The Top Benefits of Algae Oil

 

The beauty industry is facing a renaissance in sustainability. More and more companies are seeking ways and ingredients that are self-sustaining, natural, and most importantly healthy to use on our bodies. For too long brands have released products with little to oversight or care put into how their manufacturing, distribution and formulas affect the environment and those that use them. The best beauty products pay special attention to the environment it came from, the consumer using it and delivering its intended effect. One of the ingredients that has gained a lot of attention for skin and hair care products is algae oil. This hydrating oil is extracted from micro algae and has a ton of great benefits and nutrients that make it an amazing ingredient for hydrating skin and hair products. Let’s take a look at a few of the benefits of using algae oil and why it’s such an amazing product and ingredient. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These fatty acids are extremely important for our diet and health, and unfortunately americans are lacking in the amount of omega-3 fats in our system. Traditionally, these fats are found in fish. People with high intakes of fish will likely be getting a fair amount of omega-3 in their system, but vegetarians and vegans need different ways to ingest these fats. Algae oil is a great solution for this as it is a high source of omega-3. The two types of omega-3’s that are most prevalent in microalgae are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

In addition to these fatty acids it contains for ingestion, the omega-3 fats in acids are also fantastic for moisturizing skin and hair without getting greasy or oily. 

Sustainable and Cruelty Free

Algae oil’s sustainable properties are one of the things that make it such an attractive ingredient. Algae can be easily grown and farmed making it an ideal vegetarian solution to extract valuable nutrients that are usually found in fish oils. It’s ability to be sustainably farmed without harming animals makes it an ideal solution for any products that traditionally use fish oils for fatty acids. The beauty and health industry has long used animal testing for their products, but using things like algae oil take the need for animal testing out of the equation. 

Anti-Aging and Heart Health

Omega-3 and algae oil have been known to have anti-aging properties including diminishing wrinkles and lines on the skin. Algae oil is not only hydrating, but can help with skin issues such as eczema and psoriasis and promotes the overall health and youth of your skin. The properties in algae oil have been shown to actually affect the enzymes in the skin that break down the elasticity of our skin. 

Algae and omega-3 supplements are also proven to reduce blood pressure and support heart health. Omega-3’s reduce levels of triglyceride in the blood, and it has been observed with multiple forms of marine sources. 

Depression

Certain studies have shown that people diagnosed with depression have significantly lower levels of EPA and DHA in their blood. Supplements containing EPA and DHA helped participants greatly reduce their symptoms. While omega-3’s are a promising natural solution for depression and other mental health disorders, research is still being done on how these compounds interact with our brains to effect depressive diseases.

Higher Concentration of DHA

Compared to fish oils, algae is more advantageous for its concentration of amino acids. Extracting these compounds from fish present a number of problems from cruelty to the safety of ingestion. Fish can contain many harmful chemicals from pollution, and a great deal of the concentration of DHA and EPA in fish comes from the food they eat: algae and plant life. This means that it’s possible to achieve higher levels of specific components when farming algae for it’s fatty acids.

Algae Oil is the next wave of supplement health for a number of different purposes. The properties of algae oil make it a great moisturizer for hair products, skin products and dietary supplements. Plus, it is a sustainable approach to sourcing valuable nutrients while reducing the harmful environmental effects of farming cold water fish for the same nutrients. Both algae and seaweed have been heavily researched in the last decade for their potential in food production, health products, and even fuel. This shows us that there are many powerful options available to us in sustainable forms on the planet that provide an alternative to animal testing and harmful environmental practices.

Puerto Rico Real Estate - An Investment With a Future

 

Few locations in the Caribbean rival Puerto Rico for beauty and fewer still rival it for investment potential. As a territory of the United States, it has almost been recognized as one of those states several times in the last couple of decades. Political optimists predict that, in our lifetimes, the US will add Puerto Rico as its fifty-first state. With statehood, real estate values in this small island country will skyrocket. Wise investors are busily scanning Puerto Rico real estate listings today with an eye for what tomorrow might bring.

