Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Adecco Day - JOB FAIR - THIS FRIDAY May 2, 2014 Have Your Resume Available
Adecco Day will be held on
Friday May 2, 2014 at the
Suburban Station Careerlink
1617 JFK Blvd., 2nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103
They will be looking for
Accounting,
Administrative,
Sales Rep,
Warehouse Assistant,
Industrial Electricians,
CNC Machinist,
QA Instructor,
AutoCAD Machinist.
Bring your resume and Identification, dress professionally. The following employers will be on hand:
Friday May 2, 2014 at the
Suburban Station Careerlink
1617 JFK Blvd., 2nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103
They will be looking for
Accounting,
Administrative,
Sales Rep,
Warehouse Assistant,
Industrial Electricians,
CNC Machinist,
QA Instructor,
AutoCAD Machinist.
Bring your resume and Identification, dress professionally. The following employers will be on hand:
JOB FAIR - THIS FRIDAY May 2, 2014 Is Your Resume Up to Date?
Friday May 2, 2014
Northwest Careerlink will be hosting a JOB FAIR for MOR-STAFFING for the following:
WELDERS/FITTERS
CNC MACHINIST
MANUAL MACHINIST
UTILITY PERSON
MECHANIS/ASSEMBLER
Pennsylvania Careerlink Northwest
235 West Chelten Avenue
Philadelphia PA 19144
JOB FAIR - JOB FAIR - JOB FAIR May 7, 2014 Is Your Resume Up to Date?
WEDNESDAY MAY 7TH there will be a JOB FAIR at
CANAAN BAPTIST CHURCH
5940 Pulaski Ave, Philadelphia, PA
10:00am-200pm.
Bring your resume and Identification, dress professionally. The following employers will be on hand:
CANAAN BAPTIST CHURCH
5940 Pulaski Ave, Philadelphia, PA
10:00am-200pm.
Bring your resume and Identification, dress professionally. The following employers will be on hand:
Philadelphia International Airport
Staffing Plus
Office Staff
Accountants
Help Source
Edens Transit
Sugarhouse Casino
McDonalds
Benefits Data Trust
and many more, see you there
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Eat Your (White) Vegetables!
Eat Your (White) Vegetables!
Published Apr 9, 2014
Here’s how to wear white in a way that is truly one size fits all:
Cauliflower. Move over kale… this veggie has been deemed one of the hottest trends of the year. Along with the other members of the cruciferous family, like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts, cauliflower contains sulfur compounds that are associated with fighting cancer, strengthening bone tissue, and maintaining healthy blood vessels.
Mushrooms. Get ready for this list: Mushrooms are low in calories, fat-free, cholesterol-free, gluten-free, with barely any sodium, and yet they carry a wealth of selenium, potassium, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin D. Mushrooms are also hearty and filling so they can help you control your weight without compromising taste. And they’re a rich source of umami, the fifth basic taste after sweet, salty, bitter and sour. They can help simple dishes come alive.
Garlic. In my house, all I have to do is sauté garlic to draw hubby and the kids to my kitchen! Aside from tasting great, garlic has been touted as being able to help hair grow, cause acne to disappear, and keep colds and flu at bay. Its antioxidant properties can help boost your immune system and to get the most out of garlic’s active chemical, allicin, cut a fresh clove up and expose it to the air for a little while before you cook with it.
Onions. Chef Julia Child said, “I cannot imagine a world without onions,” and for good reason. The anti-inflammatory chemical in onions, called quercetin, can help ease discomfort from arthritis, and quercetin’s beneficial properties have been associated with a lower risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and a stronger immune system.
Potatoes. Nearly all Americans fail to meet dietary recommendations for potassium (97 percent) or dietary fiber (95 percent). On an equal weight basis, the white potato provides as much fiber as and more potassium than other commonly consumed vegetables or fruit. A medium skin-on baked potato weighs in at just 163 calories, a whopping 941 mg of potassium and 3.6 g fiber. (A banana, also white in color, provides 422 mg of potassium and 3.1 grams of fiber.) Potatoes also provide vitamin C, vitamin B6, and magnesium, in addition to small amounts of high-quality protein.
8 Healthy Habits That Help Manage Atrial Fibrillation
8 Healthy Habits That Help Manage Atrial Fibrillation
Learn how to manage an irregular heartbeat and reduce your stroke risk with these heart-healthy lifestyle habits.
Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH
Get active (with your doctor’s okay). Regular exercise has many health benefits, says Thomas Pavlovic, MD, a cardiologist at North Shore Heart and Vascular in Park Ridge, Ill. Exercise can make your heart strong and help keep your blood pressure in check— which is important because high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation can affect your stroke risk. According to a study published in theAmerican Journal of Cardiology, researchers in Norway found that men who were physically fit had a lower overall risk of atrial fibrillation. Plan for at least 30 minutes of heart-pumping aerobic exercise five times a week.
Keep your eye on the scale. Being overweight puts a strain on your heart and blood vessels, Dr. Pavlovic says. A study published in the European Heart Journal, which involved nearly 7,000 men, found a direct link between weight gain and atrial fibrillation. One of the best ways to manage atrial fibrillation is to lose weight if you're overweight and to maintain a healthy weight once you reach it. A diet for weight loss and weight control is one that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in fat — choose low-fat dairy and lean sources of protein such as broiled fish and grilled boneless, skinless chicken breast. Talk to your doctor about an ideal weight for you.
Manage your cholesterol. Cholesterol is a type of fat found in the blood. Although a certain amount of cholesterol is necessary, having high cholesterol levels can lead to heart problems such as clogged, hardened arteries (atherosclerosis). It can also affect your stroke risk. And if your cholesterol is high, it can make your atrial fibrillation worse. As with weight management, a healthy diet is key to keeping cholesterol under control. Strive for a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet by avoiding animal fats and eating more fruits and vegetables. A study in the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology found that people whose atrial fibrillation was treated with the surgical technique called ablation were more likely to have irregular heartbeat incidents more than a year later if they also had high cholesterol.
Consider limiting caffeine. Whether caffeine consumption increases the risk of atrial fibrillation is controversial. A study of more than 33,000 women published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found no relation between the amount of caffeine the women consumed and their risk of atrial fibrillation. However, caffeine is a stimulant, and too much may cause hearts to race in some people. Caffeine is in coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, and energy drinks. To be safe, the American Heart Association recommends avoiding energy drinks due to their excessive amounts of caffeine.
Shake the salt habit. High blood pressure can increase your stroke risk, just as atrial fibrillation can. One way to control your blood pressure and better manage atrial fibrillation is to eat a diet that’s low in salt. Use fresh and dried herbs and salt substitutes to add great flavor to your food without adding salt.
Avoid medicinal stimulants. If you have atrial fibrillation, stimulants such as pseudoephedrine and ephedrine, found in many over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines, could spell trouble. Not only can these stimulants cause your heart to race, they can also cause your blood pressure to rise. Pavlovic suggests talking to your doctor or pharmacist before taking OTC medicines for a cough or cold.
Stay a step ahead of the flu. Be proactive and get a flu shot every year. Here’s why: Pavlovic says that if you have a weakened heart and you get the flu, you could spike a high fever and become dehydrated, which could put additional stress on your heart, causing it to race and worsen atrial fibrillation.
Don’t drink in excess. Most people with atrial fibrillation can have a glass of wine or beer without setting off their irregular heartbeat, Pavlovic says. But drinking excessively isn’t a wise thing to do. Alcohol can increase your blood pressure and your heart rate, and that can be dangerous when you have atrial fibrillation. More than 30 years ago, the term “holiday heart” was coined to describe people whose heartbeats became rapid and irregular after binge drinking. Reduce your risk for atrial fibrillation and any related stroke risk by limiting your consumption of alcoholic beverages. Moderation is key. A good rule of thumb is to not exceed one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Essential Guide to Lesser-Known Essential Oils
Essential Guide to Lesser-Known Essential Oils
Many people are familiar, at least somewhat, with the healing
properties of lavender, peppermint and tea tree essential oils – for good
reason, as these oils offer a great deal of benefit. However, there are a
multitude of essential oils out there that do not receive as much attention,
and many people are unaware that some of them even exist.
We wanted to create a sampling of five essential oils that
you may not know much about. The following five oils, while lesson common, can
put a new spin on your aromatherapy sessions, and may do wonders for your
health via massage and pressure point applications.
Some of these oils can be used internally, provided you
choose a food-grade, high quality variety, however, it is safest to consult a
natural health professional before going this route.
Bergamot
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) essential oil is extracted from
the bergamot citrus fruit, which is widely grown in the Mediterranean region
and thought to be a hybrid of either lemon or citron and sour orange. It has a
sweet citrus scent, and when used in aromatherapy, it can help alleviate
depression, reduce stress and boost overall mood.
