Почистете черния дроб само с една глътка

Почистете черния дроб само с една глътка - Видът ви ще се подобри, тъмните кръгове ще изчезнат и ще изглеждате подмладени

Извършва още една важна функция: почиства кръвта и елиминира токсините от нея.

Най-добрият начин за превенция  на здравето на черния дроб е неговото ежедневно почистване - всяка сутрин на празен стомах, пийте по една супена лъжица зехтин, смесена с една супена лъжица лимонов сок. След това можете да се насладите на закуската.

След един месец ще усетите промяна. Вашият външен вид ще се подобри, тъмните кръгове под очите ще изчезнат, тенът ви ще стане чист и ще изглеждате подмладени. Червата ще работят като часовник, ще забравите за запека и храносмилателните проблеми . Ще се чувствате здрави и с много положителна енергия.

Напитка-чудо решава редица проблеми завинаги

Напитка-чудо решава редица проблеми завинаги (1 година пиене и край на всичко лошо)

Феноменална напитка-чудо постига резултати с човешкото здраве, за каквито мечтае абсолютно всеки

Удивително, но една от най-лесните за изпълнение рецепти се оказва мощен лек срещу здравни проблеми от всякакъв тип. Става въпрос за водата с лимон и мед, която се определя от мнозина като напитка-чудо. Жена в САЩ, която я е пила в продължение на 1 година, твърди, че в този период е нямала проблеми със здравето от никакво естество и дори не я е хващала обикновена настинка.

Напитка-чудо действа великолепно срещу множество проблеми

Напитка-чудо действа великолепно срещу множество проблеми

„От малка започнах често да боледувам. Това някак повлия на живота ми. Често отсъствах от училище, не излизах да играя през зимата, вечно ми се подиграваха и т.н. Станах голям човек, но продължавах да се разболявам от най-малкото. Нямаше грип, който да ме подмине. Вечно бях с главоболие и се изморявах много бързо. Просто имунната ми система беше много слаба, но след като започнах да пия всекидневно вода с лимон и мед, направо се преродих. Енергията ми стана тройно по-голяма и вече 1 година не съм имала нито един проблем със здравето.“ – казва Майла Тенкс от Филаделфия.

Рецепта: В 300 гр. топла вода се сипват 1 с. лъж. мед и половин лимон (на резени и с кората). Престоява 1 час и започва да се пие. Може и наведнъж, може и на части. Важното е всичко да бъде изпито в съответния ден. На следващия се приготвя нова напитка-чудо.

От 1 година Майла е нямала нито едно главоболие и не се е разболявала от грип или настинка. Тя е заменила напълно кафето с напитката, което я кара да се чувства доста по-добре и пълна с енергия. За този период американката не е получила нито един стомашен спазъм или болка. Тя твърди, че стомахът й е като нов. На всичкото отгоре се и отслабва с въпросната напитка-чудо, тъй като намалява значително глада.

СМОКИНОВИТЕ ЛИСТА - БЕЗЦЕННИ ЗА ЗДРАВЕТО

Смокините са сред най-обичаните и сладки плодове и са предпочитани от малки и големи.

Това, което много хора не знаят, е, че нейните листа имат изключителни ползи за здравето.

Отвара от тях се отразява чудесно на диабетиците, тъй като спомага за отслабване и сваляне на високата кръвна захар.

Лошият холестерол, отговорен за сърдечни болести и напълняване, също ще си отиде, ако приемате чай от смокинови листа или ги консумирате сурови.

Смокиновите листа влияят добре и на хората, страдащи от проблеми с белия дроб, астма, както и на тези със стомашни язви.

Ако често се сблъсквате с кожни неприятности, като например циреи и кокоши трън, може да си приготвяте компрес от листата.

За направата на невероятно полезен чай просто сварете за 15 минути три добре измити смокинови листа в 1 литър вода, прецедете и пийте 2-3 пъти дневно.

Бързо ще се уверите в това колко полезни са листата и за колко много неща могат да ви помогнат.

Gum Disease: The Silent Killer, 7 Home Remedies To Cure It Naturally

Healthy nutrition may be key to helping fight gum disease, which is not only important to oral health, but also to general health and well being.

Eighty-five percent of American adults suffer from some form of gum disease, and 50 percent have moderate to severe periodontitis. Of those diagnosed, only 3 percent seek treatment, putting the rest at risk for a number of serious health issues—so the odds are that you have it … and you just don’t know it.
Take control of your health—your life—by finding out about gum infections.

