It may come as a shock to you, but different fruits contain protein. They are great sources of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, natural sugars, a bit of fat, and even some protein. An apple, for example, does not offer the same amount of protein as a piece of salmon, but it comes with a diverse mix of micro and macronutrients. 

Protein is having a moment, to say the least. This is partially due to the popularity of the carnivore, Paleo, keto, and other high-protein diets. We aren’t here to talk about those diets, though, as many of them discourage the consumption of fruit. That’s because fruits contain carbs and less sugar than animal-based foods. An egg, for example, has about six grams of protein, whereas fruit may only offer a couple grams per cup. 

If you are trying to up your protein intake and diversify your fruit consumption, the fruits in this article may come to your aid. Whole fruits offer key nutrients that support other aspects of total bodily health, so don’t neglect them. They are relatively low in calories and high in water and fiber, two things that benefit gastrointestinal health. So if you are looking to snack healthily and get a little protein in the process, consider the fruits listed below.

Passion Fruit

Passion fruit is a lovely tropical fruit that grows on a vine. The fiber content in one cup of passion fruit is very high, exhibiting a whopping 24.5 grams, which is nearly 88% of the daily value (DV). Fiber works to regulate digestion and promote healthy cholesterol levels. The same cup of passion fruit provides five grams of protein.

Blackberries

One of the great things about blackberries is that they are very high in antioxidant compounds. They also happen to be the berry with the highest amount of protein, exhibiting about two grams per cup. Blackberries are low in calories, rich in fiber, and high in anthocyanin, a phytonutrient that has demonstrated abilities to influence immune function and improve gut microbiome. 

Avocado

Although avocado seems like a vegetable, it is actually a fruit of the savory variety. Avocados offer three grams of protein per cup, in addition to lots of healthy fats that help you feel full. You can enjoy avocado with a spoon and some sea salt, transform it into guacamole, or add it on toast. Just keep in mind that avocados have more calories than other fruits, with one cup of avocado containing 234 calories. 

Kiwi

Didn’t think a kiwi would have protein did you? Well, one cup of kiwi has nearly two grams of protein, which is not bad! Kiwi is also naturally rich in vitamin C, offering about 167 milligrams per cup. That amount is nearly double the DV of vitamin C! Several studies also found that kiwis work to improve digestion and promote bowel regularity, which researchers attribute to their fiber content. 

Guava

Yet another vitamin C superstar, guava is a tropical fruit that offers a lot of protein, especially for its size. One cup of guava has a little over four grams of protein and nine grams of fiber, which is about one-third of the DV. Research continues to find that increasing your fiber intake can reduce blood pressure and promote healthy cholesterol levels, especially in people with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome. 

Apricot

Unlike other fruits, apricots are not typically available year-round, but you can find them in dried form at all times. They typically show up in grocery stores or at farmer’s markets in late spring and summer. Each half-cup of dried apricot halves contains a little over two grams of protein. Dried apricots do not have water, so they are more calorically dense than fresh versions. That same half-cup, then, has about 157 calories, so just keep that in mind when snacking on dried apricots. 

Jackfruit

We are rounding out this article with the largest fruit on the list, the mighty jackfruit. Exhibiting a stringy texture, jackfruit is a common meat substitute for plant-based eaters. If you are swapping jackfruit for chicken, though, keep in mind that one cup of jackfruit offers three grams of protein compared to the 35 grams you’d get from chicken. Because it is not very sweet, it takes on whichever seasonings or flavors you cook with it, but you can enjoy it raw if you like.

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One of the most common questions that we receive is, “How will I get enough protein through the raw vegan diet while I’m cleansing?” We completely understand that the raw vegan diet can seem completely devoid of protein to the naked eye. Most people associate protein with animal-based foods, including beef, poultry, fish, seafood, legumes, dairy, and deli meats, among other foods. Please allow us to change that tune with this blueberry smoothie that’s packed with plant-based protein. It’s great to enjoy for breakfast, or even pre- or post-workout.

Although blueberries color the smoothie a deep purplish-blue, they are not the protein superstars of this smoothie. Spinach, which is potentially the best green to add to a smoothie because it doesn’t take over the flavor, is rich in vitamin K, magnesium, antioxidants, and offers a minimal amount of protein. The real protein (and omega-3 fatty acids) comes from the flax and chia seeds. This smoothie contains one tablespoon of flax and chia seeds, which means this smoothie contains nearly four grams of protein. Add in a little extra protein from the dates, spinach, and homemade almond milk and you’ve got yourself quite a filling smoothie!

