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Although coconut oil has some benefits, most of its purported uses are not backed by science.

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Coconut oil exploded in popularity over the past decade, but some of its claims to fame have since been questioned or entirely debunked.

That said, coconut oil does provide some health benefits if you use it in moderation or under your doctor's guidance. Here's everything you need to know about coconut oil's benefits, unsupported claims and potential dangers.

Coconut Oil's Health Benefits

It's not ideal for every type of topical use and should be eaten in moderation but coconut oil may have some benefits as a remedy for certain health issues. Of course, always consult your doctor before trying to treat a condition at home.

Itchy ears are quite common and often caused by infection, psoriasis or dermatitis, per The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Some people make it worse by using things like bobby pins, coat hangers or toothpicks to scratch inside the ear. (Note: Never do this, as it can harm your ear canal and lead to infection.)

When there isn't evidence of trauma or infection, your itchy ear can be treated with a mild steroid ear drop. Your doctor may also recommend the use of 70 percent alcohol as an ear drop, per the University.

Coconut oil is also a common home remedy for itchy ears (and other causes of itching like boils, for that matter), but it's important to consult with your doctor first to determine the cause of the itching. Virgin coconut oil can reduce the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus that tends to colonize skin with atopic dermatitis (eczema), per a November 2008 study in Dermatitis. In other words, its antibacterial properties may be helpful in treating itchy skin caused by eczema.

Your doctor will determine if you should use coconut oil for ear itching and the cause of your itchiness, whether it's eczema, flaky skin in the ear canal, dry skin inside the ears or something else.

Itchy ears can also be caused by wax buildup. Coconut oil is often touted as a home remedy for ear wax, but the Mayo Clinic actually recommends something else:

You may need to repeat this procedure a few times to eliminate excess ear wax. Your doctor may need to remove larger amounts of wax buildup for you.

Can You Use Coconut Oil for an Ear Infection?

Some people recommend coconut oil as a natural treatment for an earache or fungal ear infection, especially when mixed with a few drops of essential oil. However, theres not enough research available to say with certainty that this remedy works. If you have recurrent ear infections, talk to your doctor before putting coconut oil in your ear.

Ear infections can be caused by a range of issues, including allergies, sinusitis, swimming, injuries, bacterial infections or following upper-respiratory illnesses, per Weill Cornell Medicine. Its important to get medical help quickly to avoid a ruptured eardrum, hearing loss, balance function or even facial inflammation and paralysis caused by ear infections, rather than relying on DIYs like coconut oil.

2. Can Be an Effective Lubricant

Coconut oil can last longer and create less of a mess than other types of cooking oils when used as a sexual lubricant, per UnityPoint Health. However, it can degrade latex and make it less protective, so you should select another lubricant if you are also using diaphragms or condoms.

Unfounded Claims About Coconut Oil

Unfortunately, coconut oil isn't a cure for wrinkles.

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The internet is teeming with claims about coconut oil that simply aren't backed by science. Here's what to know about uses for coconut oil that are not proven based on current research.

1. Does Not Treat Constipation

If you're having recurrent constipation, it's best to see your doctor to determine the underlying cause. Depending on what's causing your constipation, your doctor may recommend diet and lifestyle changes or natural laxatives including those made with mineral oil to help stool move through your colon more easily, per the Mayo Clinic.

But does coconut oil help with constipation? Some bloggers may recommend it, but there isn't enough evidence to show that this is an effective home remedy for constipation, and it's not widely recommended by health organizations. In other words, it's not yet certain if coconut oil can really help you poop, relieve constipation or increase bowel movements.

If you want to make dietary changes to help with your constipation, your best bet is to increase your fiber intake, which increases the weight of stool and makes it move through your intestines more quickly, per the Mayo Clinic.

Try to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables each day, and opt for whole-grain breads and cereals (just be careful to increase the amount of these foods in your diet slowly, because upping your fiber too quickly can actually cause constipation, too).

2. Should Not Be Used for Scabies

While coconut oil may help with general itching, it's certainly not enough to effectively treat scabies. Human scabies is caused when your skin is infested by the human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis), per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This microscopic mite burrows into the upper layer of the skin and lays its eggs, which can cause intense itching and a pimple-like skin rash.

Treatments called scabicides that kill scabies mites and sometimes mite eggs in humans are only available with a doctor's prescription, per the CDC. There are no over-the-counter products that have been tested and approved to treat scabies, and coconut oil for mites is not a recommended remedy.

Scabies infestations are very uncomfortable, due to the intense itching that results from the activation of the immune system in response to mites, mite eggs and mite waste. While coconut oil may help ease the itch in the short term while you wait to see your doctor or fill your prescription, it is not an effective treatment or cure for scabies.

What About Coconut Oil for Ringworm?

On the note of uncomfortable, itchy conditions: Talk to your doctor if youre curious about using coconut oil for ringworm and its symptoms, such as itchy and red skin. Although coconut oil is recommended by some people for ringworm, the treatment you use will depend on its location on your body and how serious it is, per the CDC. Some forms of ringworm need prescription antifungal medication.

There is no cure for herpes, per the CDC. Antiviral medications can prevent or shorten outbreaks, and daily suppressive therapy for herpes can reduce your likelihood of transmission to partners, but you certainly can't rely on coconut oil.

