Foods that Cleanse your Liver

First of all, Happy New Year to Everyone ! 

For those that do not know, Chinese New Year falls on Jan 10 and 11. This is a major festival for chinese in particular. Similar to Christmas, the concept encompasses family gathering with spread of good food.
I believe most people had indulged in loads of oily food and alcohol over past two days. Afterall its an Annual festival right ?

However, it is important to know that overeating can cause our liver to become overworked. When this happens, our liver cannot process fats and toxins in an efficient way. 

Today's post is about Foods that cleanse our liver and detox toxic waste from our body.

1. Garlic Supplement- Garlic are high in allicin and selenium which are the components that are essential for liver cleansing. It also reduces cholesterol, high blood pressure and prevents hardening of arteries.
2. Green Tea- High in catechins, a property that is useful in boosting liver function. 
3. Lemon- High content of Vitamin C helps breaks down toxic materials into contents that can be absorbed by body.
4. Beets- High content of beta carotene helps to stimulate liver function
5. Omega 3 Oil- This oil helps to lubricate intestinal walls which allows the toxins to be absorbed by the fats and excreted from the body.

Vitamin A For An Acne Clear Skin

Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin essential for healthy skin and eyes.



Pic: Anthimeria



Benefits of Vitamin A

• Healthy eyes- Improves vision, lower risks of night blindness and cataracts
• Healthy bone growth
• Healthy skin- Helps to keep your skin from free radicals and toxins keeping it soft.                     
• Acne Killer- Reduced secretion of sebum also reduces acne breakouts.
• Prevent urinary stones
• Lowers blood cholesterol level lowering risks of heart disease and stroke
• Strengthen immunity of body- Lympocytic reacts against disease producing antigens. Mucous membrane are kept moist to ensure better immunity and to enhance the activities of white blood cells.

Sources of Vitamin A

Vitamin A can be obtain from natural sources or in the form of capsules.
Natural sources of Vitamin A includes : Eggs, Livers, Fish Liver oil, Pumpkin,Sweet Potatoes, Spinach,Broccoli

Vitamin A capsules usually comes in form of 5000IU or 10000 IU.
Do note not to take more than 10000IU per day as it may lead to toxicity which will result in vomiting, dizziness and headache.

Recommended Intake Amount of Vitamin A

To meet the recommended amount of Vitamin A, Dietary guidelines recommends 3 cups of dark green leafy vegetables + 2 cups of Orange Vegetable and Fruits

It is important to consume the recommended amount of Vitamin A as deficiency in Vitamin A will result in night blindness, decreased immune ability, reproduction problems and scaly skins.

Benefits of Almond Oil

A short post continued from my previous post on Almonds:

Pic: Healthaliciousness

Almond Oil For Skin

• Rich in Vitamin E which protects our skin from UV
• Improves complexion glow
• Delays Inflammation
• Moisturise skin- In Fact, it works better than some expensive moisturiser in the market.
• Reduce wrinkles and fade dark eye circles
• Can be used as eye makeup remover

Note: Do not use excessively on face as it may lead to clogged face and breakouts.

Almond Oil for Hair

• Apply a few drops of almond oil to palm and massage onto clean hair.
• Helps to strengthen hair and reduce hairfall

Almond for Good Health

• Contain high level of Vit B1, B2 and B6 which are essential for energy production
• Also contains high level of Vitamin A essential for healthy skin and eyesight
• High level of vitamin E-Antioxidant helps protect cell from damage from free radicals
• Research also shown that regular intake of Almond Oil may reduce cholesterol level
• Helps to reduce constipation

Note: Use Sweet Almond Oil not bitter almond oil as bitter almond oil has been found to have potential toxic effects.

Where to buy Almond Oil?

•  I get my almond oil from GNC. Apart from GNC, they are also available from online organic stores or drugstores.

Benefits of Almonds

Nuts are known for many health benefits.

One of my favourite nut would be Almond ----Tasty and nutritious ! 

Pic : HealthAliciousness

Benefits of Almond

 

• Reduce Heart attack risk- Almond contains high amount of monounsaturated fats which are the fats commonly found in olive oil. Apart they also contain potassium, magnesium,antioxidants and vitamin E which helps reduce heart disease. Taking 5 servings of nuts in a week were found to reduce 50% of heart attack risk. 

