Healthiest Plants for Your Home

Lady palm

This plant clears your air of chemicals, including ammonia, and is highly resistant to insects. It’s fairly easy to care for, but you’ll need to trim the leaf tips if they turn brown from a buildup of salt and minerals.

Peace lily

A pro at removing a laundry list of toxins, including acetone, benzene, alcohols, and ammonia, the peace lily is the only air-cleaning plant on our list that flowers. To keep it healthy and insect-free, you’ll need to wash the leaves occasionally.

Bamboo palm

Great at removing formaldehyde from the air, the bamboo palm is also low-maintenance: Just put it where it’ll get a couple of hours of direct sunlight, and water it regularly.

English ivy

Available in all kinds of colors and shapes, this climbing vine helps clear out formaldehyde. It’s superversatile, too: You can grow it in hanging baskets, low planters, or even as a topiary. It needs regular misting, though, especially during winter.

Rubber plant

Got a black thumb? The hearty rubber plant is for you. It ranks high at eradicating nasty formaldehyde and can tolerate cooler temperatures and low light. You just need to keep it well-watered.

GRILLING VS. FRYING

Healthy Cooking: Grilling Vs. Frying

Cooking methods have a significant impact on the quality of food you consume. Grilling and frying are two popular methods used to cook food. To grill foods, you place them on a wire grid placed under or above a dry heat source. The food is cooked by thermal radiation. It is also referred to as broiling or pan grilling.

Fried foods are usually dipped into a fryer or pan that contains very hot oil or fat. Foods may be deep fried or shallow fried. The high temperatures and high heat conductivity cooks the food. This yields attractive, crispy food with a great aroma. However, the quality of food drops considerably when fried. Many fried foods can be grilled as a healthier alternative.

Disadvantages of Frying

When foods are fried, they absorb a lot of fat. Even if the food was a low fat item, it ends up with a high fat content when fried. When consumed, it increases the blood cholesterol level. High cholesterol levels pose greater risks to health. Arteries get clogged over time. This prevents the smooth flow of blood and increases blood pressure. High cholesterol levels also increase the risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Higher calorie intake from fried foods results in weight gain. It becomes more difficult to manage a healthy weight program when fried foods are eaten regularly in the diet. Other foods, such as vegetables, loose much of their moisture and easily perishable vitamins when fried. This is because of the extremely high temperatures of the heated oil. Although fried food may be tasty with a great texture, it is harder to digest than grilled foods. This is because of the high amount of fat absorbed by the food as it cooks. Foods with a high fat content exert more pressure on the digestive system and organs. This contributes to disorders of the digestive tract. It also exacerbates conditions such as ulcers and gallstones. A healthier cooking alternative to frying is grilling.

Health Benefits of Grilling

Grilled meats have a reduced fat content. This is because the fat drips off as the food cooks. It results in healthier meals and makes it easier to manage a low fat diet. Grilled foods also have lower calorie content than fried foods. This helps in weight management and keeping fit. Reduced fat intake helps to lower bad cholesterol levels in the blood. Healthy cholesterol levels improve cardiovascular health. Various health conditions such as obesity, stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes become a risk with fried foods.

When you grill your food, it helps to reduce the risk of such diseases. It also ensures that you get more value out of your food. This is because of the shorter cooking time involved when you grill. It results in minimal loss of moisture and vitamins from vegetables. This ensures that as much of the nutritional content is retained in the food when cooked. Healthy cooking contributes to good health and overall wellbeing.

5 Ways to Use Tomatoes for Rosy Cheeks and Beautiful skin

Tomatoes have often been called ‘the poor man’s apple.’ They have been called “the apple of love,” by the French. The Germans even called it “the apple of paradise.” In fact, tomatoes are more popular than apples as 60 million tonnes are produced around the world every year. As much as tomatoes are cheaper to buy than apples, they are rich in vitamins and enzymes that can help you achieve radiant health, from inside out. The humble tomato, which we don’t even give second thought to in this day and age, is actually laden with multiple health benefits.

Here are some natural ways to achieve beautiful skin using fresh organic tomatoes:

1. For wrinkle-free skin.

Tomatoes are rich in anti-oxidants. For youthful skin with few wrinkles, make a refreshing juice with 2 tomatoes, 2 cups of water and 2 teaspoons of organic honey. This juice should be taken on an empty stomach early in the morning. Do not take breakfast until after 30 – 40 minutes.

