While fatal cases of heart disease and heart attacks have dramatically declined in the past decade or so, it’s still the #1 cause of deaths among American adults. That’s why you need to load up on heart-healthy foods to live longer, stay fit, and enjoy overall wellbeing. With that said, foods good for heart health are the ones that are rich in best-for-you minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, fiber, and lots of phytochemicals. They should also be low in trans fats, sodium, and saturated fats.

It’s also worth noting that embracing a heart-healthy diet is only a piece of the puzzle. You should also avoid smoking, get plenty of sleep, workout frequently, keep stress at bay, and keep alcohol consumption to a minimum.

Without further ado … here are ten types of foods that are good for your heart that you should include in your diet.

#1. Omega-3 Rich Fish

Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines are the undisputable champs of heart-healthy superfoods. The allure behind these oily fish lies in the fact that they’re jam-packed with omega-3 fatty acids which can do wonders for the health of not only your heart but also your brain and other vital organs. A slew of studies has shown that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis (build up of plaque in your heart’s arteries) and arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) as well as decrease of bad-for-your-heart triglycerides.

For the best results, AHA suggests that you eat at least two servings of fatty fish each week.

#2. Berries

Most berries, especially raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and red grapes, have a copious amount of vitamin C and antioxidants that can keep your heart ticking without a hitch.

#3. Oatmeal

You’ve probably wondered why oatmeal is the best food for breakfast. Well, it’s loaded with soluble fiber which absorbs bad cholesterol, preventing it from being taken into the bloodstream.

#4. Soy Foods

To keep your heart healthy, consume plenty of soy foods, including soybean oil, tofu, and soybeans. They have lots of isoflavones that prevent plaque build-up.

#5. Whole Grains

Apart from oatmeal, there are several other forms of whole grains that are good for you heart. Talk of wheat-based bread, cereals, and so forth -- they’re all rich in soluble fiber.

#6. Dark Chocolates

Whoever thought the rich, flavorful dark chocolate would be good food for heart health? It turns out that dark chocolates have flavonoids called polyphenols which can prevent inflammation, clotting, and reduce blood pressure.

#7. Teas

Enjoy a cup of black or green teas -- all benefit your heart.

#8. Olive Oils

Olive oil has good cholesterol.

#9. Veggies

Load up on vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, and kale; they come packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

#10. Several Varieties of Beans

For a healthy heart, consume beans such as garbanzos, pintos, chickpeas, and kidney beans.

Staying heart healthy requires watching what you eat, good sleep habits, exercise, meditation and so many other exercise that are good for you. Don't beat yourself up. It is a process. Begin today by living green and eating green.

You think the world of your little ones -- they are your priority. If you’re like the best of moms, the chances are that you want your kids to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. You see, children’s healthy lifestyle encompasses not just the physical, but also social and mental well-being. It’s crucial to keep your children in tip-top health so they can develop and grow without any complications. After all, children who lead a healthy lifestyle tend to be happier, fitter, more energetic, and get better grades in school.

Which mom doesn’t want that for their kids, right? Herein, we’ll walk you through five tried-and-true ways to promote your kid’s healthy lifestyle.

#1. Know what Goes into your Kids’ Meals

With childhood obesity having more than tripled in the past half-century, it’s never been more important to keep a tab on what your kids are eating. Oftentimes that means reading food labels. It’s a sure-fire way to figure out if the food is good for your child’s health.

The good thing is that food labels give a clear-cut breakdown of sugar, calories, fat content, and so forth. This will guide you in preparing healthy meals for your little ones.

#2. Create a Regular Bedtime Routine and Stick to It

It’s no big secret sleep is important for snappy brain health and function,which is crucial for learning. In fact, studies reveal that sleep deprivation increases the risk of stroke, obesity, child meltdowns, heart disease, diabetes, and other lifestyle illnesses. When your child gets regular and sufficient sleep, she will enjoy proper growth, improved immunity, and enhanced social interaction.

The best way to encourage your kids to have plenty of sleep is to create a bedtime routine 30 minutes before sleep time. Read them a book, bathe them or let them listen to soothing music.

#3. Exercise with Your Children

Studies show kids (especially teens) should engage in a physically demanding activity for at least an hour each day. It’s good for sleep, bone formation, heart health, and prevents obesity. The most effective way to encourage this healthy lifestyle is to take a walk, run, hike, dance, bike or workout as a family.

#4. Encourage Socialization

Encourage your kid to cultivate healthy interactions with both peers and adults. It’s crucial for their emotional, social, and mental well-being.

#5. Keep Screen Time to a Minimum

This encompasses playing video games, watching TV, and using portable gadgets. Limiting screen time can help your child become more active, more social, and be emotionally healthy.

Every parent wants a healthy, intelligent well rounded kid. We must all remember though that the habits at home have a great deal to seeing that come to pass.

