Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Banana the world no-1 fruit
This is interesting. After reading this, you’ll never look at a banana in the same way again.
Bananas contain three natural sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.
Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world’s leading athletes.
But energy isn’t the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
DEPRESSION:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS:
Forget the pills – eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
ANEMIA:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
BLOOD PRESSURE:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit’s ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
BRAIN POWER:
200 students at a Twickenham school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
CONSTIPATION:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
HANGOVERS:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
HEARTBURN:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
MORNING SICKNESS:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
MOSQUITO BITES:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
NERVES:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system..
Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.
ULCERS:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chroniclercases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL:
Many other cultures see bananas as a ‘cooling’ fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has FOUR TIMES the protein, TWICE the carbohydrate, THREE TIMES the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals.. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, ‘A BANANA a day keeps the doctor away!’
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Home remedies for fever blisters
Teabags: many people have relieved the symptoms of fever blisters using teabag. Dip a teabag on boiling water for few minutes. Wait for the teabag to cool before placing it on the affected area.
Aromatherapy: there are several cases of people who have successfully treated fever blisters using essential oils such as geranium, bergamot, rose, tea tree and lemon balm. However, you should dilute these oils before applying it to the affected area.
Cornstarch: usually, fever blisters are quite itchy and may lead to skin irritation. Add corn starch paste to small amount of water to make a paste. Apply this paste directly on to the affected area and allow it to dry up. Then rinse the paste with clean water and this will produce amazing results within few days.
Salt: dab your index finger on a bowl of ordinary table salt then press on the blister for up to one minute. This procedure should be repeated twice a day for up to three days.
Honey: it is well known that honey has antifungal, antiviral and antibiotic properties that fight off any kind of infection faster. Apply few drops of honey on the blister using your fingers. Using honey is the most effective way to remove fever blisters.
Ice: place pieces of ice on the ice on the blister for about 15 minutes every hour. This eases the pain as well as reducing the swelling and bleeding. Alternatively, you can use cold water instead of ice cubes.
Petroleum jelly: apply small amount of petroleum jelly on the affected area twice a day. Petroleum jelly keeps the blisters from cracking and bleeding as well as reducing the pains associated with blisters.
Sage Tea: add small amount of ginger powdered to a cup of fresh sage tea. Drink this tea a couple of times in a day. Sage tea relieves any discomfort caused by fever blisters.
White vinegar: this home remedy for fever blister is effective in slowing down the development of blister patches. Dip a cotton cloth in white vinegar and apply it directed on the affected areas. White vinegar helps to reduce swelling as well as relieving swelling to a great extent.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
A list of foods that will make you #healthy, #happy and #strong :)
The weather is changing, make sure your health doesn’t for worse!
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Home remedies for chapped lips
Milk cream and lemon juice
Take one teaspoon of milk cream and mix it with a few drops of fresh lemon juice. Leave this mixture in the refrigerator for an hour or two and apply it to your lips before going to bed.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera has healing properties and can also be used to cure chapped lips. If you have an aloe vera plant, you can simple pluck a leaf andspread its juice over your lips. Aloe vera gel also helps beat chapped lips.
Rose petals
Rose petals are also an important ingredient that can be used to keep your lips moisturised. Wash a few rose petals and soak them in milk or glycerin for a couple of hours. Squash the rose petals until they form a thick paste and then apply this paste on your chapped lips two or three times a day. You can also use it before going to bed for quicker results.
Honey
Honey is a natural moisturising agent and is one of the best ingredients for curing dry skin as well as chapped lips. You can use honey directly on your lips two or three times a day, or mix honey and glycerin and apply it on your lips before going to bed.
Cucumber
You could use the juice of cucumber to hydrate your chapped lips in winter. You can also take a slice of cucumber and rub it against your lips to cure chapped lips.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Monday, November 18, 2013
Yellow Teeth best remedies
Top 7 Home Remedies for yellow Teeth: ~
1. Baking soda is one of the best ingredients that you can use to get rid of your yellow teeth. You can make a whitening mouthwash with baking soda by mixing two tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of cold water.
2. Strawberries contain good amount of vitamin C, which help in making your teeth whiter. Take a few strawberries and grind them to make a paste. Now use this paste to rub your teeth gently. If done twice daily for a few weeks, the yellow tinge on your teeth will vanish.
