Friday, June 7, 2013

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.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

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. 

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

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.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Yoga for a stronger back


Here are a set of seven asanas that will strengthen your back and help straighten your spine. Before beginning ensure that you are wearing comfortable clothes made of natural material like cotton or linen, and that the room is well-ventilated. You should not be directly under a fan. Try to focus on the part/area you are strengthening or moving. less 
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