Food 52′s Healthiest: Raw Kale Salad with Lentils and Sweet Apricot Vinaigrette

Every Tuesday, we scan Food52′s delectable menu of recipes for the healthiest picks they’ve got—bringing you seasonal, scrumptious fare that’s really good for you.

We never get sick of great kale salads, and this one tosses the leafy superfood with fiber and mineral-rich lentils. And who doesn’t love a sweet (yet light) apricot dressing?

Raw Kale Salad with Lentils and Sweet Apricot Vinaigrette

Serves 4-6

2 bunches Curly kale, center ribs and stems removed, washed, dried, and chopped finely
1/4 cup Olive oil
1/4 cup Apricot preserves
1 1/2 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoon Freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Sea salt
1 pinch Black pepper
1 cup Puy or beluga lentils, (substitute brown lentils if they’re what you have), rinsed and picked over
1 cup Red cabbage, shredded

1. Whisk together olive oil, apricot preserves, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper.

2. Turn kale into a large mixing bowl, and massage 6 T of the dressing into the salad. You’ll need enough dressing for the salad to be well coated and start taking on a “wilted” texture. Set aside.

3. Place lentils in a small saucepan with enough water to cover them by 3-4 inches (approximately 2 1/2 cups). Bring water to a boil, then reduce heat, add a pinch of salt, and let the lentils simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.

4. Allow lentils to cool slightly and add them, along with the cabbage, to the kale, and add another 2 T vinaigrette. Use hands to combine. Add extra dressing as needed, and season to taste.

3 weird stress-busters that work

By Mandy Oaklander for Prevention.com

 

Sign 1 that you’re stressed: You get a basic “How are you?” and steam starts to billow out of your ears.

Sign 2 that you’re stressed: You’re a woman.

In one of the most comprehensive and long-term studies ever done about stress in the United States, researchers from Carnegie Mellon University polled 2,000 adults in 1983, 2006, and 2009.

Their results, published in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology, showed that women reported higher levels of stress than any other group, surpassing even low-income individuals.

And over the 26-year span of the study, stress among all groups rose 10-30%.

There’s a kernel of good news, though: As people aged, they reported less stress. “We know that stress contributes to poorer health practices, increased risk for disease, accelerated disease progression, and increased mortality,” says Sheldon Cohen, professor of psychology at Carnegie Mellon and one of the study’s researchers.

We’re no strangers to stress-relief tips. But you can only breathe deeply for so many ohms and gaze placidly at the ocean so many times.

Other than deepening your breath (which, by the way, does work) what else can you do to exorcise your anxiety? Try out these 3 weird tips suggested by experts—no heavy breathing required.

1. Pop a probiotic, says Jason Tetro, a microbiologist at the University of Ottawa known as the “Germ Guy.” Why? “Symptoms of stress are partly due to the immune system,” he says. Sources of probiotics include yogurt, creamy kefir, or a supplement with at least 1 billion CFU (colony forming units).

Keep reading for two more tips…

20 things weight lifting helps you do better

By Hannah Brooks-Olsen for Blisstree.com

Despite mounds of proof to the contrary, many women still avoid weight training because they’re convinced that if they pick up anything heavier than an overloaded laptop case for fear of getting “too bulky,” they’ll suddenly sprout muscular arms like Cameron Diaz and Madonna.

But here’s a little secret: not only will regular dumbbell sessions not leave you looking like the Hulk, they’ll actually improve your life in more ways than you realize.

In fact, there are about a billion things weight lifting helps you do better, from working harder, to living longer, to looking amazing. But we’ve just rounded up 20 to give you an idea.

You already know that strength training is good for tightening up the biceps and building bone density, but it also does so much more. Regular weight lifting can help improve athletic ability in a number of sports or other activities, retain cognitive function in older adults, and even help alleviate symptoms of mild depression and anxiety…among other things.

So if you’re really having a tough time convincing yourself to get off the elliptical and move it into the weight room, here are a few things that lifting weights will help you do better, from big to small.

1. Make your flight on time: When you’re rushing through the airport, desperately trying to make your connection flight on your way to a much-needed vacation, you’re going to need a little extra calf, shoulder, and back strength to not only shoulder and un-shoulder your carry-ons, but also to walk (briskly) from one gate to the next. More time on the shoulder-press, less time spent pleading to get on a flight that’s ready for departure.

