SHOPPE BLACK

Curious About Fasting For Weight Loss? Here’s What You Should Know First

4 mins read
fasting

You might’ve heard of intermittent fasting before since it’s grown in popularity online, but fasting is a practice that’s been around for centuries.

Fasting is sacred to many religions, including Christianity and Islam, and cultures, and it’s defined as abstinence from all or certain foods, drinks, and activities for a predetermined period. But you’re probably wondering what health benefits the practice might offer, particularly when fasting from food.

According to research, the health benefits of fasting are bountiful. So, if you’ve considered fasting for weight loss or other health reasons, you’ll be happy to discover these five science-backed health benefits of fasting:

Helps fight against inflammation

We all deal with inflammation as it’s our body’s natural response to protect us from infection. While inflammation is a regular occurrence, chronic inflammation can lead to serious health concerns such as arthritis. Luckily, research shows that fasting can result in decreased levels of inflammation, leading to better health and a lower risk of developing arthritis, cancer, or heart disease.

Promotes weight loss

This is the health outcome you’ve probably been waiting for, so here it is! For starters, decreased caloric intake naturally leads to some type of weight loss, but you also have your metabolism to thank, too. Research suggests that short-term fasting may boost metabolism, which enhances weight loss.

Could aid in delayed aging and increased lifespan

Are you on the hunt for the fountain of youth? Fasting might be the thing you’ve been looking for because, according to studies performed on rats, rats that fasted every other day lived 83% longer than the animals that didn’t fast, and they experienced delayed aging. Of course, studies still need to be carried out on humans to ensure quality results, but this research is certainly promising.

May improve brain function and aid in protecting brain health

The older you get, the more critical it is to stimulate the brain to keep it up and at ‘em. But some animal studies report that fasting not only protects brain health but it increases the generation of nerve cells that enhance cognitive function. Again, more studies need to be carried out on humans, but this research gives you something to think about.

Enhances heart health and lowers the risk of diabetes

African Americans were 30 percent more likely to die from heart diseases than non-Hispanic whites in 2018. So it is paramount that we especially take our heart health seriously. Studies have found that fasting could decrease “bad” cholesterol, decrease blood pressure, and even lower the risk of diabetes and heart diseases.

The bottom line

Fasting has been associated with many health benefits, but this doesn’t mean that this practice is suitable for everyone. You should always do your research and, most importantly, consult your doctor before beginning any fast or diet, especially if you have diabetes or low blood sugar.

 

Written by Reese Williams

Subscribe and Follow SHOPPE BLACK on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter

You might be interested in

Xantos Labs Wants To Make Wealth Creation Easier for Everyday People

3 mins read
xantos labs

When you’re a beginner in the stock market, it can feel intimidating to research and choose stocks and other investments on your own.

Xantos Labs is an SEC-registered investment adviser that builds and manages investment portfolios for everyday folks.

Their goal is to offer a low minimum, low fee, and a premium investing experience to people that don’t have millions in the bank.

The investment advisor recently announced that it is now available on a global scale. Anyone in 150+ countries including the UK, India, and Nigeria can open an account and invest.

This is a significant milestone for the fintech startup and aligns with its mission to lower access barriers and empower millions in the rising global middle class with a modern investment advisory solution to build wealth.

Users outside the United States can fund their accounts using USD wire transfers. Additionally, depending on the region, they offer virtual multi-currency wallets; enabling users to seamlessly:

  • Add and hold multiple currencies in their account, from GBP to USD to EUR
  • Exchange funds at a competitive, near interbank rate – the rate at which banks exchange money with each other
  • Move funds across borders through an account under their name

Xantos Labs supports 30 major currencies today including USD, GBP, EUR, CNY, MXN, and JPY.

“We looked at our competitors and realized that we could exercise a first market mover advantage if we were willing to jump into international markets. As we were evaluating different partners that could help us make this happen, Currencycloud stuck out as a particularly capable platform. We knew we could work together on delivering extremely high-quality investment advisory services to the world,” said Chuk Orakwue, Managing Partner at Xantos Labs.

