Month: May 2020

Endorphins: ever heard of them? When you read this article, you will know the facts about endorphins and the effect they have on our lives.

What are Endorphins

So for starters, what are endorphins? Endorphins are hormones in humans and other animals. Endorphins are formed and accumulated in the pituitary gland. For more information on hormones, read the article: The Importance of Hormones on this website.

One of the important functions of hormones is to regulate our moods. Endorphins belong to a group of hormones known as “happy hormones.” These hormones are known to help promote positive feelings; including happiness and pleasure. In addition to endorphins, the other hormones that belong to this group are: dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. These will be covered separately in subsequent articles. But note that they all work together to form our overall mood function.

For example: you may have heard of a high feeling after exercise therefore you may already know about the link between exercise and the release of endorphins. However, exercise doesn’t work only on endorphins. Recurrent physical activity can also increase both dopamine and serotonin
levels, making it a great option to boost one’s happy hormones. So, exercise can make one very happy!

What is the Function of Endorphins

Endorphins have several physiological functions. They are peptides which activate the body’s opiate receptors, causing a pain-relieving effect. The word endorphin comes from putting together a combination of the words endogenous, meaning from inside the body, and morphine, which is an opiate pain reliever. In other words, endorphins are natural pain relievers.

Since endorphins take action on the opiate receptors in our brains, they reduce pain and boost pleasure that result in a feeling of well-being. Endorphins are freed in reaction to pain or stress, but they’re also during other activities, such as eating, exercise, or sex. Is there any wonder why there is a massive opioid addiction?

All of the roles endorphins play in the body are not totally understood. It is known that endorphins are crucial to reduce pain and increase pleasure.

Endorphins are involved in our natural reward circuits and are related to important activities like the ones I listed above. Endorphins also surge during pregnancy. They minimize discomfort and pain and maximize pleasure. This helps individuals to continue functioning despite injury or stress. Since we humans naturally seek to feel pleasure and avoid pain, we’re more likely to engage in an activity that makes us feel good.

The Health Benefits of Endorphins

Because endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being they have many benefits, which include:

Easing depression – Studies have shown that nearly one in five people will experience depression at some point during their lifetimes. Studies have also shown indications that exercise have a positive effect on depression due to an increased release of endorphins following exercise.

Many studies have looked at exercise in reducing the symptoms of depression, and the majority of these studies have shown a positive benefit associated with exercise. More research is required to further understand the role that endorphins have in treating depression.

Reduces stress and anxiety – Endorphins may play a significant role in reducing stress and anxiety. A study in mice showed a complete link between endorphin levels and anxious behavior in mice. However, further research studies in humans are needed.

Enhance self-esteem – Positive feelings also make individuals feel confident and affirmative, consequently giving self-esteem a lift. In one small study, endorphins were linked with high self-esteem in a small group of men. However, much larger studies are required.

Reduces weight – The role of endorphins and other hormones in controlling appetite and food intake is complicated. While eating good food is thought to increase endorphin levels, higher levels of endorphins have also been shown in studies involving animals to help regulate the appetite. More research in humans is also needed to shed light on these effects.

Aid with pain during childbirth –Childbirth can be a rewarding, but extremely painful experience. Endorphins are capable of making labor a tad easier. A study in 45 healthy women giving birth found that low levels of beta-endorphin at the end of pregnancy were associated with a need for additional pain treatment medications during labor. Additional research is needed to establish the exact cause and effect.

The Effects of Low Endorphins

When endorphin levels are deficient, an individual’s health may be negatively impacted. The research into the connection between endorphins and health conditions is continuing.

Some studies have shown a potential link between the following health problems and low endorphin levels:

Depression – Without enough endorphins, an individual may be more likely to have depression. An article in the American Journal of Psychiatry discusses the long-standing use of opioid treatments for depression, particularly in cases where other treatments have not worked.

Another article suggests that higher endorphin levels have an impact on depression symptoms due to their association with reward.

Fibromyalgia – Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes persistent muscle pain and tenderness. It is believed that it amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way the brain processes pain signals.

Common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

• long-term pain throughout the body
• tender spots that hurt when they are touched
• muscle stiffness
• fatigue and low energy
• sleep problems

Individuals with fibromyalgia may have less than normal endorphin levels. One study found that folks with fibromyalgia had lower levels of endorphins than those without the condition. They measured endorphins both before and after exercise.

Another study found that increases in the body’s endorphins were associated with pain relief in people with fibromyalgia.

