Tag Archives: aging

African Staple: Papaya

aging

African Staple: Papaya

Hey boo! Can I tell you a juicy secret?

Papaya is an amazing source of vitamin C and can provide you with more than 300% of the recommended daily intake!

Papaya is a staple food that can be found in many African countries.

It’s rich in vitamins A, C, folate,  and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure levels. This fruit also contains trace amounts of  calcium, magnesium, B1, B3, B5, E and K – all essential nutrients for a healthy lifestyle.

Chile, it gets better! Papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which can break down the tough protein chains found in muscle meat. Because of this, papaya has been used to tenderize meat for thousands of years, and can also be consumed to improve digestion of protein.

The benefits of eating Papaya include supporting increased immunity thanks to its antioxidant properties, lowered risk for heart disease, high cholesterol and cancer,  reducing inflammation, and supporting the bodies’ natural detoxification process.

Trying to get that vegan glow or reduce signs of aging? The vitamin C and lycopene in papaya can protect your skin. A randomized controlled trial published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science showed that older women who consumed a mixture of lycopene, vitamin C and other antioxidants for 14 weeks had a visible and measurable reduction in depth of facial wrinkles.

It has been used traditionally in Indian medicine as a  digestion aid because it is high in fiber and water content, promoting a healthy digestive tract. And in the case you are trying to eliminate a parasite – papaya seeds are actually anti-paritisic.

Papayas also contain alkaloids like piperine, which serve as natural pain relievers and can help to reduce the effects of inflammation in joints while reducing your risk for chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Hope I gave you enough reasons to get down with this African staple.  There are over ten varieties of this fruit worldwide, so girl,  you got options.

Did I miss anything about Papaya? Let me know in the comments. – XO

Hyaluronic Acid to Maintain Youthful Skin

aging

There are many factors that can influence rapidly aging skin, including diet, environmental or sun exposure, and more. But generally, skin aging is associated with the loss of moisture. The key molecule involved in keeping our skin supple and hydrated  is hyaluronan or hyaluronic acid (HA), which is naturally produced by the body and has a unique capacity to bind and retain water molecules. The largest amounts of it are found in your skin, connective tissue and eyes; around half of the hyaluronic acid in your body is present in your skin, where it binds to water to help retain moisture keeping the skin lubricated and moist. It is also present in our joints, and can help prevent joint pain – why is why supplementation has been found helpful for patients with osteoarthritis.

Some of the key roles of HA in the body include hydration, lubrication of joints, and providing a framework through which cells migrate. Having an adequate amount of HA, ensures less wrinkling, and faster wound healing. When we get injured, bruised, or cut, the creation of HA increases in the body to assist with healing, and it regulates several aspects of tissue repair, including activation of inflammatory cells to enhance immune response.

Hyaluronic acid helps wounds heal faster by regulating inflammation levels and signaling the body to build more blood vessels in the damaged area. In a study published in 2013 and conducted in France on 80 patients with leg ulcers, researchers found that patients who had gauze with hyaluronic acid applied to it had a higher number of healed ulcers, greater percentage of ulcer reduction, and less pain intensity that their control counterparts. We deplete HA during the natural aging process and also with exposure to things like ultraviolet radiation from the sun, tobacco smoke and pollution. 

Generally supplementation with HA is safe; but  women who are pregnant or those with a history of cancer should avoid taking it. Nagaimo or Chinese Yam is a potent food source of HA. To hear more about it, check out the video below or on my IGTV channel.  -XO

 

P.S. My calendar is open to take FREE one on one calls. If you are a woman 30+, ready to transform your health and establish lasting health rituals set up a call with me HERE.

References:

Humbert P, Mikosinki J, Benchikhi H, Allaert FA. Efficacy and safety of a gauze pad containing hyaluronic acid in treatment of leg ulcers of venous or mixed origin: a double-blind, randomised, controlled trial. Int Wound J. 2013 Apr;10(2):159-66. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-481X.2012.00957.x. Epub 2012 Mar 8. PubMed PMID: 22405094.

Litwiniuk M, Krejner A, Speyrer MS, Gauto AR, Grzela T. Hyaluronic Acid in Inflammation and Tissue Regeneration. Wounds. 2016 Mar;28(3):78-88. Review.PubMed PMID: 26978861.

Papakonstantinou, E., Roth, M., & Karakiulakis, G. (2012). Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-endocrinology, 4(3), 253–258. doi:10.4161/derm.21923

Simpson RM, Meran S, Thomas D, Stephens P, Bowen T, Steadman R, Phillips A.Age-related changes in pericellular hyaluronan organization leads to impaired dermal fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation. Am J Pathol. 2009 Nov;175(5):1915-28. doi: 10.2353/ajpath.2009.090045. Epub 2009 Oct 1. PubMed PMID: 19808648; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC2774056.

Glutathione: A Powerful Antioxidant to Slow Aging & Boost Your Health

aging

 

 

 

 

If you are about that #Ageless life, or simple want optimal health…Get your Glutathione up!

