MANGO a Delicious Summer Fruit

Mangoes grow in the tropical climates of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, India and South America.

Mangos come in all different sizes and tastes; some are as small as an apricot or smaller others are as large as the size of a husked coconut.  Some are sweet and some are sour.  Some has yellow skins, red skins, green skins and even orange skins; but the one thing they are all share is an orangey, yellow flesh.

These tropical powerhouse fruits are sweet, juicy and filled with more than 20 vitamins and minerals. Mangoes are high in vitamin C and vitamin A. They are a good source of vitamin B6 and folate as well as vitamins E and K.

This super fruit is also high in fiber, and has Omega -3 and Omega -6 fatty acids and is a good source of minerals such as Potassium, and copper. Another benefit of the mango is that it is extremely low in sodium, saturated fats and cholesterol.

 However, mangoes are high in sugar about 30 grams of carbohydrates (that sweet taste) which will metabolize into approximately 7–9 teaspoons of sugar. So, anyone who struggles with diabetes should be mindful when consuming mangoes, not to over eat as the sugar content is high and could increase the glucose levels in the blood stream, creating an insulin absorption deficiency or resistance. 

There are many benefits to enjoying mangoes, the combination of vitamin A with the antioxidants Beta carotene and Zeaxanthin which supports one’s sight and slows down natural degeneration. The vitamin A also helps to build healthy bones, skin and hair, and the fiber in mangoes also aids in the lowering the risk of colon cancer and aids in digestion.   The Beta-Carotene also lowers the development of asthma. There are many other health benefits to enjoy when eating a mango since beta-carotene lowers the development of asthma and vitamin A reduces the risk prostate and colon cancers as reported by the Harvard School of Public Health’s Department of Nutrition. Mangoes have proven to be one of the best colon cleansers because of the high fiber and water present in each fruit. 

In a Texas AgriLife Research of mangoes on various cancers the results were so impressive that the researches are planning clinical trials to find even more benefits for people who are high risk cancer individuals.

Another study commissioned by the Mango Board indicated that mango consumption along with a high fat diet supports reduced body fat. Reducing body fat increases loss of inches on the body, supporting a smaller body size. The study also showed other effects of mango in the encouraging effects from Leptin a hormone that is formed in fat cells; this shows the amount of fat in the body. The study continued to show that eating mangoes reduces the body fat; losing body fat may leave one to feel and look healthier. These results may be even responsible for boosting the self-confidence of others who are on a mission to lose weight.

Be sure to choose firm but pliable ripe mangoes when grocery shopping. When buying mangoes, choose some that are almost ripe and others that will ripen in a few days so that you will always enjoy the firm juicy flesh as the week goes on; maintaining the high levels of nutrients in each bite.  Always wash mangoes before eating.  

Eat your mangoes fresh and raw and purchase organic, so that you are able to enjoy the extra roughage the skin provides as well as the sweet, juicy orange flesh.  Consuming the skin of the mango provides extra roughage as well as the slight bitter of the skin helps to balance the sweetness of the flesh.  

HEALTH BENEFITS OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

HEALTH BENEFITS OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES 

This summer season is the perfect time to add more fruits and vegetables to your daily diet. Why would you want to eat more fruits and vegetables? In a review of the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health Survey for England, it was reported that “Fruits and Vegetable consumption was associated with decreased all-cause mortality. “ Article published March 31, 2014 by Dr. Oyinlola Oyebode, Health and Social Surveys Research Group, Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, UCL (University College London).   

 http://jech.bmj.com/content/early/2014/03/03/jech-2013-203500.short?g=w_jech_ahead_tab

The easiest and most effective way to receive nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables is through raw/living foods.  The Website,”ChooseMyPlate.gov “recommends eat half your plate in fruits and vegetables, and some nutritionist estimate that 7-10 fruits  should be consumed daily. However the USDA http://www.choosemyplate.gov/ has made it easy to calculate with its recommended chart, suitably for your age, weight and gender, which will give you the most accurate amounts necessary to receive the vital nutrients needed to maintain a daily wellness health regimen.

Adding Raw/Living Foods to your daily meal plan will certainly increase your fruit and vegetable intake and improve your enzyme consumption as well as energize and cleanse your body.

·         The benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables

·         Ensuring that the enzymes are intact, and make hydration easier to maintain, especially during the summer months.   

·         Raw fruits and vegetables help to control weight gain.

