Lovely Lifestyle

Sunday, 8 November 2015

Being Healthy and Beautiful by Nature

Are you spending big bucks for beautiful skin and healthy life and are still not satisfied with the results. If yes, then you need to get acquainted with the exclusive natural ways to pamper yourself without being a spendthrift.

The exquisite home remedies with a touch of nature, have been giving desired satisfaction since olden days and till date they stay holistically unparalleled.

1.Use Green Tea Bags To Remove Dark Circles

Using tea bags is an excellent way of reducing puffiness and dark circles surrounding your eyes. Besides acting as a skin softener, they lighten the dark circles and make you look younger.

Application-

The tea bags need to include lots of caffeine and tannins.
The best tea bags to use are green or black teas
After you have made a cup of tea with the tea bag you can then place it in a plastic container and store it in the fridge.
Remember that you will need two tea bags – one for each eye. The bags need to be cold otherwise heat will cause more swelling and puffiness.

2.Mustard Cures Acne And Pimples

Get rid of acne and pimples using mustard which contains Natural Salicylic Acid, Omega 3, Vitamin C, Zinc, Fatty Acids all of which are great for healthy skin.

Application-

For an extra treat, instead of using bottled mustard, add about 1/8 of a tsp mustard powder to 1 tsp unfiltered honey and stir well. Use this as a tiny little pimple mask. Wash it off after about 15 minutes.

3.Use Aloe Vera For De - Tanning

Aloe vera gel will lighten the skin within a week, if applied daily to the affected area. It also helps cleanse and nourish the skin.

Application -

Apply fresh aloe vera gel on the affected skin areas before going to bed.
In the morning, wash the skin thoroughly.

4.Increase Hair Volume Using Aloe Vera And Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

A. Aloe Vera is one of the best and natural ways to increase your hair volume. When you use it sensibly, it helps you get back your thick and lustrous hair. Aloe Vera provides essential nutrients and moisture to your scalp

Application -

Apply Aloe Vera to your scalp and let it dry for one hour, then shampoo your hair with Organic Harvest Hair Fall Control shampoo and see the shine after wash.
Regular use of Aloe Vera helps you control hair fall and helps you increase your hair naturally.

B. Amla being rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A, is totally the best and natural product that helps you increase your hair and control hair fall. This natural ingredient cures your hair loss problem and gives back your lustrous hair to you in very short period. It prevents the hair from getting dry and dull and enriches hair color.

Application -

Use amla products regularly that helps you increase your hair volume but remember don’t buy product that contains amla with chemical. Check the ingredients before buying

4.Use Basil Leaves For Glowing Skin

The holy basil has powerful purifying properties. When eaten raw, it purifies the blood giving the skin a beautifulglow, and prevents the appearance of acne and blemishes.

Its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties are very effective in preventing breakouts on acne prone skin.

Application -

Boil basil leaves before consuming them.
If cant eaten raw, one can use it as an ingredient in appetizers and fresh juice.

5.Use Cinnamon To Fights Black Heads

Cinnamon can be used to remove and prevent blackheads

Application -

Mix one teaspoon each of cinnamon powder and lemon juice with a pinch of turmeric powder (optional). Spread it on your face, leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse it off.
Alternatively, mix one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and honey to form a thick paste. Apply it on the affected area before bed and leave it on overnight. In the morning, wash your face well with normal water. For best results, follow this remedy daily for about 10 days.

6.Go For Face Steaming For Colourful Glow

Facial steaming is the simplest way to get a clear skin, colourful glow and rejuvenate the blood cells of the skin.The moisture helps to free any dead cells, dirt, bacteria or other trapped matter that could be causing breakouts, and it can allow your skin to better absorb any other products you might use after the steaming.

Caution-

If you have severe acne, however, steaming can sometimes make it worse, so it's good to check with your doctor before undergoing any face steaming treatment.
It is the matter of human choice i.e. to go by lucrative, artificial treatments or to adopt natural, cost effective remedies, but in the end what makes a difference is, “the essence of being classy by nature.”

Top 6 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks Naturally

Stretch marks also known as striae, are irregular stripes or bands on skin caused by sudden stretching of the skin during Pregnancy, Sudden Weight Gain or Rapid Weight Loss. Puberty is also one of the reasons of stretch marks. Women and Men, both can fall prey to stretch marks. It generally targets Abdomen, Breasts, Thighs, Buttocks and Upper arms.

Where Do Stretch Marks Come From?

When skin is constantly stretched, it loses its elasticity and end up having marks in its middle layer. Initially the marks are reddish but with time, they turn white and grey. This is how a stretch mark is born.