Individuals with fibromyalgia may be recommended to do certain activities to boost endorphins, such as exercise, connecting with others, and stress-relieving activities, such as yoga. They may additionally be prescribed medications to help with symptoms.

Chronic headaches – One possible cause of ongoing headaches is abnormal endorphin levels. Some research proposes that the same endorphin difference that plays a role to depression also exists in people who have chronic headaches.

How to Boost Endorphins

Naturally

While exercise releases endorphins, an individual doesn’t have to run a total extended race to experience the pleasurable effects of an endorphin release. Our bodies will also produce endorphins naturally when individuals participate in the following:

• Engage in sex
• consume dark chocolate (in moderation)
• exercise (of any form of will do, but exercising in a group is even more rewarding)
• take in a sauna
• get a massage
• meditation
• create music or art
• have a good laugh
• dance
• enjoy a glass of wine
• get acupuncture
• enjoy a favorite dish
• eat something spicy
• try some aromatherapy
• watch a favorite TV drama
• volunteer for a cause that brings enjoyment

Select foods may also have an influence on hormone quantities:

• spicy foods, can may generate endorphin delivery
• yogurt, beans, eggs, meats with low-fat content, and almonds to name a few foods linked to dopamine release
• foods high in tryptophan, which have been linked to increased serotonin levels. These include: Foods known to be high in tryptophan include: chicken, eggs, cheese, fish, peanuts, pumpkin and sesame seeds, milk, turkey, tofu and soy, and chocolate.
• foods containing probiotics, such as yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut, which can influence the release of hormones.

Supplementation

There are several supplements that may help increase endorphin levels. Here are just a few to consider:

Tyrosine – Tyrosine is an amino acid that the body produces from phenylalanine. Supplementing with it is believed to increase important

brain chemicals such as endorphins, which affect one’s mood and stress response.

Green Tea – Although green tea contains less caffeine than coffee, it is enough to produce an effect. It also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which can work synergistically with caffeine to improve brain function including endorphin production.

Probiotics – Probiotics which are generally beneficial bacteria provide all sorts of powerful benefits for the body and brain. They can are more commonly known to improve digestive health, but they also promote heart health and reduce depression by aiding in the production of endorphins

Tryptophan – Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that serves several important purposes, such as nitrogen stability in adults and growth development in infants. It also creates niacin that is essential in producing the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin in the brain is believed to control anxiety, happiness, and mood by increasing endorphin levels. Low levels of the serotonin have been associated with depression, and increased serotonin levels brought on by medication are thought to decrease arousal.

Note that in order for tryptophan to be transformed into niacin, the body needs to have enough iron, vitamin B-6, and vitamin B-2.

Professionals studying the results of supplements have found mixed results. Also, note that many studies involved animals only, therefore more research is required to help support the benefits of supplements for humans.

While supplements can be helpful, some aren’t optional for individuals with certain health conditions. They can also interact with certain medications; therefore it is highly advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before trying them.

If you do decide to take any supplements, be sure to read all package instructions and stick to the suggested dose, in view of the fact that some can have negative effects at high doses.

Where to buy Endorphin Supplements

Amazon has a great selection of endorphin supplements. For a peek you can click here.

Marijuana has become more popular in recent years because of its medical benefits. Commonly known for its recreational qualities (getting high), marijuana is evolving as a major medical beneficial product as well. This is because of a component in the marijuana plant known as Cannabidiol (CBD). It is known as CBD oil. Therefore, contained in this article are the facts about CBD oil.

What is CBD Oil

CBD oil is derived from the cannabis plant. Cannabis is the name of a group of plants with psychoactive properties. This group consists of three plants known as Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. When the flowers of these plants are harvested and dried, the result is marijuana.

Cannabis is generally used for its relaxing and calming results. In some U.S. states, it is additionally prescribed to help with a range of medical conditions.

CBD oil is an oil that contains Cannabidiol. CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant and typically usually combined with a base oil (often olive, coconut or MCT).

Cannabis is made up of more than 120 elements or compounds, which are known as cannabinoids. Experts still aren’t certain what every cannabinoid does, but they have a fairly good understanding of two of them, known as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is another active compound and therefore the most well-known due to its psychoactive properties. This is the one that gets an individual “high.”

CBD is nonpsychoactive but features a number of equivalent medical benefits as THC. This allows an individual to take advantage of the therapeutic benefits without leaving them with the “high” feeling that often accompanies THC use.

How is CBD Oil Produced

CBD oil is removed from the leaves, flowers and stalks of the cannabis plant by the use of solvent or heat extraction methods. There are two primary methods of extraction.

