Are you in search of new ways to step-up your wellness routine? With the rise of interest in the world of health and wellness, many have discovered new ways to take better care of their bodies and minds. From your choice of a morning beverage to the type of oil you use in the kitchen, there will always be a new way to take care of your health. Let us dive into some of the up and coming trends.
Why You Should Consider Making Black Coffee Your New Breakfast Beverage
Coffee has been a tried and true caffeinated beverage for people for a long time now, but did you know it has benefits far beyond those of its energizing abilities? Black coffee refers to coffee that does not contain any added ingredients such as artificial sweeteners, milk, or cream. For some, the taste of black coffee might be too bitter for their palate, but the lack of sweeteners or additives is what makes black coffee the better option for your health. Let’s break down the benefits of black coffee for your health.
- Low In Calories - Since many turn to coffee for their daily boost of energy, piling on the sweeteners can cause you to consume empty calories that will not be beneficial to your health. These added sugars can be detrimental to your gut health when consumed regularly. However, black coffee is low in all macronutrients while still offering you the energy you need to get through your day.
- Caffeine and Antioxidants - The caffeine levels in black coffee helps to stimulate your digestive process meaning you are less likely to experience issues such as bloating and constipation. The antioxidants reduce the risk of diseases and free radicals entering the body.
- Boosts Mood - Black coffee helps to stimulate the nervous system which promotes the presence of positive neurotransmitters such as dopamine. The increase of serotonin can also reduce feelings of sadness.
- Produces Gastrin - Gastrin is a digestive hormone that is stimulated when you ingest coffee. Gastrin helps with breaking down the food you consume which is necessary to properly digest the food without complications.
It is important to keep in mind that coffee may promote overstimulation for some people and lead to adverse effects such as anxiousness. It is also important to stay hydrated when consuming any type of caffeine to avoid an upset stomach.
Transitioning From Canola Oil to Nutrient Dense Oils
When it comes to cooking, there are several different factors to consider when deciding what ingredients are best for your health. The type of oil to use is one factor people tend to overlook, but should be taken into consideration, as it can impact your digestive process quite heavily. There are certain oils that contain ingredients that are not beneficial to your digestion such as canola oil. Canola oil contains high levels of fat which slows down the digestion process and refrains your body from producing and expelling gas. When consumed in high amounts, canola oil can cause gut inflammation which leads to a host of other issues both physically and mentally.
However, there are other oils that are beneficial. Let’s break them down.
- Olive Oil - As a long withstanding pillar to the mediterranean diet, it is no surprise that olive oil is considered one of the healthiest oil options out there. It contains monounsaturated fats and polyphenols. Unlike canola oil, the presence of polyphenols actually makes olive oil an anti-inflammatory ingredient.
- Avocado Oil - Avocado oil is very similar to olive oil in that they both contain polyphenols and are rich in monounsaturated fats. The use of one over the other comes down to the specific need for the oil. If you are looking for an oil to cook with, you might want to opt for avocado oil as it has a higher smoke point whereas olive oil can be used without needing to cook it due to its delicious flavor.
- Coconut Oil - Coconut oil is great for both gut health and skin health. It contains several vitamins that make it wonderful to cook with. Coconut oil can also be used directly on the skin as a moisturizer.
Potential Benefits of Oil Pulling for Your Digestive Tract
Oil pulling is the process of using oil as a mouthwash in a sense. This ritual has been around for quite some time, but recently has gained newfound popularity. While it most definitely offers oral health benefits such as gum support, combating bad breath, and protecting against cavities, the benefits of oil pulling does not end there.
The oil helps to reduce the presence of bacteria in your mouth, promote the production of saliva, and moisturizes the gums. The digestive process is directly linked to our oral health. The first part of the digestive process actually begins in the mouth. The mouth is responsible for sending signals to our bodies, but if it is not properly cleaned or maintained then it might struggle with offering digestive signals. Without these signals, your digestion will falter and will not be able to properly sort out the rest of its job.
In order to oil pull, you must first find an oil that works for you. Coconut oil is a popular choice for oil pulling due to the taste, but you can use sunflower or sesame oil as well. The oil pulling process requires putting around a tablespoon of chosen oil in your mouth and swishing in a similar fashion that you would mouthwash. It is recommended that you oil pull for as long as seems comfortable, but with time and comfortability you can increase said time.
Coconut oil specifically is known for its antibacterial property making it a very appealing choice. As always, we recommend that you consult your physician before starting any new wellness routine. While the process might seem odd at first, oil pulling can really transform one’s oral health- especially if you struggle with bad breath, gingivitis, and other oral complications.
As always, we recommend that you consult your physician before starting any new wellness routine.