Besides accentuating the flavor of your favorite foods, spices can spice up your life by boosting immune function. Garlic has been shown to prevent heart disease, cancer and has anti-biotic properties. For best results use fresh garlic cloves and mash, and add it to dishes just prior to serving. Cinnamon, cumin, clove, black pepper, mustard, hot pepper and chilli powders can act as anti-oxidants, anti-cancer elements and can actually raise the metabolism of the body and aid in fat burning, even in small doses!

             Studies advocate an anti-oxidant supplement consisting of beta-carotene, Vitamins C and E, as 'nutritional insurance' against cardiovascular diseases, cancer and aging. Although such pills are not to be mistaken for substitutes to a well-balanced menu, pills containing 6 to 15 mg. of beta carotene, 250 to 500 mg. of Vitamin C and 133 to 533 mg. of Vitamin E are advisable on a daily basis, particularly if you are on a low fat diet. The latter is found in cereals, almonds, hazelnuts, wheat germ, sunflower oil and corn puffs and retards aging. Selenium found in wheat, rice, oats, corn, garlic, onions, turkeys and fish and alpha-lipoic acid found in potatoes and red meats are new and powerful anti-oxidants. The latter has even been shown to slow down the progression of HIV infection to clinical AIDS.

                   The fact is all of us want to stay healthy and increase our chances of living longer. So make it a point to pick up these anti-ageing foods on your next trip to the supermarket. Chances are, what you choose will determine how long you live and how young you stay along the way.

              If we follow a low fat, vegetarian or semi-vegetarian diet, we can slow down the aging process. A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, complex carbohydrates and a newly discovered range of anti-aging, anti-disease chemicals called phytochemicals, can reverse the process of aging.

             Fresh fruits are great for youth. Berries, such as blue berries, strawberries, currents, jamuns, etc., and apples contain ellagic acid, which contain anti-cancer properties. Apples, in particular, contain ferrulic acid (anti-cancer) and octacosanol (anti-Parkinson-ism element). Hence an apple a day really does keep the doctor away!

            Apricots contain six carotenoids, with anti-aging properties.

            Bananas contain catechols, which aid immune function.

            Berries also contain anthocyanosides which may help prevent heart disease.

            Papayas, mango, pineapple and watermelon have anti-cancer properties.

            Citrus fruits, like oranges, lemons, lime and grapefruits contain flavonones to fight cancer, besides being rich source of Vitamin C and fiber.

            Vitamin C in oranges, papayas, guavas, tomato soups and citrus drink concentrates is associated with lower mortality.

             To keep age at bay, vegetables are the best bet. Tomatoes contain an estimated 10,000 phytochemicals, including lycopene, p-coumaric acid and chlorgenic acid, all of which are anti-cancer substances, and also GABA, which may aid in the prevention of high blood pressure. It's time to get saucy!

             Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, turnips and radishes aid in the prevention of breast cancer. Potatoes benefit immune function and carrots are a rich source of beta carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A and the maintenance of visual function. Celery has a possible role in the prevention of skin ailments and the prevention of lymphoma. Onions help lower blood cholesterol levels.

             Beta Carotene found in sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrot soup, red or orange veggies, fruits with colored skins and green leafy veggies, is associated with a lower risk towards heart attack, strokes and death.

           Hi Girls, today I have for you a couple of things that can mar your good looks.

           First one in the list is Crash Diets. Crash Diets are the biggest culprits when it comes to destroying the skin. The elastic network of collagen fibers breaks down when you rapidly lose weight, and that in turn promotes the formation of premature wrinkles.

             Excessive alcohol is another notorious beauty robber. Among other things, it can cause tiny facial capillaries to burst, resulting in unsightly spidery lines. It also prevents your system from properly utilizing the nutrients in foods, so that even if you eat a balanced diet, you are still at risk for a vitamin or mineral deficiency, if you're a heavy drinker.

             Iodine in seafood, especially in shrimp can spark a temporary rash in people with allergies. Some of us may be sensitive to iodine and may not realize it. Switching away from iodized salt, or reducing the consumption of seafood can reduce the tendency towards inflammation and breakout in some individuals.

            Lastly, avoid or cut down on caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, spicy food and extreme temperatures, if you have fragile, superficial blood vessels

             That's it for the day, I will be back with more. Till then eat right. Bye girls

                  Start the day with morning walk so that you come in contact with the fresh cool morning air.

                 Summer bathing is a great way to keep cool. Just before bathing massage legs, hands, chest, neck, shoulders and the back with light strokes using a moisturising body lotion. Better use a water based lotion for this purpose.

                  Now bathe in tepid water, stand in the shower and relax for awhile. Use a light floral shower gel or body wash, avoid glycerine based soaps/washes in the summer. Now wash yourself in cool water and then finish off with tepid water. Pat your body dry.