·         These dynamic fresh vegetables and fruits support heart health and help to fight virus causing diseases.

·         Raw fruits and vegetables ensure your absorption of vitamin C which is generally destroyed when heated.

·          

This summer Jazz Up Your Life Now http://www.jazzupyourlifenow.com/home.html is featuring

Festive Palate Living/Raw Foods workshops to support you in learning the benefits and preparations, that will have you enjoy a lighter, more cooling summer and beyond. Visit http://www.jazzupyourlifenow.com/courses---workshops.html  to register.  

ALKALIZE YOUR BODY

So many people are challenged with acidic health challenges such as excessive stomach and skin acidity.  Yet, find relief for these health challenges can be very difficult.  Usually they are prescribed over the counter and prescription medications which can cause such side effects as bone loss and nausea. There are many reasons why a person’s body becomes over acidic such as poor digestion, ill functioning pancreas, eating too many acidic foods, drinking excess alcoholic beverages and smoking cigarettes, all of which helps to create an acidic environment in the body.

But there is also the trial and tribulations of everyday life, the stresses that one experiences each day are a definite contender for the making of an over active acidic stomach and skin. Also working long hours, not getting enough rest, being in an unhappy relationship, unable to meet financial commitments, and not having a support unit all add into the mix.

However there is always hope, we all hope to get out of a difficult situation, we hope to find the support we need, to find happiness, comfort and live in our best life, but we must change the way we think. It is said that when you shift your thinking, your circumstances shift. So, of all the things one can do, first and foremost one must shift ones thinking, from where you are to where you would like to be, and then allow the Universe to support you in making the change you want. There is one thing I know for sure it is that the healing and shifting all begins with you.

An alkalized body helps to ward off illnesses such as

•         Cancers
•         Heart burn
•         Weight gain
•         Obesity
•         Diabetes
•         Kidney disease
•         Immune deficiency
•        Weakened or Bone Loss
•       Slow Digestion
•       The inability to have regular elimination without aids such as laxatives or enemas.

Alkaline foods help to restore a healthy digestion and neutralize the acids in your body.  In a book titled A New Health Era - Dr. William Howard Hay wrote, “Now we depart from health in just the proportion to which we have allowed our alkalies to be dissipated by introduction of acid-forming food in too great amount…”  

Alkalization starts with a positive attitude; seeing the good in you and others, thinking positive thoughts and doing positive deeds.

Eating fresh seasonal fruits and enjoying delicious salads, drinking fermented beverages such as rejuvelac, a drink made from sprouted wheat berries. And removing or reducing acidic foods such as animal flesh and processed sugars from your diet. 

Visit http://www.jazzupyourlifenow.com/health---wellness-info.html for Alkalizing and Acidic Food Chart.

So, how does one shift from where you are, struggling with an acidic stomach to where you would like to be with an alkalized healthy body environment?

1)    Increase your intake of alkaline foods such as watermelon, lemons, asparagus, spinach and broccoli, green beans okra and sweet potato.

2)    Begin to shift your thinking from negative to mostly positive - so that instead of seeing the glass half empty, you will be able to see the glass half full. 

3)    Increase your raw/living food consumption – as the weather becomes warm increase to 90% raw and fermented foods.

4)    Reduce your acidic foods intake. Eliminate sugars, pinto beans, bottled fruit juices, artificial sweeteners, chocolate, peanuts, pastries, beef and pork.

5)    Drink herbal teas in place of coffee. Such as green and kukicha twig tea which alkalizes your body and increases your health and wellness.

6)    Use alkalizing spices in your food preparation – such as mustard seeds, ginger, cinnamon and chili pepper.

7)    Enjoy a probiotic beverage such as kambucha and rejuvelac after lunch and dinner or in between.

8)    Add meditation and prayers to your daily spiritual schedule.  

N.B.: Please consult your health and wellness practitioner before starting any new program.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Jazz Fenton is a Health and Wellness Coach a graduate of the Institute Integrative Nutrition. She is also a Living /Raw Vegan Chef and teaches as Festive Palate Cookery School and Jazz Up Your Life Now.

http://www.jazzupyourlifenow.com/home.html                                            http://festivepalate.com/

TYPE 2 DIABETES AVOIDING ITS’ CAUSES & USING HEALING SUPPORT SYSTEMS

INTRO

Each of us probably know someone who is struggling with Type 2 diabetes. So often we wish or pray there is something we can do to support them but end up being at a loss to help them. How do we help those we love incorporate healthy practices that will support or even alleviate this very dangerous health challenge that is generated from Type 2 diabetes?

