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Showing posts with label HEALTH BENEFITS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HEALTH BENEFITS. Show all posts

Monday, July 6, 2009

Oprah's Green Drink

Recipe courtesy of Oprah
When Oprah wants to start her morning with a boost of vitamins, she blends this healthy breakfast beverage.
Ingredients:Makes 2 to 2 1/2 glasses
3 stalks celery
2 cucumbers
1 apple
1 chunk fresh ginger
1 cup fresh spinach
Combine all ingredients in a juicer and blend until smooth.

Bus Stop Bench Ad That Measures Your Weight




This ad is from Fitness First – a fitness health club – in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. You just sit on it (the bench) at it will automatically measure your weight and show (in BIG numbers) everyone just how fat you are. Nice.

A very creative way of reminding you that you need to hit the gym or their gym for that matter. Only healthy and thin people will sit on this one. Trust me.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Olive oil health and beauty products and tips


Since ancient times, olive oil has been one of the most popular products with many different usages - for healthy diet, skin and hair care, sun protection and as a main substance for lots of cosmetic products.

Olive oil and its use has long history since the times when the Romans used it for the benefit of olive oils as a medicine product. In the Mediterranean countries olive oil is one of the widespread cooking products that is used for preparing almost all sort of dishes.It’s a fact that because of the daily use of olive oil the people from this countries suffer less from heart diseases than people of other countries in Europe.Olive oil has a positive effect on the cholesterol level in our blood helping the bad cholesterol levels go down without affecting the good cholesterol. It also stimulates bone growth and the absorption of calcium, helps preventing skin aging, cancer and diabetes so that it’s essential if you include olive oil in your daily menu and if possible to replace vegetable oil you use when cooking with olive oil.Olive oil is as well a great remedy for Arthritis. The high percentage of unsaturated fat and vitamins A and E helps in preventing/recovering sun damage, body burns and skin problems and inflammations.

The most popular olive oils on the market (in increasing order of quality) are:Olive Pomace Oil - acidity max 0.5º, Olive Oil - acidity max 1.5º,Virgin Olive Oil - acidity max 2º, Extra Virgin Olive Oil - acidity max 0.8º and Extra Virgin Organic Olive Oil.


Olive oil can be also used in pure form as a home cosmetic product for brittle nails (with few drops of lemon juice), for dry and chapped lips, to soften your hands, for damaged, dry or fine hair as hair mask ( just add one egg to 1/2 teacup of warm olive oil/, the mask should be kept for 30min on your hair covered with a plastic cap.If you also have dry face or body skin you can use olive oil as a body lotion, same refers to dry feet.

Olive oil is actually a product with universal usage of course if you don’t like the smell you can always buy cosmetic products based on olive oil.There are plenty of different brands of olive oil cosmetic products on the market to choose from - face or body olive oil soaps, Body lotions, Olive Oil Hair shampoos and Conditioners, hair masks and sun lotions, etc.Whatever you try, you definitely will benefit from the well known healing effect of olive oil elixir.

Benefits of OLIVE OIL for HAIR !!!

My hair is falling off like crazy ...I dont know if its age or stress . But its really thinning these days and its a huge concern for me and its bothering . Olive oil For Hair - I read it in a magazine { Cant believe everything you read in a magazine } and wanted to try it for so long.

Today I tried Olive Oil to hydrate my hair. I didnt use any fancy olive oil thats sold in hair product stores ,but just used the olive oil I have in my kitchen , the extra virgin Olive oil.
This is what I did , I took a small quantity into a small bowl and heated it for 10 secs in my microwave. Now the oil is luke warm. I applied the oil to my scalp and hair and massaged a few minutes . I let it stay for 3 hours then washed it off.
I didnt know what to expect but It was really easy to wash it off .... it is much easier than washing hair with regular hair oil .
Okay now the after effects ...My hair is soft when I touch it. I feel great about the feel and look. Let me repeat this process for another month and will let you know the results.
This is a simple , best , and most of all a "cheap method" which can be done @ home to help repair damaged and dull hair . So people if you are spending time in the sun and in the pool all that chlorine effects should be reversed. Try this out and you will see the results.
Good Luck !!!!!!

