For anyone who has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep in the night, a growing body of research shows that certain fruits can naturally help to improve sleep quality.
Packed with essential minerals and vitamins, these fruits support your body in having a deeper, longer night’s sleep. This can lead to more energy in your day and more alertness, productivity, and quality time with family and friends.
Kiwi: The Sleep Booster
Kiwi is often celebrated for its impressive sleep-enhancing properties. This fruit is rich in serotonin, which helps regulate your sleep cycle. It’s also a great source of magnesium, known for its calming effects on the nervous system. A study published in the *Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition* found that eating two kiwis an hour before bed improved sleep onset, duration, and quality (Liu, 2011). Plus, its high level of healthy plant chemicals promotes overall well-being, helping you rest more soundly.
Bananas: Magnesium-Packed for Relaxation
Bananas are another fruit known for sleep benefits. Packed with magnesium and potassium, bananas help relax your muscles, which is vital for preparing your body for restful sleep.
A study published in the *Journal of Research in Medical Sciences* revealed that magnesium can significantly improve insomnia in older adults (Abbasi, 2012). Bananas are also high in vitamin B6, which helps your body produce melatonin, a hormone crucial for regulating sleep cycles.
Cherries: Natural Melatonin Source
Cherries, especially tart cherries, are one of the few natural food sources of melatonin, the hormone that governs sleep-wake cycles. According to a study in the *European Journal of Nutrition*, consuming tart cherry juice improved sleep duration and efficiency in adults with insomnia (Howatson, 2012). The beneficial effects of melatonin in cherries helps to promote deeper, more restorative sleep.
Figs: A Calcium-Rich Sleep Aid
Figs are a lesser-known fruit that can do wonders for sleep. They are rich in calcium, a mineral that helps the brain use the amino acid tryptophan to manufacture melatonin. In addition to calcium, figs provide magnesium and potassium, which support muscle relaxation and help ease tension, both of which are key for a good night’s rest (Healthline, 2021).
Avocado: A Fruit with Vitamin D for Sleep Regulation
Avocado contains small amounts of vitamin D, as well as healthy fats. These plant-based fats help to increase the absorption of vitamin D from other foods such as mushrooms, eggs and fish. Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with shorter sleep durations and disturbed sleep patterns (from the journal “Medical Hypothesis”). Adding avocado to your evening snack, along with mushrooms or eggs, can help regulate your sleep cycle and promote longer periods of rest.
These fruits can pack some powerful sleep-enhancing benefits, helping you wake up refreshed and energized. Try incorporating these into your diet for a natural, delicious way to boost your sleep quality.
This natural health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original and effective calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and Joints and More, a natural supplement for joint support, less aches and pains, stronger hair and nails, and more energy.
Suzanne G. of Tucson, Arizona says: “I am now taking the Sleep Mineral II each night. I have had insomnia for most of my life and the longer I take Sleep Minerals, the better I sleep. The best thing is that I can now get back to sleep if I wake up in the night. It has given me such a sense of peace to know that I now can be well rested during the day. I also find my brain less foggy from lack of sleep. I have tried many products on the market and this is the one that is gold. Thank you so much for producing a quality product!”
Welcome to another round of “Fun Facts on Nutrition You’d Never Guess!”
Did you know that …
1. Mushrooms Are the Only Non-Animal Source of Vitamin D
Mushrooms are unique in the plant kingdom for their ability to produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. This makes them a fantastic dietary source of this essential nutrient, which is crucial for bone health and immune function. Let your mushrooms sunbathe before eating them for a greater vitamin boost.
Reference: Koyyalamudi, S. R., et al. (2009). Vitamin D2 formation and bioavailability from Agaricus bisporus button mushrooms treated with ultraviolet irradiation. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 57(8), 3351-3355.
2. Cucumbers Are 96% Water, Detox the Body, and Heal the Skin
Cucumbers are one of the most hydrating foods you can eat, with a whopping 96% water content. This makes them perfect for keeping you refreshed and hydrated, especially in warm weather. Cucumber helps cleanse the body by eliminating built-up waste and toxins. The fresh fruit juice nourishes the skin, providing a calming effect for skin irritations and reducing swelling. Plus, they are low in calories and high in vitamins K and C, making them a nutritious snack.