This purported use for coconut oil may stem from its potential antiviral properties, but there simply isn't enough evidence to back this up. Coconut oil is made up of about 50 percent 12-carbon lauric acid, and when that's digested, it produces monolaurin (both of which can kill bacteria, viruses and fungi), per SCL Health. However, scientists aren't sure the human body can produce monolaurin from coconut oil.

But what about coconut oil for cold sores, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus? Cold sores typically go away without treatment within two to four weeks, but there are several types of prescription antiviral medications to expedite the healing process, per the Mayo Clinic (which does not include coconut oil as a recommended home remedy for cold sores).

You can try over-the-counter cold sore remedies that contain a drying agent like alcohol or a cream combining rhubarb and sage. Propolis, or synthetic beeswax, is also available as a remedy and can shorten the duration of a breakout.

In short, there's no clear evidence that coconut oil helps herpes sores or blisters, even if it does have antiviral properties.

4. Has No Special Benefits for People With Type O Blood

In 1996, Peter D'Adamo published Eat Right for Your Type, a book based on the idea that people with different blood types thrive on different kinds of diets. If you ask D'Adamo, coconut oil is good for blood group O. However, there's no real scientific evidence to support his claims.

Researchers have looked into the Blood Type Diet and found that while many people do report benefits when following the diet, it's unrelated to their blood type and, instead, is a result of incorporating new healthy dietary and lifestyle changes.

Researchers concluded that no evidence currently exists to validate the purported health benefits of blood type diets in a May 2013 systematic review in the The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Following the Blood Type Diet could improve certain health markers like triglycerides, insulin levels and cholesterol, but it's unrelated to blood type, per a January 2014 review in PLOS One.

5. Does Not Improve Heart Health

The effects of coconut oil on heart health are widely debated. A February 2015 study in Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism that was done on rodents found that coconut oil and exercise training combined helped improve blood pressure levels, but that's not enough to say that you should load up on the fatty stuff to improve your heart health.

Some people will tout how coconut oil is a miracle cure for heart health or weight loss because of its "special type" of saturated fat, but health organizations still don't recommend it.

Coconut oil is extremely high in saturated fat (50 percent higher than butter), per the Mayo Clinic. Even though saturated fat is known to raise cholesterol levels, which is linked to heart disease, champions of coconut oil believe that some of coconut's saturated fats called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are good for you and may raise levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol.

However, coconut oil has been found to increase both good and bad cholesterol levels more than other plant-based oils like olive or canola, per the Mayo Clinic. And those fancy MCTs you hear about are only a small part of the total fatty acids in coconut oil.

High blood pressure and high cholesterol are linked, because clogged-up arteries mean the heart has to work harder to pump blood (which may raise blood pressure), per the Cleveland Clinic. Because of this, coconut oil could raise your blood pressure in the long run.

Based on the current research, it's best to opt for heart-healthy fats like olive oil, canola oil or the healthy omega-3s found in nuts and seafood. There is not enough evidence to say that coconut oil is good for high blood pressure or can lower your blood pressure, and it may in fact do the opposite.

What About Coconut Oil for Energy?

The MCT fats in coconut oil may help to boost thermogenesis and/or fat burning in the body. Because they can enter your cells without breaking down, MCTs can be used as a source of energy right away, per a June 2016 study in the Journal of Lipid Research.

Thats why when you look up how to use coconut oil or more generally what to do with coconut oil, some athletes will recommend you use coconut oil on toast, put coconut oil in protein shakes or have MCT oil before a workout.

However, there are not enough long-term studies that show theres a need for most people to use MCT oil.

If youre interested in feeling more energized naturally, talk to your doctor. There are several ways to do so, including controlling your stress, exercising, eating a healthy diet, limiting alcohol and drinking water, per Harvard Health Publishing.

6. Does Not Get Rid of Wrinkles

Coconut oil is often touted to help with wrinkles, smoker's lines and other signs of aging, but there isn't clear evidence to support that coconut oil is good for wrinkles on the face.

Instead, common ingredients that might result in some improvement in the appearance of your skin include retinoids, vitamin C, hydroxy acids, coenzyme Q10, peptides, tea extracts, grape seed extract and niacinamide but most over-the-counter wrinkle creams will only slightly improve the appearance of your skin, per the Mayo Clinic.

Some people say a coconut oil face massage can be beneficial. But while the oil may give the appearance of smoothing out lines, it doesn't penetrate the skin or produce collagen, per the skin care company Skin Resource.MD. It also has one of the highest comedogenic ratings, meaning it can clog your pores easily, which could be an issue for sensitive or blemish-prone skin. This is one of coconut oil's disadvantages for skin.

The best ways to reduce premature skin aging include protecting your skin with broad-spectrum, SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen every day, refraining from smoking, eating a healthy and well-balanced diet, drinking less alcohol, exercising most days, cleansing your skin gently twice a day and applying moisturizer daily, per the American Academy of Dermatology Association.

7. Does Not Treat Pink Eye

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, causes red and swollen eyes (sometimes with discharge). It occurs when your conjunctiva the clear tissue covering the white part of your eyes is irritated by allergies or an infection, per the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Naturally, you may want to know how to fix pink eye fast.

Most pink eye will resolve itself in a week or two, but you need to see a doctor right away if you're in pain, having trouble seeing or becoming sensitive to light. You should also see a doctor if your symptoms have continued for a week or more, your eye is producing a lot of pus or mucus or if you have other infection symptoms like fever or aches, per the AAO.