Dates may not contain a whole lot of protein, but they help provide you with energy. This is because they are rich in invert sugar, which gives the body energy for hours. This means that the sugar content in dates is almost entirely inverted from glucose or fructose. The invert sugar is immediately absorbed by the body without the need for digestion, which ordinary sugar typically goes through. You can use the sugar for energy without a blood sugar spike!

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Bananas are some of the most readily available and relatively inexpensive fruits. You can commonly see them hanging from the top of a kitchen fruit basket in most homes. Bananas happen to be an excellent choice if you want to include more potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium, and various antioxidants and polyphenols. This article aims to cover some of the many health benefits of bananas. 

Nutritional Profile

Bananas offer a fair amount of fiber, water, antioxidants, and complex carbohydrates, but they are low in protein and fat. One medium banana offers the following nutrients:

• Calories: 112
• Protein: 1 gram (g)
• Fat: 0.4 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Carbs: 29 g
• Riboflavin: 7% of the daily value (DV)
• Niacin: 5% of the DV
• Vitamin C: 12% of the DV
• Potassium: 10% of the DV
• Folate: 6% of the DV
• Magnesium: 8% of the DV
• Copper: 11% of the DV

May Support Heart Health

Because one banana offers 10% of the DV of potassium, enjoying a banana day may help regulate blood pressure levels. Potassium is a vital nutrient for blood pressure management. In fact, a potassium-rich diet can help lower the risk of hypertension. A 2021 study found that people who consumed more than 3,000 milligrams (mg) of potassium per day had a 25% lower risk of cardiovascular disease than those who did not consume potassium. Bananas also contain magnesium, which is a mineral involved with heart health management. 

May Improve Kidney Health

Although potassium is vital for blood pressure regulation, it also plays a role in kidney function. A study from 2019 included more than 5,000 people with early stage chronic kidney disease. Study authors linked the consumption of potassium to lower blood pressure and a slower progression of kidney disease. That said, some people who have late-stage kidney disease or those on dialysis need to restrict their potassium intake. If you fall into either of those categories, consult your healthcare professional before you increase your potassium intake. 

Rich In Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin that is necessary for normal brain development and keeping the nervous and immune systems healthy. The vitamin B6 from bananas is easily absorbed by the body and can help with:

• The production of red blood cells
• Metabolizing amino acids
• The removal of unwanted chemicals from the liver and kidneys
• Metabolizing carbohydrates and fats for energy
• Maintaining healthy nervous system function 
• Benefitting fetal development in the womb (for pregnant women)

May Improve Blood Sugar Levels

Bananas contain soluble fiber, which dissolves into a liquid to form a gel during the digestive process. Unripe, or green, bananas also contain resistant starch, a type of fiber that the body does not digest. Together, resistant starch and soluble fiber can help regulate blood sugar levels after meals. Additionally, they may help regulate your appetite by slowing the rate at which the stomach empties. Even though bananas have a higher carb count, they may not cause blood sugar spikes in people with diabetes. A 2021 study noted that the glycemic index of bananas is 47 (low) and the glycemic load is 7 (low). 

Respectable Source Of Vitamin C

It’s not common to associate bananas with vitamin C, but a medium-sized banana provides 10% of the DV. Just keep in mind that a banana doesn’t offer the same amount of vitamin C as a kiwi, guava, or bell pepper, all of which offer an impressive amount. Vitamin C can help with:

• Better absorption of iron
• Protecting the body against cell and tissue damage
• Collagen production, which is an essential protein necessary for optimal skin and bone health
• Supporting serotonin production, which has an affect on sleep cycle, overall mood, and the ability to deal with stress and pain

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Most of you know how integral fruits and vegetables are to your overall health. The compounds in fruits and vegetables work to enhance immune function, improve heart health, decrease inflammation, etc. As readily available as this information is, people choose to purchase and eat unhealthier food options in an attempt to save money. 

In reality, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to boost your fruit and vegetable intake. Eating healthy foods does not have to break the bank. Rather than harming your health with convenient fast food that you think will save you money, you can do your body a favor and nourish it with higher-quality foods. Learn how to do that on a budget in this article. 