 WHOLEROLL is different from all other brands. The organic, climate-friendly high-quality toilet paper does not involve cutting down trees nor does it contain any chemicals. WHOLEROLL is about people, the planet and our mission to preserve it for future generations. It is an organic bathroom tissue that is 100% Natural containing zero chemicals, has organic cotton like softness and a beautiful butterfly embossing. This organic pulp grows 20 times faster than trees and can be replenished every two years making it a long term sustainable solution.  Let's take a look at the Top 10 Reasons to use WHOLEROLL:

1)      100% Organic and Great for the Skin

WHOLEROLL is 100% organic. It is not whitened with chlorine bleach. It is whitened using natural elements of oxygen, hydrogen and peroxide. WHOLEROLL is made from an all natural organic pulp which contains natural healing properties. These properties found in the all natural pulp aids in the cleansing process and promotes healthy skin. 

2)      Super Soft -Absorbent and Strong

People always question if environmentally friendly toilet paper is soft. WHOLEROLL is one of the softest toilet papers on the market. The unique nature of the organic pulp creates a one of a kind silky soft texture that feels like organic cotton that is absorbent and strong. WHOLEROLL is BPA free and no chlorine bleach is used to soften and whiten the tissue. It is a 3ply tissue with the softness of a high quality 2ply, but 5 times stronger and more absorbent. 

3)      Compact Size and Convenient Handle

WHOLEROLL comes in a beautiful sturdy package that does not have to be hidden like other tissues. A handle is included on the packaging which makes carrying more convenient. Users can store it conveniently since it is compact and does not take up a lot of space. The days of walking around in stores while carrying bulky packs of toilet paper are no more with WHOLEROLL. 

4)      One for One Commitment

For every package of WHOLEROLL purchased, a tree is planted in the Gulf Coast Regions which have been devastated by storms in order to help rebuild those local towns and communities. It can take decades to truly rebuild communities. In the case of future storms, the trees planted by vWHOLEROLL in partnership with The Arbor Day Foundation will help absorb flood waters and intercept rainfall which will benefit the communities. 

5)      Long-Term Sustainable Solution that benefits the Next Generation

WHOLEROLL tissues are next generation tissues. How? It is is made without cutting a single tree down. This helps to ensure that the trees remain in place to help combat climate issues which will benefit the next generation.. Because of this WHOLEROLL is a long-term sustainable solution that helps to preserve the planet.


6) Tree Free Product

There are no trees cut down to make WHOLEROLL. Unfortunately, it takes 20 years for a tree to reach full maturity, and then it is cut down by manufacturers to make virgin pulp tissue. The organic pulp used to make WHOLEROLL is the best alternative because it grows 20 times faster than trees and can be replenished every two years.

7)      Chlorine-Free

No need to worry about chlorine with WHOLEROLL. WHOLEROLL is 100% chlorine free. In order to whiten and soften the tissue natural elements are used. 

8)      BPA-Free

There are several other environmentally friendly products on the market. Many people use recycled toilet paper which is a decent ecofriendly choice, but has the potential to contain BPA(Bisphenol-A) from the recycled papers used to make it. There is zero BPA found in WHOLEROLL. It is a 100% natural product purely sourced from bamboo.

9)      Safe for the Septic Tank 

No need to worry about your septic tank. WHOLEROLL is septic tank safe.

10)  Longer Tissue Sheets

WHOLEROLL sheets are a 1/4 inch longer than the standard retail sheets that average 4 inches.

These are the top 10 reasons to use WHOLEROLL, but there are even more reasons not named. This organic pulp from bamboo is plentiful and resourceful. There are species that can survive winter weather up to -20° F and still grow again in the spring during the normal germination periods. It can be found in places that are tropical, sub-tropical, or temperate zones such as places like Southeast Asia, South America, and the Southeast portion of the United States. This organic pulp is in abundance and is the now and the future of toilet paper. It is better for the planet, the ecosystem and its inhabitants.

While most people don’t give it a second thought, some of our much-loved household products like toilet paper can in fact be dangerous to our health and overall well-being. We don’t mean to ruffle your feathers, but everyday products including toilet paper, baby wipes, paper towels, juice cartons, and coffee filters are packed with many derivatives of chemicals that are not good for you.

When these products come in contact with your skin- according to a  Harvard Study -these toxins and harmful chemicals can get into our bodies and cause insurmountable health problems. What exacerbates the problem is that we use these products every day to clean many areas of the body. Ironically, we think that using paper towels can help us keep disease-causing germs at bay, but in fact can up doing other unseen damage.

It’s no big secret that the best of us go for the whitest and softest when stocking up toiletries and household products. The sad truth is that the whiter and softer the paper towel or toilet paper, the more toxic it can be to our health and well-being. What’s more -- all white commercial paper items, such as coffee filters, baby wipes, milk cartons and toilet paper come with more than a whopping 100,000 harmful chemicals and dangerous toxins.