Although coconut oil is sometimes touted as one of the home remedies for a pink-eye infection, there's not enough research to prove its effectiveness, and it could potentially make the eye condition worse, according to the AAO. Instead, the organization recommends the following:

8. Is Not an Effective Natural Deodorant

It probably doesn't hurt to try coconut oil on your armpits, but there isn't any clear evidence that coconut oil is effective against Staphylococcus hominis, the type of bacteria responsible for creating stinky underarm odor.

In other words, some people say coconut oil can be used as deodorant but just because it's been shown to be mildly antibacterial doesn't mean putting coconut oil on your underarms can protect against the specific type of bacteria that cause odors.

Coconut Oil's Risks and Drawbacks

Coconut oil could actually be a hazard in the bathroom.

Image Credit: Photo by Joel Sharpe/Moment/GettyImages

Home remedies can be fun to try, but coconut oil can come with its own dangers. Here's what to keep in mind when you try using coconut oil at home.

One tablespoon of coconut oil contains 11.2 grams of saturated fat, per the USDA, which is the primary drawback of eating this oil.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends getting no more than 5 to 6 percent of your calories from saturated fat, which equates to about 120 calories (or 13 grams) of saturated fat per day for a 2,000-calorie diet. The AHA does not make exceptions for the MCT fats found in coconut oil.

Replacing foods that are high in saturated fat with healthier options can help lower blood cholesterol levels, per the AHA. That means replacing tropical oils like coconut oil or palm oil with healthier sources like olive oil.

2. May Increase the Risk of Slips and Falls

Coconut oil is invisible on surfaces and very slippery. Because of this, it may be risky to use coconut oil in the shower. (What's more, coconut oil can harden in pipes when they cool and can cause blockages, per AMLI Residential.) Any spills should be cleaned promptly to prevent slips and falls.

3. Could Contribute to Gallstones

Coconut oil may not be part of a healthy diet that prevents gallstones, which are hard pieces of material typically made of cholesterol or bilirubin that form in your gallbladder, per the National Institutes of Health (NIH). They can cause sudden pain and serious complications if left untreated.

Chronic alcohol abuse, viral C cirrhosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are the underlying liver diseases most commonly associated with gallstones, per a June 2014 study in the World Journal of Gastroenterology. Foods high in saturated fat like coconut may not be good for your liver, either: Saturated fat can harm the human liver more than unsaturated fats or simple sugars, per an August 2018 study in Diabetes Care.

Note that gallstones are different from gallbladder sludge, a thick material that can't be absorbed by bile and builds up in the gallbladder often in pregnant people or those who have lost weight very quickly, per Johns Hopkins Medicine.

To prevent gallstones, the NIH recommends eating healthy fats like fish oil and olive oil, which will help your gallbladder contract and empty on a regular basis. (A fatty diet can lead to gallstones, and remember, coconut oil is very high in saturated fat). It's also a good idea to eat more fiber-rich foods and fewer refined carbohydrates and sugar.

If coconut oil is a regular part of your diet, consider healthier cooking options to manage your fat intake and weight and to prevent gallstones.

You should see a doctor right away if you have symptoms during or after a gallbladder attack, which may include pain in your abdomen lasting several hours, nausea and vomiting, fever or chills, yellowish color of you skin or whites of your eyes, tea-colored urine or light-colored stools, per the NIH.

4. Hydrogenated Coconut Oil Contains Trans Fat

If you see a jar of coconut oil labeled as "partially hydrogenated," it's best to avoid it. Although coconut oil mostly contains saturated fats, sometimes its small amount of unsaturated fats are hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated, per the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

This is done to extend shelf life and maintain a solid texture even in warm temperatures, but the process creates trans fats, which should always be avoided.

Trans fat is the worst fat for your health, per the National Library of Medicine. Too much trans fat increases your risk of heart disease and other health issues by raising your LDL (bad) cholesterol, lowering HDL (good) cholesterol and causing weight gain. Your body doesn't need trans fat, so eat as little as possible.

Saturated fat has long been a coconut oil health controversy (with many people recommending it despite a lack of evidence), but one thing is clear: Hydrogenated coconut oil and its trans fat are a danger for your health.

If you want to use coconut oil in your everyday cooking, do so in moderation. The AHA recommends opting instead for unsaturated oils such as canola, corn, olive, soybean and safflower.

A serving size of coconut oil is 1 tablespoon, but keep in mind that this equates to 56 percent of your daily value for saturated fat and 121 calories.

Talk to your doctor about dosage if you're using coconut oil topically as a home remedy or treatment.

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The Health Benefits and Risks of Coconut Oil - Livestrong

Celebrity chef Katie Lee Biegel welcomed daughter Iris 10 months ago, and the new mom just revealed that she's already back to her pre-pregnancy weight. However, the star admits that getting there wasn't as easy as she thought it would beand that the number on the scale isn't her main focus these days.

In a new Instagram post, Biegel reveals exactly how she shed the baby weight and how she's getting closer to her health and fitness goals every day. And for more celebrity health and fitness news, check out Brie Larson Shares Her Exact Arm and Butt Workout In New Video.

On July 9, Biegel opened up to her Instagram followers about how "bouncing back" after having her daughter hadn't exactly been as easy as she'd hoped.