8 Home Remedies To Treat It Naturally

Baking Soda
Mix plain baking soda with enough water to create a paste, and rub it along your gum-line with your fingers.

Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is also be featured in several remedies for swollen and bleeding gums. Simply rub the gel of aloe vera on the gums and let it sit. Do this repeatedly until the problem subsides.

Lemon Juice
The anti inflammatory properties contained in lemon juice could be very useful in the healing treatment of gum infections. Furthermore, lemons contain vitamin C, and that may empower your gums to fight off the disease. Squeeze the juice of the lemon and add a bit of salt to it. Combine the salt and lemon juice well until it turns into a paste of sorts. Apply this paste on to your own teeth and leave it on for several minutes before gargling with water.

Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is really an exceptionally effective antiseptic that nature provides. Rub a little bit of tea tree oil in the gums to stop gum disease and also to help alleviate symptoms. You can even locate a toothpaste that includes tea tree oil to help fight bacteria when brushing.

Clove Oil
Clove oil is really a typical ingredient in quite a few natural treatment options for bleeding gums. Some national health practitioners propose rubbing clove oil to the affected gums, but warns that one might experience a burning sensation in the beginning. The burning sensation shouldn’t last too long, though.

Mustard Oil
Mustard oil is found in every home. It is extensively used as a cooking medium for its health benefits. It is rich in vitamins and has antioxidant properties. Take half teaspoon of pure mustard oil in the palm of your hand. With your clean finger rub the oil all over the gums using a gentle circular motion. Rinse with warm water. This will increase the blood circulation, stimulate the gums and soothe the pain. For strong gums use this application daily.

Turmeric
Turmeric is another common ingredient to be found in every home. Its potency to reduce inflammation and fight infection is well known. Take one teaspoon of turmeric powder and mix it with honey to form a thick smooth paste. Apply gently all over the gums and teeth. Leave for three minutes. Rinse with water. The gums will be soothed and feel less tender. Do it every night before going to bed.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a strong anti-microbial as well as having soothing anti-inflammatory properties that can naturally protect the gums from gingivitis. Oil pulling is an effective treatment for receding gums.  For full instructions click here.

Why you should never eat a bacon sandwich

Why you should never eat a bacon sandwich: what you can - and can't - eat

Butter can be good for you but don’t fry with olive oil. We speak to experts to consider the latest findings that flip our food wisdom on its head

This was the week when everything we thought we knew about eating and drinking healthily was turned on its head.

First, a damning new study in the British Medical Journal showed that – after all we have been told to the contrary – saturated fat is good for you. Far from being the great risk to our health and hearts, it turns out that most people who eat butter, milk, cream and full-fat yoghurts generally have better heart health, less risk of Type 2 diabetes, and are even slimmer than those who eat fat-free. It seems that there is a connection between our 30-year war on saturated fat and our terrifying obesity epidemic.

Now experts are saying instead that carbohydrates are the real killer.

Later in the week, more research was published in the British Medical Journal, suggesting that despite what we have always thought, the benefits of drinking wine have been overstated.

So what can we safely eat these days? And what had we better avoid? Here, the experts give their “definitive” verdict...

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When 'healthy eating' goes too far 20 Feb 2015

Keep weight off, one almond at a time 02 Mar 2015

Spread the word – butter is back in favour. But for how long? 10 Feb 2015

Butter

What the line has been: Avoid butter at all costs and replace with low-fat polyunsaturated spreads.

What we now know: Butter can be good for you in small amounts.

“We used to think that if you ate saturated fat, it raised your cholesterol levels and increased your risk of heart attack,” says Dr Michael Mosley, the science journalist. “It turns out that dairy fats don’t work like that in your bloodstream. When you look at all the big studies, the proof that butter is bad for you isn’t there.

Recommended amount: A moderate amount, which may even do you good.

Milk

What the line has been: Better to drink semi-skimmed or skimmed.

What we now know: Full-fat is fine to drink. It is still less than four per cent fat and contains some healthy fats. “People have this misconception that full-fat milk is fattening, but we are not big milk drinkers in the UK and we know that just because a food is fatty doesn’t mean it’s always bad for you, as there are different types of fats,” says Mel Wakeman, a senior lecturer in nutrition at Birmingham City University. “I’ve gone back to drinking full-fat milk because I prefer the taste and it's a good source of nutrients.”

Recommended amount: Half a pint of full-fat milk a day is fine - one serving (250ml) will provide around one third of your calcium intake.

Eggs

What the line has been: Eggs are full of cholesterol and you should limit your intake.