Good - Bad Carbs ; Proteins








Following are good sources of complex carbohydrates and protein:

Good Carbohydrates:
Potatoes, yams, beans, peas, wheat bread, bananas, macaroni, spaghetti, cereal, raisins, apples, bagels, syrup, brown rice, corn, apples, carrots, root vegetables








Bad Carbohydrates





Definition : Carbohydrates are one of the main dietary components. This category of foods includes sugars, starches, and fiber.


Alternative Names : Starches; Simple sugars; Sugars; Complex carbohydrates; Diet - carbohydrates; Simple carbohydrates

Function : The primary function of carbohydrates is to provide energy for the body, especially the brain and the nervous system. An enzyme called amylase helps break down carbohydrates into glucose


Good Protein: Low fat milk, beans, green peas, lean beef, chicken, fish, eggs, cheese, yogurt, nuts, peanut butter, cottage cheese, tofu and soy products


Saturday, May 30, 2009

Hair mask's for all types of hair



During the summer or during the colder winter months your hair may appear lifeless. The frequent usage of hair mask is the best way to keep your hair nourished, moisturized and healthy-looking. The aim of every hair mask is to nourish and condition the hair deeply in order to restore the hair to its best “shape“. Appling a hair mask at least once a week is a must for every woman no matter what her hair type is.
There are hair masks, specially designed for the different hair types ??“ there are masks for dry hair, for oily hair, for colored hair, for damaged hair. There are even hair masks that prevent hair loss, eliminate frizz, add volume and shine to the hair, prevent split ends etc.Hair masks should be applied before or after the conditioner, usually onto a damp hair. For better results you can wrap a towel on your head after the application of the mask and let the treatment soak in for approximately 5/ 10 minutes.


The benefits of applying hair masks:
nourish and condition the hair deeply
moisturize the hair and prevent dry hair
eliminate frizzy hair
prevent split ends
add shine and volume to the hair
repair damaged hair
prevent hair loss
keep the color bright
restore dried out strands
hydrate dry, damaged hair
smooth rough cuticles
leave the hair soft, shiny, easy to comb and style


PROFESSIONAL HAIR MASKS FOR DRY HAIR
Even after the first application of any professional hair mask your hair will restore its shine and healthy-look. The masks for dry hair contain a complex of nourishing oils and moisturizing ingredients that penetrate deeply into the scalp.Apply any hair mask on wet hair using a comb to spread the product evenly. Leave the mask on for approximately 15 minutes and then rinse it thoroughly.Most of the masks for dry hair are also appropriate for normal hair. So if your hair is normal you can apply the mask only to the ends of your hair that are usually dry.Recommended Hair Masks For Dry Hair:

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask ($7) - This intensive moisture treatment rescues even the most dehydrated hair strands. Use this restorative mask each week for effective treatment of extra dry or over-processed hair. Three naturally derived extracts penetrate to help moisturize each layer of the hair strand.


Sunsilk Hydra TLC Multi-Symptom Masque ($4.50) - helps repair your hair from root to tip, which means you can wave goodbye to split ends and say hello to softer, stronger hair. With nutri-keratin.





Phyto Phytokarite Ultra Nourishing Mask - Ultra Dry Hair ($38) - an intensive treatment mask that repairs and restructures very dry, damaged hair by providing the essential elements it lacks. Extremely dry hair is regenerated right from the first application. The result is softer, shinier hair.




Klorane Intense Nutrition Repair Mask with Mango Butter ($26) - provides dry, damaged hair with intense nutrition and revitalization. Restructures the hair shaft and closes up hair cuticles to make your hair less porous and therefore more resistant to damage.


Frederic Fekkai Hair Mask with Shea Butter ($22.50) - A rich, creamy hair treatment mask ideal for ultra-dry, thick or unruly hair. Hydrates and repairs the hair with shea butter and macadamia nut oils.