"I recently hit my pre-baby weight, but it really isn't about the number on the scale. We spend 9 months growing, expanding, and having so many changesthen there's childbirthwhich for me, was the easier part. What I was not at all prepared for was the postpartum recovery. I was in quite a bit of pain for a solid 6 weeks and it took me a much longer time to heal physically than I ever expected," Biegel explained. The star noted that she was unable to exercise for the first few months after giving birth and found herself without either the time or energy to prepare healthy meals.

However, now that she's finding time to practice these healthy habits, Biegel says she's feeling more like herself again. "I started to get back to myself. Exercise, my big salads, blow drying my hair! Now, I power walk every day with Iris in her stroller, I do postnatal and Pilates workouts on @obefitness, and I use my @ww app. I finally feel like my body is backnot only because of the number on the scale, but I feel like I am back to feeling strong and healthy."

For more insight into how your favorite celebs shape up, check out Rita Ora Reveals Her On-the-Go Workout to Stay Fit.

Biegel, who is a WW partner, has long been an advocate of largely plant-based eating. In a March 2021 interview with EatingWell, Biegel credited fruits and vegetables with helping her lose weight after the birth of her daughter.

"I always look at my plate and try to make it 70 to 80% vegetables. I want a colorful diet. If you load up on the good stuff, you can crowd out the bad stuff," she explained.

Related: 100 Unhealthiest Foods on the Planet

Biegel admits that it's easy to give in to temptation when she's on set, so she allows herself to have a tiny portion of the foods she's craving to avoid overindulging.

Prior to filming, Biegel makes sure to exercise so that she's kicked off the day with a positive choice for her health. Once on set, she allows herself just a few bites of less than healthy food before moving on. "I learned quickly that if you eat everything [on set], you will feel terrible at the end of the day. So I'll take a couple of bites, and then I walk away," she told Health in 2018.

Related: The Worst Guilty Pleasure Foods on the Planet

While Biegel has been working hard to slim down after giving birth, she's said in the past that she's not going to go to any extreme lengths to do so.

"I don't subscribe to that no-carb thing. I'm so sick of the Atkins diet and all that," the admitted pizza fanatic told Health. "First of all, if you're not eating carbs, all you do is think about them. It's one of those things that you take out and, initially, you lose weight, but you are miserable."

For more on how your favorite stars slim down, check out RHOBH Star Garcelle Beauvais Shares Her Exact Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner to Lose Weight, and for the latest celebrity health and fitness news delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter!

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Katie Lee Biegel Shares How She Got Back to Her Pre-Baby Weight | Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

Weight loss is a problem that continues to confuse many people. Despite all the many researches and studies that have been done on the subject, some people still feel like they are unable to attain the push they need to achieve their ideal body. This often has to do with internal issues in their body that are causing hindrances towards their body. However, with many natural supplements looking to solve this matter, there might yet be hope. This review will take a closer look into one such supplement: MetaZyne.

Click Here to Get MetaZyne From Its Official Website

MetaZyne Review

About MetaZyne

This is a supplement that features a potent formula that combines the essence of almost 22 carefully mixed together extracts, vitamins and minerals. The supplement ensures that the major issues that people have with their weight loss woes are addressed. And it does so in a manner that is both natural and safe for the long term. As a result of this, one can expect to receive a worthwhile and safe route to their ideal body when they begin using this product. This is one of the major reasons behind the major rise to popularity that MetaZyne has seen recently.

The product can easily be made to fit anyones lifestyle or daily routine. Users simply need to make sure that they are consistently using it. Only a table spoon or two of the formula is to be taken a day. And this will result in an accelerated amount of fat burning and weight loss. Furthermore, users will be able to see significant changes within a short time period of using this supplement.

Does MetaZyne Really Work? A Must Read Before Buying

How Does the Supplement Work?

At the base of this product is its potent formula that includes a variety of healthy ingredients. Each of these has been tried and tested to ensure that users are receiving the best possible results from them. Furthermore, the ingredients are all worthwhile considerations that have been used a multitude of times in the past. Some of the major additions that one will find in this formula includes Camu Camu fruit, Acacia Gum, Ginseng Root, Turmeric Root, Vitamin E and C, Selenium and more. As is clear from this list, each of these ingredients is a highlight tested option and one that will yield positive results for the user.

These ingredients all blend together well, and help in the creation of a revitalizing and strengthening formula that can assist one in a multitude of ways. As users begin to make use of this product, they will begin to notice the changes themselves. Buy The Most Effective Weight Loss Supplement of 2021 Here

Who Are the Creators of the MetaZyne?

The main person who made this supplement is a native of Denver City. 46 year old Ray Brown states that he isnt a health specialist on his website. But has a lot of personal history dealing with weight loss and similar issues. In addition to this, he is a medical librarian and has spent an ample amount of time in the countrys leading universities. Through this experience, he has succeeded in garnering a lot of knowledge and information about a variety of things relating to weight loss.

This supplement stands as the culmination of his efforts in helping others achieve weight loss more effectively. As users begin to notice its effects, they will too see that the product has been researched and well-developed prior to its creation.

Pros of Getting the MetaZyne Supplement

Concliusion on MetaZyne Review

Overall, this is one supplement that is quickly rising among the ranks to offer users one of the best options if they wish to lose weight. The product is a safe option and is currently available at a low and reduced pricing too. For this reason, anyone that wishes to learn more about this supplement should definitely consider visiting their official website. It has pricing details and more available.