What we now know: “Repeated studies have now shown that dietary cholesterol has little impact on blood cholesterol levels,” says Mrs Wakeman. “Eggs are full of all sorts of nutrients and vitamins, and are very good for you. They are rich in protein, so may also keep you fuller for longer and help with appetite control.”

Recommended amount: Three times a week.

Olive oil

What the line has been: Olive oil is a wonder-ingredient that is key to better health.

What we now know: Olive oil is fine on salads but not necessarily for frying. “Olive oil is very good for you but some olive oils have a very low smoke point, and produce small amounts of carcinogens when heated,” says Dr Glenys Jones, a nutritionist. “For frying, I recommend either a light coloured olive oil or rapeseed oil, which have similar nutritional benefits, but a high smoke point.”

Recommended amount: One to two tablespoons a day.

Carbohydrates

What the line has been: Carbohydrates should make up 50 per cent of your food intake.

What the line is now: “I’m a big supporter of carbohydrates,” says Mrs Wakeman, “but try to choose wholegrain. White spaghetti, bread and rice are not our friends in large quantities. Once they hit the bloodstream they are quickly digested, rapidly releasing sugar into the bloodstream. Too many simple carbohydrates put us at increased risk of obesity, heart problems, Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Plus, the fibre and minerals have been stripped from white carbohydrates.”

Recommended amount: Starchy carbohydrates should make up 50 per cent of your calorie intake.

Processed Meat

What the line has been: Fine in moderation.

What the line is now: There are strong links between eating processed meat and the risk of heart attacks, bowel cancer and strokes. “Processed meats, including bacon, sausages, parma ham, ham and salami, have a very high salt content and the act of processing itself is associated with an increase of heart disease, bowel cancer and stroke,” says Dr Michael Mosley. “One esteemed scientist I know called Dr David Spiegelhalter told me that if you crunch the numbers, every bacon sandwich you eat knocks half an hour off your life.”

Recommended amount: A couple of times a week if you really have to – but no more.

Wine

What the line has been: A small amount of alcohol, particularly red wine, is good for the heart.

What we now know: The benefits of drinking may have been overstated. "Recent studies about resveratrol (a possible active ingredient derived from the grapes) shows that the benefits of even a small amount of red wine may have been exaggerated, but there has been a lot of conflicting research,” says Mrs Wakeman.

“The benefits may be greatest for post-menopausal women (and men over 45) because red wine makes the blood less sticky, helping to lower the risk of heart disease. But the more alcohol you drink, the higher the risk of developing cancer and other diseases.”

Recommended amount: A small glass of red a day is probably fine, with a couple of days off a week.

Yoghurt

What the line has been: Stick to the low-fat variety.

What the line is now: Full-fat may be better. “There is now strong evidence that eating full-fat yoghurt is likely to cut your risk of heart disease and diabetes, and is associated with effective weight loss in a way that eating low-fat yoghurt isn’t,” says Dr Mosley. “The problem with low-fat yoghurts is that they remove the fat but stuff them full of sugar to improve the taste.

“Also, when you get rid of the fat, you lose a lot of the fat-soluble vitamins, so you lose the goodness, and also the yoghurt becomes less filling so you eat more later.”

Recommended amount: Switch to full-fat and you may eat regularly if you like.

Superfoods

What the line has been: There is no such thing as a superfood.

What the line is now: There has been much debate over how to define a 'superfood’ but it is now clear that certain foods – mostly fruits and vegetables – are extraordinarily nutrient-dense.

“There is strong evidence that some foods deliver far more micro-nutrients than others,” says Dr Mosley.“Watercress, beetroot and spinach, for example, all seem to deliver a record number of vitamins and micro-nutrients.”

Recommended amount: As much as you like.

Fruit Juice

What the line has been: Fruit juice is good for you.

What we now know: Many commercial fruit juices contain unhealthy amounts of sugar, the equivalent of 10 teaspoons per glassful. “I’ve been banging on about the dangers of fruit juice for some years,” says Dr Mosley.

“Many fruit juices have a similar sugar content to Coca-Cola. Commercial juices get rid of the fibre, which is the good stuff, and you’re also consuming a lot of sugar in one drink, which isn’t good for you. It also doesn’t affect your appetite so you don’t eat any less at your next meal.”

Recommended amount: Making your own is better but it’s a treat, not a health drink.

Red Meat

What the line has been: Red meat is bad for you.