In the interview below, Chuk shares:

  • What investment strategy they use and why they chose it.
  • How Xantos Labs differs from other investment and trading apps.
  • How they provide the average investor with more solutions than Wall Street.
  • How his company has achieved better returns than the market.

The app is available now in the Apple Store and on Google Play. 

xantos labs

Don’t forget to LIKE the video and SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel!

Tony O. Lawson

Subscribe and Follow SHOPPE BLACK on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter

You might be interested in

13 Year Old Caleb Anderson Begins Aerospace Engineering Program at Georgia Tech

3 mins read
Caleb Anderson

Aerospace engineering major 13-year-old Caleb Anderson started the Fall 2021 semester as the youngest student enrolled at Georgia Tech.

“This is the kind of school I have been wanting to go to for a very long time, and I am finally here,” he told Tech officials on Monday.

As the youngest student on campus, Anderson’s parents Kobi and Claire Anderson were there to offer support and bear witness to their teenaged son taking this remarkable step. As they watched him, they beamed with pride while balancing both worry and reassurance.

“Have we prepared him enough?” his mother asked out loud. “Have we taught him enough about failure?”

His father, however, felt confident. “He’s willing to be stretched,” he said. “He knows how to get back from a punch … and continues to strive.”

The family recognizes that even at his young age, Anderson is an inspiration to African American boys and young men aspiring to succeed in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields.

His story, Claire Anderson hopes, will “shift the perspective of what you see when you see a young Black man. This could be a future aerospace engineer.”

Still, Anderson remains a young teen who likes sleeping in and admits to being guilty of procrastinating. Things don’t come easy for him, and he knows that he has to put in work to be successful. Yet, as he took in everything around him Monday from his integral calculus class, the young genius was able to acknowledge his wonder and humility at it all.

“Wow, maybe I am advanced,” he said.

His parents are happy to see their son take this extraordinary step toward his future.

“I am really proud of him, but I am really grateful to Georgia Tech for opening a door of opportunity to a student like Caleb,” Claire Anderson said.

Anderson said he plans to earn a master’s degree from Georgia Tech after completing his undergraduate studies, and eventually work with the SpaceX program before starting his own company.

Ultimately, he said he wants to make sure other young gifted students have the opportunities he is now enjoying.

“I want to help others that may just need nurturing and resources,” Anderson said.

Subscribe and Follow SHOPPE BLACK on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter

You might be interested in

A Five-Step Skincare Routine Guide For Beginners

5 mins read

If you’re not into skincare yet, it’s time to step up your personal care. A consistent skincare routine helps keep your skin happy and healthy, and it’s the perfect excuse to show yourself some much-needed TLC two times a day.

Everyone’s skin is different, so naturally, every skincare routine will be unique to the individual. However, every skincare regime should consist of the most basic steps that you’ll learn about below. So, if you’re ready to take your self-care to the next level, here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a simple skincare routine.

Step 1: Cleanser

Cleansing your skin helps eliminate dirt, sweat, and other impurities that rest on your face and clog your pores. If all else fails in your skincare routine, this step is the most important. You can pick out the right skincare for yourself by assessing your skin type (oily, dry, or normal) and your skin concerns.

How often should I cleanse my face?

You should cleanse your face at least twice a day, once in the morning and then again at night. If you’re active, be sure to wash your face immediately following a workout to cleanse the skin of sweat and other dirt.

 Step 2: Toner

Toners are liquid-based products that can help tighten the pores, exfoliate the skin, and provide additional cleaning. Some skincare experts say this step isn’t essential, but toners come in handy for giving the skin some additional nutrients.

How often should I apply toner?

Always apply your toner after cleansing your skin and before applying serums. Usually, toners are best used by soaking a cotton pad or ball with the product and then gently spreading the product over the face.

 Step 3: Serums

Time for the fun part! Think of serums as the “treatment” part of your skincare routine because these powerful products directly target the skin’s concerns by deeply penetrating the skin.

