Informed Beauty

5 Real Food Compounds for Detoxification Support + Energizing Power Smoothie

Get ahead of the toxic "slew" this winter by adding a daily smoothie to help support your methyl groups and detoxification.   Excess toxins become stored in the body.  By supporting their REMOVAL, you can release excess weight, expedite hair growth through healthier adrenals and brighten your complexion!

Here is a great list of some daily components you can add to your daily routine.

1. Sulforaphane, found in broccoli, and especially broccoli sprouts. This compound has counteracted genes that increase cancer susceptibility in lab studies, and helps the body destroy abnormal cells. Cruciferous vegetables also help the body detox excess estrogens and promote hormonal health.

2. Chlorophyll, found in barley and wheatgrass, chlorella, leafy greens and spirulina. Chlorophyll helps to neutralize toxins and boost the body’s immune defenses. We use dark leafy greens in our cleanse program to nourish the body with minerals, and support liver detoxification.

3. Catechins, found in apples, berries and green tea, inhibits enzymatic reactions that can lead to cancer and has shown to reduce tumor size in lab studies. Apples, berries and green tea are also sources of antioxidants that promote beauty and strong hair, skin and nails.

4. Limonoids, found in lemon, lime, noni and orange, promotes detoxification of cancer-causing compounds within the digestive tract and also may inhibit breast cancer cell growth. Drink your lemon water at room temperature in the morning.

5. Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric is used to help reduce inflammation which allows the body to heal naturally. Those with inflammatory conditions or arthritis may choose to use turmeric as part of their regimen.

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Enjoy this ENERGIZING Smoothie!

Energize Me Smoothie 1 pear ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries 1 cup spinach 1-inch piece ginger root 1 tbsp hemp or chia seeds 1 cup coconut water or water

Health Benefits This smoothie is full of easy to digest carbohydrates that will leave you feeling energized. The fibre content of this smoothie will slow the release of those carbohydrates into your bloodstream, helping you to keep your energy levels stable until your next meal. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals. While we do not use vitamins and minerals directly for energy, they are used in energy production processes so in a roundabout way they do help to energize you.

For additional detoxification, stop in at Kasia and relax in our INFRARED SAUNA!  

Reference:  Young and Raw

Geranium Essential Oil - Balance Hormones & Aromatherapy Use

Want to learn about Essential Oils? Want to know how to use them and what to use them for?

Kasia oils goes through GC/MS certifications, which allows us to guarantee that we are providing you with the highest quality essential oils available.

The best thing about Geranium essential oil is that it can be used for so many things, and suits everyone. Women in particular will love Geranium for its beauty-enhancing and balancing properties.

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Geranium Essential Oil = Uses In Aromatherapy

The oil possesses potent astringent, antiseptic, antifungal and diuretic properties, which makes it an effective remedy for urinary tract infections, sore throat, oral ulcers and yeast infections.

Geranium’s most common and widespread use is in the realm of skin care and grooming. It can nourish dry skin, relieve itchy scalp conditions and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. Many people like to use Geranium essential oil as a room freshener because of its delightful fragrance.

Geranium is both analgesic and antispasmodic.  It can provide relief from nerve disorders such as neuralgia and rheumatic arthritis.  It is also helpful in treating chronic anxiety and nervousness.

A natural phlebotonic, Geranium can also relieve haemorrohoids, varicose veins and excessive menstrual bleeding. Its effects on infertility and menopausal symptoms make it a particularly useful oil for women.

Geranium  Essential Oil = Weight Loss, Cellulite And Water Retention

A natural diuretic, Geranium essential oil stimulates the lymphatic system and aids elimination of excess water from the body.  It is  helpful in minimizing cellulite and edema of the ankles.

Geranium Essential Oil = Skin Care

Geranium oil has excellent cytophylactic and hemostatic properties which speed up the healing of wounds, burns and bruises.