What the line is now: Red meat from grass-fed animals can be good for you. “If you look at American studies, there does seem to be evidence of a small increase of risk to your heart from eating red meat, but when you look at similar studies from Europe there is no link,” says Dr Mosley. “This is probably because American meat is reared on concrete lots, fed corn and given a lot of antibiotics and growth hormones, whereas beef in Europe is often fed on grass and hasn’t been pumped full of all the bad stuff.”

Recommended amount: 3-4oz or 100g three or four times a week is fine.

Bread

What the line has been: Bread is good for you.

What the line is now: Bread is still good for you. “The key thing with bread is to have a mixture and try to include bread made from wholemeal flour," says Mrs Wakeman. "Eating only bread made with white flour could play havoc with your blood sugars. Just because bread is covered in seeds doesn’t mean it has been made from wholemeal flour. Lots of healthy-looking artisan breads are made with white flour so try to vary what you have. There’s no difference in terms of nutrition if you buy sliced bread.”

Recommended amount: Two to four slices a day is fine.

Caffeine

What the line has been: Up to six cups of coffee or tea a day is fine.

What we now know: Many of us punctuate our day with cups of coffee or tea, and caffeine has long been associated with increased wakefulness, yet it is now thought to come with health risks. “Caffeine can be mildly addictive and excessive intakes can raise blood pressure and have been linked to heart palpitations,” says Dr Jones.

Recommended amount: Two to four cups of coffee or tea a day is fine but watch the calories if having lattes.

Dark Chocolate

What the line has been: Chocolate is bad for you.

What we now know: Dark chocolate could be good for the heart. “Research has shown an association between eating small amounts of dark chocolate and lowered blood pressure,” says Mel Wakeman. “But don’t kid yourself that milk chocolate is good for you. It has a higher fat and sugar content with very little cocoa in it.”

Recommended amount: One to two squares of 70 per cent cocoa dark chocolate a day.

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The Miraculous Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil changed my life, and also my genetic coding.

I had heard that coconut oil was a natural wonder, and I’m all for anything that doesn’t contain gluten, but I couldn’t have known how big an impact this little oil would have on me.

One night, while simultaneously drinking and bathing in a vat of coconut oil, I opened my eyes. What do you think happened? Coconut oil got in my eyes? Yes. Was it extremely painful? Yes, again. Did it also make my vision superhuman? You nailed it.

Within seconds, I was able to see three galaxies away to a planet named Gå4n! That is very, very far from Beacon, New York. A few dabs of coconut oil in my ears and I could hear the ghosts of all my ancestors. “You’re fabulous,” they whispered. “The triumph of our bloodline.”

Can you believe that I got this stuff at Trader Joe’s?

When I finally climbed out of the vat, it barely came as a surprise that my sense of time was no longer linear. I could see the past and the future as clearly as the present. And the immediate future looked grim, friends. There I was, a few weeks older, and—I hate to admit this—on a bad date.

Fortunately, my powers were still growing, and I was developing a beta form of completely organic, sulfate-free mind control. So I stepped forward in time, and implanted the idea in that man’s mind to swipe left on my Tinder profile. (But don’t worry, ladies, I also made him immediately regret it!)

After saving my own life, I wanted to save someone else’s. So I stopped at a nearby children’s hospital and cured every child with a dropperful of coconut oil. It was so nice and so easy; I’m confused why people don’t do this more often. Probably because of Monsanto.

Wanting to get just a little bit more out of the coconut oil that was now swimming through my synaptic gaps, I thought, Hey, why not inject this like heroin? I’m no stranger to the dragon, but that addiction has been cured—with heaping spoonfuls of coconut oil, of course. So into my veins the oil went.

Within seconds, I mind-melded with every being in the multiverse. I am everyone and everything, and my power and ability go beyond anything you know. I am the spoon. No, that’s absurd—I am the biodegradable spoon.

Now, as my atoms float through the galaxy, I ponder existence with the knowledge of all that’s ever been, and consider the benefits I’ve received from going natural. Life can be so amazing when you aren’t restricted by advertisers, big business, or physics. All in all, I highly recommend buying a jar of coconut oil and getting all these benefits for yourself.

Don’t put that shit on your face, though, ’cause you’ll break out like crazy.

101 reasons why coconut oil is miracle stuff

101 reasons why coconut oil is miracle stuff

Coconut is really having a bit of a craze lately, but this oil is far from trendy; it's been around for centuries for cooking, health and household fixes. Not only does new research confirm that coconut oil is indeed a "better fat" for cooking, but its anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic and anti-fungal properties are coming to light more and more as well. Here are 101 uses for coconut oil for the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, garage-even the first-aid kit.

