Daily Archives: December 31, 2015

20 Best Ways to Prevent Acne(pimples)

Acne(pimples) are small papules, pustules, skin lesions or skin inflammations and are also known as zits or spots. They are usually found on the face, back, chest and shoulders.

The cause of Acne(pimples) can be:

a) Excess sebum secretion
b) Bacterial infections due to poor hygiene
c) Clogging of pores due to trapped oil, dirt, dust and pollution
d) Clogging of pores due to cosmetics and makeup products
e) Accumulation of dead skin cells and grime buildup
f) Unhealthy lifestyle and dietary habits
g) Consumption of junk food
h) Not drinking enough water
i)Heredity or genes
Age: Teenagers are more prone to hormonal changes and a cause of acne

1. Good Lifestyle:
Following a good hygiene routine that includes washing the face regularly to get rid of makeup, dirt, dust and grime is very important to keep pimples at bay. Cleaning the skin helps remove dead skin cells and also frees the skin from contaminants that may aggravate the growth of pimples. Do not forget to apply a toner after cleansing. Avoid popping the pimples and avoid cleansers that destroy skin balance. Check product ingredient labels for salicylic acid, neem, tea tree oil, honey or turmeric as each of these natural ingredients fight pimples.

2. Change Your Pillow Case Weekly
Forget the $50 bottle of acne cream you’ve been purchasing every month, changing your pillow case is a proven method for preventing breakouts. All of the sweat, dirt and makeup from your face is seeping into your pillow every night. Particularly if you don’t wash your face before heading to bed, basically you are sleeping in all of the dirt, oil, and debris that collected on your face all day.

3. Do Not Skip Moisturizing:
Contrary to popular belief, acne-prone skin needs moisturizing and hydration. Not providing the skin with enough moisture, will encourage sebaceous glands to produce more sebum or oil to compensate for moisture and leading to increased chances of acne. Consider choosing a moisturizer, which is oil-free, lightweight, water-based or gel-based and non-comedogenic will hydrate the skin without making it look oily or greasy. A basic beauty regime of cleansing, toning and moisturizing must be followed religiously.

4. Review Your Shampoo
Have you noticed that you’ve been breaking out a lot more than usual lately? You might want to check your shampoo. Shampoos and conditioners with a lot fragrance and chemicals can irritate skin and cause breakouts on your forehead, jaw, neck and back.

5. Stop Touching Your Face
You might notice that people who touch their face often are prone to breakouts. This is because the oils and dirt on your hands are constantly transferred to your sweet visage. This might seem like common sense but keeping your hands away from your face is harder than you think.

6. Check Your Laundry Detergent
Much like shampoos, laundry detergents can be a huge culprit when it comes to breakouts. If you’re experiencing more breakouts than normal it could very well have to do with the ingredients in your detergent. Many soaps contain harsh chemicals and fragrances that can irritate skin (especially when you use towels to dry your face).

7. Go Easy on the Makeup
This may be hard for some girls (especially those in high school) but lightening up on the makeup will almost certainly help control your breakouts. Not only are the ingredients in most makeup products bad for your skin but applying makeup means touching your face, which can lead to a breakout.

8. Stay Out of the Sun
A little bit of sun has been known to reduce breakouts but too much can cause damage to your skin and prompt a breakout. If you’re planning a weekend at the beach, be sure to load up on sunscreen and moisturizer–these will help keep your skin hydrated and protected from the sun which will equal less breakouts this summer.

9. Exercise:
With the hectic lifestyle nowadays, stress levels are high, just 30 minutes of daily exercise is excellent for the health as well as the skin. As daily exercise keeps hormone levels in balance and also releases toxins through sweat, it reduces the chances of pimples. Moreover, the importance of sleep should not be ignored. Take ample rest and ensure you do not over stress yourself.

10. Reduce Stress
Staying calm and happy has actually been proven to help control breakouts. Acne often appears when someone becomes stressed out or worried about something (perhaps you’re worried about breaking out) and tends to spread faster in these circumstances as well. The best thing to do is to keep calm and try not to sweat the small stuff. In doing so, you’ll feel and look better.

