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Minerals 4 Beauty: SILICON
What beauty mineral can prevent bone deformities, brittle nails, thinning of hair, and help maintain glowing skin? Silicon is one of most powerful and interesting minerals because it has transformative properties. If you are looking to perfect your personal physical appearance, many believe that consuming silicon-rich foods can help you do just that.
Silicon is present and working all over our bodies in blood vessels, muscles, nails, skin, etc. The highest concentrations of silicon are found in our hair and nails. It is also present in parts of the body where there is active growth. Silicon rich diets help to increase bone density, and prevent cavities and bleeding gums. If your diet is in need of a silicon boost or if you have a silicon deficiency you may experience brittle nails and hair, dental cavities, weak tendons and ligaments, and lackluster skin quality to name a few. If you are a vegan or at least a “whole foodist” the good news is that diets high in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits are most likely to ensure an adequate supply of silicon to keep your body healthy. Many people on diets consisting of refined and processed foods are silicon deficient and don’t even know it! I’ll be back on Monday and will share my recipe for The Ultimate Beauty Salad, which is full of veggies that supply beauty minerals. -XoXo Raw Girl
Here’s a partial list from David Wolfe’s book “Eating for Beauty,” of silicon-rich foods with a few extras added for good measure:
- Horsetail
- Hemp Leaves
- Nettles
- Mature blades of grass (in superfood powders)
- Alfalfa
- Radish
- Romaine Lettuce
- Burdock Root
- Cucumbers (in skin)
- Bell Peppers (in skin)
- Tomatoes (in skin)
- Oats (steel cut oatmeal is best)
- Raw Cabbage
- Apples
- Oranges
- Cherries
Watermelon Does a Body Good : 3 Day Summer Fast
Summer is officially here, and if you’re in the DMV, the recent heat advisories have been no joke. Hopefully you’re taking precautions when necessary by hibernating indoors, and staying hydrated. Another great way to beat the heat is have in your arsenal some beverages and foods that can help cool you down. Watermelon will do just that.
Most of us know that watermelon is mostly water, about 92% to be exact, but may not know that 8% of watermelon is lycopene, an antioxidant that protects the heart, prostate, and boosts overall skin health. Watermelon also provides our bodies with almost 25% of the daily recommended value of Vitamin C, and packs in a great serving of Vitamin A.
Not only can watermelon quench your thirst, consuming it can help to stop the inflammation that contributes to diabetes, colon cancer, arthritis, and asthma. Beyond all that, my most shocking discovery was that watermelon may have viagra like effects? Yep. According to Dr. Brahma Patil director of Texas A&M Fruits and Vegetable Improvement Center, consuming watermelon helps to relax the blood vessels and therefore increase blood flow which is necessary for peak sexual performance. Interesting…I’ll take that as more evidence that fruits and veggies most definitely do a body good.
Of course you can eat watermelon the simplest way and chop it up into pieces, but my favorite new thing to do is juice it. You can also blend it and get the same effect. Thanks to a suggestion from John Jai via our Facebook page I am embarking on a 3 Day Watermelon Fast! Starting Monday June 27 and winding down June 30th. Excited to try it, check back for a followup post to see how it went.
Watermelon fasts are great for cleansing the blood, supporting the kidneys, cleaning colon, healing cysts, canker sores, tissue inflammation, and reducing hypertension. You can get a little creative by juicing watermelon or blending with lemon, lime, ginger, and/or other herbs to make a watermelon smoothie. Fasting on watermelon alone is not recommended for people with hypoglycemia or diabetes. Interested in joining the Watermelon Fast? You have the weekend to get those watermelons together and get on the program! Email rawgirltoxicworld@gmail.com or hit me up on Facebook, lets cleanse together! -XoXo Raw Girl
Eat Something Sexy: 10 Raw Food Aphrodisiacs
Photo credit: 10000besides.com
Who says you can’t be a sexy raw foodie? When people think of raw food or raw foodists for that matter, they most often do not think of either as sexy. However many raw foodies are proving just the opposite; if we are what we eat and our diet helps us to remain vibrant, youthful, and energetic, we most certainly can bring sexy back. I was pleasantly surprised to find that there are a great deal of raw vegan foods that can help anyone do just that because they happen to be natural aphrodisiacs.