Shop At Your Local Market Or Farmer’s Market

Depending on your location, a farmer’s market may not be the most convenient place to shop. Additionally, it can be expensive if you live in a city San Francisco, New York City, or Los Angeles. Most local farmer’s markets, though, sell seasonal produce at more affordable prices than regular grocery stores. When you shop directly from the farmers, you skip the middleman, tending to result in lower prices. Lastly, you get access to the freshest in-season produce, which is usually more flavorful. 

Shop Seasonally

Speaking of in-season produce, buy the fruits and vegetables that are in season, which can translate to significantly lower costs. For example, purchase melons and berries in the summer, apples and parsnips in the fall, squash in the winter, and asparagus in the spring. Knowing which produce items are in season will help you save on your grocery bill. You can always research a growing calendar in your area, or consider asking your local grocery store staff to understand which produce items are in season. 

Don’t Be Afraid Of Frozen Fruits And Vegetables

Frozen fruits and vegetables are valuable, especially if you are trying to eat healthy on a budget. Not only can they be just as nutritious as fresh fruits and vegetables, but they can also be equally as nutritious. Since they are typically cut or prepared in a specific way, they are convenient and easy to handle. Plus, you can store them in your freezer until you need them. Just make sure that you avoid added ingredients when buying frozen fruits and vegetables. You should not see salt, sugar, or sauces on the ingredients list because those ingredients detract from the health benefits. They also indicate extra additives. Frozen peas, spinach, broccoli, mixed vegetables, berries, and other fruit are excellent options that are quite versatile. 

Plan Your Meals And Create A List

There is nothing worse for your budget than heading into a grocery store without a list. You just buy what you think you need, as opposed to stocking up on what you actually need, and what is actually healthy for you. By planning your meals ahead of time, you can make a shopping list that includes every ingredient you will need to make those meals. That reduces the likelihood of food waste and impulse buying. A list of necessary items will help you avoid the unnecessary things that will typically spoil in the fridge. 

Properly Store Your Fruits And Vegetables

If you store your produce properly, you can maximize the shelf life and minimize food waste. Some produce needs to be stored on the countertop, while other produce requires refrigeration. Herbs, for example, should be stored in a jar of water with stems in the fridge to encourage a longer shelf life. Don’t store apples near bananas because the gases they emit can quicken the ripening process of both fruits. Buying in bulk? Consider freezing excess produce to extend the shelf life, but make sure to use airtight bags or containers to prevent moisture buildup.

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If you adhere to the ketogenic diet, you have one responsibility: keep the body in a state of ketosis. Ideally, you consume 60 to 80% of your calories from fat (preferably healthy fats), 20% of your calories from protein, and 10% from carbohydrates. These percentages have a little wiggle room, but the main thing to remember is not to consume too many carbs, or else you will kick your body out of ketosis. 

The idea of the ketogenic diet is based on the understanding that the body uses carbs as the primary fuel source for energy. Once your carbohydrate stores are depleted, the body starts using fat stores to carry out its functions. In theory, it makes sense that this diet will help encourage weight loss, but only if the body continues to burn fat, not carbs. That’s why selecting the right sweetener is paramount, as the wrong ones will drastically increase your carb intake. 

Which sweeteners are acceptable to consume on the keto diet? Stevia and erythritol, which essentially have no carbs, are great keto-friendly sweeteners, but there are others you can enjoy that will keep the body in ketosis. Continue reading to learn more about them. 

Monk Fruit

A great keto-friendly sweetener that often goes unnoticed is monk fruit, which is a plant native to China. In grocery stores, you will likely see it under names like PureLo or Monk Fruit in the Raw. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this sweetener is safe and about 100-250 times sweeter than regular table sugar. It is calorie-free and one teaspoon (tsp) contains 0.5 grams (g) of carbs. The mogrosides in monk fruit give it the natural sweetness, but they also act as prebiotics, according to some studies. More research is necessary to determine the effects of mogrosides on existing probiotics in your gut.

Yacon Syrup

This is probably a lesser-known sweetener, regardless of your involvement in the keto world. Yacon syrup comes from the roots of the bacon plant, which is native to South America. The syrup contains 50% of the calories of table sugar and is a fabulous source of fructooligosaccharides (FOS). This type of soluble fiber helps regulate cholesterol, but like other sugar alcohols, it may cause bloating or cramps in some people. Yacon syrup works best in coffee or tea, but it may also be used to sweeten salad dressings. Because FOS break down at high temperatures, avoid using it in recipes that involve cooking. 

