Saturday 29 December 2012
Saturday 15 December 2012
Homemade Remedies to Make Hair Thick
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Homemade Remedies to Make Hair Thick
Homemade hair-thickeningremedies work either by temporarily adding volume to each shaft of hair or by creating a healthy scalp environment where more hair can grow. In some cases, results are immediate
ly visible, but they are generally short-lived. For the best results, use a homemade hair-thickeningremedy on a regular basis.
Egg
After shampooing, massage an egg into your hair and let it sit for about 5 minutes. The non-hydrolyzed protein in an egg mimics the hydrolyzed proteins in hair-thickeningshampoos, according to Dr. Harry Roth, a clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California.
Egg
After shampooing, massage an egg into your hair and let it sit for about 5 minutes. The non-hydrolyzed protein in an egg mimics the hydrolyzed proteins in hair-thickeningshampoos, according to Dr. Harry Roth, a clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California.
VinegarMassage a mixture of 1 Tbsp. white or apple cider vinegar and 1 pint of water into your hair. The solution temporarily changes the chemical balance of your hair and make it appear thicker and shinier.
Oil MassageScalp massages with olive oil, lavender oil and jojoba oil are thought to help rid the scalp of debris and excess sebum and dirt, resulting on cleaner, thicker hair and healthy follicles. Massaging the scalp also increases blood flow to the scalp, which may encourage healthier, thicker hair growth. Rub a few drops of oil into the scalp before bedtime and leave it on overnight. Wash with a mild shampoo in the morning and style as usual.
Aloe VeraUsing a tablespoon or so of fresh aloe vera gel squeezed directly from the leaves, either alone or with a mixture of brandy and raw egg, may make your hair appear thicker. Apply the gel or mixture once every two weeks and shampoo as usual.
Flax SeedA leave-on conditioner made from flaxseeds and water may temporarily thicken hair. Soak a handful of flax seeds in water for five days and apply the water directly to your scalp with a cotton ball before styling.
Friday 7 December 2012
Wednesday 5 December 2012
Hair care tips for winter
Oil your hair: In winter, it is chilly outside and dry and warm inside the house; this changing temperature harms your hair. Oil your hair regularly, use warm oil if you are comfortable. It will help to restore the moisture and give life to your lifeless tresses. It is not necessary to keep the oil on for long hours; one to two hours is enough to do the trick. Do not over use shampoo while you are washing the oil off because it will nullify the conditioning effect.
Wash them right: Even though it is cold do not use very hot water to wash your hair. The heat will steal your moisture. Use lukewarm water. Do not over use the shampoo and use mild shampoo if you wash your hair very frequently.
Never miss conditioning: Rich conditioning can be your shield against the harsh cold. Condition your hair everytime you wash them, it strengthens them and increases the elasticity. If you are opting for readymade conditioner make sure it suits your hair and is right for your hair type. You can also use coconut milk or curd for conditioning your hair. If you have curly hair it is best to use leave-in conditioner in the end.
Let them dry naturally: It is advisable not to use heat to dry your hair in winter. With blow drying you can end up having flyways and static effect. Let them air dry. Your lovely tresses will thank you for letting them be.
Take care if you cover: If you wear woollen cap or scarf to protect yourself against cold, you will experience hair breakage in certain areas on your head. This is because the caps and scarves rub against the delicate hair and pull them out. It is advisable to use satin scarves and to use caps which have cotton or satin lining.
Saturday 1 December 2012
Indian foods that help with weight loss
Garlic: Garlic has long been used in cooking, for both its full-bodied flavor and its healthy properties. Garlic has strong anti-bacterial effects, helps reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) and unhealthy fat levels in the body. Now there’s a good reason why the ubiquitous ginger-garlic paste is found in dishes across every region in India.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk is a drink full of good health, and easy to make at home. It provides the body with essential nutrients and is very low on fat and calorie content. Chop up from fresh coriander and green chillies to it, add a little salt and pepper, and you have a refreshing, healthy homemade drink.
Cabbage: Cabbage is a great antioxidant, and makes a great accompaniment to heavy meat dishes. It also slows down the conversion of carbs and sugar into fat, so makes for a great aid to your weight loss plan. Eat it raw or cooked, but make sure it’s a part of your meal.
Chillies: Chillies are another great ingredient to ramp up your metabolic rate and burn that excess fat. The component capsaicin generates heat and boosts metabolism, helping burn calories for upto 20 minutes after your meal. So slice ‘em up and toss ‘em in!
Cinnamon and cloves: Both these spices aid the production of insulin and help control blood sugar levels in the body. Highly beneficial to people with type 2 diabtetes, it is recommended to sprinkle cinnamon powder into your cup of tea of coffee, and include cloves when you make rice or dal.
Curry leaves: Curry leaves help reduce LDL levels in the body and are a great way to detox. They also help reduce fat deposits in the body, a great aid to any weight-loss program. So add a few curry leaves into your curry or dal for a dose of great flavor and good health.
Honey: A spoonful of honey with warm water is a great way to start your mornings. Honey helps burn fat and is a widely used home-remedy for obesity.
Moong dal: Moong dal brings you your required dose of vitamins and minerals. Rich in Vitamin A, B, C, and E, as well as calcium, iron and potassium, it is a great source of protein and fibre, with very low fat content. Moong dal helps lower cholesterol, and control blood sugar levels in the body. A cup of dal to accompany your rotis is a great way to plan dinner.