11. Quit Smoking and Drinking
Hopefully, this will be an easy one for most of you out there (because hopefully you don’t do either of these things to begin with) but if you do smoke or drink you should seriously consider quitting. Smoking and drinking dehydrate the skin, making it much more prone to breaking out.

12. Keep your face clean
Cleansing shall be one of the most important steps of your skin care routine. Even if you are not having an acne problem washing the face twice a day helps in removing dirt, oil and dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Less oil and dirt also means less acne. While washing your face never apply soap and always use a mild face cleanser. Also wash the face only with warm or cold water as using hot water can cause pimples.

13. Use dermatological products or treatments
If all else fails then this can be your backup plan. There is a huge variety of anti-acne products- face washes, creams, face packs etc., available in the market these days. Search a little, find a product that will best suit your skin type and give it a try. If still your pimples are unlikely to go away then don’t hesitate from going to a dermatologist.

14. Watch your hair often
To avoid having pimples it is not just necessary to keep your face oil free but your hair shall also not be oily. Leaving overnight oil on your hair can cause pimples as the hair touching your face will make your skin oily. Wash your hair regularly and don’t let them fall on your face. Also go easy on products like hair gels, fragrances and deodorants as they can clog up the skin pores leading to pimples.

15. Apply ice
Ice soothes the skin, particularly the affected area which can help your skin to become pimple-free. Applying ice on the skin will remove the oil and dirt trapped inside and reduces the redness and swelling. To get rid of an eruption, put an ice cube in a cloth and gently press it against the affected skin. Or one can also make it a routine to apply crushed ice or ice cubes to the skin in order to avoid pimples.

16. Apply honey
Honey masks are quite a common acne treatment. Applying honey on the face works both as a preventive method and as a treatment for pimples. It is a natural antiseptic that soothes and heals the skin. The antioxidants present in honey can help in reducing the inflammation over the skin and making it pimple free. Apply some honey on your face for 15-30 minutes and then wash it off. Not only will it work against your acne problem but it also makes the skin smooth and supple.

17. Use lemons
Like honey, lemons are also believed to be a quite effective natural treatment for getting rid of pimples. Lemons can help avoiding pimples in more than one way. Lemon juice reduces the oil, kills bacteria, reduces redness and also removes the pimple scars. To use it over your pimples squeeze some fresh lime juice over a cotton swab or a cotton ball and apply it over your face. It can give quick results.

18. Use baking soda
Another wonder product which you already have in your kitchen and it can help you fight against pimples is baking soda. A mixture of baking soda and lemon juice can be applied on the skin to make it pimple free. Baking soda is an amphoteric compound which means it can work both as an acid and as a base. It helps in neutralizing the skin’s pH, imbalance in which is often a cause behind acne. It also dries the skin removing any extra oil and mixing some baking soda with water works wonderfully in cleansing and exfoliating our skin.

19. Apply toothpaste
While treating pimples you don’t always need to go and buy some specialized cosmetic product but your humble toothpaste can also be of a lot of use. Now while using toothpaste as a pimple treatment always choose a white toothpaste and not the gel or red, blue or green stripes ones. Also don’t use the teeth whitening toothpaste to apply over the skin. Wash your face with warm water and a cleanser and pat dry. Now take a pea size amount of toothpaste and apply it only over the affected area. Keep it for a couple of hours or overnight and then wash it. Your pimples must be either gone or much less visible.

20. Use Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a cactus like plant with anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-septic, astringent and a lot more useful medicinal properties. It can be used in a lot of ways- as a moisturizer, a face mask, shaving oil or it can also be included in your diet. Aloe Vera can work wonders for treating and preventing acne as it removes excess oil and dirt from the skin. It stimulates the cell growth, and helps the damaged skin for healing faster.