PROFESSIONAL HAIR MASKS FOR OILY HAIR
The hair masks for oily hair usually contain special ingredients that control and regulate the excess production of sebum, calm irritated scalp and cleanse the hair deeply. Most of them contain oil absorbing ingredients (clay, mineral mug, kaolin) that absorb the excess amount of oil and dirt. The vegetable extracts normalize the sebaceous glands and nourish the hair deeply.

Most of the masks for oily hair should be applied on dry hair, before washing in order to absorb the excess amount of oil and any impurities.Recommended Hair Masks For Oily Hair:

Jericho Dead Sea Mud Hair Mask for Oily and Irritated Scalp ($19) - The mask protects the health of the scalp and strengthens the hair roots while giving it shiny and natural look. Treats and restores essential elements damaged by hair coloring, permanents, bleaches and other chemical processes.



Rene Furterer Curbicia Purifying Clay Mask ($25) - purifies and treats oily scalps and absorbs excess sebum. Your hair will recapture volume and shine.



Kerastase Specifique Masquargil Cleansing Treatment, Oily Hair ($13) ??“ hair mask specially designed for oily scalp and hair. Absorb the excess oil effectively and nourish the hair deeply even after the first usage.































PROFESSIONAL HAIR MASKS FOR THIN AND DAMAGED HAIR
These masks act in two ways. First they repair and strengthen the roots and stop the hair loss and as a result the hair becomes thicker and more elastic.The hair masks for thin and damaged hair should be applied on wet hair after the shampoo and before the conditioner (if necessary). Apply the mask generously and massage your scalp for 5 minutes with your fingertips to improve blood circulation and to strengthen the penetration of the active ingredients into the ends.
Recommended Hair Masks For Thin And Damaged Hair:
Dove Advanced Care Repairing Treatment Therapy ($5.50) - Delivers therapy to hair with symptoms of severe dryness or damage with intense moisturizers that go deep inside the hair and repair the surface, without weighing it down. Leave hair noticeably softer and smoother.
Rene Furterer Repairing Sun Mask for Damaged Hair ($26) - This mask repairs hair that has been damaged by harmful UV and seawater. Thanks to its nutrient substances and shea butter, it deeply nourishes and restructures the hair fiber without making the hair heavy. It detangles instantly and restores the hair’s shine, gloss and suppleness.
Philosophy Shear Splendor Age Defying Conditioning Mask ($22) - Ultra hydrating and moisturizing formula helps protect hair from styling stress. Helps restore shine and strength to hair.
PROFESSIONAL HAIR MASKS FOR COLOR-TREATED HAIR
These masks repair any damage caused during the coloring treatment and protect the color from fading. The hair masks for color treated hair contain many nourishing and moisturizing ingredients.Apply the mask for color-treated hair once or twice a week.
Recommended Hair Masks For Color-Treated Hair:
Dove Advanced Color Care Reviving Mask For Lightened or Highlighted Hair ($9) - designed for lightened hair or highlighted hair and gives back natural moisture and oils that stripped your hair in your lightening process. It contains moisturizers that penetrate the hair’s fibers to reconstruct and revive the natural process of hair.

Phyto Phytocitrus Mask Essential Nutrition Hair Mask for Colored Hair ($32) - Phytocitrus mask is a soothing, nourishing treatment especially designed for colored and permed hair. It not only seals the hair cuticles, locking in color and maintaining tight curls, but it also penetrates deeply to restructure the hair keratin, thus restoring strength and shine.

Frederic Fekkai Technician Color Care Mask ($32) - An intense and instant treatment designed to deeply nourish and protect color-treated hair. The luscious creamy formula helps extend the life of color treatments and maintain healthy, shiny hair. The triple-color protection complex helps protect hair from UV rays and color from fading, while it helps keep color looking radiant and lustrous.