Mustard oil: Mustard oil is one of the healthiest oils to cook in, as it contains lower levels of saturated fat. It also provides antioxidants and essential vitamins to the body, lowering cholesterol levels and improving heart health. Switch to mustard oil today!
Turmeric: Turmeric contains curcumin, a constituent that protects the heart. It helps reduce the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), bring down high blood pressure, prevent clotting and reduce the risk of heart attacks. Include a sprinkle of turmeric in your meats and masalas; it will bring you a host of good health.
10 HEALTHY EATING TIPS FOR KIDS
1. Food is Fun… Enjoy your food
2. Breakfast is a very important meal
3. Eat lots of different foods every day, variety is the recipe for health 4. Which group would you tip for the top? Base your food on carbohydrates
5. Gimme five! Eat fruits and vegetables with each meal and as tasty snacks!
6. Fat facts. Too much saturated fat is not good for your health
7. Snack attack! Eat regularly and choose a variety of snacks
8. Quench your thirst. Drink plenty of liquids
9. Care for those teeth! Brush your teeth at least twice a day
10. Get moving! Be active every day
Do you remember when you learned to ride a bike? The most important part was getting the balance right. Once you could balance easily, the pedals could turn smoothly, to drive the wheels and get the bike moving.
The same thing is true when it comes to choosing our food. Once we have learned to carefully balance the amounts and types of foods eaten, all the organs in the body will function smoothly and the body will work efficiently.
Following these ten tips will help you stay fit and healthy. It’s as easy as riding a bike, once you’ve got the balance right!
1. Food is Fun… Enjoy your food
Sharing a meal with family and friends at home or at school is a great way to enjoy food. It is fun to see other people’s choice of food -what sandwich fillings do others have? Have you tried having a different filling every day? Check out your lunch box or dinner plate. How many different kinds of fruit and vegetables can you spot?
2. Breakfast is a very important meal
Our bodies always need energy, and after a night’s sleep, energy levels are low. Cars, buses and trains cannot run without fuel. So, whether you are off to school, or out and about at the weekend, start the day with breakfast. Plenty of carbohydrates is just the ticket: try cereal with semi-skimmed milk, fruit or yoghurt, toast or bread, perhaps with lean meats.
3. Eat lots of different foods every day, variety is the recipe for health
You need over 40 different kinds of vitamins and minerals every day for good health. Since there is no single food that contains them all, it is important to balance your daily choices. In fact there are no good or bad foods, so you do not need to miss out on the foods you enjoy. The best way to make sure you get the right balance is to eat a wide variety of foods each day.
4. Which group would you tip for the top? Base your food on carbohydrates
Many people don’t eat enough carbohydrate foods, such as cereals, rice, pasta, potatoes and bread. At least half the calories in your diet should come from these foods, so it is a good idea to include at least one of these at every meal. Try whole-grain bread, pasta and other cereals to give you extra fibre. Have you tried baking your own bread? It’s good fun and smells wonderful!
5. Gimme five! Eat fruits and vegetables with each meal and as tasty snacks!
Fruits and vegetables are among the most important foods for giving us enough vitamins, minerals and fibre. We should all try to eat 5 servings a day. For example, a glass of fruit juice at breakfast, perhaps an apple and banana as snacks and two vegetables at meal times then you have already reached your total. How many different kinds can you spot in the supermarket? Why not try some new ones?
6. Fat facts. Too much saturated fat is not good for your health
Eating too many of those tasty, fatty foods (such as butter, spreads, fried meats and sausages, pies and pastries) might not always be so good for your body. So remember, a big helping of potatoes, but go easy on the butter. Although we need some fats to get all the nutrients we need, it is better for our health if we don’t eat too much of these foods and get knocked off balance. So, if you have a high-fat lunch, choose a low-fat dinner.
7. Snack attack! Eat regularly and choose a variety of snacks
Even if you eat regular meals during the day, there will still be times in between that you feel hungry, especially if you have been very physically active. Snacks can fill the gap, but should not be eaten in place of meals, only as an extra. There are lots of different snacks available. Your choice may be crisps, nuts and other packet snacks, chocolate bars, cakes and biscuits. On other occasions, you may prefer a sandwich, some fresh or dried fruits, or perhaps sticks of vegetables like carrots and celery. Whichever snack you enjoy, remember it is always good to include a variety of different types to keep things in balance.
8. Quench your thirst. Drink plenty of liquids
Did you know that more than half of your weight is just water? So as well as giving your body all the food it needs each day to keep healthy, you need at least 5 glasses of liquids a day. It is particularly important if the weather is very hot or if you have done lots of exercise, to have plenty to drink to prevent dehydration. Usually – but not always – your body will tell you this, by making you feel thirsty. Plain tap water is great of course, but bottled water, fruit juices, tea, soft drinks, milk and so on, can all be okay too.
9. Care for those teeth! Brush your teeth at least twice a day
Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Eating foods high in sugar or starches too often during the day can play a part in tooth decay. So don’t nibble foods and sip drinks all day long! However, the best way to keep a nice smile is to brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Also, after brushing your teeth at bedtime, don’t eat any food, or drink anything but water!
10. Get moving! Be active every day
Just like a bike may become rusty if it is not used for some time, our muscles and bones need to be kept moving too. Activity is needed to keep your heart healthy and your bones strong. It can also be good fun. Try to include some form of activity every day: it may be just walking to school and running up the stairs. However, games like skipping and football at break times are good for giving the body a workout. Swimming is a particularly good sport for keeping you healthy.
