Benefits of Exercising Daily

1. Exercise controls weight

Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help maintain weight loss. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn.

Regular trips to the gym are great, but don't worry if you can't find a large chunk of time to exercise every day. To reap the benefits of exercise, just get more active throughout your day — take the stairs instead of the elevator or rev up your household chores. Consistency is key.

2. Exercise combats health conditions and diseases

Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent high blood pressure? No matter what your current weight, being active boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol and decreases unhealthy triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which decreases your risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Regular exercise helps prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and concerns, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, a number of types of cancer, arthritis and falls.

3. Exercise improves mood

Need an emotional lift? Or need to blow off some steam after a stressful day? A gym session or brisk 30-minute walk can help. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.

You may also feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem.

4. Exercise boosts energy

Winded by grocery shopping or household chores? Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance.

Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And when your heart and lung health improve, you have more energy to tackle daily chores.

5. Exercise promotes better sleep

Struggling to snooze? Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. Just don't exercise too close to bedtime, or you may be too energized to hit the hay.

6. Exercise puts the spark back into your sex life

Do you feel too tired or too out of shape to enjoy physical intimacy? Regular physical activity can improve energy levels and physical appearance, which may boost your sex life.

But there's even more to it than that. Regular physical activity may enhance arousal for women. And men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than are men who don't exercise.

7. Exercise can be fun … and social!

Exercise and physical activity can be enjoyable. It gives you a chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors or simply engage in activities that make you happy. Physical activity can also help you connect with family or friends in a fun social setting.

So, take a dance class, hit the hiking trails or join a soccer team. Find a physical activity you enjoy, and just do it. Bored? Try something new, or do something with friends.

The bottom line on exercise

Exercise and physical activity are a great way to feel better, boost your health and have fun. Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise.

Try to engage in a combination of vigorous and moderate aerobic exercises, such as running, walking or swimming. Squeeze in strength training at least twice per week by lifting free weights, using weight machines or doing body weight exercises.

Space out your activities throughout the week. If you want to lose weight or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to ramp up your exercise efforts.

Remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you haven't exercised for a long time, have chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis, or you have any concerns.

WHAT'S YOUR ROUTINE? TELL US ABOUT IT...

EVEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE ONE!!

To Gym or not to Gym?...That is the question!!!

GYMS IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DECIDE TO GO ALL THE WAY TO MAINTAIN THAT HEALTHY BODY AND WANNA MAKE THAT START 

HERE ARE SOME GYM OPTIONS IN YOUR DISTRICT 

CLX - (IN THE NORTH)

BIO-FITNESS  (IN THE WEST)

AMCOL FITNESS FIRST HEALTH CLUB (IN THE SOUTH)

XTREME FITNESS (IN CENTRAL)

HYPERACTIVE FITNESS CLUB (IN THE EAST)

FX RELOADED GYM  (IN TOBAGO)

Bottled Water in Trinidad and Tobago

PEOPLE SEEM TO CARRY BOTTLED WATER EVERY WHERE THEY GO THESE DAYS

WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO TAP/ PIPE WATER??

In Trinidad and Tobago there are variety of brands of bottled water available for consumers. Below are three 3 of the main brands that are usually reasonably priced. 

OASIS

Refreshing , Revitalizing, Invigorating, Hydrating. Oasis purified drinking water rejuvenates your senses body and mind. 

Oasis bottled water is a great beverage choice for hydration and refreshment, because of its consistent safety, quality convenience and great taste. 

Oasis water goes through a seven (7) step purification process. five stages of ultra-fine filtration, followed by reverse osmosis and then ozonation, providing you with it's clean refreshing taste.

Oasis purified drinking water is the only local bottled water that is a member of the International Bottled Water Association, a world wide body which regulates and ensures that Oasis bottled water is safe.

It is being distributed by SM Jaleel and Company Limited. located at Otaheite Industrial Estate South, Oroupouche, Fyzabad, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I. 

DASANI

Dasani is one of the brands of bottled water from the Coca Cola company.

In 2010 Dasani started making their bottles with up to 30% plant based material.

