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Who doesn’t know the benefits of coconut oil for beauty purposes! Also get familiar with the amazing uses of coconut water on skin and hair. You drink coconut water just thinking of it as a cool summer drink that nature offer. But, you are going to love it even more once you are well aware of its beauty benefits too! Go ahead and read on for the ten most useful benefits of coconut water.

Coconut water for a young and fresh skin

Drinking coconut water sure helps your skin to look younger and fresh by getting it rid of the harmful toxins. However, just splash some of that water on your face and bring your dull face to life almost instantly. Imagine what regularly applying it on the face would do!

Prevent dry skin with Coconut water

Many of you tend to suffer from dry skin condition time and again irrespective of summer or winter (although winter can be harsh on most!). Try applying cotton balls dipped in coconut water regularly and see the change. It’s the most natural moisturizer nature has to offer. After all, coconut water is the purest liquid on earth after water, isn’t it? Your skin will feel soft and smooth once again and you will stay away from dry skin forever!

Natural skin cleanser and toner

Cleaning the face with coconut water helps get rid of the dirt and impurities that get accumulated every time you go out of the house. It can work as your make up remover as well (You do not need to spend on buying those fancy make up removal products from the market anymore, voila!) Put in a few drops of lemon juice in it and it will help brighten up your skin and hydrate it beautifully too.

Fights skin infections

Some of you might have faced skin infections especially during the monsoons or in a humid climate. Instead of running to the nearest medical store, first try applying coconut water on the skin or another great idea would be to mix it in your bathing water for a few days daily. The anti-fungal and anti-viral properties of coconut water helps in the healing process to a great extent.

Drink coconut water to enjoy age defying properties

Who wants to look older than their actual age or for that matter why not aim to have a skin of a 25 year old when you actually are 40 years old! Wow, wouldn’t that be something to strive for! And no, you do not need to buy and try 10 different types of the so called ‘anti-ageing’ cosmetic products available in the market. These are not only heavy on your pocket, but in the long run those chemicals do no good to your skin. It’s simple – just drink coconut water (tastes yummy too!) regularly and wash your face with it as well.

Useful in removing sun tan

Haven’t yet found a natural remedy for removing that tan you get at the beach every time you go? Well, a simple home remedy is here to your rescue. Cost and time effective both at the same time. Just mix up coconut water and fuller’s earth, and apply to the sun tan area. It will vanish in no time with routine application. This is one of the best uses of coconut water for skin care.

Prevents acne, blemishes, wrinkles

Simply dabbing some coconut water on the scars left behind by acne/pimples before you go to bed helps lighten them up faster than you can imagine. It has similar effects on dark spots/blemishes. Wrinkles can also be reduced to a certain extent by regular application of coconut water.

The kiwifruit, native to northern China, was first brought to and cultivated in New Zealand at the turn of the 20th century and was then known as the Chinese Gooseberry.

When the time came to export the fruit, to avoid the high duties charged on berries, the name was changed to the kiwifruit, or kiwi because of the fruit's shared characteristics with New Zealand's national symbol, the kiwi bird, which is also small, brown and fuzzy.2

Kiwis are a nutrient dense food, meaning they are high in nutrients and low in calories. The possible health benefits of consuming kiwis include maintaining healthy skin tone and texture, reducing blood pressure and preventing heart disease and stroke.

This MNT Knowledge Center feature is part of a collection of articles on the health benefits of popular foods.

Possible health benefits of consuming kiwifruit

Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease,diabetes, cancer and other conditions. Many studies have shown that increased consumption of plant foods like kiwis decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality.

A Kiwifruit is rich in vitamin C

Beautiful Skin: Collagen, the skins support system, is reliant on vitamin C as an essential nutrient that works in our bodies as an antioxidant to help prevent damage caused by the sun, pollution and smoke, smooth wrinkles and improve overall skin texture.1

Better Sleep: According to a study on the effects of kiwifruit consumption on sleep quality in adults with sleep problems, it was found that kiwi consumption may improve sleep onset, duration, and efficiency in adults with self-reported sleep disturbances.

