2. Tax deductions are overstated
Conventional wisdom claims that you save money when buying a home because mortgage interest is tax deductible. But one study points out that more than half of homeowners don't receive a break because, even with mortgage interest and property taxes, their total deductions do not exceed the standard federal tax deduction ($10,900 for couples and $5,450 for singles).
1. It can save you money.
According to popular myth, renters are just throwing money away. But when you buy a home, you're stuck with closing feeds, mortgage interest, property taxes, private homeowners' insurance and maintenance. All return nothing on your investment. You're better off banking your money or putting it into the stock market. A recent study indicates that stocks provided investors with nearly 4.6% higher average returns in the past 45 years than real estate.
Feel stuck in a renters rut and dreaming of buying your own home? With the recent mortgage crisis, that might not be the right choice for you after all. Many people don’t realize the countless unforeseen costs of owning their own home. So stop stressing and stay tuned for four great reasons to stick to renting.
They're chockfull of almost all of the good things above: vitamin C, fiber, nutritious fluids, and all kinds of great-for-you antioxidants. Besides, nothing is more refreshing than a ripe and juicy mango, fresh berries, or a perfect pair.
A plant that's rich in soluble fiber, like oat bran or flax seed, but more versatile, it clears out toxins and cholesterol. Stir it into juice to help cleanse the colon, or have psyllium-fortified Bran Buds for breakfast.
There are two main types of detoxifying enzymes in the liver; this potent leafy vegetable helps activate both of them. Not a fan of cabbage straight up? Try chopping it up and throwing it in soup. Or, opt for coleslaw next time you hit a backyard barbeque.
7. Sesame Seeds
Who knew these little seeds could pack such power? They're credited with protecting liver cells from alcohol and other damaging chemicals.
For a concentrated form, try tahini, the yummy sesame seed paste that's a staple in Asian cuisine.
6. Broccoli Sprouts
Similar to bean sprouts, you can find them at your health food store. They pack 20-50 times more cancer-fighting, enzyme -stimulating activity into each bite than the larger, grown-up versions of the vegetable.
The best way to treat your skin right? Cleanse gently.
Use warm water, and limit bath time. Hot water and long showers remove oils from the skin that are essential for keeping it hydrated. What can happen to dry skin? Skin irritation, acne, and a rough texture are all things you want to avoid. Murad Acne offers a few great options for gentle face cleansers to treat your skin well and keep irritation at bay.
5. Green Tea
We all know by now that this is the drink of Gods, but why's it good for detoxing?
Rich in antioxidants, green tea is one of the healthiest ways to get more fluids into your system. And bonus: it contains catechins, which speed up liver activity.
Not only does garlic taste great, but it's great for you! My grandma used to pop one whole garlic clove a day. While I wouldn’t recommend that extreme, grandma knew what she was doing. Garlic has been linked to heart-health and activates liver enzymes that help filter out junk.
Add it to everything- salads, sauces, spreads.
3. Watercress
Throw a handful of these peppery little greens into salads, soups and sandwiches. Watercress has a diuretic effect that helps to move things through your system. It’s also rich in minerals like iron, calcium and folic acid, and vitamins A and C. Some even believe this leafy green has cancer-preventing properties.
2. LemonsAn essential part of a detox diet is keeping the fluids flowing and washing out the toxins. While water is great, fresh lemonade is even better. It's loaded with vitamin C, known as the detox vitamin, which helps to convert toxins into a water-soluble form that's easily flushed away. The bottom line: start squeezing!
1. Green Leafy Vegetables
Foods like spinach, watercress and kale are all great for flushing out the system. Their chlorophyll helps to flush out environmental toxins like heavy metals and pesticides, and they protect the liver. Eat them raw, thrown them in a broth, or blend up a juice or smoothie with fruit for a yummy and healthful alternative to sugar-filled juices or soda.
With summer swinging into gear, there's no better time to give your body a healthy, fresh start. The following posts will give you the best foods to do these three things:
1. Give you lots of super healthy liquids to flush out the body while pouring in the nutrients.
2. Fiber, fiber, fiber to keep you GI tract fit.