Stevia

This is a classic low-carb sweetener native to South America, specifically Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, although it grows all over the world. In grocery stores, you will probably see it under names like PureVia or Truvia, but there are many manufacturers that create liquid or powdered versions. Some research found that stevia may lower blood sugar, which could be dangerous for diabetics who take insulin. That said, it may help lower blood pressure, which could benefit someone with high blood pressure. Much like yacon syrup, stevia works well in coffee and tea. Just keep in mind that it is about 200-400 times sweeter than table sugar and will not work well if used in large amounts. 

Xylitol 

Although this sugar alcohol is just as sweet as table sugar, it has fewer calories and carbs. Generally speaking, sugar alcohols do not raise blood sugar in the same way that table sugar does. The reason for this is because the body absorbs sugar alcohol, such as xylitol, much more slowly. According to the FDA, consuming too much xylitol, or other type of sugar alcohol, may cause cramps or diarrhea. You can add xylitol to coffee, tea, and smoothies, but it probably won’t work well in lots of recipes due to potential moisture absorbency. A 2022 study found that xylitol absorbed moisture when used to sweeten chocolate milk. 

Erythritol 

This naturally-occurring sugar alcohol is found in fruits like watermelon and grapes. It also exists in fermented foods, such as soy sauce and cheese. It is roughly 60 to 80% as sweet as table sugar and has zero calories. Erythritol does not spike your blood sugar, nor does it promote tooth decay. Preliminary evidence suggests that erythritol may help lower your total sugar consumption, which could decrease your risk of diabetes and obesity. Use erythritol as a substitute for table sugar in beverages and recipes. Just keep in mind that it has a cooling effect on the tongue and that may feel unpleasant if you use a lot of it.

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The start of 2025 may be three months behind us already, but there is a lot of year left to make your resolutions become reality. Most people don’t feel that way by now, especially if their goal was to lose 20 pounds within the first three months of the year. There is no need to get discouraged because difficult things take time. If weight loss was easy, then everyone would do it without any issues!

Regarding weight loss, a lot of emphasis is placed on diet, and rightly so. If you eat unhealthy foods that make it harder to lose weight, you are only shooting yourself in the foot. For your own health, we encourage eating whole foods that offer a diverse mix of nutritional benefits. Take it one step further and focus on consuming the rainbow, e.g. a lot of different colored fruits and vegetables. 

It’s time to reframe what you know about weight loss, well, to a certain degree. Exercise is truly the non-diet-related factor that can influence how much you eat. Continue reading to learn more. 

How Does Exercise Influence Weight Loss?

When you think about exercising for weight loss, you most likely think of burning calories or increasing muscle mass. Interestingly enough, different research studies and reviews concur that exercise may also contribute to weight loss by regulating hunger and feelings of fullness. For example, a 2021 review noted that physical activity could modulate resting satiety and hunger in older adults. A separate 2018 study found that exercise facilitated weight control, partially by regulating appetite. 

Previous research from 2011 found that mixed-intensity aerobic exercise was temporarily able to reduce hunger sensations. Researchers also noted a reduction in acylated ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and relative food intake. Varying the intensity of your exercise, in theory, could be useful in terms of losing weight. 

How To Apply This Research

If you want to get more of a handle on your weight loss this year, make sure to include adequate exercise in your daily life, but don’t forget to vary your movements and workouts. Not only is exercise an effective way to regulate your appetite, but it also helps to keep your body strong. 

Given the available research on this topic, researchers concur that resistance training, low-intensity cardiovascular exercise, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are great places to start. In addition to exercising for appetite regulation, consider keeping your hunger in check with our Metabolism Booster. This herbal supplement can assist with weight management, thyroid and liver function, and may aid in optimizing digestive health. Promoting healthy metabolic pathways may just help you maintain healthy body composition. 

Here’s What To Know

If you want to make weight loss one of your wellness goals for 2025, balance is everything. That statement can be applied to most things in this life, but it is especially true for weight loss. Strike a balance between exercise and healthy eating habits and you will get closer to your goal each day. Make sure to get enough movement every day because if you are eating right and the pounds are not dropping, lack of exercise may be the culprit. Go ahead and break a sweat to drop those pounds! We believe in you!

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When you think of a crisp, freshly made juice, fennel is probably not the first ingredient that tops the ingredient list. Most people think of freshly squeezed orange juice or carrot, apple, beet juice. There are countless recipes, many of which are in our Smoothies and Juices recipe section, but we wanted to stray from the path well-traveled today and offer something new. This is a fantastic green juice recipe that has a mild anise flavor with the zing of fresh lemon and ginger, while the apple provides a lovely sweetness.