Thursday 29 November 2012
Five ways to get straight hair naturally
Add a few drops of lemon juice to freshly prepared coconut milk and mix well. Keep the glass of coconut milk and lemon juice into refrigerator for a few hours. A thick foamy layer will appear over the glass, which needs to be applied on the scalp and entire length of the hair right away. Steam your hair for 15-20 minutes after this and follow it up with a wash. Repeat this process regularly to get straighter hair.
Celery
Crush a few fresh celery leaves and mix them with a little water. Squeeze it to extract the juice and store it in bottle. The bottle has to be left unused for at least a day, so as to allow the juice to develop properties and effectiveness for straightening. Using them regularly, preferably in the morning, before bath will help in straightening hair. Massage it well on the scalp and leave it for 15-30 minutes, prior to washing it off with a shampoo.
The Milky Way
Milk is known to have moisturizing properties, which are suitable in straightening the hair. Take half cup of milk, preferably boiled and cooled. Then mix it with half cup of water. Store it in a spray bottle and spray over the hair. Allow it to stand for half an hour, before shampooing the hair. This mixture will help in straightening as well as adding substantial amount of moisture to add smoothness to the hair.
Cast a Spell with Castor
Castor oil is known to have hair growth and hair straightening properties. Massage the oil on the scalp, along your hair strands and then comb your hair properly. As you comb, blow dry your hair, which has been separated into sections, on high heat. The hair should feel dry and not oily after being blow dried. When done, wrap it with a chilled towel and leave for half an hour. It will soothe the hair from excessive heat and will restore the straightness.
Hair Dryer and Hair Brush
This combination is something that people have seen in salons and spas. This can be done at home too! Get a hair dryer and a good hair brush, which will stretch and hold your hair firmly in place. Comb your wet hair and while it is still wet, use hair brush to stretch a section of hair by rolling it in end and then blow dry it. Repeat the process for other sections of wet hair till dry.
Home-made hair packs for luscious hair in winter
A good hair care routine is a must during the winter months. Lack of moisture in the air coupled with decreased humidity and pollution makes your hair weak causing split ends and damage. To regain the nourished and glossy look of your hair, try some of these time-tested beauty regimes, formulated by our experts especially for this season.
Home-made hair care packs for winter
- Strawberry pack – You will need: One cup crushed strawberries, half cup rosemary shredded and one tablespoon vinegar. Mix the above ingredients well in a bowl and apply to your hair. Leave it on till its dry (about half an hour) and rinse. This pack works well even on coloured hair.
- Egg and banana pack – Bananas make for wonderful hair conditioners. Use ripe ones for maximum benefit. You will need: two ripe mashed bananas, two eggs beaten well, juice of one lime and two vitamin E capsules. Mix all the items in a bowl, apply to your hair and wear a shower cap, keep it on for about thirty minutes, then shampoo. This pack can be used as often as twice a week.
- Fuller’s earth pack – Fuller’s earth or multani mitti is a must in beauty regimes of Indian women. You will need: two tablespoons each of Fuller’s earth and gram flour (besan) and half cup vinegar. Mix well and apply for twenty minutes, then rinse. For very dry hair, you can apply hair oil before putting on the pack.
- Shikakai pack – You will need: two to three tablespoon shikakai powder, two tablespoon each of fenugreek seeds and green gram (soaked the previous night and blended together). To this add one whole egg, mix well and use like a shampoo. This pack makes hair soft and shiny.
- Egg pack – You will need: two eggs and three tablespoons olive oil. Blend both the ingredients well and apply to your hair leaving on for twenty minutes. Cover your hair with a plastic wrap for maximum benefit.
- Beer pack - Use flat beer to get lustrous tresses. Simply apply the required quantity onto your hair, leave on for ten minutes and wash with a mild shampoo.
- Egg and yoghurt pack - You will need: one cup yoghurt, yolk of one egg and one teaspoon lemon juice. Mix the first two ingredients and to it add the lemon juice slowly. Leave it on your hair for about half an hour, then wash. Yoghurt also takes care of dandruff while egg is a great moisturizer.
- Castor oil and honey pack - You will need: one tablespoon honey, two tablespoon castor oil and one egg. Mix them and apply to hair. Leave on for about an hour, then shampoo.
- Aloe vera pack – You will need: one tablespoon aloe vera gel, one teaspoon lemon juice and two tablespoon coconut or olive oil. Mix the ingredients, apply well and leave it on for about forty-five minutes, then rinse off with shampoo.
- Avocado and milk pack – You will need: one cup milk, one cup water, some dried rose petals, a ripe avocado, two teaspoon almond paste, and two teaspoon honey. Boil the first three items, allow to cool, and then blend. While blending add the remaining ingredients, apply to hair and leave on for thirty minutes, then rinse off.
Health miracles of Honey
As Allah says in the Qur'an, honey is a "healing for men" . This scientific fact was confirmed by scientists who assembled during the World Apiculture Conference held in China . During the conference, treatments with honey derivatives were discussed. American scientists in particular said that honey, royal jelly, pollen and propolis (bee resin) cure many diseases.
A Romanian doctor stated that he tried honey on cataract patients, and 2002 out of his 2094 patients recovered completely. Polish doctors also informed the conference that bee resin helps to cure many diseases such as haemorrhoids, skin problems, gynaecological diseases and many other disorders.