Of course, there are lots more reasons to buy land, a home or a hotel in this tropical paradise. Rich with history, natural beauty and a vibrant if colorful lifestyle, it is a natural draw for tourists, retirees and those who can afford the luxury of spending weeks or months in one of the many this rentals that range from small apartments to beachfront mansions. Many who visit, however, do not bother to leave. With prices for homes and property still in the "reasonable" range by investment standards, there are plenty of people and companies eager to seal the deal on some investment-quality Puerto Rico.

Unlike some of the smaller island countries of the Caribbean, It can offer you a city or country view. It has great beaches, towering cliffs and waterfalls and a thriving tourist-driven economy. Of course, tourism is not the only draw for persons interested in investing in it offerings.

Industry is also thriving here, where shipping lanes to the US, South and Central America all intersect. This makes this one place where investors interested in industrial, business and residential properties can stand to make a financial killing. The Puerto Rico real estate market is a draw for almost every sort of real estate investor, and perhaps for a few of us who are simply charmed by the beauty of the place and the warm, tropical winds.

Whatever your reason, I'd suggest you spend a couple of weeks in Puerto Rico and familiarize yourself with the different regions. There are plenty of realtors that offer international rentals and you can use the time for sightseeing and as well as view targeted areas for potential investment purposes.

With its tropical overtones and subtle Americanized social infrastructure, this country is possibly the most underrated investment opportunity in this region of the world. That does not mean, however, that real estate in Puerto Rico is not selling or that it has bottomed out on pricing. While there are good deals to be had, there is no glut of properties desperate to be mopped up by investors. Even with the current US housing crisis, the Puerto Rican market is holding its own and resell of properties here usually nets the investor a tidy return on his initial investment.

So for warm winds, a range of geographic beauty and a variety of properties with varied potentials, think it and consider it an investment with a bright future.

International Real Estate Listings.com is the worldwide leader in Puerto Rico real estate for sale, Puerto Rico real estate exchanges, and Puerto Rico rentals. Puerto Rico real estate owners, agents, developers are encouraged to create an account, upload an unlimited number of listings, write as much creative property details, include a You Tube property video, and it will be activated as a basic listing for 6 months, free.

How to Make the Most of Your Time in Puerto Rico

 

Whether it’s your first time in Puerto Rico or you’re a frequent visitor, you’ll always find wonders and excitement to discover. The unique blend of cultures making up Puerto Rico is expressed in the food, music, and lifestyle of both cities and countryside. Add to that 300 miles of coastline and beautiful nature preserves, and each visit offers a time to remember.

Immerse Yourself in the Local Culture

The best way to know Puerto Rico is to immerse yourself in the local culture. The capital of San Juan has historical sites such as the famous Castillo San Felipe del Morro, but it also abounds in restaurants where you can sample dishes inspired by Taino, Spanish, and African cultures. Nightclubs offer music ranging from big-name performers to folk and Caribbean music.

Travel away from the large cities to the smaller towns and experience a completely different world. Follow La Ruta del Lechón (Pork Highway) near Guatave and try pork cooked in every way imaginable. Or, see the cobblestone roads and historic sites of San German, the second-oldest town in Puerto Rico.

Create a Travel Plan

With so much to see and do, you’ll want to make the most of your time by creating a travel plan. Using a trip planner can allow you to coordinate your sightseeing, create itineraries, and plan routes.

To select which sights to see, look for online travel review websites such as Trustpilot. Review sites help you find information on local restaurants and attractions on your trip. Reviews are written by people who have actually visited the place or sampled the food. You can also explore hotels, cultural tour companies, and travel agencies.

Take Time to Enjoy Nature

Puerto Rico has a wide range of natural features for fun, sport, and relaxation. Numerous beaches offer swimming, water sports, and relaxation in the sun. The northwest coast is world famous for surfing.

Further inland are several freshwater swimming holes, many with waterfalls. You can also hike nature trails in El Yunque rainforest or Bosque del Pueblo. Cave tours, snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing are other options for nature-lovers. 

Whatever you choose to do, Puerto Rico is a destination you can visit many times and still not experience it all. With planning, you can make the most of your time and budget while enjoying the best the island has to offer.