As an effective anti-inflammatory, Geranium has also found use in the management of eczema, psoriasis and acne. The oil is specifically recommended for dry, oily or combination skin because of its astringent properties. It balances the production of serum and helps prevent skin breakouts.

Geranium Essential Oil = Inner Peace And Happiness

Geranium oil has a regulating effect on the nervous system and can help dispel depression, nervous anxiety and fear. Its scent is positive and uplifting, which instantly calms the mind and restores emotional balance. This is why it is indicated for both acute and chronic anxiety. Workaholic people who have lost touch with their inner self will find this oil very useful as it stabilizes the mind and enhances sensory perception and imagination.

Geranium Essential Oil For Hormonal Balance

Geranium oil is a tonic for the adrenal cortex which regulates the release of hormones. The oil helps maintain hormonal balance specifically in cases of puberty, premenstrual phases, menopause, sterility and menstrual irregularities.  It also provides relief from symptoms of PMS such as fluid retention and breast engorgement.

As a supporter of the adrenal system, it is especially helpful in managing chronic exhaustion and fatigue. Since hormones have a direct effect on our moods, Geranium can effectively combat depression, nervousness and weariness which are usually symptoms of hormonal imbalance.

How To Use Geranium Essential Oil

Since Geranium oil is non-toxic and hypoallergenic, it can be used by anyone.  You can choose just about any therapeutic method to enjoy the benefits of Geranium, including diffusers, bath, compresses, direct inhalation and massage.  Here are some recipes to try:

  • For instant relief from depression, anxiety, exhaustion or moodiness, add 5 drops each of  Geranium and Bergamot oil to your bath water. This recipe is also great for PMS.
  • For a restorative, balancing massage, combine 2 drops each of Geranium, Lavender and Rose essential oil with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil.

kasia_0003_HIGH1-200x300Harmonize Rose and Geranium So-Lux Body Oil

Bliss out with our incredibly rich yet lightweight, 100% natural So-Lux Beauty Oil. Infused with Vitamin E, pure essential oils and grape seed, arnica, safflower, jojoba and avocado oils, its quick-absorb formula is moisturizing and therapeutic to leave skin soft and supple.

Kasia Geranium Pure Essential Oil

A highly effective essential oil known to be relaxing during times of stress, while helping to relieve pre-menstrual symptoms.  All Skin Types, especially oil-prone complexions.

 Visit Kasia Salon for Geranium Inspiration Today!

TRENDING: Celebrity Short and Sweet Hair Cuts for Style and Ease

Be INSPIRED!  A new array of celebrities, such as Pamela Anderson and Kristen Chenowith, have embraced the short hair trend by trading in long, flowing locks for short and chic styles. From long bobs to jawline-grazing cuts to stylish pixies, cropped hair is growing in popularity on red carpets and the streets alike.

JenniferAniston

Recently, actress Jennifer Aniston was spotted leaving a hair appointment with a brand new, short, bob-like haircut. According to Aniston, the cut was a result of a treatment gone wrong, but that hasn't stopped the A-lister from pulling off the look gorgeously.

Beyonce

Beyonce made waves when she debuted this short, pixie look on Instagram. Since then, the singer has been seen sporting varying lengths, including an asymmetrical bob and a curly, shoulder-length style on stage.

[Image credit: Instagram.com/beyonce]

JLaw

Jennifer surprised her fans with her new, short cut.

Reference;   http://www.beautylaunchpad.com

Creamy Pineapple Anti-inflammatory Smoothie

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Pineapples contain bromelain enzyme which is a powerful anti-inflammatory.  This famous pain relieving enzyme has been synthesized and isolated into supplements to treat inflammation and pain naturally.

Ginger contains very powerful anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols. These substances are believed to explain why so many people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis experience reductions in their pain levels and improvements in their mobility when they consume  ginger regularly.

Enjoy these ingredient benefits in this fabulous smoothie below! 

