7 FACTS!

8 Tips To Be Blessed With Pink Lips Naturally!

Magic of pomegranate seeds: 
Crush the seeds of pomegranates and blend it well with milk cream. Now, apply it on your lips. This is one of the best homemade remedies for lightening dark lips. However, since it is a natural remedy, the change in the colour of your lips will not be overnight but gradual. So, be patient.

Oiling the belly button:  
Here is an age-old home remedy of keeping your lips naturally pink and healthy. Apply a few drops of desi ghee or mustard oil in your belly button (navel), before going to sleep. Those who have dry, chapped, or dark lips will see visibly effective results if they follow this natural tip, regularly.

Stay hydrated: 
For beautiful and naturally pink lips, it is very important that you always keep your body hydrated. It is best to increase your water intake and include a lot of fresh fruit juices in your diet as it would keep your lips healthy and soft.

Quit smoking: 
Smoking is one of the major reasons why your lips become dark and dull. Naturally, one of the homemade remedies for lightening dark lips also includes finding a motivation for quitting smoking. Besides, if you quit smoking, you will also be enjoying in terms of other health benefits as well, such as a longer life and healthy lungs. So, where is the harm, we say?

Massage the lips:

Massaging your lips every day is a very good habit that helps in lighten dark lips, in a short span of time. Make a lip balm out of almond oil and lemon juice, and massage your lips with that every night for a few minutes before going to bed.

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Scrub your lips: 
Scrubbing your lips is one of the best natural remedies for getting pink lips without spending on expensive cosmetics. At night, before you hit the bed, use a soft toothbrush to scrub your lips. This will not only help to remove the dry chapped skin from the lips but will also keep your lips soft.


Moisturise your lips:  
It is very important to keep your lips hydrated and moisturised at all times. Dry and chapped lips look shabby and unkempt. When you are going out during the day, it is essential to apply some sun protection or petroleum jelly on your lips. If you are indoors then use some cocoa butter, which is an effective natural remedy for getting pink lips.


Never lick your lips: 
One thing that most people tend to do when they feel their lips are getting dry and chapped is to lick them. Before you plan to do the same, it is best to hold that tongue back in your mouth because you are just going to make it worse for your lips. Avoid the temptation of licking your lips as it would just leave your lips more dry and dull.

Cure and Benefits for all types of Skins...

Burns
In case you accidentally burn your skin you can turn to turmeric for quick relief owing to its antiseptic properties. Prepare a mixture of turmeric and aloe vera gel. Apply it on the burn and notice how it heals the wound in no time. 

• 

Cracked heels Apply a mixture of coconut oil/castor oil and turmeric powder on cracked heels preferably 15 minutes before you head to take a bath.

Wrinkles
You can use turmeric in combination with other ingredients to manage your wrinkle woes. Add raw milk and tomato juice to rice powder and turmeric powder. Apply the paste and let it stay until it dries. Lactic acid present in milk will help peel off the dead skin cells. You can add turmeric powder in buttermilk and sugarcane juice. This will work the best for dark circles and wrinkles. Turmeric-honey paste can be applied on the face and neck to help exfoliate skin and keep a check on pores.


Stretch marks Mixture of besan (gram flour) and turmeric in yoghurt/raw milk/water can help women lighten the stretch marks.


Facial hair
Chickpea flour (sattu) or gram flour added to kasturi turmeric can be used as a facial scrub to inhibit hair growth. Be sure to apply this paste for about a month to notice results. Home remedies usually show results over a period of time upon consistent use.


For acne scars, dab a mixture of turmeric and plain water and leave it on the marks for 15 minutes. To control oil secretion, prepare a paste of sandalwood powder and ground turmeric with orange juice. Leave the paste on your face for 10 minutes and rinse it with lukewarm water.

Acne
Not only does turmeric take care of the scars and inflammation but also reduce oil secretion by sebaceous glands. To prepare turmeric scrub, add a few drops of water and lemon juice to turmeric powder. Apply the paste on the acne affected area and leave it for about 15 minutes. Gently scrub it off your face with plain water. You can also use turmeric and sandalwood mixture as an acne face pack and wash it off in approximately 10 minutes.


Signs of ageing
Turmeric is an excellent exfoliating agent and can help you defeat the signs of ageing. Take besan (gram flour) and turmeric powder in equal proportions and prepare a paste by adding water. You may alternately prepare this paste in raw milk or even yoghurt. Apply it evenly on your body and leave it till it dries off. Wash it off with lukewarm water and scrub your face gently in circular motion.