2. For a youthful glow.

After cutting slices of tomato for a salad, spare one slice for your face (usually the top or bottom slice which you might throw away). Wash your face with a mild soap and dry with a soft towel. Afterwards, rub the tomato slice onto your face in a gentle circular motion. Cover your face entirely with the tomato pulp and leave to dry for 10 – 15 minutes. Do this once in 2 days for soft youthful skin.

3. For Lightening Blemishes.

To lighten blemishes or to lighten the whole face for a bright look, apply a paste of curd (yogurt), turmeric and tomato juice. Do this every morning for a beautiful complexion which is bright and blemish-free!

4. For a Fresh Scalp

If your scalp and hair have accumulated odor, soap or shampoo may not be able to completely neutralize the smell. Tomato juice can help you obtain a fresh scalp. Use the necessary amount of undiluted tomato juice and let it sit on your scalp/hair for 15 minutes. Wash your hair with slightly cold water and dry it naturally in the sun.

5. For Blushing cheeks.

Soft pink cheeks are an indicator of a healthy body. This is why women wear cosmetic blush. Eat a tomato everyday and you can have naturally pink cheeks that signify health and vitality.

NATURAL WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR EYESIGHT

Natural Ways to Improve Eyesight

More than ever, we are using our eyes to stare at small type and images on computer screens, televisions, and cell phones – which leads to eye fatigue and an increase in age-related eye problems. But diminished eyesight does not have to be an inevitable part of living long. Follow these three tips to sharpen your own vision so you can see your way to a future of longevity.

Eat for Bright Eyesight

Protect your peepers with a vision-ary diet! Our eyes require multiple nutrients to function optimally. Start with these:

• Vitamins A, C, E, and minerals like copper and zinc are essential to eyesight.
• Antioxidants, including beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, protect the macula from sun damage. Get these antioxidants from dark leafy greens, egg yolks, yellow peppers, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Notice any color patterns here? Current research shows that consuming yellow and green vegetables can help prevent age-related macular generation, a leading cause of blindness.
• Foods rich in sulfur, cysteine, and lecithin help protect the lens of your eye from cataract formation. Excellent choices include garlic, onions, shallots, and capers.
• Anthocyanin-rich blueberries, grapes, and goji berries have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help improve your vision.
• DHA is a fatty acid found in coldwater fish like wild salmon, sardines, mackerel, and cod. DHA provides structural support to cell membranes to boost eye health.

Exercise Your Eyes

These simple exercises will help you maintain optimal vision and may also keep those annoying eye floaters at bay. Perform these exercises first thing in the morning, before bedtime, or any time your eyes feel fatigued. Make sure that your hands are clean and that your mood is relaxed. Commit to daily practice and you may just see better results within one month.

• Warm your eyes. Rub your palms together to create heat, and then place them against your eyes for five seconds. Repeat this three times.
• Roll your eyes. Start by looking up and then slowly circle 10 times clockwise and 10 times counterclockwise.
• Focus. Hold a pen at arm’s length, focus your eyes on it, and slowly bring the pen closer until it’s about 6 inches away from your nose. Then slowly move it back, keeping your eyes focused on the pen, 10 times in all.
• Massage your temples. Using your thumb knuckles, massage your temples in small circles, 20 times in one direction and 20 in the other. Repeat the same actions above the mid-point of the eyebrows at the forehead, then below the eyes on both sides of the bridge of the nose.
• Take a mini-nap. Put your head back, close your eyes, and relax for 3 minutes.

Give Your Eyes Some R&R

• Getting enough sleep is essential for eye health. Sleep allows your eyes to fully rest, repair, and recover. Insufficient sleep may weaken your vision, so shoot for 8 hours of sound sleep a night.
• Give your eyes a break once an hour during your workday: Rest your eyes 10 minutes for every 50 minutes spent reading or in front of the computer. If your eyes feel overly tired, lie down and place cooling cucumber slices over your eyelids.