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MetaZyne Reviews Real Weight Loss Benefits or Negative Side Effects? - Business Deccan

Weight loss, in the context of medicine, health, or physical fitness, refers to a reduction of the total body mass, by a mean loss of fluid, body fat, or lean mass. Weight loss can either occur unintentionally because of malnourishment or an underlying disease, or from a conscious effort to improve an actual or perceived overweight or obese state. While losing weight for some is hard, and others just contemplate the efforts involved and push it away for another day.

You can lose weight or manage your weight without going on a crash diet or following rigorous exercise sessions every day. Although exercise can certainly help build fat-burning muscle, it may not shrink your waistline as much as changing your diet will. Making simple lifestyle changes can help you get leaner. Working out on a regular basis is helpful for weight loss, but may not be practical for some people due to health conditions, time restraints, or lack of interest. There are many ways that can help you achieve your weight loss without hitting the gym. Here are a few tips to implement into your daily routine.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and it is perceived as healthy, even more, important than other meals. One should not skip breakfast as it helps in breaking your overnight fast. No breakfast means no energy for your body and no nutrients going to your brain since dinner the night beforewhich could be in the neighborhood of 12 to 14 hours before. Breakfast eaters tend to be healthier and leaner than breakfast skippers.

When you skip breakfast, your immunity goes down. It can also cause increased bouts of acidity and people who skip breakfast are four times likely to be obese than people who eat something in the morning. Consuming a healthy breakfast restores the glucose levels in the body and lowers stress levels. It is claimed that breakfast helps us lose weight and that skipping it can raise our risk of obesity.

Eating a protein-rich diet can help people lose weight because it can help them avoid overeating. A high protein diet can help build lean muscle when combined with exercise. They also play an essential role in the production of hormones, enzymes, and red blood cells. Diets that are high in protein help to decrease hunger, increase satiety, boost metabolic rate, and preserve muscle mass.

Proteins are essential nutrients for the human body. During human digestion, proteins are broken down in the stomach into smaller polypeptide chains via hydrochloric acid and protease actions. This is crucial for the absorption of the essential amino acids that cannot be biosynthesized by the body. High protein foods include lean chicken, lean pork, fish, lean beef, tofu, beans, lentils, low-fat yogurt, milk, cheese, seeds, nuts, and eggs.

Sleep and health are strongly related poor sleep can increase the risk of having poor health, and poor health can make it harder to sleep. The recommended amount of sleep for a healthy adult is at least seven hours. Most people dont need more than eight hours in bed to achieve this goal. Numerous studies have suggested that restricted sleep and poor sleep quality may lead to metabolic disorders, weight gain, and an increased risk of obesity and other chronic health conditions.

Adults ages 18 to 60 should aim to get 7 or more hours of sleep each night. This amount increases to 7 to 9 hours of sleep for those ages 61 to 64. When youre sleep-deprived, your body responds by making more ghrelin and less leptin. This may cause you to overeat. Stimulants like caffeine can make it harder to sleep, and a heavy or sugary meal close to bedtime can make sleep uncomfortable.

Aerated drinks and sodas are fast becoming the most consumed beverages. Fizzy drinks and fruit juices are acidic. The artificial sugar- aspartame used as a substitute for sugar in these drinks is even more harmful. So, if you want to slim down your waist quickly and avoid gaining unhealthy belly fat, you would want to stop drinking soda. On average, a can of non-diet cola contains about 135 calories. Kick out the sodas from your daily routine that offers nothing but empty calories.

Instead, drink:

When it comes to losing weight, the rules around food are pretty simple: Dont overeat, control your portion sizes and listen to your bodys fullness cues. The size of your plates and eating utensils affects how much you eat. If you did nothing else but reduce your portions by 10%-20%, you would lose weight. serving size is a standard set by a foods nutrition label, while portion size varies depending on whos dishing out the fare.

So, while you adjust to eating smaller portions, switch to smaller plates, which will make your portions appear larger while tricking your brain into thinking youre eating more. You wont feel deprived because the food will look plentiful on dainty dishware. Eating smaller portions can curb cravings and help reduce overall calorie intake.

ALSO READ: How To Lose Weight Fast: 5 Effective Ways That Will Help You

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How to lose weight without exercise: Tips and tricks - The Live Mirror

JAMES Argent has made a new weight loss aim and joked to pals he plans to be "half the man be used to be".

The Towie star - whose weight ballooned to 27 stone in lockdown - had previously said he hoped to shed 10 stone.

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But he's now switched his ambition to losing HALF his body weight and wants to drop from 27 stone to 13 stone.

And hes staying focused on his weight loss crusade by binning all his XXL clothes so he doesnt fall back into bad ways.

The 33-year-old who was seen singing in an impromptu performance at a couples wedding over the weekend has already lost more than six stone so is well on the way to achieving his aim.

A pal said: James has never felt better in his life and the weight has dropped off far more quickly than he ever expected. It's made him realise he can lose even more weight so he plans to just go for it.

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"The only downside is he is having to buy a whole new wardrobe. But hes binning those items he no longer wears or which drown him so hes not tempted to pile back on the pounds. James is making a change for life.

We revealed last month the former TOWIE star ballooned to 27 stone and was terrified to leave the house because he was ashamed of how he looks.

