Kelly Bonanno

Your soulful coach for wellness, clean beauty & eco lifestyle Savvy | Sexy | Beautiful | Healthy | You

health benefits

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Boost Your Immune System & Enhance Your Health With The World’s Most Powerful Superfood & Enter Our Giveaway!

Would you like a quick and easy way to get loads of nutrients into your system?

There is a lot of controversy surrounding what we should and shouldn’t eat but one thing that’s never up for debate is the fact that we all need lots of vegetables every single day. How does getting the nutritional equivalent of a plateful of veggies from one tablet sound? And what if I told you that tablet was actual food, not a supplement? Sounds pretty amazing, doesn’t it? It certainly intrigued me.

That superfood is algae. There are so many health benefits that it is mind blowing. Hear all about them on this week’s episode of Clean Beauty Scene podcast. My guest, the country’s leading expert on algae nutrition, Catharine Arnston, Founder & CEO of ENERGYbits, explains the many phenomenal science backed health and beauty benefits. Click hear to listen. 

We’ve partnered for a wonderful giveaway! Enter below to win a box of BEAUTYbits Spirulina Algae Tablets AND a 1:1 Wellness & Life Coaching Session with Kelly.

Algae is the most powerful nutrient-dense superfood on the planet. It has thousands more nutrients than any fruit or vegetable containing all essential amino acids, the highest concentration of protein, iron, beta carotene, and antioxidants, as well as B-vitamins, electrolytes, and omega 3’s!

It’s also the most eco-friendly sustainable, you know this Eco girl loves that aspect as well. It’s been used for thousands of years most notably in Asia where it’s a multibillion-dollar agricultural crop. 

You will find the incredible information that Catharine shares in the episode about algae and its history absolutely fascinating. You’ll hear about how Spirulina was the first life on earth almost 4 billion years ago! You might even hear my Cher impression.

Click here for details on the Clean & Lean 7 Day New Year Reset

Algae is a beautiful companion to your clean beauty routine because it naturally helps your body detox.

There are tens of thousands of scientific studies validating the benefits of algae, including some about COVID-19. It’s been used for thousands of years most notably in Asia where it’s a multibillion-dollar agricultural crop. It’s endorsed by the UN as the answer to world hunger.

ENERGYbits gives you a seriously simple way to assimilate this super food into your diet with high quality algae tablets. It’s the quickest easiest way to get the nutritional equivalent of platefuls of veggies without cooking, peeling, chopping or cleaning! Genius. 

They fuel NFL and Olympic teams with ENERGYbits.

Nutrient-rich algae is highly beneficial in building a strong immune system which is always vital and it’s more crucial than ever right now as we face this pandemic.

Do you struggle with insomnia or 3 AM wakings? Chlorella has the highest amount of tryptophan – precursor to melatonin.

It’s important to note, these ENERGYbits tablets are not supplements, they are real food. On a personal level, I can’t tell you how excited I am to have these amazing nutrients in my life. To know that by just having a few tablets a day I am getting the equivalent of platefuls of nutritious vegetables is remarkable. Even my teenage boys are happy that they can get this amount of nutrition in one tiny tablet. Isn’t the packaging gorgeous? Catharine designs all the packaging herself!

Catharine Arnston, CEO & Founder, ENERGYbits

Click here to learn all about algae nutrition and ENERGYbits in the latest episode of Clean Beauty Scene podcast with Catharine Arnston.

Follow ENERGYbits on Instagram and visit ENERGYbits to learn more and try some, enter code CleanBeautyScene to receive 20% off! 

Enter below for your chance to win a box of BEAUTYbits Spirulina Algae Tablets AND a 1:1 Wellness & Life Coaching Session with Kelly! Prize valued at $175.

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Top Benefits Of Omegas 3, 6 & 9 For Beautiful, Healthy Skin

Guest post contributed by Emily Woodman of Arya Derm

Omega fatty acids have numerous health benefits, many of which are yet to be unraveled. What we know so far is that they have tremendously positive effects on the heart, bones and skin, They also support mental health, reduce weight, help fight inflammation and decrease liver fat. Some studies suggest omegas prevent dementia, bipolar disorder and asthma.

How Do Omegas Work?

Some 90 percent of dietary fats come in the shape of triglycerides, which are composed of glycerol and fatty acids. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are components of cell membranes that help fight inflammations and regulate blood pressure.

Our bodies can produce most of the fatty acids, with the exception of linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Because they need to be consumed through the diet, they are called “essential fatty acids.”

Recommended daily intake for LA and ALA stands at 4 percent and 0.5 percent of the total energy, respectively. EPA and DHA, recommended daily intake is 250 mg a day. Dietary sources of Omega-3s include fish, fish oils and plants rich in a-linolenic acid (grains and oils). 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

There are numerous types of omega-3s, with the three most common ones being eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). 

EPA produces eicosanoids, which are the chemicals responsible for reducing inflammation and fighting depression.

DHA makes up ca. 8 percent of brain weight and is, hence, of extreme importance when it comes to normal brain development.

