Wednesday, 21 November 2012

Top 10 beauty foods


1. Wild salmon: A primo source for omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce skin inflammation, preventing redness, wrinkles, and loss of firmness. It's also potent in antioxidants and vitamins B and D.

2. Low-fat yogurt: in one word, calcium. Good for strong bones, nails, and teeth. One cup of plain, low-fat yogurt has more calcium than a glass of skim milk.

3. Oysters. The best source of zinc, period. Zinc helps build collagen, which support the structure of skin and speeds up repair and renewal.

4. Blueberries: Full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that prevent long-term cell damage.

5. Kiwifruit: Another good source of antioxidants, kiwis are also a great source of vitamin C and potassium, all which help prevent wrinkles.

6. Sweet potatoes: Chock full of beta-carotene, something the body converts to vitamin A, which keeps skin smooth and is thought to prevent against sun damage.
 
7. Spinach: This nutrient-dense leafy green is a great source of beta-carotene and lutein, which protects the eyes.

8. Tomatoes: Perhaps the only vegetable best eaten processed. Tomatoes are a major source of lycopene, a potent antioxidant also thought to protect against sunburn.

9. Walnuts: A key source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. The omega-3s found in walnuts also hep fight against skin ailments like psoriasis and eczema.

10. Dark chocolate: Full of antioxidants and nutrients, cocoa (choose chocolate with at least 60 percent cocoa) increases blood flow to the skin, which in turn boosts hydration, smoothness, and protection against sun exposure.

Tuesday, 20 November 2012

10 healthy power foods for men


Whole grains: Whole grains pack in a host of vitamins, minerals and fibre – good for both men and women. However, it’s the B vitamins that particularly benefit men. Vitamin B9 (folate) helps keep sperm healthy, vitamin B7 (biotin) helps reduce hair loss. Silica, also found in whole grains aids healthy hair growth.  

Salmon: Salmon, a sea fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help treat the cause of many common health ailments in men. It not only helps reduce LDL or bad cholesterol, it also helps alleviate depression and cuts risk of prostate and colorectal cancer. 

Garlic: Garlic’s heart health boosting properties are well known, it helps lower cholesterol, reducing chances of blockage. Further, research findings published in the Journal of National Cancer Institute suggests that regularly eating garlic and onions cuts risk of prostate cancer. So include them in your diet today.

Pomegranate: Packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and studies show that eating pomegranate regularly can help lower cholesterol, a problem common to many men. Many studies also suggest that drinking a glass of pomegranate juice daily ca slow down the progress of prostate cancer.
 
Blueberries: Blueberries have been linked to reduced risk of prostate cancer, owing to high levels of proanthocyanidins (a subtype of flavonoids). The benefits of blueberries does not end there, research also suggests that this fruit can reduce risk of heart disease, age-related memory loss and type-2 diabetes — all of which – typically effect more men than women.
 
Eggs: If you’re prone to hair loss, then look no further. Eggs, an excellent source of protein and biotin (vitamin B7) boosts hair growth. Additionally, egg yolks are a good source of iron, which research suggests helps alleviate hair loss caused by anaemia.
 
Cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprout are some important veggies that every man must include in his diet. These veggies are known to contain cancer-fighting chemicals, which are known to cut risk of prostate and colorectal in men. So add them in plenty in your daily diet.

Brazil Nut: Snacking on nutsin general is good for the heart and skin. Brazil nuts, however, are particularly good for men as they have a high selenium content, which is known to enhance sperm health and motility. Selenium also helps reduce LDL or bad cholesterol and acts as mood enhancer.  

Tomatoes: This popular fruit has many benefits for men. Lycopene (a phytochemical) is known to lower cholesterol, cut risk of colorectal cancer and heart disease. Studies show that men who regularly eat food rich in lycopene have lesser chances of developing prostate cancer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday, 19 November 2012

Your Nails Say a Lot about Your Health

 It's just not your skin or eyes that reveal much about your health. Take a generous look at your nails because a twinge of white, discolouration, scales and bumps might be a warning sign about many health conditions. Here are a few to tips on how to identify the health problems your nails might be indicating about.

White Nails

What it means: Contrary to what most people believe, white nails do not indicate calcium or zinc deficiency. It is rather a minor nail trauma usually harmless caused to the nail plate when it grows.

What to Do: If all the nails are white in entirety, your will have to undergo liver and kidney function tests. White nails are often indicative of diabetes, cirrhosis or even heart problems.

Yellow Nails

What it means: Yellow nails indicate fungal infection, but if the infection worsens it is a sure sign of respiratory diseases, and in some cases even thyroid disease, psoriasis or diabetes. Sometimes your nails turn yellow because of wearing nail polish for a longer period of time. So, there’s no need to panic unless your nails are perennially yellow.

What to Do: Give your nails a polish-free week. If you are a smoker, you can soak your nails in lime juice for 5 to 10 minutes and see the bleaching magic. If your nails are yellow because of a fungal infection, see a doctor and get oral anti-fungal medication.

Blue Nails

What it means: Nails with blue tinge hint upon improper circulation of oxygen in the RBCs, which might have happened because of cold weather conditions or constriction in the blood vessels. In some cases, it may also indicate the presence of an abnormal for of haemoglobin in the blood stream.

What to Do: If your nails turn blue in cold conditions, try to keep yourself warm. However, if they remain blue perpetually, you should see a doctor to identify an underlying medical condition, perhaps a heart disease.

Pale Nails

What it means: Pale nails may be a sign of conditions such as anemia, congestive heart failure, liver disease, and malnutrition and thyroid diseases.

What to Do: You must eat wholesome diet, restrict sugar intake, and eat yoghurt daily.