With Lots Of Good Wishes To All The Visitors!:)

Beauty benefits of Neem

     Does the untimely burst of pimples leave you feeling embarrassed? Are you tired of squeezing out the blackheads or irritated with dry skin? Such problems keep troubling girls, time and again. But instead of going for natural ingredients to find a solution, many prefer to go for cosmetic resolutions. Neem is a natural herb that has many beauty benefits that often go unnoticed. So all you girls, especially brides-to-be, read on as we tell you about the beauty benefits of Neem, which are certainly going to surprise you.

Treating Skin Infections: Boil a few neem leaves till the time they turn soft. You will notice the water turning green because of the discolouration of the leaves. Strain this water and add some of it in your bath water. Regularly taking bath with this water will help in keeping skin infections under check. Neem leaves have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties and hence they are quite effective on skin infections. It also soothes irritation and reduces inflammation without drying the skin. 

Addressing Acne Problems : The most favourite home remedy that has been passed on from one generation to another is about using neem to treat acne. To effectively put this to use, first boil a few neem leaves in water (as explained before) and dab a cotton ball in that water and then apply it evenly on your face. You can also use a neem-cucumber face pack or neem-yoghurt face pack to keep a check on excessive oil secretion by sebaceous gland. 

Used as Skin Toner: When used regularly, neem works as an excellent agent to prevent wrinkles and fine lines. Use the strained neem water to fight the signs of age spots or aging. It works effectively on skin pigmentation as well. Strained neem water will help in lightening the acne scars and lesions caused due to skin conditions. Alternately, you can prepare a neem-rose face pack for a smoother complexion, free from grease and oil. After it dries off, make sure you wash it off with rose water. 

Remedy for Dry Skin: A Neem pack is quite effective in taking care of an excessively dry skin. Take some neem powder and add a few drops of grape seed oil in it. Apply this evenly on your face and leave it on for a couple of minutes before you rinse it off with cold water. 

Cure for Skin Pores: Neem provides an effective remedy in tackling problems such as blackheads, whiteheads and large pores. To combat these problems, you will need to prepare a mixture of neem leaves and orange peels. Pound the two to make a pulp and add a few drops of honey, soy milk and yoghurt to it. It is recommended that you apply this face pack at least thrice a week to notice results. If you only have blackheads, apply some neem oil on the affected area. 

Takes care of Hair Troubles:The antibacterial and antiseptic properties of neem come in handy while treating scalp conditions.

• Neem oil helps in hair growth. Massage neem oil on your hair roots without breaking your hair strands. This will take care of your hair thinning problems as well.
• For dandruff control, apply a mixture of neem powder and water on your scalp and leave it for an hour before you shampoo your hair.

With Lots Of Good Wishes To All The Visitors!:)

3 Cancer Scares that You Need to Know About

.We've all encountered cancer in some way: Whether we've lost a loved one or have battled it ourselves, the big C looms all around us. And, sometimes it feels like the media loves to capitalize on our fear - hardly a week goes by without the news telling us about part of our daily routine that might be slowly be killing us. Between the media constantly hyping cancer scares and the reality of so many people in our lives actually facing cancer, it's getting increasingly more difficult to have perspective on what should realistically concern us.

So, to find out more about the current buzzy cancer scares, we caught up with some experts to separate the facts from the fiction. Read on to peek behind the curtain of three cancer scares - this is need-to-know stuff.

Oral Sex, HPV, and Throat Cancer
By now, we've all heard about Michael Douglas blaming his throat cancer on cunnilingus. We love safe sex, and think the more it's discussed, the better, but we were also suspicious. After all, if the link between oral sex, HPV (human papilloma virus), and throat cancer is so concrete, why is it that so few people know about it? And what's up with blaming cunnilingus, of all things? Honestly, the last thing we want is for female pleasure to get yet another stigma.

RELATED: HPV: Answering Your FAQ's On The Most Common STD 
 Dr. Robert Haddad, the Disease Center Leader of the Head and Neck Oncology Program of theDana-Farber Cancer Institute, explains that HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus; in fact, according to the CDC, it's the most common sexually transmitted infection. What makes HPV so dangerous is that most people who have it don't know about it, since there usually aren't any signs or symptoms. And, while women can get tested for HPV with a Pap smear, there is currently no test for men.