When do I apply serums?

Every serum is uniquely made to address everyday skincare problems, so it’s best to read the bottle for instructions. In addition, some serums require night-use only or morning, so it’s crucial to follow the directions on the package to make sure your serums are working for you and not against you.

Step 4: Moisturizer

Depending on the time of day, this is your final step in a basic skincare regimen. Applying your moisturizer at the end of your routine helps keep your skin hydrated and supple.

When do I apply moisturizer?

You should use a moisturizer every time you cleanse your skin. Light moisturizers are great for daily use, but you can opt for thicker creams for the nighttime.

Step 5: SPF

Contrary to popular belief, those of us with dark skin are still vulnerable to the sun’s harmful UV rays. Therefore, it’s crucial for everyone to wear sunscreen daily, whether it’s cloudy or sunny out. The sun can cause premature aging, wrinkles, and, even worse, skin cancer. So, the secret to keeping your melanin poppin’ is slathering on the SPF!

When do I apply SPF?

Apply your SPF in the morning as the final step of your skincare routine. If you wear makeup, your SPF goes on before you start makeup application. Squeeze a generous amount, and apply two fingers (index finger and pointer finger) worth of sunscreen to both your face and neck.

Ready to get your skincare TLC on? Well, now you know exactly where to start, and you can continue to build on your routine from here. Happy skincare!

 

Use code SHOPPEBLK for a FREE sampler pack of several different herbal soaps from Herb’N Eden

You might be interested in

Aligning Your Business for Marketing Success, Post-Covid

4 mins read
marketing success

To say that a Global Pandemic has shifted the paradigms of normalcy would be a massive understatement. From our lives to our livelihoods, we’ll be feeling the impact of this global crisis for years to come. As businesses look to bounce back, it’s important to look at the best ways to set yourself up for marketing success and what steps can be taken on the road to recovery. 

Focus on Savings 

Pre-covid, every dollar was valuable. Today, every cent can be a make or break. Businesses need to focus on where they can cut COGS and operating expenses while maintaining the quality and integrity of their products. Take a look at where you’re spending money. Are there discounts that exist for your CRM platform?

Can making a shift to a more cloud-based solution save you time and money? Are you able to save on those costly transaction fees, which have become a necessary evil in the online sales world? Use the savings to re-invest in your digital advertising or launch a new highly-targeted campaign. 

Take Advantage of Resources 

From thought leadership to survival guides, the amount of content being generated around businesses managing covid is endless. Do the research and pull from as many sources as possible. What are the best practices, case studies, and key learnings about marketing in the post-covid world? Where can you find help at the state, local, and federal levels? These resources exist and can be game-changers for your business’ re-emergence in the market. 

Find a Mentor

In the age of “Pay it Forward,” more and more industry leaders are willing to give their time and insights to new businesses. Reach out to those who are succeeding in the areas you want to grow in. Find the marketing experts. Book meetings, come to the table with questions, and take notes! One tip or nugget of wisdom can help spark a campaign that shows your customers that you are back and maybe even gain you some influencer traction along the way. 

Access More Funding 

It all comes full circle with the mighty dollar. The cost of advertising continues to go up, and the competition for eyeballs and clicks increases every day. Money-making campaigns can be left tabled because of a lack of funds to execute them properly. Revamp your Pitch Deck so that your Use of Funds section shows where your marketing dollars would go and how those dollars spent translate into revenue. From there, find investors specific to your industry and sell them on the opportunity. 

Remember, you are not alone in this fight, and everyone is looking for new ways to win. It’s a sprint, not a marathon. Put your marketing focus into re-establishing your brand, refilling your pipeline, and re-engaging your customers.

We’d like to help by offering you 30% OFF Passport by OneValley. Passport is an online innovation platform that gives startups a toolbox to accelerate their growth. Take advantage of over $1 million+ in savings on business tools and services, access 100’s of resources, book 1-1 meetings with over 175+ industry-leading mentors, and connect with over 450+ investors.