3. The bleaching property present in lemon can also be used to get rid of yellow teeth. In fact, gargling with lemon juice and scrubbing teeth with lemon peel is also one of the best ways to make your teeth white.
4. Apple is a kind of crunchy fruit that can scrub your teeth like a toothbrush and make your teeth look whiter than before.
5. Salt is one of the fundamental dental cleansing agents used since ages as it helps to replenish the lost mineral content of the teeth and help them to regain their whiteness. You can use common salt regularly each morning as a tooth powder instead of toothpaste.
6. You can also clean your teeth with fresh orange peel on regular basis in order to reduce the yellow tinge accumulated on your teeth.
7. Banana peel:
a- Brush your teeth as usual with a natural toothpaste or you can use the banana peel first and then brush. Use a ripe banana as it has the most potassium content in it. Peel from the bottom end as this is how monkeys peel their bananas and it will keep you from having all those loose threads.
b- Take a piece of the inside of the banana peel and gently rub around on your teeth for about 2 minutes. The amazing minerals in the peel like potassium, magnesium and manganese absorb into your teeth and whiten them.
c- Repeat the same procedure at night or before bedtime, to whiten teeth. Leaving the banana peel on longer is optional if you have stains that need to come off.
d- Do the banana peel routine twice daily to see teeth whiten.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Food color & health Benefits.
* Red foods contain antioxidants that protect against cancer, heart and lung disease, and damage free radicals, which are waste products that can destroy cells.
* Yellow foods protect the eyes also, but are rich in vitamin C for a protection boost.
* Blue foods are high in antioxidants and fiber, and therefore defend the body from colon cancer and help remove toxins from the body.
* Green foods which help prevent cancer, and folate, which prevents birth defects in children, ovarian cancer, and heart disease.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Why You Should Drink Lemon Water In The Morning?
The lemon (Citrus × limon) is a small evergreen tree native to Asia, and the tree’s ellipsoidal yellow fruit. The fruit’s juice, pulp and peel, especially the zest, are used as foods. The juice of the lemon is about 5% to 6% citric acid, which gives lemons a sour taste. The distinctive sour taste of lemon juice makes it a key ingredient in drinks and foods such as lemonade, cocktails and soft drinks.
Lemon juice is also used as a short-term preservative on certain foods that tend to oxidize and turn brown after being sliced, such as apples, bananas and avocados, where its acid denatures the enzymes that cause browning and degradation.
Apart from the above mentioned use of lemons, here we are presenting you with a few reasons why you should drink lemon water in the morning with flat tummy.
No! here we are not asking you to stop drinking your soothing morning cup of coffee which is great in taste and the warmth, smell it welcomes you with is just indescribable, just postpone that cup for a good 30 minutes. Facts listed down here will surely make you give it a try and please try it for at least 28 days. Why 28? because that’s how long it takes to form any habit.
Alkalizing in Nature
Human body performs best when it’s more alkaline, on the other hand acidic bodies are prone to cancer cell formation. Lemon although being an acidic fruit acts as an alkalizing agent when it enters the human body and lowers the acid levels.
Due to the foods we eat, things our skin is exposed to and the environment we are living in most of the people have very acidic body and lemon water helps decrease the pH level.
Packed with essential nutrients
Lemon is vitamin-rich and contains vitamin C (anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial & effective for supporting the immune system), vitamin B (increases energy), riboflavin (protects against tissue damage) and also contain minerals like phosphorus, calcium and magnesium which are important for building bones and teeth.
Helps Liver Eliminate Toxins and Waste Products
Our liver is responsible for detoxification, protein synthesis and production of bio chemicals to support our digestive system. Lemon water benefits the liver by increasing the level of detoxifying enzymes, as a result liver function is improved. Lemon being diuretic in nature increases the rate of urination and therefore it purifies the blood.
Cheap Remedy for Wrinkles
Lemon helps to remove wrinkles and also improves the appearance of the skin. The presence of too many toxins in our body makes it look unhealthy and since lemon water fights that, you’ll get a clear glowing skin. The citric acid contents present in the lemon also helps fight acne. So the cheapest remedy for glowing acne and wrinkle free skin is a small cup of lemon water every morning.
Easy Weight Loss Remedy
A liver containing high amount of toxins can slow down the process of metabolism as a result more accumulation of fat takes place in the body. Not only does the lemon eliminate those harmful toxins but also help to burn fats. A healthy diet, regular exercise and a glass of lemon water can help reduce the excess fat effectively. Lemon can also control hunger craving because of the high pectin fiber contents present in it.