Of these chemicals, the most carcinogenic is chlorine which happens to be the most abundant in everyday paper towels and toilet papers. The shocking fact is that chlorine can easily get into our blood stream when it comes into contact with the skin. Once in your bloodstream, chlorine can have adverse effects causing a myriad of illnesses. In fact, chlorine reacts with several different compounds in our body forming even more formidable toxins such as furans and dioxin. 

How Can These Consumer Products Be So Toxic?

Toilet paper like other paper products are made from wood so you would think the tissue would have a natural brown color. So how does it get to be so soft and white? One word: bleach. That’s right. Manufacturers use chlorine dioxide and chlorine to soften and whiten 98% of the paper products on the retail shelves.

The sad part about the paper-bleaching process is that it results in the formation of carcinogenic compounds such as furans and dioxins. You see, chlorine-based bleach reacts with wood fibers and organic molecules and the result produces the harmful dioxins.

What’s dioxin? Glad you asked; dioxin is an umbrella term that refers to a group of highly toxic chemicals that include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), furans, and what they call true dioxins. Even slight exposure to these dangerous toxins can be detrimental to your health. It has been known to disrupt the subtle hormone balance (dioxin is a well-known hormone disruptor), and cause a spectrum of cancers, reduced fertility, and immunity impairments, and congenital disabilities. In fact, a slew of recent studies has shown that there’s a correlation between high exposure to dioxins, especially furans, and increased risk of cancer. What? a wake-up call, right!

The trouble is that our bodies are not hardwired to excrete these dioxins which can accumulate to high levels over time. Environmentally, dioxins are much worse. They are persistent  in causing damage because our immune system is not equipped to break them down.

Other known carcinogens found in tissues paper include:BPA (Bisphenol A) - a 2012 study conducted by researchers at State University of New York revealed that high levels of Bisphenol A are found in paper towels and other paper products such as toilet paper. Formaldehyde is another harmful toxin that is used to spruce up the absorbency and wet-strength of toilet papers.

What are Your Alternatives?

If you are looking for natural alternatives here are some great options:

●       Unbleached beige or brown toilet papers

●       BPA-free paper products

●       TCF free paper products (totally chlorine free)

●       PCF-free paper products (processed chlorine free but may contain residuals from recycled toilet paper mix)

It’s also crucial that you avoid paper products marked ECF, which stands for Elemental Chlorine-Free(use of chlorine oxide instead of chlorine gas to whiten tissue). Remember, super soft and white can come with a price. Choose wisely. Choose organic for the sake of your health, the planet and the next generation. 

If you're health conscious and want the best for your kids then you are keen on nourishing your little ones with healthy, organic meals. From their breakfast to lunch boxes to snacks and dinner, you have to add an organic touch to all your kids’ meals without compromising their taste.

Looking to spruce up your children’s lunches organically? Try the following six organic lunch-box ideas that will simply knock your kids’ socks off.

#1. Slow-Cooked Mac and Cheese with Broccoli

Your child already loves mac and cheese -- why not add the health benefits of broccoli? Slow-cooker mac and cheese with broccoli is simple yet delish and the best part is that you can use minced organic broccoli, brown rice or gluten-free macaroni, and a choice of other organic veggies. Even better, you can swap broccoli for organic cauliflower; it’ll blend in with the cheese perfectly.

#2. Organic Panini Sandwiches

Paninis are amazing because you can melt all of the organic ingredients together in a nice, yummy sandwich your kids will love. You can press in some organic avocado, strawberry, and a little goat cheese. Your kid can heat it up in a snap at lunchtime or eat it cold. Either way, the panini sandwich is delicious and healthy.

#3. Snacks: Coconut Almond Bars

Kids can munch on a high-protein snack to feel fuller longer. The good news is that preparing  coconut almond bars is a breeze, and requires only five ingredients. More than that, these snack bars are versatile -- you can add to lunch boxes, pack on-the-go or give your little ones as treats.

#4. Organic Lunchables

It’s no secret kids love lunchables. The trouble however is that store-bought lunchables are packed with artificial flavors, colors, and plenty of bad preservatives. That’s a big no-no. Luckily, you can pack a raft of yummy organic whole-wheat cheese, crackers, and spreads -- and then pair with a fresh veggie or fruit.

#5. Organic Oatmeal Cookies

Children love devouring cookies. To make them healthy, however, you need to use oatmeal and avoid added sugars and oils. The allure of these raisin oatmeal cookies is that they are tasteful yet packed with organic goodies.

#6. Avocado and Curried Egg Salad

If your little angel or prince love salads, look no further than curried avocado egg salad.  It boasts of that creamy richness from avocado and a touch of savory yet sweet spiciness from the curry. The good thing is that your kids will never notice the absence of mayo. Add pickles or a sprinkle of relish to add a sizzling flavor.