Stretch marks have the capability to make people self-conscious. These people prefer surgical treatments to get rid of the stretch marks. However, with inexpensive home remedies, you can lower down the intensity of stretch marks. Longer use may help you in getting rid of them permanently.

Following Are Most Efficient Home Remedies Of Eliminating Stretch Marks:

1.Cocoa:

Shea Butter Cream: Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter and Vitamin E, all of these ingredients are known in healing skin. Both Cocoa and Shea Butter have antioxidants and their soothing properties can penetrate into the skin real quick while diminishing and repairing stretch marks. The additional antioxidant in Vitamin E promotes damaged cell healing.

How to do: Add one teaspoon of Vitamin E in 2 melted teaspoon of Shea and cocoa butter. The mixture will be solid when prepared, but will melt when you apply it on the skin. Apply this mixture twice a day on stretch marks.

2.Sugar:

The granules present in Sugar are a brilliant scrub. Exfoliating your skin with Sugar removes the dead skin and discloses new skin.

How to do: Mix few drops of Lemon Juice and Almond Oil in one tablespoon of Sugar. Mix it well and then massage on the affected area, very gently. Do it for a month after taking tower and you will see all your stretch marks fading away.

3.Lemon Juice:

Lemons are famous for their bleaching effect on skin. Vitamin C and Alpha-Hydroxy Acid are highly effective in removing dead skin cells and thus lightening your stretch marks.

How to do: Take a half slice of lemon and rub it on your stretch marks. Let it soak into your skin for 20 minutes and rinse off using warm water.

4.Aloe Vera:

Plant collagen, an extremely effective skin-repairing element is present in Aloe Vera. It not only fades stretch marks but also helps in fading stretch marks. Make sure to use raw Aloe Vera instead of store bought Aloe Vera gel.

How to do: Cut an Aloe Vera leaf into half, take out the gel from it and apply it on affected areas. Rinse it off after 20 minutes.

5.Olive Oil:

We are already aware of the benefits of Olive Oil for the skin. It has Antioxidants and Vitamin E, known elements of healing damaged skin. It also protects skin from harmful sunrays.

How to do: Massage your stretch marks gently with olive oil. They will start to fade with time.

6.Egg Whites:

Egg Whites have all those 9 Vital Amino Acids that are essential in building Muscles, Bones, Skin, Blood and Cartilages. Amino Acids are also known to fade scars, marks and of course stretch marks.

How to do: Separate the white part of the egg and beat it until it gets frothy. Apply it on stretch marks and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and apply moisturizer afterwards.

7.Potato Juice:

Potatoes are rich in Photochemicals like Carotenoids & Polyphenols, essential Fatty Acids, Vitamins and Minerals, Calcium, Potassium, B Complex Vitamins, Zinc and Magnesium. All of these elements help in the stimulating the synthesis of elastic and collagen, resulting in diminished stretch marks and restored skin.

How to do: Cut some thick slices of potato and rub it on your stretch marks. Cover your entire face with pPtato Juice. Wash it with lukewarm water after leaving for 15 minutes.

In the end, it is advisable to never be ashamed of your stretch marks. You are a Tiger/Tigress who earned their stripes.

Adopt This New Skin Care Guide For Flawless Skin In Autumn Season

Autumn season also known as ‘Fall’ across the world is one of the most waited seasons. Green leaves turns orange, hot winds are replaced by cool winds, Sweaters & jackets are dragged out and you think to close pause your skin care regime, as you will be covering your body in the coming months. Aren’t you thinking the same? If yes then you were going to make a mistake. You need to uphold a good skin care regime to maintain your healthy skin and avoid getting flaky skin during fall. Practicing CTM technique every day will never cause ay skin problem, even in autumn season. .

Follow These Skin Care Tips To Be Beautiful Throughout Fall And Winter Season:

1.Cleanse Your Body With Creamy Washes:

Fruity body washes are great for summer, but if you use them now, they will dry out your skin. Keep the showers gels aside in this cold season and go for creamy body washes. They will retain the moisture and your skin will breathe. Place a profitable bet on Natural Bath and Body Ultra Rich Shower Crème - Vanilla Butternut.

2.Use Oil Based Scrub:

For fall and winter, Oil based scrubs will do the best work. It is like killing two birds with one stone, you will get the exfoliating benefits along with hydration and good moisture follows. You can Use Nyassa Body Scrub – Tiramisu, it contains sesame oil and brown sugar, which is enough to keep your ski hydrated in autumns.

3.Moisturize Your Skin Everyday:

There is no need to stress upon this point; everyone knows if we want to keep dry skin at bay, we need to moisturize it every single day. To make the best out of moisturizing, apply it after bathing or washing that is the time you can seal the moisture for a long time. Keep applying moisturizer whenever you wash your face or hands. Do not forget to moisture your elbows before they turn scaly.