PROFESSIONAL HAIR MASKS FOR EVERY HAIR TYPE
The frequent usage of hair mask will prevent many common hair problems ??“ split ends, dry hair, oily hair, thin hair, frizziness etc.These masks moisturize, nourish, condition and repair the hair deeply and can be used every time after washing your hair or once a week depending on the condition of your hair.Recommended Hair Masks:

Clinique Hair Repair Mask ($27) - Intensive treatment works to rebuild hair??™s strength and resilience. Penetrates deeply to help repair damage and split ends, leaving hair smoother, stronger, shinier. Helps promote healthy scalp to encourage healthier-looking hair.

Pantene Pro-V Restoratives Time Renewal Replenishing Mask ($6.20) - Renews the natural beauty and shine of damaged hair.

WELLA Biotouch Nutri Care Curl Nutrition Intensive Mask ($18) - specially developed complex of nutrents, plus Vitamin A and Olive Fruit Extract, leave hair looking naturally beautiful and healthy. The formula of rich ingredients provides curly hair with renewed vitality and elasticity, while intesely conditioning.
















































































Friday, May 15, 2009

HEALTH BENEFITS OF TURMERIC









Turmeric / Haldi/ Pasupu


Turmeric is one of nature's most powerful healers. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Tumeric has been used for over 2500 years in India, where it was most likely first used as a dye.


The medicinal properties of this spice have been slowly revealing themselves over the centuries. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent research has revealed that turmeric is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer's disease.


Here are 20 reasons to add turmeric to your diet:
1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.
2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.
3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.
4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.
5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.
6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.
7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.
8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.
9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.
10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.
11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.


12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.
13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.
16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.
17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.
18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.
19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.
20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.


Turmeric can be taken in powder or pill form. It is available in pill form in most health food stores, usually in 250-500mg capsules.


Once you start using turmeric on a regular basis, it's fun to find new ways to use it in recipes. My favorite way to use it is to add a pinch of it to egg salad. It adds a nice flavor and gives the egg salad a rich yellow hue.

Contraindications: Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction. Though turmeric is often used by pregnant women, it is important to consult with a doctor before doing so as turmeric can be a uterine stimulant.

Friday, May 8, 2009

10 Steps to Manage Your Weight



You’ve just lost weight and you don’t want to see that number go back up on your scale. With these 10 tricks from dietitians and successful dieters, you’ll be able to maintain your weight with ease.
Build more lean muscle. Maintain, or even increase, your metabolism by continuing to build lean muscle. “Muscle has a higher metabolism than fat does,” explains Emily Banes, RD, clinical dietitian at Houston Northwest Medical Center. If you don’t yet train with weights, add this type of exercise to your overall program now. If you do, increase the amount of weight you’re working with to keep yourself challenged.


CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Ten tips to reduce body weight















There is a simple equation that lies behind every successful weight loss: if you burn more calories then you take in, the weight will come off. To do this, you need effective tips that are easy to follow and implement.
Here are ten tips to reduce body weight:










1. There is one crucial reason why most diets fail – they’re not designed so that you can stick to them long-term. Nearly all diets fail to reprogram you to think and eat automatically.





2. Skipping meals is not recommended for people trying to lose weight. In this case, your body goes into a fat-storing, starvation mode. To help you stay full, eat a handful of nuts.
3. If you want to know whether an increased waist size is putting you at health risk, carefully monitor your blood pressure.





4. Cinnamon is a spice that is helpful for controlling weight. It increases insulin sensitivity, which helps enhance the satiety center in your brain.
5. Stress can affect your weight loss efforts. Extreme stress turns off your hunger while chronic stress makes you hunger after good carbohydrates. Chronic stress makes your body store more fat.





6. If you want to cut your appetite, eat whole-grain foods. They are loaded with filling fiber.
7. Condition called PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is responsible for weight gain in about 10% to 20% of women under age fifty.





8. Fiber fills you up for the longest amount of time. Eat a cup of oatmeal in the morning to prevent you from afternoon gorging.
9. Walk at least half an hour every day for best possible waist control. You can do it at once or in intervals.