WHAT IS TYPE 2 DIABETES?

Diabetes develops when the body is unable to make or use insulin to convert the sugar to energy. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that develops due to the lack of insulin absorption into the body. The disease develops when the pancreas is not functioning fully. Rather than being removed from the bloods, sugar (glucose) accumulates in the bloodstream blocking the absorption of insulin. It is known as a silent killer because there are generally are not any predetermined indications that one actually has the dis-ease. The dis-ease is prevalent in some ethnic groups and older adults. Type 1 diabetes may affect all people, whereas Type 2 diabetes is higher in ethnic groups such as Asians, Native Americans, Hispanic and Latinos, African Americans and other people of color.

WHAT IS TYPE1 DIABETES

Type1 diabetes differs from Type 2 diabetes. In Type 1 diabetes the body does not make any insulin. It is considered as an autoimmune disease, which may develop through environmental or genetic factors. Type 2 diabetics cannot use the insulin that the body produces. Type 2 diabetes is generally caused by lifestyle factors such as family history, excess weight gain, genetically influenced or living a sedentary lifestyle.

CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS

See the list below to determine whether you are diabetic. Always check with your health practitioner for diagnosis if you have two or more of these symptoms.  

Here are a few symptoms: 

1)    A cut that heals very slowly

2)    Lack of energy or feeling tired

3)    Frequent thirst

4)    Blurry vision

5)    Frequent urination

6)    Constant heaving and/or nausea

7)     Feeling weak and tired

8)    Itchy, dry skin

9)    Losing weight

TYPE 2 DIABETES–PREVENTION AND TREATMENT USING HEALING SUPPORT SYSTEMS

THE DANGERS OF DIABETES

Diabetes is dangerous because there are no warning signs that indicate your blood sugar is high, or that the levels actually stays consistently high over the required glycemic levels. The American Diabetes Association suggests following this guide line – A1C: 7% or eAG: 154 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter); levels before eating 70 – 130 mg/dl known as (preprandial plasma glucose); approximately 1-2 hours after eating meals readings should be less than 180 mg/dl (Postprandial plasma glucose).

PREVENTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF TYPE 2 DIABETES

WEIGHT LOSS

Losing excess weight and fat may support lowering your blood sugar levels, reducing high blood pressure, increasing your energy, preventing the development of other health threatening complications.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention published an article encouraging weight loss for those struggling with Type 2 Diabetes. The article titled Prevent Diabetes: “Research studies have found that moderate weight loss and exercise can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes among adults at high-risk of diabetes.” The article continued to report “a study of 3,234 people at high risk for diabetes showed that people can delay and possibly prevent the disease by losing a small amount of  weight (5 to 7 percent of total body weight) through 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week and healthier eating.”

EXERCISE: Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by monitoring food intake, taking daily exercises and drinking adequate amounts of water daily.   Exercising will support weight, boost metabolism, control blood sugar, increase and enhance overall fitness levels.     

GETTING ENOUGH REST: Enjoying a good night’s sleep will support your immune system, control appetite, increase weight loss and boost concentration. 

CONCLUSION

Consistently high blood sugar or diabetes may lead to complications such as: high blood pressure, blindness, heart attacks, kidney disease, stroke and or amputation of the limbs. Children who are in an unhealthy environment or have family members who are diabetics are likely to develop this disease during puberty.

Getting checked and early detection by your health care practitioner could prevent many complications such as blindness.

If you are overweight or displaying any of the symptoms listed above, become proactive and learn the dos and don’ts of your health and wellness. Making a lifestyle change could change the outcome of becoming permanently afflicted with this disease.  

A regular Program exercise and diet is instrumental in preventing and managing Type 2 diabetes. Including a healthy diet of greens, vegetables, fish and chicken protein along with whole grain such as brown rice, quinoa, breads such as Ezekiel Sprouted Live breads, see complete list at http://festivepalate.com/welcome-to-festive-palate/healthy-food-choices-for-diabetes/  that will make for an extended, healthy life.