Glutathione is of the most powerful antioxidants in the body – your body makes it from three amino acids: glutamine, glycine, and cysteine, and you also get it from your diet. The highest concentration of it is actually found in our intestines and is necessary for our body to properly absorb calcium. Some of the key benefits: Prevents damage to cells, slows aging, detoxifies the body including helping with removal of heavy metals, balances and boosts immunity, reduces inflammation. 

Glutathione gets depleted as we age, with excessive stress, poor “junk food” diet, exposure to environmental toxins, within chronic inflammatory diseases or specific conditions like autoimmune diseases, and also with over-exercise. Being exposed to or taking a lot of medications can also deplete glutathione.

Chile, so how do we boost the levels we have? To start where possible reducing your exposure to environmental toxins, remove processed and junk foods from your diet, get adequate sleep, exercise regularly, and  take steps towards healing any chronic conditions. Consume sulfur containing foods cabbage, garlic, onions, spinach, all the cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, watercress and mustard greens.

Increasing your intake of vitamin C is important, as vitamin C helps reprocess glutathione by converting oxidized glutathione back to its active form. One Canadian research study showed that when subjects consumed 500–1,000 mg of vitamin C daily for 13 weeks, this lead to an 18% increase of glutathione in white blood cells.  Supplementation can also help to boost glutathione – but you cannot supplement it directly, you need to supplement building blocks that help the body create it like N-acetyl-cysteine, alpha lipoic acid, L-glutamine, or Silymarin (from milk thistle). Other important nutrients to support production include: B vitamins and selenium. -XO Raw Girl 

PS. My calendar is still open to take FREE one on one calls. If you are a woman 30+ interested in transforming your health, getting clarity about what diet and exercise is best for you, and creating healthy rituals that stick, SIGN UP HERE.

References: 

Jones DP, Coates RJ, Flagg EW, Eley JW, Block G, Greenberg RS, Gunter EW, Jackson B. Glutathione in foods listed in the National Cancer Institute’s Health Habits and History Food Frequency Questionnaire. Nutr Cancer. 1992;17(1):57-75.PubMed PMID: 1574445.

Lenton KJ, Sané AT, Therriault H, Cantin AM, Payette H, Wagner JR. Vitamin C augments lymphocyte glutathione in subjects with ascorbate deficiency. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003 Jan;77(1):189-95. PubMed PMID: 12499341.

Mårtensson J, Jain A, Meister A. Glutathione is required for intestinal function. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1990 Mar;87(5):1715-9. PubMed PMID: 2308931; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC53553.

Moine, L., Rivoira, M., Díaz de Barboza, G., Pérez, A., & Tolosa de Talamoni, N. (2018). Glutathione depleting drugs, antioxidants and intestinal calcium absorption. World journal of gastroenterology, 24(44), 4979–4988. doi:10.3748/wjg.v24.i44.4979

The Benefits of Superfood Chlorella

aging

If you’re about that #AgelessLife; strategic supplementation is key.

An awesome way to ensure adequate nutrition daily is to incorporate superfoods into meals. One of my favorite superfoods that sometimes gets slept on is Chlorella! 

Why is chlorella the bomb dot com?!

It is a green algae and cousin of spirulina that is high in protein (around 50-60%) with all nine essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, and more than 20 vitamins and minerals including potassium, zinc, iron, calcium, phosphorous, B Vitamins including a potentially active form of B12 (essential for plant-eaters), vitamin C, D,E, and K. 

Chlorella is a great source of antioxidants, and one of the highest forms of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is the life blood of plants and has a structure similar to the hemoglobin in our blood. Chlorella’s high levels of chlorophyll have been shown to protect the body against ultraviolet radiation treatments while removing radioactive particles from the body so it’s excellent for those who are going through chemo.

Chlorella also works to synergistically balance and normalize body functions while supporting immunity, and has strong detoxification properties which aid the body in removing heavy metals, waste, parasites and other toxins. 

It can even improve body odor or bad breath y’all! In addition to being a super detoxifier, chlorella has been shown to prevent development of cancerous cells, can help to rebuild nerves in the brain after serious nerve damage,, eliminate constipation, and help to rebalance gut flora which aids in treating digestive and colon related diseases.

It’s also helpful for weight loss and correcting insulin resistance. In a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, researchers state, “Chlorella intake resulted in noticeable reductions in body fat percentage, serum total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose levels.” Chlorella benefits you by helping to regulate hormones, metabolism, improving circulation and promoting higher levels of energy.

Research continues to reveal that chlorella may also slow the aging process! A study published in the journal Clinical Laboratory revealed that chlorella greatly reduces oxidative stress, caused from pollution, stress and a poor diet.

Pretty dope for spirulina’s cousin huh?! 