As far as HPV leading to throat cancer, Dr. Haddard says the risk is relatively low. However, he explains, many patients with throat cancer are likely to have had HPV - it's present in two out of three cases, according to the American Cancer Society. He likens the phenomenon to smoking: "Not all smokers will develop lung cancer, but of patients who do have lung cancer, many of them are smokers." So, while having HPV does increase the risk of developing throat cancer, it's not an inevitable result. According to Dr. Haddard, smoking and drinking are much more closely linked to throat cancer.

 Additionally, as for the buzz about throat cancer in straight men in particular, Dr. Haddard says that there's no evidence to indicate whether throat cancer from orally-contracted HPV is more or less likely than cervical cancer from vaginally-contracted HPV. Dr. Haddard says that oral sex is just one of many ways of contracting the virus, and advises taking safer sex precautions with all sexual activity. And, having a partner with HPV-related oral cancer does not mean that you will necessarily develop the virus or the cancer: In a recent study of partners of people with HPV-related throat cancer, the HPV subtype which can lead to throat cancer was present in 2% of female partners and actually none of the male partners.

 The main problem with HPV in the U.S., according to Dr. Haddard, stems from a lack of education - not a lot of people know about the extremely effective HPV vaccine. "The number of vaccinations is very low, close to 35 percent," he says. "We need to do better."

The bottom line: While oral HPV can definitely lead to throat cancer, the blame shouldn't be placed on cunnilingus alone, and there are some preventative measures one can take. If you get the HPV vaccination, use protection when you have sex, make sure that you and/or your partner get regular Pap smears, and quit smoking, you shouldn't let Michael Douglas keep you up at night (with worry, that is).

.Thirdhand Smoke And Lingering Carcinogens
 Of course, smoking doesn't just increase your own risk of getting cancer, it increases the risk for everyone around you. Secondhand smoke is a well-known carcinogen, but what about thirdhand smoke? Even after cigarette smoke has cleared, toxins can linger, says Dr. Jyothi Marbin, M.D., a pediatrician at Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland. "Close your eyes, and imagine you're sitting in a car where someone has been smoking," she says. "Can you smell that lingering odor that remains in the car? That's thirdhand smoke."

According to Dr. Marbin, the health impact of thirdhand smoke is still being investigated, so while experts don't know the whole story yet, they know that the effects are real and serious. Some of Dr.Marbin's patients have reported that their asthma symptoms flare up in a room where someone has been smoking. ("Even long after the smoker is gone," she notes.) It's no coincidence: Thirdhand smoke contains at least 11 toxic substances, she says, "including arsenic, cyanide, and lead."

Dr. Marbin says that everyone should be concerned, but children are at a greater risk, as they spend more time indoors. "Think about a baby playing on the ground in a room where someone has been smoking," she says. "Imagine all those particles that sticking to their hands as they crawl through the carpet. Once they put their hands into their mouths, they are literally eating those carcinogens."

 Non-smoking adults are commonly exposed to thirdhand smoke when they stay in a hotel, ride in a car, or move into a home or a building where smoking is allowed. The best thing you can do is avoid entering areas where people have (ever) been smoking.

It's very easy to detect thirdhand smoke - if you can smell it, it's there. But, Dr. Marbin says, it might be there even if you can't smell it. "Research studies found that even two months after a cigarette is smoked in a room, there are still measurable levels of thirdhand smoke," she says. Unfortunately, there's no publicly available test for it, and it's not easy to get rid of. Dr. Marbin suggests cleaning surfaces or fabrics with an acidic solution like vinegar, and washing walls with hot, soapy water. Though, when it comes to carpets, it might never come out - sometimes you just have to remove the carpeting and start fresh.

So, what should someone do when exposed to thirdhand smoke? Dr. Marbin says taking a shower and washing your clothes can remove the residue. But, much like there is no such thing as a safe level of secondhand smoke exposure, Dr. Marbin says, "It's a safe bet that the same rule applies."

The bottom line: Although there's no 100% confirmed cause-and-effect relationship between thirdhand smoke and cancer, the evidence doesn't look good. "We need to set a high standard for clean environments which are free of toxins and carcinogens," says. Dr. Marbin, "and that means environments free of second- and thirdhand smoke."

