Work it Out ... Effectively!

Not too long ago, I wrote a post on exercising for hair growth. What we should not forget is that exercise is first and foremost an important tool for body health. It is beneficial for the management and risk reduction of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health problems. Additionally, it minimizes the symptoms of depression, may overcome obesity, and more. The link below is a slideshow to the most effective exercises and is worth viewing. I especially concur with brisk walks, lunges, squats (when done right), and push-ups. If you're a step above a beginner, I would also add running to this list. Running, just like walking, can be done anywhere and in any weather. Speaking as a former track athlete, it also works many parts of the body at once - from the legs to the abdomen to the arms.

Most effective exercises: click here to read

Another slideshow I suggest viewing is the following which describes the least effective exercises. It lists incorrect and correct ways to perform certain moves and more: click here to read

Whatever exercise method you choose, make sure you speak with your doctor first and invest in a quality pair of gym shoes!

MORE READS:
DIABETES & EXERCISE
OBESITY & EXERCISE

Fruit Salad ... Body and Hair

There are numerous benefits to incorporating a fruit salad into your regular diet. For one, fruit salads are an efficient, flavorful way to absorb most of your vitamins and water for the day. Additionally, studies have suggested that certain fruits (such as cranberries) contain compounds and fiber that reduce the risk of some cancers and heart disease, respectively. A diet containing fruits may also help to improve one's mood and reduce depression. The overall advantage to eating from this tasty food group is improved physical, mental, and emotional health. Below is a recipe for a fancy, fun fruit salad:

Fruit Salad in Watermelon
1 watermelon
1-2 honeydews
1-2 cantaloupes
1 pineapple
strawberries
blueberries
**Instructions:
Cut a thin slice from bottom of watermelon so it will rest evenly. Slice watermelon lengthwise in half. Carve a decorative zig-zag edge from 1/2 of watermelon. Scoop out fruit from watermelon. Scoop watermelon balls from second half. (Scoop honeydew and cantaloupe balls. Cut remaining fruits.)
Fill bowl with watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe balls, pineapple chunks, strawberries, blueberries and other fresh fruit in season. Mix and let stand. Add more fruit as needed to keep full for large party.
Source: http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1832,149160-246195,00.html

For more intricate recipes, see:
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1819,149160-247195,00.html
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1843,149161-246195,00.html
http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Salad/Fruit-Salads/Main.aspx

HAIR-RELATED INFORMATION:
Fruits that are high in beta-carotene may contribute to the growth and maintenance of hair follicles. (To read more, see related post and study.) Such fruits include: cantaloupe, papaya, apricot, and mango to name a few. Meanwhile, fruits that are an excellent source of manganese -- including blueberries, pineapples, and raspberries -- supposedly help to prevent slow hair growth. This is just a handful of hair-related advantages to eating fruits.

In addition to the internal benefits of consuming fruits is the external advantage of applying a fruit salad to the hair. Yes, this sounds strange at first, but the right mixture of fruits can actually condition the hair. View the recipe below which is also posted in "Buh-Buh-Banana ... Deep Conditioners":

Fruit Salad Deep Conditioner
1/2 a banana
1/4 avocado
1/4 cantaloupe
1 tablespoon wheat germ oil
1 tablespoon yogurt
**Blend all ingredients. (Be sure to blend the banana thoroughly and sieve.) Apply to hair. For extra conditioning, squeeze in the contents of a vitamin E capsule. Leave in hair for 15 minutes. Then rinse.
Source: http://styles101.homestead.com/nathairrec.html#anchor_35822

SOURCES & MORE READS:
10 FRUIT BENEFITS
CRANBERRY & OVARIAN CANCER
FRUITS & HEALTH
FRUITS & DEPRESSION
FRUITS & DIABETES MYTH
VITAMINS FOR THE HAIR
NUTRITION INFO TOOL

Green Veggies, Hair, and Body

Green vegetables may not be "oh so yummy", but they are great for the hair and body.

SHORT BACKGROUND: Green vegetables consist of spinach, broccoli, green beans, lettuce, cabbage, asparagus, and more. They are a good source of nutrients that are critical to the health of the body and hair. It is best to choose fresh raw green vegetables over frozen, canned, and/or cooked in order to obtain the maximum nutrient content. If your palates can't handle the raw taste, then opt for steaming the green vegetables over boiling or frying.

GREEN FOR THE BODY:
Research has shown that a daily serving of leafy green vegetables may help to reduce the risk of diabetes and "fight off osteoporosis, heart disease, arthritis, and several types of cancer". Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach and asparagus, are a good source of vitamins A and C, magnesium, and folate. (NOTE: Spinach contains a substance that reduces iron and calcium absorption; thus, it is best to eat spinach with vitamin C-rich food to improve that absorption.)

GREEN FOR THE HAIR:
The vitamin A and C found in dark green vegetables (like spinach and green beans) are critical for sebum production. Sebum is an oily substance produced in each follicle to help remove dead skin cells, lubricate the scalp, and condition the hair. Additionally, there's a bit of iron and calcium in dark green vegetables which are essential for hair growth.

HOW I GET MY GREEN:
Raw red leaf lettuce; Raw fresh spinach; steamed frozen spinach; steamed frozen broccoli; One-A-Day Women's Multi-vitamin. Shopping for asparagus this week!

To see what you're getting from your green, check out www.nutritiondata.com. This site allows you to see the nutrition content of various foods.

Sources:
DIABETES & DIET
DIABETES, FRUITS, & VEGGIES
ON GREEN VEGETABLES
HAIR FOODS
IRON & HAIR LOSS
SEBUM

Omega-3, Hair, and Body

So what's so good about omega-3?

SHORT BACKGROUND: Omega-3 is an essential, polyunsaturated fatty acid. Essential fatty acids cannot be produced by the human body, and thus must be absorbed from food. Polyunsaturated fats have been suggested to lower levels of LDL (i.e., "bad") cholesterol.

OMEGA-3 FOR THE BODY:
Research suggests that omega-3 may been helpful against:
* heart disease * stroke * cancer * arthritis
* hypertension (i.e., high blood pressure) * depression
* high cholesterol * diabetes * etc.

OMEGA-3 FOR THE HAIR:
Omega-3 is not only essential for the body, but important for scalp health. "A deficiency can result in a dry scalp and thus hair, giving it a dull look (Ref 3)."

HOW I GET MY OMEGA-3:
Nature's Path Organic Cereal, Pumpkin Raisin Crunch, Flax Plus (contains flax seeds; also a great source for whole grain); Tropicana Healthy Heart Orange Juice - with Omega-3; Salmon; Silk Soy Milk, Omega-3 Plus. NOTE: Tilapia (my most favorite fish) is NOT a good source for omega-3.

DON'T OVERDO IT:
Omega-3 must be balanced with omega-6 in your diet. Please read the first two article links below AND consult your doctor before heading out to the store.

SOURCES:
OMEGA-3
GOOD FAT, BAD FAT
TOP 10 FOODS FOR HEALTHY HAIR