10. Bupropion, an antidepressant, is an effective medical option for weight loss. It helps control cravings and lead to about a 7% weight loss.










Bonus tip: Include resistance training like weight lifting to burn more fat throughout the day.
Finding it impossible to lose extra pounds? Read this inspiring weight loss success story to discover how easy is to achieve a desired weight. If you want quick results, you may want to read how to lose inches fast.

FRUIT JUICES FOR GOOD HEALTH

Juices that could benefit your health and improve it.

Ginger (adrak)- Qualities: In Sanskrit, ginger is called ‘Vishvaushadha’. It is anti-rheumatic, stimulates gastric fire and therefore is a good appetizer, laxative and digestive. It is nutritious and is good for the eyes and throat.

Use- Small piece of ginger soaked in lemon water, with a little salt, may be a good appetizer if taken half an hour before a meal. It is believed to be helpful in digesting food and it also expels gas. In fact it is also said to be a boon for old age. People over the age of 50 are recommended to take ginger regularly in the above mentioned way, in order to keep away from diseases related to old age.

Benefits- Ginger dislodges kapha, and expels the gases. It seems to be helpful in reducing edema and also decreasing the level of uric acid. A spoon of ginger juice taken on a daily basis may reduce the risk of developing tongue and throat cancer.

Ginger juice, when used as nasal drops may provide relief against headache. As far as toothaches are concerned, rubbing a piece of ginger on the ailing tooth is believed to be very helpful in relieving pain. Not only this, ginger also gives relief in problems like catarrh and sinusitis.
Grapes (draksh)-Qualities: Grapes are sweet in taste, stimulative to the neuro system, soothing, and act as an appetizer. On the contrary, ripe grapes are said to be mild, diuretic and moderate aphrodisiacs. They are said to be cooling and refreshing.


They are believed to be of help in eliminating thirst, burning sensation, fever, asthma, leprosy, tuberculosis, irregular menstruation, voice trouble, vomiting, obesity, edema, chronic jaundice (hepatitis) and other disorders. They are also said to decrease gastric acidity.
Grapes are said to be capable of retaining youth and delaying the symptoms of old age. Grapes are nutritive and act as a preventive for wasting diseases. As they are stated to be cooling and have an alkalinizing effect, its fresh juice is said to be capable of soothing burning sensation in the epigastric region. Abdominal gases are also said to be eliminated with grapes, due to its ability to digest food.

Grapes give relief in burning micturition, decrease the level of uric acid, and thereby give relief to people suffering from gout. It is also helpful in regulating the menses. Benefits- Since grapes have a high water content, its regular usage is believed to be capable of relieving constipation.
It is also considered to be good for piles, as it makes the passing of stools easier without any friction with the anal wall; thereby avoiding any pain and bleeding piles. Grape juice is balvardhak, i.e. it grows strength by increasing the level of blood sugar and also increases the hemoglobin count. Because of its high sugar value, grapes are said to be very helpful while recovering from an acute illness.

Regular consumption of dry black grapes, also known as resins; or the juice of black grapes, both are said to be a well known cure for heat sensation in the body. Grapes are said to be able to do so, because of its ability to decrease the pitta (acid) content of body, which is responsible for the increasing heat in the body.

Guava(peru)-Qualities: Guavas are palatable, astringent and sweet. They are said to promote semen, and are also believed to be beneficial in constipation. Guava is cool and keeps a check on the excess flow of bile in the body. It is also stated that they work as an appetizer. It gives relief in burning sensation, and also cures delusion and hysteria.

They also have the ability to quench thirst. Other benefits of guava are that they are anti-helmenthic; they provide relief in insanity and also eliminate constipation. Use- Guava may be consumed directly by masticating it well; however, in order to obtain more nutrients, the juice of guava is recommended. Every 100 ml. of guava juice is believed to contain about 70 to 170 milligrams of vitamin C.