Read this next: Exploration and Nature in Puerto Rico

Puerto Ricans Fume as Outages Threaten Health Work and School

 [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="800"] A wooden Puerto Rican flag is displayed on the dock of the Condado lagoon, where multiple selective blackouts have been recorded in the past days, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021. Power outages across the island have surged in recent weeks, with some lasting up to several days. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)[/caption]

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Not a single hurricane has hit Puerto Rico this year, but hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. territory feel like they’re living in the aftermath of a major storm: Students do homework by the light of dying cellphones, people who depend on insulin or respiratory therapies struggle to find power sources and the elderly are fleeing sweltering homes amid record high temperatures.

Power outages across the island have surged in recent weeks, with some lasting several days. Officials have blamed everything from seaweed to mechanical failures as the government calls the situation a “crass failure” that urgently needs to be fixed.

The daily outages are snarling traffic, frying costly appliances, forcing doctors to cancel appointments, causing restaurants, shopping malls and schools to temporarily close and even prompting one university to suspend classes and another to declare a moratorium on exams.

“This is hell,” said Iris Santiago, a 48-year-old with chronic health conditions who often joins her elderly neighbors outside when their apartment building goes dark and the humid heat soars into the 90s Fahrenheit.

“Like any Puerto Rican, I live in a constant state of anxiety because the power goes out every day,” she said. “Not everyone has family they can run to and go into a home with a generator.”

Santiago recently endured three days without power and had to throw out the eggs, chicken and milk that spoiled in her refrigerator. She said power surges also caused hundreds of dollars of damage to her air conditioner and refrigerator.

Puerto Rico’s Electric Power Authority, which is responsible for the generation of electricity, and Luma, a private company that handles transmission and distribution of power, have blamed mechanical failures at various plants involving components such as boilers and condensers. In one recent incident, seaweed clogged filters and a narrow pipe.

Luma also has implemented selective blackouts in recent weeks that have affected a majority of its 1.5 million clients, saying demand is exceeding supply.

Luma took over transmission and distribution in June. Puerto Rico’s governor said the company had pledged to reduce power interruptions by 30% and the length of outages by 40%.

The island’s Electric Power Authority has long struggled with mismanagement, corruption and, more recently, bankruptcy.

In September 2016, a fire at a power plant sparked an island-wide blackout. A year later, Hurricane Maria hit as a Category 4 storm, shredding the aging power grid and leaving some customers up to a year without power.

Emergency repairs were done, but reconstruction work to strengthen the grid has yet to start.

“We’re on the verge of a collapse,” said Juan Alicea, a former executive director of the authority.

He said three main factors are to blame: Officials halted maintenance of generation units under the erroneous belief they would soon be replaced. Scores of experienced employees have retired. And investment to replace aging infrastructure has dwindled.

Puerto Rico’s power generation units are on average 45 years old, twice those of the U.S. mainland,.

Luma has said it expects to spend $3.85 billion to revamp the transmission and distribution system and company CEO Wayne Stensby said Luma has made significant progress in stabilizing it. He noted that crews have restarted four substations, some of which had been out of operation since Hurricane Maria.

Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Pierluisi blamed the outages on management failures at the Electric Power Authority and called the repeated failures “untenable.”

Pierluisi himself has faced calls to resign — hundreds gathered to protest near the governor’s mansion on Friday — and many are demanding that the government cancel Luma’s contract.

The president of the power authority’s governing board resigned last week and a new executive director, Josué Colón, was appointed, promising to visit all generation units to pinpoint the problem.

"I

 recognize the critical condition that they’re in,” he said. “We’re not going to stop until the problem is corrected.”

Some people have taken to banging pots at night in frustration in addition to organizing protests.

Among those planning to join is Carmen Cabrer, a 53-year-old asthmatic and diabetic. She has been unable to use her nebulizer and recently had to throw out insulin for lack of refrigeration. The heat forces her to open her windows and breathe in pollution that aggravates her asthma. She cooks and washes clothes at irregular hours, fearing the power will go out again.

“This has turned into abuse,” she said of the outages. “I’m constantly tense.”

The outages are especially aggravating because power bills have been rising and the pandemic has forced many people to work or study from home.