The first technique, solvent extraction, uses solvents to separate the components from the plant. On the top quality end, CO2 (Carbon dioxide) is the employed solvent. On the low quality end, harsh chemicals (i.e. ethanol, butane, kerosene, etc) are used as the solvent. In the second method, steam is employed to extract the oil in a very gentle and effective way.

The extraction method directly impacts the value of the oil you obtain. When creating premium oil, it is essential to extract CBD, and other plant compounds, without causing any damage during the process. If the cannabinoids are destroyed or damaged, the product will have less effectiveness and will have need of added flavors to improve the taste.

The Benefits of CBD Oil

There’s some debate around cannabis products such as CBD oil because of recreational marijuana use. But there is an increasing awareness about the possible health benefits of CBD oil. Below are potential medical uses of CBD and the status of the research:

CBD may be able to help manage anxiety. Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress. It is a feeling of fear or apprehension about what is ahead. Examples would be the first day of school, giving a speech or going to a job interview, may cause most individuals to feel fearful and nervous.

However, if one’s feelings of anxiety are extreme and last for longer than six months, and are interfering with their lives, that may be an anxiety disorder.

Research indicates that CBD may change the way the brain’s receptors respond to serotonin, a chemical linked to mental health. Receptors are tiny proteins attached to your cells that receive chemical messages and help our cells react to different stimuli.

A study found that a 600mg dose of CBD helped individuals with social anxiety give a speech. Other previous studies conducted with animals have shown that CBD may help relieve anxiety by:

• reducing stress
• lessening physiological consequences of anxiety, such as an amplified heart rate
• improving symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• inducing sleep in cases of insomnia

CBD has been in the news as an anti-seizure agent and a possible treatment for epilepsy. Research is in its early stages. Researchers are testing how much CBD is able to reduce the number of seizures in individuals with epilepsy, in addition to how safe it is. The American Epilepsy Society asserts that cannabidiol research presents hope for seizure disorders that are currently being performed to raise better understanding of safe use.

A study conducted in 2016 worked with 214 individuals with epilepsy. The study’s contributors added doses taken orally of 2 to 5mg of CBD per day to their existing anti-epilepsy medications. The researchers monitored the contributors for 12 weeks, recording any negative side effects and also checking on the occurrence of their seizures. Overall, the contributors had 36.5 percent fewer seizures per month. On the other hand, severe adverse effects were recorded in 12 percent of the participants.

CBD oil may be a neuroprotective. Researchers are watching a receptor located within the brain to find out about the ways that CBD could help people with neurodegenerative disorders, which are diseases that cause the brain and nerves to deteriorate over time. This receptor is known as CB1.

Researchers are studying the utilization of CBD oil for treating:

• Stroke
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease

CBD oil may also decrease the inflammation that can make neurodegenerative symptoms worse. More research is required to completely understand the outcome of CBD oil for neurodegenerative diseases.

CBD oil may offer pain relief. The effects of CBD oil on the brain’s receptors may also help an individual manage pain. Studies have shown that cannabis can offer some relief benefits when taken after chemo treatments. Other pre-clinical studies sponsored by the National Institutes of Health are also watching the role of cannabis in relieving pain caused by:

• MS pain
• arthritis
• muscle pain
• spinal cord injuries
• chronic pain

A multiple sclerosis drug Nabiximols (Sativex), made up of a mixture of TCH and CBD has been accepted within the United Kingdom and Canada to treat MS pain. On the other hand, researchers think the CBD in the drug may be aiding more with its anti-inflammatory resources than by fighting against the pain. Clinical trials of CBD are essential to establish whether or not it should be used for pain management.

CBD Oil can act as anti-acne agent. The effects of CBD on receptors in the immune system may help diminish inflammation generally in the body. Consequently, CBD oil may offer benefits for acne management. A human study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation determined that the oil ceased activity in sebaceous glands. These glands are responsible for generating sebum, a natural oily substance that hydrates the skin. Excessive sebum, however, can lead to acne.

CBD oil can aid in Cancer treatment. Some studies have investigated the role of CBD in preventing neoplastic (cancerous) cell growth. However, research is still in its early stages. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) says that CBD may help lessen cancer indicators or symptoms and cancer treatment side effects. However, the NCI does not fully give their support to any form of cannabis as a cancer treatment. The action of CBD that’s promising for cancer treatment is its ability to mitigate inflammation and change how cells reproduce. CBD has the effect of restricting the ability of some types of tumor cells to reproduce.

CBD Oil Side Effects

CBD oil usually doesn’t have any main risks for consumers. However, side effects are a possibility.