4.Avoid Bathing With Hot Water As It Dries Skin And Scalp:

Hot water might be helpful in relieving stress and anxiety but bathing with hot water in autumn or winter is not a good idea if you love your skin and hair. Pouring hot water directly onto the skin can dry it out giving birth to wrinkles and fine lines. Similarly washing hair with hot water dries scalp resulting in hair fall and dandruff. Cold shower is good for the skin and hair, but in cold weather you need to maintain a balance, water shouldn’t be too hot or too cold.

5.Organize A Skin Care Routine And Abide By It:

You might be using skin cleanser, scrub everything and not keeping track of it. Now, as the season is changing and a dry weather is coming, you have to organize a proper skin care routine as doing scrubbing in extreme may harm your skin. In addition, if you make a skin care routine, you will not have to suffer any kind of irritation because of season change.

6.Sunscreen Is Important In Fall Too:

Just because you will not be going under the scorching heat of sun, does not mean that you do not have to wear sunscreen for the next six months. Sunrays are still harming no matter sun is shining bright or not. To add more, sun rays are 80% responsible for age spots, red bumps, raised dark spots, wrinkles, dilated blood vessels- to name a few. Therefore, do not stop applying sunscreen even during autumn season if you want to stay young.

7.Don’t Let Your Feet In Boots All The Time:

Don’t stop taking good care of you feet while you wear boots and socks all the time. Exfoliate them, scrub them, clean them and you will not hesitate to wear sandals again when the summers come. When your feet are clean and fresh, you develop the state of ‘Feel good’.

8.Dry Weather Dries Cuticles, Get Cuticle Oil:

Dry cuticles are signs of weather change. Your hand and feet creams are not effective enough to tackle dry cuticles; therefore, you need to invest in a good cuticle oil to take care of those rough and cracked cuticles. Massage with cuticle oil everyday and you will not have to suffer the pain of cracking cuticles.

9.Apply Hand Cream Every Time You Wash Hands:

Your hands need more moisturizing than your body because they have to go through washing frequently. Put a hand crème in your handbag all the time and apply after every hand wash. Your hands will not show wrinkles and signs of aging if you treat them right. Only if you know, hands are the first body part to show ageing signs. 100% Indus Valley Coconut Grapseed Hand & Feet Cream is the best choice in hand creams.

10.Consume Good Amounts Of Vitamin C, Omega 3 Fatty Acids And Fibre:

Vitamin C (found in citrus fruits , papaya etc) is an antioxidant that slows down the free radical damage rate- preventing wrinkles and fine lines, Omega 3 Fatty Acids ( found in Peanut Butter, Fish, Salmon etc) will prevent hair fall and fiber (apples, pears, herbs etc) will improve your immunity to fight fever. To be noted kale is a super food that contains all of these essential elements, make the most out of it.

10.Heal Chapped Lips:

Chapped lips is a common problem in winters and autumn. Cold takes the moisture away from lips, leaving them sour and cracked. Apply petroleum jelly, coconut oil, Shea butter to soothe chapped lips or you can choose a lip balm of your choice from our collection. Click here to see lip balm options.

Top Fat-Burning Foods

Starvation diets fail to yield long-term weight loss results. So, why starve to lose weight when you can eat to your satisfaction and still burnt that stubborn fat?

Indeed why not, but such a good thing can’t be without a caveat. Obviously! You can’t eat just about anything and expect to get your desired weight loss results. The rule is to regularly eat foods that can fire up your metabolism and help your body burn fat at a faster rate. Metabolism is the chemical process through which your body converts food into energy. So, a speedier metabolic rate translates into your body burning calories at a faster rate.

Here is a list of top fat-burning foods that can speed up your metabolism :

Whole Grains

Whole grains make for wholesome meals and can still help you lose fat. Your body needs to work extra hard to process the complex Carbohydrates in Whole Grains. This process, thus, spikes your Body Metabolic Rate. Also, the Fibre in Whole Grains can keep hunger pangs at bay.

So, include Whole Grain Cereals, Porridges and Bread to your breakfast menu. Add Brown Rice and Whole Grain Pasta dishes to your lunch.

Meal Ideas:

Add boiled whole Quinoa or Buckwheat to your fresh salad for extra nutrition.
Whole Grain Pasta Salad with other fat-burning vegetables makes for a great lunch idea.

Vegetables

Vegetables are low in Calories; high in Fibre and Water Content and thus are great food sources for weight loss. Best Fat-Burning Vegetables are Spinach, Cucumber, Celery, Carrots, Chilli Peppers, Cabbage and Broccoli. For best results, consume your veggies raw.