But now following a gastric-op he has already lost more than SIX STONE and he has no intention of stopping there. His next ambition is to swim the channel and he is even considering one day running a marathon.

The reality TV star recently spoke candidly on Stephs Packed Lunch on how scary it felt to have tipped the scales at 27 stone.

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Arg shocked fans last year when he ballooned in weight during lockdown, admitting he swapped his drink and drug addiction for food.

Detailing how he felt prior to the surgery, he told the Channel 4 show host: It felt horrible, I was always extremely uncomfortable, I couldnt look at myself in the mirror.

It felt depressing and it just wasnt me. Now Im starting to feel like myself again and Im excited about what the future is going to bring.

It was scary being 27 stone It was serious, doctors were telling me how dangerous it was I knew it was something I had to address pretty quickly.

Arg added: Im four stone lighter now. Its a really good start. Four stone out of 11 or 12 might seem like a drop in the ocean but Im pleased Ive made progress already.

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I feel so much happier already, I feel healthier already, Im lighter on my toes, Im more confident. Im really loving life at the moment.

Gushing over the gastric sleeve op, he hailed it the best thing Ive ever done.

He is now six weeks post-op and said the surgery helped most with his portion control.

Gemma Collins ex said: I can still eat what I want now, its down to me what I put inside my mouth. It helps me with portion control.

Exclusive

Exclusive

It helps me physically, Ive still got to do a lot of work to make sure Im all good mentally.

Talking of how fame played a part in his embarrassment over his figure, Arg revealed: It can be a lot of pressure There were times when I was at my biggest I did feel uncomfortable about leaving the house and sometimes Id wait until it was dark before leaving the house because Id be conscious about having pictures taken of me

He added: Now Im in a place where Im on this journey, Im losing weight gradually and accepting the way I look now.

Arg recently revealed his surgery wounds from the operation which saved his life.

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James Argent sets new 14st weight loss target as he bins XXL clothes after gastric surgery... - The Sun

Blood oranges are citrus fruits often known for their vibrant color and dark, crimson flesh.

They get their unique hue from certain compounds known as anthocyanins, including chrysanthemin (1).

Thanks to rich reserves of essential antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, this flavorful fruit has even been linked to several powerful health benefits.

Here are 7 potential benefits of blood oranges, along with a few tips on adding them to your diet.

Blood oranges are low in calories but high in the fiber, vitamins, and minerals your body craves.

One blood orange contains (2):

Blood oranges also boast high amounts of vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential micronutrient that acts as an antioxidant and plays a key role in your immune function (3, 4).

Like other citrus fruits, blood oranges provide many other vitamins and minerals essential to your health. These include (5):

Additionally, blood oranges contain several antioxidant compounds, such as (6):

Blood oranges are low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants, and several other key vitamins and minerals.

Blood oranges may be a great addition to a healthy weight loss diet.

Not only are blood oranges low in calories, theyre also high in fiber, with 3 grams in each serving (2).

Fiber passes through the digestive tract very slowly, helping you stay full longer by prolonging the digestion in your stomach (7).

Some research also suggests that adding more citrus fruits to your diet may be beneficial for weight loss, if thats your goal.

A 24-year study including more than 133,000 adults associated eating more citrus fruits with increased weight loss (8).

Another review of 13 studies concluded that citrus fruits and their extracts may be effective in losing weight (9).

Blood oranges are low in calories and high in fiber, which can help increase feelings of fullness. Some research also shows that eating more citrus fruits may be beneficial for weight loss.

Blood oranges contain several nutrients that are important for promoting proper growth and development during your pregnancy.

Folate, for example, is necessary to prevent neural tube defects and other birth defects (10).

Vitamin C is also crucial during pregnancy. One study in 1,138 women reported that increased intake of vitamin C or fruits and vegetables mid-pregnancy was linked to improved fetal and infant growth up to 6 months of age (11).

Additionally, fiber may help prevent several issues during pregnancy, including diabetes, constipation, and preeclampsia (12, 13).

Interestingly enough, some studies have also found that eating more citrus fruits during pregnancy may also be beneficial for children later in life.

For instance, one study showed that children of mothers who ate more citrus fruits during pregnancy were less likely to experience hyperactivity and emotional and behavioral concerns during childhood (14).

Blood oranges contain several nutrients that are important during pregnancy. Eating more citrus fruits while pregnant may also be beneficial for children later in life.

With a hearty dose of vitamin C packed into each serving, blood oranges may help ramp up immune function, protecting you from illness and infection.

In fact, studies show that supplementing your diet with vitamin C may help reduce the duration of upper respiratory infections, diminish their severity, and even improve outcomes for severe infections (15, 16).

Plus, blood oranges contain a variety of antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that may help neutralize harmful free radicals to reduce inflammation and prevent cell damage in your body.

Whats more, antioxidants may also protect you against many chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart disease (17, 18).

Blood oranges are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, both of which can support immune health.

Blood oranges are a great source of fiber, boasting nearly 3 grams in a single serving (2).

Fiber can soften and add bulk to stool this promotes your regularity and prevents constipation (7, 19).

Fiber may also be beneficial for the treatment of several other conditions, including hemorrhoids and diverticulitis (7, 20).

Adding more fiber into your diet can also help improve the health of the gut microbiome, which is the community of beneficial bacteria found in your digestive tract (21, 22).

