Get glowing skin naturally

We all know that fresh fruits and vegetables are a storehouse of vitamins and minerals that are important for our body.


Yet, most of us prefer opting for creams and other artificial treatments. So instead of splurging money on products that may or may not help you get beautiful skin, why not get better results by simply eating healthy!


1. Eat Vitamin A rich foods like papaya, peaches, carrot, green leafy vegetables etc. They increase resistance and support skin growth.


2. Vitamin C rich foods such as lime, awla, oranges, guava, spinach, etc help in collagen synthesis, which holds skin cells together. They promote clear skin and a fresh complexion. Fresh fruits and vegetables juices are amazing option to provide vitamins and minerals to skin which are directly absorbed through blood stream and keeps you hydrated.


3. Tomatoes are very rich in lycopene - which acts as an antioxidant that protects skin from internal damage.


4. Whole grains, cereals, almonds, walnuts are very rich in Vitamin E, which makes our skin soft, smooth and supple.


5. In winter we don't feel like drinking water but make it a point to drink loads of water as water flushes out toxins and maintains skin elasticity.


6. Avoid intake of excessive tea/coffee as it dehydrates the skin and blocks the absorption of nutrients making the skin look dull and dry. Instead consume green tea which is an excellent skin rejuvenator and antioxidant.


7. Exercise regularly as it improves blood flow throughout the body.

5 Super Foods for Men

1. Tomato Sauce. Men who eat a lot of tomatoes, tomato sauce, or pizza smothered with the stuff may be giving themselves a hedge against prostate cancer. So say researchers at Harvard, who studied the eating habits of more than 47,000 male health professionals. They found that men who ate tomato sauce two to four times per week had a 35 percent lower risk of developing prostate cancer than men who ate none. A carotenoid called lycopene, which tomatoes contain in abundance, appeared to be responsible. But scientists were puzzled: tomato juice didn't seem to have a protective effect. Other research showed why. For best absorption, lycopene should be cooked with some kind of fat. So pizza may be just what the doctor ordered.


2. Oysters. Myth has it that oysters are the food of love. Science may agree. Just two to three oysters deliver a full day's supply of zinc, a mineral critical for normal functioning of the male reproductive system. Scientists are divided over reports that sperm counts have declined over the last 50 years and that environmental factors are to blame. Nutritional deficiencies do seem to be the cause of certain cases of low testosterone. Getting adequate zinc is sometimes the answer (11 mg per day is recommended for men; more than 40 mg can pose risks). In one trial, 22 men with low testosterone levels and sperm counts were given zinc every day for 45 to 50 days. Testosterone levels and sperm counts rose.


3. Broccoli. A recent Harvard study finds that cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, may protect against bladder cancer. It's one of the most common cancers in this country, and affects two to three times as many men as women. Scientists analyzed the diets of nearly 50,000 men and discovered that those who ate five servings or more per week of cruciferous veggies were half as likely to develop bladder cancer over a ten-year period as men who rarely ate them. And broccoli and cabbage were singled out as the most protective foods.



4. Peanut Butter. If you want a healthy heart, spread your morning toast with peanut butter. Heart disease is the leading killer of men and women, but men fall victim at an earlier age. Researchers from Pennsylvania State University compared the cholesterol-lowering effect of the American Heart Association's Step II Diet with a higher-fat diet based on peanuts. The AHA plan included more carbohydrates. The peanut regimen was 36 percent fat. After 24 days both diets lowered "bad" LDL cholesterol. But the peanut plan also caused a drop in blood fats called triglycerides and did not decrease HDL, the "good" cholesterol. The AHA diet raised levels of triglycerides and lowered levels of HDL.


"Peanut butter is a little higher in fat," says Penny Kris-Etherton, Ph.D., the lead author of the Penn State study. "But it's the type that's good for you -- monounsaturated fat." Researchers have predicted that the peanut diet could reduce heart-disease risk even more than could the AHA diet. Just don't go nutty plastering on the tasty spread, since it is high in calories.


5. Watermelon. Until the age of 55, more men suffer from high blood pressure than do women. Research suggests that foods rich in potassium can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. The evidence is so convincing that the Food and Drug Administration recently allowed food labels to bear a health claim about the connection between potassium-rich foods and blood pressure. "There isn't a dietary requirement for potassium," says Kathleen Cappellano, nutrition-information manager at Tufts University in Boston. "But a good goal is about 2000 milligrams or more a day." Watermelon, a rich source of this mineral, has more potassium -- 664 mg -- in one large slice than the amount found in a banana or a cup of orange juice. So cut yourself another slice and enjoy the taste of summer.