BEAUTY USES FOR COCONUT OIL

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1. Dab a cotton ball with coconut oil for a chemical-free eye makeup remover.

2. Mix with sugar for an invigorating body scrub.

3. Combine with beeswax, honey and vitamin E capsules for a homemade lip balm.

4. Mix in bath water for softer skin.

5. Promote healing for tattoos, sunburns and rashes.

6. Make a hydrating anti-acne face mask.

7. Mix with salt to scrub dry feet. Slather oil on under socks overnight.

8. Massage into hands for cuticle cream. Also thought to help nails grow.

9. Apply to skin to prevent stretch marks.

10. Make a DIY deodorant. Dab on baby powder for antiperspirant.

11. Massage into hair for a deep conditioning hair rinse.

12. Avoid skin stains while dying your hair by rubbing coconut oil around your ears, neck and hairline.

13. Lather into blonde hair to reduce the effects of chlorinated pools.

14. As a natural tanning oil with a very light SPF protection.

15. Mix with avocado for a 10-minute hair mask for treating brittle hair.

16. Rub on your legs in the shower for a moisturizing, anti-bacterial shave.

17. Combine coffee grounds and coconut oil and firmly massage into your thighs and booty to increase circulation and reduce the appearance of cellulite.

18. Rub on hands for a natural moisturizer that's thought to reduce fine lines and age spots.

19. Fellas with beards can rub it in as a conditioner that nourishes the skin beneath.

20. Dab a thin layer of oil to salve skin and remove residue from hair removal waxing.

21. Massage into legs to decrease the appearance of varicose veins.

22. Combine a tablespoon of coconut oil, sea salt and gel with a cup of water and shake up in a spray bottle for DIY surfer hair.

23. Mix jojoba oil, coconut oil and a fragrance essential oil together for a concentrated detangler.

24. Combine with baking soda for an exfoliating facial scrub.

25. Massage into the soft skin in the eyebrow and under eye area to reduce fine lines.

26. Some people have claimed success in getting skin tags and "cherry moles" to slide off by rubbing coconut oil on overnight.

27. Rub it into the dry ends of your hair to take down frizz and split ends.

28. Combine with sugar for a simple DIY lip scrub.

FOOD USES FOR COCONUT OIL

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29. Use coconut oil instead of olive oil and mix with balsamic vinegar and pepper for an instant salad dressing.

30. Grease baking sheets with coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.

31. Reap the benefits of coconut oil's fat-burning benefits by substituting it for butter or shortening.

32. Add it to soups for a richer flavor and boost of healthy fats, particularly for soups and sauces that require sautéed vegetables.

33. Add to coffee instead of creamer for a creamy tropical taste with an extra natural boost of medium chain triglycerides.

34. Keep a DIY coconut butter on hand for vegan baking.

35. Try using melted coconut oil with a dash of sea salt instead of butter on popcorn, toast and artichokes.

36. Use it as a slightly healthier base for homemade chocolates and peanut butter cups.

37. Since coconut oil can withstand high temperatures, it's great for frying foods. Just keep an eye that the hotter oil doesn't burn the food.

38. Add a teaspoon to smoothies to give an energy and flavor boost.

39. Mix it with egg yolks, apple cider vinegar, mustard and salt and pepper for a homemade all-natural mayonnaise.

40. Season coconut flakes to make coconut bacon.

WELLNESS USES FOR COCONUT OIL

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41. If you're suffering nipple chafe from running, surfing or breastfeeding, soothe them with a bit of coconut oil. (If you have nursing pets, this is safe for animal mamas too!)

42. Slather it on for relief from chicken pox and shingles.

43. Mix with mint and rosemary essence for natural spider repellent.

44. Calm psoriasis, eczema and dry, scaly skin on elbows and ankles.

45. A natural, uh, personal lubricant for sexy times. Just don't mix with latex.

46. Mix with oregano to speed up healing on cold sores, canker sores and chapped lips.

47. Mix with hot water and gargle to soothe a sore throat and relax your pipes before public speaking.

48. Rub into bug bites to relieve itching and burning.

49. Rub into scalp in the shower to cure dandruff. (This works for pet dandruff, too!)

50. Makes a great salve for minor burns and scraps.

51. Use as a natural diaper cream, even for cloth diapers.

52. Make a chemical-free non-toxic toothpaste by mixing coconut oil with peppermint extract, baking soda and redmond clay.

