Aloe Vera: A Skin Specialist Herb !

Aloe vera is an herb extensively used in enhancing beauty in natural way.

Aloe vera is known to help in condition known as dermatitis (an inflammatory disease of the skin) therefore helps in relieving from it

It stabilizes digestive system and therefore is very essential in providing proper nourishment to the skin.

Being an herb of cold potency, it helps in fighting against any skin diseases that are caused by pitta related disorders

It works as magic in burn cases and researches have proved its efficacy in healing wounds faster than any thing

It is helpful in erasing blemishes and dark spots on face generally caused after pregnancy.

It helps in fighting with acne and other allergic disorders of skin thereby making pores clear and healthy

Helps in lightening of the skin colour, as it helps in fighting extra amount of melalin that has been produced in body

It works as an antioxidant therefore helps in fighting with the age related changes that has occurred with growing age

Helps in slowing down the wrinkles developing on the skin.

Helps in increasing circulation of blood thus facilitating easier oxygen exchange between the cells thus providing them nourishment.

Health Benefits of Black Pepper

Health Benefits of Black Pepper

Many people are ignorant about the numerous health benefits of black pepper. It contains potent antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. It contains iron, potassium, manganese, vitamin C and fiber in large quantities. However, beside these, it does contain other nutritional components.

Black pepper is known to improve digestion.

Consume 5gm of black pepper powder mixed in a cup of buttermilk in case of digestive problems and intestinal infections. It treats these problems effectively as well as gives relief. Pepper helps stomach to produce hydrochloric acid which is needed to digest food. This prevents food staying in the stomach for a long time which ultimately cures flatulence and stomach irritations.

In case of anorexia (loss of appetite), a decoction of black pepper taken helps solving the problem by stimulating the taste buds.

In case of fever with chills, drink little warm water boiled with pepper seeds. It effectively reduces the high temperature.

Chewing the seeds, gargling with warm water boiled with the seeds, relieves toothaches.

A decoction of black pepper taken twice a day alleviates constipation.

Sucking few pepper corns provides immediate relief from throat irritations and dry cough.

A decoction of black pepper taken twice a day helps common cold and cough.

It promotes proper urination and sweating that helps get rid of harmful toxins from the body.

In case of minor cuts, sprinkle little black pepper powder on the area. It stops bleeding and its antibacterial properties promote immediate healing by killing the germs.

Teeth Brushing Mistakes - Part 2/2

You're brushing the wrong way

• The recommended way to brush your teeth is not with horizontal strokes along your gums.
• Instead, the current method recommended by the British Dental Health Foundation is to place the brush at 45 degrees against your gum line and move it in small circular movements on all the surfaces of every tooth.
• Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth, upper and lower, keeping the bristles angled against the gum line.
• Brush the biting surfaces of the teeth.
• To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several small circular strokes with the front part of the brush.
• Finally, brush your tongue. This will remove bacteria from its surface and freshen your breath.  

You’re not rinsing your toothbrush enough

• Bacteria grows on your toothbrush, so it is important to rinse it before and after use.
• It will also remove any toothpaste that may be left on the brush.
• After rinsing the brush, shake out the moisture, as a moist brush is a breeding ground for bacteria.

Your toothbrush is too old

• The longer you use your toothbrush, the more bent and misshapen the bristles will be, which undermines their effectiveness.
• You should replace your brush every three months, or once your bristles have lost their flexibility.

You're not flossing

• You may be diligent at brushing your teeth, but if you're not flossing regularly, you're failing to clean your teeth properly.
• Bits of food will get stuck between your teeth in places where the bristles don't reach. The food will decay and bacteria will attack your teeth and gums.
• The only way to remove food may be by flossing, which is why you should make a habit of doing so daily.
• Buy the right floss for your teeth - waxed if you have closely spaced teeth, or tougher floss if you have rough tooth edges.
• Make sure you use enough floss, as reusing it may simply move bacteria between teeth.

Concluded

Teeth brushing Mistakes - Part 1/2

Teeth brushing mistakes you're making

You most certainly brush your teeth, as you're keen on having a pleasant breath and a nice, white smile.

But are you brushing correctly? Are you doing it at the right time?

We've compiled a guide to common brushing mistakes, and how to do it right.

You are brushing at the wrong time

• You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, though three times is better.
• Brushing before bed is a must. Removing bacteria from your mouth prevents them from attacking your teeth overnight.
• In the morning, brush your teeth before breakfast, to remove the bacteria and plaque that has accumulated overnight.
• You can also brush after lunch, but not more. Brushing too often can damage your gums.

You're brushing and spitting

• Once you've brushed your teeth, you probably rinse your mouth with water to get rid of the toothpaste flavour.
• This is a mistake. You should not rinse your mouth, merely spit out the toothpaste.
• This will leave a coating of fluoride on your teeth, which helps prevent tooth decay by inhibiting the chemical processes of plaque bacteria.

You’re not brushing for long enough, or too long

• A quick once over will not do. You should brush 2 to 3 minutes each time.
• Anything less, and you may not properly clean your teeth.
• Brushing for too long may irritate your gums.  

You are using the wrong toothbrush

• If you shop for your toothbrush on the basis of price or colour, think again.
• The key thing in choosing a toothbrush is head size and bristle hardness.
• The brush should be the right size for your mouth, not too big. You can tell it's too big if you're struggling to open your mouth wide to brush.
• Buy a brush with bristles that are soft, as hard bristles can irritate your gums, especially if you brush too hard.
• The bristles should be able to remove the plaque but not damage your teeth.

To Be Continued....

5 easy steps to pump up your heart !

Want to keep your heart healthy? Then you need to know the following.

Holly Andersen, director of education and outreach at the Ronald O. Perelman Heart Institute of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital has offered some easy steps to improve heart health and overall well-being throughout the year.

Step 1: Know your numbers. Your blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels are the most important numbers you will need to know before you begin on the path to good heart health.

Step 2: Start walking. Exercise is the fountain of youth. A simple 20- to 30-minute walk a few days a week can actually reduce the risk of premature death by more than 50 percent.

Step 3: Laugh out loud. Laughter really is the best medicine. Just 15 minutes of laughter is about equivalent to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise with respect to our cardiovascular health. Laughter has also been linked to the healthy function of blood vessels, an increase of the brain hormones that improve mood, and reduction of pain and anxiety.

Step 4: Focus on your waistline, not your weight. Your waistline is a better measurement of your overall health than your weight because the amount of fat around your waistline is directly linked to high blood pressure and high cholesterol and can place you at increased risk for diabetes.

Step 5: Get a good night's sleep. Sleep is one of the most undervalued elements of our daily routines, but it is absolutely vital to good health. Lack of sleep increases your blood pressure, induces stress, increases your appetite and slows down your metabolism, dampens your mood and decreases your cognition.

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

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.