Cures Respiratory Problems & Freshens Breath
If you need to get rid of cough and chest infections then lemon water is an ideal remedy for you. In fact, you can consider it as a vitamin C supplement. It is also beneficial for asthma patients and people having allergies.
Toothache, gingivitis and other oral health related problems can be effectively treated with its use. It also makes your breath fresh. But when using lemon, be careful as it can damage the tooth enamel.
To conclude for this session here is how you can make one for yourself from tomorrow morning:
- Fill a glass with warm water (you can take water at room temperature or cold it doesn’t really matter but people with digestive problems, use warm water)
- Squeeze the juice of 1/2 fresh lemon into glass of water. (The water will turn cloudy)
- Mix well and drink
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Home Remedies to Remove Blackheads and Whiteheads
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Benefits of different types of Indian rice
Rice is a staple food in most Indian homes. However, there are different varieties of Rice available in our country, Basmati Rice, Brown rice and White rice. Let us understand the health benefits of these three varieties.
WHITE RICE:
The milling and polishing processes of white rice removes most of the important vitamins and other nutrients from it. So WHO suggests and recommends that white rice be fortified with important vitamins and mineral premixes, as polished rice is nothing more than refined starch. Further research is required to build the evidence-base on the use of fortified rice and to develop global technical guidelines for rice fortification.
Health benefits include:
Gastrointestinal: White rice is one of the easiest and quickest foods to digest and requires only an hour to completely digest. Since white rice is low in fibre, it is very soothing to the digestive system and easily digested. So, it is great for relieving digestive disorders like diarrhoea, dysentery, colitis and even morning sickness. It is the best food for infants, young children and old people.
Overall energy: the body needs carbohydrates to function and white rice is an excellent source of energy.
Protein: Every 150g of rice has about 5 grams of protein.
Rice powder is also used externally as a soothing powder in cases of skin inflammation such as small-pox, measles, prickly heat, burns and scalds.
BROWN RICE:
Brown rice has several health benefits. However, it is not very commonly used in Indian households mainly because people are ignorant of the health benefits of brown rice and secondly that it is costlier compared to white rice. The health benefits of brown rice includes:
Brown rice is an excellent source of soluble fibre. It helps to lower the levels of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol in the blood. There is also some suggestions that the oil present in brown rice or extracted rice bran oil may help lower harmful cholesterol levels and blood pressure, whilst raising the levels of ‘healthy’ HDL cholesterol.
The fibre in brown rice means that the digestion time of this carbohydrate is slower than processed grains, including white rice. This means that there is a more controlled slower release of sugar into the blood stream and it has a lower glycemic index (GI) compared to other grains.
Brown rice is very rich in vitamins and minerals and hence nutritionally more beneficial.
BASMATI RICE:
Basmati rice is another unique species of rice originating from India. Basmati rice is also one of the varieties of rice used in many families. There are different variants of Basmati rice available in the market at varying costs. Just like all species of rice, basmati is available in white or brown versions, depending on the extent of the milling process.
Brown basmati rice is comparable to other types of brown rice in nutrient content (although it does contain about 20% more fibre compared to most other types of brown rice), and white basmati rice is comparable to other types of white rice. The health benefits of fibre has already been discussed earlier in the article.
Basmati rice and Jasmine rice are long-grain varieties that have been cultivated to bring out distinctive flavour profiles. Long grain of the rice gives a royal look to the rice recipe prepared, be it plain jeera rice or vegetable pulao.
Basmati rice has a typical, unique aroma. In the case of basmati, this aroma is due to the presence of a chemical called 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, which is found in basmati rice at about 90 parts per billion. That’s about 12 times more than in other types of rice, giving basmati its special aroma.
10 Health Benefits of Yogurt...
Yogurt is rich in potassium, calcium, protein and B vitamins, including B-12. Research shows yoghurt strengthens and stabilizes the immune system.
1. Yogurt is good for the bones.
2. Yogurt packs as much protein as meat.
3. Yogurt curbs your hunger.
4. Yogurt may help you lose weight.
5. Yogurt is good for digestion.
6. Yogurt may help lower blood pressure.
7. Yogurt is packed with vitamins.
8. Yogurt helps fight bad breath.
9. Yogurt is good for the skin.
10. Yogurt boosts the immune system.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Skin Tags
SKIN TAGS:
The scientific name of skin tags are Achrochordon, Pendulum fibroma, Soft fibroma, Templeton skin tags etc…..these growth are not harmful to our body.