                Now use a good quality antiperspirant on underarms. Dab a dash of cologne on your nape, hands, legs, knee, chest and back or simply use a good deo.

                Now sprinkle light floral talc on feet to avoid smelly feet. Also sprinkle talc on shoulders, neck, chest and back.

                Repeat the use of cologne or deo during the course of the day as and when you like.

                Touch up your makeup once in the day to keep yourself looking fresh. Use minimum makeup and if you have to use then always use powder makeup products.

                During the hot days avoid starchy food like rice, potato and fried food. Also avoid sweets, chocolates and pastries.

                Drink lots of water and eat plenty of water based fruits and vegetables like cucumber and watermelon.

                 Keep green plants around yourself so that you feel cool and fresh all the time.

             Halitosis or Bad Breath is an unpleasant odour of the mouth. Halitosis diminishes your self-confidence and is an embarrassing condition.

Cause:- It is caused by poor mouth hygiene, extensive tooth decay, gum disease, excessive smoking or improper diet.

Treatment:- Mouthwashes and rinses keep your breath only for short durations and do not provide a permanent solution. It is advisable that a dentist attends on you immediately. Any manufactured, chemically based mouth washes and rinses may be used only after consulting your dentist.

Some safe, excellent mouth washes and rinses:-

* To a glass of water, add the juice of a lemon and use as a rinse

* Chew a couple of cloves

* Gargle with mint juice

* Chew on a fresh orange peel for half an hour

* A little tamarind combined with salt cleans your tongue and reduces bad breath

* Mix equal quantities of vinegar and water and use as a rinse

* Gargle with rose water or the juice of rose petals

Prevention:- Proper oral hygiene including regular brushing with dental floss is the only way to prevent Halitosis.

Diet:- A varied diet of fresh fruits, Green Leafy Vegetables, Whole grain bread and meat will provide your teeth and gums with vitamins and minerals essential for dental health.

Treat yourself with juicy Pears, Apples, Carrots and Strawberries at the end of your meal. Vitamin 'A' is necessary for overall health of gums and teeth. Cut down on diets that are high in sugary contents. Remember to drink a glass of milk before brushing at night.

                    Sometimes back my dear blogger friend Tanveer had tagged me to share how I maintain long nails. Some others from fb also tag me every now and then to share my 'secret' nail regime. Honestly I do not do anything special for my nails.

                   Just like most of you I use a hand and nail cream on my hands and massage my nails for a min. I buff regularly and keep my nails clean, using a nail brush. I used to apply Revlon nail hardener but nowadays I am told that its no more available I have changed to Colorbar Nail Treatment. But yes on Sunday mornings I soak my nails in a small bowl of warmed olive/almond oil for 5 mins and then massage hands and nails for a couple of mins.
                 Also once in a while I soak my nails in a small bowl of warm salty water for 2-3 mins, my grandma told me this treatment helps in growing the nails. A weekly normal manicure is a must for me and I do carry my own manicure set to the saloon. Diet is also very important for good nails so I take my required dose of calcium from natural food source, I don't take extra calcium supplement.

                    

               
              Acne is a common inflammatory disorder of the sebaceous glands just below the skin surface. It is characterized by the recurring formation of blackheads, whiteheads and acne. Primarily, acne occurs on the face but in some cases, it may be noticed on the back, shoulders, chest and arms.




Causes:- Hormones, are the main culprits and when they are at their peak of activity, influencing the secretion of the sebaceous glands. The excess production of sebum causes breakouts that are highly incidental during puberty and menstruation. At times, psychological stress cause acne.




Prevention:- Balanced nutrition and diet, skin hygiene, adequate sleep, exercise, fresh air, sunlight, meditation help in combating acne.




Role of Diet:- Diet is an important factor in acne. Carbohydrates and food with high fat content should be avoided from diet. The high content of oxalic acid that is present in chocolates, cocoa and rhubarb inhibits the body's absorption of calcium. Since Calcium maintains the acid-alkali balance of the body, it is important for a clear complexion. Reducing salt intake in your diet also shows a remarkable improvement in complexion. Vitamins are necessary for your lovely, smooth skin. Vitamin A is important for clear, healthy skin. Vitamin B Complex reduces facial greasiness and the formation of blackheads.






Treatment:-


*Saturate cotton wool in mint juice extract and apply everyday.


* Apply crushed marigold leaves on acne.


* Boil and mash plums to get roughly 8 tspns. Combine with 1 tspn of almond oil and apply.


* Make a smooth paste of Kasturi Turmeric and apply evenly on acne.


* Apply a mask made out of fresh margosa leaves ground to a fine paste. Add 1/4 tspn each of turmeric powder, sandal paste and gram flour. Let it dry completely before rinsing.