Shoppe Black readers can save 30% for a limited time by clicking HERE.

You might be interested in

5 Reasons Black Business Owners Should Incorporate Now

5 mins read
Black Business Owners

Starting a business doesn’t automatically equate to success for anyone – but Black businesses owners face additional challenges compared to businesses started by other racial and ethnic groups, like:

  • Lack of Funding: This is a common issue across the board for start-ups and new entrepreneurs, but because black business owners are also experiencing the racial wage gap and – according to the U.S. Census – have the lowest average American household income by race, they’re often subject to even more financial strain.

 

  • Lack of Mentorship and Social Capital: Research has long suggested that mentoring can make a massive impact on the success of a small business – with one analysis finding that founders mentored by a top-performing entrepreneur were three times more likely to become top performers. Because many of these relationships are often formed organically as part of our social and familial networks, black business owners can be at a disadvantage.

 

  • High Failure Rates: Despite the dramatic increase in the number of black businesses, especially ones that are owned by black women, black businesses still have some of the highest failure rates, compared to businesses started by entrepreneurs from other racial and ethnic groups. 

While many people may not see it as critical, especially in the early stages of a venture when money and time are limited, there are five reasons why incorporation can help be a buffer against these challenges.

1) Credibility: Many people are afraid of getting scammed, or spending their hard-earned money on a faulty product, a mediocre service or an item that never materializes. Incorporation is one of the first steps towards building credibility – by helping your potential customers believe that you are who you say you are, and that you’ll deliver on your brand promise. Credibility can be especially crucial in the early stages when you haven’t yet built any other testimonials or social proof.

2) Finances: Incorporating a business can almost immediately improve fundraising efforts for reasons similar to credibility building – people can now look to a brand to invest in, rather than a person that they don’t know. But it can also allow eligible businesses to access and pursue additional financial resources in the form of grants, and can allow them to accept donations from various parties – activities that will improve the financial viability of the business. 

3) Tax Advantages: This will ultimately be dependent on the type of business you choose to form, but some of the tax advantages of incorporating can include avoiding a higher tax bracket, drawing a salary, and deducting eligible expenses on your taxes – all of which equate to more money saved (or a more profitable business).

4) Personal Liability: Incorporating can protect your personal assets (like your savings accounts, car, and home) from being at risk if your business were to ever find itself in legal trouble – such as being sued or in the midst of a dispute. And regardless of industry, there’s always a possibility of liability when you’re doing business.

5) Access to Business Resources: Business incubators, networks, meet-ups, mentorship activities and other programs designed to connect entrepreneurs with valuable business resources, and to help them build social networks and capital, can be easier to access when you’ve incorporated. 

Fortunately, incorporating your business doesn’t have to be as daunting as it seems. In fact, it can actually be done in three steps. But if that still causes overwhelm, don’t worry – legal businesses, such as Rocket Lawyer, provide complete incorporation services, including document preparation and filing, and can help you connect with an attorney if you have specific questions, all at an affordable price. 

About Rocket Lawyer: Rocket Lawyer delivers legal documentation and attorney advice, anytime, anywhere, on any device. Since 2008, we’ve helped over 20 million businesses, families, and individuals obtain the legal help they need, at a price they can afford. That’s legal made simple.® Visit www.rocketlawyer.com for a free trial.

You might be interested in

5 Signs That You’re Smart With Money

3 mins read
Smart With Money

Since you most likely work hard for your money, it’s important that you are also smart with money in order to hold on to it and put it to work so that it helps you achieve your financial goals.

Here are some signs that you are smart with money.

You Have a Budget

If you are smart with money, you have a plan written down to decide how you will spend your money each month. You know that without a plan, you might run out of money before your next paycheck or before your next invoice is paid.

Over the long term, those who budget effectively will have manageable debt, room to indulge occasionally, and savings to pay irregular or unexpected expenses and retire comfortably.