These tags can be seen generally in any part of the body mostly these tags are appeared on armpits, lower portion of breast, upper portion of chest and neck, generally it will cause there is rapid rubbing of skin with skin. They have no particular shape; they are composed of duct, fatty cells, fibers covered with epidermis.
These skin tags are common in middle age people, who are suffering from obesity, diabetes & pregnant ladies. These skin tags can be appear in both men and women equally there is no change.
Causes of skin tags:
- Bunches of blood vessels are stuck up in the inner bits of the skin and leads to skin tags.
- By rubbing skin with skin occurs in armpits, folds etc..
- The main causes of skin tags are hereditary.
Treatment for skin tags:
Actually we don’t have any problem with skin tags if you feel uncomfortable to do shaving; you got irritation when you rubbed with cloth. we have some treatments that are used to remove skin tags.
- By using heat you can remove tags, by burning of using electrolysis.
- By interrupting the blood flow to the skin tag.
- By using liquid nitrogen.
Above treatments should be followed by a trained medical (or) dermatologist.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
The Benefits of Fruit and Vegetables
Benefits of Fruit
- Help Digestion
- Helps Build Strong Bones
- Provide Antioxidants
- Helps break down blood clots
- Improves mood, reduces depression
- Lowers cholesterol
- Aids in good looking complexion
- Cleanses the blood stream
- Improves your breath!
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
How You can Lower Your Cholesterol Naturally
So your doctor told you that you have high cholesterol levels? Don’t worry! We are here for your help. But first it is important to understand why it is so bad for you.
LDL or “bad” cholesterol is a fatty substance. Too much accumulation of this substance in the blood can cause arteries to clog, which ultimately results in a stroke or a heart attack.
Cholesterol is produced by the body naturally. However, there are some other factors involved that can cause an increased production of bad cholesterol. It can be genetically inherited from parents and even grandparents. Also consuming foods rich in tans fats and saturated fats can increase cholesterol levels in the body.
LDL is considered very high if you get a reading of 190 mg/dL, even levels ranging from 160 to 189 are considered high, and the borderline levels are from 130 to 159. Cholesterol levels within the range of 100 to 129 are considered optimal. People with a family history of heart disease should maintain their LDL levels up to 70 mg/dL.
Just as too much LDL production is bad for the body in the same way low levels of HDL also known as “good” cholesterol is also not good for your body. Your aim should be to decrease the LDL levels and increase the HDL levels. It is also said that it is easier to push LDL levels down than to raise HDL levels up. HDL levels equal to 60 mg/dL or above are considered to be heart protecting.
By making some lifestyle and dietary modifications you can reduce bad cholesterol levels and at the same time you can increase your good cholesterol levels in the body. Here are some measures you can take.
Diet
A well-balanced diet containing lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and fish is essential for maintaining low cholesterol levels. Avoid meat and dairy products. You can also follow the DASH diet plan also known as Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet. Dean Ornish, the founder of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute in Sausalito, California claims that diet,
stress reduction and exercise can lower LDL by 40% and also helps to remove plaque from the arteries.
Here is a list of some foods that are particularly effective in lowering LDL levels. They are salmon, avocados, nuts, garlic, olive oil, spinach, green tea, dark chocolate, beans and oats.
Lose Weight
By losing your weight up to 10% or more you can get rid of high levels of LDL. You can achieve this goal by making some dietary changes and taking exercise regularly. Keep in mind, the trick is not only to lose the weight but also to maintain it.
Avoid Saturated fats
Saturated fats are one of the major diet-linked causes of high levels of LDL. These fats are usually obtained from pork, poultry, beef, lamb, milk, cream and butter. You can also find them in coconut oil, palm oil and cocoa butter. Limit the consumption of these foods to decrease the levels of bad cholesterol. The American Heart Association suggests that not more than 7% of calories should be taken from sources containing saturated fats. This is what a nutritionist has to say, “A reduction in saturated fats by a moderate amount will reduce LDL.”