Sources:
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/how-to-prevent-and-remove-pimplesacne-21-effective-methods/
http://listovative.com/top-12-simple-tips-avoid-pimples/
http://www.activebeat.com/your-health/15-best-ways-to-prevent-acne-avoid-breakouts-with-these-tips/12/

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11 tips to Lower Cholesterol

Some foods punch well above their weight in helping to reduce cholesterol levels – we call them the “Cholesterol busters”. Choosing a healthy diet, low in saturated fat is important in helping to keep your cholesterol low but you can reduce your cholesterol levels further by including these super six foods in your every day diet .

Tips to Lower Cholesterol
1. Oats

Super Food Oats BarleyBoth oats and barley are rich in a form of soluble fibre called beta glucan. Once eaten beta glucan forms a gel which helps bind cholesterol in the intestines and prevent it from being absorbed. It is recommended that we eat about 3g of beta glucan per day. Foods which contain 1g or more of beta glucan can carry a cholesterol lowering claim.

2. Red wine
Scientists are giving us yet another reason to drink to our health. It turns out that high-fiber Tempranillo red grapes, used to make red wine like Rioja, may actually have a significant effect on cholesterol levels. A study conducted by the department of metabolism and nutrition at Universidad Complutense de Madrid in Spain found that when individuals consumed the same grape supplement found in red wine, their LDL levels decreased by 9%. In addition, those who had high cholesterol going into the study saw a 12% drop in LDL.

3. Salmon & fatty fish
Omega-3 fats are one of the natural health wonders of the world and have been shown to ward off heart disease, dementia, and many other diseases. Now these fatty acids can add yet another health benefit to their repertoire: lowering cholesterol. According to research from Loma Linda University, replacing saturated fats with omega-3s like those found in salmon, sardines, and herring can raise good cholesterol as much as 4%.

4. Soya Foods
Soya Foods and DrinksBeing naturally low in saturated fat, soya foods help lower cholesterol. The special proteins in soya also appear to influence how the body regulates cholesterol too.

5. Nuts
All nuts are rich in vegetable protein, fibre, heart healthy unsaturated fats, vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, natural plant sterols and a host of beneficial plant nutrients.

6. Fruits and vegetables
Super Foods Fruit & VegtablesAll fruits and vegetables are low in saturated fat so eating more helps to keep saturated fat intake low. Fruit and vegetables are also a valuable source of cholesterol lowering soluble fibres. Try to include at least one pulse (beans, peas, lentils) everyday. Other rich sources of soluble fibre include sweet potato, aubergine, okra (ladies finger), broccoli, apples, strawberry and prunes.

7. Tea
While tea has become well known for its cancer-fighting antioxidants, it is also a great defense against LDL cholesterol levels. According to research conducted with the USDA, black tea has been shown to reduce blood lipids by up to 10% in only 3 weeks. These findings were concluded in a larger study of how tea may also help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

8. Beans
Beans, beans—they really are good for your heart. Researchers at Arizona State University Polytechnic found that adding ½ cup of beans to soup lowers total cholesterol, including LDL, by up to 8%. The key to this heart-healthy food is its abundance of fiber, which has been shown to slow the rate and amount of absorption of cholesterol in certain foods. Try black, kidney, or pinto beans; each supplies about one-third of your daily fiber needs.

9. Chocolate
Ah, the sweet side of a heart-healthy diet: This powerful antioxidant helps build HDL cholesterol levels. In a 2007 study published in AJCN, participants who were given cocoa powder had a 24% increase in HDL levels over 12 weeks, compared with a 5% increase in the control group. Remember to choose the dark or bittersweet kind (you can find it in these melt-in-your-mouth Organic Cacao Wafers). Compared to milk chocolate, it has more than 3 times as many antioxidants, which prevent blood platelets from sticking together and may even keep arteries unclogged.

10. Garlic
Aside from adding zing to almost any dish, garlic has been found to lower cholesterol, prevent blood clots, reduce blood pressure, and protect against infections. Now research finds that it helps stop artery-clogging plaque at its earliest stage by keeping cholesterol particles from sticking to artery walls. Try for two to four fresh cloves a day.