.BPA In Water Bottles And Other Plastic Products
Summer's almost fully upon us, and the hotter we get, the more water we drink. But, what about those rumors we've heard about plastic water bottles causing cancer? We'll never forget when Sheryl Crow attributed her breast cancer to the BPA (Bisphenol A, a chemical used in plastics) in re-used water bottles.

 According to Shanaz H. Dairkee, Ph.D., a Senior Scientist of Cancer Research at the California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute and Consulting Professor at the Stanford University School of Medicine, BPA is all around us, everywhere. "We are swimming in it," she says. "In our homes, workplaces, schools, and recreation areas." She points out that it's used to line food cans and paper plates, in beverage bottles, and even in cash register receipts.

Beverly Rubin, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Anatomy & Cellular Biology at Tufts University, says BPA is also in the soil, ground water, and in the dust that collects both indoors and outdoors. And, it's not just around us: a whopping 93% of people in the U.S. have appreciable levels of BPA in their urine, according to Cheryl S. Watson, Ph.D, the editor-in-chief of Endocrine Disruptors (Landes Bioscience Journals) and professor of bio-chemistry and molecular biology at the University of Texas Medical Branch. Dr. Dairkee says that BPA has also been found in human blood, breast milk, and fetal liver - which indicates that BPA can cross the placenta.

 The danger of BPA in our bodies lies in its relationship to estrogen, Dr. Watson says. "BPA resembles (but is not exactly like) natural estrogens, and can mimic or disrupt the actions of the body's own estrogens, for both males and females." When a body has too much estrogen, Dr. Dairkee says, it can initiate cancer and precancerous lesions in estrogen-sensitive tissues. The effect has has been proven in animals, with results that repeat across species. Though this isn't technically direct evidence that BPA causes cancer in humans, humans are indeed animals, and the results of these tests should be taken seriously.

So, should you ditch your water bottle? Dr. Dairkee says that re-using plastic does indeed cause more BPA to leach out of the product. And, it's even worse for water bottles left in the sun or in a hot car, as the sun causes the chemicals in the plastic to leak into the beverage - a process that occurs at a faster rate in a warm environment. While we can try to avoid using products that contain BPA as much as possible by using glass water bottles, Dr. Dairkee says that using BPA-free products isn't necessarily a safer option - because the replacement compounds haven't been reliably tested yet. "Current regulatory requirements in the U.S. do not place the burden of proof on the manufacturer, which is why there is almost no incentive to pre-test chemicals for safe consumption," she explains.

The bottom line: To minimize your cancer risk, stay away from BPA. "A chemical such as BPA, which is not only persistent but disruptive for normal functioning right down to the level of individual cells in the human body, should be avoided to the best of one's ability," Dr. Dairkee says. 

Healthy food choices that help you live longer

Water: Few people — whether active or not — drink sufficient water, and side effects of even slight dehydration include headaches, fatigue and low concentration levels. Yet increasing fluid intake can increase energy levels, aid digestion, give skin a boost and help boost your anti-aging armoury. Concentrate on drinking little and often throughout the day, being extra vigilant after exercise or when you've been confined in a dry, overheated or air-conditioned environment.


Red wine: A glass of red wine adds up a good dose of anti-aging elements including polyphenol antioxidants, minerals, and resveratrol. Resveratrol which helps to increase 'good cholesterol' levels in the body and prevents blood clotting and a healthy circulatory system. Resveratrol found in red wine may also be beneficial for women during the menopause by reducing the risk for conditions for example breast cancer and osteoporosis that result from reduced oestrogen levels. Like the chocolate, it's not carte blanche to guzzle as much as you want; we suggest a standard glass every other day is a good approach.

 
Soy products: Like fish, soy products such as tofu are also a great alternative source of protein than red meat or even dairy, since they have little or no saturated fat. A diet that's low in saturated fat will reduce your risk of developing heart disease and lower blood pressure. As a staple part of the Japanese diet, soy products are great at helping keep down cholesterol and are a useful addition to a healthy diet.


Dark chocolate: Who would have thought this sweet treat would feature in an anti-aging list, but the good news is chocolate can help fight against some signs of aging due to its cocoa content. Cocoa is rich in a group of antioxidants called Flavinoids which help preserve healthy function of the blood vessels. And healthy youthful circulatory system lowers risk of high blood pressure, type II diabetes, kidney disease and dementia. Don't go overboard though, a square a day is a good guide and make sure you go for the over 70 per cent cocoa bars.