6 BEST FOOD TO BUILD MUSCLE

The 6 best foods to eat to build muscle fast:

1. Organic Beef

Organic Beef contains lots of CLA (or conjugated linoleic acid)

which is basically a fat that helps you burn fat but many studies show how CLA helps you gain muscle mass – for example…

According to one study a group of men who took only 5g of CLA per day gained more muscle over 7 weeks than men who did not take CLA.

2. Eggs

Eggs have lots of GOOD cholesterol in them that helps you maintain your current testosterone levels and according to one study…

People who ate 3 whole eggs per day while on a muscle building workout plan gained twice as much muscle as the people who only ate 1 egg everyday.

3. Fish

Almost all fish like salmon, tuna, and herring are high in Omega-3 fats and people who have higher levels of Omega-3s in their diets reported greater levels of muscle strength than those who didn’t include that much Omega-3s plus…

Omega-3s help your muscles recovery faster after workouts and Omega-3 fats increases muscle growth basically by helping your body use most of the protein you eat for muscle building.

4. Wheat Germ

Wheat germ is high in octacosanol and if you eat wheat germ about 30-to-60 minutes before your muscle building workout… The octacosanol in wheat germ will help increase your muscle strength and endurance during your workout plus…

This high-carb food source also has lots of protein in it.

5. Brown Rice

Brown rice is high in GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and GABA will increase your growth hormone levels by up to 400%

6. Spinach

Spinach is high in a compound called beta-ecdysterone that increases your body’s ability to use more protein for muscle growth by 20%.

FLAT BELLY WORKOUT

10 REMEDIES FOR DANDRUFF

Dandruff is a kind of skin disorder of the scalp. This occurs due to growth of bacteria and fungus on the scalp, and it is an infectious condition. It causes itchiness along with excessive formation of dry skin flakes on the scalp.

Dandruff can be controlled by following healthy hair care routine. However, it can even be controlled with easy to follow natural remedies. It is true that natural remedies take time to show results but they can effectively treat the problem completely.

Here are the Top 10 Home Remedies for Dandruff:

1. Indian Lilac

The antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties of Indian lilac, also known as neem, help to treat dandruff as well as many other hair problems like scalp acne, itchy scalp, and hair fall efficiently.

• Boil a handful of neem leaves in four cups of water.
• Cool and strain the solution.
• Use this decoction as a hair rinse twice or three times a week.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil helps eliminate dandruff due to its anti-fungal properties. It also moisturizes dry scalp and provides relief from itching.

• Take some coconut oil and mix half the amount of lemon juice in it.
• Rub it on your scalp and massage for a few minutes.
• Wash your hair after at least 20 minutes.
• Follow this remedy two to three times a week.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Scalp treatment with apple cider vinegar is effective in getting rid of dandruff. It restores the pH balance of the scalp, thereby inhibiting the growth of yeast. It also helps works a natural clarifier and helps clean clogged pores and hair follicles.

• Take two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
• Add an equal amount of water and 15-20 drops of tea tree oil in it.
• Apply it onto your scalp and massage. Rinse your hair after a few minutes.
• Follow this natural treatment twice or three times a week.

4. Baking Soda

Baking soda can help reduce the overactive fungi that causes dandruff. With repeated use, it also helps restore production of natural oils that keep your scalp from becoming dry and flaky.

• Wet your hair and rub some baking soda onto your scalp. After some time, rinse your hair well with water. Do not shampoo your hair for a while after this treatment.
• Alternatively, you can add some baking soda to your shampoo when you wash your hair.

5. White Vinegar

White vinegar is one of the best home treatments for dandruff. Vinegar has acetic acid that prevents growth of bacteria and fungi on your scalp.

• Mix one part vinegar with three parts water. Use the mixture to wash your hair and then rinse it out with water.
• You can also apply vinegar directly onto your hair, wrap it with a towel and leave it on overnight. In the morning, wash your hair.

6. Olive Oil

Scalp dryness can be cured with regular use of extra virgin olive oil, an effective natural moisturizer.

• Simply heat some extra virgin olive oil until it is slightly warm. Massage it onto your scalp and then wrap your hair in a towel for half an hour.
• Brush your hair thoroughly to remove the dry flakes and then wash your hair.

7. Fenugreek Seeds

The herb fenugreek has antifungal and soothing properties that can help control dandruff to a great extent.