Nowadays, apiculture and bee products have opened a new branch for research in countries advanced in science. Other benefits of honey may be described as below:
Easily digested:
Because sugar molecules in honey can convert into other sugars (e.g. fructose to glucose), honey is easily digested by the most sensitive stomachs, despite its high acid content. It helps kidneys and intestines to function better.
Has a low calorie level:
Another quality of honey is that, when it is compared with the same amount of sugar, it gives 40% less calories to the body. Although it gives great energy to the body, it does not add weight.
Rapidly diffuses through the blood:
When accompanied by mild water, honey diffuses into the bloodstream in 7 minutes. Its free sugar molecules make the brain function better since the brain is the largest consumer of sugar.
Supports blood formation:
Honey provides an important part of the energy needed by the body for blood formation. In addition, it helps in cleansing the blood. It has some positive effects in regulating and facilitating blood circulation. It also functions as a protection against capillary problems and arteriosclerosis.
Does not accommodate bacteria:
This bactericide (bacteria-killing) property of honey is named "the inhibition effect". Experiments conducted on honey show that its bactericide properties increase twofold when diluted with water. It is very interesting to note that newly born bees in the colony are nourished with diluted honey by the bees responsible for their supervision - as if they know this feature of the honey.
Royal Jelly:
Royal jelly is a substance produced by worker bees inside the beehive. Inside this nutritious substance are sugar, proteins, fats and many vitamins. It is used in problems caused by tissue deficiency or body frailty.
Tuesday 27 November 2012
Home remedies to ease the common cold
Lemon and honey - Lemon in warm water with one teaspoon of honey can be taken three times daily. Lemon increases the body’s resistance against the cold and its vitamin C content can be useful in washing out toxic components from the body and decreasing the duration of the disease.
Go for garlic - Garlic has antiseptic and antispasmodic properties. Boil 4 to 5 cloves of garlic in water and ingest the mixture three to four times daily. Garlic oil also helps in opening the respiratory passage. 3 to 4 drops of garlic oil mixed with 4 to 5 drops of onion can be very helpful in flushing all the toxic materials from the body, hence lowering the fever.
Ginger to the rescue - Ginger is an excellent remedy for the common cold. Boil it with water to make a decoction, which can be taken thrice daily, along with half a teaspoon of sugar. Add ginger to your tea for a soothing a delicious beverage.
Other tips to get over your cold
- The best precaution you can take to avoid getting a cold is to eat a nutritious and healthy meal that enhances your immunity. It is better to avoid alcohol and cigarettes.
- Use a towel or handkerchief while sneezing or coughing to check the spread of infection to others.
- Avoid taking antibiotics, as they have no role in the treatment of these viral infections. They may weaken the body’s natural immunity and kill the healthy bacteria of the body, which will create a further favorable ground for the virus to multiply, with more virulence making the condition worse.
- Drink lots of water and try to rest as much as possible. It is advised that when the acute symptoms of the disease are present, like soreness of throat, running nose, fever, chills, congestion of nasal passage etc., the food eaten should be light and diluted. After the acute symptoms are gone, go back to your normal well-balanced diet of seeds, nuts, cereals, grains vegetables and fruits. Avoid fish meat, cheese, and starchy foods.
Monday 26 November 2012
Top 7 myths about drinking water - busted!
Myth 1: Drinking water between meals is bad for digestion – This is one line that has been passed down from generation to generation. However, there is no scientific evidence to indicate that it will affect the digestive process. At the most, it will probably fill you up and reduce your appetite for dinner. But besides that, go ahead and enjoy a glass of water with every meal.
Myth 2: Drink 8 glasses a day for good health – Drinking 8 glasses of water a day is one of the most popular myths in circulation today, despite scientists saying that there is no clear correlation between good health and sipping on water all day. Doctors recommend drinking water only when you are thirsty!
Myth 3: Drink water, you can never have too much of a good thing! – Recent studies reveal that drinking too much water can in fact, be potentially harmful. Excessive water consumption is dangerous in that it can lower salt concentration in the body. Water intoxication, a life-threatening condition, occurs when there is dilution of blood sodium because the kidneys are over-worked, and unable to excrete the excess water as urine.
Myth 4: Water cleans out the body’s toxins – The toxins in our body are filtered out by the kidneys. And common myth says that drinking more water means clearing out the toxins. Wrong! In truth, drinking large amounts of water will actually reduce the kidneys’ ability to function as a filter
Myth 5: Drink water for healthy skin – It is widely believed that since our body’s composition is 60% water, drinking a lot of water will give you glowing skin. However, there is little evidence to support this idea. Healthy skin is a result of many things, including diet, weather, pollution and genetics.
Myth 6: Drinking water can aid weight loss – Water has been touted as the secret drug for all dieters. “Drink water and you’ll shed those pounds like magic.” This is hardly true; as we discussed, water will, at the most, fill up your stomach and reduce your food intake at mealtimes. But water is far from a miracle drug to lose weight.
Myth 7: Drink as much water as you can during a workout – It is widely believed that a workout increases chances of dehydration, so common myth says you need to increase water intake during exercise. But dehydration sets in only when you lose 2 percent of body weight. Do the math, and it is unlikely a normal workout requires increased water intake. Instead, ensure you are well-hydrated throughout the day, without over-doing it.
Sunday 25 November 2012
7 health benefits of Carrots
7 health benefits of Carrots
Carrots are a favorite vegetable in cultures all over the world. They're great as a healthy raw snack, juiced, or cooked with other vegetables in soups and stir fries, but the best thing about carrots is how good they are for us.