Leafy greens: Whilst eating spinach won't be enough to turn you into Popeye, it's certainly excellent for boosting the body's immunity from illness. Spinach and other leafy foods like kale and collard are high in folate which is vital in preventing DNA and blood vessel damage. If you can maintain a healthy circulatory system you are reducing your risk of developing conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia.

Green tea: There is no end to the benefits of this super drink; green tea boasts a wealth of benefits that earns it the top spot in our anti-aging food list. Green tea is believed to help regulate blood pressure, lower blood sugar, boost the immune system, lower cholesterol and studies have even shown that green tea can be effective at preventing cancer. That's as close to the elixir of life as you can get


Water-rich food like watermelons, cucumbers and celery are great for hydrating the skin and keeping wrinkles away.


Tomatoes and carrots contain anti-oxidants, beta carotene and lycopene that protect your skin from sun damage and repair skin cells.


Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids that can improve memory and brain functioning.



Red cabbage, broccoli and beetroot are natural detoxifiers that eliminate toxins and keep the skin looking fresh and clean.


Oysters contain zinc and selenium, minerals that act a anti-oxidants and help protect the eyes against disease.


Food like chickpeas, chicken, lean beef and walnuts contain zinc, copper and selenium, required for collagen production. It helps keep your immune system healthy and your skin soft and supple.


 Berries like blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cranberries, goji berries, acai berries, lingonberries contain anti-oxidants that cleanse the body of toxins that cause ageing. They are also a rich source of vitamins and minerals that nourish your skin.


Avocados help fight signs of ageing, and work wonders for your skin and hair. They help lower cholesterol levels, and contain mono-saturated fatty acids that are good for the cardiovascular system.


Yes, we kept the best one for the last! Dark chocolates are a superfood. They are rich source of antioxidants that are good for your heart, brain and glucose levels. The flavonoids in it have anti-ageing effects. They help to lower the risks of blood clots and cholesterol.
To enjoy your time on this beautiful earth, you need to balance your lifestyle with a healthy diet and a regular fitness session. So, include these food to live a longer and healthier life! 


Fish is one of the prominent sources of proteins and it provides body with Omega-3 fatty acids, which is essential for the healthy heart. Fishes like salmon, herring, kippers, mackerel, sardines and tuna are very good for your body. Salmon is also rich in proteins, Vitamin A and B. It also lowers the risks of arthritis and memory loss.


We Indians love our daily dose of dahi, with our meals. Well, here is a superb reason to binge on it a little more. Yoghurt is not only a rich source of proteins and calcium, it also helps in strengthening your bones and keeping problems like osteoporosis at bay. It also keeps your hearty healthy and strong. Yoghurt also helps in maintaining your blood pressure and helps in keeping cold away.


Coconut is a superfood with boundless health benefits. A glass of coconut water after your workout session will help in replenishing your body's lost electrolytes. Coconut oil can be used in cooking nourishing food as it is significantly heat stable and will keep your heart healthy. The oil contains special chain of triglycerides which are necessary for the brain activity. Lauric acid found in coconut oil helps in building good body immunity.


Every Indian shares a deep connection with tea. Green tea is rich in antioxidants, such as Vitamins C and E. It is rich in flavonoids and known for its various health promoting qualities and anti-ageing properties. It is known to keep away heart diseases and cancer. A good variety of green tea is the one coming from Japan, known as Matcha green tea. It is the ideal super tea that will keep your life healthy and keeps your body energetic.

Spinach is a superfood because it is a very rich source of antioxidants. This superfood is packed with plenty of iron as well as Vitamins (such as A, C & K). Spinach is also great for your eyes, as it is rich in lutein. It is a rich source of fibre, and it helps in regulating blood pressure and builds-up immunity. So, add spinach in your salad or your sandwich or go ahead and cook that irresistibly tasty palak paneer!


Kale is one of the superfoods that you can think about having daily. It has high fibre content, and is a rich source of Vitamin B6, carotene, iron and calcium. It is quite similar to cabbage in its taste. Though it is still little difficult to get in India, but you can easily buy it online or in a big supermarket store. Kale chips are delicious alternative to potato chips and they also help in keeping your body free from fat.

Berries are very rich in antioxidants. They add a burst of colours to your fruit salad and to your health. Blueberries are good in keeping fat away from your body and also keep you away from cardiovascular problems. Cranberries can help in maintaining your blood pressure levels. Strawberries have anti-inflammatory properties, and it also helps keep diabetes and cancer at bay.