For ages many cultures have deemed certain foods because of their aroma, appearance, or powers of stimulation, the magical and mysterious label of aphrodisiac. These luscious foods are not only packed with nutrition, they can be used to seduce a potential lover, enhance lovemaking, increase sexual desire, and in some cases were used to cure impotence and infertility. Below is a list of sexy raw foods, that can add a little passion, flavor, and spice back in your love life.
- Arugula One of the oldest known aphrodisiacs, arugula, also known as “rocket seed” has been used in this capacity since the time of the ancient Egyptians and Romans. This spicy and earthy flavored lettuce is rich in Vitamin A, C, and iron, and apparently clears the mind while simultaneously increasing power and energy. Try tossing this into a mixed green salad on a dinner date; you may skip the dessert.
- Avocado This creamy textured fruit has a feminine shape but it’s actually more associated with male sexuality. The avocado tree, which grows with the fruit hanging in pairs was referred to as “Ahuacuatl” or testicle tree by the ancient Aztecs. Avocados are so sexy in fact, they were banned by Spanish priests in the middle ages. Beyond their titillating properties, avocados can boost immune function, are known to help anti-aging, and are a great source of B6 and potassium.
- Almonds Men take note: apparently the smell of almonds turns women on. For ages, almonds have been considered fertility symbols; they also contain high doses of vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber.
- Asparagus Considered an aphrodisiac primarily because of its shape, asparagus was often fed as a prenuptial meal to brides in many cultures. On the nutrition front, asparagus gives your body a nice dose of Vitamin E, which stimulates sex hormones and boosts sexual powers.
- Banana This raw food is packed with nutrition providing the body with potassium, magnesium, B vitamins, and also the bromelain enzyme said to enhance male libido. Also deemed an aphrodisiac because of its phallic shape, Hindus regard it as a symbol of fertility, and Central Americans drank the sap of the red banana to promote sexual desire.
- CacaoIn my opinion, you have not tasted the true power of this aphrodisiac until you have experienced raw chocolate. This superfood, also known as the “food of the gods” is one of the most well known aphrodisiacs because of its uncanny ability to stimulate the body and help the brain produce serotonin, which makes us feel in a nutshell, pretty darn good. Cacao also helps to reduce risk of cancer as it absorbs free radicals from the body, can strengthen your cardiovascular system, stimulate your immune system, and reduce chronic fatigue. Add on top of that the fact that it can be truly orgasmic to the taste, and you’ve got yourself a serious aphrodisiac.
- FigsThis fruit, which is one of the oldest recorded fruits on the planet, is said to emulate female sexual organs when cut open. In ancient times, the Greeks associated figs with fertility and the beautiful Cleopatra ranked figs among her favorite fruits to consume. Some sources say that figs not only give you great nutrition for sexual health, as they are loaded with manganese, magnesium, vitamin E, and zinc, but also they may have the power to increase sexual stamina.
- Ginger Root This root with a spicy kick has been classified an aphrodisiac due to its scent and ability to stimulate the bodies circulatory system which increases sexual desire and also sensitivity in the erogenous zones.
- Goji Berries These “happy berries” as they were called in ancient China, have been considered a food source that boosts male fertility for centuries in Asia. In Chinese medicine goji berries are used to strengthen the adrenal system which controls most of the working of the sex hormones. Other modern studies in Beijing have shown that goji berries may contain polysaccharides which help to protect sperm cells. These berries, nowadays known as a “superfood” pack an incredible amount of nutrition including: Vitamins B1, B2, B6, A, C, and E, antioxidants, fiber, and one of the highest levels of beta-carotene of any fruit. Besides helping you get your groove on, these berries will benefit your cardiovascular health and give your body a nice dose of nutrients!