SUPPORT RESOURCES:

American Diabetes Association  http://www.diabetes.org/

http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/checking-your-blood-glucose.html

MAYO CLINIC  

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-and-exercise/art-20045697

Jazz Fenton is a Health and Wellness Coach at http://www.jazzupyourlifenow.com/     - e-mail: jazz@jazzupyourlifenow.com

IT'S YOUR TIME

IT’S YOUR TIME

Did you know you have a health and wellness crew? Well you certainly do. How do I know this about you? Because each and every one of us has a health and wellness crew. We may not always be in touch with our team, we may not always hear our team but your team is always there waiting for you to engage them in your life to achieve your ultimate goal of obtaining strong health and wellness.

Why do you need to engage your health and wellness crew? Here are just a few questions that may support you to know what your next step on health and wellness should be.  

·         1). Do you know your body and how it works? Your body is equipped with five major components –

·         (a) your physical touch;

·          (b)  your sight to see the beauty of the world;

·         (c) to hear the sounds that permeate the world;

·         (d) to smell the essence of the roses;

·          (e) to taste the nourishment you eat and drink.

·         2). Do you acknowledge your emotions? There are four emotions that each of us share and often times these emotions dictate how we act and react and interact with others.

·          (a) have you ever felt afraid?

·         (b) are there times when you feel anger?

·          (c) are there occurrences in your life when you feel the exhilaration of joy?

·         (d) have you ever felt the bliss of being loved?

·         3). What are your thoughts toward yourself and others? Our emotions play a significant part to our mental wellbeing. 

·         (a) what do you know, how do you assess your knowledge?

·         (b) what is your attitude towards others as a whole?

·          (c) what are the thoughts that controls your beliefs?

·         (d) do you find yourself analyzing everyone and everything around you?

·         4). We are spirits living in a human body.

·         (a) what is your relationship with yourself?

·         (b) do you show your creativity?

·         (c) what is your life determination, your single mindedness?

·         (d) do you believe in a Higher Power?

·         (e) have you determined a relationship with that higher power?

It is important to place all of these aspects of harmony with each other for you to experience the euphoria of a whole life. If there is discord in one area this can affect other areas of life. For example being angry at someone can manifest a headache. In this your emotional beingness manifest in your physical beingness. If you become physically ill with perhaps a leg injury that renders you home bound this could lead you to depression as you become emotional about your physical state of being. For this reason all areas of your life must be in harmony with each other to be connected with the mind and body realm. Your body is connected to your feelings which are connected to your thoughts and certainly all are connected to your spirit. For this reason it is important to take the appropriate steps to insure your entire being-ness is in harmony.

You must take control of how you feel, how you look, how you view yourself, and trusting in the divinity within you to take you on this journey called life. Your body will not be able to maintain its wellness  without your input, as well as you will more than like not become ill without your input or your lack of participation. Whatever occurs or not occur is up to you. Everything you think, do, feel will decide what happens next in your well-being.

·         Your spirit needs quiet time to absorb the grace that is poured upon you and to clear your imaginative energies.

·         Your body needs well balanced nutrition to function optimally and physical exercises to strengthen your muscles, joints and bones, and absolutely enough rest to support complete rejuvenation.

 

·         A positive image of yourself, as well as an optimistic outlook, with vibrant prepared thinking and viewpoints will benefit your mental wellness.

·         Being open to say I’m sorry, or forgiving someone for the harm they caused you; to love and to show compassion; to become jovial and to experience happiness; and also to enjoy camaraderie relationships will definitely support your mental wellbeing.

So your challenge for this weekend is to take on these exercises, without judgment, simply allow yourself to experience the feelings. See what shows up. Take notes of your responses. See how far you are willing to go to get the answers that are buried deep inside. Take a few hours on Saturday. Get it done; your complete wellness is waiting for you to do what is beneficial for you. Then take a 40 minutes hot bath with Joy essential oil adding a few drops to Epsom salts and dilute in the bath water and listen to quiet relaxing music while enjoying your bath. Take a couple glasses of water with you to hydrate, rinse with cold water to close your pores and then allow your body to air dry. 

Then enhance your bath with a refreshing salad of fresh vegetables and a light dressing such as lemon with extra virgin olive oil, and then treat yourself by spending time with a loved one or a trusted friend doing something fun, like dancing in the park, taking a long scenic walk, getting on a swing and allowing yourself to fly high, or something you have been thinking of doing but haven’t taken the time yet. Let Saturday be your day, this is your time. Discover what it feels like to laugh freely, or to allow yourself to become vulnerable. Find out what makes you tick. What makes you who you are?  

Here’s to your discoveries. Enjoy!

