Health Benefits of Chocolate 

With Valentine’s day fast approaching many of you may be considering giving chocolates to your loved ones.  Did you know chocolate not only tastes great but has many health benefits. Chocolate helps the immune system, reduces the risk of some cancers,  promotes a healthy cardiovascular system and best of all boosts our spirit.  The only catch is you need to eat  organic dark chocolate to truly experience the  many health benefits.
Dark chocolate is full of nutrients such  as iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, chromium as well as the vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E. Dark chocolate is the highest natural source of magnesium, which protects against hypertension, heart disease and helps to regulate blood sugar levels. 
Eating chocolate can reduce stress and creates a feeling  euphoria. Consuming chocolate releases the neurotransmitter phenylethylamine, which is a mild mood elevator. Phenylethylamine occurs naturally in our brain when we feel love or joy.  Chocolate also boosts serotonin levels, which act as our brain's natural antidepressant. 
Dark chocolate contains more flavonoids than any other food — including green tea, black tea, red wine, and blueberries. Flavonoids are antioxidants that help fight free radical damage and help boost the immune system.  Flavonoids can also keep our cardiovascular system clean and blood flowing freely through our arteries.
Indulging in chocolate can be a truly heavenly experience.  It is preferable to buy organic dark chocolate that is low in sugar. This rich form of chocolate will satisfy your cravings for sweet foods and also provide you with many health benefits as well.
 

Healthy Benefits of Coconut

I could easily live on a desert island living on coconuts.  I love the taste of the sweet meat , the luscious water and creamy milk that coconut produces.  Coconuts in fact may be considered the “perfect” food. It is   high in nutritional value, containing vitamins, minerals and vital nutrients. Coconut is easily digested making it a good source of nutrition for those with compromised health, and it also is a good food source for babies. Coconuts are high in protein,  healthy fats and in the following nutrients: manganese, iron, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, calcium, and magnesium.  Let’s take a look at the nutritional benefits of all the components of a coconut.

When you first crack a coconut the first thing you will notice is a clear liquid that comes out, this is the water of a coconut.  Coconut water has the perfect balance of electrolytes, making it far better than any sports drink. It is perfectly ph balanced, thus balancing your own body’s ph. Coconut water can be purchased in most health food stores and makes a great choice to rehydrate your body after a workout. The water also helps the kidneys and bladder maintain proper functioning.

The next part of the coconut is the meat. This delectable meat is rich in  lauric acid, which is a fatty acid  found in breast milk. Lauric acid is known to contain antiviral and antibacterial properties which is  extremely beneficial in fighting off infection. It is the lauric acid in breast milk that helps protect infants from being infected by viruses and bacteria.  In addition coconut meat also supports brain health,  by balancing neurotransmitters and assists in hormone production.  Eating coconut can help fight gas, constipation, ulcers, and other digestive and stomach ailments. Coconut also supports thyroid function because it naturally contains iodine. Coconut meat can be made into coconut milk by steeping the meat in hot water, this makes coconut milk equally as nutritious as eating the meat.

Virgin Coconut oil is also made from the meat of the coconut.  There is a lot of misinformation presented that coconut oil is harmful for you and leads to weight gain. It is only unhealthy when you consume processed coconut oil that contains trans fat. Just like all food, eating coconut oil in its whole pure state provides you with  health benefits.   Apart from being good for the skin and hair, coconut oil has been found to be beneficial for: lowering cholesterol levels, regulating blood pressure levels, assisting metabolism, burning fat, stabilizing blood sugar levels, improving digestion, and strengthening bone density.

As a natural health advocate I have several favorite remedies that I believe everyone should take and have in their “medicine chest”.  One of these is elderberries.

Elderberries are a member of the honeysuckle family and have  been used as a natural remedy for centuries.   The first recorded use was by Hippocrates and used extensively by the Native Americans. Elderberries have recently regained popularity and become well known as an immune boosting supplement. These deep purple berries contain a large amount of vitamin C, vitamin A and B and are rich in flavonoids which include quercetin and  anthocyanins. Flavonoids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and can activate immune cells that help the body to fight off viruses. The elderberry fruit also contains components known as lectins which have been shown in the laboratory to stop replication of ten different strains of the flu virus.  During the recent H1N1 flu outbreak, elderberries proved to be a very effective remedy in my family and among my clients. Elderberries are a versatile herb and can be used to treat a diversity of ailments.  In addition to boosting the immune system elderberries can help to lower cholesterol levels, improve vision, and assist the cardiovascular system.