- Peruvian Maca This root which can be consumed in the powder form is another “superfood” that makes you want to “turn out the lights.” Nutrition wise, it packs a real punch with Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, essential fatty acids, minerals, enzymes, sterols, and phytochemicals. Incan warriors consumed maca before battle to increase their stamina and strength, but were prohibited from having maca when invading a city, in order to protect the women from the raging sexual libido. Consuming maca can give a general sense of well-being, decrease stress, increase sex drive, and increase adrenaline. Sounds like a thoughtful Valentines Day gift for a significant other that will leave you reaping some benefits as well.
Photo credit: lizi-liza.blog.cz
There are a host of other aphrodisiacs that didn’t make my top ten list including: vanilla, basil, pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, chili peppers. Remember, one of the key components to producing amorous feelings within ourselves is possessing optimum health and cultivating balance. At the end of the day our health has a direct effect on our sex drive and reproductive systems. So if you’re desperately searching for a way to bring sexy back, try starting with giving your body optimal nutrition and taking care of you, the best way you can. -XoXo Raw Girl
Anti-Aging SHE-RO #10: Mimi Kirk
How many grandmothers do you know that can still turn heads in the streets? Yesterday, I came across a lovely article about 72-year-old raw foodist, Mimi Kirk. She was named the Sexiest Vegetarian over 50 a couple of years ago. A grandmother of seven, she decided to become a vegetarian in her thirties and then in 2008 went raw and has stayed on the path. Mimi is the author of Live Raw, and remains incredibly vivacious through diet and positive energy. More power to Mimi, I’m coming for her title in a several decades! Check out the videos and the article below. -XoXo Raw Girl
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=VdeC3OJJIzA]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jcvq63B2bOY&feature=youtu.be]
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ellen-kanner/meatless-monday-what-raw-_b_878055.html
10 Ways to Use Coconut Oil 4 Beauty
In sanskrit the coconut palm is known as “kappa vrishka” which means the tree that supplies all that is needed to live.
So here’s a list of ten fabulous ways to use Coconut Oil. Like I mentioned in the previous post, don’t forget that you can eat it! The recommended daily intake is around four tablespoons. You can eat it straight, blend it into smoothies, or even salad dressings and desserts. This list below should give you some ideas of how to use the jar of coconut oil in your bathroom. Got more ideas of how to use coconut oil for beauty? Post them on our Facebook page! -XoXo Raw Girl
10 Uses 4 the Miracle that is COCONUT OIL:
1. Face Cream
It has been established that lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid that is abundant in coconut oil, improves acne, making it a good option for some with oily and combination skin.
2. Make-up Remover
Coconut oil is an effective makeup remover and a great natural moisturizer!
3. Face Mask
Add a bit of honey (a natural antibacterial) to coconut oil and apply to your face. Leave the mask on for 10 minutes, then rinse.
4. Lip Balm
Apply directly to chapped lips. You also can transfer a small amount to a container for lip moisture on the go, but be careful now that its officially summer! Heat liquefies the oil, and you don’t want your fabulous tote dripping as you go.
5. Body Moisturizer
Keep your skin soft and supple and apply coconut oil after a bath or shower to lock in moisture.
6. Bath Soak
Pour a little coconut oil into your bath with other oils and bath salts and enjoy a relaxing soak.
7. Body Scrub
Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or raw sugar to three tablespoons of coconut oil for a delicious body scrub.
8. Foot Treatment
If you have calluses or rough heels, exfoliate with a pumice stone right before bed. Slather coconut oil on your feet and put on a pair of socks to lock in moisture overnight.
9. Cuticle Cream
Apply to cuticles, then push them back with an orange stick.
10. Deep Conditioner
Massage warmed coconut oil to your scalp and hair. Wait 15 minutes, then rinse.
The Miracle that is COCONUT OIL
My coconut craze phase has gone on for quite some time. I eat them several times a week and love consuming all parts of the coconut. At this point I’m a life long coconut fanatic…but I had yet to really test the long-term benefits of using coconut oil. For the past three months or so I starting using extra virgin coconut oil on my skin daily. It works wonders!