If you are looking for an effortless way to lose weight and keep it off then look no further than a paleo diet. This is not your average diet, nor is it anything like those TV fad diets that promise heaven and deliver well, no results. The beauty of paleo diet is that it allows you to consume fewer calories “without knowing.” Besides, the diet is jam-packed with plenty of vitamins, minerals, and other best-for-you nutrients so you can boost your health and enjoy overall wellbeing.

If you have already hopped on the paleo diet bandwagon, the following proven tips can help you kick it to a higher gear so you can shed a few more pounds and stay fit.

#1. Keep your diet/meals simple

Again, a paleo diet is all the rage right now because it helps you dial down calorie-intake without consciously limiting it. Further research reveals that consuming simpler foods reduces the chances of over-eating, helping you shed pounds effortlessly. That being said, it’s best to go with the usual suspects: whole foods carbs (from fruit and roots), healthy proteins (such as fish, meat, etc.), good fats, and lots of veggies/fruits.

#2. Consume Enough Food

You’d be forgiven if you thought the paleo diet is about eating less food. On the contrary, you have to eat enough to power through the day. Unlike other diets which force you to limit calories consciously, paleo lets you keep you rest metabolic rate high enough to burn more calories and fat.

#3. Embrace Active Lifestyle

Paleo diet will only work in tandem with other healthy habits like exercising, avoiding stress, practicing yoga, and so forth. After all, sitting and doing nothing physically engaging the whole day can decimate the benefits of a weight loss program. This means taking the stairs whenever possible, getting a good dose of exercise with  at least 45 minutes of serious workout every day along with staying active throughout the day.

#4. Go Beyond Weight

If you have been packing weight in the wrong places lately, the chances are  high that you are not sleeping well, that you are stressing at work and/or your hormones have gone haywire. This calls for you to examine and take a look at all facets of your life, not just the weight. Try to get a good night’s rest, practice meditation to deal with stress, and get some support from friends or family.

#5. Do not do it alone

The efficacy of a weight loss initiative rests on staying the course, and sticking to your guns. However, sticking to a weight loss routine is not an easy task. This is where a support network of friends, family or coworkers can come in handy as your accountability partners.

Losing weight is not an easy process, but the paleo diet has some amazing benefits for not only losing weight, but keeping you physical and heart healthy in the long run.

It’s that time of the year again -- yes, it's spring cleaning season!

Spring cleaning offers a sizzling opportunity to stay on top of the cleanliness of your home after winter-long neglect. Call it the holy grail of cleaning; this is also the best time to declutter, spruce up your living spaces, and breathe a new life into your home.

Want to up the ante? Try the following eco-friendly tips to take your spring cleaning to a whole new level.

#1. Buy and Use Eco-friendly spring cleaning products

If you are a green living champion, you might as well start off with products that will not dump oodles of toxic substances into our environment. Even better, if you are up to a DIY challenge, you can whip your own homemade cleaners, disinfectants, and whatnot. Here are a few eco-friendly techniques to get you started:

Floors: to make a homemade  floor cleaner, blend about a gallon of hot water with 4 cups of distilled vinegar (preferably white). If you are looking to add a touch of sweet scent, infuse a few drops of lemon oil or fresh peppermint. Mop your floor as usual and feel great for giving the environment a new lease of life.

Glass/Windows: mix a quarter cup of vinegar and a quart of water and put the mixture in a spray bottle.Clean your glass items with a lint free cloth or old newspaper. 

Bathroom tiles & granite countertops: those messy kitchen countertops and bathroom floors/walls can look spin and span with the help of vinegar, water, and baking soda mix.

Toilet bowl: little baking soda can go a long way to making your toilet bowl sparkle and while you are at it don't forget to stock up on your organic bathroom tissue WHOLEROLL.

Mildew or mold: try straight vinegar and a little lemon oil for that waft of heavenly scent

#2. Infuse a little greenery into your living spaces

Add a few houseplants this spring cleaning; they’ll give more beauty, elegance, and functionality to your rooms. Peace lilies are my favorite.

#3. Dry-Hang your Laundry

If you are going all out this spring cleaning, the chances are that you’re going to do a ton of laundry. Drying your laundry using the gas or electric dryer isn’t just hard on your lovely clothes, but also bad for the environment. Instead, hang dry your clothes if the sun is out.

#4. Declutter Your Closets

The chance is that you’ve amassed plenty of items you don’t need in your closet. Recycle if possible, purge those that can fetch few bucks or donate to nearest Salvation Army or Goodwill store.

#5. Invest in a Reusable Mob

Rather than spend lots of cash on single-use Swiffer pads, try a buying a strong, reusable mob.