Here are 7 health benefits of carrots:
Cancer Prevention
The high levels of antioxidants in carrots help to lower the risk of cancer. Studies have found that carrots may help to prevent three of the most common types of cancer: breast, lung, and colon
cancer. They are one of the only food sources of falcarinol, a natural pesticide and fatty alcohol
that research has found may prevent cancer.
Better Digestion
Carrots are a great source of fiber, which is important for keeping the digestive system running
properly. It also helps to keep you feeling full so you end up eating less.
Healthy Eyes
Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body and is essential for eye health. It improves night vision and prevents age-related eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration.
Anti-Aging
The vitamin A in carrots helps the skin by helping to get rid of damaged cells and regenerating new
ones. Vitamin A also keeps the skin protected from harmful UV rays, retards aging, prevents acne, helps dry skin, and improves the complexion.
Heart Health
One study found that heart disease risk was lowered by 32% in people who ate just .88 ounces of
carrots per day. Another study that tracked seniors found that those who ate a cup of carrots or squash
each day lowered their heart disease risk by a whopping 60 percent.Some studies also show a link between beta-carotene consumption and reduced risk of heart problems.
Cholesterol Levels
The fiber in carrots helps to lower cholesterol levels. The magnesium in carrots also helps to regulate
cholesterol.
Weight Loss
Carrots are high in nutrition and low in calories, which means that you can fill your stomach without eating too many calories. Additionally, carrots help improve the function of the metabolism because they contains nicotine acid to break down the lipids and fats that are present within the body.
Carrots are a favorite vegetable in cultures all over the world. They're great as a healthy raw snack, juiced, or cooked with other vegetables in soups and stir fries, but the best thing about carrots is how good they are for us.
Here are 7 health benefits of carrots:
Cancer Prevention
The high levels of antioxidants in carrots help to lower the risk of cancer. Studies have found that carrots may help to prevent three of the most common types of cancer: breast, lung, and colon
cancer. They are one of the only food sources of falcarinol, a natural pesticide and fatty alcohol
that research has found may prevent cancer.
Better Digestion
Carrots are a great source of fiber, which is important for keeping the digestive system running
properly. It also helps to keep you feeling full so you end up eating less.
Healthy Eyes
Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body and is essential for eye health. It improves night vision and prevents age-related eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration.
Anti-Aging
The vitamin A in carrots helps the skin by helping to get rid of damaged cells and regenerating new
ones. Vitamin A also keeps the skin protected from harmful UV rays, retards aging, prevents acne, helps dry skin, and improves the complexion.
Heart Health
One study found that heart disease risk was lowered by 32% in people who ate just .88 ounces of
carrots per day. Another study that tracked seniors found that those who ate a cup of carrots or squash
each day lowered their heart disease risk by a whopping 60 percent.Some studies also show a link between beta-carotene consumption and reduced risk of heart problems.
Cholesterol Levels
The fiber in carrots helps to lower cholesterol levels. The magnesium in carrots also helps to regulate
cholesterol.
Weight Loss
Carrots are high in nutrition and low in calories, which means that you can fill your stomach without eating too many calories. Additionally, carrots help improve the function of the metabolism because they contains nicotine acid to break down the lipids and fats that are present within the body.
Saturday 24 November 2012
10 ways to slim without the gym
Don’t cut the dairy
Although the high levels of fat in dairy products make those who want to get slim without hitting the gym wary, it turns out that eating cheese, milk and other dairy products actually promotes weight loss. The study was conducted in Australia and the researchers suggest that the protein levels in dairy products may help people feel fuller for longer and therefore make them less likely to snack on calorific foods.
Variety
If you find yourself regularly going on health kicks only to find that in a few weeks or months time you’ve gone back to your old, unhealthy ways the likelihood is you’ve become bored. Doing the same exercise and eating the same foods is dull and even the most disciplined of people would struggle to maintain their new regime. Instead, try to eat new, healthy foods on a weekly basis and mix up what you eat. You should also do a variety of exercise, like running, dancing, Pilates and skipping.
Join a club
If you want to slim without the gym then you might benefit from joining a club. Clubs are great because they’re social, they typically have equipment to lend to you and they are great for boosting people’s motivation. Before joining a club you need to first work out what sport suits you. If you like being in a team you could join a hockey club or a netball club. If you like working solo then a running, canoe or climbing club might be more suited to you. Remember, clubs typically offer beginners taster sessions and these will typically be free of charge, so always test out the club before you pay for membership.
Have a treat in the week
When you’re super strict with yourself during the week it can be easy to let the rules from the week slip when the weekend arrives. Studies have found that this is true and that people who follow extremely healthy diets during the week actually lose weight more slowly compared to those who eat reasonably healthily all week. Therefore if you want to slim without the gym, have a treat now and then.
Fun equipment
Spending hours of your week silently running on a treadmill isn’t much fun, but exercise doesn’t have to be like that. There are loads of fun ways to work out. You could buy some gymnastics rings to work on your upper body and your core. Or if the rings aren’t for you buy a hula hoop to tone your waist area. If you get creative and have fun with your exercise you’ll find that you will be more motivated to stick at it and do more, which in turn will help you get slim and ditch the gym.
Shopping
It is thought that the average woman burns 48,000 calories a year from shopping alone; that works out at around 385 calories per week. If you get that shopping-guilt almost all women feel when they wander into a store then don’t panic. Just think the money you saved from the gym can go towards this new dress or new pair of boots.
