There are many foods that can help you to improve your hair, brain, and even boost your energy. Here is our guide on what foods to eat:

For Your Hair:
-Low-Fat Cottage Cheese – Since hair is mostly made of protein it is important to eat a lot of protein to have a healthy and vibrant mane. Low-fat cottage cheese is full of protein and has 14 grams in half a cup.
-Pumpkin Seeds – Pumpkin seeds are full of zinc. Zinc helps to reduce shedding.

For Your Brain:
-Arctic Char – This fish is full of omega-3 fats, DHA, and EPA which all help to improve brain function.
-Kale – A study done in the journal Neurology has reported that getting more than two servings per day of veggies especially leafy green ones such as kale – slows down cognitive decline by 40%.

For Your Nose
-Sunflower Seeds – Hay fever affects many people all over the world, you can stop Hay Fever with vitamin E. Researchers believe that vitamin E calms the part of your immune system involved with allergies. Sunflower seeds have 49% of your daily vitamin E needs in an ounce.

For Your Eyes:
-Whole eggs – If you’re eating eggs, don’t just eat the egg white, eat the yolks too! The yols are a great source for two antioxidants – lutein and zeaxanthin, they are carotenoids that fight cataracts as well as macular degeneration.

For Your Heart:
-Asparagus – Asparagus have lots of foate and potassium which are both nutrients that are great for your heart.
-Grape Juice – Purple grape juice is high in phenolics. Phenolics is a group of powerful antioxidants that swallows up heart-damaging free radicals.

For Your Bones:
-Chocolate – Chocolate is rich in magnesium which is vital for bone health.
-Canned Salmon – The omega-3s in this fish can help to increase bone density. Salmon typically has lower heavy metals such as mercury than other fish. Canned salmon is another great source of calcium which is also essential for healthy bones.

Tag(s): Nutribar

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A new study found in the British Medical Journal has shown that eating fibre and whole grains can drastically reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer. Researchers have found that for every 10g a day of fibre intake, there is a 10% decrease in the risk of developing bowel cancer. Adding an additional 90g a day or three servings of whole grains has also led to a 20% reduction in the risk of developing bowel cancer.

Here is a list of foods high in fibre:

-Cereals

-Oatmeal

-Whole wheat pancakes and waffles

-Whole wheat toast

-Granola bars

-Rye bread

-Bran muffins

-Whole wheat crackers

-Whole wheat pasta

-Brown rice

-Nuts

-Popcorn

-Various Vegetables: Beets, Beans, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Carrots, Cauliflowers, Eggplants, Mushrooms, Peas, Peppers, Spinach, Sweet Potatoes, Squash, Tomatoes

-Several Fruits: Apricots, Apple, Bananas, Blueberries, Cherries, Dates, Kiwi, Grapefruit, Mangoes, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Strawberries

Tag(s): Nutribar

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By eating fruits and vegetables in a wide variety of colours, you will be able to stay thin because they are lower in calories, have tons of antioxidants, and will help to keep you healthy and youthful.

Red: Red foods are filled with lycopene, which reduces the risk of several kinds of cancers. Foods that are associated with this group include: beets, red apples, grapefruits, red peppers, pomegranates, red cabbage, radishes, watermelon, red grapes, cranberries, tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries, and cherries.

Orange & Yellow: Orange and yellow coloured foods are rich in carotenoid which helps to reduce the risk of hearth disease and cancer. They also help to improve the immune system. Those that eat these types of foods are also less likely to have eye disorders and blindness associated with age. Foods in this group: apricots, butternut squash, carrots, cantaloupe, grapefruit, lemons, mangoes, oranges, nectarines, papayas, peaches, pineapple, pumpkins, and corn.

Green: Green fruits and vegetables contain chlorophyll and lutein which contributes to eye health. Green foods: peas, cucumbers, celery, artichokes, asparagus, avocado, beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, lettuce, kiwi, spinach, and zucchini

Blue & Purple: Blue and purple vegetables and fruits contain anthocyanins which protect cells from damage. This category includes: blueberries, blackberries, eggplants, figs, plums, prunes, and grapes.

White: These foods help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. They also reduce the risk of stomach cancer and heart disease. Foods included in this group are: potatoes, bananas, cauliflower, garlic, ginger, mushrooms, onions, parsnips, and turnips.