These consist of:

• dizziness
• hallucinations
• depression
• low blood pressure
• Diarrhea
• Changes in appetite and weight
• Fatigue
• withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability and insomnia

More human studies are considered necessary to fully understand the range of risks and side effects that CBD oil may cause. Studies of CBD oil aren’t frequent. This is partially because Schedule 1 substances like cannabis are highly regulated, causing some hindrances for researchers. With more marijuana products becoming legal, more research is likely, and additional answers will come.

CBD is also known to intermingle with several medications. Therefore, before an individual begins using CBD oil, it is advisable to consult with their doctor to ensure their safety and avoid potentially harmful interactions.

This is especially important for an individual who takes medications or supplements that contain a “grapefruit warning.” Both grapefruit and CBD interfere with cytochromes P450 (CYPs), a cluster of enzymes that are important to drug metabolism.

A study performed on mice indicated that cannabis extracts that are rich in CBD have the potential to produce liver toxicity. However, it is important to note that some of the mice in the study were force-fed particularly large doses of the extract.

In Summary

CBD oil has been studied for its prospective part in easing symptoms of many common health issues, including anxiety, depression, acne and heart disease.

For those with cancer, it may even provide a natural option for pain and symptom relief.

Research on the possible health benefits of CBD oil is continuing, so the likelihood of new therapeutic uses for this natural remedy are sure to be discovered.

Although there is much to be learned about the effectiveness and safety of CBD, the outcome from recent studies propose that CBD may make available a safe, powerful natural treatment for many health issues.

If you would like to try CBD, you’ll be able to purchase many products online, including gummies, oils, and lotions.

For Free Samples of quality CBD hemp oil products from a premium CBD hemp company, you may click here.

Is CBD Oil Legal

CBD oil is in a legal gray area. Whether or not CBD oil is legal or not depends on your location. Therefore, it is best to check with a source from your local authority.

All questions, comments, and concerns are welcomed below.

Good Health!!

Cooking oil is a staple for cooking. However, all cooking oils are not the same. Some are more or less healthy than others. This to a great deal depends on how the oil is being used. The purpose of this article is to shed light on the facts about cooking oil.

What is Cooking Oil

Cooking oil is in a word: fat. It is animal, plant, or synthetic fat used in baking, frying, and other kinds of cooking. It is additionally used in food preparation and flavorings that doesn’t involve heat, such as salad dressings and bread dippings like bread dips, and may be called suitable for eating oil.

Cooking oil is usually a liquid at room temperature, though some oils which contain saturated fat, such as coconut oil, palm oil and palm kernel oil are solid.

Types of Cooking Oil

There is a broad assortment of cooking oils from plant sources like olive oil, soybean oil, palm oil, canola oil (rapeseed oil), corn oil, peanut oil and other vegetable oils, as well as animal- sourced oils like butter and lard.

The Benefits of Cooking Oil

First, and largely significantly, the cooking oil conducts heat from the hot pan to the food being cooked. The oil significantly intensifies the surface of the food to come in contact with heat evenly, instead of having only parts of the food come in direct in contact with the pan.

Additionally, the oil more or less prevents food from sticking to the pan or pot.

Moreover, the oil or any type of fat for that matter, is an important flavor enhancer. It results in better tasting food because it brings out the flavor.

Oil facilitates texture, which is how we get the fried crust on the outer surface of fried foods.

Which Cooking Oil is the Best

There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing which type of oil to use. A few, like olive oil, are well-known, and others, such as avocado or coconut oil, are less familiar.

Which oil is right? That depends mainly on the type of cooking involved. An oil’s smoke point, which is the point when oil begins to burn and smoke, is one of the most important things to consider. If oil is heated past its smoke point, it not only spoils the flavor, but many of the nutrients in the oil decompose causing the oil to release harmful compounds called free radicals. For more information on free radicals, read the article: What are Free Radicals and why are They Bad.

If one is wondering which is the best cooking oil for their health; and which oils are not healthy—there’s some disagreement. So let’s take a look at some choices.

Olive Oil – Experts in both the cooking and nutrition fields concur that one of the most versatile and healthy oils to cook with and eat is olive oil, provided it’s extra virgin. It’s always best to use an oil that is not refined and overly processed, The “extra virgin” label signifies that the olive oil is not refined, and therefore of high quality. Extra virgin olive oil contains a considerable amount of monounsaturated fats and some polyunsaturated fatty acids; studies
have linked it to better heart health. Olive oil features a relatively lower smoke point compared to other oils, so it’s best for low and medium-heat cooking. It’s additionally one of the healthiest oils to use when baking.