Stock up on the liquids
What do you do before a meal? Wash your hands and scout out a good TV show to watch during your meal? Well, although we think you should definitely still wash your hands before you eat, if you want to slim without the gym you should also try having a light soup before eating. This light course will help fill you up, yet is relatively low in calories. Having soup before your main course will also help you to stop yourself from overeating.
Eat before you train
When you have a gym membership you will often find yourself rushing to the gym before or after work. You race there, have a workout and then grab a quick shower before shooting off. What you probably won’t do though is make enough time to eat before you go. This is important if you want to slim down because eating an hour before exercise ensures that you perform to full capacity during your training session and therefore you will burn a greater amount of fat.
Yoga
Grab your yoga mat and do some yoga poses three or four times a week. Although it doesn’t feel very strenuous yoga helps to sculpt your body and helps you get slim without the gym. Some great moves that help to tone include the Downward Dog Split and the Temple Pose. It may be best to go to a yoga class or get a yoga DVD if you’re not sure what you are doing, but remember the perfect pose we may see others doing might be a long way from what our own body can currently achieve.
Skipping
Thought your skipping days were over? Think again. Skipping isn’t just for eight year old girls. It's no coincidence that boxers, who are arguably some of the fittest athletes around, regularly perform skipping drills. Skipping is in fact a great exercise and there are lots of benefits. To make sure that your rope is the correct length for your height, stand on the middle of the rope and pull the handles upwards until the rope is taut. The handles should line up with the middle of your chest.
Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Bad Breath
1. Chew Mint Leaves
Mint leaves are one of the best natural remedies to combat bad breath.
Mint refreshes your mouth and gives off a pleasing smell. Chlorophyll
present in leaves also absorbs odours and leaves you with a refreshing
breath.
2. Gargle with Salt Water
Rinsing and gargling with salt water can clear bacteria as well as food particles and debris on which the bacteria feed on. Put one teaspoon of salt in lukewarm water and swirl the mixture until the salt dissolves completely. Gargling with this mixture will also help you keep a healthy mouth.3. Brush with Baking Soda
Baking soda contains hydrogen peroxide which neutralized the acid present in your mouth. Acids make for a favourable environment for bacteria growth in your mouth. Simply wet you toothbrush and sprinkle some baking soda over it to brush your teeth.
4. Eat Apples
Apples are often called as nature’s toothbrush as they are known to eliminate many kinds of bacteria in your mouth that can cause bad breath. Be sure to chew well on your apples while eating them.5. Binge on Yogurt
Yogurt can help you to get rid of bread breath permanently. Consume yogurt regularly up to a period of six weeks to effectively combat bad breath.6. Go Vitamin-C
Vitamin-C rich foods can help you to combat bacteria build up in your mouth as well as other diseases like gingivitis. Lemons, oranges and carrots are some of the foods that are high in Vitamin C.7. Drink More Water
Bacteria thrive better if your mouth is dry. Staying hydrated will help your body to regulate all biochemical process and get rid of waste and other toxins. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to get rid of bad breath.8. Chew on Neem
Neem has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. If you can endure its bad taste, you can permanently eliminate all signs of bad breath by chewing on neem leaves.9. Chew on Cardamom
If neem leaves are too bitter for you, then you can also chew on cardamom which is quite pleasing to chew. Cardamom also helps in eliminating bad breath from your mouth.6 Hidden Facts Why You Are Gaining Weight
Are you doing everything to lose your weight and still gaining weight?
Are you strictly eating everything that says ‘low fat’, or have a diet
of two tomatoes and 1 boiled potato per day? I guess you have answered
your concern.
People have always associated fitness with fat loss or weight loss. In
the struggle to achieve success overnight, they tend to subject their
bodies to several kinds of abuses including rigid crash diets and ‘low
fat’ bingeing. However, they don’t realise that bad eating, wrong diets
and above all several other factors, non-related to food could be the
potential reasons for your weight gain.Let’s elaborate top six of them.
What happens when you diet
If you think that by eating sparingly for fifteen days, you will get back in shape, then its utter rubbish! Bodies that go into sudden starvation mode tend to save more calories than burn it. The body is like a system, which needs fuel to conduct basic metabolic activities, including burning of fat. Hence, when there’s no food or fuel, as the body saves the existing energy instead of utilizing it.
Watch what you eat!
Similarly, bingeing on ‘low fats’ labelled food, is bound to make one gain weight. Most of such food products have high levels of sugar, which add to the calorie count and therefore, explain the weight gain. Hence, instead of going for such foods, resort to fresh home cooked foods for weight loss. Don’t forget to avoid the junk food at all cost!
Sedentary lifestyle
Maybe you are eating right, but are simply failing to shed those kilos. It’s time to pay attention to your activity levels. Having a sedentary, lazy life or being a couch potato can be one of the reasons behind those excess tiers around your tummy.
Switch to an exercise regimen that is well suited for your body. If you are not an exercise person, then cultivating a few sport activities may be helpful. Try yoga, swimming or jogging or dancing to lose weight. A simple brisk walk of 45 minutes a day can help you as well.
Check your medicines
Some medicines have side effects of weight gain. You need to check with your GP, to confirm your fears. If possible, get him to prescribe other medicinal substitutes that do not have such side effects.
Sleeping patterns
Are you becoming an owl lately? Maybe it’s the reason behind your saddle bags! Switch to normal sleeping routine. Irregular sleeping patterns disturb body metabolism and result in weight gain.