Research shows that the gut microbiome plays a key role in many aspects of health, including digestion, immune function, heart health, and more (23).

Blood oranges are a good source of fiber, which can promote regularity and enhance the health of the gut microbiome.

Blood oranges are rich in cancer-fighting antioxidants like chrysanthemin, the compound that gives the fruit its distinct color.

In one test-tube study, chrysanthemin prevented the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells (24).

Other antioxidants found in blood oranges have also been shown to have anti-cancer effects, including caffeic, ferulic, and coumaric acids (25, 26, 27, 28, 29). Its important to note, however, that these findings were in test tube studies of cell, and more studies including humans are needed.

Studies also show that eating more citrus fruits may be associated with a lower risk of several types of cancer, including lung, stomach, and oral cancers (30, 31, 32).

Still, more studies are needed to understand how blood oranges may affect cancer development in humans when eaten in typical amounts.

Some of the compounds found in blood oranges have been shown to decrease cancer cell growth in test tube studies. Eating more citrus fruits may also be linked to a lower risk of certain types of cancer.

Blood oranges have a slightly sweet, tart, and tangy flavor that works well in a variety of recipes.

From cakes and panna cottas to ice creams and sorbets, blood oranges make a great addition to many desserts.

You can also use blood oranges to brighten up salads or add a tasty twist to cocktails, juices, and mixed drinks.

Alternatively, you can try using blood oranges in dressings and salsas for an extra burst of flavor and nutrients.

Similar to other citrus fruits, blood oranges can also be enjoyed as a simple snack on the go. Just peel them and enjoy!

Blood oranges have a unique flavor that can be enjoyed on its own or added to a variety of recipes.

Blood oranges are highly nutritious and contain several important vitamins and minerals, including fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

They may also be linked to many health benefits, including weight loss, improved gut health, and better immune function.

Plus, this citrus fruit is simply delicious. You can enjoy its unique flavor in a variety of recipes.

See the rest here:
7 Unique Benefits of Blood Oranges - Healthline

My breakfast: Poha/ 2 egg whites with 1 toast/ Bread poha/ Oats cheela/ besan cheela any 1 option with 1 cup milk (without sugar)

My lunch: 1 chapati (50%oats flour+50% normal atta), 1 bowl vegetable + 1 bowl salad + 1 bowl raita (cucumber or pomegranate)

My dinner: Same as lunch, but without raita

Pre-workout meal: None as such

Post- workout meal: Just have lots of water and no specific meals.

I indulge in (What you eat on your cheat days): I was desperately trying to keep off sugar but used to have moderated quantities of my favourite items, once in a while. But I tried my best to stay off of them.

Low-calorie recipes I swear by: Sugar free Parfait with chia seeds. Kills your sugar cravings.

Read more:
Weight loss story: "I had oats roti and did stair workout to lose weight" | The Times of India - Times of India

I used to weigh 320 pounds.

Thats a statement I am proud to make. Especially this week when I stood on a scale and realized I am now below 200 pounds. No matter what part of the room I move my scale, it told me I am at a welcomed 199.6 pounds.

How did I do it? The easy answer would be, I drink a lot of water. The deeper and most honest truth is that I lost 120 pounds the same way I gained the weight in the first place through a lifestyle change that was triggered by my mental health.

My weight journey didnt start at the gym or with a strict diet plan. It started in 2013, when I auditioned for my universitys church choir.

My classically trained voice caught the eyes and ears of a thankful choir director. I also caught the attention of a cute and devoted Catholic guy in the choir who held my hand every time we prayed. And Catholics pray a lot.

Yes, I was delusional falling for a God-loving man at a Catholic church, but it was fun.

There were the late-night hangouts that made me sigh for weeks and the cute text message screenshots that made my best friend gasp in excitement for me.

My life was like a song Selenas Amor Prohibido (Forbidden love). In the song, Selena says who cares what society thinks when we have each other. Its beautiful. However, listening to it again, I realized the song like my situation doesnt actually have a happy ending.

People began to stare, and he suddenly became booked with church events. I stopped going to church because it felt like I had a giant scarlet letter on me. A huge rainbow-colored G.

The staring was harsh and the message clear: I wasnt welcome.

I rarely saw him over the next year, and when there were opportunities to see him, I didnt want him to see me.

When I first met him, I was a good-standing double major student who was 2nd chair in the universitys prestigious top band. I performed in the orchestra, playing the french horn, and was even voted the most valuable player for the marching band.

After the heartbreak, I failed a music class three times and embarrassed myself when I performed a failing senior music recital in front of my peers and music professors.

My graduation was pushed back. I started losing my hair when I was 23. And by 2016, I had gained almost 100 pounds.

Those facts are hard to admit. But now they make me proud, too.

Just like losing the weight, fighting those demons that tore me down and turned me into the worst version of myself was no easy feat. How do you tell yourself you love yourself when you know this version of yourself is the worst youve ever been?

At the lowest point of my young life, a defeated me told myself, I will survive. I decided to turn my life into a song again (the Selena disco medley version), and this time one that had a happy ending.

When people ask, How did you do it? I say, It just happened.

The best way I can explain it is through bicycling. I never look straight ahead, my eyes are always locked three meters in front of me. And before I know it, I have traveled a good 4 miles. The same goes for these past five years I spent working on myself. I stayed focused on bettering myself, and it just happened.