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Creamy Dreamy Cleanse Smoothie

1 cup fresh or frozen pineapple ½ avocado 2 cups green leaf lettuce 1-inch piece ginger root 1 cup water or coconut water

Health Benefits Avocado is one of the most nutrient dense foods you can eat.  It is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all essential amino acids your body needs to function. It is a rich source of healthy fats including omega 3 fatty acids. It is also a good source of calories to provide you with lots of fuel for your day! It will add a creamy, thick consistency to your smoothie which is nice and satisfying.

 

Crosspost from Young and Raw

Featuring four NEW luxe scents. Kasia Organic's new candle collection for the holiday season!

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Burn Bright!

Cozy up to  Kasia Organic's new candle collection this holiday season!

They're perfect for infusing any room with a light, all-natural fragrance.

 

Featuring four luxe scents.

Sweet Orangerie:

 An uplifting and joyful burst of sweet orange, grapefruit and black pepper

Meditative Muse:An exotic infusion of frankincense, myrrh, and palo santo

Cashmere Rose:A romantic harmony of rose absolute, palma rosa and ylang ylang

Soothing Spruce: A natural and refreshing concoction of balsam fir, spruce and pine

Each candle begins with a custom blend of 100% pure essential oils, 100% pure plant wax and all-cotton wicks.

 Hand poured into luxurious Italian frosted glass, the packaging is 100% recyclable and Forest Stewardship Council Certified.

The technique and craftsmanship ensure a soot-free, clean and even burn for a light, fragrant aroma.

 

  

Key Benefits

  • Free of synthetic fragrance and harmful phthalates, petrochemical-based dyes or additives
  • Made locally in Minnesota
  • 100% vegan
  • GMO-free
  • 100% recyclable
  • Bonus: They come elegantly wrapped inside a 100% recycled damask inspired box-a perfect gift.

Is your tea bag risking your health? The top 5 tea ingredients to watch for!

Before you boil your next cup of tea, learn about the five conventional tea ingredients that can harm your health.

 

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For many people, sipping on a cup of tea is a good way to unwind after a long day. The drink is found to be the most widely consumed beverage in the world next to water, as approximately half of the American population drinks tea on a daily basis, says The Tea Association of the USA. The tea industry in the U.S. is expected to expand because tea continues to receive medical appraisal for its health benefits.

According to the most recent data provided by the American Tea Association, 2011 was the 20th consecutive year that consumer purchases of tea increased, with retail supermarket sales surpassing the $2.20 billion dollar mark. What's more, consumption away from home has seen a yearly increase of at least 10 percent in the past decade. More than 5,000 studies done on the health benefits of tea have many choosing what was once thought a subordinate drink to coffee. But while opting for tea may be driven by health-conscious motives, the ingredients found in your cup could make you think twice about taking another sip.

Modern tea brands such as Celestial Seasonings and Teavana are widely consumed because of the supported claims that the antioxidants found in tea can ward off chronic illnesses and diseases. "It's anti-carcinogenic. It modulates your (blood) pressure. It's good for your heart. It has antioxidants," said Sundeep Mukherjee, principal adviser to the Darjeeling Tea Association, to USA Today. The health claims have proven to be valid, but the kind of ingredients in your cup of tea can also counteract the benefits of the drink.

Vari Hari, who runs the food blog Food Babe, has performed a series of investigations that involve questioning the practices of food companies. As an avid tea consumer who has a whole drawer dedicated to tea, Hari examined the ingredients found in conventional teas. The investigation has led her to “never look at tea in the same way again,” she said in her blog.

Pesticides In Your Tea?

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Celestial Seasonings

In an analysis done by the Glaucus Research Group, the company found a jaw-dropping amount of pesticides in one of the most popularly consumed tea brands, Celestial Seasonings. Ninety-one percent of the teas from this brand were found to have pesticide residues that exceeded pesticide tolerances, or limits, in the U.S. Most teas are not washed before they are placed in the tea bags, putting tea drinkers at risk of being exposed to cancer-causing pesticides. Hari gave the example of Sleepytime Kids Goodnight Herbal that contained 0.26

ppm of propachlor, a herbicide and a carcinogen under California’s Proposition 65.