Reference: Sun, J., et al. (2013). Nutritional and phytochemical properties of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Current Topics in Nutraceutical Research, 11(1), 25-32.
3. Garlic Was Used as a Multipurpose Medicine in Ancient Times
Garlic has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. In earlier days, when antibiotics and other drugs weren’t in existence, the garlic clove stood in the place of the pharmaceutical industry for its large rainbow of potent health benefits. Modern science supports many of these uses. Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties and its ability to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It also can prevent the common cold and arthritis.
Reference: Rivlin, R. S. (2001). Historical perspective on the use of garlic. Journal of Nutrition, 131(3), 951S-954S.
Fun and Health Go Hand-in-Hand
Isn’t nutrition fascinating? From hydrating, healing cucumbers to garlic being our first medicine, these fun facts highlight the amazing world of food. Stay tuned for the next issue and have a happy and healthy week!
This natural health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original and effective calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and Joints and More, a natural supplement for joint relief, less aches and pains, stronger hair and nails, and more energy.
In recent times, our society has been oriented to the medical approaches of drugs and surgeries for its health needs.
Currently, there is a shift and evolution toward a more natural health approach. Remedies are being embraced that effectively enhance the body’s innate ability to rejuvenate and heal.
The benefits of chiropractic care are becoming more widely known and are growing in popularity. Good nutrition, natural remedies, and health supplements are in greater demand.
Theory of Chiropractic Care: Improving Nervous System Function
The nervous system of the body is made up of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. These nerves then extend throughout the entire body. This system sends messages between the brain and other parts of the body, with electrical signals that initiate breathing, moving, talking, and much more.
Misalignments in the spine, known as subluxations, can press on the nerves and impede these communications, leading to health issues in the areas and organs served by the nerves.
A study in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine demonstrated that chiropractic adjustments positively impact the nervous system, promoting better overall health and reducing stress. Patients often report improvements in sleep, mood, and well-being.
The Backbone of Wellness:
At the core of chiropractic care is the understanding that the spine plays a pivotal role in general health. Research published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics highlights the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments in relieving pain and improving functionality for individuals suffering from chronic back pain. By realigning the bones of the spine, chiropractors can alleviate nerve interference and promote the body’s ability to heal.
Enhancing Joint Function:
Beyond spinal health, chiropractic care extends its benefits to the entire musculoskeletal system (muscles, bones and joints). A study in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that chiropractic treatment significantly improved joint function and reduced inflammation in patients with hip osteoarthritis. This approach fosters mobility and flexibility, enabling individuals to lead more active and fulfilling lives.
Immune System Boost:
Chiropractic care isn’t just about addressing pain; it’s about empowering the body to function optimally. Research suggests that chiropractic adjustments can enhance and improve natural immunity. By removing interference in the nervous system, the body is better equipped to defend against illnesses, promoting resilience and vitality.
Supporting Organs for Optimal Function:
Several organs benefit from chiropractic care. The heart, for instance, may benefit from improved blood circulation resulting from chiropractic adjustments. Research in the Journal of Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggests that chiropractic care positively influence cardiovascular health.
Nutritional Support for Chiropractic Wellness:
Nutrition plays an important role in supporting the body’s healing processes and maximizing the benefits of chiropractic care. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil supplements and many types of fish, have been shown to reduce inflammation and support joint health. Additionally, incorporating nutrient-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, raw nuts, avocado, mushrooms and artichokes into one’s diet can further enhance the body’s ability to heal and recover.
Magnesium, an essential mineral, is another ally in the quest for overall health. It plays a crucial role in muscle function and relaxation. A deficiency in magnesium can contribute to muscle tension, which may be alleviated through chiropractic care. Including magnesium-rich foods like almonds, spinach, and bananas in your diet can complement the benefits of chiropractic adjustments.