2. Wear a strapless dress: Are you going to be a bridesmaid this summer? My condolences. Or maybe you’re the one getting married, in which case, mazel tov! But seriously, in all likelihood, there’s probably at least one occasion in the near future where an item of strapless clothing may find its way into your presence–and you’ll have to wear it. Bicep curls, tricep presses, and pec flies are all great strength-training workouts that sculpt the areas where that sweetheart-topped bridesmaid gown is going to fall.

Keep reading for 18 more tips…

My Five Beauty Obsessions: Summer Rayne Oakes

By Well+GoodNYC

Before becoming a model known for bringing environmental awareness and sustainability to the fashion world, Summer Rayne Oakes studied the effects of toxic sludge at Cornell.

That’s not a bad background for investigating beauty-product labels, which Oakes came to do for her book, Style, Naturally, a gorgeously illustrated guide to sustainable fashion and beauty choices. For the research, she tested many of the cleanest (and most effective) beauty products available.

We asked Oakes, who’s also now a contributing editor to the about-to-launch ABOVE Magazine, to share those she loved enough to add to her beauty bag.

1. Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist ($33) This is by far one of my favorite products, and I’m reminded of it every time I fly, since I take it with me whenever I travel. A little spritz of the soothing mist immediately wakes up my skin and eyes after long, dry flights. It also brings back fond memories for me: I used to make rosewater from a recipe I found in an old Rodale Herb Book when I was a young girl. But admittedly it was never as nice as Jurlique’s version.

2. Duchess Marden Damascena Face Crème ($60) I met the founder of Duchess Marden, Marla, while researching great products for my book. I absolutely fell in love with her whole line, but I specifically enjoy the Face Crème. As my friend has said, “It’s as if angelic ingénues have descended from the heavens and planted rose-petaled kisses upon your cheeks.”

Keep reading for 3 more here…

Yikes—High Levels of Lead Found in Popular Purses

By Alexandra Spunt for No More Dirty Looks

Excuse the small digression, but I thought this was a topic worth tabling. New research done by the Center for Environmental Health has found significant levels of lead in many mainstream handbags, most certainly available at a store near you.

The Center for Environmental Health pulled purses from 100 top retailers to test—everyone from Target to Neiman Marcus and H&M—and found that out of 300 tested, 43 bags contained significant levels of lead.

Some purses, like one from Tory Burch, contained as much as 580 times the amount of lead allowed in children’s toys, which we can only hope is basically none.

According to California law—prop. 65, the same law that busted the Brazilian Blowout—these purses should come with a big fat warning sign.

Burch, who at least had the decency to comment, unlike Guess and others in the hot seat, said that she’s “appalled” and launching a full investigation. Given how disconnected companies are from the far-away factories that make their products, it’s not surprising that brands don’t always know what they’re putting out on the retail floor. But that’s no excuse, since according to this ABC report “hundreds of manufacturers” had already signed an agreement saying they’d limit lead in their products. In other words: They know it’s a problem.

Keep reading…

Vitamin B5 for Acne

By VIBRANT BEAUTY

Acne is a skin disease that commonly causes what is most referred to as pimples. They are formed when the hair follicles in the pores of the skin become clogged and most of them emerge on the upper torso. There seems to be no one that is immune to the condition, whether young or old, though it is much more common in teenagers. Numerous studies have still not concluded exactly what it is that causes acne. We know that hormonal changes seem to initiate it in many people (as seen in teenagers and pregnancy), and there are many old-wives’ tales about the possible causes of acne. Some say sugar, others say oily foods cause acne, and still even more believe that uncleaned skin is a major cause of acne, but the truth be told, there is little to no evidence at all that any foods or hygiene matters play a major role in the problem we know as acne. There are some things we can do to help treat the symptoms though, and taking Vitamin B5 for acne is one of them.

The Vitamins B family of nutrients play an important role in the production of healthy skin. Vitamin B cream can be used as a topical ointment in the fight against acne. Used daily, Vitamin B cream works to hydrate the skin as it evens the ph level. It should be applied daily after thoroughly washing the skin.It also works to increase blood flow to the body’s tissues which is also important because Vitamin B is not stored by the body and is in constant need of its supply. The use of Vitamin B3 cream is important to avoid the production of pigmentation and dark spots on the skin that can be caused by acne. A severe lack of Vitamin B may also lead to hair loss and greasy skin, and though there is no conclusive proof that these problems lead to acne, we are certain that clogged pores are a problem that do lead to the eruptions of the skin.