This oil has antiseptic properties, and is great for skin
conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and oily skin. It can also be used
to disinfect minor wounds and cold sores. When applied topically, or used as a
dietary supplement, it can stimulate digestion, and also boost liver and spleen
function, encouraging the body’s natural detoxification processes.
Additionally, bergamot essential oil has been proven to
possess antibacterial properties. A 2006
study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology tested the effects of several essential oils and essential
oil vapors against various forms of bacteria, including Staphyloccocus aureus,
E. coli and Campylobacter jeujuni.
The authors wrote, “bergamot was the most effective of the
oils tested… Results suggest the possibility that citrus EOs [essential oils],
particularly bergamot, could be used as a way of combating the growth of common
causes of food poisoning.”
Note: Consult a health professional before using bergamot if you
are pregnant. Do not expose skin that has received an application of bergamot
to direct sunlight for 48 hours.
Cistus
Cistus (Cistus ladanifer) essential oil comes from the leaves
and branches of the flowering plant also known as rock rose, labdanum and Rose
of Sharon. It has a sweet aroma reminiscent of honeyed fruit, and is wonderful
in aromatherapy for its calming, centering properties that can help you let go
of built-up, unresolved tension.
Cistus has antiseptic, astringent and antimicrobial
properties, and is effective at stopping minor bleeding and disinfecting
wounds. It may also help to ease hemorrhoids and aid in healing bruises. It is
also sometimes used as an anti-aging serum, as it can help to improve the look
of skin, smooth wrinkles and reduce the appearance of scar tissue.
This fragrant oil is known as an immune system stimulator,
and can help to fight off colds, coughs and flus, as well as urinary tract and
bladder infections. It has also been traditionally used to normalize menstrual
bleeding, improve circulation and ease various types of inflammation and
tension.
A 1997
study published in the journal Plant Disease found that extracts of Cistus ladanifer displayed antifungal
activity against Botrytis cinerea spores. Botrytis cinerea is a type of plant
fungus which causes gray mold on various types of crops, most commonly grapes.
Note: Cistus is a very gentle oil, however, internal use is not
recommended for children under six years of age.
Cedarwood
Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) essential oil is steam distilled
from the wood of the Cedar tree. This oil has a warming, uplifting, woody
scent, and is a great oil to use for meditation. Native Americans traditionally
used this oil in various spiritual practices; it can be very grounding and
calming to the nervous system.
This essential oil is a great skincare companion, as it can
help control excess skin oil. It can also help to clear up acne and dermatitis.
Cedarwood has strong anti-inflammatory properties, and using it in massage can
help to ease the pain of arthritis and rheumatism, as well as soothe sore
joints and muscles after a workout.
It also has anti-spasmodic properties, which contribute to
the alleviation of asthma, as well as restless leg syndrome. The sedative
properties of cedarwood can help to curb insomnia and provide a deeper, more
restful sleep. This oil may also help to lower blood pressure.
Cedarwood has also been used for detoxification of the blood,
regulating menstruation, and relieving coughs and congestion. When using it as
part of a massage or before meditation, try rubbing it on the bottoms of your
feet for a feeling of all-around calm and connection to the earth.
Note: Cedarwood oil is not to be taken internally. Pregnant women
should not use this oil.
Juniper
Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum, or Juniperus osteosperma)
essential oil is obtained by steam-distilling the fruits, needles and wood of
the juniper tree. It has a crisp, earthy aroma, and has significant properties
in detoxification. One of its methods of detox is attained by inducing sweat,
which allows certain toxins to be released through the skin’s pores. In this
way, it can aid in a healthy complexion.
This essential oil has diuretic properties, and is linked to
urinary tract health, as well as detoxifying heavy metals and uric acid from
the body. It is anti-inflammatory in nature, and has been used to improve
circulation. Juniper oil can also help to relieve various types of cramping,
including menstrual cramps, and its aroma stimulates the nervous system,
helping to relieve depression and fatigue.
A 2003
study published in Phytotherapy Research found that juniper essential oil possesses antibacterial and
antifungal properties.
Note: This oil may be harsh to sensitive skin, and should thus be
diluted. It should not be used by small children, pregnant women or individuals
with kidney problems.
Marjoram
Marjoram (Origanum majorana) essential oil comes from the
leaves of the marjoram plant, which is native to the Mediterranean region and
is often used as a spice in recipes. It has a slightly spicy, potent aroma, and
is warming and soothing in both aromatherapy and massage. It is associated with
supporting cognitive health, and may also help to relieve headaches, especially
those caused by tension.