Barbra Maysonet, a 30-year-old call center operator who works from home, said she sometimes loses an entire shift and doesn’t get paid for lack of power. She’s hesitant to work at the office because she doesn’t want to expose her mother and grandmother to COVID-19.

“It really puts a dent in my paycheck,” she said. “I have to rethink things. ... I’m going to have to risk my health just to be able to pay the rest of the bills.”

Like other Puerto Ricans, Maysonet has modified her diet, turning to canned goods, snacks and crackers that won’t spoil in a power outage.

“Just when I’m about to cook something, the power goes out. Then it’s, ‘I guess I’m having another bowl of cereal,’” she said.

Those who can afford it buy generators or invest in solar panels, but budgets are tight for many on an island mired in a deep economic crisis and a government that is effectively bankrupt.

Even attempts to rely on alternate sources of energy often are frustrated.

Manuel Casellas, an attorney who recently served as president of his 84-unit condominium complex, said the owners agreed to buy a generator more than a year ago at a cost of $100,000. However, they first need a power company official to connect the generator to the grid. He has made four appointments, and said officials canceled them all at the last minute without explanation.

“This has created great annoyance,” he said. “This is a building with many elderly people.”

Casellas himself has at times been unable to work at home or the office because of power outages at both. If he can’t meet with clients, he doesn’t get paid. Like others, he is considering leaving Puerto Rico.

“Every time the power goes out here it pushes your post-traumatic stress button,” he said, referring to the harrowing experiences many went through after Hurricane Maria, with an estimated 2,975 people dying in the aftermath. “You can’t live without electricity.”

People of Puerto Rico

 

Even though Puerto Ricans don’t have a defined race, they are proud of their identity.

Boricuas are the result of a multicultural tradition that began more than 500 years ago when the Spaniards arrived on the Island, inhabited at the time by the Taínos — an indigenous group with a significant presence throughout the Caribbean.

African influences were added to the melting pot years later when Spaniards brought slaves to the Island to work sugar and coffee plantations.

The fusion of those three races leads to the modern-day Puerto Ricans — good people who welcome visitors as part of their extended family. Puerto Ricans tend to be friendly and cheerful people who move their hands a lot when they talk and express their emotions with intensity and passion.

When you pass by locals walking through the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, they will greet you with a buenos días (good morning), even if they do not know you. And if they sit near you in a restaurant while you taste a mallorca (popular local pastry) and a coffee, they will say buen provecho (enjoy your meal), just for the sake of courtesy.

Puerto Rico has a population of around 3.6 million people, and more than five million additional boricuas are residing in the mainland United States. The official languages on the Island are Spanish and English, and most of the population identifies as Christian. Puerto Rican society is educated with a literacy level that exceeds 93%. It is also inclusive, with same-sex marriage laws and other statutes that protect common-law marriages' rights.

Famous Puerto Ricans

It is said that there are Puerto Ricans all over the world, and in part, it is because many have excelled in various disciplines such as film, music, and sports, elevating the reputation of the Island of Enchantment globally. For example, movie stars such as Rita Moreno, Raúl Juliá, Benicio del Toro, and Luis Guzmán are from Puerto Rico. Likewise, music icons such as Ricky Martin, Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, and Daddy Yankee have Puerto Rican heritage.

In sports, Puerto Rico has giants such as baseball players Roberto Clemente, Iván Rodríguez, Roberto Alomar, Alex Cora, and Yadier Molina; boxers Félix "Tito" Trinidad, Héctor "Macho" Camacho, and Miguel Cotto; tennis player and Olympic gold medalist Mónica Puig; hurdler Javier Culson; and many others. In science, NASA geologist and astronaut Joseph M. Acaba, who has traveled to the International Space Station, was born to Puerto Rican parents.

The Island also has representation in other fields. Of Puerto Rican descent, Sonia Sotomayor was the first Latina to become a Supreme Court Justice. Dr. Antonia Coello became the first Puerto Rican and Hispanic person to be appointed as Surgeon General of the United States.