                  Vitamin E also known as Tocopherol is referred to as the Fertility Vitamin or the Oil of Fertility.

Vitamin E:-

* Aids Fertility and Virility

* Helps to cure Hair problems like Baldness and Dandruff

* Provides a shield against Sunburn

* Cures Athletes Foot, Corns and Varicose Veins

* Prevents premature Aging

Dietary Sources of Vitamin E

Cereals/Grains:- Wheatgerm, Wheat

Oils:- Cotton Seed Oil, Olive Oil, Rice, Bran, Oil, Vegetable Oil, Corn Oil, Nut Oil, Sunflower Oil

Meat:- Liver, Cod Liver Oil

Dairy Products:- Butter

Vegetables:- Beans, Carrot, Green Leafy Vegetables, Sweet Potatoes

Fruits:- Apple, Nuts

Miscellaneous:- Eggs and Soybean products

Deficiency of Vitamin E:- Causes Infertility, Retinal degeneration and

In Extreme Cases:- Coronary Thrombosis

Overdose of Vitamin E:- Causes High Blood Pressure

Vitamin C also called L-Ascorbic Acid, is a water soluble nutrient.

Vitamin C-

* Prevents Acne

* Helps in curing hair problems such as Baldness

* Reduces Halitosis

* Helps to reduce Weight

* Encourages healthy Bones, Teeth and Gums

* Is body's natural protection against cold and other infections

* Keeps body tissues in good condition

Dietary Sources of Vitamin C

Vegetables:- Tomato, Potato, Carrot, Turnip, Capsicum, Cabbage, Cucumber, Raw Green Vegetables

Fruits:- Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit, Apple, Banana, Pineapple, Coconut Milk, Mango, Peaches, Currants, Strawberry

Deficiency of Vitamin C:- Causes Anemia, Fatigue

Absence of Vitamin C:- Causes Scurvy

               In the early years of the 21st century, Sir Fredrick Gowland Hopkins, a food scientist discovered the wonder substance Vitamin. Vitamin is derived from the Latin word 'Vita' which means 'life'. True to this, Vitamins are essential to life. There are yet a few Vitamins to be identified, besides the Vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K. Vitamins are present in small quantities in food. Most food contain a combination of 2 or 3 Vitamins. Vitamins gives a remarkable boost to your dwindling body reserves.

Vitamin A:- Also called the 'Beauty Vitamin', it is an important Vitamin for overall health and beauty of your body.

 Vitamin A-

* Encourages bright, healthy eyes

* Contributes to hair growth and discourages dandruff

* Maintains strong teeth and bones

* Keeps your skin healthy and prevents acne

* Control halitosis (Bad Breath)

* Prevents varicose veins

* Makes nails healthy and strong

* Prevents night blindness and eye strain

* Protects your body from viral and bacterial infections

Vitamin A Capsules

Dietary sources of Vitamin A

Fruits:- Pineapple, Mango, Strawberry

Vegetables:- Carrot, Spinach, Tomato, Green Leafy Vegetables

Dairy Products:- Milk, Cream, Cheese, Butter, Yogurt

Meats:- Chicken, Liver, Fish Roe, Fish

Miscellaneous:-Egg

Deficiency of Vitamin A causes:- Rough, Scaly Skin, Brittle Nails and Inflamed Eyelids, Raises the risk of Cancer, Causes defective Enamel creation of Teeth in Babies, Pyorrhea, Alvedaris

Absence of Vitamin A:- Causes Eye Disease 'Xerophthalmia'

Overdose of Vitamin A:- Swollen Joints, Dry Skin, Peeling Skin, Hair loss, Drowsiness, Severe Headaches, Vomiting, Fatigue etc

** If I have left out anything please help in completing my list **

  We all love to go on holidays but looking good at all times is a must. So I  suggest you pack up sensibly to look and feel beautiful on the go. This is my list when I pack up my bags :)            

*The first thing I think of when I start packing up for a holiday is my Lip Balm. It is a must for those soft and lovely lips.

*Then comes my sunscreen lotion/cream for protection against the harmful UV rays.

*Night Cream to revitalize and nourish your skin while you are sleeping. Most of us wouldn't want to sit with face packs on during a vacation. The cream will give a radiant glow so pack it along.

*A pair of good tweezers for stray hairs around the brows, threading/waxing may not be possible.

*A hair removing machine/epilator for silky-feminine legs and arms (underarms too)

*Nail Clipper as nails tend to grow back in about 10 days time.

*A mild herbal shampoo to keep your hair in good condition.

*Also I do throw in a small tube of conditioner for maintaining soft and silky hair.

*Liquid soap in your favorite fragrance. You may need it at any time- I mean in an emergency.

*An essential oil to relax your body and mind when you add it to your bath water. I personally prefer Lavender oil, just a few drops works magic. The aroma has a healing effect.

