The health and beauty of your skin, hair, and nails also depend on the foods you choose to put on your plate. A diet based on processed foods (high in saturated fat and sugar) will not provide essential nutrients and will be a source of inflammation for the skin. On the contrary, if you make sure to find a balance and add foods known to be “superfoods” to your plate, then your body and your skin will thank you!

But what exactly are superfoods? Superfoods have incredible health benefits. Thanks to their high nutritional value and detoxifying power, they are known to stimulate the immune system, reduce fatigue, prevent disease and improve the condition of the skin, nails, and hair. They are, in general, very rich in nutrients. Nutrients are antioxidants, minerals, fibers, vitamins, trace elements, vegetable proteins, or essential fatty acids.

So, we are going to talk to you a little bit more in detail about the different types of superfoods! That way, you won’t have an excuse the next time you go shopping!

Lemon

A major ingredient in detox drinks. If we put it at the top of the list, it’s for a specific reason! Lemon is the food to have in your kitchen at all times. Lemon is acidic. However, once assimilated by the body, it becomes alkaline and allows to regulate the pH in your body. It is antioxidant, tonic, antiseptic, healing, astringent, and degreasing, a real superfood for the body. Enriched with vitamin C, it will stimulate your immune system by giving you a good dose of energy and will be an excellent antiseptic/antiviral in case of need. Moreover, its detox action will also eliminate bad toxins, especially from the liver. Do not hesitate to prepare detox drinks with this superfood.

Lemon is a great ally for a radiant complexion but also to fight against free radicals responsible for skin aging.

Turmeric

Turmeric is commonly used in traditional Indian and Ayurvedic medicine as a detoxifying agent. It is the roots of this herbaceous plant that give turmeric powder. This natural supplement works wonders for our bodies. The carmine it contains is an active ingredient with anti-inflammatory properties. This “superfood” ingredient is rich in iron, zinc, manganese, and selenium as well as vitamins C, B6, and B3. A vitamin cocktail that stimulates the nervous system and has an anti-stress action.

Turmeric can also be used in powder or oil form to relieve acne, wounds, psoriasis, or fungi.

Spirulina

Spirulina has seen its popularity soar for some time. Its pretty blue-green color indeed makes it intriguing! This microalga is a super detoxifier that has exceptional levels of iron and protein. It also contains gamma-linolenic acid (an essential fatty acid found in breast milk). Its nutritional richness makes it a superfood that will prevent deficiencies and boost your immune system! It also stimulates your liver to de-clutter it!

Red fruits (blueberries, blackcurrants, goji berries…)

They are among the fruits that contain the most antioxidants: red fruits are “superfood” ingredients to be integrated into your diet. They help fight the bad effects of free radicals on your body. They are rich in essential fatty acids and fiber while being low in calories. A snack to devour without hesitation.

Flax and chia seeds

Flax seeds contain a very high level of nutrition. They are rich in omega-3 and fiber, which helps improve transit, fight against excess cholesterol and relieve symptoms related to menopause. Finally, thanks to its richness in omega-6 essential fatty acids, they improve the quality of the skin.

Chia seeds contain five times more calcium than milk, more iron than spinach, more potassium than bananas, and more vitamin C than oranges. It also contains zinc, vitamin B1, B2, and B3. Anti-inflammatory, the chia seed is a superb source of energy. Moreover, this “superfood” ingredient is also an antioxidant that helps slow down skin aging. So what are we waiting for?

Green tea (and matcha)

Consumed in Asia for thousands of years, green tea has powerful antioxidant benefits. Although it is not a detox food, it is a stimulator of the fat elimination metabolism. It is an excellent diuretic that promotes the proper functioning of the digestive system while reducing cholesterol levels. Finally, its high level of caffeine and vitamin C makes it a very good energizer! Toning and purifying, green tea is known for its mattifying action on the skin as well as for a deep cleansing that tightens the pores.

As for matcha, it is a variety of green tea consumed as a fine green powder obtained by crushing tea leaves between two stones. It is traditionally drunk whipped in water. With anti-aging and energizing effects, matcha tea powder is a healthy alternative for breakfast!

90% dark chocolate or cocoa

Let’s finish with a superfood for the foodies here! If you too can’t imagine a life without chocolate, it’s time to switch to a much healthier alternative. It’s the anti-depression treat since theobromine and magnesium present in dark chocolate are active ingredients that will regulate the nervous system. They increase the effects of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, known for their role in stress and anxiety. In addition, the flavonoids it contains boost concentration and memory.

One last thing… The University of Northumbria in England has looked into another benefit of chocolate: promoting sleep. Indeed, the serotonin it contains helps relaxation. So, no need to feel guilty! Dark chocolate (between 85% and more) is good for your health if you eat it in reasonable quantities as part of a varied diet.

So there you have it, you know everything (or almost everything) about superfoods. Now, it is important to remember that, although they are excellent for your health, they are not intended to become the basis of your diet! We take this opportunity to recommend you to eat local and seasonal!