Heart Health: The fiber and potassium in kiwis support heart health. An increase in potassium intake along with a decrease in sodium intake is the most important dietary change that a person can make to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease, according to Mark Houston, MD, MS, an associate clinical professor of medicine at Vanderbilt Medical School and director of the Hypertension Institute at St Thomas Hospital in Tennessee.3

In one study, those who consumed 4069 mg of potassium per day had a 49% lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease compared with those who consumed less potassium (about 1000 mg per day).3

High potassium intakes are also associated with a reduced risk of stroke, protection against loss of muscle mass, preservation of bone mineral density and reduction in the formation of kidney stones.3

Lowering Blood Pressure: Because of their high potassium content, kiwis can help negate the effects of sodium in the body. It is possible that a low potassium intake is just as big of a risk factor in developing high blood pressureas a high sodium intake.

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, fewer than 2% of US adults meet the daily 4700 mg recommendation for potassium.3

Also of note, a high potassium intake is associated with a 20% decreased risk of dying from all causes.3

Constipation Prevention: Numerous studies have reported that the kiwi may have a mild laxative effect and could be used as a dietary supplement especially for elderly individuals experiencing constipation. Regular consumption of kiwifruit was shown to promote bulkier, softer and more frequent stool production.

Coconut water is an antioxidant-rich substance that helps remove toxins from the body. It can aid in maintaining proper blood flow and sugar levels. Since it works to keep your body healthy, you’ll also see this reflected in your physical appearance. Coconut water can also improve the health of your skin and hair. Add this healthful beverage to your diet to reap these awesome benefits.

1. Aid Digestion

Coconut water can improve your digestion. If you have a healthy digestion, your body can eliminate waste and release toxins efficiently. Your digestive system supports your overall well-being because it helps break down the nutrients you get from the foods you eat. Anything that supports your digestive system is always good, and coconut water does that effectively.

2. Weight Loss

Obesity is one of the leading health issues in America. People are trying hard to lose weight. Coconut oil can help your weight loss endeavours. Since it acts as a diuretic, it is very effective in helping you lose weight. Coconut water also hydrates the body well.  If you’re properly hydrated, your body will store less fat.  It can help you lose excess water weight, which is very helpful if you are trying to shed a few pounds.

3. Balance Glucose

Coconut water has nutritional properties that help your body manage your blood sugar levels, which makes it great for diabetic patients. It has high fibers content, and it is an alkaline pH food, which makes it great for coping up with the acid-producing factors in the body.

Poor blood circulation is one of the effects of diabetes. Coconut water can improve blood circulation by widening blood vessels. This gives the patient relief from these problems. Abdominal weight gain is another effect of diabetes. It is filled with essential salts, minerals and other nutrients. It also has no cholesterol. Coconut water is rich in omega-3s and antioxidants. All of these nutrients help maintain blood sugar levels and body weight.

4. Stimulate Hair Growth

Poor blood circulation is one of the leading causes for hair loss. Since coconut water can improve your blood circulation, it can also remedy problems with thinning hair. With the proper blood flow, your hair follicles will be stronger and the density of your hair will increase.

Coconut water also has antibacterial and antifungal properties that will protect your scalp from dandruff and lice, both of which hinder hair growth. If you massage your hair with coconut water every day, you can tame rough and unruly hair. It also has hydrating properties; serving as a natural conditioner it will make your hair smooth, shiny and extra-soft.

5. Anti-Aging

Drink coconut water on a regular basis to keep your skin fresh, glowing and healthy. Coconut water is rich in zinc, iodine, selenium, manganese, sulphur and boron. These elements protect your body from cell damage caused by toxins. This will keep your body and skin looking young and vibrant. Coconut water also has cytokinins, which are phytohormones that can protect your body from aging and cancer.

6. Blemish Buster

If you have acne problems, coconut water can easily become your best friend. It can help eliminate acne and blemishes, dark spots and wrinkles. Mix coconut water with 25 grams of turmeric paste, wash your face with this mixture to eliminate stubborn acne.