Jazz Up Your Life Now Health and Wellness – www.jazzupyourlifenow.com

 

email: jazz@jazzupyourlifenow.com                                  http://www.youngliving.org/jazzupyourlife

FROM WINTER HIBERNATION TO SPRING REJUVENATION

by Jazz Fenton, HHC - Health and Wellness Coach

This winter was especially challenging for most of us, and even now when we should be looking forward to warmer times we find ourselves bracing for more of winter’s harsh cold days and nights; and as if that wasn’t enough we have experienced more snow during this season than any other time since 2010 when we had 75 inches of snow.  So we continue to seek ways to combat any lasting adverse effects of the cold weather on the body. The cold weather can cause depression and increases the day to day stresses of daily functions in some people. Staying positive for the average person, takes a monumental effort, and some people use family oriented indoor activities to keep their spirits up, while some use food to alleviate their feelings of depression.

Winter and the Skin

Winter can have an adverse effect on the skin, the mind and the internal organs, and can change one’s outlook on everyday living. During the winter, the dry heat from radiators and other heating elements causes the cells to close and the skin to dry out, leaving the outer areas of the body flaky, dry, cracked, chapped and even broken.  

It is not enough to apply or rub lotion on the skin, the side effects from prolonged indoor heating to keep the body warm unfortunately dries out the skin and dehydrates the body. The body craves additional care and the best time to add more moisture to the skin is when it is still wet after the shower or by adding oils to one’s bath water and also allowing the skin to air dry. This way the skin gets maximum moisture.

Winter Blues and Overeating

Excessive eating sometimes is caused through depression. Having less sunlight could be a contributing factor, since the sun rises late in the morning and sets early in the afternoon. The lack of sunshine on our skin is then combined with inconsistent or no exercise; or a lack of interactions with others socially can exacerbate one’s depressive state of mind.

Overtime an accumulation of overeating and a lack of exercising cause the body to store fat. The body’s excess fat helps to elevate the amount of toxins deposited and stored in the tissues. Toxins can accumulate in the body from many different sources, such as the environment, the foods you eat, the clothes you wear, the television you watch, the water you drink are just a few. The body is continuously absorbing toxins which causes illnesses and discomforts and prevents one from functioning optimally.  These toxins could be manifested as insomnia, bloating and gas, constipation, headaches, diarrhea, skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, acne and rashes. Others may experience premenstrual difficulties and bad breath and the list goes on. There are many avenues for toxicity to express itself through the body. What appears as a simple heart burn, or a foul smelling stool are signs of toxicity. Constantly feeling over tired, pains and aches in the joints, a constant runny nose and bloating can be evidence of an accumulation of toxins in the body.

Detoxing for Better Health

Detoxifying has been used over the centuries to cleanse the body of unwanted toxins that creates health challenges and threatens the day to day effects of living healthfully. There are many different modalities of detoxifying such as juicing, fasting,  raw food diet, macrobiotic nutrition, water fasting, chelation therapy, colon cleanse, saunas, and hydrotherapy are tools used to remove toxicity from the body. During the seasonal change Detoxing is a way of life for many who wish to boost themselves, and shift from sluggish to energetic from one season to the next. Some are done for one to three days with juices; some are even done for seven to twenty one days or more. Still others use coconut water, soups, herbs, fruits or even raw foods.  

So now that Spring is upon us, and after the deluge of freezing, snowy winter days it is time to turn up your energy, rejuvenate your body, shed the accumulated excess winter fat, lift your spirits and welcome in the new season with a tailor made detox program. 

Visit us at - http://www.jazzupyourlifenow.com/courses---workshops.html

WARM FOODS FOR WINTER CHILLS

WARMING FOODS FOR WINTER CHILLS

In traditional Chinese medicine it is said there are foods for every body type. If you are always feeling cold then you should eat warming foods. But for those who constantly feel hot or warm they should eat cooling foods. Eating the right type of foods for your body brings balance and continuous wellness.

These extremely cold January days have been challenging for most, so I have decided to share these lists to support you in being surrounded by the warmth of the foods you eat.

Use these suggestions to plan your complete meals. Begin with hot cereal for breakfast, made from oatmeal or even perhaps quinoa, which is very high in protein. Prepare a hot soup for lunch, perhaps a fish broth with vegetables and spices, or a bean and vegetable soup with glutinous rice added for a heavier meal. There are a wide variety of ingredients that you will be able to choose from. Balance your protein with vegetables and drink hot teas throughout your day.  

by Jazz Fenton, HHC