Limit Trans Fats
Your diet shouldn’t consist of calories from trans fats more than 1% in a day. You can find trans fats in processed foods, animal products, hydrogenated margarine, cooking oils and shortening. Trans fats lower HDL and increase LDL levels. According to American Heart Association, 75% of the trans fats in American diet comes from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
Avoid consuming trans fats as much as possible. There are many restaurants that have switched to trans fat free menu, in California and New York. Always check the food labels before buying packaged food products. Barry Franklin, director of cardiac rehabilitation at the William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, says, “Look at the ingredients, and if ingredients say hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated, there are trans fats in there.”
Quit Smoking
Smoking may stop you from reaching your healthful goals of low LDL. It is also known for decreasing HDL levels. So to reach your desired cholesterol goals quit smoking.
Exercise
Taking regular exercise can lower the levels of LDL and increase HDL levels. Taking aerobic exercise for 30 minutes, every 5 days a week can increase HDL levels by 5 to 10%.
Supplements
Supplements containing soluble fiber and plant sterols can prove to be effective for lowering the LDL levels. You may find these supplements at health food stores. Plant sterols are also found in fortified foods such as rice milk, orange juice and margarine and can reduce LDL levels by 15%. You can find soluble fibers in some natural foods such as nuts, flax seeds, oats and pshyllium husk or in dietary supplements like Metamucil.
These food supplements along with healthy diet and regular exercise can reduce bad cholesterol levels by 20 to 40%.
Tips for People who have Allergies
People all over the globe, struggle with different types of allergies. Some have pollen allergy while others are allergic to animal dander. Whatever the cause of the allergy may be, it is important to take some serious measures to avoid such conditions for a healthy life.
Firstly, it is important to understand the difference between allergens and irritants. Irritants are the substances that can be irksome such as chemical fumes, cigarette smoke, paper dust or perfume spray. Such substances do not put you to a health risk. Whereas, exposure to allergens can cause physical reactions in the body; this is because of the presence of unnatural proteins in the allergens.
Constant exposure to the allergens can weaken the immune system, so it is important to know what triggers your allergy.
As they say, “prevention is better than cure”, so here we have some preventive measures that you can take to help you keep your allergies away. Keep in mind that most of the allergies are treated in the similar way.
Tip no.1
If you have a bad allergy, avoid doing yard work as much as possible. Usually the pollen and mold is stirred up when you mow the lawn, especially in the pollen season. Even raking leaves can stir up allergens.
Tip no.2
If you spend the day outside while working or for any other reason, make sure you take a shower before going to your bed. If you will not wash off the pollen and allergens from your hair and body, this may trouble you to fall asleep and can also cause you a severe allergic reaction. The best thing you can do is take a shower immediately after you step inside your home. Keep your dirty clothes in a closed hamper, as the pollen sticking on them can also trigger allergy.
Tip no.3
Most of the people assume that allergic reactions caused by animal dander come from cats and dogs only. The fact is that most of the household critters can trigger allergies such as mice, hamsters, ferrets and birds. The only critters that rarely cause an allergy are reptiles, amphibians and fish. So if you are allergic to dander and you plan to buy a pet keep in mind the above mentioned points.
Tip no.4
Always remember to keep your homes dust free. Use vacuum cleaner more often. In most of the houses some rooms are carpeted, these carpets are home to the allergens and irritants that can trigger allergic reactions. An ordinary vacuum is not enough to do the job. Choose the vacuum with filters or bags that feature HEPA (air purifier) technology.
Tip no.5
People who are sensitive to fragrances and dyes should watch out for products that contain such substances. It is advised to use unscented and clear, hand soap, body wash, laundry soap, dish detergents, baby wipes and other such products. Also avoid using perfumes and body sprays in excess.
Tip no.6
Those who have seasonal allergies should be careful with cut flowers, as they can release pollen in the air and cause allergic symptoms. Instead, you can choose artificial flowers and you won’t even have to keep them in water. You can also choose green plants that do not release any pollen.
Tip no.7
During the pollen season reduce your exposure to potential allergens. Try to keep the windows and doors closed of your house to keep the pollen from entering.
Tip no.8
Up to 30% people have cross-sensitivity, meaning that those who suffer from seasonal allergies are also susceptible to food allergies, and both may react at the same time. In such conditions burning, tingling or itchy sensation may occur in the throat as a result of the reaction between pollen and foods. Those who are allergic to grass pollens should stay away from tomatoes, oranges and melons.