53. Squeeze a little between your toes to clear up athlete's foot.

54. Dab on the inside of nostrils to prevent nosebleeds, particularly on long flights.

55. Mix coconut oil with garlic oil and apply a few drops three times a day to clear up swimmer's ear.

56. Mix with clove oil for toothache relief until you can get to a dentist.

57. Adding three and a half teaspoons of coconut oil a day helps breastfeeding moms enrich their milk supply.

58. Some people claim that oil pulling can whiten your teeth and help prevent tooth decay when swished around for 20 minutes in your mouth first thing in the morning. (The Dental Association says to try it out but don't think that coconut oil gets you off the hook for regular cleanings.)

59. Adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to ginger tea can reduce nausea and acid reflux.

60. Coconut oil makes a non-staining, all-natural massage oil.

61. The lauric acid in coconut can help take care of diarrhea and bowel discomfort.

62. Some people swear by coconut for reducing the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.

63. Dab it on topically to reduce rashes, chicken pox and shingles.

64. Add a little bit to dog or cat food to clear up an upset stomach or promote healing from an injury.

65. Follow up an apple cider vinegar rinse with a coconut oil scalp massage to treat lice. Let the oil sit for 24 hours and brush through with a fine tooth comb to beat the nasty little buggers.

66. Spread on a nail brush for an antifungal scrub.

67. Taking coconut oil assists in the absorption of calcium and magnesium for bones.

68. There's some thought that coconut oil stabilizes the hormones that cause hot flashes and menopause discomfort.

69. Add it to your diet during a yeast infection and the antifungal oil will help you clear up quicker.

70. Relieve puppy's itchy feet and cut back on kitty's hairballs.

71. Burned the roof of your mouth? Coconut oil helps heal and eases some of the irritation.

72. Mix with oregano oil for a natural hand sanitizer.

HOME USES FOR COCONUT OIL

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73. Season a cast iron pan.

74. Lubricate sticking gates and key slots.

75. Shine a leather couch.

76. Clean food grease off the oven range.

77. Add a tiny dollup to pet treats for gum health and a shiny coat.

78. Mix with baking soda for natural Goo-Gone.

79. Remove gum from hair.

80. Use as a natural shiner and spreading agent for herbal remedies for household plants.

81. Use it to condition wood cutting boards, butcher blocks and cracking wooden knife handles.

82. Remove labels and stubborn price stickers. Spread on a film of coconut oil, leave it for awhile and scrub off. It should take the paper residue with it.

83. Remove ink marks and scuffs from leather, vinyl and pleather shoes, bags and furniture.

84. Lubricate guitar strings.

85. Clean engine grime and tire rims on your car.

86. Rub a little on a dry bike chain to grease it up in a pinch.

87. Mix with lemon juice for a non-toxic furniture polish.

88. Polish your shoes to a shine with a dab of coconut oil.

89. Use it to oil the blades of a lawn mover or hedge trimmer.

90. Combine with equal parts vegetable oil and spray directly on weeds until they wilt and can be pulled up easily.

91. Mix with lemon and rub along the inside of cabinets to repel cockroaches in food cupboards and silverware drawers.

92. Rub a dab on the joints of home gym equipment to stop squeaking.

93. Coconut oil will remove the damage from a crayon through a clothes dryer. Just dab it on, wait 10 minutes and scrub off the softened crayon spot. This works for chalkboards and car dashboards too.

94. A tiny bit of coconut oil will go a long way on a stubborn zipper.

95. In the winter, a thin coat of coconut oil on an outdoor satellite will help prevent snow from sticking to it.

96. Outsmart squirrels: rub a coat of coconut oil over the poles and wires they use to climb.

97. Dab a little on a rag to cut through soap scum in the shower. Spray the area with white vinegar afterward.

98. Use solid coconut oil and white vinegar to buff scratches in hardwood floors.

99. Clean paint brushes of all types. Use it instead of mineral spirits for artist brushes and rub into mascara brushes to break up clumps and increase the longevity of your makeup.

100. Melt coconut oil with beeswax and essential oils to make natural bug repelling candle diffusers.

101. Combine with honey and castile soap for a homemade body wash.

The truth about ‘miracle foods’ – from chia seeds to coconut oil

As books that give answers go, there’s one classic that often gets overlooked – the dictionary. So next time you’re wondering whether a £10 tub of the latest miracle food can really stave off cancer, diabetes and heart disease, and get rid of a podgy belly in time for summer, run your finger down to the word “miracle” where you will find this definition: “an extraordinary and wondrous event” – so far so good – “that cannot be explained by natural or scientific laws”.