As a whole, this juice may help combat inflammation in the body. Fennel is naturally rich in valuable plant compounds, including quercetin, limonene, and chlorogenic acid, to name a few. Various studies indicate that that a diet rich in plant compounds such as these can help reduce the risk of chronic health conditions, including obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Because fennel contains beta-carotene (another beneficial compound) and vitamin C, it may support collagen production and tissue repair. These two processes help maintain healthy looking skin, as well as mucus membranes that protect the respiratory tract.

While we could go on about the health benefits of fennel, it isn’t the only ingredient in this juice. You’ll thank us for that once you drink it! Green apples offer pectin, which has demonstrated an ability to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. They also have a crisp flavor when compared to Red Delicious or Fuji apples. Lemon is packed with vitamin C and helps promote alkalinity within the body. Consider using a Meyer lemon for a sweetly tart flavor. Finally, ginger adds a lovely kick with numerous antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. This is a juice you’ll grow to love; we’re certain of it!

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The body requires magnesium to carry out hundreds of functions, yet nearly 50% of American adults do not consume enough on a daily basis. Failure to consume the recommended daily intake (RDI) of magnesium can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. Magnesium primarily exists in your bones, muscles, and non-muscular soft tissue. It’s involved in:

• Regulating blood pressure
• Energy production
• Bone density
• Muscle and nerve function
• Synthesizing protein
• Repairing DNA
• Controlling blood sugar

According to dietitians, your daily magnesium needs depend on age and gender. Typically, adult males need 400-420 milligrams (mg) of magnesium per day, while adult females require 310-400 mg per day. Signs of magnesium deficiency vary from minor to severe, but severe magnesium deficiency is quite rare. Common signs include loss of appetite, fatigue, vomiting, and weakness.

Although there are many food sources of magnesium, this article highlights magnesium-rich fruits. Eating these fruits on a regular basis can help you boost magnesium levels. 

Durian

Now, this is a fruit that you’ll either love or hate; there is no straddling the line with this one. The reason for this is because it emits a smell reminiscent of rotten onions and sulfur. Lovely, we know, but it does have health benefits despite the foul aroma. Native to Southeast Asia, durian is a large spiky fruit with a creamy center. Durian is naturally rich in potassium, vitamin C, B vitamins, and magnesium, with one cup offering 17% of the RDI. 

Avocado

Unlike a lot of the other fruits on this list, avocado is relatively low in carbohydrates, which is why many keto enthusiasts enjoy them. They are rich in healthy fats, potassium, fiber, and magnesium, with one cup offering 10.35% of the RDI. Due to their high-fiber content, avocados may help control blood sugar by slowing the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream. The omega-3s also work to promote healthy heart and brain function. 

Prickly Pear

The prickly pear is the fruit that is produced by the Opuntia, commonly referred to as the prickly pear cactus. The oval-shaped fruits have a sweet flavor that is similar to berries. They are naturally rich in vitamin C and potent antioxidant compounds. For reference, one cup of prickly pear provides 23% of the RDI for vitamin C, which supports immune function. Additionally, these fruits are some of the richest fruit sources of magnesium, with one cup offering 30% of the RDI. 

Jackfruit 

This is potentially the largest fruit that you’ll ever see, but you usually have to visit specialty markets to see it in its raw form. Canned jackfruit is available, but it doesn’t compare to the fresh version. Native to India, jackfruit is the largest edible fruit in the world and can weigh up to 110 pounds. One cup of raw jackfruit, which has a subtly sweet taste, contains 11% of the RDI of magnesium. The same serving also provides 16% of the RDI of potassium, which aids blood pressure regulation. 

Bananas

Similar to avocados and jackfruit, bananas offer both magnesium and potassium. One cup of sliced banana offers 9.6% of the RDI of magnesium. Bananas also offer a much-needed vitamin for metabolism, immune function, and neurotransmitter production: vitamin B6. This B vitamin is necessary for encouraging healthy brain development and keeping the nervous and immune systems functioning optimally. 