7 Unhealthy Diet Foods

Diet soda:
Though it has fewer calories and less sugar than regular soda, diet soda may actually keep you from losing weight. New research suggests that dieters who choose to drink diet soda may actually add weight instead of losing it.


Smoothies: 
Although they can be packed with powerful nutritional benefits, smoothies can also carry loads of calories, fat, and sugar. Make sure your smoothie is filled with whole fruits and vegetables and low fat milk or milk alternatives. Skip smoothies laden with peanut butter, chocolate, or fruit syrups. Try these delicious and healthy smoothie recipes.


Artificial sweeteners:
Research is still being conducted on the safety of artificial sweeteners, but some research to date has shown that they can actually make you hungrier than natural sugar. Look for foods that contain natural sugar, or little or no sugar at all, for dieting success.


Light salad dressings:
Though they carry less fat and calories than full-fat dressings, light dressings are often high in sugar or high fructose corn syrup, which are added for flavor. Look for natural dressings that don’t list sugar as the first ingredient. Or make your own healthy salad dressings easily with these recipes.


Processed diet foods and snacks:
Switching to a frozen diet meal from the freezer seems like a good choice when trying to lose weight, but often these foods are high in sodium and sugar. Check the nutrition labels on the foods that you purchase. Look for a short ingredient list that relies on whole foods, rather than ingredients you don't recognize.


Flavored yogurt:
Yogurt is filled with calcium and protein that’s great for keeping your diet in check, but flavored yogurt can also carry loads of extra sugar and calories that sabotage your healthy eating. Try plain yogurt and adding in a small teaspoon of honey for sweetness.


Baked chips:
Although these are a good alternative to saturated fat-laden chips, baked chips usually have tons of sodium, sugar, and empty calories. If you’re in the mood for something crunchy, try snacking on a bag of fresh, raw veggies or plain rice cakes.

3 Blood-Pressure Signs You Should Never Ignore

Are you — or your doctor — shrugging off early warnings of brewing blood pressure trouble? The answer is yes if any of these “little” problems haven’t prompted you to take steps to lower your blood pressure:


It’s “high-normal.”
Thirty percent of American adults have slightly elevated blood pressure levels, between 121/81 and 139/89. But this gray zone is no small problem: It nearly doubles stroke risk. Researchers warn that many family doctors see pre-hypertension as a borderline condition that should be watched, rather than a warning that needs prompt attention.


It’s creeping up slowly
In one eye-opening study, women’s blood pressures inched upward 8 to 10 points each decade, and men’s by 4 to 5 points, between the ages of 35 and 64. That’s enough to land you in the pre-hypertensive or even the hypertensive category — and a good reason for you and your doctor to nip rising blood pressure in the bud.


It’s only high in the doctor’s office
So-called white-coat hypertension — elevated blood pressure readings in the doctor’s office but not other places (such as at a health fair, on a home monitor, or from a drugstore blood pressure machine) — isn’t a fluke you can ignore. In one Scottish study, people with this sign of raised blood pressure under stress showed early signs of stiff arteries and an overworked heart that could lead to higher blood pressure later on.

Foods to avoid during pregnancy

These nine months may be the most challenging months of your life. With your body undergoing a number of changes, you need to be extra careful about yourself as well as your surroundings. And watching your diet should on top of your list. Here are a list of things you must avoid to ensure a smooth pregnancy.


Skip aerated or caffeine-based beverages like coffee, tea and colas. Too much caffeine may affect the growth of baby. A recent study said that pregnant women who consume even about a cup of coffee everyday are at a higher risk of giving birth to an underweight baby. Cut down your consumption drastically if you can't go without your daily fix.


Avoid eating foods that have been prepared with maida. Likewise try and cut down on eating foods that are high in sugar content. Although not scientifically proven, including large quantities of nutmeg in your meals can be detrimental.


Seafood that is high in mercury should be strictly avoided. Swordfish, shark and king mackerel are among these. Raw fish may contain listeria, a bacteria that can cause food poisoning. While canned seafood is considered safe, skip smoked or frozen seafood like oysters, sushi, sashimi, and smoked salmon.


Unpasteurised milk may contain listeria, which can cross the placenta and lead to infection or blood poisoning in the baby. Ensure that the milk you drink is pasteurised.


Stay away from mould-ripened cheese (cheese that has a blue vein in it) like brie or camembert. Make sure you cook raw eggs. When the eggs are cooked, see that the yolk and white are firm.

Too much vitamin D bad for your heart

Vitamin D - known to be important for bone health and for heart protection - can also cause harm if it exceeds normal levels, a new research has warned.


Johns Hopkins scientists suggested that vitamin D may stop conferring cardiovascular benefits and could actually cause harm as levels in the blood rise above the low end of what is considered normal.