The Facts about facials for your skin...

Do you really think that facials really good for your skin?

You get a facial at a fancy spa, feeling like you've taken a dip in the fountain of youth and when you rave about it to your friends they tell you it doesn't make you look that great. Disappointed? There is no denying that facials make one feel good, but the million dollar question is, are they really worth all the fuss?

Let's face it, everything is not as it seems. Here's debunking 5 most common myths on facials to help you know that there's more to the picture than you can actually see. Was it really worth your money or did it go down the drain.

Myth 1-Facials tighten pores

There is nothing in the world that can tighten pores, NOTHING, though slapping some items on your face can give the appearance of smaller pores. Applying a mixture of egg whites on the face seems to have the effect of smaller pores, but sadly it is a temporary fix too. Though folks involved in the facial business will be fuming, the truth is that though some facials do work wonders for the skin, most of them do not and just offer short term effects.

Myths 2 -Facials are the secret to younger looking skin

Facials and younger looking skin, no way, unless you are talking about the advanced chemical peels and galvanic facials (which employ electrical stimulations) there is no link between facials and younger looking skin. Although they do help to slough off dead cells, but that does not mean that they make you look younger. Leaving the glycolic peels and chemical facials aside, most beauty experts will bet their bottom dollar that most facials just give the temporary feeling of goodness and nothing. 

Myth 3-Facials make your skin glow

Now, there's some truth to it. Facials do make your skin glow but again, only temporarily. Facials cleanse, moisturize and exfoliate your skin giving you the glow that will stay with you for about 3 or 4 days at the most.

Myth 4 -They have no side effects

If you are a big fan of facials you wouldn't want to read this. Getting a facial very often might scar your face. Shocked? (Perhaps, this is why they say that the truth is always bitter!) If you give yourself in the hands of an untrained esthetician you might have to hurry to a dermatologist. Women with sensitive skin may be prone to breakouts and getting a facial done by an untrained esthetician might leave you with bruised and scarred skin. So, always make sure that whoever takes the charge of running their fingers on your face knows how it's done. Only a well trained esthetician should be trusted.

Myth 5-You need to go to a spa for the perfect facial

For the perfect facial you do not need to expend a lot of money. You can get almost the same results in the comfort of your home. However, for the advanced facials you would need to pay a visit to a good spa and shell out some money.

Most spas make tall claims that there facials can give you glow and make up stuff like this, but in this age of instant gratification it would be wise to weigh all pros and cons and then take the final plunge. Moreover, most spas do not cater exclusively to your skin's needs and are all the same. But if you are able to find a spa that takes into account what type of skin you have and the level of your skin's sensitivity then be assured you've bagged a great deal.

Face-friendly food 5: Dark leafy greens
Spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, and swiss chard are all great examples of dark leafy greens that are fantastic for maintaining healthy skin. It's all to do with their super levels of antioxidant, vitamins A, C, E and the mineral iron - which is essential for keeping your blood healthy and your skin bright. If you are not a great lover of greens you can always add them to a smoothie or sneak watercress, rocket or baby spinach into salads and sarnies to ensure you get your fill.

Myth 1-Facials tighten pores

There is nothing in the world that can tighten pores, NOTHING, though slapping some items on your face can give the appearance of smaller pores. Applying a mixture of egg whites on 

Face-friendly food 7: Extra virgin olive oil
Integral to the Mediterranean diet, extra virgin olive oil can help nourish your skin from the inside out. High levels of the antioxidant vitamin E and source of the 'good fats' are what makes extra virgin olive oil so skin-beneficial. If you don't already, try using it in place of your regular cooking oil and include a drizzle on salads, pasta and pizza. 

Face-friendly food 2: Wholegrains
Wholegrains are a facial super food as they are fantastic for your digestion, and when your body is working to get rid of waste and toxins efficiently it shows on your skin. Go for brown or wholemeal pasta, rice and breads to get your wholegrains as well increase your intake of fiber. These foods not only boost digestion transit they are also great sources of iron and another skin-loving nutrient, vitamin B as well as helping you to feel full and satiated

Face-friendly food 6: Beans

It's the existence of isoflaves - potent antioxidants that make beans a fabulous face-friendly food. Antioxidants are great because they reduce the free radicals in your body (which cause aging) and make you look and feel great. And black beans, chickpeas, lentils and soybeans are good choices of beans/legumes to incorporate into your diet.