ALA is used as an energy source and can be converted into EPA and DHA, to a degree.

 Foods with Omegas are healthy but do you find it challenging planning ahead & eating healthy when you have a hectic schedule? It’s overwhelming!

Click here for a free Healthy Eating On The Go guide with simple tips & habits along with several delicious, nutritious options to grab & go making it easy to eat healthy even when you are pressed for time.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Omega-6s serve primarily as an energy source. The most common one is linoleic acid, which can be converted into arachidonic acid (ARA). ARA produces eicosanoids, which fight inflammation.

However, the production of too many eicosanoids may increase the risk of inflammation diseases, hence omega-6s should be taken in moderation. The modern Western diet contains more omega-6s than the body needs.

Other notable omega-6s include gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). 

Omega-9 Fatty Acids

Omega-9 fats can be produced by the body, but consuming foods rich in them has numerous beneficial health effects, nevertheless. For one thing, they reduce triglycerides and cholesterol levels.

The most common omega-9 is oleic acid, a major energy source for cells that regulates the biosynthesis of numerous essential metabolites.

Omegas and the Skin

As stated above, omegas are anti-inflammatories, which means that they protect the skin from inflammation and the UV rays. Thus, they keep the skin hydrated, fighting the appearance of wrinkles. 

Omega-3s prevent and treat various skin conditions, including psoriasis. The latter is normally treated by dietary and supplemental Omega-3s. Omega-3s decrease the risk of skin cancer, photo-aging, atopic skin conditions and sunburn.

The metabolism of LA and ALA is limited to the skin, while both omega-3s and omega-6s influencing the inflammatory response of the skin. 

It is important to understand that omegas work best when ingested. Many people believe that applying them topically will suffice, but that is not exactly the case. In fact, there are only two fatty acids that need to be applied topically: oleic and linoleic acid.

Being a major structural component of the skin, DHA takes care of cell membranes. EPA regulates hydration and oil production of the skin, as well as premature aging. It reduces the risk of acne and prevents hyperkeratinization (the cells lining the inside of a hair follicle).

On top of regulating inflammation, omega-3s help prevent the development of psoriasis, rosacea, scaling, erythema and acne. One of the major functions of the omega-3s is to decrease insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and to reduce scaling, erythema and pruritis.

Sources of Omega Fatty Acids

Foods high in omega-3 fats include fish, fish oil, nuts, seeds and algal oil.

Amounts per 100 grams of the common omega-3 rich foods are: 

  •       Salmon: 4g EPA and DHA
  •       Mackerel: 3g EPA and DHA
  •       Sardines: 2.2g EPA and DHA
  •       Anchovies: 1g EPA and DHA
  •       Chia seeds: 4.9g ALA
  •       Walnuts: 2.5g ALA
  •       Flaxseeds: 2.3g ALA

 Omega-6 fats are found in refined vegetable oils, nuts and seeds.

 Amounts per 100 grams of the common omega-6 rich foods are:

  •       Soybean oil: 50g
  •       Corn oil: 49g
  •       Mayonnaise: 39g
  •       Walnuts: 37g
  •       Sunflower seeds: 34g
  •       Almonds: 12g
  •       Cashew nuts: 8g

 Similar to omega-6s, omega-9 fats are found in refined vegetable oils, nuts and seeds.

 Amounts per 100 grams of the common omega-9 rich foods are:

  •       Olive oil: 83g
  •       Cashew nut oil: 73g
  •       Almond oil: 70g
  •       Avocado oil: 60g
  •       Peanut oil: 47g
  •       Almonds: 30g
  •       Cashews: 24g
  •       Walnuts: 9g

 Recommended daily amounts for ALA:

  •       Men: 1.6 g
  •       Women: 1.1 g
  •       Pregnant women: 1.4 g
  •       Children 1 to 3: 0.7 g
  •       Children 4 to 8: 0.9 g
  •       Boys 9 to 13: 1.2 g
  •       Girls 9 to 13: 1.0 g
  •       Teenage boys: 1.6 g
  •       Teenage girls: 1.1 g

Omega Fatty Acids: General Benefits

Much has been said about the benefits of essential oils with new discoveries never failing to deliver. It is true that we still have a lot to learn, but the facts we are already aware of speak in favor of omega fatty acids.

 Skin health benefits of omegas go deeper than just the surface. A healthy body spells healthy skin, so it is crucial to eat a balanced diet instead of simply taking supplements.

 After all, it has been proven that communities consuming a fish-based diet have low heart attack and stroke rates, with consumers’ triglyceride levels being decreased by 15 to 30 percent. On top of that, they also have higher HDL cholesterol levels (“good cholesterol”).

 Finally, EPA alone helps fight anxiety and depression. These are the world’s two sole most common mental illnesses, with anxiety disorders affecting 18.1 percent of the U.S. population every year, and MDD (major depressive disorder) and PDD (persistent depressive disorder) combined affecting 9.2 percent of people.

 That being said, concluding how a balanced diet rich in omega fatty acids is beneficial on multiple levels should not be a difficult leap. Take good care of your skin and overall health at all times.

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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!