Elderberries can be used in a variety of ways: they make delicious jelly, tea, syrup and even wine.  Both the flowers and fruit have medicinal properties. The flowers can be brewed as tea and are commonly used in skin care products.  

Elderberries are safe and useful to take for extended periods of time, it is especially useful to take elderberry tonic or syrup throughout the winter months due to its powerful antioxidant and anti-viral benefits.  I encourage you to try this nutrient superstar, that is not only packed full of health benefits but is delectable too. We sell a tasty elderberry syrup on our website that I enjoy taking everyday. I often pour a small glass and sip it for my dessert or I also put it on my salad I encourage you to discover the magical properties of the elderberry.

Nicole Hawksley

Natural Health Practitioner

www.acureforyou.com

Nutritional Supplements have become increasingly popular over the past decade. Almost every magazine you pick up has an article related to the latest "fad" supplement. Sometimes these articles are written to promote the sales of a specific supplement or to discourage the use of one. Vitamins and herbal products are found in almost all types of stores and via the internet.

People reach out to supplements for different reasons: to ease symptoms, to treat a medical condition, even to just help nourish the body. I often hear people say " I tried natural supplements and they don't work, don't waste your money!" The key to success with using natural supplements begins with making sure you take the correct one for you. Just because your neighbor has had success taking the herb Echinacea to boost her immune system, does not mean that Echinacea would be the most successful supplement for you. Our bodies are all different and therefore we process and assimilate supplements differently. I suggest you do your research, get in touch with how your body feels and consult with a qualified health practitioner, preferably someone who really knows about natural supplements. I have found many conventional doctors who don't know which natural supplements are best for their patients.

Another success to using natural supplements is to buy top-quality products, not the cheapest you can find. "Not all supplements are created equal!" As the old adage goes "you get what you pay for." The best natural supplements are those derived from natural sources, preferably plant based. Using only natural ingredients free of fillers, additives and preservatives. The body assimilates natural ingredients better than synthetic. The next time you notice fish oil capsules on sale at the grocery store, I encourgae you to look closely at the ingedients and the source of the fish oil. Those fish oil capsule you bought on sale might be filled with hydrogenated oil, which can be detrimental to your health.

I encourage you to become in tune with your body, be good to yourself and make educated decisions about what you put into your body. Reputable natural supplement stores should have knowledgeable staff members who are willing to answer your questions and assist you in choosing the correct products for you. I commend anyone looking for natural alternatives to health, therefore I persoanlly respond to emails and phone calls from clients regarding products and health concerns.
Best Wishes in your quest for health!
Nicole Hawksley
Proprietor, Nature's Apothecure LLC
www.NaturesApotheCure.com

Ask yourself this: do I always eat organic food, exercise, avoid stress, get plenty of fresh air and sunshine, and allow myself time for pleasure on a daily basis?  Most of you will say NO.   Even with the best of intentions it is close to impossible to do all of the above everyday.  Following a healthy lifestyle most of the time does not  mean you are guaranteed health. Environmental toxins and emotional stressors challenge our well-being everyday. It is imperative in today’s society we support our bodies with good-quality natural supplements.
Many health problems are related to nutrient deficiency, quite often vitamins and minerals can improve these conditions. Vitamins are vital if our body is to function normally and they are absolutely necessary for cellular growth, our general-well being and vitality.