“Whether it’s coconut oil, chia seeds or apple cider vinegar,” says Duane Mellor, an assistant professor in dietetics at the University of Nottingham and a spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association, “there is no scientific evidence to suggest that if you top up your diet with any ‘miracle’ or special food that you’ll get any of the promised effects. The idea is almost entirely a marketing vehicle, but when people read claims online, they start to think differently and can start believing it.” One of the reasons people might believe the hype is because as with any good miracle – or magic trick – the success lies in smoke and mirrors. With miracle foods, while the magical health food salesman is conjuring a few extra coins out of our pockets, we’re left bamboozled by scientific terminology.

“Many products tend to be accompanied by all sorts of horrendous scientific jargon, like ‘maintains cognitive function’,” says Mellor, “which are watery, scientific-style claims that people tend to read as being something meaningful to human health. Then there’s antioxidants and free radicals, which are some of the most feared and misunderstood words used.”

Free radicals are unstable elements that come spinning off any oxygen-using chemical reaction in the body. They are unstable because they are missing an electron and, in a bid to restabilise themselves, they steal an electron from elsewhere. This could be from the fats in cell membranes or from your DNA. The damage they do when bullying other elements into handing over an electron is called oxidative stress, and this can be associated with heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Free radicals, however, are also involved in beneficial processes. They help to destroy invading bacteria and play a part in cell communication. To limit their role to only those things that benefit us, our bodies make things called antioxidants that, much like people standing outside nightclubs handing out hugs and hot chocolate to pacify drunken revellers, provide free radicals with the electrons they need so they don’t cause damage elsewhere.

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“But if you look at the antioxidants circulating in our bodies,” says Mellor, “by far the most common are the ones we make ourselves – glutathione and uric acid – followed by vitamins A, C and E, which we get from normal food anyway. Many of the antioxidants in things like chia seeds are there to stop the plant oils going rancid, or to protect them from sunlight damage, and may not be that available to our bodies anyway. So although the EFSA [European Food Safety Authority] allows manufacturers to claim that their products are rich in antioxidants – because they are – manufacturers are not allowed to claim any health benefits. If you look carefully, it’s sort of legalese what they end up claiming.”

Even when used as supplements, antioxidants don’t seem to provide any benefit. A large study published in the New England Journal of Medicine that followed nearly 10,000 people over an average of four-and-a-half years showed no benefit from vitamin E supplements in the prevention of heart disease. Studies for other antioxidant supplements have been equally discouraging.

Part of this confusion is because diet is complex. It’s tough to tease apart the contribution of individual components because the nutrients in many foods become available to us only when eaten as part of a wider diet: studies have shown that only when we cook carrots can their beta-carotene become more available and; the lycopene in tomatoes is most readily available when they are eaten with oil.

But what about all the other vague claims about foods that can help you lose weight, or support a healthy immune function, or lead to a healthy heart? They all sound good and sort of make sense, don’t they? According to Ali Khavandi, a cardiologist at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, these claims are vague for a reason – they are based on experiments carried out on animals or on human cells in a lab. They have not been shown to have any effect on people, and until such effectiveness is shown, he says, we should stay open-minded but cautious about exaggerated claims.

“As doctors I think we’ve taken our eyes off the prize,” he says of the importance of a healthy diet in avoiding the major chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. “For the past few years, at least for heart doctors, I think we’ve been more interested in the sexier side of preventing disease – new drugs, stents, and operation techniques – and we’ve left the diet arena a little unmanned. It’s now been populated by unqualified people and celebrity health gurus spreading misinformation. As doctors I think we have an obligation to reassert an authoritative voice when it comes to healthy eating.”

Yanking the spotlight back from celebrities and fad food products might be a difficult task. “The problem,” says Khavandi, “is that the message we try to get across – which is based on proper, robust evidence that has been shown time and time again – is not very interesting to people. They have heard it all before.”

The messages he is talking about include the fact that fruit and vegetables are good for you. As are wholegrain cereals and nuts. For fats, which you need, choose unsaturated fats such as olive oil and those directly taken from marine sources such as oily fish. Neutral foods, he says, are saturated fats like butter or coconut oil and unprocessed red meats – eat these in moderation and they’re unlikely to do any harm. Stay away from excess white-flour products, processed meats, and trans fats such as vegetable oils and palm oils found in fast foods.

Simple enough advice on the face of it, but with sensationalised articles emerging daily about the benefits or dangers of specific foods, people get confused and lose sight of the simple messages. A complication nowhere more true than with cancer.