We all know how important it is to recycle and reuse, and Dasani's innovative bottle design is doing both. The 100% recyclable half liter bottle  can be twisted down to half of it's original size. 

In designing Dasani to be the best tasting water it starts with the local water supply, which is then filtered by reverse osmosis to remove impurities. The purified water is then enhanced with a special blend of minerals for the pure, crisp, fresh taste, that's delightfully DASANI.

BLUE WATERS

Blue Waters Products Limited established in the year 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago has grown to be an iconic Caribbean brand over the years and is now the preferred brand of bottled purified drinking water in the Caribbean. 

With over 500 employees in Trinidad, the company now operates a modern facility in Orange Grove which can be simply described as world class by international beverage manufacturing standards.

It bottles water, sourced from an artesian well underground, filtered and purified, bottled and distributed to customers across the Caribbean region. 

IS THERE ANOTHER BRAND THAT YOU USE?

TELL US ABOUT IT?

WILL YOU RECOMMEND ANY OF THESE? 

Benefits of Drinking Water

WHY DRINK MORE WATER?

Think of water as a nutrient your body needs that is present in liquids, plain water and foods. All of these are essential daily to replace the large amounts of water lost each day. 

Fluid losses occur continuously from skin evaporation, breathing, urine and stool and these losses must be replaced daily for good health.

1. Drinking water helps maintain the balance of body fluids

Your body is composed about 60% water. The functions of these bodily fluids include digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients and maintenance of body temperature.  

Through the posterior pituitary gland your brain communicates with your kidneys and tells it how much water to excrete as urine, or hold onto for reserves.

When you're low on fluid, the brain triggers the body's thirst mechanism, and unless you are taking medications that make you thirsty you should  listen to those clues and get yourself a glass of water. 

2. Water can help control calories

For years dieters have been drinking lots of water as a weight loss strategy. While water doesn't have any magical effect on weight loss substituting it for higher calorie beverages can certainly help.

What works well with weight loss is if you choose water or non-caloric beverage over a caloric beverage and/or eat a higher in water-rich foods that are healthier, more filling, and help you trim calorie intake.

Food with higher water content tends to look larger, its higher volume requires more chewing, and it is absorbed more slowly by the body, which helps you feel full. Water- rich foods include fruits, vegetables, broth-based soups, oatmeal, and beans.

3. Water helps energize muscles

Cells that don't maintain their balance of fluids and electrolytes shrivel, which can result in muscle fatigue. 

When muscles cells don't have adequate fluids, they don't work as well and performance can suffer.

Drinking enough fluids is important when exercising. It is recommended that people start drinking fluids early during exercise, and drink them at regular intervals to replace fluids lost by sweating. 

4. Water helps keep skin looking good

Your skin contains plenty of water, and functions as a protective barrier to prevent excess fluid loss. But don't expect over-hydration to erase wrinkles or fine lines.

Dehydration makes your skin look more dry and wrinkled, which can be improved with proper hydration. But once you are adequately hydrated, the kidneys take over and excrete excess fluids.

You can also help lock moisture into your skin by using moisturizer, which creates a physical barrier to keep moisture in.

5. Water helps your kidneys 

Body fluids transport waste products in and out of cells. The main toxin in the body is blood urea nitrogen, a water-soluble waste that is able to pass through the kidneys to be excreted in the urine. 

Your kidneys do an amazing job of cleansing and ridding your body of toxins as long as your intake of fluids is adequate.

When you're getting enough fluids, urine flows freely, is light in color and free of odor. When your body is not getting enough fluids, urine concentration, color, and odor increases because the kidney trap extra fluid for bodily functions.

If you chronically drink too little, you may be at higher risk for kidney stones, especially in warm climates. 

6. Water helps maintain normal bowel function

Adequate hydration keeps things flowing along your gastrointestinal tract and prevents constipation. 

When you don't get enough fluid, the colon pulls water from stools to maintain hydration and the result is constipation. 

Adequate fluid and fiber is the perfect combination, because the fluid pumps up the fiber and acts like a broom to keep your bowel functioning properly.

