skin – Backyard Vitality

5 Reasons to Start Your Day with This Warm and Tasty Superfood

2 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

Drinking bone broth first thing in the morning is more than just a trendy health habit—it’s a powerful way to nourish your body from the inside out. Made by slowly simmering animal bones and connective tissues, bone broth is packed with amino acids, collagen, and trace minerals that offer a range of benefits, especially when consumed early in the day.

1. Gentle Wake-Up for Your Digestive System
Bone broth is warm, soothing, and easy on the stomach, making it a perfect first meal. It contains gelatin and glutamine, which help protect and heal the gut lining, support digestion, and may prevent bloating or discomfort—especially helpful if you’re dealing with leaky gut or other digestive issues.

2. Natural Energy Without the Crash
Unlike coffee, bone broth delivers steady energy thanks to its high-quality protein and amino acids. Glycine supports metabolism and mental clarity, helping you feel alert and focused without the jitters or midday crash that can come with caffeine.

3. Kickstarts Hydration and Nutrient Intake
After hours of sleep, your body wakes up slightly dehydrated. Bone broth helps rehydrate you while supplying essential nutrients like sodium, potassium, and magnesium—important for muscle function, nerve signaling, and fluid balance.

4. Supports Joint and Skin Health
Bone broth is a natural source of collagen, which helps support joints, tendons, and skin elasticity. Starting your day with it provides a steady stream of these compounds, which may ease stiffness and promote smoother skin.

5. Sets a Healthy Tone for the Day
Drinking bone broth in the morning can encourage more mindful eating choices. It’s comforting, grounding, and signals to your body that you prioritize nourishment and wellness from the beginning of the day.

How to Enjoy It
Sip a warm mug or use it as a base for a light morning soup. Homemade or high-quality store-bought options both work. Aim for one cup to start your day right.

4 Surprising Benefits of Drinking Okra Water

1 min read | Author - Casey Story

Let’s be honest—okra probably isn’t the first veggie you reach for at the grocery store. Its slimy texture can be a dealbreaker, and unless you love gumbo, it might not even be on your radar.

But what if we told you that this overlooked green pod could pack a punch for your health—especially in the form of okra water?

Okra water, made by soaking okra pods overnight, has become a trending health drink. While research on the infused beverage is limited, whole okra is loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support digestion, blood sugar control, and even skin health. Here’s why you might want to give it a second look:

1. May Help Balance Blood Sugar

Okra has been used in natural remedies for diabetes for years. A study on people with type 2 diabetes found that taking okra capsules significantly lowered blood sugar levels. While okra water itself hasn’t been proven to have the same effect, it’s worth exploring as part of a balanced diet.

2. Could Support Weight Loss

Thanks to its fiber and plant-based protein, okra helps curb cravings and promote fullness. Animal studies suggest okra extract may aid weight loss. While okra water alone isn’t a miracle drink, it supports hydration, which is key to metabolism.

3. May Boost Digestion

Okra’s gel-like texture aids digestion by soothing the gut and promoting smooth digestion. It may also help neutralize stomach acid.

4. Might Give Your Skin a Glow

Rich in vitamins A and C, okra supports collagen production and fights inflammation, potentially helping your skin stay radiant.

Not a fan of eating okra? Drinking okra water might be the next best thing! Would you try it?

Eat More Sweet Potatoes – and Put Them on Your Face Too

4 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

I love sweet potatoes; they are a highly nutritious and delicious root vegetable. Known as Ipomoea batatas, sweet potatoes are not only one of the best vitamin A sources, but they are also packed with vitamin B5 niacin, thiamin, and carotenoids. Research has also uncovered a host of therapeutic benefits in sweet potatoes. They contain anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic properties. Sweet potatoes are a delicious addition to any meal and can even help keep your skin healthy.

How to Grow and Use This #1 Citrus Fruit for Whiter Teeth and Radiant Skin

5 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

Lemons, one of the most popular citrus fruits of all time. Along with other fruits and vegetables, Christopher Columbus brought lemons with him on his second voyage to the New World in 1493, and they have been growing in Florida since the sixteenth century.

Honey Fixes for Radiant Skin and Healthy Hair

5 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

Do you enjoy a dollop of honey in your tea? Perhaps you have traded out refined sugar for local raw honey in your favorite muffin recipe. You might not know about honey because it contains many therapeutic properties that make it a fantastic natural substitute for sugar and a sweet elixir for great hair, skin, and overall health and well-being.

Grow These Plants for Great Skin

3 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

Did you know that skin is the body’s largest organ and plays a major role in detoxification? When you think about skincare and plants, your mind may immediately go to the aloe plant (which is indeed a great skin soother,) but there are several other plants that you can grow for beautiful skin as well.

This Radiant Skin Remedy is Easy to Grow

4 min read | Author - Taylor Ramsey

Aloe vera is one of those intriguing plants that checks all the boxes. It is drought resistant and incredibly tolerant of forgetful waterers. It is useful for health and beauty. And it looks absolutely stunning in your home or garden. This succulent is a great place to start if you have no experience with plants but is also an excellent addition to the extensive collection of any avid gardener. Here are just a few reasons everyone show have an aloe plant in their home and how to grow this hardy succulent.

5 Reasons to Start Your Day with This Warm and Tasty Superfood