When we “tone” our muscles, we nourish them and bolster their strength. Physical workouts are so very important, but let's also look a little deeper. Nutritional along with exercise give increased support to our body functions. Whether fasting, muscle-toning or protecting overall wellness, Beachbody makes nutritionals easy to use.
The heart, a major force of physical life within us, continuously pumps our blood and regulates its circulation. The heart reflects our emotional state–its rhythm is often mandated by the condition of our nervous system. Daily stress, nervous tension, and heartbreak (among other emotional strains) can interfere with the heart and cause palpitations, lack of sleep, and a racing mind.
The best way to prevent acute issues of the heart is to keep it healthy by appropriate exercise while monitoring the heart rate (using the Beachbody Heart Monitor) and by supporting the physical apparatus of the circulatory system and by balancing the emotions that beset us. Keep the blood flowing clean and without obstruction and maintain your heart at an even and steady rhythm by making regular use of the Nutritional Products that Beachbody makes available.
According to Stephanie Bernstein, Natural Solutions, some natural foods add to your overall health and wellness, and here are three of her top choices:
1. Cacao (Theobroma cacao)
A natural source of theobromine, long considered a heart tonic and mild stimulant, cacao also contains epicatechin, a flavonol that improves the function of the blood vessels. Of course eating flavonol-rich cacao is not the same–on many levels, alas–as snacking on sugary chocolate bars. Your best bet? Munching on raw cacao nibs or taking a cacao tincture.
2. Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens)
Taken daily, this Indian spice strengthens, stimulates, and tones the heart, balances circulation, and calms palpitations. Start with a few grains at a time (up to 1/2 teaspoon), and add it to juice. If you feel hesitant because of cayenne’s spicy reputation, start with a a tiny pinch and increase the amount as you feel comfortable.
3. Garlic (Allium sativum)
Many ancient cultures recognized garlic as a therapeutic plant–the Egyptians, for instance, found more than 200 medical uses for the herb. Several studies have shown that a clove a day (approximately 600 to 900 mg a day of powder) inhibits bad cholesterol (LDL) production and raises the good kind (HDL). Smaller trials have also demonstrated garlic’s promise in normalizing blood pressure, preventing blood platelet aggregation, and improving circulation.