• Soak some fenugreek seeds in water overnight. In the morning, grind them into a fine paste.
• Apply the paste all over your scalp and leave it in for a few hours. Then wash your hair well with a mild shampoo. After rinsing out the shampoo, use the water in which you soaked the seeds as a final rinse.
• Do this twice a week in cases of severe dandruff.

8. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help combat dandruff.

• Apply fresh aloe vera juice or aloe vera gel to your hair just a few minutes before taking a shower. Then wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
• Repeat this remedy at least twice a day.

9. Thyme

Thyme has both antiseptic and antifungal properties that help treat dandruff.

• Mix four tablespoons of dried thyme in two cups of water and boil it for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain the solution and allow it to cool down.
• Massage some of the solution onto your scalp thoroughly. Let it soak in for five minutes then repeat the process a second time.
• Wait at least two to three hours before washing your hair.

10. Aspirin

Aspirin contains acetylsalicylic acid that can help control dandruff.

• Crush two aspirins to a fine powder and mix it with an equal amount of shampoo. Wash your hair with the mixture, massaging it onto your scalp. Leave it in for a few minutes and then rinse your hair well.
• Alternatively, crush three aspirins and dissolve the powder in one tablespoon of vinegar. Massage the mixture into your scalp. Leave it in for half an hour and then wash your hair thoroughly.

Just like aspirin, Listerine can also be used to treat dandruff due to its alcohol and herbal oil content. Just use Listerine to rinse your hair once in a week.

SORE THROAT REMEDY

8 HOME REMEDIES FOR BRITTLE NAILS

Remedies for brittle nails do not have to come in pretty-looking bottles or cost a fortune to work wonders! We can even make them at home, save cash, have some creative fun and even expect our home remedies for brittle nails to have some lasting results which, unfortunately, can’t be said for some of those popular, much-advertised products. What’s the catch? Well, there is none! Check out these DIY mixtures, go through your kitchen supplies and you’ll realize you have everything needed to make a fantastic home remedy for nails today!

1. OLIVE OIL AND LEMON JUICE MIXTURE

A teaspoon of olive oil mixed with a few drops of lemon juice will make a potent yet very easy to DIY remedy that, if used at least two times a week, will help you transform your brittle, easy to chip nails. Massage it into your nails thoroughly, let it soak in, then slip soft manicure gloves on and let the mixture work its magic overnight. But hey, do check out the following remedies for brittle nails, too.

2. TEA TREE OIL AND VITAMIN E

A teaspoon of Tea Tree oil with a couple of drops of Vitamin E won’t only help you have stronger, healthier nails but will prevent nail fungus as well as successfully treat any existing infection. Rub it in as described above as often as you can and it won’t be long before you start seeing results.

3. MASSAGE

Well here’s an easy, cost-effective remedy for brittle nails! Seriously, all you need is a bit of patience, a desire to spend a few short minutes of your day doing something good for yourself and a small amount of moisturizing cream, nail cream or vegetable oil of choice. Apply the chosen product on each nail, massaging gently and thoroughly all the way. The product will add moisture and soften your cuticles while a massage improves blood circulation, making your nails stronger, healthier and even longer in the long run.

4. SEA SALT TREATMENT

Speaking about interesting home remedies for nails – here’s a fun soak that will help you transform your weak brittle nails. Mix together two teaspoons of fine sea salt with 2 drops each of lemon juice or oil, frankincense oil, myrrh oil and wheat germ oil. Pour this mixture into a bowl of warm water, then soak your hands and keep them soaked for about 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat twice a week.

5. VITAMIN E OIL NIGHT TREATMENT

Vitamin E oil capsules or ampoules are a fantastic ingredient any savvy DIYer should have in her stash. Add it to your hair and skin care mixtures but don’t forget to use it on your nails too! A gentle, nightly massage with just a few drops of this oil will help improve the condition of your nails greatly, making them healthier with each use. Wear manicure gloves for better, faster results but have in mind that this is not a miraculous cure and that it takes some time to work.

6. BEER SOAK

Beer, olive oil and apple cider vinegar probably aren’t the ingredients you’d choose for your favorite drink, but are a great remedy for brittle nails nevertheless. Warm a quarter of a cup of olive oil, mix it with an equal amount of apple cider vinegar and half a cup of beer. Now soak your nails into this mixture, give them about 15 minutes to soak in all those nutrients and voila, all done! Fast, easy AND a great way to use beer leftovers – how cool is that?