Its funny. I walked into that church five years ago and definitely went on a spiritual journey.

Here I am now. A bald and beautiful man who knows that if a certain pant size can be a goal, a state of mind can be one, too.

Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.

Ismael Prez is a member of the Sun-Times Editorial Board.

Read more from the original source:
Weight loss: A summer body five years in the making | Perez - Chicago Sun-Times

July 14, 2021

Luz DeJesus, of Sayreville, New Jersey, gained 60 pounds with her first pregnancy in 2004, and it stuck. With my second pregnancy in 2014, I was very careful and only gained nine pounds, she says.

The excess weight on her petite 52 frame was a burden on most aspects of her life. I had no energy, I was mentally drained, and I couldnt do certain physical activities with the kids, Luz says. I felt off-balance, which made me fall a lot and sprain my ankles.

Luz really wanted to lose weight, so she tried technique after technique: She joined gyms, took exercise classes, tried diets and took medication. None of it worked. In her work as a medical assistant in the Behavioral Health Department of Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge, she saw patients being evaluated for bariatric surgery and those receiving follow-up counseling. She noticed happy, successful patient after patient of Ayontunde Adeyeri, M.D.

Knowing she needed help losing weight, she made an appointment with Dr. Adeyeri. She also quit smoking to reduce surgery risk and show her doctor that she was committed to achieving better health.

Dr. Adeyeri immediately put her at ease and carefully explained her surgical options. Because she was in generally good health, she was an excellent candidate for the vertical sleeve gastrectomy. In this surgery, which is done laparoscopically, he removes 8085 percent of the stomach. The remaining stomach looks like a sleeve.

We reduce the size of the stomach so the patient will eat less, which is a physiological consequence of the new anatomy, Dr. Adeyeri explains. Most people lose about 59 percent of their excess weight within one year of this surgery.

Fifty years ago, we doctors didnt think obesity was a disease, Dr. Adeyeri says. We assumed that the person ate too much or didnt exercise. Since then, we have discovered a hormone called ghrelin. It is created in the tissue of the stomach, and one of its purposes tells you that you are hungry. Ghrelin can lead to obesity when a person has a genetic predisposition to produce more of the hormone than they need.

In a vertical sleeve gastrectomy, a large part of the stomach is removed, and ghrelin production drops immediately and dramatically, reducing the patients feeling of hunger.

Obesity is more than a weight problem. It can also lead to a host of weight-related chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea and even cancer. Successful, significant weight loss can offset these conditions relatively quickly, when bariatric surgery is utilized for safe and rapid weight loss.

Once Dr. Adeyeri and his patient decide that bariatric surgery is the best treatment, he educates them about the different types of surgery available. Before surgery can be performed, the patient will undergo evaluations with their primary physician, a psychotherapist and a nutritionist, as well as any specialists indicated by the patients medical history.

Before her surgery, Luz and her husband, Michael, took a tour of the hospital so they knew where she would be having her surgery and where her family would wait, which she says greatly reduced their stress. She also shed 10 pounds with the help of her nutritionist.

On her 37th birthday, Luz left work for a six-week break. The next day, February 25, 2020, she had her vertical sleeve gastrectomy. After being observed to ensure there were no postoperative issues, she went home the next day.

My weight came off quickly and steadily, Luz recalls. She weighed 241 pounds when she began her weight loss journey with Dr. Adeyeri. Today, she weighs 160 pounds, only 10 pounds from her goal weight.

She continues her commitment to following the diet she was prescribed. In fact, within the guidelines of her diet, she can dine out at restaurants with family and friends. Shes careful to order a meal that satisfies her nutrition plan and brings any leftovers home for another meal. And when it comes to celebration foods like birthday cake? I indulge in happy moments, and I am careful to manage my portion sizes, she says.

Luz can now easily participate in activities she only dreamed about when she weighed 240 pounds, including active play with her kids and establishing a regular running schedule. In fact, she signed up to run in a 5K race with her husband, son and other family members this summer.

Weight loss surgery transformed my life from top to bottom, Luz says. When you are healthy and feel good about yourself, you can do anything.

Next Steps & Resources:

The material provided through Health Hub is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

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Weight-loss Surgery Restores Lifestyle for Busy Medical Professional and Mom - Bariatrics/Weight Loss, Health Topics, Locations, Raritan Bay Medical...

Per Eat This, Not That!, one of the first thingsRaven-Symon decided to do was switch to an eating style that was low in carbs and high in fat. She said that this trick helped her stay full for longer periods of time. Along with "lots of fasting," Symon also started exercising on a regular basis and learned to let go of stress. As Symon told Australia's "Today Show," "As soon as I stopped hating things around me and my cortisol went down, I was able to not rely on carbs as much and take away all of those things that were really pushing my insulin levels to the point of no return, creating an insulin resistance in me that is very dangerous for future health."

Symon also said that therapy, her fulfilling relationship, and approaching things differently really helped bring down her stress levels. She also did not rely on a "particular weight goal" and gauged her fitness levels in other ways. She gave an example: "What I look at is: Am I able to walk up a flight of stairs without huffing and puffing?"

For her, being healthy and prioritizing her well-being is the ultimate goal. She explained,"I'm not trying to hit a goal number, I'm just trying to stay healthy." What an inspiring mindset, huh?

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What Really Inspired Raven-Symon's Weight-Loss Journey - Mashed