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Being in the natural hair business and over 40 I've come to learn quite a bit about health, diet herbs, and even cancer (being a survivor).  What I do know is not only for men but more so for African American women over 40, it can be challenging to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle when things get so busy. So Let's Dive in!

However, intermittent fasting has been gaining popularity as an effective method for fat-burning and weight loss. In this article, we'll discuss what intermittent fasting is and how it can benefit African American women over 40 who are looking to lose weight and improve their health.

What is Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent fasting is a method of eating that involves periods of fasting and eating. There are several different types of intermittent fasting, but the most popular methods are the 16/8 method and the 5:2 method.

The 16/8 method involves eating within an eight-hour window and fasting for the remaining 16 hours of the day. The 5:2 method involves eating normally for five days of the week and restricting calories to 500-600 for the other two days.

Intermittent fasting has been shown to promote weight loss, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce inflammation in the body. Additionally, it can help with autophagy, which is the process by which the body removes damaged cells and replaces them with new ones.

Benefits of Intermittent Fasting for African American Women over 40

1. Weight Loss: Intermittent fasting can help African American women over 40 lose weight by reducing calorie intake and increasing fat burning. By restricting the eating window, the body is forced to use stored fat for energy.

2. Insulin Sensitivity: Intermittent fasting has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, which can help African American women over 40 who are at a higher risk for diabetes.

3. Reduced Inflammation: African American women over 40 are at a higher risk for inflammation-related diseases such as heart disease and stroke. Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, which can lower the risk of these diseases.

4. Improved Mental Clarity: Intermittent fasting has been shown to improve mental clarity and focus. This can be particularly beneficial for African American women over 40 who may be experiencing age-related cognitive decline.

5. Convenience: Intermittent fasting is a convenient method of eating that can easily fit into a busy lifestyle. By limiting the eating window, there is less time spent preparing and consuming meals.

Tips for Successful Intermittent Fasting

1. Start Slow: If you're new to intermittent fasting, start slow and gradually increase the fasting period. Begin with a 12-hour fast and gradually work your way up to 16 hours.

2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water during the fasting period to stay hydrated and reduce hunger.

3. Choose Nutrient-Dense Foods: When breaking the fast, choose nutrient-dense foods that will provide your body with the necessary vitamins and minerals.

4. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body feels during the fasting period. If you're feeling overly hungry or fatigued, consider breaking the fast.

 Conclusion

Intermittent fasting can be a beneficial method for African American women over 40 who are looking to lose weight and improve their health. It has been shown to promote weight loss, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and improve mental clarity. By following the tips for successful intermittent fasting, African American women over 40 can enjoy the benefits of this eating method while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

"The Braided Beauty and Brain of African Culture: An Exploration of Hair, History, and Heritage"

Braiding is more than just a hairstyle, it's a form of art, self-expression, and cultural heritage. For centuries, braids have played a significant role in African culture, from simple cornrow styles to elaborate braided updos. In this article, we'll dive into the fascinating history and science behind braids in African culture and how braids have served as a form of communication and survival.

Braiding has been a part of African culture for over 5000 years, and it's no secret that braids have served a multitude of purposes beyond just keeping hair in place. In ancient Africa, braids were used to convey important messages about a person's background, beliefs, and life experiences. Different braiding styles and patterns held different meanings, and braids were used to indicate a person's social status, age, and marital status.

But braids served an even greater purpose during slavery. For enslaved Africans, braids were more than just a hairstyle, they were a form of communication and a tool for survival. Braids were used as maps, with different braiding patterns indicating escape routes and safe places. Enslaved Africans would also store seeds in their braids that they could plant once they arrived at their destination, ensuring they had a source of food for their new life.

From a scientific perspective, braids are a great way to protect and preserve natural hair. Braiding helps to reduce damage and breakage by keeping hair in place and preventing it from becoming tangled. This is particularly important in African cultures, where the climate can be harsh and dry, and preserving the health of natural hair is a top priority.

Herbs such as rosemary, peppermint, and lavender have also been shown to stimulate the scalp and promote blood flow, which can help to improve hair growth. In addition, herbs such as fenugreek and hibiscus have been shown to improve hair strength and reduce breakage, making them ideal for individuals with afro-textured hair.

In conclusion, braids are more than just a hairstyle, they're a form of art, self-expression, and cultural heritage. From ancient Africa to present day, braids have served as a form of communication, a tool for survival, and a way to preserve natural hair. So, the next time you're braiding your hair, take a moment to appreciate the beauty, history, and significance behind this timeless tradition.

When it comes to hair growth, African American women know - and dream - of long, thick locks that are the envy of their friends and family. But achieving this goal can often seem like a pipe dream rather than a reality. Luckily, KeraVada CEO Demetrion Ware has recognized this problem and come up with an interesting solution: a free one-minute video about his favorite recipe for promoting healthy hair growth! So for those looking for something more substantial than just luscious dreams, take a look at Ware's easy strategy; you may find yourself thanking him in no time with longer, fuller tresses and no need to buy products!

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Today, we're talking about a topic that is often on the minds of many African American women: why our hair seems to grow so slowly and what we can do to fix it. 

First, let's talk about some of the reasons why African American hair may not grow as fast as other hair types. One of the main reasons is that our hair is naturally more prone to breakage and damage. This is because our hair is typically drier and more brittle than other hair types, which makes it more susceptible to breakage. Additionally, our hair is often exposed to heat styling, chemical treatments, and other harsh hair care practices that can damage the hair and slow down growth. 

Now, let's talk about some things you can do to help your hair grow faster. The first thing you should do is to focus on maintaining a healthy scalp. A healthy scalp is essential for hair growth, so make sure you're keeping your scalp clean and moisturized. One way to do this is by regularly using a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. You should also consider using a hair oil or scalp treatment to help keep your scalp moisturized and healthy. 

Another thing you can do is to focus on protecting your hair from damage. This means limiting your use of heat styling tools, such as flat irons and curling wands, and avoiding harsh chemicals like relaxers and hair dyes. Instead, opt for natural hairstyles that won't put as much stress on your hair. 

You can also take hair growth supplements, vitamins and minerals that are essential for hair growth such as biotin, vitamin C, and iron. These supplements are available over the counter and can be helpful in promoting healthy hair growth. 

Another tip is to make sure you're getting enough protein in your diet. Protein is essential for hair growth, so make sure you're including enough in your diet. You can get protein from foods like meat, fish, eggs, and beans. 

Lastly, be gentle with your hair when you're styling it. Use a wide-toothed comb or a brush with soft bristles to detangle your hair. This will help prevent breakage and damage, and will allow your hair to grow faster. 

In conclusion, African American hair may not grow as fast as other hair types, but that doesn't mean it's impossible to achieve healthy, long hair. By focusing on maintaining a healthy scalp, protecting your hair from damage, and being gentle when styling it, you can help your hair grow faster. Remember to also focus on a healthy diet, supplements and patience as hair growth takes time. 

Do you find that you are moisturizing your hair religiously, but to no avail? Have you become the ultimate product junkie in an attempt to save your strands, but nothing seemed to work? It may mean your hair has a deeper issue: Low Porosity! What is Low Porosity? The porosity level of hair determines how […]

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