You pay for insurance every month, and if something goes wrong with your policy, you get money. Most people don’t abuse them, but some try to make money off them. This leads to some crazy stories. I’ll tell you them right now, without waiting. I warn you, there is a lot to read, but it’s worth it.

1. In Slovenia, a woman cut her hand to get the insurance money

It happened recently: a 21-year-old woman, with the help of a 29-year-old family member, cut her hand with a circular saw and wanted to pass it off as an accident. Shortly before, she had taken out 5 insurance policies and expected to receive a total of 380,000 euros + 3000 euros per month for life. And of course, she got caught, because you shouldn’t take people for fools either. She and her accomplice are facing 8 years in prison. Fortunately, for her, they managed to sew up her hand.

2. In China, a man faked his death to collect insurance and caused the death of his entire family

This story is a true Shakespearean tragedy. In September 2018, Mr. He decided to fake his death to allow his wife to collect 125,000 euros from the life insurance. He faked a car accident by throwing his car into a river, and the authorities concluded that he was dead. Problem: he had not told his wife who was devastated by the death of her husband, having lost hope, she killed their two children before taking her own life in the same river. She wanted the family to be reunited in the afterlife. Upon hearing this, Mr. He went to the police. He explained that he had debts after paying for treatment for his epileptic daughter and wanted to pay them back. A real drama.

3. An Englishman faked his death and then got busted in Australia

Hugo and Sophie Sanchez, an English couple in debt, had a bad idea in 2005: they were going to pretend that the husband died during their vacations to get a lot of money from their travel insurance. Sophie will make-believe that Hugo has been cremated and will get the money. Meanwhile, he will go with the children to Australia. But the police prevented Sophie Sanchez from joining him because they found a detail that is not trivial: on the death certificate, they found fingerprints of her husband. Sophie Sanchez was on the plane for the departure, but she was arrested just in time, like in the movies. The investigation continued and Sophie confessed to the scam. Only years later, her husband was found in Sydney and extradited. He was doing his own thing with his children without much concern for his wife. This could be made into a movie.

4. Another English couple came up with the plan of the century without telling their children and lost everything because of Google

John and Anne Darwin were living beyond their means and had bought a dozen shacks, struggling to pay back their bank loans. In 2002, they decided to make believe that John died in the North Sea while canoeing. And it works. Anne plays the devastated widow and John lives in a secret room in the house. When he goes out, he dresses up to hide his identity. Their two sons don’t even know about it, they believe their father is really dead. Anne and John then decided to go to Panama, a tax haven from which they cannot be extradited. To obtain a passport, John had obtained the birth certificate of a child who died in 1950. Once in Panama, the couple had a good time and decided to invest their money. Everything could have continued quietly if John had not returned to England in 2007 to visit his son Mark. Everyone was moved by the reunion of a son and his father until someone found on Google a photo of John and Anne with a Panamanian real estate agent. the error. When Anne returns from Panama, she gets busted, and the couple goes on trial.

5. Two couples faked their burglary to get the cash

In 2012, in the Pyrenees-Orientales, two couples staged a fake burglary of their homes to report stolen items to insurance companies and pocket the money. The next morning, the victims were summoned, as is customary, except that they did not show up and only came in the afternoon to settle the insurance issues. The gendarmes find this a bit strange; normally the victims are a bit more involved in the investigation than this. They decide to look at surveillance cameras in the city and manage to see the burglars in action. Burglars that look like the victims. Let’s get it all out of here and into the courts.

6. Frenchman sets his car on fire for reimbursement and gets busted

In August 2018, the owner of a car files a complaint because it was set on fire. He explains that it was in new condition and worth 11,000 euros. So he wants to be reimbursed by his insurance. But the police discovered that he had made an estimate shortly before for a gearbox change. The estimate was 6.500 euros, a good amount. So we immediately understood the scam: the guy didn’t want to spend so much money on repairs and preferred to use the insurance. Further analysis of the car’s body even managed to prove that the gearbox was not in working order before the fire. The owner will be summoned to court in June 2019. He will really need a very good lawyer to get out of this illegal situation.

7. Guy sets fire to his bakery and makes a big mistake

Near Namur, the owner of a bakery that was unoccupied decided, with the help of his father and an accomplice, to burn down the establishment to get the insurance money (more than 380,000 euros in reimbursements) because he couldn’t sell it. It could have worked if the guys had not left the keys on the door. They also found an oil can leave in the room. The police soon realized the scheme. The owner was tried and thanks to his lawyer, he will only serve 7 years in prison.

8. The Yves Dandonneau case

This is one of the most famous insurance fraud cases in France. Hold on to your hats. In June 1987, Daniel Blouard and his friend Yves Dandonneau had a car accident on a small road in the Hérault region. Dandonneau is unconscious. Blouard called the fire department and told them he was afraid the car would catch fire. When the firemen arrive on the spot, it is too late: the car caught fire, and Dandonneau is burned. Dandonneau’s wife is called to recognize the body. She confirms: it is indeed Yves Dandonneau, it is indeed him who died.