Celestial Seasonings has received two letters issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the poor quality in its tea ingredients after propargite was found in Celestial Seasonings' Wellness tea line. The carcinogen and developmental toxin, propargite, was classified as a human carcinogen based on the appearance of intestinal tumors in test animals, reports the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Artificial Flavoring

A majority of Teavana teas, such as Wild Orange Blossom, contain added flavor. The brochures for these teas contain phrases such as “no artificial colors,” and the ingredients list says “flavoring,” but leaves it ambiguous as to whether or not these flavors are natural or artificial. The added flavors in Teavana teas possibly contain manipulations of chemicals such as crude oil and coal tar. Coal tar is an additive used in flavoring of candy, alcohol, and other foods, says Healthychild.org.

Read the rest of this story  HERE

 

List of Common Foods that Cross-react Cross-react with Gluten!

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Are you following a strict gluten-free lifestyle; yet you still suffer from symptoms related to gluten?

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If so, it could be that you are eating foods that do not contain gluten but your body reacts to them as if they do.  This process is called cross-reactivity.

There are a number of naturally gluten-free foods such as cheese, chocolate and coffee that contain proteins so similar to gluten that your body confuses them for gluten.  When you eat these foods your body and immune system react as if you just ate a bowl of whole-wheat pasta.

It’s estimated that at least half of those who are gluten intolerant are also sensitive to dairy (cheese, yogurt, milk and butter) due to its cross-reactivity with gluten.

 

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Image credit: www.healthnowmedical.com

 

Below is a list of common foods that cross-react with gluten:

  • Amaranth
  • Buckwheat
  • Chocolate
  • Coffee
  • Corn
  • Dairy ie Milk and Cheese (Alpha-Casein, Beta-Casein, Casomorphin, Butyrophilin, Whey Protein)
  • Egg
  • Hemp
  • Millet
  • Oats
  • Polish wheat
  • Potato
  • Rice
  • Sesame
  • Sorghum
  • Soy
  • Tapioca
  • Teff
  • Yeast

 

If you are gluten-intolerant and you are still having health issues even after removing gluten from your diet, try  eliminating the above foods for at least two months and see if your symptoms improve.  Make sure you have healed your gut as well.   Then, after two months you may reintroduce the above foods one at a time to determine which ones you are cross-reacting to, if any at all.  Laboratory testing is also available to determine which foods are cross-reactive for you.

If you determine that there are foods that are cross-reactive for you, the treatment is to permanently remove these foods from your diet along with gluten.  Remember, that though the cross-reactive foods do not actually contain gluten your body thinks they do and therefore the inflammation and damage to your body is equal to that of gluten.

Photo credit and original article published on MindBodyGreen

Protien Packed Smoothie for Depression Relief & Brain Support

Green Smoothies are a delicious and easy way to infuse your body with nutrients every day. They provide the body with a clean energy source, help boost mood, and also create clear and glowing skin. This recipe is designed to support you in boosting your mood, beating depression and keeping your energy levels more consistent. Bananas are designed by nature to product happy chemicals in our guts and brains, so they’re often recommended to people who suffer from depression (provided that depression is not triggered by adrenal fatigue, in which case lower sugar fruits are a safer bet.) Protein consumption triggers a neurotransmitter called dopamine, which leads to an increased sense of happiness and well-being.

With low dopamine, you’re bound to feel a little low and even blue. Lettuce can be used as a mild food based solution to induce sleep and relaxation, which compliments this blended smoothie quite well and keeps the oxalate content low.

Dopamine-and-Serotonin-Booster-Green-Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 1 banana
  • 1 cup romaine lettuce
  • 1 tbsp. coconut or hemp oil
  • 1 scoop hemp protein *optional
  • 1 cup water or coconut water

 

 

Blend on high and enjoy!

 

Reference: Young and Raw

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