicinal and supplement purposes. Theres is also freeze-dried Maca juice, which is a juice squeezed from the macerated fresh root, and subsequently freeze-dried. The recommended dose of Maca extract is 500 mg twice daily. Sounds good to us!

IS APPLE CIDER VINEGAR REALLY THAT GOOD FOR YOU? YES!

by Minx life

Unless you've been living under a rock,chances are you've heard about the much touted health benefits of vinegar-in particular, apple cider vinegar. The ancient condiment- the earliest known use of vinegar dates back more than 10,000 years and has been used as both food and medicine-is enjoying a real resurgence lately.

So we did some digging and found some valid, science-backed benefits to vinegar that are worth sharing. In fact, research shows that vinegars contain antioxidants, which slow premature aging and reduce the risk of cancer, for example.

Here are a few more ways vinegar can give your health a boost:

Vinegar improves blood sugar levels. Drinking apple cider vinegar before a high -carbohydrate meal improves insulin sensitivity-slowing the rate of blood sugar levels rising-in people who are insulin resistant( a pre diabetes condition) or have type 2 diabetes, according to a 2004 study.

It kills bacteria. Vinegar is thought to have antibacterial properties that can help fight the infection behind a sore throat. The acidity decreases the pH of tissue, which helps prevent bacteria from growing on the surface. In addition, a 2014 study even found that vinegar's ingredient , acetic acid, which gives vinegar its tart flavor and strong odor, acts as a non toxic disinfectant against tuberculosis bacteria.

Vinegar may help reduce the risk of cancer. Vinegars are a rich source of polyphenols, compounds synthesized by plants to fight oxidative stress. According to 2006 research, consuming polyphenols enhances antioxidant protection and reduces cancer risk.

We like to start our morning with warm water, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar,lemon, ginger and turmeric but you can also use it in your favorite salad dressings or put it in your smoothies. Cheers!