Coconut oil has been used since the dawn of history as food and medicine. In Polynesia, it is used cosmetically to maintain soft and smooth skin, and also medically to relieve stiffness of the joints, and rheumatism and back pain by rubbing on a specific area. Polynesians also mixed coconut oil with turmeric to treat sick newborns and apparently also massaged coconut oil on the abdomen on pregnant women to move a baby from breach in to normal position. In India, coconut oil has been used in their healing system Ayurveda for thousands of years as well. In Ayurveda, when used as food, coconut oil is known to nourish the body tissues, improve sexual health, improve intelligence, support respiratory and urinary systems, and calm Vata and Pitta. It is also applied to the scalp to improve length, shine, texture, and overall length of hairs. It is also applied topically on skin and wounds, and also heated with herbs which strengthens the healing properties and benefits of the herb.
Coconut oil is a saturated fat that mostly contains chain fatty acids which have amazing health giving benefits. The various fatty acids give coconut oil its immune boosting properties because they have anti-viral, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal qualities. Coconut oil actually contains no cholesterol and when consumed regularly can help to lower your cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar levels, and it doubles your body’s ability to use omega three fatty acids. Because of its amazing health benefits, and its fabulous ability to moisturize dry skin, and add luster to hair, coconut has been used in a wide array of beauty products including lip balm, shampoos, conditioners, face creams, lotions, body scrubs, and more. But the best part about coconut oil is that it can be used alone as a multi-purpose beauty aid.
Now for a few beauty remedies you can try at home. Make sure that you purchase extra virgin coconut oil to get the nutritional and beauty benefits. First off, you can actually use coconut oil as an all-body moisturizer, as it is safe to use on skin, hair, and scalp. As I said earlier, use directly on the skin can actually fade or prevent stretch marks, wrinkles, age spots, and acne if used consistently over time. It also will assist in improving any skin conditions such as keratosis–which involves rough skin and bumps on the back and other areas of the body. For dark under eye circles, you can increase circulation in the area by using a small amount of coconut oil to massage under the eyes and keep the skin from wrinkling. For a leave in conditioner, simply melt coconut oil, apply to scalp and leave hair in a shower cap over night. This is also an effective treatment for those with dandruff. To top all of this off, don’t forget you can eat it! Coconut oil is the best oil for cooking because it does not turn rancid like other oils. If you aren’t yet convinced that you must have some coconut oil in your life, check back for the next post which will feature ten ways coconut oil can be used for beauty. -XoXo Raw Girl
Minerals 4 Beauty: ZINC
Check out my new web site: www.esosae.com
It’s Esosa E. here A.K.A. Raw Girl, and I’m back with another mineral to boost your beauty. If you missed the first post, I will be continuously highlighting minerals that enhance natural beauty. Most people on the S.A.D. Standard American Diet and even a great deal of vegans with good intentions, are lacking key minerals to keep their bodies functioning optimally and their skin glowing. What key beauty mineral plays a role in twenty-five enzymatic systems involved in digestion and metabolism, and is required for skin beauty, cell and bodily growth, sexual development, fertility, night vision, and improving sense of taste & smell?
The answer is ZINC. That’s right, zinc is another mineral essential for beauty and for optimal health. To start off zinc is a part of the enzymes that allow the body to produce collagen, which is essential for keeping our skin soft and supple. Zinc also supports the bodies’ immune system, joints and tissue repair, and cell growth. This beauty mineral has antioxidant properties that helps our bodies to heal scars and wounds, and repair DNA damage. In fact, zinc deficiency can actually cause damage to DNA, in addition to acne, loss of taste and smell, slow growth in children, hair loss, rashes, skin disorders, low sperm count, poor eyesight, and delayed wound healing. On the beauty front, zinc can also prevent wrinkling, stretch marks, and outward signs of aging. Sounds a little better than Botox, right?