CHECK THIS FACTS ABOUT PUERTO RICO

This Post is Courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico

A Comprehensive Guide to Golf in Puerto Rico

 

Photo by Caleb Oquendo from Pexels

The Caribbean is more than just Instagram eye candy and delicious, authentic meals. It’s also home to an abundance of golf-centric experiences graced with upscale resorts, nearby white sands, and other activities that belong to your itinerary.

If you’re already eyeing Puerto Rico as a year-round holiday destination, here are a few things you need to know about planning a golf vacation.

Why Go Golfing in Puerto Rico?

On and below the surface, Puerto Rico is an ideal destination for avid golfers—it’s scenic, rife with course options, and beautiful weather. If you’re on the fence about booking a stay in Puerto Rico, here are a few reasons why you should. 

Breathtaking Views

Many Puerto Rican courses are situated on oceans, hills, and mountains. As a result, the country’s varied terrain features and awe-inspiring backdrops have become a magnet for tourists and champions alike. Nowhere else will you witness spectacular rainforest settings and seaside cliffs while teeing off than in Puerto Rico.

Delicious Meals

There is nothing quite like retiring from your four-hour game than with an exceptional meal. In Puerto Rico, after-par meals include deep-fried mofongo and spit-roasted pork. However, if you prefer something a little more familiar, you can explore the seemingly endless depths of Afro-Caribbean food—you’re bound to find something that suits your fancy. 

Abundant in Culture

What makes a sterling golf employee is an equally agreeable attitude—you’re not going to find warmer welcomes anywhere than Puerto Rico. The country is peppered with genuinely gracious and hospitable locals, ready to share their customs and unique attractions. 

Top Tourist Courses

Convinced that Puerto Rico is a must-see on your international golf tour? Then, don’t forget to include these top courses on your list. 

Wyndham Grand Rio Mar & Golf Beach Resort

Home to two excellent courses considered Puerto Rico’s best, the Wyndham provides guests with the pleasure of playing on the beach. If you prefer something jungle-laden and with rolling hills, opt for the River Course instead of the Ocean Course.  

Dorado Beach

The two challenging courses at Dorado Beach will give seasoned golfers a run for their money. Its dramatic setting is laden with ponds, lakes, and deep bunkers. They are also part of a hyper-luxurious resort whose amenities will make your stay worth every penny. 

Royal Isabela

This secluded and dramatic clifftop course plays links-style but will satisfy any golfer who enjoys a scenic backdrop. However, remember that this over 7,600-yard, par 73 course is not for the faint of heart, especially when it comes to deep gorges, jungle-like brush, and windy conditions. You’ll be spending long hours on this course, so don’t forget to pack the essentials. 

The St. Regis Golf Club

Set across the El Yunque National Forest, you won’t experience being as close to wildlife when you golf as you will here. The course itself snakes through lakes and ponds, culminating in a sunkissed two-mile beach. 

Hotels & Resorts

You’ll be pleased to know that most of Puerto Rico’s five-star courses are part of the country’s most sought-after resorts. If you’re looking for places to stay while you tee off daily, consider booking these renowed accommodations. 

Caribe Hilton

When you hear the word “Hilton,” you’re likely to associate it with luxury—in this case, you wouldn’t be wrong. This classic, San Juan located resort is open, well-equipped, and ideal for golfers who want ot try their hand—and club—at multiple courses over a quick week trip. 

Rooms begin at $141 a night.

El Conquistador Resort

This Waldorf Astoria resort has been claiming its spot atop top 100 lists for years—and for a good reason. It is upscale, family-friendly, and right next to the Coqui Water Park, among many other golf courses. 

Rooms begin at $156 a night.

The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort

If you’re already been eyeing the Regis as a must-see golf destination, you’ll be happy to know it is also part of the country’s first Five-Diamond resort. This relaxed tropical setting has everything you could possibly need on a spectacular holiday—a challenging, picture-perfect course, round-the-clock service, and a spa. 

Rooms begin at $639 a night.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve been wondering whether packing your gear for an international golf trip to Puerto Rico is worth it, we hope this guide has provided you with an enlightening answer. To make the most of your trip, be sure to peep these must-know tips before traveling to this beautiful, cultured destination. 