• Regulates cholesterol- Rise the level of high density lipoproteins (HDL) and lowers the level of low density lipoproteins (LDL) which effectively balances cholesterol levels 

• Help to lose weight- Almonds' healthy fats and low calories are a good substitute for people who wants to shed their weight.

• Reduce risk of diabetes- Almonds reduces blood sugar and insulin level after meals.

• Good for energy production- Almond is a good source of maganese and copper. These elements aids in energy production. 

 

Recommended serving

- One serving of nuts a day is sufficient. 1 serving- 8 pieces of almonds





  

REFINED SUGAR & WHY YOU SHOULD AVOID THEM

It is probably nothing new to know that sugar is bad for you. However, what we not know is that not all sugar needs to be avoided. 

Sugar exists in two forms- Intrinsic and Extrinsic

Pic:Eszter

Intrinsic sugar - Natural sugars that are found in fruits or vegetables.  

Common intrinsic sugars are : glucose, fructose, lactose and sucrose 

They reside in the cell structures and are coupled with loads of vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy body functioning. 

Simply put, they are the good sugar and can be eaten in small quantities every day. 

Extrinsic sugar- Processed/refined sugars are sugars not contained in cell structures and are added to food. Examples of extrinsic sugar : White sugar, honey, artificial sweeteners 

These are bad sugars that has no nutrients and instead are metabolised and accumulated as fat. 

Negative impacts of consuming large quantities of Refined sugar

• Sucrose, in its refined form when consumed is broken down by the body into glucose and other simple sugars which are then used for energy production. In small quantity, it does not pose any issues. However, in large quantities, sudden shock of sugar intake will cause an imbalance in blood sugar levels. 

• Refined sugar drains body off essential vitamins and minerals in attempt to restore the balance. In attempt to protect the blood, calcium are extracted from bones and teeth which eventually caused teeth decay and general weakening.

• Insulin is a hormone used to regulate blood sugar levels. When sugar levels rises too high within a short period, insulin will be released in large quantities to bring the sugar levels to equilibrium. A sudden increase in energy follow by a sudden drop in energy will cause a strain on the pancreas which eventually cause insulin production to become inconsistent which leads to diabetes. 

• Sugar can be a contributing factor to cancer. Metabolism of malignant tumors depends greatly on glucose consumption. Research had shown that body with presence of high sugar level were less susceptible to chemotherapy. Reducing amount of refined sugar and white flour could effectively help our body fight cancer.

• Diet high in refined sugar also caused dull and blemished skin.      

Examples of Refined sugar products:

Ice tea/coffee with sugar, ice cream, chocolates, sweets, biscuits,cakes, sodas, white bread

Ways to replace and reduce refined sugar intake

• Instead of ice tea/milk tea/coffee/Sodas, Drink Green Tea.
• Replace cakes/ ice cream desserts with fresh fruits
• Have Multi grain bread instead of white bread
• Use natural substitutes for sugar : Honey, Xylitol,Dark chocolate

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Benefits of drinking soya milk

Soya milk are made from soaking, grinding and boiling of soy beans with water.

It has high level of dietary fiber, protein and Vitamin B6 which is responsible for building of amino acids.

Apart from its large number of nutrients, it also has many health care benefits. 

Pic: Vincehuang

  

So why should we drink soya milk?

 

Benefits of soy

One of the main benefits of Soy bean is its' high level of Isoflavones. 

High level of isoflavones

1. Reduce risk of coronary heart disease
2. Supplements estrogens for women to prevent uterus cancer and breast cancer
3. Reduce occurence of Menopause symptoms- During Menopause, woman's estrogen level drops exposing them to higher risk of heart disease and obesity. Isoflavones in soya milk is an effective estrogen replacement.  
4. Slows down skin aging 
5. Reduce blood fat- plant sterols in soy reduce absorption of cholesterol

Other benefits of Soy are as follows:

1. Lower risk of osteoporosis- Soya is high in vegetable protein, phospholipids, vitamin B1,B2,B6 and nicotinic acid. High content of mineral substances like iron and calcium also lowers risk of osteoporosis: Bone loss.
2. Reduce High Blood Pressure- High level of potassium helps reduce High blood pressure as high blood pressure is due to excess intake of sodium and insufficient intake of potassium.
3. Skin whitening- oleic acid in Soya bean prevents synthesis of melanin in skin cells.
4. Promotes weight loss- It has lesser sugar than regular milk.