7. Skin Hydration

Dehydration is very common during the summer due to the heat. Your skin can easily get dry or rough. Since coconut water is an excellent hydrating agent, use it as a simple face rinse to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

Eliminates Parasites

Coconut water is sterile and can be used to eliminate parasites and worms in the intestines, says Bruce Fife in "Coconut Water for Health and Healing." Mixing a glass of coconut water with a teaspoonful of olive oil for three days will help kill off parasites and allow them to pass from the system. Consult your health practitioner before doing this to make sure your problem is parasites and not some other condition that may mimic the symptoms.

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I previously posted my list of different types of nutsthat are healthy and nutritious. Like nuts, seeds are a vital part of our diet. Seeds are high in fiber,vitamin E and monounsaturated fats that can help keep our heart healthy and our body disease free.

Healthy seeds are also great sources of protein, minerals, zinc and other life-enhancing nutrients. Numerous studies have shown that different types of seeds and nuts can actually prevent weight gain, the development of heart disease and the accumulation of LDL cholesterol.

If you are going to add seeds to your diet, I would recommend that you eat only organic seeds, in their raw state. I personally try to avoid irradiated or roasted seeds, and stick with raw seeds. Here is my list of the five healthiest seeds you should add to your diet. (In no particular order)

1. Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds are truly a super food, as they are packed with an impressive list of nutritional attributes. Perfectly balanced with a three to one omega-6 to omega-3 oil ratio, they are also an excellent source of gamma linoleic and acid.

Containing 10 essential amino acids, hemp seeds are composed of over thirty percent pure protein, making them an excellent daily protein source. They are also composed of 40 percent fiber, the highest amount of any grain on earth! Also containing disease-fighting phytosterols, studies show that hemp seeds, or even hemp milk, support heart health and can provide nutritional support against many unpleasant disaease.

2. Sunflower Seeds

The perfect phytochemical-rich seed for those of us looking to lose weight, as they promote healthy digestion and increase fiber intake.

Sunflower seeds are also extremely rich in folate, a very important nutrient for women. They are packed full of good fats, antioxidant-rich Vitamin E [1], selenium and copper, all crucial elements in supporting heart health and balancing troublesome cellular damage.

3. Sesame seeds

Traditional societies have touted the positive benefits of this seed for thousands of years.

Sesame seeds are very high in calcium, magnesium, zinc, fiber, iron, B1 and phosphorus, sesame seeds are unique in their chemical structure. Possessing important cholesterol-fighting fibers known as lignans, studies show that these seeds can lower blood pressure, as well as protect the liver from damage. Sesame seeds also may help prevent many health problems, including PMS.

4. Pumpkin Seeds

Some scientific studies have shown that the components of pumpkin seeds may stop the triggering of cancerous behavior in male prostate cells [2].

Pumpkin seeds are high in a form of antioxidant known as carotenoids, a special plant derivative that enhances immune activity and disease fighting capacities. These seeds are also high in omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, two important nutrients that may play a role in supporting skeletal health. Finally, pumpkin seed are high in phytosterols, plant components that aid in keeping stable levels of cholesterol and enhanced immune response.

5. Chia seeds

Yes, just like the seeds you used for sprouting your Chia pet, these seeds are from the mint family. Extremely tiny, yet extremely potent, these small seeds are packed full of fiber, protein, nutrient oils, variousantioxidants and even calcium.

Studies show that chia seeds stabilize the blood sugar, promote heart health, as well as increase weight loss. These amazing little seeds are an excellent source of high-quality fats, as they are made up of a whopping 34% pure omega-3 oils.

The Benefits of Eating Seeds

I personally love to eat raw seeds and nuts. I eat them on a daily basis and they give me more natural energy than any other food. They’re great if you want a quick, healthy snack that is still low in calories. Obviously, there are many types of seeds that I left off this list, but the seeds listed above are my personal favorites.. What’s your favorite type of seed?