11. Spinach
This popular green contains lots of lutein, the sunshine-yellow pigment found in dark green leafy vegetables and egg yolks. Lutein already has a “golden” reputation for guarding against age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness. Now research suggests that just ½ cup of a lutein-rich food daily also guards against heart attacks by helping artery walls “shrug off” cholesterol invaders that cause clogging. Look for bags of baby spinach leaves that you can use for salads or pop in the microwave for a quick side dish.

Sources:
http://heartuk.org.uk/cholesterol-and-diet/six-super-foods-for-lower-cholesterol
http://www.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/how-lower-cholesterol-naturally
http://www.realmealrevolution.com

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14 Benefit of Folate(Folic Acid)

 Folate or folic acid, commonly known as vitamin B-12, plays a vital role in many bodily functions, including cell repair and maintenance, DNA synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and the formation of leukocytes and erythrocytes. It prevents obesity and various cancers, including colon cancer, as well as preventing heart disease.

Health benefits of folate:

1. Supports Normal Fetal Development
Folate plays an integral role in fetal development and the benefits for pregnant women and their offspring cannot be understated. Folate deficiency during early pregnancy can lead to neural tube defects. This is a serious problem that can lead to pregnancy termination or a baby born with spina bifida.

2. Encourages Normal Cholesterol Levels
A Polish study found folic acid supplementation encourages normal cholesterol levels. In the study of 124 individuals, researchers observed significant reductions in LDL cholesterol levels in subjects who’d supplemented with .4 mg of folic acid daily for 12 weeks. The result is believed to have been derived from reduced homocysteine levels.

3. Provides Neurological Support
Research suggests there may be a link between folate levels and neural health. A Korean study of elderly patients found that those suffering from dementia had the highest levels of homocysteine, and the lowest folate levels. Patients in the control group who did not suffer from dementia had higher folate levels.

4. Fetal development
Erythrocyte production – the adequate and appropriate development of an unborn child’s brain and spinal cord – is dependent on foods rich in folate. A lack of folate during pregnancy can lead to gaps in the development of the spinal cord, which can result in paralysis, brain damage, or a stillborn child.

5. Production of red blood cells
Folate is key in the development of red blood cells or erythrocytes. A lack of this compound can make the body susceptible to cancer. In addition, the body’s defense mechanism, the white blood cells, are also manufactured in the presence of folate supplements.

6. Thwarting heart disease
Folic acid supplements also help the heart stay healthy and function optimally. Folate deficiency can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, coronary complications, and strokes in patients. In the U.S., after bread and cereal companies were asked to add vitamin B12 to their products, the rate of heart disease and stroke decreased by about 15 percent. Folic acid also helps remove homocysteine, a toxic compound that can lead to severe artery damage if not eliminated from the blood.

7. Helps keep brain young
Adequate folate levels are necessary for proper brain functioning. Studies have shown that folate benefits the brain by slowing down the effects of aging.

8. Depression:
Folic acid is used to cure depression and enhance mood regulation. An adequate folate level is necessary for proper brain functioning.

9. Digestion:
Folic acid works with vitamin B12 and vitamin C to help the body utilize and digest proteins.

10. Healthy Glow:
The proper intake of folic acid can give one’s skin a natural, healthy, and moisturized glow.

11. Heart Disease:
Folic acid, along with vitamin B12, helps the heart in many ways. They help reduce blood clotting; blood clots lead to cardiovascular disease. Hence, it helps reduce the chances of heart attacks.

12. Cancer:
Folic acid can prevent the cancer cells from multiplying. You can be protected from colon cancer by consuming folic acid supplements. It can also help prevent cervical cancer and pancreatic cancer.

13. Diabetes:
Folic acid can reduce the fat content in the blood. This may help in handling obesity and thus, prevent type 2 diabetes.