Taking Vitamin B5 for acne has become popular over the years due to some studies done in the 1990’s, and though no conclusion can be drawn as to the cause of acne, the B5 vitamin is prescribed on the principle that diets higher in fat can cause problems if they are not properly broken down by the body. These reserve un-metabolized fats then lead to acne breakout. It is believed that if body fat is not metabolized and broken down, it will then lead to deposits in  the sebaceous glands that are then clogged, and hence the acne appears. Vitamin B5 is taken for acne because it constricts the body’s manufacture of sebum and that it claims to fame in the fight against acne.

Vitamin C Face Cream and Gel

By VIBRANT BEAUTY

Vitamin C is a nutrient that is safe and effective. The healthy benefits that come about from a diet filled with an adequate amount of Vitamin C are increased immune system, reduction in the chance of contracting heart disease, early childhood/pregnancy problems avoided, healthy vision, and smoother, healthier skin. Who would have thought so many problems could be prevented with just a bottle of orange juice, right?As it relates to smoother, healthier skin, Vitamin C face cream is a product that is capable of giving you a healthy, radiant complexion.

Out of the numerous vitamins and minerals our bodies need in order to function properly, only three of them can be absorbed through the skin and all three of them are antioxidants as well. They are Vitamin E, selenium, and yes, vitamin C. Of these three, Vitamin E is known to replenish aging skin so that it takes on a smoother complexion, but Vitamin C goes a step further in that it is an antioxidant that helps delay the natural process of aging skin.

Our skin typically begins to show its first traits of aging and wrinkles when our bodies begin to decrease in the production of two proteins: elastin is the first and collagen is the other. These building blocks are extremely important in maintaining a youthful complexion.

Wrinkles usually begin to appear in certain places of the face. Around the eyes and lips are two of the most common places and the use of Vitamin C serum and Vitamin c wrinkle cream for face problems may prove to be very favorable. The reason for this is that Vitamin C liquid and Vitamin C gel contribute to the production of the collagen necessary to develop a more youthful appearance. Vitamin C gel also helps reduce the damage caused by the sun’s UV rays by using its antioxidant properties to disarm the free radicals that further destroy damaged skin.
It can be concluded that Vitamin C serum for face, as well as Vitamin C liquid and Vitamin C gel creams, will not only slow down and correct the signs of growing older (i.e. wrinkles, fine lines, etc.), but it will also give you a more brilliant, radiant and softer complexion. While using topical supplements, it is best to eat foods high in Vitamin C content. Studies have concluded that working from the inside-out and the outside-in simultaneously leads to fewer wrinkles than people that do not use both at the same time. In balancing a diet, with foods high in vitamins and minerals, and utilizing a high quality Vitamin c face cream you will undoubtedly improve the look and feel of your skin.

The Multiple Benefits of Vitamin K Supplements

By VIBRANT BEAUTY

Vitamin K is a group of fat soluble nutrients that can be taken orally or given by injection. The human body retains a lot of vitamin K and therefore it is typically not needed on a daily basis, but for people who have excessive bleeding it is used as a coagulant and it is also used today for many cosmetic purposes.

Vitamin K creams may be used as a topical ointment for various reasons. The creams usually have up to 5% of the vitamins in their base of ingredients. They are often used in the cream form to reduce bruising after cosmetic surgery, spider veins, treat rosacea and to help the fading of dark circles under the eyes.

Your eyes are identifiers of your health, and therefore you want them to be as radiantly bright as possible. Clear eyes though don’t stop at the white of your eyes. There are ways to brighten and erase the dark circles that accompany many people daily, even after getting adequate sleep and rest.

Getting plenty of rest each and every night can assist in fading dark circles. But while that can help reduce dark coloration and puffy eyes, there is a solution that can gently assist in bringing about that lively even skin tone. Dark circles appear under the eyes due to the showing of capillaries and veins through the skin’s surface. Vitamin K eye cream is a gentle substance that assist in bringing about a healthier, lighter, more natural and youthful look to your skin.

Vitamin K eye cream is also able to help people who suffer from the appearance of small blood vessels that appear on the face. It improves the complexion by using its yellow derived from the vitamins to interact with dark areas of the skin and bring about a much more even skin tone.