7. LEMON JUICE

Harsh nail polish removers will often leave your nails feeling quite dry, even contribute to them chipping and peeling and let’s not forget about that yellow tinge, a nasty nail polish side effect not even the strongest of removers can successfully overcome! The universal and totally natural solution for this is just way too simple! Lemon juice! Squeeze the juice out, dip a cotton pad in it, then swipe each nail. Continue to massage the leftover juice in, let it dry on your nails, then rinse your hands in lukewarm water. Voila! Your nails are looking much better, the yellow tone is gone and the tips are looking brighter than ever!

8. HERBAL MASK

Last but not least! Give this fragrant herbal mask a try and it will soon become one of your favorite home remedies for nails! Pour a cup of boiling water over a teaspoon each of chamomile and peppermint tea, let them steep for an hour and a half, then strain the herbs away and mix in half a teaspoon of olive oil and two tablespoons of wheat flour. Blend well, apply to your nails, let it sit for a half an hour, then rinse off. Piece of cake, isn’t it?

But, ladies, don’t let me do all the talking! Is there some special home remedy for nails you like to use and what does it do? Do let me know!

LIMITS OF HUMAN BODY

FIGHT MENTAL FATIGUE

Mental fatigue is extremely hard on a person. It is even more difficult to deal with than physical fatigue. When a person has mental fatigue, they can’t think clearly and they can’t express how
they feel. It can even cause a person to feel physically fatigued and even cause illness.

If you suffer from this type of exhaustion, it could be caused by the work that you do, your family life, or a lack of good quality sleep. If you have mental stress and you need to make an important decision, it could also lead to severe depression.

How do you fight mental fatigue?

Relax your mind and you will boost your energy

If you have mental fatigue, you are probably wondering how in the world are you supposed to relax. Here are 5 tips on fighting mental fatigue naturally and helping you to establish a routine for relaxation:

* Make time for yourself.

A good way to do this is to sit in a quiet dark room and get in touch with your spiritual side. You could pray or meditate or even write your comments in a journal. Some people find it relaxing to just sit in a dark room with their eyes closed.

* Get good quality sleep.

You can still feel mentally exhausted even though you get enough sleep. However, if you do get your 8 hours of sleep every night, that will help refresh your mind and your body and will also help you deal with your day-to-day stress. When you sleep, your body repairs itself.

* Try to forget the problems that you are facing on a day-to-day basis.

Read a book, visit with your friends or family or get away for the weekend. Sometimes when you change your surroundings, you can forget the everyday stresses.

* Exercise on a regular basis.

When you exercise, your brain releases endorphins. These endorphins are what make you feel happy. You don’t need to work out or run a marathon. Just a simple 15 minute walk is all you need.

* Breathing exercises work very well also.

Just take in deep breaths through your nose, hold for 10 seconds and then release through your mouth. This will help to relieve any tension that you may be feeling.

* Make time to do things on your own.

Sometimes when we do things with other people, we have a tendency to not relax. If you like going to a museum and your spouse or friend does not like to do that, then do that yourself. You don’t be relaxed if you take someone to do something and it is not their favorite thing to do. You will be able to enjoy the experience the way you want to and not the way someone else forces you to.

Fight your mental fatigue using your own natural strategies

These are just 5 tips on fighting mental fatigue naturally. Once you start to implement some of these ideas, you will find many others that will help you. Doing these types of things on a regular basis will make you feel like a new person!

WORST DRINKS FOR YOUR BODY AND HEALTH

from cocktails and energy drinks to smoothies and soda, find out the 11 worst drinks for your body.

1. Juice Drinks

Labels like “juice drink” and “juice cocktail” are almost always a euphemism for brightly-colored sugar water. For a truly healthy drink, look for 100 percent juice, like orange juice, cranberry juice, or aloe vera juice. Nothing else.

2. Whipped Coffee Drinks

When made with 2-percent milk, a large icy cup of Joe can contain up to 800 calories and a third of the maximum recommended intake for artery-clogging saturated fat. And there’s a reason why it tastes so sweet: At 170 grams of sugar in a typical drink, you get more of a sugar shock than a caffeine buzz.