Copyright WebMD LLC

HOW MANY GLASSES OF WATER DO YOU DRINK ON A DAILY BASIS?

Benefits of Healthy Eating

HERE'S WHY YOU SHOULD

Eating healthy isn't always easy, but committing to a healthy diet can be one of the smartest decisions you ever make. Not only eating well make you look and feel better, it can also save you money on future health costs.

But even if you intend to 'eat healthy' knowing exactly what that means can be challenging. Following a healthy diet includes plenty lean meats, eggs, vegetables, fruit, whole grain and dairy products.

Eating well also means leaving out or only rarely consuming foods that are high in added sugar, saturated fat and sodium. That includes most fast food, full-calorie sodas, processed snacks like chips and crackers, and anything with more milligrams of sodium than there are calories in a serving.

1. Increase productivity

Like a car, your brain needs quality fuel to run efficiently. When it comes to your job working more efficiently can help you earn more, since high achievers are usually first in line for promotions and raises. 

How much can eating healthy help? One study found that an unhealthy diet represented the highest risk for low productivity.

2. Save money on life insurance

If you're shopping for life insurance, the life insurer will likely ask for permission to get your medical records, and may require a life insurance medical exam. You could in fact double the life insurance cost if you'r e unhealthy. Switching to a healthier diet and maintaining a good health could significantly lower your costs.

3. Enhance Mood

What you eat has an impact on your brain, including the parts that regulate mood. Although there is no single food that acts as a proven antidepressant, maintaining stable blood sugar through regular, proper nutrition will help you feel better overall on most days.

Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as fruits, whole grains and vegetables, have been associated with an overall lower risk of depression, as have foods rich in Omega-3 fats, such as nuts, salmon and other fatty fish.

Eating healthy can reduce stress too. When your body is in a chronic state of stress, it breaks down protein to prepare for battle, but certain foods have the ability to moderate the body's level of cortisol, the stress hormone.

4. Regulate Weight

Simple health choices such as replacing soda with water, choosing veggies instead of chips, and ordering a side salad in place of fries not only will help you lose weight, it also can help you save money. 

5. Be Healthier

Not everybody who is thin is healthy, and not everyone who is overweight is unhealthy, but eating right can improve health for even thin people who are junk food junkies. 

You can think of junk food as anything that's high in calories and low in micro-nutrients like vitamins and mineral . This includes potato chips, greasy foods like french fries, and soda.

If you miss out on too much of the vitamins and minerals that your body needs, you could put yourself at risk for early death. 

6. Live Longer

The same diseases that make you feel bad and cost a lot of money may also lower your life expectancy. A diet of fruit and vegetables, in combination with exercise, was associated with life expectancy for women in their 70's,, according to a study done. 

A healthy diet plan can play an important role in how long you'll live.

Natural Foods

THE ORGANIC WAY

Organic living may seem like an elite trend but it's really a return to old fashion ways!!!!

Many remote settlements and indigenous communities in the Caribbean that have not yet been fully modernized have always reared their own livestock, grew their own crops without chemical or pesticide, and make coconut oil the old-fashioned way. 

Organic products contain no pesticides, synthetic ingredients, or chemical fertilizers. People usually consider them safer for human consumption and less likely to cause any adverse health situations. They are also better for the environment since this will mean fewer chemicals in the ecosystems.
 
The market for organic products is growing rapidly especially in the food industry with everyone from manufacturers to supermarkets and restaurants all wanting a piece of the organic pie.

Interest in organics, raw foods, whole grains, natural sugars and the like has grown gradually and now begun to soar, especially with specific groups such health and fitness practitioners. People with food and chemical allergies have also started trying to source healthier options. 

Tourism has also played a role. In the Caribbean, visitors to more exclusive and upper-end hotels and resorts have started demanding that their meals contain whole grains, organic ingredients, and free-range meat and dairy. This has encouraged many hotels to support local organic farming. 

However the organic industry is still considered an elite phenomenon. Growing food without chemicals is more expensive, but for many consumers the higher quality and safety of organic food is well worth the additional cost.

In Trinidad, some specialty food stores carry a limited range of organic products. 