Coconut Oil – As a general consensus, coconut oil should either be avoided or incorporated in moderation. The main point of conflict is its high concentration of saturated fat; contrasting other plant-based oils, coconut oil is principally a saturated fat. However, not everyone concur that such a strong source of saturated fat is a no-no for health, but some experts, including the American Heart Association, contend that replacing foods that are excessive in saturated fat with more healthy options is able to lower blood cholesterol levels and achieve better lipid profiles. Still, science is beginning to advocate that not all saturated fats are bad for you.

Overall, there’s a lot of tout about coconut products that overall aren’t backed by sound science. That’s not to say coconut oil is going to cause an individual to become ill, just don’t go overboard. Our bodies do require a little saturated fat. But the industry has done a good job to make it seem like it is a super food. However, the research just isn’t there.

But that doesn’t mean it should be excluded from the pantry. Saturated fats can be a healthier oil to use when you’re cooking at a very high temperature or frying food (although that is something that definitely should be done in restraint), because they are more stable at high heat. This is to say that they are less likely to break down and smoke.

Vegetable Oil – Vegetable oil is the term used to refer to any oil that derives from plant sources, and the health value of a vegetable oil depends on its source and what it’s used for. Most vegetable oils on the market are blended with a mix of canola, corn, soybean, safflower, palm and sunflower oils. It is generally more beneficial to use olive oil instead of a corn or soybean oil.

Fact is, vegetable oils are refined and processed, which means they not only lack flavor, but they also lack nutrients. Vegetable oils are guaranteed to be highly processed. They are called vegetable so that the manufacturers can substitute whatever commodity oil they want, such as: canola, soy, corn, cottonseed without having to produce a new label. Processed oils have been pushed way past their heat tolerance and have become rancid in the process.

Canola Oil – Canola oil is resultant from rapeseed, a flowering plant, and contains a decent amount of monounsaturated fats and a suitable amount of polyunsaturated fats. Of all the vegetable oils, canola oil tends to have the least amount of saturated fats. It has a high smoke point, therefore it can be beneficial for high-heat cooking. However, in the US, canola oil have a tendency to be highly processed, meaning fewer nutrients by and large. Cold-pressed or unprocessed canola oil is available, but it can be hard to find.

Avocado Oil – Avocado oil is an excellent choice. It is unrefined like extra virgin olive oil, but it has a higher smoking point, therefore it can be used to cook at higher heat and is great for stir-frys. It doesn’t have much in the way of flavor, but that makes it a good option for cooking. Avocado oil contains both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (it has one of the highest monounsaturated fat concentrations among cooking oils) as well as vitamin E. The only downside is that it is likely to be more expensive.

Sunflower Oil – Sunflower oil is high in vitamin E; one tablespoon contains 28% of a person’s daily recommended intake of the nutrient. It has a high smoke point and it doesn’t have a strong flavor, which means it won’t overpower the flavor of a dish. However, it contains a large amount of omega-6 fatty acids. Even though the body needs them, omega-6s are thought to be pro-inflammatory, while omega-3s are anti-inflammatory. Therefore, consuming too many omega-6s without balancing them with omega 3s, can lead to excess of inflammation in the body, so limitation is key.

Peanut Oil – Nut oils, such as peanut, can be enjoyable to test with in the kitchen, mainly since there are so many variations of types. Peanut oil has one of the highest content of monounsaturated fat among the cooking oils. It’s generally flavorful with a nutty taste and smell, and cooks favorably at high heat.

Walnut Oil – This oil has a low smoke point, therefore it isn’t good for cooking, but it can be used in a bounty of other ways. For example over pancakes, freshly cut fruit and ice cream. It can also be added to frothed milk for coffee drinks. Walnut oil has a good ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, which helps keep inflammation under control.

Flaxseed Oil – Flaxseed oil is high in omega 3s and has a very low smoke point, consequently it also shouldn’t be used for cooking. However, it can be used for dressing. But it must be stored at a low-temperature location, like in a refrigerator.

Sesame Oil – Sesame oil is often used for its potent flavor; a little goes a long way. It has both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, although it is not especially high in concentration with other nutrients. But It has a higher smoke point so it can be used for high-heat recipes.

So as you can see, there is a variety of oils for a variety of uses and benefits. So be sure to choose wisely to get the best flavor, texture and health advantages. Cooking oil can make or break our recipes and bodies alike. Remember, moderation in all things is key.

All questions, comments and concerns are welcomed below.

Good Health!!