Vitamin D, known as the “sunshine vitamin,” is vital for bone health and immune function. Research in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine suggests a potential link between vitamin D deficiency and musculoskeletal pain. Adequate sun exposure and incorporating vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish (salmon, sardines), eggs, and mushrooms can contribute to the success of chiropractic care.
Choosing Innate Body Healing for Lower Back Pain:
Lower back pain is a widespread condition in the United States. People who suffer with this may undergo costly treatments like injections, surgeries, and emergency hospital visits in an attempt to find some relief. Use of chiropractic care or physical therapy has been found to reduce expensive healthcare visits and lower the costs.
A research study published in the journal “Healthcare” discovered that chiropractic care is a cost-effective alternative when compared with physical therapy. The study involved adults with at least three weeks of lower back pain over a six-month period.
Choosing Benefits of Chiropractic Therapy Over Surgery:
In a world where pharmaceuticals and surgeries are often considered the default solutions, chiropractic care stands as a truly comparable alternative. A study in the journal “Manipulative Physiological Therapy” demonstrated that chiropractic was as effective as surgery for sciatica. Sciatica is defined as pain in the back, hip or leg, caused by compression of a spinal nerve.
When two treatment groups were created and chiropractic therapy was compared with spinal disc surgery, significant improvement was seen in both patient groups. The study concluded: “Sixty percent of patients with sciatica who had failed other medical management, benefited from spinal manipulation to the same degree as if they underwent surgical intervention.”
Conclusion:
Chiropractic care isn’t just another treatment; it’s a celebration of the body’s incredible capacity to heal and thrive. Scientific studies consistently support the positive impact of chiropractic adjustments on various aspects of health, from spinal alignment, to the health of the organs, to immune system function. By embracing chiropractic and incorporating supportive nutrition, individuals can unlock the door to greatly increased health and well-being.
This health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and Joints and More, a natural supplement for joint relief, less aches and pains, and more energy.
There are certainly some surprising benefits of body fat. Having some body fat helps in maintaining the health of the body. Read on to learn some key ones.
One example is that having some body fat helps one to absorb and store the vital fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. It also cushions the organs and protects them.
Fat helps the body store energy, helps keep the body warm, and is the raw material for making all of our hormones. In an article from the journal “Endocrinology – An Integrated Approach” (endocrinology deals with the glands and hormones), the author writes that all hormones are made of fats such as cholesterol. This includes estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, adrenal gland hormones, vitamin D, and the sleep hormone melatonin.
Eating healthy fats with our meals can play a vital role in helping us sleep better and achieve greater health. Milk is well-known for its positive effects on inducing sleep, and dairy foods contain beneficial fats (although for some, fermented dairy such as yogurt is easier to digest). Dairy is also high in the sleep nutrients calcium, magnesium and vitamin D. The best fats to eat are nutrient rich foods like eggs, natural butter and cheese, salmon, sardines, cod liver oil, avocados and coconut oil.
This health news on the benefits of body fat is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the effective natural sleep aid Sleep Minerals II. Sleep Minerals II contains calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and zinc in a softgel, mixed with natural rice bran oil for complete absorption.
A review of Sleep Minerals II on InsomniaReport says: “Nutrition Breakthroughs Sleep Minerals II seems like a decent product. It is made from natural ingredients and gives users a boost of important vitamins. It is also priced well, as it is in the price range of other sleep aid medications, but it can last twice as long depending on how many capsules are taken per night.”
By Kris Gunnars, CEO and Founder of Authority Nutrition, BSc (Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine)
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Shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs,
maker of the effective calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II *********************************************
There is a lot of controversy in nutrition and it often seems like people can’t agree on anything.
But there are a few exceptions to this.
Here are the top 10 nutrition facts that everyone actually agrees on (well, almost everyone…).
1. Added Sugar is a Disaster
We all know that added sugar is bad.
Some think sugar is a simple matter of “empty” calories, while others believe it to cause diseases that kill millions of people each year.
