Avena Sativa (Oats) Avena sativa is the name for the common oat, a common ingredient in many common foods. Oats are grown around the world and are a dietary staple for many, many people and with good reason. Oats are very nutritionally sound and are a “good fuel” for the body; they help to stimulate the immune system and promote balanced blood sugar. [1] Why are Oats So Beneficial?Oats contain beta glucan, a dietary fiber that has generated interest for its cholesterol-lowering ability. How able is it? Well, studies have shown that consuming oats every day can reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels by 5-7%. In fact, in 1997, the United States Food and Drug Administration even approved a health claim for beta glucan for reducing cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. You’ve probably seen or heard this information in oatmeal advertisements. It’s common knowledge that antioxidants are beneficial and inflammation can be detrimental. The Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston published information citing that oats contain more than 20 unique compounds with strong antioxidant activity. They also advise that oats can offer a resistance to inflammation. [2] Are Oats Hard to Digest? Oats are not necessarily hard to digest. Often, people with digestive disorders can be dissuaded from certain products because of sensitivities to gluten and other proteins. There is good news, however, in that oats may elicit less of a problem. Results from a study conducted by Department of Clinical Nutrition at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg Sweden indicate that adults with coeliac disease in remission can include wheat-free rolled oats in their diets without experiencing negative effects. [3] Oats in Your Diet According to the Yale Prevention Research Center, daily consumption of whole-grain oat cereal can support vascular health. [4] Furthermore, the Cereal Crops Research Unit at the U.S. Department of Agriculture advises that oats are a great source of antioxidants. [5] A German double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study even found that Avena sativa extract might offer a positive impact on cognitive performance. [6] All of which are fantastic reasons to include more oats in your diet, starting with a big bowl of oatmeal- tomorrow. Have you upped your intake of oats? Have you noticed improvements in your health? Please leave a comment and share your experiences with us. -Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DABFM References:
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Face mapping is a technique used in traditional Chinese Medicine & Auyerveda by Chinese medicine practitioners and reflexologists. It is often used on skin analysis prior to a Facial Dermalogic, which gives great opportunity for understanding how certain areas of your face are related indirectly or directly with your health, indicating imbalances in key organs in your body. While internal problems can be one of the main reasons for acne, especially if you get cystic pimples, there are several other factors that can be responsible for breakouts. These range from skin care products, hygiene, hormones, allergies, genetics, etc. However, understanding what it means when you get pimples on certain facial zones is a good place to get ideas about how to clear your skin. So what's your skin trying to tell you & what organs should you be paying attention to? Forehead: Break outs can usually mean a build up of toxins in the digestive system & bladder. Up your intake of water to flush out the toxins and improve your diet or take a closer look to see if there are foods that you have a tolerance to. Eliminate processed foods and refined sugars where possible. Facial Region Advice of Solution Forehead
Eyes, orbital area & the space above your nose: Redness, flakiness, oiliness (inbetween the brows), itchy eyes here is related to your liver and possible allergies. Cut back on the booze, heavy, fatty or rich foods (are you eating out a lot?) and also dairy. Saturated fats are difficult for the liver to proces, so go easy on the grease... Whilst refined sugars will convert into fats and cholesterol if the liver processes too much! Fresh orange or even lemon juice are great for invigorating the liver & also great for cleansing both your body & liver. Facial Region Advice of Solution Between the Brows
Under the eyes & ears: Notice any dark circles under your eyes? It's not just a lack of sleep that's an issue, you're most likely dehydrated. The area under your eyes & your ears, if they appear redder/hotter than normal are related to your kidneys so keep hydrated and reduce your intake of alcohol, moderate your intake of caffeine, avoid too much salt in your diet and if you must, do a detox. I always notice how some of my friends who have a low tolerance of alcohol (or are allergic to alcohol) react to drinking when I see their ears & cheeks go red! It's always the first place to color. Nose: Apparently redness, broken capillaries & puffiness are related to any underlying heart or blood problems. (Or you may simply have a cold & have been blowing your nose too much!) Facial Region Advice of Solution Nose
Cheeks: This area is related to the lungs and respiratory system. Irritation from pollution, smoking or passive smoking will cause broken capillaries, puffiness, inflammation or minor breakouts here. Facial Region Advice of Solution Left Cheek
Right Cheek
Mouth area: Any congestion here shows underlying problems with your stomach and digestive system - up your intake of fibre and try to eat clean - include lots of fruit, veggies! Facial Region Advice of Solution Lip Area
Chin area: I don't know if this applies to everyone, but breakouts here are usually very common for many women. Hormonal imbalances & even stress are the main causes. I normally just take Omega 3 vitamins & switch it up with Vitamin E with Evening Primrose Oil. Research shows that Vitamin E is actually better for PMS. (via Livestrong) Apparently, depending on which side you have breakouts as this area is also related to your ovaries, you can probably determine which side you're ovulating... now that's just weird! Facial Region Advice of Solution Chin and Jaw
It is also important to keep in mind that the above remedies are just suggestions that may or may not apply to everyone. Since everyone's skin is so unique and different, what works for one person won't necessarily work for another. Ultimately, it is up to you to do proper research before using or doing anything to your skin. Acne can be as much internal as it is external and while lifestyle changes may not make acne go away completely, healthy habits will provide long-term benefits both to your skin and your health. You might just think this is all a load of rubbish and most likely don't apply to you, but next time you experience any congestion, breakouts or notice anything out of the ordinary on your face take another peek at this face map again! Are there any noticeable correlations? |