Al-Hadeeqah Holistic Awareness

Photo Credit: Fir0002 Celery seems to be the underdog of vegetables and many do not include it in their daily diets. The common sight of celery today is either next to a platter of hot wings or drowned in ranch dip. Sticking celery in the "appetizer" category really undermines the value of this wonderful vegetable. Background  Celery is native to the Mediterranean and the Middle East and is from amongst the Apiaceae family (along with parsley and carrots).  Ancient texts have shown that it was originally grown for medicinal purposes and was used prior to 850 B.C. It wasn't recorded to be domesticated until the 17th century by the Europeans. ( 1 ) There are two main varieties of celery: Pascal (green) and Celeriac  (yellow; also known as celery root). Pascal celery is the most popular in the United States. California is the highest producer of this kind of celery, producing about 23,000 acres per year ( 2 ) Celeriac celery, on the other hand, is more commo

Drinking water is on top of the list for maintaining good health while quenching our thirst. It maintains our bodily functions, hydrates our skin and carries out toxins and waste from our bodies. However, there is a demand for variety in our diets. One could simply infuse fruits and green herbs (such as mint or cilantro) into their water to add benefits and boost flavor, but there are other options. Coconut water Photo Credit:  Diego Torres Silvestre Equally hydrating as water ( 1 ), coconut water earned the title as a "natural sports drink". It is a great source for electrolyte replacement with a fair percentage of electrolytes per serving ( 2 ): *12%  Potassium  -Lowers blood pressure ( 3 ) -Stabilizes blood sugar ( 4 ) -Encourages and maintains proper brain function ( 5 ) *15% Magnesium ( 5 ) -Supports proper nerve function -Aids in cardiovascular health -Active mineral in energy production *6% Calcium ( 6 ) -Important for proper muscle function -

Gathered from the Cilantro plant, coriander seed is a staple in many cuisines across the globe. Its origins are not entirely clear, some saying that it is originally native to China whilst others claim its roots began in India. What is apparent is the appreciation of its flavor. You can experience it in soups, curries or even some desserts. This aromatic spice makes an excellent addition to any spice cabinet. Benefits: Menstrual Support One of coriander's highlighted benefits is its support for healthy menstrual function. It helps regulation by stimulating endocrine gland function, in turn, maintaining the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. This also assists in reducing pain, discomfort, and excessive flow during this time. [ 1 ] HBP & HBS These seeds are also known to help in 2 of the most prominent health issues in the states: high blood pressure and high blood sugar.[ 2, 3 ] Due to this, it is told to those who actually have lower blood sugar a

Photo Credit: Phu Thinh Co - Dầu dừa In an effort to further continue to transition to a healthier lifestyle, we must look at all products that we use to take care of ourselves. Lotions, conditioners, and moisturizers that we see on the shelves of supermarkets and shops are commonly loaded with harmful chemicals that can give unwanted side effects to our bodies, especially in the long run. A great way of rectifying this is using pure, unrefined oils.  These oils I have listed are my top favorites for my day to day needs. They can be used for hair (to lock in moisture or treat the scalp) and for the body. Grapeseed Oil This is my #1 oil for skin care use. It's inexpensive, light on the skin and does not carry a heavy scent. Grapeseed oil [ 1 ] has a good content of vitamin E , which protects the skin from ultra-violet rays and various pollutants due to the antioxidant properties within it. This oil has natural anti-aging properties due to its moisturizing nature and a