Except that Dandonneau, two months earlier, had taken out 8 life insurance policies, all for the benefit of his partner. One of the 8 insurances found it strange because Dandonneau had established a special clause if he died in a car accident.

The insurance company sends a private detective to investigate the circumstances of the accident, and his conclusions are clear: this accident is very suspicious because there was nothing dangerous on that road. At the same time, an engineer from a police lab can determine that the charred body is not Dandonneau’s but a homeless alcoholic that they made drink before causing a car accident.

Dandonneau got 20 years in prison, his buddy Blouard got 14, his girlfriend got 4 years suspended. Justice was done.

In today’s fast-paced world, finding simple yet effective ways to enhance our health is paramount. One such habit that has gained popularity in recent years is consuming a banana a day. But is this mere folklore, or is there scientific merit to this claim? Let’s delve deeper into the myriad health benefits of bananas and why incorporating them into your daily routine might just be the key to unlocking optimal well-being.

1. Lowering High Blood Pressure:

One of the standout features of bananas is their potassium content. Potassium is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure. Research has shown that maintaining a balanced potassium-sodium ratio can help neutralize the harmful effects of sodium on blood pressure levels, thus reducing the risk of hypertension-related complications. With a medium-sized banana containing approximately 442 mg of potassium and negligible sodium, it serves as a convenient and natural way to support cardiovascular health.

2. Promoting Good Digestion:

Bananas are a rich source of dietary fiber, with a single fruit providing a significant portion of your daily fiber needs. Fiber is essential for maintaining regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. By adding bananas to your diet, you can not only alleviate digestive issues but also prolong the feeling of satiety, making it an excellent choice for weight management.

3. Contributing to Good Cardiovascular Health:

In addition to potassium, bananas are packed with soluble fiber, which has been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and aneurysm ruptures. By incorporating bananas into your daily diet, you can actively support heart health and lower the risk of developing serious cardiovascular conditions.

4. Helping to Create Healthy Cells:

Vitamin B6, abundant in bananas, plays a pivotal role in the production of insulin, hemoglobin, and antibodies. These components are essential for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, transporting oxygen throughout the body, and combating infections. By consuming just one banana a day, you can provide your body with a significant portion of its daily vitamin B6 requirement, thereby promoting overall cell health and immunity.

5. Improving Digestive Tract Health:

Bananas are renowned for their gentle effect on the digestive system, making them an ideal choice for individuals with sensitive stomachs or gastrointestinal issues. Whether you’re experiencing temporary diarrhea or looking to restore lost minerals, bananas offer a soothing and nourishing solution for promoting digestive tract health.

6. Filling up on Vitamin C:

While oranges often steal the spotlight for their vitamin C content, bananas also contain a noteworthy amount of this essential nutrient. Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant, combating free radicals and promoting collagen formation. By including bananas in your daily diet, you can bolster your body’s natural defenses and maintain youthful skin and strong connective tissues.

7. Optimizing Athletic Performance:

Athletes worldwide swear by the energy-boosting properties of bananas. A study conducted by the Appalachian State University’s Human Performance Lab revealed that consuming a banana every 15 minutes during exercise yielded similar results to consuming energy drinks. With its natural sugars and electrolytes, bananas provide a convenient and efficient source of fuel for athletes of all levels.

8. Fighting Cravings:

Cravings can derail even the most disciplined diet plans, but bananas offer a simple solution. Research suggests that the aroma of bananas may help suppress appetite, making them an excellent choice for curbing cravings and supporting weight loss efforts. Next time you find yourself reaching for a sugary snack, opt for a banana instead and enjoy its natural sweetness without the guilt.

9. Fighting Anemia:

Anemia, characterized by low hemoglobin levels in the blood, can lead to fatigue and weakness. Fortunately, bananas are rich in iron, a vital nutrient for hemoglobin production. By incorporating bananas into your diet, you can boost your iron intake and support the body’s ability to transport oxygen efficiently, combating the symptoms of anemia and promoting overall vitality.

10. Boosting Mood:

Last but not least, bananas contain magnesium, an essential mineral known for its mood-boosting properties. Research suggests that magnesium deficiency may contribute to anxiety and fatigue, but regular consumption of magnesium-rich foods like bananas can help alleviate these symptoms and promote a sense of well-being. Next time you’re feeling stressed or low on energy, reach for a banana and let its natural goodness lift your spirits.

In conclusion, the humble banana packs a powerful punch when it comes to health benefits. From supporting heart health and digestion to boosting immunity and mood, this versatile fruit offers a plethora of reasons to make it a staple in your daily diet. Whether enjoyed as a convenient snack or incorporated into your favorite recipes, bananas provide a delicious and nutritious way to nourish your body and enhance your overall well-being. So go ahead, grab a banana, and take a bite towards a healthier, happier you!