Tip no. 9
The overstuffed chairs, sofas and loveseats might look stylish by they can mess up with your allergies. Studies reveal that such type of furniture is stuffed up with “higher-than-average” amount of harmful allergens including burlap, jute, goat hair and cattle dander. Such decorative pieces can put you at high health risks.
Tip no. 10
You can use a neti-pot which allows you to clear your nasal passage. A neti pot resembles a small tea pot. Put a little water and a pinch of salt in it and pour this water in your one nostril and let it flow out of the other nostril. This will ease out your breathing. Use non-iodized salt.
Tip no. 11
People allergic to dust mites and other insects should wash their bedding on weekly basis, in hot water. When buying pillows and mattresses, make sure that they are made up of allergen proof materials. Always seal the trash bags so that insects are not attracted to them.
Tip no. 12
If you have allergies such as allergic rhinitis, limit your consumption of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can cause nasal congestion even if taken in small quantity.
By following these tips you may get rid of many triggering factors of your allergy. Enjoy a healthy, happy, allergy-free life.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Top 30 Health Tips
A garlic a day: Garlic is the mother of all cures. Researchers in Liverpool have found that 5ml of garlic extract lower levels of a disease-causing chemical by up to 48 per cent.
Eat wholegrain foods: Make sure you have whole-grain bread, rice or pasta at least four times a week and you will reduce the chance of having cancer by 40 per cent.
Take care of your skin: Always wear sun-screen lotion during summers. It is advisable to use winter care creams to overcome the harsh and cold winds. The best cure is to smile through and your skin will shine with an extra dash. It’s no big secret!
Eat plenty of fish: Fish is the recommended diet for a longer healthier life. Studies have found that those who regularly ate fish were up to one-third less likely to get heart diesease than those who ate it less than once a month.
Try Tea: Tea is always good. Being a heavy tea-drinker can never have nagative effects. The protective effects of tea increase with the amount drunk, and people who are regular tea drinkers are the least likely to die of a heart attack.
Stop smoking: Do not smoke your health away. Nicotine pathces, gums or inhalers might work for some individuals, or other methods, from hypnosis to acupuncture. More you are to smoke, more likely your are to develop cancer or heart disease.
Walk for Health: There is nothing better than walking. Walking a mile everyday, or taking reasonable exercise three times a week, promises to reduce the risk of heart disease, as well as strengthens bones and keeps them strong.
Never sleep over a backache: It is never advisable to sleep over a backache. Research shows that people who take to their beds with backache take the longest time to recover. Those who avoid bed-rest and continue normal activities as much as possible have less pain.
Water spells health: Water flushes out the toxins. A good amount of liquid intake helps the entire system and of course is best for curing skin ailments. The average man needs 2.9 litres, or about 12 cups of water, a day and woman needs about 2.2 litres.
Stop bad breath: You can prevent that unfriendly odour. It is caused by oral bacteria. A toungue scraper may help, but dental care may be needed. Mouth rinses are effective, as are flossing and brushing teeth twice a day.
Slow down on the junk: Research shows that eating too many high-fat-food contributes to high blood-cholestrol levels, which can cause hardening of the arteries, coronory heart disease and stroke.
Cut back on salt: Health Organisation recommend no more than five grams a day. Too much salt can lead to stroke and heart problems.
Drink wine: Research suggests that the equivalent of a couple of glasses of wine a day may be good for health. It can also help you keep a good mental frame.
Spouse can matter: A man in poor health in his 50s is six times more likely to be affected if married to a woman who is also in poor health.
Eat right for better teeth: Your pearly whites can gleam. Eat apples, oranges, celery, carrots and high fiber green.
Make love: There is no better medicine than to have sex. people who have sex at least twice a week get protective boost from their immune systems. Of course it relaxes the mind.
Crash diets don’t work: The so called new-age diets do not add to health prospects. There is no easy way to lose weight so the best way is to do it over a period of time.
Coffee is good: Researchers have found that two to four cups of coffee daily can lower the risk of colon cancer by 25 per cent.
Being overweight is dangerous: Loose the extra kilos. Over weight people cut 20 weeks of their life for every excess kilogram, according to new research.
Supplement with selenium: Research has shown that people who took a daily supplement of selenium had a 37 per cent reduction in cancers.
Lower you cholesterol: Work on reducing your cholestrol. This can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke even when your level is not high. Exercise to reduce weight.
