Monday, December 12, 2011

Pistachios : Get your facts straight !




With a pale green flesh and reddish purple skin, pistachio nuts have been a part of the traditional Indian culinary art. With concerns ranging from high cholesterol and high fat content to their ability to cause obesity, the truth is that pistachios are actually cholesterol-free and are useful in lowering cholesterol levels.

They also have several other cardio-protective elements; such as helping control blood pressure and weight reduction. Owing to their fatty acid profile, nutritional properties and bioactive constituents, pistachios have been found to be useful in the prevention and treatment of several disorders and maintaining good health.
The fat in pistachios is 90 per cent unsaturated. Mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) comprise 55 per cent of the total fat content. This type of fat is found in olive oil and has several desirable effects on our health. It has been shown to reduce bad cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol. Thus a diet consisting of pistachios favourably improves lipid profile and reduces the risk of heart diseases.
Interestingly, pistachios are one of the richest sources of phytosterols and have been known to be a good source of other antioxidants (natural substances known to fight diseases and delay ageing) including beta-carotene (precursor for vitamin A), tocopherols (precursor for Vitamin E), carotenoids (zeaxanthin and lutein), selenium, and flavanoids. Carotenoids (zeaxanthin and lutein) protect against degeneration of the retina of eye and have a potential contribution in the prevention of heart disease and stroke. Their richness in selenium and other powerful antioxidants also contributes to their role in prevention of heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
Due to their similarity in structure to that of cholesterol, it is believed that phytosterols "block" dietary cholesterol absorption in the body. They are also a good source of protein, fibre and potassium. Like most tree nuts, pistachios are a good source of arginine (an amino acid) known to have heart protective properties. In addition, this essential amino acid is also necessary for synthesis of neurotransmitters in the brain, helping in alleviating depression, controlling addictive behaviour and encouraging mental alertness. Pistachios also provide B vitamins. Vitamin B6 plays an important role in various biochemical reactions and efficient functioning of the immune system, red blood cell metabolism and haemoglobin production. It is also responsible for synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, both of which are necessary for nerve cell communication.
They have recently been studied for their role in improving glycemic (blood sugar) control and preventing diabetes-related complications. A study conducted by the University of Toronto claimed that pistachios, when eaten with high carbohydrate food items like white bread, may actually slow the absorption of carbohydrates in the body, resulting in a lower than expected blood sugar level.
In fact, they also help in weight reduction. It has been reported that Oleoylethanolamide or OEA, an appetite-suppressing compound in oleic acid, helps one feel fuller longer after a meal. 

The high potassium levels make pistachios a great choice for controlling hypertension and preventing arrhythmias (irregular heart beat). One serving of pistachios contains 310 mgs of potassium, a whopping 36 per cent of the daily recommended amount.

Pistachios can be consumed year round and provide not only nutrition, but also enhance taste and texture of food.


Source: Indian Express


Friday, December 9, 2011

Ways To Look Beautiful - Part 3



12.   Don't worry if you do not have well toned legs. Apply a little oil along the bone of your leg to give a leaner appearance. Polished, shiny legs look slimmer.


13.   Red wine is known to have antioxidants that are good for your skin. To get that fresh look on your face after a tiring day, splash your face with four to five tablespoons of wine mixed with water. Your skin will feel more soft and supple.


14.   Very often nails get stained because of dark polish. The best way to remove them is to rub lemon halves on your nails for about five minutes. It works as an astringent and will brighten them up.


15.   Apply eye shadow with a damp brush makes the color pop.


16.   To make your perfume last longer, apply a little petroleum jelly on your pulse points and then spray perfume on it.


17.   For a quick pedicure, dip your feet in warm water with sea salt and rub them with a dry loofah. Then, massage with a dollop of hydrating moisturiser and coat your nails with transparent nail paint.



Thursday, December 8, 2011

Ways To Look Beautiful - Part 2



7.    Have an evening party but don't have time to go for a facial? Take two or three ice cubes in a cloth and add a few drops of aromatic oil to make a round (potli). Rub gently to get a fresh looking face.


8.   Who does not want washboards abs? however, everyone can't hit the gym as often as they want to. So all of you need to do ladies, is to just pull in your stomach tightly everytime you sit or walk. A week's practice works out your muscles to make you look in shape.


9.   For a quick glow and a healthier look, just bend over from your waist and hold this posture for about 30 seconds. The blood will rush to your face giving you that instant glow.


10.  For instant, shiny hair, gently rub a silk cloth over them. The cloth reduces static electricity and makes your hair look neat.

11.  We all go through mornings when we run out of serum. In times of such tragedy use (very) little hand cream or conditioner and rub it on your tresses. it will work wonders!.


To Be Continued....


Source : TOI


Thursday, December 1, 2011

Ways To Look Beautiful - Part 1


Look gorgeous this season with this cheat sheet :

1.  To treat a acne a baby anti-rash cream should be used, rather than a pimple cream because baby creams have zincoxide, which helps cure zits quicker than pimple creams.


2. The best way to make your lip color last longer is to apply a little foundation on your lips before using the lip color.


3.  For luscious long lashes, apply mascara on the tips and let it dry. Then, apply a second coat to the lashes covering them completely.


4.  For a shiny look, apply a little transparent gloss on the eyelids to achieve beautiful eyes in seconds.


5.  No time for waxing? And not a big fan of razors? All you need is to apply a little bronzer to your moisturizer and apply all over your arms and legs smoothly. It effectively camouflages body hair while making you look like a sun-kissed goddess.


6.  A home made mixture of crushed oats and honey works as well as session of body scrubbing in a salon.


To Be Continued....


Source : TOI