Benefits: As stated above, guava is believed to be beneficial in constipation, purifying the impurities of blood, leprosy and various other diseases. Jambul Qualities According to the Ayurveda, jambul is a stimulant to gastric fire, diuretic and constipating. It is also believed to keep a check on bile and soothe burning sensation.

Use- A word of caution has been dropped that milk should not to be taken, one hour before or after the consumption of any sort of sour and salty food including jambul. Jambul or jambul-juice is also said to be forbidden for people suffering from edema and vomiting.

Benefits- Jambul is believed to be very effective in spleen and liver disorders. They are also said to be capable of activating the liver and eliminating pain in the abdomen. Jambuls are believed to aid in toning up the heart, and also help in curing anemia. They are further even said to be capable of providing relief in burning sensation felt in the kidneys.

Jambul juice is said to be an excellent medicine in the treatment of gonorrhea and diabetes. Its other benefits include purifying the blood by removing its impurities, helpful in leprosy and kidney stones. They are also believed to be helpful in curing dysentery, diarrhea and indigestion.
Lemon (nimbu)- Qualities: Lemon has been stated to act as a good appetizer, expectorant, and flatulent. Its high acid content makes it a good anti-bacterial. However, the consumption of lemon in its concentrated form may destroy the tooth enamel.

Use- Consumption of lemon is recommended after diluting it with four parts of water. Benefits: Lemon juice is believed to act as a shield against catching cold, malaria or flu. Lemons are said to act as an anti-bacterial and thus people are recommended to take advantage of these antibacterial and resistant properties of lemon juice particularly during the rainy season.
Lemon juice, when applied on the face is believed to aid in decreasing the marks on the face.

However, it has also been stated that this juice should be diluted with water, and then gently massaged over the face. This application is recommended to be left on the face for a period of 20 minutes before taking a shower.

Following this pattern for a period of 10 days; boasts of getting rid of 90 percent marks, pimples, and acne on the face. Its other benefits include its ability to decrease heartbeats, which may prove to be helpful for cardiac patients having palpitations.

Lemon is said to be a rich source of vitamin C. It is also said to contain Vitamin P, which gives strength to the blood vessels and thus may be helpful in preventing internal hemorrhage. Because of its ability to protect the blood vessels, it is believed to be good for patients having a higher risk of blood vessel rupture.

Other than the above mentioned qualities, the second most valuable content of lemon is said to be citric acid. They are also believed to have higher potassium content as compared to apple or grapes. Lemon is also said to be useful in destroying intestinal worms.

Melon (kharbuza)- Qualities: Melon juice is cooling and a good diuretic. Benefits: As melon has both cooling and alkaline properties, it is said to be able to soothe gastric burning. Its high mineral content gives a feeling of freshness in people. Other than this, its high water content is believed to have certain properties which aid in relieving constipation.

In fact, the pulp of this fruit is believed to be a powerful diuretic which even allays kidney diseases. Since melon juice is believed to promote cough, people suffering from cold, asthma or catarrh are recommended to use it discreetly, or slightly warm it before use.

Onions (pyaaz-Qualities- They are cardio-protective, aphrodisiac, digestive and believed to promote good sleep. Benefits- Onion juice is stated to be of great help in reducing cholesterol and triglycerides, thereby preventing high blood pressure and also reducing atherosclerosis.

Onions are even said to have the ability to enhance semen and sperm production, which in turn makes onions good for virility. Its other benefits include its ability to dislodge mucus, which again in turn makes it beneficial in cough and cold. They are also stated to be useful in indigestion and biliousness. More so, onion juice mixed with sugar is believed to be an instant cure for bleeding piles.

Orange (santra)-Qualities: They are high in citric acid and therefore are a good antiseptic. Oranges are also said to be useful as a blood purifier. In fact, they are also believed to be a regimen in illnesses like fever.

Benefits- The high vitamin C content of oranges, gives them the property of a mild laxative, which makes it good for people suffering from constipation. Oranges are also said to be useful for people with asthma and other bronchial troubles.