*Loofah/body scrubber for smooth glowing skin.

*Perfumed-wet tissues for wiping out your sweat, makeup or hands. Gently rub off and you will feel great. Its so versatile, as for me I use baby wipes.

*A roll-on/spray deo for freshness all day long.

*Talcum Powder for soft fragrance and freshness specially in summers.

*Atleast 2 soft hand towels, gonna be very useful- trust me on this 1.

*A small hand mirror for touch ups, 3-4 combs to tame your mane.

*Tinted moisturiser and a compact for even complexion and that sexy glow.

*Lipstick palettes- 2- 1 cool and the other warm. Completely your choice though.

*A scarf to wrap around the hair to protect against UV rays.

*A cap/hat is also a must depending on your destination.

*Sun shades are a must to protect your eyes, if you wish.

                Also, keep an eye on your diet during holidays, specially what you drink. Avoid tea/coffee and drink fruit juices as much as you can. I drink nariyal paani- love it ;) Drink lots of water as well. That will keep you well hydrated from within specially during summers. Carry a couple of fruits in your pocket/purse etc. Try and avoid junk food- ok ok leave out this 1 :D :D

****************ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAYS***************

        

























              Hi Babes, after caring for your nails its high time you get a few skin care tips. Mostly blogs and sites tell you the dos but today I will tell you ten don'ts for super skin.

1. Don't be grumpy. Start the day with a smile, look at the mirror and give a big smile to yourself. Anger, tension, depression, making faces etc spoils beauty. 

2. Don't sleep with makeup on your skin. If you do that your skin will become dull and lifeless, pimples and blackheads will follow. Properly clean your skin before heading to bed. 

3. Don't go after junk food. Avoid cakes, pastries, chips, spicy food and cold drinks all together. Eat fresh veggies and fruits. 

4. Don't imitate others. Just because your friend like a particular lotion/cream don't go out to buy it. Because it may have worked for her but it might not work for your skin in the same way. So consider your skin type before buying it, try it out at the cosmetic counter if possible. If the lotion/cream suits your skin and fulfills your requirements then buy it.

5. Avoid exposing your skin to the sun-rays. Use a good quality sunscreen cream/lotion on all exposed parts before going out in the sun. Wrap a scarf to protect your hair and also wear shades to protect your peepers.

6. Don't tug your skin. Don't stretch or pull it. Don't press black and whiteheads, it may injure and damage your skin. Always be gentle.

7. Avoid short cuts. First cleanse your skin, wash it. Secondly use a toner to close pores and finally moisturize your skin. Keep aside 10 minutes each in the morning and at night for yourself.

8. Avoid wrong massage strokes as it will do more harm than good. You may get get wrinkles and the skin structure may be destroyed. Most people use a massage cream to moisten the skin for massage, the best thing will be to apply it with upward-outward strokes. Correct application will help in massaging.

9. Don't talk when you have a face mask on. You may get wrinkles and fine lines to start off. It also affects the elasticity of skin.

10. Don't wash your face with hot water not even in winters. Use tepid water, neither hot nor cold. Always remember your skin is very soft and you need to pamper it as much as you can.



Now this is all I have for now. And Babes if you can come out with any more Don'ts please share with me. Bye for now :)

                Hi Babes, after the nail art lets get into caring for the nails. If your nails are not healthy no art will look good on them. So here are some simple tips for your nails.


1. When applying moisturizer/hand cream on the hands, apply some on your nails as well and massage with circular movements over the nails. Olive oil can be used instead of moisturizer/hand cream.


2. Push back cuticles with the corners of the towel or a cotton bud while drying them. Do this everyday after washing hands with soap/ hand wash.


3. While doing household work like washing and cleaning clothes/utensils etc, wear rubber gloves, specially designed for this purpose. This saves your nails from getting cracks and breaking.


4. For stains on your nails, clean off by soaking them in warm soapy water and gently use a nail brush.


5. For thin and brittle nails keep the length short because the longer they grow the weaker they become.


6. Keep an eye on your diet. Take carrots, yogurt, eggs and vitamin supplements regularly.


7. In half a glass of water add half a teaspoon of salt. Mix well and soak nails in it for sometimes everyday, helps in growth.


8. Pointed nails crack easily, so file them to square or round shape. Don't ever use a metal file.

9. Use a cuticle remover to clean off and remove dead skin. Push back cuticles using a cuticle pusher, always sanitize tools before using them to avoid infections.


10. Before applying nail color always apply 2 coats of nail hardener. This will protect brittle nails.


11. When applying nail color start by painting the tips from side to side. Then apply one stroke on the middle and second and third coats on the sides. Let it dry and reapply another coat.


This is all I have for now. Try out the tips and please let me know how they worked for you. Till we meet again... Byeeee Babes.....