Tag(s): Nutribar

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Vegetable side dishes are often overlooked as part of thanksgiving dinners because of the flashier thanksgiving fundamentals. Cruciferous vegetables are especially healthy for you because they are non-starchy. Cruciferous vegetables are those that belong in the cabbage family: cauliflower, bok choy, broccoli, and cabbage. Collard greens, parsnips, kale, rutabagas, water cress, turnips, and arugula can also be included as part of this family.   Cruciferous vegetables are healthy for you because they contain glucosinolates that can help lower the risk of cancer. Research has also found that these compounds have the capability to stop the development of cancer because they are able to turn on tumor suppressing genes.

Tag(s): Nutribar

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Our bodies attempt to convert all the things that we eat into fuel and some foods deliver better energy than others. Our metabolism is what burns the fat that we eat. Different foods burn fat differently, some are better at burning fat than others. These power foods will boost your metabolism, increase your energy levels, and help to burn fat.

-Hot peppers: Capsaicin is a chemical found in jalapenos and cayenne peppers, this chemical increases heart rates and improves metabolism.

-Good fats: Avocados and olive oil are excellent sources of healthy monounsaturated fats.

- Low-fat dairy products: Calcium triggers metabolism. Yogurt and skim milk are full of complex carbohydrates, which boosts metabolism, this in turn keeps insulin levels low after a meal. High insulin levels indicate the body to keep holding onto the fat in your body.

-Berries: Blueberries have the most antioxidants. Berries are also a great source of fiber.

-Green vegetables: Green vegetables are great because they are low in calories and high fiber. Asparagus is one of the best vegetables to eat because it flushes out the body’s system and reduces water retention.

-Grapefruit: They are full of pectin which helps to break down body fat.

-Tea: Tea helps to burn calories. Green tea is the best tea to drink because it has EGCG which is a chemical that causes the brain and nervous system to run more quickly which helps to burn more calories. Black teas and white teas are also healthy for you but be sure to avoid processed bottled teas.

-Whole grains: They are a great source of fiber as well as complex carbohydrates.

-Nuts: Nuts contain fiber, protein, and healthy fats that help keep you full. Peanut butter is also good for you because it’s filled with Niacin which helps to prevent bloating.

-Coffee: Coffee with caffeine increases heart rates and assists in burning more calories. Although good for you, the coffee you drink should have low fat milk and have very little sweeteners.

Tag(s): Nutribar

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Herbal teas are growing in popularity because of all the wonderful health benefits that they provide. Herbal teas release various phytochemicals and compounds that are found within the herbs that have great effects on the body. These compounds and phytochemicals are found in the stems, leaves, bark, fruits, and roots of certain plants. Using herbal teas for health benefits is not something new, herbal teas have been used to treat and prevent various ailments for many years.

Stinging Nettle
-A flowering shrub that can be used as an anti inflammatory
-Prevents the creation of histamines which are substances that can cause allergy symptoms

Chamomile
-A study done by the University of Pennsylvania determined that those who used chamomile daily, were less anxious than those who did not
-Chamomile comprises of chrysin – a compound that has a relaxing effect on nervous systems

Valerian
-This herb enhances levels of gammaaminobutyric acids
-Gammaaminobutyric acids are a brain chemical that can aid in generating sleep and relaxation

Peppermint
-Great for freshening breaths
-Also helps with digestion because it eases bloating and helps stomach muscles to relax

Sage
-Stimulates the nervous system and digestive system

Lobelia
-Helps sedate nerves which releases panic and tension
-Can also be used to aid in the treatment of asthma

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Teaching kids healthy eating habits should start young. The most important years of a child’s life are the foundations for their future. However, many parents say that their kids can be difficult to feed.

While most children are fussy, it’s important to remember that you are the parent. Your kids might like unhealthy foods like fast food, pop and other junk food, but who supplies it? It’s important to remember that good food can be good fun. Get creative at meal times. No one’s asking you to go crazy with vegetable sculptures, but most kids are happy with the simple things, like their own personal dipping sauce. Another suggestion is to arrange shapes on the plate, like happy faces made out of carrots, for example.

Also, try cooking with your kids. They obviously can’t haul pots of boiling water, or be left unsupervised at the stove, but involve them in the meal time process. Let them help with shopping, or plan dinner together.

It’s got a great effect on parents too, with many parents reporting that since they’ve got little eyes watching them [literally], they are inspired to eat healthier.

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