Spider veins are tiny blood vessels that somewhat give the appearance of a spider web emerging through the skin. They appear most often on the leg and facial areas and they’re formed when the tiny blood close to the surface of the skin dilate.

It is believed that taking Vitamin K cream for spider veins can penetrate the skin and help to restrain the blood flow through the veins, thus reducing the entire appearance of spider veins. Vitamin K cream does not cure spider veins in a short period of time. In general, 5 to 9 weeks are needed before results come about. But if you continue using it, the results can be very good. Vitamin K oxide cream is also known to assist in the reduction of itching, tissue swelling, dark coloration on the skin and other related skin issues.

Vitamins for Skin Elasticity to Achieve Youthful Skin

By VIBRANT BEAUTY

Wrinkles are the lines and marks on the skin that makes a person appear old and lose appeal. Wrinkles form when the skin loses its elasticity as one grows older. The elasticity of skin is the measure of its strength and ability to return to its original structure. There are many supplements for skin elasticity in the market to today. More and more, companies that are engaged in the development beauty regimen include these vitamins in their product line.

MSM supplements or Methyl Sulfonyl Methane are some of the most important supplements for beautiful skin. MSM is a biological sulfur that can be found naturally in different food that we already eat daily. Meat, fish, milk, vegetable and fruits are packed with MSM. One problem with MSM though, it is easily lost when subjected to heat or food processing therefore, people do not get its full benefits from their daily food intake. It is imperative therefore to get it from supplements available. MSM rids the body of toxins that are damaging to the skin. Skin elasticity is improved with MSM intake because MSM helps in the production of collagen, a strong fibrous protein considered as the skin’s natural binder. Collagen naturally restores the skin’s elasticity therefore delaying the appearance of fine lines. Other vitamins for the skin works hand in hand with MSM. Since Vitamin C also aids in the formation of collagen, then it is best taken with MSM.

Like collagen, another protein that keeps the skin elastic and flexible is elastin. Elastin helps the skin return to its original form. Vitamin C also aids in the production of elastin.  Studies show that Vitamin C works best when taken together with vitamin A and E.  While vitamin C is busy producing collagen and elastin, vitamin A and E on the other hand, will take care of the healing process of damaged skin. Both Vitamin A and E are crucial in repairing and protecting the skin tissue. The 3 vitamins mentioned help the skin retain moisture therefore preventing dry, flaky skin. Hydrating or increasing the moisture of the skin through these vitamins increases the skin’s elasticity. It is very common to see moisturizers in the market today containing vitamin A, C and E. Vitamin health supplements with A, C and E are readily available in the market but can also be obtained naturally through the food we eat. Examples of food rich in Vitamin C are citrus fruits, broccoli and cabbage. Examples of Vitamin A-rich food are carrots, liver, spinach etc. Vitamin E on the other hand can be obtained from food like whole grains, egg yolk and nuts among others. Overall, Vitamin A, C and E are considered some of the best vitamins for skin.

Over the years, more beauty experts place their attention on the importance of skin elasticity supplements as the source of youthful beauty. With MSM and the right vitamins for skin elasticity, beautiful, younger looking skin is easily attainable.

Logocos – Logona & SANTE

Logocos carries beautiful natural make-up lines Logona and SANTE that are sold throughout Europe and are now available in North America as well. Their products utilize the highest quality, natural raw materials, such as: premium botanical oils, herbal extracts and essential oils derived from organic agriculture and wild-crafting. Thus, both cosmetic lines are natural and also perfect for ladies with sensitive skin.

Logona Natural Cosmetics

For many years in Germany, Logona has been creating organic products that are without equal, from award winning herbal hair colours to the elegant stylish palettes of their colour cosmetics. I tried Logona’s makeup line and I loved almost every product. I tried the following products: Perfect Finish Makeup in 03 Medium Beige, Trio Eyeshadow in 03 rosewood, Concealer cream in 02 light beige, Double eyeliner pencil in 01 coffee, Blush 01 rose + pink and Lipstick in 08 moonlight rose and 02 pink.

Sante Naturkosmetik

An organic range of exceptional quality and proud tradition, Sante has been manufactured in Germany for over twenty years by LOGOCOS.
Stylish and innovative, Sante’s makeup line was so beautiful and I loved it. I tried the following products: Compact Powder in color 02 Golden Beige, Eyeshadow Trios in color 03 Rose Wood, Lipstick in color 04 Pink Clover and Nail Polish in color 07 Metallic Lavender.