My Truths #167 (sunscreen)

Sun exposure provides both health risks and benefits. My daughter learned about the dangers of tanning at school yesterday. I immediately thought of tanning beds and asked “are there many girls in grade 8 that go to tanning salons?”  she said “no mom, they were talking about laying out in the sun”.

When I discovered the Primal movement I read about the health benefits of the sun. Now I go outside for 10-15 minutes per day without sunscreen and gradually build up a nice modest tan. She informed me that any colour is sun damage which is technically correct but I think the vitamin D is worth it. I believe the most important thing, where the sun is concerned, is to avoid getting burned. My son got a burn on his face and neck on our recent trip to NY and it made me feel like such a bad mother.

I also mentioned to my daughter that I believe that sunscreen is toxic and I worry about putting it on my skin. She did some research on-line about natural sunscreens…she found red raspberry seed oil which is said to have a natural SPF between 28 and 50 and “may also contain clinically significant anti-inflammatory properties”. Read more about natural sunscreens here. http://wakeup-world.com/2012/05/14/natural-sunscreen/

My Truths #124 (fish oil)

Fish oil is the one supplement that I’m tempted to invest in. I use the word “invest” because fish oil supplements are not cheap but if they’re truly beneficial then they’re an investment in your health. You can take capsules which are easier if you don’t like the taste but I think the straight liquid is the preferred form.  According to some it can give you fishy breath and if you burp you taste it later. Doesn’t sound very appealing! Fish oil is an excellent source of omega 3’s and is said to reduce inflammation and impart numerous other health benefits. When I did a quick search on-line for the facts the reviews seem to be very mixed and quite controversial so, for me, the jury is still out. For now I’m going to stick to snacking on sardines from time to time.

If you subscribe to the notion that omegas are important for good health, keep in mind that just measuring the amount of Omega 3 in your diet is not enough. What’s even more important is the ratio of omega 3 versus omega  6. You should strive for a 1:1 ratio. If you’re eating a lot of nuts which tend to be high in omega 6 then a fish oil supplement might benefit you by keeping your ratio in line.  Also keep in mind that there are different sources of fish oil and I can’t help but think that in this case quality, source and preparation would make a huge difference.

My Truths #116 (hot & spicy)

There are other benefits to eating hot & spicy foods beyond banishing boredom.  I love spicy food such as suicide wings, spicy thai curry (the kind that makes your nose run!) and stuffed jalapenos peppers.  I sprinkle crushed chilies in my eggs and ask for extra Sriracha on my souvlaki salad at lunch time. 

Come to find out that eating hot food is not only tasty it could have health benefits. Studies show that the main compound in chilies, called capsaicin, has a thermogenic effect and may cause the body to burn bonus calories for up to 20 minutes after you eat. I’m sure it’s a very small amount but if you eat hot food frequently maybe it could make a difference. Who knows? Some of the other health benefits are: heart health, cancer prevention, lower blood pressure and mood regulation. To read more about these other potential health benefits check out the following link:

http://www.self.com/blogs/flash/2010/09/5-healthy-benefits-of-eating-s.html

My Truths #66 (true cinnamon)

If you want the best then organic “true” cinnamon is what you want. If you live in North America or Europe that jar of cinnamon in your cupboard is probably not truly cinnamon at all, but a very similar spice known as cassia. True cinnamon might be labeled “Ceylon cinnamon” or “true cinnamon” and comes principally from Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Brazil and the Caribbean.  Cassia, on the other hand, comes principally from Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Japan and Korea and is often passed off as cinnamon.True cinnamon is sweeter and lends itself better to baking. Cassia is a bolder spice and more suited for savory cooking.

It is believed that cinnamon  imparts the following health benefit:

1. Lowers blood sugar levels
2. Lowers cholesterol
3. Supports healthy blood clotting
4. Fights bacteria and fungus
5. Boosts memory and protects the brain.
6. Improves digestion

Note: When buying the sticks, known as “quills,” keep in mind that, generally, cassia will be thicker and the two ends will be rolled toward each other rather than being rolled in one direction only and have layers.

The “true cinnamon” is on the right