You Keep Your Financial Goals in Mind

People who are smart with money have short-term, midterm, and long-term financial goals. These goals may range from paying off a credit card to retire by a certain age or saving enough to start a business. Whatever your goals are, if you’ve always got them in mind, it’s easier to ignore unnecessary expenses like impulse purchases that may take you off your path.

You Leverage Credit Wisely

There are many ways to leverage credit to create wealth. However, wealth creation via credit only occurs when the item purchased is an asset that puts money in your account on a regular basis, and continues to gain value that exceeds the interest you are paying on it.

You Avoid Unnecessary Fees

Although fees related to banking and financial services are almost impossible to avoid, there are some that you should never have to pay. Being smart with your money means understanding the financial products you are using.

With your bank, you avoid being charged unnecessary monthly fees and fees for insufficient funds or bounced payments. With your credit card, you avoid paying late fees. Even with services such as PayPal, you use the free “family and friends” option to avoid their transaction fee.

You Shop for Necessities with a Plan

Raise your hand if you have ever walked into a store for a few items and walked out with three times as much as you originally planned to get. I’ve been there too. Failing to plan means planning to fail. That’s why I now create a list beforehand and stick to it (most of the time).  Whether you are shopping for your home or your business,  it’s smart to do so with a list that has your budget in mind.

 

Tony O. Lawson

Subscribe and Follow SHOPPE BLACK on Facebook, Instagram &Twitter

 Get your SHOPPE BLACK apparel!

You might be interested in

The Best Skincare Solutions For 3 Common Skin Concerns

3 mins read
skincare

Here’s a sad truth: No one’s skin is perfect 100% of the time.

And chances are, you’re reading this article because you’re dealing with some skincare problems yourself! While finding the right products to tackle your skincare concerns can be a real challenge, you’ve come to the right place. Skincare troubles such as acne, dry skin, or hyperpigmentation are never fun to deal with, so here’s your guide to skincare solutions for three common skin problems.

For Dry Skin

Is dry, flaky skin keeping you down? Well, not for much longer! Your skin can become dehydrated from over-washing, hard air, irritants, and more. However, no matter the cause, maintaining a consistent skincare regimen can help you turn things around. So keep your skin moisturized by making the following changes to your routine:

  • Use a hydrating cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin of natural oils
  • Use an alcohol-free toner to restore your skin’s pH
  • Use a daily moisturizer
  • Reach for products with hyaluronic acid high on the ingredients list

For Hyperpigmentation

Unfortunately for us melanated folks, dark spots are more likely to develop on our skin. Those pesky spots are often the results of hormonal changes, sun damage, or acne. If you’ve been unsuccessful at getting rid of your dark spots, these tips targeted for black skin are sure to help you out:

  • Wear sunscreen daily to prevent dark spots from getting even darker
  • Incorporate vitamin C in your routine as it helps increase collagen and reduces the formation of melanin to prevent hyperpigmentation
  • Use hydroquinone, the holy grail topical that helps lighten dark spots
  • Treat the underlying cause of hyperpigmentation, i.e. melanated, acne
  • Wait it out as hyperpigmentation fades over time

For Acne

There’s nothing like a new zit that suddenly appears on your face to ruin a great day. So just imagine how awesome it would be if acne magically disappeared for us all after the adolescent years. It’s a nice thought, but sadly, acne can still rear its ugly head years after high school graduation.

Whether your breakouts are due to stress, irritants, or just genetics, here’s some advice to remedy your acne troubles:

  • Always avoid touching your face with unclean hands
  • Use a cleanser with salicylic acid daily to unclog pores
  • Use retinol to keep pimples at bay
  • Reach for gentle toners to wipe away oil
  • Use antibacterial gels or cleansers that contain benzoyl peroxide to kill surface bacteria that causes acne

Hopefully, you use these tips above to help yourself get started in the right direction on your skincare journey because annoying skincare problems are just that: annoying.

So, keep your skin on track and more issues at bay by taking charge to address your problem areas!