When used in a massage, marjoram can ease the pain of sore
muscles. It may also help to relieve other types of pain, caused by
inflammation, seasonal illnesses or other causes. This oil has antispasmodic
properties, and can alleviate cramps and muscle spasms, making it a great
workout companion.
Marjoram helps to improve circulation, and may expand the
blood vessels, lowering blood pressure as well as the risk of heart attack and
stroke. It can also improve digestion, and helps relieve digestive ailments
such as nausea and stomach discomfort.
This oil has been found to have antibacterial, antiviral and
antifungal properties. A 2005 study published
in Food
Research International found
that extracts of marjoram were effective in combating food-borne bacteria and
fungus. It is sometimes diluted and used as a flavoring in cooking.
Note: Marjoram essential oil should be diluted, and should not be
used on small children or pregnant women.
The above-mentioned oils are just a small taste of the vast
array of essential oils just waiting to be discovered. Next time you are
picking up a bottle of your go-to oil, ask about an essential oil you’ve never
heard of. It could become your new favorite.
-The Alternative Daily
The Art Institute of Philadelphia - Join Us May 3, 2014 For Our College Info Day
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Gardening Grows as Millennials Dig In: No. 1 Hobby in America Gets Boost from Interest in Locally Grown Foods
Gardening Grows as Millennials Dig In: No. 1 Hobby in America Gets Boost from Interest in Locally Grown Foods
April 24th, 2014
![[title]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_uEzEQDJkskH6GCWAuPJYcizIkagAriLt0irLZ9TvrQvj8JqHpCIiGAnkXszWZnQg-CMEchvrUxIm3FR3fZtZb0bZGDA1_Uc9uasZu47uFFWDjE_jYgysqFau-LOaOleRlLTGdSUeFlDfWyVAx0leofUkDkDrqyFWSJ-x07fDhX6dA=s0-d "[title]")
Gardening is growing as the No. 1 hobby in America, with 5 million more households digging in and planting than in 2010, driven by millennials' interest in edible gardening according to the 2013 National Gardening Survey. The edible gardening category, which includes vegetable gardening, herb gardening, fruit trees and growing berries, recently hit a six-year high in both participation and spending.
Looking to source locally grown food straight from their backyards, nearly 80 percent of gardeners aged 18-30 purchase vegetables to grow, according to the 2014 Home Garden Panel by Metrolina Greenhouses, the nation's largest greenhouse.
Growing berries emerges as the most popular trend in edibles, likely due to the reported health benefits of foods like antioxidant-rich blueberries. In fact, blueberry consumption grew more than 500 percent from 1980-2010, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Today more than 25 percent of millennial consumers under the age of 24 purchase berries weekly or even more frequently.
Blueberries also are the most popular fruit edible at Lowe's, with the varieties of O'Neal, Misty, Earliblue and Sunshine Blue generating the most interest from consumers. Lowe's offers container and landscape planting options as well as berry mixes of raspberry and blackberry.
Regardless of age, gardeners grow edibles for the pride of harvesting their own fresh produce to experience the growing process and to share. Almost two-thirds report plans to share their harvest with family, friends or neighbors, lending to the growing trend of community gardening.
If it's still too cool to plant fruits and vegetables in your region, consider planting edibles, including the ever-popular blueberries, tomatoes and cucumbers, in containers that you can keep indoors until weather warms. Once spring has sprung, take your pre-grown plants outside to add color and further accessorize your outdoor space, with the extra benefit of harvesting fresh food straight from your own backyard!
For more information, planting inspiration and how-to advice, check out Lowe's spring tips videos, highlighting three easy steps to create a garden full of color and variety this season, at YouTube.com/Lowes.
Daily Cherry Consumption Adds Powerful Punch to a Healthier Diet
Daily Cherry Consumption Adds Powerful Punch to a Healthier Diet
April 18th, 2014
![[title]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_vSf9dcoa6iUU29RBEt-IhZtb1gYwX1AqTwoCVcxocvPeOAyWwgqEUWhZaTImSsMAy0kTRUlcpfs9NgqeyPu8HLgg1rBotmQwzW0r37Gie1GLlJ0efA_G4BYz3zBnskGaLG_ZwbblRJsDrpM-y7ZVb9xQbal9Mz2PNZtlYzv-5kmjTfOMYD=s0-d "[title]")
Did you know that consuming cherries might reduce your risk or modify the severity of diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, blood pressure and cancer?