Asprin is a wonder drug: Asprin can actually do wonders. It helps to reduce the risk of conditions such as heart disease and cancers, including of the colon, oesophagus, stomach, rectum, prostrate. cent.
Change your job: If the workplace is what bothers you. Simply quit! Consider becoming a salesperson. Salespeople are least likely to have a work-related illness.
Socialising is good: Meeting friends and relatives is recommended. Weekly socialising improves the memory, concentration and problem solving skills.
Learn to relax: Unwind, take up a hobby and start socialising. This fights stress and depression.
Fruits and vegetables help: Have at least five portions of vegetables and fruit a day, especially tomatoes, red grapes.
Sing to stay healthy: Singing is good for the mind and body. it is relaxing, improves breathing and muscle tone.
Vitamins are vital: A multivit a day keeps the tablet away, but be sure it contains at least 200 meg of folic acid.
Sleep well: There is nothing like a good sleep. Sleep primes the immune system. Most people need between seven and nine hours of sleep a night.
Or just hum…: Humming helps. Daily humming is a good way to increase ventilation in the sinuses.
Monday, July 1, 2013
5 Home Remedies For Moisturizing The Skin
Buttermilk
To get a compliment like, “Skin like buttermilk”, you will actually need to bathe in it. Butter milk contains lactic acid. It is one of the hydroxy acids, if you look at the ingredients of skin improving lotions you might find hydroxy acids like alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy on the list.
How can lactic acid work? It works like an exfoliant for the skin, it removes dry and dead skin cells while moisturizing it and making it look younger and fresher.
Now you don’t need to fill your bath tub with buttermilk to get the benefits. Just dab a clean face cloth in cold buttermilk and apply it your face and other parts of the body. Rinse after five minutes gently, leaving some of the lactic acid behind. Voila, instant relief right from your refrigerator.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is one of the natural ingredients that are being used since ancient times for moisturizing skin. The nut from the fruit of shea tree is used to produce shea butter. This rare tree is only found in Africa and takes 15 to 30 years to produce fruit. Lucky for you, to get the beneficial results you won’t have to wait for that long because the moment you will apply it on the face your problem would be solved.
You will find rich contents of vitamin A which is helpful in retaining skin’s natural moisture. Vitamin A can help you to treat eczema, sunburns, insect bites and dermatitis.
Another important component found in shea butter is vitamin F or the combination of two fatty acids i.e. omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids are helpful in repairing the damaged skin cells and also facilitates the growth of new cells as a result you get rejuvenated skin.
When buying shea butter look for its date of production as a product more than 18 months old would contain less of a healing compounds called cinnamic acid. Look for 100% shea butter, prepared without any filler.
Olive Oil
Lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of heart attack, fights cancer, improves bone mass, lessens inflammation, keeps weight in control, regulates blood sugar levels and reduces cholesterol, these are the internal benefits of olive, but it can also work wonders if applied externally on your skin.
Since ancient times, the Greeks used olive oil for bathing. You can either pour a few drops of olive oil in your warm bath or simply dab a piece of clean cloth in olive oil and apply to your skin or on dry patches.
The natural compound of skin known as linoleic acid is found in olive oil, which prevents the skin from losing its natural moisture. Linoleic acid cannot be manufactured by the body on its own, so it must come from other sources and olive oil is one such source.
Olive oil is also effective for treating skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, and rosacea. It has been found effective for treating inflammation and for soothing burns. It also protects the skin from the UV rays.
Avocados
Did you know that avocados are good for your skin? The oil contained in avocados work like an emollient, it helps to lubricate the cells forming the outer layer of the skin. Your skin would love to drink it up, as it has “transepidermal penetration capacity”.
Avocados contain high amounts of vitamin A, D and E and fats, these nutrients are essential for keeping the skin moisturized and also reduce wrinkles. All you have to do is take some pureed avocado and apply it to your face or to the problem area for 10 to 15 minutes and then wash off.
Honey
The sweet tasting honey is not only good for your tummy but also for your skin! “It’s a natural humectant, which means that it has the ability to draw water molecules from the air toward your skin, helping to keep it moisture-rich,” says a dermatologist. For this reason it is one of the best remedies for preventing wrinkles.
It has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-septic properties and is one of the best options for healing wounds.
To make the best use of honey for skin, mix together 2 tablespoons of honey in the same amount of water, apply this sweet mixture to your face or effected area for 10 minutes. Your dry skin would be treated effectively.