It has been stated that a cup of orange juice provides as many calories as three-quarters of a cup of milk.

In conditions like chronic dyspepsia, it has been stated that food may not be properly digested, which in turn causes putrefaction in the digestive tract which further gives rise to gas. Here, orange juice steps in and helps in eliminating this putrefaction of food in the stomach. It is believed to have the ability to cleanse the tracts of the stomach and intestines, which increases the digestive power of both these digestive organs.

Papaya:
Qualities: The ripe papaya is sweet, diuretic, vayu nashak, and virya wardhak. This fruit is said to have high zinc content, and is beneficial to the heart and liver. More so, papaya is said to have certain properties which may be of help in cases like insanity. It is also said to be a good medicine for constipation and urinary disorders.

The white (milky) secretion of raw papaya is believed to contain the papain digestive enzyme in significant amount. In addition to papain, papaya is also said to contain certain enzymes like arginine (for male fertility), carpain (good for heart) and fibrin (necessary for blood-coagulation).
Benefits- Raw papaya juice is believed to be very helpful in expelling round worms from the digestive tract. Because of its high zinc content it is stated to be of great help in shrinking an enlarged prostate and is therefore believed to be good for benign prostate hypertrophy. Papaya is also believed to be useful for any infection pertaining to the mucous membrane. They are also said to have the ability to bring a spleen back to its normal size in the case of an enlarged spleen. Other than splenomegaly, papaya is also said to have proved its usefulness in conditions like anemia.

Besides these properties, papaya is also said to be of help in relieving a person from chronic constipation, other than relieving an individual from abdominal pain and hyper-acidity. They are also believed to be of help in securing a proper menstrual flow. More so, papaya seeds are said to be a good anti-helmenthic.

Papaya is also believed to be of great help in kidney disorders. In fact, ripe papaya is believed to be a sure remedy to treat constipation. The ability of papaya to give relief in cough and cold may be credited to its function of protecting the mucous membrane.

A paste made out of the skin of papaya is believed to aid in getting rid of pimples and comadones, which further gives luster to the face. It has further being stated that, a poultice made out of the leaves of papaya plant is believed to be beneficial in conditions like neuralgia (nerve-pain) and elephantiasis. Having said this, it is also been stated that papaya causes heat in the body and thus should be avoided during pregnancy or fever. This claim has been made by Ayurveda.

Pineapple-Use: Since pineapples have a very high content of citric acid, their consumption should be avoided on an empty stomach. Having them on an empty stomach is believed to lead to more acid secretion and hyper-acidity. It has further been stated that pineapples, being a good antiseptic, its juice may prove to be good for the throat.

Benefits- The antibacterial properties present in pineapple, make them very useful in throat infections like laryngitis and pharyngitis. This anti-viral property of pineapple juice is even said to have been confirmed by the Ayurveda experts.

As per their opinion, pineapple juice holds the ability to allay bile, destroy intestinal worms and prove to be beneficial to the heart. If you thought this is the end of the Juice Therapy article, then think again! As we intend on returning next week with the concluding article that spotlights the benefits of the various juices.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Diet for Healthy Skin



A diet rich in omega-3s and other healthy fats may help keep skin supple and hydrated


