Healthy Living

How Smiling Will Change Your Life & Transform Your Relationships

- Ariel Shanelle Leave a comment
Smiling will change your life

At one of my previous employers, people thought I was nuts. The reason for this is because I always smiled. So many people in that store were miserable and hated their jobs. I was one of the few that always wore a smile, no matter what.

A smile is a friendly way to say, “Hello.” In retail, it’s a great rule of thumb to greet every customer that comes within reach. Simply saying, “Good morning,” with a smile makes you stand out from the rest. However, at peak seasons there may be too many people to say hi to. That’s when a smile comes in handy.

But there are other benefits of smiling also. A smile gives off a warm feeling. Next time you go to the stores, look around. Are there more people smiling than not? Then, try this. Smile at everyone you see. Most of the time, they’ll smile back. It’s a pretty cool thing. Read more

Vitamin E Foods For A Plant-Based (Vegan) Diet

- Ariel Shanelle 1 Comment
Vitamin E Foods For A Plantbased Diet

About Vitamin E

Vitamin E has eight different forms. However, only one is active and can meet human requirements – alpha-tocopherol.

Vitamin E helps support the immune system, regulates gene expression, and helps with other metabolic processes. It also aids in keeping the inner lining of blood vessels clear and smooth by preventing build up.

This vitamin is considered an antioxidant, which means it neutralized free radicals and can help prevent the onset of diseases.

Taking Vitamin E supplements are linked with negative effects such as a stroke. [2] Read more

Vitamin A Sources For A Plant-Based (Vegan) Diet

- Ariel Shanelle Leave a comment
Vitamin A Sources

About Vitamin A

The term Vitamin A is used to refer to a group of compound necessary for growth, immune system, reproductions, and vision.

There are two types of Vitamin A-

  • Preformed Vitamin A – found in animal products.
  • Provitamin A Carotenoids – found in plants.

Provitamin A carotenoids can be converted to Vitamin A. Beta-carotene is the most known of these carotenoids and the most active. Carotenoids have a wide spectrum of colors, such as yellow, red, and orange hues. Read more

Vitamin C Foods For A Plant-Based (Vegan) Diet

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Vitamin C foods

Vitamin C, AKA L-ascorbic acid, is a necessary nutrient and can be found in many delicious foods. But first, let’s take a look at what Vitamin C does for the human body before we take a look at different Vitamin C foods.

Vitamin C helps to create L-carnitine, collagen, and certain neurotransmitters. Also, it aids in protein metabolism, iron absorption, and boosts the immune system. Plus, it acts as an antioxidant.

Although nearly impossible on a plant-based diet, a Vitamin c deficiency leads to a very rare disease called scurvy. Read more

List of Foods High In Iron For A Plant-Based Diet

- Ariel Shanelle Leave a comment
Foods high in iron

Iron is a mineral that is necessary for our survival. There are many very important roles of this mineral including transporting oxygen, producing energy, growth and development, healthy cells, immune activity, and brain function.

Unfortunately, 30% of people suffer from iron-deficient caused anemia. [1] Getting enough iron is vital and should be a priority.

So the real question is: Can you get enough iron on a plant-based or vegan diet? And the answer is: Yes. There are plenty of plant-based foods high in iron. Read more

Wonderful Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate

- Ariel Shanelle 5 Comments
Health benefits of dark chocolate

If there’s one thing I absolutely loved growing up, it’s chocolate. I clearly remember disliking dark chocolate. However, after reading about the health benefits of dark chocolate it definitely makes it taste a lot better.

As I began to experiment with dark chocolate, I’ll admit that the taste wasn’t that pleasant. It was bitter and sort of… gross. I’ve always given my tastebuds highly processed and factory-made foods, so of course, anything natural was gross to me.

That’s why I know 100% that once you cut the junk food from your life, you’ll be able to enjoy more and more of all the great foods the planet has to offer, including dark chocolate. It’s truly a delicious treat and a great snack with wonderful health benefits. Read more

Iron Rich Fruits For a Plant-Based Diet

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iron rich fruits include dried fruits

Finding iron-rich fruits will be easy once you become familiar with the fruits that contain iron. Unfortunately, there aren’t many fruits that have a high amount of iron. That’s why it’s extremely important that you eat a well-balanced diet mixed with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

What Is Iron?

Iron is a nutrient derived from the foods that we eat. There are two types of iron that we can receive through our diet: heme and non-heme. Heme comes from animal products and non-heme comes from plant-based foods.

Although heme is better absorbed by the body, it also comes with cholesterol, saturated fats, antibiotics, hormones, and steroids.

To increase plant-based iron absorption, include vitamin c with your nonheme iron-rich foods. For example, add tomatoes to your spinach salad or strawberries in your green smoothie to get the greatest amount of absorption. Read more