3. Flavored Water

Flavored and infused waters may deliver a few extra vitamins, but they’re also often packed with added sugars. Next time you buy a bottle of water, check the label: If you see anything more than water and natural flavors, leave it on the shelf.

4. Diet Soda

Diet soda may be calorie free, but it’s also 100 percent nutrition free. Plus, if you’re guzzling diet coke all day, there’s a good chance you’re not drinking the healthy beverages your body needs, particularly water and tea. One diet soda a day is fine, but if you’re downing five or six cans, you may be doing damage to your body.

5. Frozen Mixed Drinks

When it comes to cocktails, the mixers are the real calorie culprits. Case in point: According to the USDA, a 16-ounce pina colada can clock in at a whopping 880 calories, that’s more than 8 times the amount in a shot of rum.

6. Sports Drinks

Ending your workout by guzzling a typical sport drink may set your weight-loss goals back. Many sports drinks on the market contain a mixture of natural and artificial sweeteners, plus a laundry list unpronounceable additives. If replenishing electrolytes is your goal, switch to zero-calorie drinks.

7. Hard Liquor

Alcohol in moderation—one or two drinks a day—has been shown to raise HDL (good) cholesterol, boost bloodflow, and improve sugar metabolism. But when you ask for that third drink, your risk for obesity and slew of other health problems starts to climb. A March 2011 study from the American Cancer Society found that the risk of cancer death was 36 percent higher among people who drank liquor heavily (3 or more drinks each day) than those who drank in moderation or not at all.

8. “Healthy” Fruit Smoothies

Yes, fruit is good for you, but a 32-ounce smoothie can pack as many as 700 calories with fewer than 2 grams of protein, thanks to the high sugar content. That’s like eating a whole pineapple, entire mango and 1 cup each of blueberries and strawberries in a single sitting. Why that’s bad: Calories from any food get socked away in your fat cells if you eat more than you can burn.

9. Lemonade

Most store-bought versions are made from the same sweeteners used in soda, combined with preservatives and artificial color. At 100 calories per cup, and with the equivalent of 6 teaspoons of sugar and zero nutrients, you’re essentially drinking liquid candy. Definitely not refreshing.

10. Soft Drinks

It’s tough to find a single redeeming quality about soft drinks: They’re overloaded with sugar and provide empty calories without satisfying your hunger. In fact, soft drinks are the only food that has been directly linked to causing obesity. If you’re not willing to eliminate them from your diet entirely, consider one can of full-sugar soda as an occasional treat—the same way you would a candy bar.

11. Energy Drinks

When people think about “energy” drinks, they’re usually referring to products that contain caffeine. The problem is that most “energy drinks” are loaded with too much caffeine and sugar, so while they may give you a short-term burst of energy, you’ll ultimately crash and just want to zonk out. When you need a brain boost, you’re better off sipping green tea or snacking on a handful of walnuts.

10 EASY TO FOLLOW SKIN CARE TIPS

To help you get glowing, we’ve rounded up 10 simple, affordable and effective tips.

1. Come Clean

First things first: Before you even think about washing your face, clean your hands with a mild soap. If hands are dirty, then you’ll end up transferring more dirt and grime onto your skin.

2. Avoid Unnecessary Roughness

Because washcloths can be abrasive (especially if you have sensitive skin), opt for a muslin cloth instead. After applying cleanser, rinse the cloth in warm water and use slow, circular motions to wash away product.

3. Stay Slick

As skin and hair oils become more popular, they also become more expensive. But women in the Mediterranean have been using extra virgin olive oil as an all-over hydrator for centuries. Warm a few drops of oil in your hand before smoothing over your face for ultra-moisturized skin.

4. Quench Your Thirst

Although drinking water isn’t a replacement for your moisturizer, staying hydrated is necessary for maintaining healthy skin functions, such as regenerating cells and improving circulation. The result? A more radiant complexion.

5. Give Skin A Wake-Up Call

If you’re prone to dry skin, then washing your face once a day is enough—especially during cooler, dry months. Doing thorough cleansing before bed means that you can simply rinse it with warm water in the AM.

6. Keep Your Cool

Moderate exercise is great for the skin, delivering oxygen and nutrients to its cells. But chronic flushing—from exercise or heat—can lead to permanently dilated capillaries. So get into the habit of pressing a cold-water washcloth to your cheeks as part of your post-workout routine.