Have you tried Chlorella? What are your favorite superfoods? Comment below or on my Instagram @therawgirl ! -XO

 

 

 

Catch me LIVE tomorrow at 12 PM EST!

aging

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I usually go LIVE for office hours around 12/12:30 pm EST on Saturdays. This week, I’m moving my LIVE talk to Sunday, May 12th, and chatting with one of my clients who completed Staying Ageless 30+ and made awesome progress! If you are on the fence about the class and need questions answered, or just want to learn more about the process, come on through! I will allot time to answer as many questions as you all have. All you have to do to get in on the action is follow me @therawgirl and tune in. I’m more excited than I get about fresh coconut water or perfect avocados to see you guys 🙂   -XO Raw Girl

Staying Ageless 30+ Now Open for Enrollment!

aging

At the end of my transformative program StayingAgless 30+ my students put together their “Glow-Up” story. This helps them to measure how far they’ve come since the beginning of class. Me and my team measure the success of my program my the number of people who have a legitimate #GlowUp because my desire is to get results for every client.

Here’s a story from one of my rockstar students who did the work and was willing to share! I’m sharing more success stories all week on Instagram and in my newsletter.

Glow Up Story

I’m able to maintain enough energy to power through the day and go to bed restfully.

I‘ve lost 10 pounds (now 12 from date of this post!).

My skin is clearing up and is a lot less dry.

I’m able to move around and be active without the usual aches and pains.

I have been working out consistently for the first time since college.

I feel an overall sense of calm. The endorphins from my workouts and the amount of nutrient dense foods I’m eating now has really gone a long way to changing my overall mood and well being.

It’s only been a few weeks, and I haven’t been perfect with implementing my rituals. However, I have tried to be as consistent as possible and I look forward to building on my progress. – Angela F.

I’m beyond excited that my online transformational program Staying Ageless 30+ is coming back just in time to help you too—to get your glow up this summer! Official enrollment for the class, which begins May 19th starts NOW 🙂 Excited for all the ladies who pre-enrolled and are ready for transformation!

If you are a woman 30+, struggling to create consistent healthy rituals, not sure about the right diet or exercise for your body, and are ready to invest in staying fly until your are 99 or close to it…I’d love to chat with you.

I’ve just opened up my calendar for the next two weeks to take one-on-one calls 🙂

To get on my calendar please book your twenty minute Meet & Greet HERE: calendly.com/rawgirl

XO Esosa E, MS AKA Raw Girl

Free Webinar: 6 Ways to Slow the Aging Process!

aging

Next week I’m excited to do some LIVE teaching, and present 6 Ways to Slow the Aging Process  followed by a Q&A where you can ask me your most pressing questions. The webinar will cover research back protocols you can add to your daily routine to slow the aging process. To get in on the webinar all you have to do is sign up HERE. You will learn six areas you can focus in on to increase your youthfulness and vitality and get real results in 30 Days!

Right now, me and my #AgelessTribe are in the final two weeks of implementing our new rituals, and it’s exciting and inspiring to witness the commitment and progress via daily steps of the women in my class. I am excited to let you know that my transformational program Staying Ageless 30+ will be rebooting again in May!

I know some of you were hoping for another opportunity to join, and so I’m ecstatic to work with a new group of fearless #Ageless women, just in time for summer. If you are interested in getting on the growing wait list or being the first to know when spots open, JOIN MY NEWSLETTER or email me directly at rawgirltoxicworld@gmail.com and let me know you want to get on the wait list to have first priority.

XO Esosa E, MS

Healthy Living in a Toxic World – Episode 10: The Art of Living Long with Mimi Kirk

aging

In this episode, we continue our discussion about longevity and speak to Mimi Kirk, an international speaker, health coach, raw food chef, and published author who is a living example and was voted PETA’s Sexiest Vegetarian over 50 in a nationwide contest in 2009.

We discuss:

  • Her journey and how she was led to the raw food diet
  • Supplements or specific foods that help one stay youthful
  • Daily rituals and habits that contribute to longevity
  • How lifestyle trumps genetics
  • How to overcome family and peer pressure when making lifestyle changes

& More!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Healthy Living in a Toxic World – Episode 7: Simple Ways to Relieve Stress

aging

In this episode, I speak with Alice Maher, a certified holistic health counselor who has over twenty years of experience working with clients on stress management.

We discuss:

  • Habits you can incorporate to reduce stress
  • Diseases and conditions that can be bought on from excess stress
  • What is stress?
  • Common traits of people who are stressed out
  • How Ayurveda can help manage your nutritional needs
  • The connection between stress and diet

& More! Tune in and don’t forget to share!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Healthy Living in a Toxic World – Episode 5: The 109 Year Old Man

aging

In this episode of Healthy Living in a Toxic World, we talk about the art of living long with  Bernando La Pallo, author of Age Less, Live More, who at the time of the interview was 109 years old. Bernando passed away at the age of 114, and had no chronic illnesses or diseases.

We discuss:

  • Bernando’s personal health journey and how he was led to raw foods
  • Tips that can help you increase your longevity
  • How positive thinking and attitude contribute to longevity
  • Lifestyle habits that can increase longevity
  • How eating the right foods can help keep you healthy

& More! Tune in and don’t forget to share.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download