Quit drinking
Excess drinking spoils and fattens the liver, making it sluggish in process. Being the chief blood detoxifier and fat metaboliser, it is unable to perform both the functions. This results in gaining weight and skyrocketing new heights of obesity.
Next time, when you feel you are fat, just try and throw some light on the above mentioned factors. If everything is fine, then maybe it’s time to get yourself medically checked for a better understanding of your body’s metabolic health.
7 ways to sleep better tonight
1. Set a regular bedtime
Go to bed at the same time every day. Simple. Like children, we need routines to tell our bodies when it’s time to shut down.Choose a time when you normally feel tired so you don’t toss and turn.
If you need to change the time, do it slowly over a few nights with 15 minute increments.
2. Wake up at the same time
Likewise with bedtime, you need a regular time to get out of bed sleepyhead. Try and maintain this even at weekends.
If you are getting enough sleep, you should wake naturally without the help of an alarm clock. Adjust your bedtime accordingly.
3. No shame in a nap
If you have a late night, top up your sleep bank by squeezing in a power nap in the day as opposed to having a lie in.
The ideal time to nap is early afternoon and for no more than 30 minutes.
4. Don’t fall asleep on the couch
A decision to nap is different to just dozing all the time.
If you find yourself falling asleep in front of the telly, or worse, at your desk - get up and do something else to wake yourself up. Make a phone call, go for a walk, do that pile of washing – whatever it is, try to stick to your sleep timetable.
5. Expose yourself to more light during the day
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone to help you regulate your sleep pattern. It is controlled by light exposure and your brain should secrete more during the evening to help you nod off.
Help your brain out by getting outside, without sunglasses, in your lunch break or walk into work in the morning.
At night, keep it dark by turning off your TV or computer while you try and go to sleep.
6. Make your bedroom a sanctuary
A comfortable bedroom means a cosy night’s sleep. Keep the rool cool, make sure your bed is roomy with nice clean sheets and keep the noise to a minimum.
Your bed should be for sleep and sex only. If you associate it with anything else like working, your body will not get the message that it’s time to switch off.
7. Adjust your evening meal
Stay away from big meals in the evening. Don’t eat heavy, rich food 2 hours before bed and fatty foods take a lot of work for your stomach to digest, which will keep you up.
Alcohol in the evening will reduce your sleep quality and whilst you might think it will help you to fall asleep, it wil probably wake you up in the middle of the night.
All this talk is making us sleepy...zzzzzZZZZZZZ
Friday 23 November 2012
Top tips to beat acidity
What causes acidity?
Acidity is caused when the digestive juices produced in our stomach are not utilised completely. In fact the acid helps digest food we eat. However, when there isn’t enough food for digestion or if there is an over production of this acid, you will experience acidity pangs.In addition, acidity may also be due to eating a meal filled with either sugar or spices, stress, lack of exercise or long gaps between two meals. In most cases, the main trigger for acidity is the food we eat and our eating habits.
Though acidity is one of the most common problems faced by most of us, preventing acidity from occurring is very simple. Here are a few tricks which will help you beat acidity!
Eat at regular intervals
Always eat in small portions. Instead of one heavy breakfast, break it down into two portions and eat it at two-hour intervals. This way, your stomach is neither too full nor completely empty.Fruits and veggies
Eat a lot of fruits, vegetables and whole wheat grains as this will increase the amount of fibre you consume. The fibre in your food will absorb the extra acid produced in your stomach and also discard it out of your body. Fruits such as bananas, papayas, cucumbers and watermelons go a long way in relieving acidity. Also, dry fruits like raisins, dried figs and almonds help in easing heartburns and the burning sensation in your stomach. Eat more vegetables like drumsticks, beans, pumpkin, cabbage, carrot and spring onions.Drink water
Drink warm water first thing in the morning. This is said to flush out the excess acid which gets accumulated in your stomach through the night. In addition, drinking tender coconut water three times a day will also help you fight acidity.Sip milk
If you are suffering from acidity, sip cold milk frequently as milk is an acidity buster and it helps in stabilizing the gastric acids. But, do not think eating ice cream is as same as drinking cold milk. Actually the cream and sugar in the ice cream will just aggravate the acidity.Chew on tulsi
When you are suffering from heartburns, pop in a few tulsi leaves and chew on them for a while. This can give you instant relief. Also, mint leaves are said to be equally effective. Boil mint leaves in a bowl of water and sip it frequently. This too helps relieve you from acidity.Aniseed/sauf
Now you know the reason behind the sauf served in restaurants. It not just helps in digestion but is also great for those suffering from acidity. For best results, soak one teaspoon of sauf in one cup of boiled water overnight. Strain this water, add a teaspoon of honey to it and sip on it through the day.Chew gum
Chewing sugarless gum is said to help in reducing heartburn. Chewing gum produces more saliva, and the alkaline properties in the saliva neutralise the acid.In addition to above tips:
- Try and avoid eating out often, eating fatty, oily food and too many chocolates.
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day.
- Say a big ‘NO’ to cigarettes!
- Use an extra pillow while lying down, so that your head is slightly elevated. The elevated position helps the acid to remain inside the stomach, instead of moving into the esophagus.
- Make sure that you have dinner at least two hours before your bedtime as this helps keep acidity at bay.