“There is certainly no such thing as an anti-cancer diet,” says Justin Stebbing, a consultant oncologist and professor of cancer medicine and oncology at Imperial College London. “But I have patients asking me things about these foods all the time.” He puts a finger on why cancer-busting food is such an appealing concept. “As a patient, disease makes you lose control. People immediately want to regain that control and a very easy way for them to do that is by diet, and they can get all sorts of things off the internet. We should understand that the internet is a double-edged sword and if we’re looking for information we should go to reputable sites.”

Such sites, says Stebbing, are NHS Choices, Cancer Research UK, Diabetes UK and theBritish Heart Foundation, which all give clear, evidence-based dietary recommendations. Duane Mellor has another simple rule of thumb for distinguishing cherrypicked claims from bona fide scientific evidence. “The EFSA is very clear – and very strict – about what health messages it allows companies to use in the marketing,” he says.

“If you see a claim on a blog, and if it’s persuasive and looks good, ask yourself why has the company not used it in their marketing? If the product really did prevent cancer or heart disease, do you not think it’d be plastered all over the packaging?”

1. Coconut oil
The claim: Coconut oil is a saturated fat. While not the heart-clogging evil they were once thought to be, it would take a leap of faith to proclaim that they are good for you. A recent review of studies suggested that saturated fats raise levels of both good and bad cholesterol. The oil is predominantly a medium-chain triglyceride that, proponents state, might carry benefits for weight loss, but this claim has not been shown in human studies. Other suggestions for the benefits of coconut oil include helping blood glucose regulation and preventing strokes and Alzheimer’s – again, none of these benefits have been shown in people.

Dietetics professor Duane Mellor’s verdict: Probably best to enjoy a little coconut oil in a Thai dish occasionally rather than using it daily!

2. Apple Cider Vinegar
The claim: Doubtless a tasty condiment, but has been anecdotally linked with an eye-wateringly long list of potential health benefits in areas including: digestive disorders, sore throats, high cholesterol, indigestion, preventing cancer, dandruff, acne, energy boosting, cramps, and helping with blood sugar control. The EFSA, however, hasn’t approved any of these claims. Many of the studies have been on animals or in laboratories using human cells.

Mellor’s verdict: Vinegar is probably best kept as a condiment. Use it on salads instead of high calorie oils and mayonnaise and to add flavour to sauces to help reduce salt intake – it might help, not because of anything it contains, but because it would be replacing less-healthy foods.

3. Manuka Honey
The claim: A medical-grade version of this honey is used in sterile wrappings. As with most honeys it has hydrogen peroxide, which gives it its antibiotic qualities. It also has methylglyoxal, an antibacterial component, in much higher quantities than found in other honeys. Studies have suggested that manuka honey might help to ease symptoms of infections such as coughs, but it’s not clear whether the honey is having an antimicrobial effect or whether it is just soothing like all syrups.

Mellor’s verdict: Any of the claims for eating manuka honey, all of which have been rejected by regulators, are vague. Any health benefits must be balanced against the very high quantities of sugar compared with the very small amounts of these proposed active compounds.

4. Spirulina
The claim: This is another proposed miracle food for which regulatory agencies, this time the US National Institutes for Health, say there is not enough scientific evidence to support any health claims. Rejected claims include those relating to metabolic and heart disorders (eg blood pressure control and diabetes), and also mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression and ADHD. It does have useful nutrients – calcium, niacin, potassium, magnesium, B vitamins, iron, and essential amino acids – but the jury is out on whether your body can use these nutrients in plant form.

Mellor’s verdict: Spirulina shouldn’t be relied on as a source of nutrients. Rather than taking such supplements, it would be better to spend your money on vegetables and fruit – this will help to make your whole diet better rather than adding a supplement and not thinking about the food you actually eat.

5. Chia seeds
The claim: Packed with antioxidants, but many of these are of plant origin so less likely to be available to us. They have high omega-3 content, too, but our bodies are not great at using omega-3 oils from plants – it’s best to get these oils from oily fish such as salmon. But for people who don’t eat fish, chia and other seeds can be a good substitute. Other potential pluses are linked to their high protein and fibre content, which have led some to suggest they might help you lose weight by reducing hunger. However, two trials to date have shown no evidence of any benefit in terms of weight loss or reduced risk of heart disease.

Mellor’s verdict: Chia seeds can add an interesting texture to bread. Linseed and hemp seed are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, so chia is not unique and should be enjoyed more for its effect on texture rather than any particular health effects.