Some of the Organic Food Producers and markets in Trinidad and Tobago are:

San Antonio Green Market

• Located at Saddle Road, Santa Cruz

New Earth Organics

• Located at Roberts Street, Woodbrook

Bethany Estate

• Located in Talparo

Cocobel Chocolate

• Located in Woodbrook, Port of Spain

Be Free Foods

• Located at #6 Mucurapo Road, Port of Spain

Copyright Caribbeanbeat.com

DO YOU WANT TO GIVE ORGANIC LIFESTYLE A TRY?????

Natural Health

NATURAL SUPER-HEALERS FOR YOUR 

MEDICINE CABINET

Herbs and other natural remedies can be as effective as traditional treatments often without the same negative side effects.

TURMERIC 

A heaping help of curry could relieve your pain!!!!

Many high quality studies show that tumeric has major benefits for your body and brain. 

Turmeric is a spice that gives curry its yellow colour. It has been used in India for thousands of years as a spice and medicinal herb. 

Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong anti-oxidant. 

Chronic inflammation is a known contributor to many common diseases. Curcumin can inhibit many molecules known to play major roles in inflammation. 

Curcumin boosts levels of brain hormone and fights various degenerative processes in the brain. 

For general health it is recommended to add the spice to your cooking whenever possible. 

CINNAMON 

Cinnamon is  a highly delicious spice

It has been prized for its medicinal properties for thousands of years 

The anti-oxidants in cinnamon have anti-inflammatory effects which may help lower the risk of disease 

It may also reduce cholesterol by reducing related heart risks.

Cinnamon has been shown to significantly increase sensitivity to the hormone insulin 

Cinnamon has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, which may reduce infections, and help fight tooth decay and bad breath.  

Please note however that large amount of the actual spice may be dangerous so it is advisable to stick with a water soluble extract. 

GINGER 

Ginger is a flowering plant that originated from China

Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional/ alternative medicine. It has been used to help digestion, reduce nausea and fight the flu and common cold, to name a few. 

Ginger can prevent stomach upset from many sources including pregnancy, motion sickness and chemotherapy. 

A powerful anti-oxident, ginger works by blocking the effects of serotonin, a chemical produced by both the brain and stomach when you nauseated, and by stopping the production of free radicals, another cause of upset in your stomach. 

Some studies show ginger to be effective at reducing symptoms of oesteoarthritis, which is a very common health problem.

BASIL 

Want to enrich the taste and cardio-vascular health benefits of your pasta sauce? Add a good helping of Basil. 

Basil is a highly fragrant plant whose leaves are used as a seasoning herb for many different types of food. 

Several studies suggest that a special variety of plant you use in your pesto sauce is effective at reducing stress by increasing adrenaline and noradrenaline and decreasing serotonin. 

Some research also used the tea made from the leaves of the basil to relieve indigestion and headaches. 

Bail is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A and vitamin C; and a good source of calcium, iron, folate, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. 

Recommended usage: Pour 2 cups boiling water over 10 to 15 fresh basil leaves and steep for 5 minutes. Remove the leaves before consuming.  

GARLIC 

Garlic is a plant in the Allium (onion) family

It is grown in many parts of the world and is a popular ingredient in cooking due to its strong smell and delicious taste

However throughout ancient history the main use of garlic was for its health and medicinal properties

Most of the health effects are caused by one of the sulfur compounds formed when a garlic is chopped, crushed or chewed. This compound is know as allicin.

Allicin enters the body from the digestive track and travels all over the body where it exerts its potential biological effects

• Garlic is highly nutritious and has very few calories

• Garlic can combat sickness including common cold

• The active compounds in garlic can reduce blood pressure 

• Garlic improves cholesterol levels which may lower risk of heart disease

• Garlic contains antioxidants that may help prevent Alzheimer's disease and dementia 

• Eating garlic can help detoxify heavy metals in the body

• Garlic may improve bone health

HAVE YOUR PARENTS OR GRANDPARENTS EVER TRIED TO GET YOU TO TRY SOMETHING YOU REALLY DIDN'T WANT TO?

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE OTHER REMEDIES YOU ENCOUNTERED??