It is definitely true that added sugar (sucrose and high fructose corn syrup) contains empty calories.
There are no nutrients in it and if you eat a lot of sugar then you’re likely to become deficient because you aren’t getting enough foods that actually have nutrients in them.
But this is just the tip of the iceberg.
There are other, much more serious dangers of sugar that are now reaching mainstream attention.
Sugar, mainly due to the high fructose content, is being implicated as a leading cause of obesity, cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes.
How does fructose do this?
Well, fructose is metabolized strictly by the liver, over time causing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, insulin resistance, elevated triglycerides, abdominal obesity and high cholesterol.
Then fructose makes our brains resistant to a hormone called leptin, which effectively makes our brains WANT to get fat.
This way, eating an excess of added sugars sets up a relentless biochemical drive in the brain to keep eating sugar, getting fatter and eating even more sugar.
Bottom Line: Added sugar provides empty calories and is believed to be a leading cause of diseases that kill millions of people each year.
2. Omega-3 Fats Are Crucial and Most People Don’t Get Enough
Omega-3 fatty acids are extremely important for proper functioning of the human body.
For example, DHA, an Omega-3 fatty acid derived from animals, makes up about 40% of the polyunsaturated fats in the brain. (Polyunsaturated fats are essential fatty acids which the brain needs tor good function. Essential fatty acids are those not made by the body, but need to be supplied by food).
Being deficient in Omega-3 (very common) is associated with a lower IQ, depression, various mental disorders, heart disease and many other serious diseases.
There are three main sources of Omega-3 fats… ALA (from plants mostly), DHA and EPA (from animals).
The plant form, ALA, needs to get transformed into DHA or EPA in order to function correctly in the human body.
There is some evidence that this conversion process is ineffective in humans.
Therefore, it is best to get Omega-3 fats from animal sources… including fish, grass-fed meat, Omega-3 enriched or pastured eggs, or fish oil.
Bottom Line: A large part of the population is Omega-3 deficient. Avoiding a deficiency in these essential fatty acids can help prevent many diseases.
3. There is no Perfect Diet For Everyone
We are all unique… and subtle differences in genetics, body type, culture and environment can affect which type of diet we should eat.
Some people do best on a low-carb diet while others may do fine on a vegetarian high-carb diet.
The fact is, what works for one person may not work for the next.
To figure out what you should do, a little self experimentation may be needed.
Try a few different things until you find something that you enjoy and that you think you can stick to. Different strokes for different folks!
Bottom Line: The best diet for YOU is the one you get results with and that you can stick to in the long term.
4. Artificial Trans Fats Are Very Unhealthy and Should be Avoided
Trans fats are also known as partially hydrogenated oils.
They are made by mixing unsaturated fats with hydrogen gas at a high heat to make them resemble saturated fats.
This process is very disgusting and it amazes me to think that someone thought these fats would be suitable for human consumption.
Trans fats raise the bad cholesterol and lower the good cholesterol, cause abdominal obesity, inflammation and insulin resistance.
In the long term, consumption of trans fats raises the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, depression and many more diseases.
I recommend you avoid trans fats as if your life depended on it.
Bottom Line: Trans Fats are chemically processed fats that cause all sorts of damage in the body. You should avoid them like the plague.
5. Eating Vegetables Will Improve Your Health
Vegetables are good for you.
They are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants and an endless variety of trace nutrients that science has just begun to uncover.
In observational studies, eating vegetables is associated with improved health and a lower risk of disease.
I recommend that you eat a variety of vegetables each day.
They are healthy, fulfilling and add variety to the diet.
Bottom Line: Vegetables are rich in all sorts of nutrients. Eating vegetables each day is associated with improved health and a lower risk of disease.
6. It is Critical to Avoid a Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D is a unique vitamin. It actually functions as a steroid hormone in the body.
The skin makes Vitamin D when it is exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun.
This is how we got most of our daily requirement throughout evolution.
However, today a large part of the world is deficient in this critical nutrient.
In many places, the sun simply isn’t available throughout most of the year.