Papaya

Papain isn’t the only great thing about papaya! As a quick note, papain is a proteolytic enzyme in papaya that helps break down proteins in the digestive system. The papaya is a tropical fruit that also contains carotenoid antioxidants, vitamin C, and folate. Their rich orange color and many of their heart-protective properties are attributed to lycopene, a carotenoid pigment. Now, papaya wouldn’t be on this list without offering up some magnesium. One cup of papaya offers 8.2% of the RDI of magnesium. 

Passion Fruit

This tropical fruit blooms on a vine native to South America. The flower on the vine is one of the most stunning purple and white flowers you’ll ever see! If unripe, the fruit is highly sour, but it is incredibly sweet and highly addictive when perfectly ripe. Some people are averse to the seeds for textural reasons, but they are edible. One cup of passion fruit offers a diverse mix of nutrients, including 16.2% of the RDI of magnesium. It also offers vitamin A, which is necessary for healthy immune function, reproductive health, vision, and normal growth and development. 

Dried Figs

To round out the list of the top eight magnesium-rich fruits, we have dried figs. One cup provides 24% of the RDI of magnesium, in addition to 50% of the RDI of fiber. Dried figs also provide vitamin B6, calcium, and an assortment of polyphenol antioxidants, which offer protections against cellular damage.

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It seems that you cannot wander down the bottled water aisle at a supermarket or grocery store without encountering several forms of alkaline water. Not to mention, there are various types of spring water, mineral water, sparkling water, distilled water, and classic filtered water. You may even find some volcanic water, but that isn’t at your average store. One thing is for certain, though, and it is that alkaline water and filtered water are different prices. Is there truly a difference between alkaline water and regular H2O, though? 

What Is Alkaline?

Let’s remove water from the equation for one moment to get a better understanding of alkalinity. Scientists use the pH scale, which goes from 0 – 14 to measure alkaline and acid substances. If something has a pH lower than 7, it is acidic. If something has a pH higher than 7, it is alkaline, or basic. Most tap water has a pH of about 7.5, whereas bottled water is typically closer to 7.0. 

Alkaline water usually ranges between 8.0 and 9.0, but it can be higher. There are beneficial nutrients you can reap if you drink alkaline water, but dietitians are a bit skeptical of the alkaline water trend. Is alkaline water truly worth it? 

Nutrition Facts

To give you a better idea of the nutrients in alkaline water, here is the general nutritional information for an eight-ounce bottle of alkaline water:

• Calories: 0
• Total fat: 0
• Trans fat: 0
• Protein: 0
• Cholesterol: 0
• Carbohydrates: 0
• Fiber: 0
• Sodium: 4.8 milligrams (mg)
• Total sugars: 0
• Added sugars: 0
• Magnesium: 4.8 mg
• Calcium: 24 mg
• Copper: 0.017 mg

Natural alkaline water, or spring water, that runs over rocks will pick up minerals, including magnesium, potassium, and calcium carbonate. Those minerals raise the water’s pH, creating alkaline water. Those minerals are necessary for many bodily functions, including those related to your heart, brain, muscles, and bones. 

Experts state that there are two types of alkaline water: natural from springs and chemically processed. Most bottled alkaline water that you can buy in stores is typically the former. The natural alkaline water is collected and then bottled, but the processed version goes through an ionizer, which uses electricity to add hydrogen to the water in order to yield a higher pH. Continue reading to learn about some of the potential health benefits of drinking alkaline water. 

May Prevent Bone Loss

The older you get, the more you have to worry about bone less, considering that osteoporosis affects about one in five women, and one in 20 men, over the age of 50. Osteoporosis can make bones brittle and more prone to fracture, especially in postmenopausal women. The body needs to maintain a blood pH between 7.35 and 7.45, and one way it does this is by releasing calcium into the bloodstream. That leaves less calcium for your bones. One way to replenish this calcium is by consuming calcium-rich foods, including alkaline water. In a study of 100 postmenopausal women who drank alkaline water daily for three months while taking calcium supplements. Researchers observed that, when combined with calcium supplementation, alkaline water provided some improvements in bone loss. 

May Aid Hydration Efforts

Drinking any kind of water is beneficial for everyone, regardless of athletic ability. Water is necessary to live! Athletes who fail to hydrate properly can experience muscle cramps, reduced coordination, and decreased athletic performance. In one small study, 12 male university students drank natural alkaline water for three days before intense physical activity. The results indicated that they were better hydrated than those who drank tap water. Some people consume more water if it is alkaline, and there is nothing wrong with drinking more water. Researchers agree that people should drink alkaline water if it increases your water intake. More research is necessary to determine if it hydrates more effectively than regular filtered water, though. 

