Coffee for Beautiful Hands

My hands are ugly. Yes, you read it right. My hands are dry, dull, and unappealing. Recently, I gave a try to coffee grounds and I can see the difference. Coffee grounds are natural exfoliator. Caffeine helps reduce calluses and banish dry, rough skin. Exfoliation with coffee powder removes dead and dry skins from the skin surface. If you follow the process religiously, your hand’s skin will look healthy and glowing.

Here a recipe: Mix coffee grounds with olive oil (you can use other oils such as coconut oil, almond oil, etc) and massage it onto your hands. The duration of massage should be 7-10 mins. Use circular motion to massage the mixture so as it gets absorbed into the skin. You can let the mixture sit for 5 mins more for added result; else you can rinse your hands with lukewarm water.

Follow this, twice in a week. This will soften hands, making them look wonderful.

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Tips to Tackle Oily Skin

Consistent face wash schedule:

If you wash your face too frequently, your facial skin will dry out. It will cause your body to try and compensate by creating more oil. If you don’t wash your face at required time, it will cause old oil to build up

So, follow a consistent face wash schedule to tackle oily face. Wash your face twice daily – in the morning and before going to bed.

Use right face wash or face soap:

Use face wash/soap that is made especially for oily skin. Don’t apply very harsh soap on your face. It will destroy natural oil and will damage the skin.

Wash your face with water at right temperature:

Using hot water will break out the oil. It will also open the pores and clear out the excess oil. Always remember to splash the face with cold water at the end; this will close the pores and tightens the skin.

Apply toner:

Toner is a must have for oily skinned beauties and gentlemen. It closes up the pores and dries up excess oil when applied after face wash. Put few drops of toner on a cotton ball and dab onto face after washing.

Exfoliate with baking soda:

 Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with little water so as to form a paste, and scrub your face for 1-2 minutes. Rinse off with cold water.

Apply fuller’s earth (multani mitti):

Fuller’s earth is boon for oily skin. Mix a tablespoon of multani mitti with required amount of rose water to form a paste. You can also add 2-3 drops of fresh lime juice. Apply the paste on face and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with cold water. You can follow it twice or thrice in week to keep excess oil away.

Take steam:

Take boiled water in a broad mouthed bowl. Hold your face over the steaming water and cover the head with a towel. This will open the pores and cleanse the impurities such as dust and oil build up from the face.

Eat right:

Avoid oily foods. Include salads and fresh fruits in your fruit. Nuts can also cause oiling on your face.

Keep your hair away from the face:

Scalp oil for the hair can easily transfer to your face. Some hair oil and shampoo also creates oil in hair. Oil from hair will worsen the condition of your oily face.

Use blotting paper to remove excess oil:

Whenever you feel excess of oil on your face, blot the oil using blotting paper. A single-ply tissue paper will also absorb the excess oil effectively.  

Use clean pillow cover:

Wash your pillow case every week. Else, the dirt and oil on your pillow cover will get transferred to your face. Cotton pillow case is safe for oily skinned people. 

Food Cooked at High Temperature May Increase Alzheimer's Risk

According to a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, eating food cooked at high temperature increases the risk of Alzheimer's Disease.

When a food is cooked at high temperatures; the content of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) increases.

(AGEs) are a group of compounds that are combinations of sugars, proteins and other large molecules. AGEs increase the risk of various chronic diseases including increased inflammation and oxidative stress. They can also combine to the receptor for AGEs (RAGE). RAGE transports beta-amyloid proteins across the blood-brain barrier and contributes to the development of Alzheimer's disease, the researchers explained. 

The researchers found that the higher the cooking temperature, the higher the AGEs content in food. Meat made the highest contribution of AGEs, followed by vegetable oils, cheese and fish. The diet containing larger quantities of AGEs were correlated with higher incidence of Alzheimer's Disease. The study was conducted by researchers at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. 