Points to take note when drinking Soya milk

• Soya milk must be boiled under high temperature of 100 degree celsius. Do not drink uncooked soya milk as they contain toxic substances that may lead to protein metabolism disorder and poisoning.  
•  Do not leave soy milk unrefrigerated- Unrefrigerated hours lower life span of soy milk. Every hour unrefrigerated equates to one day off the life expectancy. 

How many cups of Soya milk should I drink in a day ?

• 1 cup of soya milk in a day is sufficient 

Controversial with Soya Milk

There are however controversial with fermented and non fermented soy proteins. While some sees soy as a wonder food, there are opponents of soy who believe soy is toxin food. Non fermented soy proteins- Soy milk, ice cream are claimed to contain goitrogens which slows down the function of thyroid in body which increases risk of thyroid cancer. 

On the other hand, Fermented soy is claimed to be good as the fermentation process removes the trypsin inhibitors on the coating of soy, which obstructs the absorption of nutritive compounds. Research claimed that fermented soy products like natto, tempeh, miso, fermented soy milk and soy sauces have also helped in reducing risks of cancer. 
various doctors have also expressed their views on Soy bean.

Despite the controversial with soy bean, I still believe that Soya Milk does has a certain number of benefits and when taken in moderate amount.

What are your views on soy?

Feel free to share them ! 

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Travel Inspiration- Bali

Once in a while, I love to set aside a few days and go on an overseas trip. Travelling expands my knowledge of the world.I get to learn and understand the culture of various countrieswhich helps me see things in different perspective. Most importantly, I feel relaxed and rejuvenated, putting aside all the work stress and hectic lifestyle.

One of my favourite travel destination is BALI.

Pic:HugoLim

Bali is a province in Indonesia which may be small but has great prominence as a travel destination. Beautiful architects, enchanting temples ceremonies, dance performances, surfing scenes and most important the beautiful white sandy beaches are reasons why we cannot resist Bali.

When to go ?

Bali has two seasons- Wet and Dry

Dry Season- April to Early October (Between June and August, Temperature is lower)

Wet Season- October to March ( Highest Rainfall is between Dec and Feb ) 

Peak season- July, August ( School holidays ), September 1-15, December 20- January 8
Roads may be conjested with tourists and accommodation may be at double price.

I usually travel to Bali in April, May or late September.

Where to go ?

 

For shopping- Seminyak is the right place for you.  

 

Pic:A Rabin

Seminyak is one of the most popular tourists choice. Stretches of shop selling beach wear, accessories,local products. There are shops that customises personal T- shirts. You just have to write down the message and they will hand print it onto the shirt according. You can collect the shirt the next day. Many tourists purchase them as souvenirs or as gifts for their love ones.

Where to stay in Seminyak?

Anantara Seminyak  
Cost : S$ 520 per night 
*****

Pros
- 10 mins walk away from the shops
- Beachfront view
- Suites comes with personal outdoor jacuzzi
- Service from staff is good

Points to take note
- Jacuzzi may have little bugs in it as it is an outdoor personal jacuzzi.
You need to rinse the tub before you can fill it with water.
There are insect coil burners in the drawers. Do light up two of them and place it near the jacuzzi so that you won't find yourself having jacuzzi with insect buddies.
- Beach at Seminyak is not the fine white sandy type.

For beautiful cliff view- Uluwatu

Pic:joewen1980

Uluwatu has beautiful cliff views, temples and interesting dance performances.
You can sign up for their local tours where they will bring you to Uluwatu temples, Kecak and Fire dance. This area is also a popular spot for surfers where they have surfing school for those that do not have any experience in surfing.

Where to stay in Uluwatu?

Alila Villas Uluwatu
Cost:S$ 850 per night
***** 

Pros
- Isolated, away from the crowded beaches
- unique architecture
- Paranomic view of the ocean
- Good Housekeeping service

Points to take note
- Breakfast is not included in the villa rate. Additional 21% tax is applicable.
- Open concept invites bugs. Remember your insect repellent

For Serenity and white sandy beach- Nusa Dua

Pic: Mark Yang

St Regis Nusa Dua
Cost:S$ 577 per night
*****

Nusa Dua has one of the most beautiful beach in Bali.
Fine sand, clear water and a top destination for relaxation.

Pros
- Private white sandy beach
- Good service
- Restaurant beside the beach has very nice pita bread
- Exceptional Spa Treatments ( Must Try! )

             Happy Travelling !