Almond oil - beauty and health benefits

Almond oil is made from sweet almond seeds and is one of the most valuable natural oils. It is thought, that almond oil provides beauty and health benefits, thus it is widely used in cosmetics, cooking and to support medical problems treatment.

The excellent Almond oil’s properties result from its natural nutrients content, such as: fiber, vitamin A, B, D, E and high level of fatty acid – oleic acid and linoleic acid. It is believed, that almond oil soothes, tones and moisturizes skin, prevents natural aging, supports immune system and has anti-inflammatory effect. 

Almond oil is made from sweet almond seeds and is one of the most valuable natural oils. It is thought, that almond oil provides beauty and health benefits, thus it is widely used in cosmetics, cooking and to support medical problems treatment.

The excellent Almond oil’s properties result from its natural nutrients content, such as: fiber, vitamin A, B, D, E and high level of fatty acid – oleic acid and linoleic acid. It is believed, that almond oil soothes, tones and moisturizes skin, prevents natural aging, supports immune system and has anti-inflammatory effect.

This almond oil I've found in Whole Foods.

Almond oil may improve hair strength and beauty.
Almond oil may be used as a conditioner for damaged, dry hair.  Small amount of almond oil, applied to the ends of hair, smooths and nourishes hair and prevents split ends.

Almond oil may prevent heart diseases.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory almond oil’s properties reduce risk of cardiovascular disease.  Almond oil also lowers level of LDL (bad cholesterol) and increases level of HDL (good cholesterol).

Almond oil may be good for digestive system.
Almond oil may decrease risk of colon cancer and is natural remedy for constipation.

Cooking with almond oil.
You have to know, that there are two kinds of almond oil – refined and cold-pressed, which are different in properties.

• Refined almond oil – is stable in high temperature, so it can be used in baking or frying. Nevertheless it doesn’t provide strong almond taste to dishes. During baking you may replace butter or other oils by almond oil. 
• Cold-pressed almond oil – has low smoke point and can’t withstand high temperatures, but it provides strong almond flavor to dishes. You may use it as an ingredient of smoothie or salad dressing.

Choose cold-pressed almond oil to tend your skin and hair beauty. Unrefined oil contains much more nutritional value, which can benefit your body.

Almond oil from Whole Foods.

                                                     

                                                                                    A&A

What is European Kefir?

Ladies, how about starting your day with champagne?!

Can you believe it could be a healthy and wise choice for your morning routine?

Champagne we are writing about today is a unique and nutritious dairy drink called KEFIR.

Kefir (pronounced ke-feer) is a fizzy and refreshing milk smoothie, rich in active probiotic bacteria, proteins, calcium and vitamin D.

Kefir has been known in Middle and Eastern Europe for hundreds years and has been derived from cow, goat or sheep milk in natural fermentation process. This is why some call it “ the champagne of dairy” nowadays.

In your kitchen, kefir may be used as a smoothie base to be blended with different fruit or as a plain drink paired with grissini sticks.  There are many flavors and types of kefir in the market, but we strongly advise to choose plain/ traditional/ original.
It is always best to opt for food without sugar and artificial flavors!





Kefir has many health benefits such as:

             Probiotic properties  Antibacterial properties
Source of healthy nutrient
 Lowers risk of osteoporosis
 Helps solve digestive problems
 Boosts immune health.

Kefir is rich in live active probiotic cultures that support digestive health. Lifeway original kefir contains 12 live, active probiotic cultures such as Lb. acidophilus, Lb. casei, Lb. rhamnosus, Lb. plantarum.

The good news about kefir as a dairy product is that it is nearly 99% lactose free and may be drunk by people with lactose intolerance.

Another kefir worth recommending is Siggi’s  plain Swedish style filmjӧlk. It consists of two ingredients only- pasteurized skim milk and live active cultures. I appreciate Siggi’s for using only simple ingredients and minimalizing sugar in their dairy products. Similarly to Lifeway kefir, Siggi’s filmjӧlk tastes wonderfully with fruit, granola, oats or grissini sticks.

If you are willing to introduce kefir or filmjӧlk (which is very similar) to your diet, start with one cup a day for a week and for best results combine it with breakfast or lunch in the beginning. Than you may drink up to two cups daily- it is a reasonable amount for a healthy person. Avoid drinking kefir day by day for a long periods of time. Remember, that you diet should be balanced and it is wise to eat a large variety of healthy foods.

          We will share some easy kefir recipes popular in Middle/ Northern/ Eastern Europe soon!                        
                                                                             A&A

Elderberry Tea – excellent remedy derived from nature

Health benefits of elderberry (Sambucus nigra) are known in Europe for ages. Since ancient times the elder plant was appreciated for its curing properties, thus used in folk medicine. Native peoples used flowers, fruit, leaves, and root to prepare extracts and cure common cold, fever, cough and bronchitis.
Sambucus nigra grows in leafy forests, thickets and abandoned gardens. It has white or creamy-colored flowers and tiny black fruit. Fresh elder fruit are inedible, but you may eat them after processing. A good way to benefit from elderberry’s potential is to drink elderberry tea.

                                                       
  Health effects of drinking elderberry tea:
• Soothes cold and flu symptoms – drinking elderberry tea help reducing fever, sore throat and cough; it also brings relief in headache.
• Cleanses and detoxifies organism – sudorific, diuretic and laxative properties support elimination of toxins.
• Alleviates inflammations – helps clear up sinus infections.
• Antioxidants properties – elderberry fruit are rich in anthocyanins - antioxidants protect cells against damage.



How to prepare the elderberry tea?
1. Bring the water to a boil and pour over one teaspoon of dried elder fruit.
2. Cover the mug and let the fruit steep for 15 minutes.


Drink elderberry tea regularly to derive its health benefits or just to enjoy the taste!

A&A