Use code SHOPPEBLK for a FREE sampler pack of several different herbal soaps from Herb’N Eden

You might be interested in

South African Payment Platform Yoco Raises $83M For Expansion

3 mins read
yoco

You’ve probably heard the phrase “small business is the backbone of the economy” before, and for good reason: it is true. Small businesses employ a huge percentage of workers around the globe.

But in countries like South Africa, where more payments are going digital and more customers are looking to swipe their debit and credit cards, smaller businesses still largely do not accept digital payments, potentially missing out on customers accustomed to not carrying any cash.

The fintech company Yoco has decided to tackle this problem head on, using its portable card machines as a way for small businesses and merchants to accept digital payments in person.

yoco

Yoco’s Strategy

Yoco’s strategy to gain a foothold in the industry is twofold: the company aims to be the most recognizable brand in the market and to make the adoption of their portable card machines as seamless as possible for their customers.

And this strategy appears to be working, as the company boasts that it is adding up to 500 merchants a day and has processed over $1 billion in payments, and growing. The company is carving out a market for itself and building a reputation in the process.

$83 Million In Funding

It’s no wonder that Yoco was able to raise $83 million from the Dragoneer Investment Group, a major investor in Chime and Square as well. This makes Yoco the most valuable startup in all of South Africa.

It has raised the most funding of any startup in South Africa and is only third across the entire continent. Yoco plans to use this investment to deliver new products to their customers, such as QR payments and a peer to peer money transfer. As they grow and add new features, they are only cementing their market dominance.

Expanding To New Regions

Yoco is looking past South Africa for growth: The startup is looking at rapidly expanding throughout all of Africa and into the Middle East. This provides an excellent growth opportunity as many merchants throughout these regions are still dealing mostly with cash at the moment but are interacting with customers who are increasingly going digital.

And with word that the company is hiring former employees from Paypal and Uber, Yoco is poised to reach exciting new heights in the fintech sector.

 

Written by Johnny T. Ross

Subscribe and Follow SHOPPE BLACK on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter

Get your SHOPPE BLACK Apparel!

You might be interested in

Former President Barack Obama joins NBA Africa as strategic partner and minority owner

3 mins read
nba africa

The National Basketball Association (NBA)  announced yesterday that former President Barack Obama has joined NBA Africa as a strategic partner.

President Obama will help advance the league’s social responsibility efforts across the continent, including programs and partnerships that support greater gender equality and economic inclusion.

In this capacity, President Obama will have a minority equity stake in the new venture, which over time he intends to use to fund Obama Foundation youth and leadership programs across Africa.

“The NBA has always been a great ambassador for the United States—using the game to create deeper connections around the world, and in Africa, basketball has the power to promote opportunity, wellness, equality, and empowerment across the continent,” said President Barack Obama.  “By investing in communities, promoting gender equality, and cultivating the love of the game of basketball, I believe that NBA Africa can make a difference for so many of Africa’s young people.  I’ve been impressed by the league’s commitment to Africa, including the leadership shown by so many African players who want to give back to their own countries and communities.  That’s why I’m proud to join the team at NBA Africa and look forward to a partnership that benefits the youth of so many countries.”

“We are honored that President Obama has become a strategic partner in NBA Africa and will support our wide-ranging efforts to grow the game of basketball on the continent,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.  “In addition to his well-documented love for basketball, President Obama has a firm belief in Africa’s potential and the enormous growth opportunities that exist through sports.  NBA Africa will benefit tremendously from his engagement.”

“We have ambitious growth plans for NBA Africa and having President Obama join our efforts is a recognition that through sport, Africa can take its rightful place on the world stage,” said NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams.  “We look forward to working with President Obama and our strategic investors to use basketball as an economic growth engine across the continent and as a platform to improve the health and wellness of one of the world’s youngest and fastest-growing populations.”

Subscribe and Follow SHOPPE BLACK on Facebook, Instagram &Twitter

 Get your SHOPPE BLACK apparel!

You might be interested in

1 … 46 47 48 49 50 … 128