Health benefits of Coconut Water
Just kick back, relax and sip on the healthy nutrients of coconut water. You can rank it among the world’s best energy drinks. Best part is that it is all natural. Yes! No added sugar!
From where can you get this drink?
Simple! Take a fresh, green, immature coconut, 5 months old would be good enough and make a hole in it. Extract all the water in a container and pour it in a glass. Take a sip and enjoy the refreshing drink!
A single nut can give you 200 ml to 1000 ml of the water. Do not take very immature coconuts as their water will have a bitter taste and would not contain many nutrients, 5 to 7 months old coconut has a sweet taste.
Coconut water is rich in potassium; the potassium contents are higher in it than artificially made energy drinks. There are 118 g of chlorides and 5mg of sugars. A single cut of this refreshing drink only gives you 50 calories. This miracle drink contains a large number of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes and cytokine. Good news is that coconut has more nutritional power than milk.
It contains carbohydrates, fats, proteins, riboflavin, thiamine, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. All of these nutrients contain some healing properties. This is how they can help:
Cure Dehydration
The combination of some powerful vitamins and minerals are beneficial for replacing the lost nutrients and body fluid in diarrhea. The drink is ideal for conditions like dehydration, because it contains rich amount of electrolytes. It is also effective for dehydration caused by cholera, dysentery and stomach flu.
Universal donor
Did you know that coconut water was once used as “universal donor”? It is believed that coconut water resembles human blood plasma. In the Pacific War, Coconut IV’s were used for emergency plasma transfusions to the save lives of thousands of people.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine published a study that suggested, “Coconut water can be successfully used as a short term intravenous hydration fluid for hydration and resuscitation of critically ill patients in the remote regions of the world where medical resources are not available.”
Boosts Energy
Coconut water is an ideal sports drink because it provides tremendous amount of energy. Unlike other artificially made energy drinks, you get high amounts of potassium, chlorides and calcium plus other vitamins and minerals and low contents of sodium and sugars from coconut water. Moreover, it contains fewer amounts of calories so you can use it for rehydrating yourself after a strenuous work out.
Effective for Weight Loss
As mentioned above the drink is contains low amount of calories.
1cup= 50 calories
It is ideal for people who are trying to lose weight. Firstly, because it is a low fat drink and secondly, it is packed with powerful nutrients that gives you a feeling of fullness and reduces cravings for food.
Beneficial for Skin
Coconut water contains cytokinins, an age defying component that regulates the growth and division of the cell. Cytokinins along with the power of lauric acid, balance ph levels, strengthen the connective tissues and minimize the aging of the cells of the skin.
Just apply some coconut water on your skin at night before going to bed and get rid of dark spots, wrinkles, eczema, acne and stretch marks. Your skin will get clear within 2 to 3 weeks.
Promotes Heart Health
The high contents of potassium and magnesium present in coconut water are beneficial for reducing high blood pressure and also reduce the risk of strokes. Usually high blood pressure is caused by the low potassium levels, by drinking coconut water regularly this deficiency can be cured.
Some preliminary researches also suggest that by consuming coconut water cholesterol levels can be reduced. It also increases HDL (good cholesterol) which promotes cardiovascular health.
Good for diabetics
Coconut is a food that ranks low on the Glycemic Index. Therefore, people with diabetes can consume it without any fear. Moreover, there are some nutrients found in coconut that can actually help lower blood sugar.
Anti-viral
Next time you catch a cold, treat yourself with coconut water. It contains anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties that can effectively cure flu, herpes and other viral diseases.
Reduces Kidney Stones
The potassium and magnesium contents present in coconut water can prevent the risk of kidney stones.
Side effects
Good news! Coconut water does not have any side effects. However, people with severe nut allergies should avoid using it. It is also safe for kids and pregnant women.
Important!
Once you cut open a coconut, consume its water right away because exposure to the air can make it lose some essential nutrients. You can also find coconut water in bottled form but it will contain low amount of nutrients and more preservatives. Or you can buy fresh coconuts from Asian food stores. You can keep an unopened coconut for 5 to 10 days at room temperature.
Do not confuse coconut water with coconut milk. Coconut milk is obtained by grinding the meat of the mature coconut which is then passed through a sieve to obtain the white liquid. A cup of coconut milk contains 550 calories and contains high contents of fats.
So beat the summer heat with the revitalizing coconut water!