Bernice Bates: 91 years young Bernice has been practicing and teaching since 1960! She says she'll never stop doing yoga and credits yoga for her health: "I think yoga is the best exercise there is. I've never had anything I had to go to the doctor for, except checkups. That should say something."
Tao Porchon-Lynch: 93 years young Tao has been practicing for over 70 years and teaching for 45, yet she says, "I'm still a yoga beginner. I'm still learning."
Bugs love to bite me, must be something in the blood. I tried my regular trusty solution 'Tee Tree Oil' without any relief. I have been using coconut oil for everything these days so thought I would give it a go. The effect was instant. No more itching. I have it close at hand in the event that it flares up again later in the day BUT I am very impressed. Coconut oil 'rocks' Here are a few other uses for coconut oil. Yes ... you guessed it, I am a BIG fan.
Ways to Use Coconut Oil
By Amanda Christian
1. Healing Bug Bites and Other Cuts.
When coconut oil is applied to scarps or cuts it forms a thin layer
that protects the cut from dust and bacteria. When applied directly to
bug bites, it can stop the itching sensation. Coconut oil also speeds up
the healing process.
2. Eat It.
This is perhaps the most obvious use, but very important nonetheless!
You might be saying, “but wait, coconut oil is a saturated fat”, and
while that may be true, just roll with me for a moment. Not all
saturated fats are created equal. Coconut oil is composed primarily of
medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) that are burned almost immediately for
energy production. Bruce Fife says in his book The Coconut Oil Miracle,
“Eating foods containing MCFAs is like putting high octane fuel into
your car. The car runs more smoothly and gets better gas mileage.
Likewise, with MCFAs, your body performs better because it has more
energy and greater endurance”. In addition, coconut oil wont produce
free-radicals upon heating like other vegetable oils do. It can be used
in cooking without fear!
3. Body Lotion.
In my opinion, coconut oil is the best natural skin lotion available. I
have been using it as my body and face lotion for years and my skin has
never looked better. Not to mention, is smells amazing! Coconut oil is
quickly absorbed and won’t leave your skin feeling greasy. One jar of
coconut oil is my body lotion, face lotion, anti-wrinkle cream,
eye-cream, stretch mark cream and massage lotion. Wow, not bad for
something that costs just 20 bucks!
4. Hair Care.
Coconut oil makes a great hair mask. Apply a few teaspoons of melted
coconut oil to your hair and let it soak in for a few hours or
overnight, then wash it out. It will leave your hair very shiny and
smooth!
5 Makeup Remover. This one is
so simple but you will be amazed at how well it works. Just take a
cotton pad and dab some coconut oil on it and rub over your face and
eyes.
One of the best ways to enjoy the nutrition of a sunflower is by
eating its sprouts. Sunflower sprouts boast a surprising 25 percent
protein. They are also rich in stress-busting vitamin B and
hormone-balancing zinc. Their sweet taste and hearty texture make a
great addition to any salad.
Five healthy reasons to eat
sunflower sprouts
1. Boost your fertility with sunflower seeds and sprouts: Both sunflower seeds and their sprouts contain high amounts of zinc. Zinc is a well-researched mineral that is essential for the development of sperm, which is why it is especially important for men.
2. Sunflower sprouts are high in B vitamins, especially folate: Folate (or folic acid) is a necessary B vitamin for pregnant women, needed to ensure proper development
of the baby’s nervous system. The combination of B vitamins also
assists in the mother’s circulation as well as aids in stress relief.
3. Boost your antioxidant capacity with sunflower sprouts:Both sunflower seeds and their sprouts contain high amounts of vitamin E. Vitamin E works synergistically with vitamin C and selenium to reduce blood pressure, increase the elasticity of arteries and prevent heart disease.
4. The sunflower sprout is a natural expectorant for chest congestion: In Ayurvedic medicine, these sprouts are thought to have the ability to encourage clearance of the lungs.
Natural expectorants may also be used as a preventative measure against
lower respiratory infections to deter the invasion of pathogens.
5. Sunflower seed sprouts are a great vegetarian source of protein:
Protein is well known for its ability to repair muscle tissue and aid
in enzymatic functions in the body. But protein is also important in
bone development and the prevention of osteoporosis, as it acts as the
fundamental framework for the development of the bone matrix and
continues to support bone strength throughout life.
Sprout to life shake
Sprouts are a live food, which makes many nutrients more available for
digestion and assimilation. Sunflower seed sprouts are rich in B
vitamins and essential amino acids — precisely the nutrients your
adrenal glands need to work at their optimum. Cleansing your tissues is
more important for stress reduction than many people realize. If your
cells are struggling to function because they are full of toxins, then
you will be less resilient to stress, be it psychological, physical, or
environmental.
Ingredients:
2 cups (500 mL) filtered water
1 cup (250 mL) apple cider or juice
1 cup (250 mL) fresh pineapple, sliced
1 cup (125 mL) sunflower seed sprouts
2 tbsp (30 g) hemp or sunflower seeds
1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
Directions:
Add all ingredients to a blender, and mix until desired consistency is reached.
Makes 4 cups