7. Have A Ball

Instead of trying to smear away dark lipstick with a tissue, opt for a cotton ball doused with an oil-based makeup remover. The messy tissue technique can leave an oily residue around the mouth that may lead to breakouts.

8. Call For Help

Another breakout culprit? Your not-so-clean cellphone, which often rests pressed against your skin. Go hands-free when you can, and to kill pore-clogging germs, keep antibacterial wipes on hand, suggests skincare guru Kate Somerville.

9. Feed Your Face

Los Angeles-based dermatologist Jessica Wu, M.D., recommends eating tomatoes to boost your natural defenses against UV rays. The savory fruit contains high levels of lycopene, an antioxidant that’s been shown to provide protection from the sun’s skin-aging rays.

10. Think Broad

Expensive sunscreens aren’t usually any more effective than cheap ones, say dermatologists. The important thing is that whatever you use should contain broad-spectrum UV protection—to guard your hide from both UVB rays that burn and UVA rays that age skin—no matter the season. Pesky UVA rays can pass through glass and clouds, and are equally intense thoughout the year.

FOODS RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS

FOODS RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS

Kale

This green leafy vegetable is a rich source of polyphenolic flavonoid (an antioxidant) that has anti-cancerous properties and also prevents cardiovascular diseases.

Spinach

Another green leafy vegetable that is rich in antioxidant is spinach. It has lutein, zeaxanthin (two cartenoid antioxidants) that protects the brain from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Brussels sprouts

Apart from being a rich source of phytochemicals, Brussels sprouts is also rich in dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals that are required by the body.

Beet

This cruciferous vegetable is a rich source of vitamins, proteins and minerals that keep you healthy and fit. Beet also increases blood circulation in the body. So, do not forget to include this antioxidant rich food in your diet.

Broccoli

Like other green vegetables, broccoli is also a rich source of antioxidants. It contains phytonutrients that detoxifies the body and fights many diseases.

Garlic

We all are well aware of the antibiotic properties of raw garlic. However, it is also rich in antioxidants like A, B and C, selenium, iron, zinc etc that reduces high blood pressure and lowers bad cholesterol levels.

Bell peppers

Bell peppers are a rich source of carotenoids and vitamin C (antioxidants). Both red and yellow bell peppers are healthy and nutritious too.

Kidney beans

Almost all types of beans, black, red and pinto are rich in antioxidants that cleanses the system and detoxifies it.

Berries

Berries like strawberries, cherries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries is rich in proteins, vitamins and other antioxidants. They not only burn fat deposits present in the body but also detoxes it. So, have berries to clean your system and remove free radicals from the body, have berries.

Apple

An apple a day keeps doctor away. Apples are rich in phyto-nutrients flavonoids and polyphenolics (antioxidants) that protects the body from damage caused by free radicals.

Avocado

Avocado is rich in vitamin A, C and E that detoxifies the system and also reduces the free radicals from the body.

Pomegranate

Apart from giving a nice taste, pomegranate seeds are also rich in antioxidants that cleanse the system.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are so far the richest source of lycopene (an antioxidant) that fights diseases. Tomatoes also aids weight loss as it burns fat deposits in the body.

Kiwi

Like other vitamin C rich foods, kiwi is also rich in antioxidants that removes free radicals from the body.

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

Below are some Natural tips on How to Stay Young

Blueberries

The antioxidants in blueberries neutralize free radicals, protecting cells from being attacked and damaged. Tops in antioxidant activity, blueberries may also slow age-related mental decline and reduce harmful LDL cholesterol.

Sunscreen

Applying a sunscreen—even if you’re not spending much time outdoors—prevents premature aging and skin cancer.

Flaxseed

Toss ground flaxseeds in yogurt, salads, or cereals to fight disease-causing inflammation. A diet rich in alpha-linolenic acid, which is found in flaxseeds, may cut the risk of recurrent heart disease in half, according to the American Heart Association.

Mozart

Simply listening to a Mozart sonata for 10 minutes can temporarily raise your I.Q., research shows.

Ginger

A quick fix for any rumbling tummy, ginger also eases arthritis pain. Antioxidants and anti-inflammatories slow aging—and ginger is packed with both.