Adults and children simply do not eat what they should to maintain a nutritionally well balanced diet. Many people rarely eat the required amount of fruits and vegetables, therefore we seldom receive all the vital nutrients, vitamins and minerals we need for optimum health.
The need for nutrients increases as a result of the following conditions: exposure to pollution; the ever-increasing volume of chemicals and additives in foods, water, and air; physical and mental stress; the frequent skipping of meals or dieting; the increased reliance on processed and fast foods; inadequate rest and exercise; the use of recreational drugs and alcohol; chemical and food sensitivities; ageing; and suppressed immune systems. Caffeine and sugar rapidly deplete our bodies of vital nutrients.
Without adequate nutrients, you and your child may be more likely to become afflicted with colds, flu, virus, infection or even diseases.
For added nutritional insurance, I recommend you supplement yourself and your child with good quality natural vitamins and herbs. You may ask yourself "What supplements do I really need to take?"  This depends upon your current state of health, family history of disease and the  typical diet you consume.

Some natural supplements I recommend on a daily basis to maintain health include the following:

1) a good quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement preferably from whole food sources.

2) Essential Fatty Acids- many health problems and sympotoms can be linked to lack of essentail fatty acids in the diet. Most people find by adding an essential fatty acid supplement on a daily basis helps them considerably with such things as better memory and concentration, improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels, less joint and muscle pain, more stable blood sugar levels, and  improved immune function. Taking an essential fatty acid supplement will also eliminate many food cravings, thus quite often helping with weight loss.

3)Probiotics- are beneficial bacteria that should be naturally present in our digestive tract. Probiotics help keep our intestinal check in balance, promote healthy digestion and regualr bowel movements, inhibit growth of harmful bacteria which can lead to toxic buildup and helps to support immune system function.

My favorite brands of the above supplements and more information regarding them can be found at our natural health   website :www.acureforyou.com

 Nicole Hawksley
Proprietor, Nature's ApotheCure LLC
www.acureforyou.com

 Many people start out the new year with the best intentions: plans to improve eating habits and determined to exercise more. Within weeks most people fall back into their old lifestyle patterns. They either get bored with their new health regimen or become frustrated because they cannot lose weight and their health does not improve. The key to accomplishing your New Year's resolution lies in setting  realistic goals for yourself.
It saddens me as a natural health practitioner that most people choose being thin over being healthy. Many of the popular "diets" emphasize quick weight loss rather than promote overall health.  Quite often these fad diets  eliminate food groups and deprive individuals from vital nutrients which hurts their health in the long run. 
I encourage everyone's New Year's resolution to improve upon their health and make the new year their healthiest one yet. This can be achieved  by:

1) Nourishing your body which means following a sensible diet. This incorporates food from all the food groups: Protein, Carbohydrates (whole grains,fruits, and vegetables)and Essential Fatty Acids. Many people avoid any form of fat because they believe "fats will make them fat". This is not the case, if you choose healthy fats. The Essentail Fatty Acids such as those found in Flax Seed oil, fish oil and avocados actually help the body metabolize fat as well as help eliminate cravings. If you crave sugary or greasy foods, it is your body's way of telling you something is missing in your diet.The food you eat should be "real" food, food in its whole and natural state not processed.  It is recommended to eat several small meals throughout the day to help stabilize blood sugar levels. Skipping meals and depriving yourself of calories actually  will slow down your metabolism over time.            

2) Adopt a pleasureable fitness program that you can stick with, this should be whatever is right for you. Some folks benefit best from a vigorous aerobic workout while others respond best to yoga.Yoga is an excellent way to improve upon your flexibility and at the same time relax the nervous system. Walking is also one of the best forms of fitness.

3)The first step to a healthy new you is to gently detox your system.  A good detoxification program should  gently cleanse the colon, liver, lymphatic system and blood stream while gently releasing toxins from the body. Everyone benefits from a detox. Most health symptoms are related to toxins trapped in our cells and tissues. If you have a health condition you should consult your physician or a natural health practitioner prior to detoxing.

4)Learn to listen to your body and become in tune with what is going on iside of you. Symptoms are our body's way of telling us we need to pay better attention to our health and make changes.

5) Take time for yourself and eliminate stress as much as possible. Engage in activities that bring pleasure to you. This may include reading a book, taking a bath, or gardening.

I hope all of you will prioritize yourself this new year, realize how important you are, and that you deserve to be the best you can be.

Happy New Year and Best Wishes in Your Quest for Health!

Nicole Hawksley
Proprietor, Nature's ApotheCure LLC
www.acureforyou.com