The findings found that increasing levels of vitamin D in the blood are linked with lower levels of a popular marker for cardiovascular inflammation - c-reactive protein (also known as CRP).


Healthier, lower levels of inflammation were found in people with normal or close to normal vitamin D levels.


Any additional increase in vitamin D was associated with an increase in CRP, a factor linked to stiffening of the blood vessels and an increased risk of cardiovascular problems.


"Clearly vitamin D is important for your heart health, especially if you have low blood levels of vitamin D. It reduces cardiovascular inflammation and atherosclerosis, and may reduce mortality, but it appears that at some point it can be too much of a good thing," he added.

Important Information about Contact Lenses

A 21 year old guy had worn a pair of contact lenses during a barbecue party.(An event or meal at which food is cooked outdoors over an open grill or fire). While barbecuing he stared at the fire charcoals continuously for 2-3 minutes.


After a few minutes, he started to scream for help and moved rapidly, jumping up and down. No one in the party knew why he was doing this?


Then he was admitted into the Hospital, the doctor said he'll be blind permanently because of the contact lenses that he had worn.


Contact lenses are made by plastics, and the heat from the charcoal melted his contact lenses.


DO NOT WEAR CONTACT LENSES WHERE OVERHEATING AND FLAMES ARE CONCERNED.... OR
WHILE COOKING...!

Homemade Skin Care Treatment

At home skin care treatments are fairly easy, and they save people money. Making homemade facial items helps you know exactly what it is that is going into the product you are putting on their skin. With homemade items there are no preservatives or chemicals that may cause irritation. You can use simple ingredients that may already be found in the kitchen to fight acne and aid in smoother skin. Facials are also a good way to relax, and using a few drops of a favorite essential oil mixed in can make a huge difference in your mood.

1) Whip the egg yolk using a fork until it is broken up. Egg helps smooth the skin, according to "The Body Shop Body Care Manual" (Behan, 2003). Simply imagine mixing it to use for scrambled eggs, without the egg whites. The egg whites are not useful because of their sticky consistency, which can make them drying to the skin.


2) Add the teaspoon of olive oil to the egg yolk and the tablespoon of honey, warmed up, and mix together well. Olive oil is very moisturizing. It is also rich in fatty acids, which, according to "The Beauty Workbook", is healing for the skin.


3) Mix in a drop or two of a chosen essential oil. This step is optional. Add peppermint for revitalization or lavender for relaxation. Do not add more than two drops, as essential oils can cause discomfort to sensitive skin if used in excess, according to "The Beauty Bible".


4) Rub the mixed ingredients onto the face, avoiding the eye area and the lips. Put it on in a circular motion. Let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. This facial mask is safe enough for daily use, but can as easily be used once a week for a refresher.

8 Medical Myths: Which Should You Believe?

1) Ginger
Grandma's wisdom: Ginger is good for upset stomachs.
Science says: Yes. Good evidence shows ginger reduces nausea.


2) Swimming
Grandma's wisdom: Swimming after eating can lead to cramps and drowning.
Science says: Not exactly, but not completely wrong either. After you eat, blood gets shunted to your digestive tract and away from exercising muscles. That can lead to a buildup of lactic acid in your muscles, so swimming a few laps too soon after lunch could cause a sudden (though not fatal) cramp.


3) Honey
Grandma's wisdom: Honey speeds healing.
Science says: Yes. Mild to moderate burns (but not other types of wounds) heal faster if you spread honey on them -- maybe because it creates a moist, antibacterial environment that promotes tissue growth.


4) Butter
Grandma's wisdom: Put butter on a burn.
Science says: No. There's no evidence of a benefit from butter.


5) AC
Grandma's wisdom: Sleeping in air-conditioning can give you a chill.
Science says: She may be onto something. Air conditioners dry out the protective layer of mucus along nasal passages, which likely allows viruses to infect you more easily. Viruses reproduce faster inside a cold nose too.


6) Cold
Grandma's wisdom: If you go out with wet hair, you'll catch a cold.
Science says: Maybe. Some research indicates (but doesn't prove) that a wet head helps cold viruses take hold, by tightening blood vessels in the nose and making it harder for white blood cells to reach the viruses and fight them off.


7) Apple
Grandma's wisdom: An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Science says: Granny's overstating this fruit's potency. Still, the peel is a good source of quercetin, an important antioxidant that, studies suggest, helps lower blood pressure, fight asthma and allergies, and prevent heart attacks.


8) Chocolate
Grandma's wisdom: Chocolate gives you pimples.
Science says: Not quite. Chocolate bars might trigger an acne flare-up, but if so, the culprit is probably the sugar, milk, and gooey fillings, not the cocoa.