Face-friendly food 3: Cucumber
Okay, so you can slice off a couple of rounds and pop them on your eyes too, but the nutritional properties of cucumber make them a skin-friendly food to eat as well. Cucumber has high water content and staying hydrated has to be one of the golden rules when it comes to good nutrition for your skin. Boost your cucumber intake by including them as crudités, in salads and even in drinks - cucumber whizzed up with yogurt, mint and a dash of milk makes a delicious Lassi.

Face-friendly food 1: Berries
Berries act as the perfect healthy skin pick 'n' mix as they provide the perfect combo of antioxidants and vitamins C and E in an easy pick-up package. Vitamin C is really face-friendly as it helps produce collagen, the facial framework tissue which keeps your complexion plump and smooth. Blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries are some of our favorites and easy as to get into your daily diet, but make sure they are eaten fresh and unheated; you'll get the most antioxidants and vitamins that way.

Face-friendly food 2: Salmon
Oily fish is super skin-friendly as its rich in the essential lipids (fats) that the skin needs to be healthy. The fatty acid Omega 3 is your friend when it comes to maintaining a healthy and young-looking complexion as it maintains skin elasticity and works to keep cell membranes healthy. Other examples of oily fish include trout, mackerel, tuna, anchovies and sardines. 

5 Dry Fruits and their Beauty Benefits

If you read up on any diet regime, it will always tell you to eat a handful of dry fruits. Since, dry fruits are packed with various vitamins, essential fats and nutrients, they keep you healthy and fit. They also have a number of skin benefits too. That is why, it is not surprising to see a number of dry fruits as the core ingredient of beauty products. So let us have a look at 5 dry fruits which should be a regular part of your diet.

Almonds

As small as they look, almonds are jam packed with essential fatty acids, fibres and proteins. Almonds are really effective in treating acne. This dry fruit makes excellent face packs as well. For radiant skin, take crushed almonds (which have been soaked in water) and milk. Apply the mixture on your face to remove dead cells and dirt. For your hair, you can use almond oil to add lustre and shine to dull hair.

Health benefit: Almonds also improve your haemoglobin and promote blood circulation. They also reduce cholesterol and help in prevention of lung and breast cancer.

Raisins

If you want to protect your pearly whites and your beautiful eyes, you must eat a handful of raisins daily. Raisins prevent tooth decay and keep cavities at bay. They are also a good source of Vitamin A and they protect your eyes from vision related problems. Raisins also keep your skin healthy and beautiful as they contain resveratrol, an antioxidant that slows down skin ageing.

Health benefit: Raisins are loaded with potassium, magnesium, phosphorous and iron and they promote blood circulation. They are highly recommended for those suffering from anaemia.

Walnuts

Walnuts are one of the healthiest nuts which are full of good fats and nutrients. Omega 3 fatty acids, which are found in abundance in walnuts, nourish dry skin and improves its texture. Mix a handful of walnuts with 3 tablespoons of yoghurt and blend it. Apply this scrub on your face daily for smooth and soft skin. Walnut, if used in the form of oil, contains linoleic acid, which prevents wrinkles and fine lines.

Health benefits: Walnuts are called brain food and not without reason. Nearly 60% of our brain structure comprises of Omega 3 fatty acids which are found in walnuts. Walnuts are also instrumental in promoting cardiovascular health.

Cashew nuts

There is a myth about cashew nuts that they are unhealthy since they contain a lot of fats. But in reality, cashew nuts when eaten in moderation, actually help you lose weight. Cashew nut oil too, is used in a number of cosmetics. It helps to reduce tan and prevents skin damage. It also helps protect your cracked heels and nourishes them. Cashew nuts are rich in Vitamin E and they have anti-ageing properties as well.

Health benefits: Cashew nuts help control cholesterol, blood sugar, prevents migraines and high blood pressure.

Pistachios

Pistachios are powerhouse of nutrients. Rich in Vitamin E, they protect your skin from UV rays, premature ageing and even skin cancer. Pistachio oil has demulcent properties, which basically means that they help smoothen your skin. They also contain carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, which are rarely found in nuts. Besides this, pistachios also contain antioxidants, which neutralise the free radicals, thus preventing ageing.

Health benefit: Pistachios help stabilise blood sugar, help in digestion, prevent heart diseases and provide your body with fibres and proteins.