According to the results of a recent study conducted by researchers at the USDA-ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center, cherry growers are pleased to announce that consuming about 45 (280 g) cherries daily may significantly decrease circulating concentrations of specific inflammatory biomarkers in the blood. The findings of the study were published in the Journal of Nutrition and are indicative of good news for those who want to reach for healthier snacks and ingredients on a daily basis.
Rich in fiber, potassium, and melatonin, cherries are taking center stage in this tasty arena. Available fresh during the summer harvest season or frozen and dried year round, cherries are a delicious way to bite the inflammatory burn and add some pizazz to your menu. Inflammation is indeed the pits when it comes to health and wellness, yet cherries are a simple and delicious way to offer healthy support whether they are served fresh and eaten out of hand or added to yogurt, granola, oatmeal, fruit salads and even savory preparations.
Although the 2014 cherry harvest season has yet to start, B.J. Thurlby of the NW Cherry Growers reports that this year's cherry season is off to a great start thanks to ideal weather. As a result the growers are anticipating a strong harvest for the 2014 season starting in June. Consumers interested in working more cherries into their diets can find resources and recipes at nwcherries.com
Yes, You Can Fight Fat with Fat: Another Amazing Benefit of Coconut Oil
Yes, You Can Fight Fat with Fat: Another Amazing
Benefit of Coconut Oil
Fact: Americans have reduced their saturated fat consumption by 10
percent in the last 30 years, and obesity has doubled.
Our nation – even our children – is growing increasingly
larger and illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer are rampant –
something that we can no longer turn our backs on.
However, it may come as a surprise to learn that eating foods
high in saturated fat, such as grass-fed meat, milk, free range eggs, butter,
avocados, coconut, raw nuts and real cheese are not necessarily the causes of
obesity, high cholesterol and heart disease, as was originally thought.
Numerous studies have been conducted that
have been unable to provide any conclusive evidence that consuming foods high
in saturated fat leads to heart disease. One study that spanned the globe
studied the diets of the Maasai tribe of Kenya, the Eskimos in the Arctic, and
the tribe of the three atoll islands off the coast of New Zealand, and found
their diets consisted of more than 66 percent saturated fat. And yet, they have
the lowest risk of heart disease.
Some cultures that consume mostly saturated fat from natural
sources don’t even have a word for heart disease – no need for a word when the
problem does not exist, right?
At one time, we adapted to eating a diet high in fat and low in carbs without any increased risk of heart disease. Today, we are told to consume a low fat diet and eat more carbs, yet heart disease is the number one killer in this country despite a lower fat diet.
At one time, we adapted to eating a diet high in fat and low in carbs without any increased risk of heart disease. Today, we are told to consume a low fat diet and eat more carbs, yet heart disease is the number one killer in this country despite a lower fat diet.
Something seems inherently wrong with this picture, and
researchers, nutritionists and consumers are now becoming aware of just how
mixed up the saturated fat myth really is.
Debunking the lipid
hypothesis
The theory that took saturated fats down appeared in the
1950s, and has been coined the “lipid hypothesis.” This hypothesis stated that
there was an intimate relationship between saturated fat, cholesterol and heart
disease.
This hypothesis was built on questionable evidence at best.
Ancel Keys, the founder of the hypothesis, presented his “findings” to the
medical community. Despite the lack of evidence and the prevalence of other
studies finding different conclusions, the lipid hypothesis took fire.
Most of the fuel came from the food manufacturers and
vegetable oil producers who saw great benefit in riding on this hypothesis. If
everyone would stop using saturated fat, they could convince them that refined
vegetable oil was healthy.
The truth is, almost 90 percent of all well-researched
studies examining this hypothesis do not support the fact that saturated fats
and dietary cholesterol cause heart disease. In fact, researchers have found
that a clogged artery is about 26 percent saturated fat and more than half
polyunsaturated fat.
So, if we are now starting to understand that saturated fat
is not to blame for our heart disease epidemic, is it possible to see it in a
new light, for what it is really valuable for?
Traditional saturated
fats are really good for us
§ Healthy saturated fats, found in traditional – not highly
processed – foods, have been found to be of tremendous value to good health, in
ways including:
§ Liver support: Saturated fats help liver
cells dump fat cells, which allows the organ to work better.
§ Immunity booster: Saturated fatty acids, like those found in
coconut and butter, help white blood cells seek and destroy viruses and
bacteria.