Wednesday 21 November 2012
Health Benefits of Banana
1. Blood Pressure Regulation
Banana is a fruit that contains high amount of potassium and low levels of salt. This combination helps to regulate the blood pressure. It reduces the risk of heart related diseases.2. Bone Strength
The potassium content in bananas is good for the health of your bones. Eating bananas on a regular basis can prevent your bones from deteriorating. Consuming bananas can also neutralize the amount of sodium in your body, which ultimately saves calcium to get washed out from your body.3. Source of energy
Bananas are loaded with a lot of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C and Vitamin B-6. Considering this fact, it is evident that eating the fruit can provide you with great energy. Pack yourself a couple of bananas to eat in the afternoon after your lunch has been digested and your stomach asks for some food.4. Bowel Health
If you are suffering from constipation, banana is the fruit you need to pick. The fruit contains dietary fiber that aids the maintenance of the bowel system of your body.5. Stress Reduction
When you are in stress, the metabolic rate of your body shoots up and potassium levels consequently decrease. Eating a banana can thereby flush your body with potassium, which will automatically ease you and regularize your heartbeat.Health Benefits Of Honey
Honey is considered to be an elixir of life. This lustrous brown liquid works wonders for your health in more than one ways.
1. Immunity booster
The antioxidants and anti bacterial properties that honey contains, aids the improvement of the digestive system. Consuming this liquid can help boost your immune system and keep you healthy and fit in life.
2. Skin Care
Variety of beauty products available in the market contains honey as their prime ingredient. Honey not only helps to smoothen your skin but also keeps acne at bay. The anti-bacterial properties of this liquid can give your skin a nourishing look and feel.3. Aids Weight Loss
Experts recommend eating honey mixed with warm water every morning. This unique combination helps you digest the fat in your body and aid the weight loss process.4. Cancer preventive properties
Honey contains a number of antioxidants and flavanoids that help diminish the risk of a few types of cancer. These antioxidants kill the collagen in the body.6 Reasons to Drink More Water
1. Water boosts metabolism:
Trying to lose weight? Drinking water can boost your body's ability to burn fat. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that drinking water (about 17oz) increases metabolic rate by 30 percent in healthy men and women. The boost occurred within 10 minutes but reached a maximum 30-40 minutes after drinking.
2.Studies also suggest that drinking one or two glasses of water before a meal can fill you up so you naturally eat less, says Andrea N. Giancoli, MPH, RD spokesperson for The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Plus, even mild dehydration will slow down metabolism by as much as 3 percent. 2. It safeguards your heart: Speaking of essential for life…drinking a good amount of water could lower your risk of a heart attack. A six-year study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that people who drank more than five glasses of water a day were 41 percent less likely to die from a heart attack during the study period than those who drank less than two glasses. Bonus: Drinking all that water may reduce cancer risk as well. Research shows that staying hydrated can reduce risk of colon cancer by 45 percent, bladder cancer by 50 percent, and possibly reduce breast cancer risk too.
3. Water prevents headaches: The most debilitating kind as well: Migraines. In one study published in the journal Neurology, scientists recruited migraine sufferers and divided them into two groups: one took a placebo, the others were told to drink 1.5 liters of water (about six cups) in addition to their usual daily intake. At the end of two weeks, the water group had experienced 21 fewer hours of pain than those in the placebo group, as well as a decrease in pain intensity.
4. Water boosts your brainpower: Your brain needs a lot of oxygen to function at optimum levels, so drinking plenty of water ensures that it's getting all it needs. In fact, drinking eight to 10 cups of water per day can improve your levels of cognitive performance by as much as 30 percent.
The door swings both ways: Research shows that a dehydration level of just 1 percent of your body weight reduces thinking functions, so staying well-hydrated is super important for your mental performance .
5. It makes you rich: Making water your go-to drink saves a lot of money in the long run. Even though 60 percent of the U.S. population buys bottled water , it's still cheaper, on average, than juices, sodas, and Starbucks- especially when you buy it by the case. What's even cheaper: buying a filter and drinking water out of the tap. To put it in perspective, replacing your daily can of soda at lunch with a free-from-the-tap glass of water (or water cooler if you have access to one) can save you about $180 a year.
6. It keeps you alert: Dehydration is the single most common cause of daytime fatigue , so if your afternoon slump is more like a desperate need for an afternoon nap, guzzle a glass of water. It can also make you better at your job, or at least prevent you from being bad at a it-just a two percent dehydration level can trigger short-term memory problems and difficulty focusing on a computer screen or printed page.
8 Wonder Foods to Take Care of Your Eyes
Dark Green Veggies such as lettuce, spinach or collard green contain
lutein which prevents cell damage. Lutein is present in the back part of
our eyes. Keeping leafy vegetables as a part of your diet would protect
retina from being destroyed as it functions like sunglasses. They are a
great base for all sorts of Salad.
Eggs are an important source of zinc, lutein, B12, Vitamin D, Vitamin A and cysteine which helps in protecting your eyes from various diseases.
Broccoli is important in keeping heart and cancer disease away from you but it is equally important for eyes. It has nutrients which reduce the problems related to muscular degeneration and loss of vision.
Being a big source of Vitamin E, Wheat Germ decreases the development of cataract and muscular degeneration. Almonds, hazelnut and sunflower seeds are also a great source of Vitamin E which helps in keeping your eyes healthy.
Beans ranging from kidney beans to chick peas and lentils are a great source of zinc. Zinc releases Vitamin A to your diet. Deficiency in Zinc leads deterioration of macula, in retina. Zinc is also present in beef and poultry.
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