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Alzheimer’s Disease in India: Awareness

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is an illness in which the mental ability of persons gradually declines and brain stops to function in a normal way; is the most common type of dementia. It adversely affects memory, thought process, and behavioral mannerism. It is generally seen in elderly people. It’s more harmful for people over 55.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease usually develops slowly, and gradually worsen over time. It starts with minor forgetfulness and transmutes into a serious mental disorder. At an advanced stage of AD, it becomes difficult for the person to lead a normal life. Patients can’t even identify the people close to them. They lose both visual and verbal memories. They forget recent conversations, names of recent acquaintances, misplace objects, and lose way in familiar surroundings. The progression rate of this disease is different for everyone. However, people with Alzheimer’s live for around eight years after symptoms begin.  

Short-term memory loss is very common symptom of the people suffering from AD. 

Currently, there are no cures for Alzheimer’s Disease. Many countries have day care centers for such patients. But in India, the family is the care-giver. 

Globally, one out of 10 persons who are above 80 years and one out of four persons who are above 90 years suffer from Alzheimer’s. In India, we have nearly 50 lakh dementia patients, of which around 70 to 80 % have Alzheimer’s.

Associate professor, Department of Neurology, NIMS, Dr. K. Rukmini Mridula says, “AD occurs due to abnormal and toxic protein accumulation in neurons. We lose the capacity to remove toxic proteins with age and that’s why such ailments manifest in older age”. AD is the most common neuro-degenerative disease.

Common symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD):

• Problem in completing tasks that were once easy to do
• Complexity in planning and difficulty in solving problems
• Frequent mood swings or changes in personality
• Problems with communication
• Confusion about places, people, and events
• Trouble in understanding images
• Schizophonic thoughts

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Vital Nutrients for Women

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Vital Nutrients for Women

Calcium: Many women suffer from weak bones as they age. To overcome this, calcium is very important. So, ensure you consume enough of dairy products to meet your body’s calcium needs.  According to a survey, 30 million women suffer from osteoporosis in India.

Iron: The number of women suffering from anaemia in India is one of the highest in the world. Iron deficiency causes anaemia, fatigue, insomnia, and lack of concentration. Iron gets oxygen to the cells, lack of the same makes one exhausted. So, include food that is rich in iron to stay active. Women lose blood on a monthly basis during menstruation, and they suffer iron loss because iron travels through the blood. So, it’s important for women to get enough iron to replenish what is lost. Chicken, turkey, fortified cereals, and beans are important sources of iron. Beetroot contains a lot of iron.

Folic acid: Experts say that folic acid helps cells mutate. It is vital for pregnant women as it prevents various birth defects. However, this vitamin is useful for all womankind; it is essential in the production of red blood cells (RBC). It reduces risk of developing high blood pressure (hypertension). It is found in green leafy vegetables, juices, beans, fortified cereal, and nuts. Fresh pea is an excellent source of folic acid.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps our body absorb calcium. The calcium you consume will be ineffective if your body does not have adequate vitamin D in stock. Vitamin D comes from three major sources: sunlight, food, and supplements. You should try to get it naturally - sun bathe for around half-an-hour every day. Vitamin D is found in fish like tuna and salmon, fortified orange juice, cod liver oil, mushrooms, egg yolk, and milk.

Protein: Protein is an important nutrient in building healthy bones and muscles. It also fights germs, breaks down everything you eat, and controls metabolism of the body. It is mainly found in poultry, red meat, fish, and nuts. According to study, women require at least 45 grams of protein daily.

Fibre: Fibre keeps blood sugar and cholesterol levels in check. It helps in digestions well. Vegetables, fruits, whole-grain breads, cereals, nuts, and beans are rich source of fibre. The recommended daily amount of fibre is 25 grams for women. After age 50, your daily fibre needs drop to 21 grams.

Vitamin C: Yes, beauties, it is very essential for glowing skin, lustrous hair, and healthy bones. Don’t forget to get enough vitamin C. Include red pepper, broccoli, and citrus fruits in your diet. Fresh carrots are also good source vitamin C. 

Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are good fats. It reduces the risk of heart disease. Walnuts and flaxseeds also contain omega-3 fatty acids. Eat Almonds. Reduce Belly Fat

Magnesium: It takes part in many of the chemical reactions that happen inside the body. It is very significant for nerves, muscle tone, and bones. It checks cardiovascular disease, regulates blood pressure, and keeps osteoporosis at bay. Pumpkin seeds, spinach, black beans, and almonds are prime source of magnesium.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. It fights free radical - the unstable oxygen in the body. It is vital for balanced immune system, and healthy eyes and skin. It protects from heart diseases and sunstroke. 

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Health Risks of Consuming Excessive Beetroot

It is well known that beetroots are full of health nutrients such as essential vitamins, calcium, iron, potassium, and protein. But excessive consumption of the same can have some side effects that definitely vary person to person.

Can lead to kidney stone:

Beets are high in oxalates which can form small crystals and lead to the development of kidney stones. So, eat beets in moderation, if you are prone to kidney stone.

Can contribute to gout:

Oxalates in beets can cause gout - a type of arthritis - because it increases the level of uric acid in the body.

Beeturia:

A lot of beet consumption can result in pink or red urine and stool. It is caused by the betalain pigment secretion. It might not cause any serious health problems, though.  

Tightness in vocal cords:

Some people feel tightness in throat or trouble in speaking. Drinking undiluted beetroot juice might (might not, in some cases) lead to this problem. Drinking beet juice with apple juice or other fresh vegetable juices in cocktail keeps the problem at bay.

Fever, chill, and rashes:

Some people experience fever, chills, and rashes after consuming beet juice. Detoxification and cleansing creates temporary symptoms such as a low fever or chills. Rashes may be reported as a result of allergy. Though, it is very uncommon.

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Health Benefits of Beetroot

Beetroot is a rich source of folate and manganese. It also contains thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, pantothenic acid, choline, betaine, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper and selenium.Beets are high in dietary nitrate, which makes it a great food.

Here are some great health benefits of beetroot:

Blood pressure: Due to the high nitrate levels contained in beet juice, beetroot juice is  an effective way to treat cardiovascular conditions and blood pressure.

Dementia (mental illness): According to researchers at Wake Forest University, beetroot can improve oxygenation to the brain, slowing the progression of dementia in older adults. Blood flow to certain areas of the brain decrease with age and leads to a decline in cognition and possible dementia. Beetroot with high nitrate diet can improve the blood flow and oxygenation to these areas and improve the condition.

Anaemia: Beetroot contains a lot of iron. The iron helps treat anaemia.

Diabetes: An antioxidant, alpha-lipoic acid present in beetroot is boon for diabetics. It lowers glucose levels, increases insulin sensitivity, and prevents oxidative stress-induced changes in patients with diabetes.

Cancer: Beetroot contains a compound called as, betacyanin, which improves cell respiration and stops/slows the growth of cancer cells. 

Digestion: It prevents constipation and promote regularity for a healthy digestive tract owning to high fiber content.

Boost endurance (metabolic diseases): Supplementation of beetroot juice has been shown to improve muscle oxygenation during exercise.It is suggested that increased dietary nitrate intake has the potential to improve exercise tolerance. Those with cardiovascular, respiratory, or metabolic diseases, who find the activities of daily living physically difficult because of lack of oxygenation, could be improved with beetroon consumption.

Inflammation: Choline, an important and versatile nutrient found in beetroot. It helps in sleep, muscle movement, learning, and memory. Also, choline maintains the structure of cellular membranes, aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, assists in the absorption of fat, and reduces chronic inflammation.

Reduces bad cholesterol: It contains large amounts betacyanin, which is a powerful antioxidant and helps in reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and does not allow it to deposit on the artery walls. Thus, beetroot protects from potential heart attacks and stroke, reducing the need for medication.

Improves sexual health: Beetroot is known as natural ‘Viagra’. As already said, beetroot is a rich source of nitrates it helps release nitric oxide into the body which widens the blood vessels and increases blood flow to the genitals – this is the that a mechanism that Viagra medicines replicates. 

Eye: Beet green is a good source of lutein, an antioxidant that helps protect the eyes from age-related mascular degeneration and cataracts. It also contains a wide variety of phytochemicals that can improve the health of your eyes and nerve tissues.

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