Spoon Nails

What it means: You have a condition called spoon nails when your nails begin to grow upwards taking a concave shape, spoon-like.

What to Do: Although it is harmless, it may be a way of informing you that there’s a serious underlying a liver disease or heart disease or even hyperthyroidism.  So, you must get the spoon nails investigated.

Cracked/Split Nails

What it means: Often brittle nails crack or split; the causes could either be prolonged contact in water or strong detergents. And, if your nails are white or yellow and have developed cracks beneath the nail plate it could signify a fungal infection. Other reasons include endocrine disorders, malnutrition, oral medications rich in vitamin A, psoriasis, or TB.

What to Do: Keep your nails moisturized by rubbing some moisturizer around your nails. Start wearing gloves if you use a lot of soaps and chemicals. Trim your nails regularly.

Make sure you take a good look at your nails and see if it needs immediate attention of a health care provider.


Food that boost your Brain and Memory



Almonds - increase blood flow to the brain

Blueberries - improve learning and motor skills

Walnuts - high in omega 3

Brussels sprouts - has tryptophan which converts to seroten in brain health

Broccoli - assists in brain functioning

Cauliflower - assists in cleansing white matter in brain

Ginger - anti inflammatory

Apples - power food for mind, body & emotions

Watermelon - targets brain function

Cabbage - help in lowering risk of brain, lung & prostate cancer

Lettuce - helps increase blood flow to the brain

Rockmelon - supports the brain

Pine Nuts - stimulate brain activity

Sunday, 18 November 2012

USEFUL AND HANDY USES OF SALT...

1. If you drop a whole egg on the floor, pour salt all over the egg, let it sit for awhile, then use
dustpan, the egg will  come right up, without all that mess.
2. Soak stained hankies in salt water before washing.
3. Sprinkle salt on your shelves to keep ants away.
4. Soak fish in salt water before descaling; the scales will come off easier.
5. Put a few grains of rice in your saltshaker for easier pouring.
6. Add salt to green salads to prevent wilting.
7. Test the freshness of eggs in a cup of salt water; fresh eggs sink;bad ones float.
8. Add a little salt to your boiling water when cooking eggs; a cracked egg will stay in its shell this way.
9. A tiny pinch of salt with egg whites makes them beat up fluffier.
10. Soak wrinkled apples in a mildly salted water solution to perk them up.
11. Rub salt on your pancake griddle and your flapjacks won't stick.
12. Soak toothbrushes in salt water before you first use them; they will last longer.
13. Use salt to clean your discolored coffee pot.
14. Mix salt with turpentine to whiten you bathtub and toilet bowl.

Saturday, 17 November 2012

TAKE CARE OF YOUR EYES WHILE USING PC


During a recent visit to an optician, one of my friend was told of an exercise for the eyes by a specialist doctor that he termed as 20-20-20. It is apt for all of us, who spend long hours at our desks
, looking at the computer screen.

I Thought I'd share it with you.

20-20-20

Step I :-

After every 20 minutes of looking into the computer screen, turn your head and try to look at any object placed at least 20 feet away. This changes the focal length of your eyes, a must-do for the tired eyes.

Step II :-

Try and blink your eyes for 20 times in succession, to moisten them.

Step III :-

Time permitting of course, one should walk 20 paces after every 20 minutes of sitting in one particular posture. Helps blood circulation for the entire body.

Circulate among all if you care. They say that your eyes are mirrors of your soul, so do take care of them, they are priceless.

Friday, 16 November 2012

Health benifits of Vitamin C(ALL IN ONE)



Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble nutrient that is vital to all creatures. Foods that are especially rich in vitamin C are parsley, broccoli, bell peppers, strawberries, oranges, lemon juice, papaya, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens and Brussels sprouts. Here are seven health benefits of  vitamin C.

Immunity
Not only is vitamin C a  well-known component of your immune system, it is also necessary for collagen, the main structural protein found in connective tissue. A healthy dose of vitamin C will protect your body from infection and maintain healthy bones and teeth, as well as quicken the body's ability to repair wounds.

Common Cold
Along with its immune  functions that fight against bacteria, viruses, and infection, vitamin C also serves as an effective antihistamine that will lessen the unpleasant effects of the common cold, including inflammation, stuffy nose and aches.

Antioxidant
Vitamin C is a powerful and effective antioxidant that protects our bodies from free radicals that cause oxidative stress.  Excessive oxidative stress, or "cellular rust," can lead to a host of severe medical conditions, such as atherosclerosis that can cause both heart disease and stroke, and is associated with many
different types of cancer, including lung, mouth, throat, colon, stomach and esophagus. Vitamin C also
helps to regenerate your supplies of vitamin E (another usefulantioxidant).

Hypertension
Vitamin C has been shown to lower blood pressure, and therefore lessen the probability of hypertension, as well as the serious health problems that follow, such as cardiovascular disease. Blood Vessels Along with lowering your blood pressure, vitamin C ensures proper dilation of blood vessels, which can prevents such diseases as atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, congestive heart failure, and angina pectoris (a inadequate
supply of blood to the heart that causes severe chest pains).

Lead Toxicity
Vitamin C dramatically lowers your blood lead level. This is especially important for children living in urban areas, as  studies have shown that lead toxicity can lead to behavioral and developmental problems, such as learning disabilities and lowered IQ. Adults, moreover, may suffer from kidney damage and high blood
pressure.

Cataracts
The lens of the human eye  requires vitamin C to function properly, and a deficiency can lead to cataracts (a condition in which the lens becomes increasingly opaque, causing blurry vision). A higher intake of vitamin C
has been shown to fight cataracts by increasing the amount of blood flow to the eye.