§ Hormone helper: Eating a consistent amount of healthy
saturated fat helps to increase free testosterone levels, which repair tissue, improve sexual performance and
preserve muscle.
§ Fats are sources of essential fatty acids that are necessary
for the absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K. They also help keep your hair and
skin looking great and aid in proper cell function.
The real fat you should
be scared of
Not all saturated fat is created equal. Some fats occur in
nature, while others are artificially molded into a saturated form through a
process known as hydrogenation.
Trans fatty acids, or trans fats as they are more commonly
referred to, are “fake” fats that clog arteries, increase the levels of low
density lipoproteins (LDL) and lower high density lipoproteins (HDL) in the
blood. These deadly fat imposters are formed when vegetable oils harden to
create shortening or margarine.
However, trans fats are prevalent in more foods than
shortening and margarine, and we often consume them without knowing. Typical
french fries, cookies, chips, frozen waffles, and crackers contain from 30 to
50 percent trans fatty acids. Donuts, an American staple, may contain up to 40
percent depending on the brand.
These dangerous fats are added to processed foods to make
them more palatable, increase their shelf life and improve their flavor. In
fact, 80 percent of trans fats come from processed foods, while the remainder
comes from meat and dairy.
Is the donut really worth it? Serious health problems such as
type 2 diabetes and heart disease thrive in the type of environment created by
trans fatty acids.
Coconut oil… the world’s
friendliest fat-busting, traditional saturated fat
Considered one of the healthiest foods on the planet, coconut
oil is extracted from the kernel or meat of mature coconuts. It also contains
saturated fat – in fact, it is a whopping 90 percent saturated fat. Don’t let that
scare you; although you may be convinced that saturated fat should not be
touched with a 10-foot pole – coconut oil is healthy.
Although there have been over 60 years of negative public
policy around healthy saturated fats like those found in coconut oil, research
and review of cultures that have used coconut oil for thousands of years tell a
different story – healthy saturated fat can be highly beneficial.
Research demonstrates that the naturally occurring saturated
fat found in coconut oil has some amazing therapeutic values, such as:
§ Promoting heart health
§ Boosting the immune system
§ Providing immediate energy
§ Promoting healthy skin
§ Helping to regulate blood sugar
§ Boosting metabolism
§ Promoting weight loss
Coconut oil is vastly different from most other foods; it is
comprised mainly of medium chain fatty acids, while most other foods contain
long chain fatty acids. Medium chain fatty acids are metabolized much
differently than longer chain fats found in modern-day seed/vegetable oils,
processed shortenings and almost all highly refined foods.
Long chain fatty acids (LCFAs) are very difficult for the
body to break down and can put a tremendous strain on the pancreas, liver and
digestive system. In addition, LCFAs are stored mainly as fat in the body, and
are deposited in arteries as cholesterol. In contrast, medium chain fatty acids
(MCFAs), like those found in coconut oil, are easy to break down and are sent
directly to the liver to be used for energy – they are not stored as fat.
Understanding the
thermogenic power of coconut oil
Coconut oil packs tremendous thermogenic
power when compared calorie for calorie to long chain fats.
One study demonstrated how just 1 to 2 tablespoons of MCFAs per day can
increase energy expenditure by 120 calories per day. Other studies confirm the
findings and clearly demonstrate that when we replace the current fats we are eating (including those found in
processed foods) with MCFAs, we burn more calories – hands down.
Another added bonus of consuming raw, organic coconut oil is
that it tends to make us feel fuller for longer. Studies indicate that MCFAs
help increase feelings of fullness and lead to a reduction in calorie
intake when compared to the same amount of calories from other fats.
When MCFAs are metabolized, ketone bodies are created in the liver – these have
been shown to have a strong appetite
reducing effect.
How to add coconut oil to your diet
Coconut oil can replace all of the other oils in your
kitchen. Raw, organic coconut oil remains solid at room temperature and does
not break down during cooking. You can fry with it, bake with it, drizzle it on
foods, saute with it – and also put it on your skin, hair, nails etc… There is
no shortage of ways as to how coconut oil can truly improve your health – you
can even add a tablespoon or so to your morning
coffee for a great energy boost!
The days of badmouthing natural saturated fats are quickly
coming to an end. We hope that this change of thought will prompt a change of
behavior that will escort in better health for all who choose to believe!
Click
here to learn more about the amazing benefits of raw, organic coconut oil. You will be awestruck by all of the ways this traditional
saturated fat can benefit your health.
-The Alternative Daily
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