Bingo

Everyone wins with bingo: A study from the University of Southampton in England found that bingo players score higher than non-bingo players on tests measuring mental speed, memory, and the ability to scan surroundings for information.

Rosemary, Sage, and Lemon Balm

Season your food with rosemary, sage, and lemon balm. These herbs have compounds that prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is diminished in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.

Protect your bones

Load-bearing exercise like walking or jogging is a critical component of bone protection.

Garlic

Garlic protects against certain cancers, lowers blood pressure, and may even help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Add one clove a day to your diet.

Add muscle

In as little as two 45-minute sessions per week—pairing 15 minutes of strength training with a brisk 30-minute walk, for example—you can maintain muscle tissue and preserve metabolism and bone density; this deters both weight gain and osteoporosis as you age, plus it helps refresh your appearance and boost your self-esteem.

SHARE IT TO YOUR LOVE ONES!

BENEFITS OF ALOE VERA

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR LIPS!

LIP CARE


If one facial feature deserves our attention most; it has to be those LIPS! Stay tuned for lip tip of the day to help you pucker up perfectly for  your WINTER VALENTINE!

FYI,the lips have no oil glands which is why the keep chapping!

1.Make sure you stop licking your lips ,as the saliva can irritate it further.And also while it dries out it,it further dries out the lip

2.No petroleum jelly-this can only act as a barrier.Which means that if a surface has its own moisture, it can protect it from loosing it,but doesn't add any moisture.so what you need is cream or bee's wax.my favourite is gold old ponds cold cream.apply a thick layer while you sleep and see what it does when you wake up.

3.Wash your lips often,and each time after food,so spices do not sting them further

4. A simple home remedy-COCONUT OIL/GHEE

SURYA NAMSKAR(SUN SALUTATION)

The mother of all yoga asanas. Surya Namaskar involves 12 postures. (Link back to surya namaskar)
This yoga poses de-stresses, removes toxins and is a great relaxation exercise. So you can obviously expect your skin to glow if you practice this regularly.

TIP TO HYDRATE YOUR SKIN

HAIR FALL CONTROL REMEDY

5 FRUITS FOR HEALTHY AND GLOWING SKIN

Simple lifestyle changes like incorporating fruits in your daily diet can give you glowing skin. Fruits help with Clear complexion; Skin rejuvenation, Natural hydration; Improvement of Skin texture and making the skin appear youthful and glowing. Fruits are safe with no side effects and are cost-effective at the same time. They are free from toxins and have a host of skin and health benefits.

Let us look at a few fruits to get fair and glowing skin.

1.BANANA

Bananas, being rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin B and Vitamin E, act as an anti-ageing agent. Opt for a facial using a freshly mashed banana mixed with honey to get glowing skin. It is a rich source of fiber, minerals, magnesium and potassium; they help in proper blood circulation in our body and build immunity from within.They are a great substitute for unhealthy snacking in between meals.

2. LEMONS

It has high Vitamin C content and natural bleaching properties making it a good cleanser that lightens blemishes, acne scars, spots and skin tone. Start your day by drinking 1 glass of warm water mixed with a dash of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of honey on an empty stomach. This fights cellulite and clears your skin from within.

A mixture of lemon juice and honey reduces blemishes and acquire glowing skin

3.ORANGES

Oranges are rich source of Vitamin C, thereby improves skin texture. It removes blemishes and naturally slows down the process of ageing. Dry orange peels, crush them into powder form and store this in an airtight container. Use this as a natural scrub once or twice weekly for clear and glowing skin.

4.APPLES

Apples have high antioxidant action, preventing cell and tissue damage and works as an anti-ageing agent. It helps minimize wrinkles and fine lines keeping the bowels clean. Apply apple juice mixed with some honey on your face; let it dry and wash off. This is a very good hydrating face mask.

5.PAPAYA

                                              

A rich source of antioxidants and an enzyme called papain, papaya can banish skin impurities and remove dead skin cells when used on the skin.

Rub your face gently with the inside of the papaya for about a minute to exfoliate, cleanse and soften your skin.Blend papaya, add 2 tablespoons of either honey or yogurt and use this mixture as a mask. Rinse with lukewarm water after 20 minutes and follow up with a moisturizer to notice the difference.