14. Gum Infection:
Folic acid can be directly applied to the gum to cure gum infections.

Sources:
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/9-incredible-health-benefits-of-folate/
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/best-benefits-of-folic-acid-for-skin-hair-and-health/
http://www.newsmax.com/FastFeatures/folate-health-benefits-foods/2011/01/13/id/369432/
http://abcnews.go.com/topics/lifestyle/health/folic-acid.htm

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9 Home remedies for Ringworm

Ringworm is a common and contagious skin infection most commonly caused by the fungus Trichophyton rubrum. The fungus thrives in warm, moist areas and can infect several areas of the skin from the scalp to the feet (where it’s known as athlete’s foot) to the groin (better known as “jock itch”) and everything in between. Ringworm infections generally result in red, itchy, scaly round patches on the skin, which are not only unsightly but can cause great discomfort.

Home remedies of ringworm

1. Garlic
Garlic is a bit of a wonder food. When ingested, garlic is known as a natural remedy for a host of health concerns. Garlic has been known to lessen the severity and duration of the common cold, naturally reduce blood pressure, and lower bad cholesterol among many other benefits. But garlic can also be used topically as a natural treatment for ringworm, which makes it the first in our list of home remedies for ringworm. It’s the naturally occurring chemical compounds allicin and ajoene that are found in garlic whose antibacterial and anti-fungal properties make it a powerhouse against skin infections like ringworm. In fact, one study found a topical ajoene cream more effective in treating athlete’s foot than a leading over-the-counter medicated cream.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Like garlic, apple cider vinegar (now increasingly referred to as ACV and a home remedy powerhouse) is known to have numerous health benefits. It has become a staple in most natural remedy medicine cabinets. We always keep a bottle of organic, raw apple cider vinegar with the mother on hand. Most of the health benefits of ACV are attributed to the acetic acid in the vinegar, which is known to effectively treat a range of skin concerns including ringworm due to its anti-fungal properties.

3. Tea Tree Oil
As it has been employed for decades by the Australians, this oil is a favorite ingredient for several cosmetics including shampoos and hair oils. In addition, it has a lengthy history of helping to treat cuts, burns, and infections.

4. Coconut Oil
The application of coconut oil for grey hair and treatment of other hair and scalp problems is well known. The healing properties found in coconut oil are extremely effective in treating ringworm infections. This is a simple ingredient which can be found in your home. The oil provides great relief from itchy skin while making the area smooth and soft. Coconut oil is also greatly used in treating scalp ring worms. You need to apply the oil on the affected area overnight. By doing this you will eliminate build-up and residue of the infection.

5. Mustard Seeds
Mustard seeds are tiny in size but they are great agents to cure ring worm. Soak the mustard seeds in water for 30 minutes and grind them to make a thick paste. The paste needs to be applied on the infected skin to provide relief from itching and irritation.

6. Turmeric
This simple spice we use in our daily life actually has some great natural antibiotic qualities. Turmeric, popularly known as the holy powder has several potent benefits. This remedy will help you get rid of all kinds of bacterial and fungal infections. Use fresh turmeric juice to apply on the affected areas with the help of a cotton ball. You need to apply it 3 times every day until your infection disappears.

7. Aloe Vera
The use of aloe vera hair mask for natural hair conditioning is extremely popular in beauty circles. However, it is a great remedy to get rid of skin infections as well. Aloe Vera is an all-natural remedy for ringworm and numerous other skin problems. Remove the gel from aloe vera and apply it directly on the skin. Leave it on overnight and wash the affected area the next day. Apply it every day till you are cured of your illness. \

8. Vinegar and Salt
Form a paste of vinegar and salt and apply it directly onto the ringworm. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes. Those who have used this approach to handle ringworm say it tends to take about 7 days or so for the illness to dissipate.

10. Olive Leaf
Almost all the parts of the olive tree have potent health benefits. Olive oil is undoubtedly the best body massage oil, whereas olive leaf is a powerful remedy for ringworm. It has anti-fungal qualities and helps in boosting the body’s immune system. Consume this leaf 3 times per day until the problem subsides and you feel light from within.

Sources:
http://www.thefitindian.com/top-10-natural-remedies-to-treat-ringworm-at-home/
http://www.naturalalternativeremedy.com/the-11-best-at-home-remedies-for-ringworm/
http://www.medicinenet.com/ringworm_pictures_slideshow/article.htm

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