May Offer Cancer Protection

Make sure to take this claim with the tiniest grain of salt. According to some studies, cancer cannot grow in alkaline environments. That has begged the question of whether or not an alkaline diet, which includes alkaline water, can make the body an uninhabitable environment for cancer. Unfortunately, the biggest problem with this theory is that alkaline water alone cannot change your blood’s pH. Drinking alkaline water, while a great way to hydrate, is unlikely to affect cancer cells. For this reason, more research is necessary to support this claim. Currently, research and medical professionals concur that food and water cannot change the body’s pH levels because it is a highly regulated system.

May Combat Acid Reflux

Alkaline substances can neutralize acid, so drinking alkaline water may combat symptoms of high acidity in the stomach, but not for long. Research shows that the contents of the stomach are very acidic. Consuming a product that helps reduce that acidity may provide temporary relief. In fact, it will only last for a short while, for example, a few minutes at best. Alkaline water may be dangerous when consumed with certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). For this reason, consult your healthcare professional before you combine alkaline water with any medications. 

Alkaline water has grown in popularity, but it is not a cure for various health conditions. More research is still necessary to prove that alkaline water exhibits the potential health benefits listed in this article. Just remember to stay hydrated, with alkaline or filtered water, if you want to keep the body as healthy as possible.

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Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly referred to as omega-3s, are healthy fats that have powerful antioxidant effects in the body. According to research studies, omega-3s work to benefit everything from brain health and immunity to heart function. Even though these foods are essential for overall health, close to 90% of Americans do not meet the recommended daily intake of omega-3s. That is even true for people who eat fish on a weekly basis!

What Are Omega-3s?

First off, there are two main types of fatty acids: saturated and unsaturated. Unsaturated fat breaks down into polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which are terms you commonly see on nutrition facts labels. These chain-like molecules are made up of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms. Carbon atoms form the foundation of the chain and oxygen and hydrogen atoms latch onto available slots.

A monounsaturated fat has one open slot, while a polyunsaturated fat has more than one open slot. Contrarily, saturated fat has no open slots and is typically referred to as “bad” or “unhealthy.” The reason saturated fats are labeled as such is because they increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Unsaturated fats, such as omega-3s, are healthy because they support the heart and brain and may reduce inflammation within the body. 

Because the body cannot produce a sufficient amount of omega-3s necessary for its own survival, you have to obtain them from the foods you eat. The specific types of omega-3s include DHA and EPA, which you can find in seafood, and ALA, which exists in plants. Great foods to increase your omega-3 consumption include mackerel, salmon, and other fatty fish, or flaxseed, chia seeds, avocados, walnuts, and other plant-based foods. Failure to eat these foods may yield a few signs that indicate low omega-3 levels. Continue reading to learn more.

Low Mood

Your mood is closely tied to the health of your brain, which oversees serotonin and dopamine, two feel-good hormones. Researchers are not exactly clear how omega-3s like EPA and DHA influence how the body uses and responds to those hormones. What the research does say, however, is that low levels of omega-3s can compromise a person’s mental health. Taking an omega-3 supplement, such as the Dherbs Omega 3 Formula, may assist in elevating your mood and outlook.

Dry And Tired Eyes

Staring at screens all day is a great way to fatigue your eyes. If your eyes are particularly parched, though, you may be low in omega-3s. Both EPA and DHA help ensure that the cells in the retina function optimally. According to research, omega-3s help the eyes combat oxidative stress, so don’t believe that carrots are the only vegetable beneficial for eye health.

Dry Or Irritated Skin

There are numerous causes for dry, scaly, red, or irritated skin. If you use cleansers, lotions, serums, and body butters to improve the skin quality and nothing calms irritated skin, you may need to increase your omega-3 intake. According to researchers, omega-3s support the skin barrier, helping to seal in moisture and keep environmental pollutants out. Additional research shows that increasing your intake of omega-3s, especially through supplements, can help improve the texture, tone, and overall appearance of skin. 

Brain Fog

Both EPA and DHA contribute to the structure of cell membranes in the brain, in addition to aiding the communication between cells. One study involving 176 adults with low omega-3 intake found that supplementing with 1.16 grams of DHA daily for six months was able to improve episodic and working memory when compared to the placebo group. Feeling a little sluggish and unclear mentally? Improve concentration and find a clearing in the fog by increasing your omega-3 intake.

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