If you have dry skin, you know that lotions and moisturizers help. But can certain dietary choices combat dry, itchy, scaly skin?
"The most important part of the skin barrier is lipids, including phospholipids, free fatty acids, cholesterol, and ceramides," says Amy Newburger, MD, an attending physician in the Dermatology Department at St. Luke's Roosevelt Medical Center. "Skin without enough fat in it has a protein predominance and is kind of like a mess made just of twigs with no glue between them." Water easily escapes through a barrier without lipids, allowing skin to become dehydrated.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids are necessary for the production of intercellular lipids — the "glue" between the "twigs" in the stratum corneum, or surface of the skin. They also have an anti-inflammatory effect on irritated skin. Two types of fatty acids that are "essential" — that is, they must be obtained through the diet — are omega-3s, and omega-6s.
Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish like salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, and sardines, as well as flaxseed oil, some types of eggs, and grass-fed beef. Evening primrose oil and borage seed oil, which are high in omega-6s, help hydrate the skin and prevent water from evaporating, says Leslie Baumann, director of the University of Miami Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute. "If you don't like fish or are pregnant and can't eat it, omega-3 supplements are a good option." Most Americans get enough omega-6s through their diet because they're contained in corn and safflower oils.
While anecdotal success of fatty acids for alleviating dry skin has not been conclusively bolstered by research, several studies have shown significant positive effects: In a 2006 study of 50 patients with atopic dermatitis, 96 percent of those given capsules of evening primrose oil for five months showed notable reduction in intensity, itching, and dryness of the skin. In another study, of 29 elderly patients, borage seed oil supplements taken in pill form helped reduce water loss from the skin by 10.8 percent. And in a study of 118 infants with high risk of developing atopic dermatitis, those who were given borage seed oil and went on to develop the condition experienced a lower severity of the disorder than those in a placebo group. On the other hand, a 2006 meta-analysis of 22 studies that tested the effects of essential fatty acid supplementation found that no significant benefit was conferred on people with atopic dematitis by plant and fish oil supplements. More studies must be conducted before conclusions can be reached.
Vitamins and Minerals for Dry Skin
"Vitamin C is necessary for the function of the enzyme that causes collagen to form," says Dr. Newburger, "and collagen acts as a sponge for moisture."





Newburger adds that copper and zinc are also necessary. Together, vitamin C, zinc, and copper keep collagen denser, which in turn allows for plump, hydrated skin. "Any good multivitamin with trace minerals in it contains zinc and copper," says Newburger. Zinc has also been found to have anti-inflammatory effects, which is vital for maintaining smooth skin.
Caffeine, Alcohol, and Dry Skin
While consuming caffeine is unlikely to dehydrate you, it does make the blood vessels constrict, which is why it's used in eye creams (to reduce puffiness). "Long term, this means a reduced amount of blood flow and nutrients though the tissues," warns Newburger. "And if you don't have healthy circulation, you won't have age-appropriate cell turnover."
In the case of alcohol, Michele Murphy, a registered dietitian at NewPresbyterian–Weill Cornell Medical Center, explains that although it's a diuretic, you'd need to be severely dehydrated to experience any noticeable changes. "The average person having a glass of wine with dinner every night and maintaining adequate fluid intake is unlikely to see any real difference," she says. Contrary to popular belief, drinking large amounts of water does not affect skin. "The water we drink that's processed internally isn't going to impact the external look or feel of the skin," Murphy says. Instead, it's the skin's outer layer that is essential for keeping moisture in.
Don't Overdo It
If you're already eating a balanced diet with sufficient fats, adding more fats or taking supplements is not necessarily a quick fix for dry skin. "If you're deficient in fat or certain vitamins, it does have the potential to affect the look or feel of your skin," says Murphy. "But supplementing beyond what the body needs has not been shown to improve skin."

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

STRAWBERRY MILK SHAKE RECIPE

INGREDIENTS
Fresh Large Strawberries , A Dozen
2 Cups of Milk
3 Tbsp Sugar
Ice - 25 cubes
Nuts - Almonds, Cashew , Pistachio( Any or all of them if desired )




I had a box of fresh strawberries , couldn't keep them long so I decided to make the strawberry milk shake.

A Dozen strawberries cut and clean.


PREPARATION

In a blender add all the ingredients and blend well.






Here I added Strawberries and Ice
















Here I added Milk and Sugar





















Here you can see all the ingredients blended





Pour into a Glass and Serve


I added some crushed Almonds and mint leafs for decoration.
If you are making this Milk Shake for Kids add Nuts depending on their choice for more nutrition and flavor










































WITH OR WITHOUT NUTS ITS STILL HEALTHY




















YUMMY , SMELLS DELICIOUS and HEALTHY

HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE PHOTOS

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