About the Author

Jordan is a seasoned traveler and golf enthusiast. Through Golf Influence, he provides budding golfers with tips on how to improve their game, where to explore the best courses, and what gear is worth their business.

What To Look For In A Tax Resolution Firm?

 

No one like to receive letters from the IRS. The enforcement efforts ramp up at the IRS, the number of letters and communications landing in mailboxes is continuing to increase and one of them could land in your mailbox if the IRS says that you have a tax liability.

If you do receive a letter from them, it is important to move fast, especially if you cannot afford to pay what they says you owe. You may be tempted to ignore the situation or do nothing, but every day you wait will just make an already bad situation that much worse.

The good news is that you may not have to pay what the IRS says you owe them! There are a number of programs designed to give taxpayers relief, in many cases allowing them to settle their tax debts for a lot less of what they owe. But before you can enjoy that financial relief, you need to find the right partner, and here are some key things to look for.

The Right Tax Relief and IRS Negotiation Experience.

When you hire a tax relief firm, you will be hiring a team of experts, and it is important that the person who works on your case will be up to the task. It is important to look for specific areas of expertise, including former IRS agents, CPA’s, attorneys and others who can help you negotiate with the IRS on your behalf.

The best tax relief agencies are not necessarily big firms; some of the best are small operators with extensive experience dealing with this type of problem. But no matter what the size of the firm, the tax resolution expertise of the person working on your case is what matters the most.

Compassion and Understanding

Dealing with the IRS is not just a financial problem; it is an emotional one as well. Getting a notice from the IRS is bound to be an upsetting and unsettling experience, and working with a compassionate and caring tax resolution firm can help a lot to your situation.

You should not, of course, sacrifice expertise and capability for compassion, but there is no reason you cannot have the best of both worlds. Look for someone who cares about you and your situation as you interview tax relief firms and choose the one you feel best about working with.

Recent IRS Negotiation Success Stories

The IRS is a huge agency, and the tax code is endlessly complex. That enormous complexity and ever-growing structure means that past experience may no longer be relevant, so look for recent experience with the IRS in the form of testimonials and case studies.

Chances are if they have good “wins” under their belt, they know what they’re doing and they can get you a favorable outcome. Working with these experts can give you peace of mind and make it easier for you to resolve your tax situation.

Getting a letter from the IRS can be a scary experience, but it does not have to be the end of the world. You do not have to go bankrupt or suffer financial devastation in order to settle the debt you owe. Now that you know how to find a great tax relief partner, you no longer have to live in fear of your next trip to the mailbox.

Reach out to our tax resolution firm and we’ll schedule a free, no-obligation confidential consultation to explain your options in full to permanently resolve your tax problem. www.wesolveyourirsdebt.com.

Ramon Ortega CPA

Office in Weston, FL
1555 Bonaventure Blvd., Suite 1028
Weston, FL 33326
Weston 954-465-9315
Orlando 407-478-9262
rortega@ramonortegacpa.com

Gran Encuentro Ancestral Coming this Fall!

 

Puerto Rican Cultural Center

** MASKS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND ** ** NO EXCEPTIONS **   Puerto Rican Cultural Center presents... Gran Encuentro Ancestral - Garifuna & Loiza Cultural Exchange October 10, 2021, 2-5pm CST (LIVE) See Ticket info below.   A lively Afro-Arawak exchange of ancestral music, dance, and tambores featuring: * Los Hermanos Ayala * Garifuna Grupo Walagante * Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance   We are excited to share this experience as we build kinship! Loiza's culture is influenced by West African and Indigenous Arawak traditions, and those connections are being explored through a musical exchange with the Garifuna who are themselves an Afro-Arawak people!   TICKET INFO: - Due to COVID, tickets will be sold at the event. - Masks covering mouth and nose are required to attend.   Ticket Prices: Adults (18+) = $20 Youth (6 & over) = $5 Children (under 6) = FREE   Invite your friends! Facebook Invite: https://fb.me/e/12KuKFg5O   Our Encuentro Ancestral & season of outreach is made possible through grant funding and Cares Act/ARP support by the National Endowment for the Arts, Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Texas Commission on the Arts, the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture, and the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.

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