Even where there is sun, people tend to stay inside a lot and use sunscreen when they go out, but sunscreen effectively blocks Vitamin D generation in the skin.
If you’re Vitamin D deficient, then you’re actually deficient in a major hormone in the body, and a deficiency is associated with many serious diseases, including diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis and others.
The best way to know is to see a doctor and have your blood levels measured.
Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to get enough Vitamin D from the diet.
If getting more sun is not an option, taking a Vitamin D supplement or a tablespoon of cod fish liver oil each day is the best way to prevent/reverse a deficiency.
Bottom Line: Vitamin D is a crucial hormone in the body and many people are deficient in it. Reversing a deficiency can have powerful health benefits.
7. Refined Carbohydrates Are Bad For You
There are a lot of differing opinions about carbs and fat.
Some think fat is the root of all evil, while others believe carbs are the key players in obesity and other chronic diseases.
But what pretty much everyone agrees on is that refined carbohydrates are at the very least worse than unrefined (complex) carbohydrates.
There are some nutrients in high-carb foods like grains that can be beneficial.
However, when you process the grains you remove most of the nutrients and then there’s nothing left but the bad stuff, massive amounts of easily digestible glucose.
Eating refined carbs will cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, followed by a surge of insulin in the blood which triggers fat storage and contributes to insulin resistance and various diseases like obesity and diabetes.
I personally don’t think that grains are necessary at all, the nutrients in them can be acquired from other healthier and more nutritious foods in greater amounts.
But it is very clear that whole grains and unrefined carbohydrates are at least a lot better than their refined, processed counterparts.
Bottom Line: Refined carbohydrates like processed grains are unhealthy. They are lacking in nutrients and lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar and insulin, which can cause all sorts of problems down the line.
8. Supplements Can Never Fully Replace Real Foods
“Nutritionism” is the idea that foods are nothing more than the sum of their individual nutrients.
It is a trap that many nutrition enthusiasts tend to fall into.
But it’s simply not true.
Nuts, for example, aren’t just shells loaded with Omega-6 fatty acids in the same way that fruits aren’t just watery bags of fructose.
No, these are real foods with a massive variety of trace nutrients.
The vitamins and minerals, the ones you can also get from a cheap multivitamin, are just a small part of the total amount of nutrients in foods.
Therefore, supplements… at least the supplements we have today, are NOT able to replace the nutrients you get from real foods.
Now I will admit that supplements can be beneficial, especially for nutrients that are generally lacking in the diet like Vitamin D and Magnesium.
But no amount of supplements will ever make up for a bad diet. Not a chance.
Bottom Line: It is much more important to eat real, nutritious foods than to count on supplements to provide the nutrients you need.
9. “Diets” Don’t Work, a Lifestyle Change is Necessary
“Diets” are ineffective. That is a fact.
They may lead to short-term results, but as soon as you start eating junk food again you will gain the weight back. And then some.
This is called yo-yo dieting and is extremely common.
Most people that lose a lot of weight on a diet end up gaining it back whenever they “stop” the diet.
For this reason, the only thing that can give you actual long-term results is to adopt a lifestyle change.
Bottom Line: Adopting a healthy lifestyle is the only way to ensure long term weight loss and a lifetime of improved health.
10. Unprocessed Food is Healthiest
Processed food is unhealthy.
As the food system has become more industrialized, the health of the population has deteriorated.
During food processing, many of the beneficial nutrients in the food are removed.
Not only do they remove healthy nutrients like fiber, but they also add other very harmful ingredients like added sugar, trans fats and refined wheat.
Additionally, processed foods are loaded with all sorts of artificial chemicals that have absolutely NOT been proven safe for long term human consumption.
Basically, processed foods have less of the good stuff and a LOT more of the bad stuff.
The most important thing you can do to ensure optimal health is to “eat real food.”
If it looks like it was made in a factory, don’t eat it!
This health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, a publisher of nutrition articles and supplier of effective natural remedies since 2002. Nutrition Breakthroughs makes the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II.