Because of zinc’s healing and beautifying properties it is found in many beauty products. Zinc oxide is a common additive that is included in sunscreens (as zinc helps to deflect the amount of ultraviolet light absorbed by the skin), calamine lotion (for its ability to heal wounds), and mineral makeup. Many brands of mineral makeup claim that the products also provide sun protection because of zinc’s use in sunscreens. Because of it’s anti-inflammatory properties zinc oxide in mineral makeup make these products more ideal for anyone suffering from acne or any skin conditions. Conventional foundations and foundations mostly contain harmful mineral oils and parabens that can actually make an existing skin condition worse.
Now that you know how important zinc is to beauty, here’s a partial list from Nutrition Expert David Wolfe’s book, Eating for Beauty (available in the Raw Girl Shop) of the best plant sources that have good amounts of sulfur to get you started with incorporating a wider range of zinc-rich foods in your diet: coconuts, poppy seeds, pumpkin seeds, pecans, cashews, macadamia nuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and spinach. Now that your equipped with a little knowledge and veggie resources, check your diet and make sure to get your zinc-on! Until next time, stay natural, stay beautiful! -XoXo Raw Girl
VEGGIE LOVE: The Mighty Artichoke
Since returning from France I have been in love with artichokes. I never ate them very often in the past, or prepared them in my meals at home. It was usually when dining out if they happened to be in my meal that I would indulge. For some reason in Cannes artichokes were one of the few veggies available everywhere, and I started craving them. Over time I’ve learned to honor my bodies’ cravings because usually there are some nutrients I may need from that source.
Like most of the miraculous vegetables we have on our planet artichokes offer amazing health benefits and nutrients. It is one of the oldest known cultivated veggies, actually originating from Ethiopia, and was used in ancient Greece and Rome as a digestive aid. Artichokes are packed with magnesium, fiber, vitamins A, C, chromium, potassium, manganese and more. They also have more antioxidants than any other vegetable! This is great as antioxidants help slow aging and protect against free radicals. Their high fiber content coupled with ability to stimulate bile flow helps with health digestion.
Artichokes can also support healing of a plethora of ailments including: irritable bowel syndrome, high cholesterol, (helps body to excrete bad cholesterol), diabetes, (helps stabilize blood sugar levels), liver issues, hypertension, and potassium deficiency. Due to their high potassium content, artichokes assists body in dealing with excess sodium, and if taking anti-hypertensive drugs, can make sure that one doesn’t become potassium deficient. All this said, artichokes can be eaten raw or cooked. When you are choosing artichokes, look for tightly packed leaves. They are in season from March to May but can be found year round in most grocery stores. Bon appetit! –XoXo Raw Girl
The Trials & Tribulations of Staying Vegan in France
In front of Carlton Hotel in Cannes.
Bonjour! Raw Girl finally has her raw vegan swag back. I am on Day 3 of green juicing and I am starting to feel normal again. Cannes was an amazing experience, the beach, the films, the people, the shopping! The only drawback for me was the food. I was worried before leaving because my last run in with French food while visiting Paris, was difficult, and I was perpetually hungry and to add insult to injury, didn’t speak a word of French.
This time, thanks to my handy dandy Rosetta Stone, I knew the basics, and in addition to getting the Bonjour, Bonsoir, and Enchante’s down, I also mastered the phrase, “Je suis vegetalien.” I am vegetarian. I don’t even know if the French have a word for vegan! Once I would say my catch phrase, I would then have to explain to the waitress or waiter that for me that also meant no dairy or meat. Each and every time, I would get this horrified (but totally sympathetic) look from the waiter who then would work with me to try to dream up a somewhat edible vegan concoction on or off their current menu. It was a task. It seemed I was perpetually hungry for the entire trip. Thank God the French love quinoa and mache (my new lettuce love), because I was able to find these at some restaurants.
