Kelly Bonanno

Real Estate Agent

Gluten-Free Living

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Enjoy The Health Benefits Of These Delicious Summer Fruits

Eaten fresh off the vine or tossed in a salad or refreshing smoothie, delicious summer fruits are nature’s candy packed full of important nutrients

Cherries These beauties help reduce inflammation and contain powerful antioxidants including cyanidin, melatonin and anthocyanins. Research done at the University of Michigan Health System uncovered cardiovascular benefits of tart cherries. They suspect that the anthocyanins help reduce risk factors for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes by potentially activating PPAR found in the body’s tissues which regulate fat and glucose levels.

Apricots One of my very favorite fruits is high in fiber and vitamin A which is great for your skin. It’s a good source of iron which is not always easy to find in foods, especially for vegans and vegetarians. Eat them with a fruit containing vitamin C and your body will have even better absorption of the iron.

Pineapple The fantastic enzymes in pineapple such as bromelain help fight inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a precursor to many diseases. Pineapple is packed with collagen boosting vitamin C and manganese which is important for bone health.

Papaya The beta-carotene, vitamins C & E in this yummy fruit also help fight inflammation. Our bodies convert beta-carotene as well as other carotenoids to vitamin A which is fabulous for your skin so eat up, glamour girls!

Watermelon The citrulline in watermelon helps keep your heart healthy by boosting levels of arginine in the body which increases blood flow to the heart and the lycopene helps ward off cancer.The high water content aids digestion and helps flush out toxins.  It’s high in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium and magnesium.

Kiwi These guys are actually large berries! They are very high in fiber, potassium, vitamin E and even more vitamin C than oranges (not knocking oranges, they are fantastic too. Very healthy and have always been one of my favorite fruits ?)

Blueberries They score a whopping 9,621 on the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity [ORAC] test which is a lab test designed to quantify the approximate “total antioxidant capacity” (TAC). These little antioxidants super stars fight a bevy of diseases from cancer to heart disease.

A votre sante!

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10 Good Reasons You Should Be Using Organic Coconut Oil Everyday

I’ve been slathering coconut oil all over my body and cooking with it for years. To reap its many health and eco friendly beauty benefits, use high quality unrefined organic cold pressed virgin coconut oil.

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  • Coconut oil strengthens the immune system.
  • Coconut oil has a high smoke point so it’s ideal to cook with. Its antiviral and anti-fungal properties prevent it from oxidizing so it won’t go rancid at a high heat like other oils. Dr. Mercola says that although it is a saturated fat, the fats are small/medium chain fats so they diffuse and provide energy.
  • Coconut oil is an amazing natural moisturizer, it works wonders on dry skin and has been shown to firm skin and help prevent wrinkles. Apply it directly or mix it with your favorite facial and body moisturizers.
  • It has strong anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-viral properties so it helps fight infections in the body and on the skin.
  • Dr. Oz says 1 tablespoon a day will boost your energy level. It goes directly to the brain so it’s quickly used as energy rather than being stored like most fats. Try it on toast and in recipes instead of butter.
  • Coconut oil has excellent anti-inflammatory properties, it’s high in lauric acid so it boosts metabolism and may help with weight loss.
  • It helps control blood sugar, aids thyroid function and helps the body absorb calcium and magnesium.
  • Coconut oil is a great conditioner for your hair. Massage it into your scalp, work it onto the ends of your hair, leave it in for about 30 minutes then wash and condition your hair as usual. I saw a friend at a party and thought her hair looked especially beautiful, she surprisingly attributed it to advice that I had given her a month earlier: coconut oil.
  • Its anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties make it fantastic for use on diaper rash and cradle cap in infants.
  • Countries whose diets include high amounts have been shown to have lower rates of heart disease. However, because it is saturated, it can raise cholesterol levels. This is the controversial aspect of coconut oil to keep in mind and talk to your doctor regarding concerns if you have cholesterol issues
  • Oil pulling with it whitens teeth and keeps your mouth healthy and kissable. Swish it around for 20 minutes first thing in the morning then rinse and brush your teeth.