Before the festival was in full swing, I went to a grocery store and got some rations for salads, but once the networking mayhem began there was no time to be in my kichenette whipping up vegan friendly food. So what did I do? Improvise. I ended being mostly vegan, instead of mostly RAW during the trip. It was not a picnic since I do not like the heavier feeling of cooked foods, but it really was the only way to survive in such a fast paced festival environment. Apparently no meal is complete in France without bread, cheese, or meat. Seriously, almost every salad had all three, and there were never any vegetarian options UNTIL…I stumbled upon Cafe Florian.
Was heading for a meeting about my film project, and me and the colleague I was with couldn’t find anything veggie friendly at the place she chose (not even a salad). So we wandered down one of the lovely winding streets of Cannes and found Cafe Florian, which I sensed may be veg friendly from the bright green decor. When we sat down and I glanced at the menu, I almost cried. FRESH VEGGIE JUICE! Quinoa! Salads without meat and cheese! I was in heaven. Cafe Florian became my hot spot whenever I was close by, and then later I also discovered an awesome Indian place, which I knew would have veggie options, and the food was amazing. Besides that I became addicted to this incredible coconut sorbet that was vegan and had shreds of real coconut in it. YUM. At the end of the trip I ended up meeting this French entertainment lawyer who I discovered later was vegan. I wished I had a chance to chat with him in-depth about staying vegan in France, because from the cuisine it would seem right to assume that French vegans do not exist. Will be looking him up next time I’m there. Was a glorious trip, and I am thankful to say I survived and now that I am back to one. The first thing I did after sleeping for almost two days straight was buy some coconuts. Never been so happy to see a Whole Foods in my life! -XoXo Raw Girl
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdFNSy579lk]
Minerals 4 Beauty: SULFUR
Dearest Readers:Sorry I’ve been M.I.A! Today I am headed to the French Riviera—Cannes, France to be exact for the Cannes Film Festival! That’s right, I’ve got a short film in the Cannes Short Film Corner (Check out my new website which also has a teaser for my short film “50 Bucks in Argentina” www.esosae.com)and I am going to network it up and also get a much needed vacay from the U.S. Promise to take my video camera; it should be a very interesting challenge trying to stay raw vegan in France. But I am a healthy food magnet and down for it, so let the games begin! I also packed my little handy magic bullet blender and a super food powder so that I’m not lacking on vitamins. Hope to have some fun footage to show you…Alright back to the post for today. Lately I’ve been very interested in beauty minerals—-basically the most essential minerals that keep our skin clear and give us that youthful glow. Will cover more minerals when I get back. -XoXo Raw Girl AKA Esosa E.
What key beauty mineral can be used to treat acne and pimples, helps to heal scars and wounds, makes your skin, nails, and hair strong and radiant, and can also help you improve your memory? The answer is SULFUR. That’s right, sulfur is also known as “the beauty mineral” because it is so crucial to maintaining the beauty of our bodies. To start off sulfur must be present for your bodies to produce collagen–which we all know is essential–as it keeps our skin soft and supple. Sulfur has a long history of use as a beauty mineral; apparently Ancient Romans soaked in sulfuric baths to prevent aging and prevent pain. Because sulfur is necessary to promote the flexibility of connective tissues, adding more sulfur to your diet can help those who work out. It actually reduces the amount of lactic acid that builds up in the muscles, can relieve or eliminate muscle cramps, and promotes healing and recovery of injuries faster! Going back to beauty, sulfur is found in keratin, a fibrous protein that makes up about 98% of your nails. So if you ever find yourself with brittle nails that break easily, you definitely need to increase your sulfur intake. Because of its glorious beauty benefits sulfur can be found in over the counter beauty products and in prescribed medications use to treat a range of skin issues such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne.
Beyond beauty, getting adequate amounts of sulfur also helps increase calmness, mental concentration, and boosts your memory.Now that you know how important sulfur is to beauty, here are some fruits and vegetables that have good amounts of sulfur to get you started: AVOCADOS, papaya, coconut, pineapple, banana, watermelon, watercress, garlic, onions, bok choy, cabbage, and spirulina –which is a blue-green algae that can be bought in powder or pill form. We’ll get into more beauty minerals when I return from France….Au Revoir!