Meal Ideas:

Steam or Roast Veggies using Olive Oil and Herbs. Olive Oil is another food source that helps the body to lose weight. So bonus.
Make a hearty vegetable soup for dinner for a fibre-rich meal. Substantiate this meal with whole grain crackers or bread if needed.

Lentils

Most Indian meals contain a lentil dish for lunch and dinner and for good reason. Lentils are low in Calories and are a great source of Vegetarian Protein and Fibre.

Meal Ideas:

Make a Lentil Dish with Fat-Burning Vegetables such as Chilli Peppers, Spinach and Carrots.
Add Boiled Lentils to clear vegetable soup for a substantial dinner meal.

Fresh Fruits

People on a diet generally tend to avoid eating fruits due to their high sugar content. But by doing so, you can actually miss out on the amazing fat-burning properties of some fruits.

Apples are famous for ‘the doctor adage’ but this is an excellent fat-burning fruit and thus can help you keep those pesky kilos at bay. Apples contain Polyphenols, which helps to reduce fat stored in the body. Apples are also a great source of Fibre so they fill you up nicely. So, give in to your temptation and gorge on fresh Apples.
Pomegranates also contain Polyphenols and can aid the body’s fat-burning process with their regular consumption.
Avocados contain Monounsaturated Fats (Good Fat), which can keep your metabolism fired up.
Blueberries can aid breakdown of fats in the body. Strawberries help produce hormones in the body that stimulate the Body Metabolic Rate.
Pears and Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Grapefruit, Lemon etc) can also increase the Fat-Burning Capacity of your body.

Meal Ideas:

Whole Grain cereal topped with chopped Strawberries and low-fat milk is a great Fat-Burning Meal. Make Buckwheat or Oat Pancakes with Blueberries. Add
Berries to your Salad for that sweet and tart deliciousness.
Make a Salad with Apple and Pear Cubes, Peeled Orange Stems, a few scoops of Avocado and dress it with Lemon Juice, Black Pepper and Salt.

Nuts

Yep, Nuts – those little munchies full of Fat and Calories can actually help your body burn Fat; the trick it to consume them in the right way. Nuts like Almonds and Walnuts contain healthy Fats that are good for the body. This good Fat along with Protein and Fibre in nuts helps the body burn Fat. Eat Nuts unsalted and in moderation.

Meal Ideas:

Add Chopped Nuts to your breakfast Cereals and Salad.
Use Nut Butter to make your |Whole Grain Sandwiches.

So, don’t starve but eat smart to burn fat and maintain your ideal body weight.

How Plastic Bottles Are Harming Us?

Everywhere we go, plastic bottles follow. Soda, Drinking water, several foods products and even seasoning come in plastic bottles. In US, 1500 plastic bottles are consumed every second. The reason of such popularity is that Food industry manufacturers use plastic bottles as a cheap and convenient way to pack their products. On the other hand, we, as consumers, buy them for portability and convenience.

We are enjoying portability at the cost of our health. Plastic is a compound made of chemicals and these chemicals go inside our body with whatever we drink or eat. Plastic bottles are known to diffuse harmful chemicals into the liquid they contain, especially when we leave them in hot temperatures. Like in our cars during hot summer days, in direct sunlight, nearby cooking gas or in dishwasher.

Harmful Effects Of Plastic Bottles On Humans:

1. Bisphenol A (BPA) is the chemical which hardens the plastic and makes it clear. To be precise BPA is an endocrine disruptor (can interfere in hormones of humans) and it is proven hazardous to human health. The chemical has been linked to major health problems like Cancer, early puberty in girls, premature labor, reduced fertility in women, babies born with defects and neurological difficulties. BPA enters our body when though plastic bottles. BPA is the top risk in miscarries. A study proved that 96% of women have BPA in their bodies.

2. Plastic bottles also contain Phthalates to make bottles more flexible. They are endocrine disrupting as well and has been connected to various reproductive and development defects including testicular abnormality, tumors, reduced sperm count and issues with gender development. Plastic bottles are not regulated by FDA because of the little amount of phthalates present in them. The concentration however increases when water bottles are kept for long time or if stored in hot atmosphere. Then the chemicals go directly into whatever you are consuming.

Types of Plastic Bottles :

Every plastic product has a number inside a recyclable triangle. Look for the number and check if it is safe to use or recycle.

1. Safe Plastics: 2 HDPE (high density polyethylene), 4 LDPE (low density polyethylene) and 5 PP (polypropylene).

2. Moderately Safe Plastics: Number 1 PET or PETE bottles (polyethylene terephthalate) are unsure of leaching a known carcinogen DEHA into the water. It is recommended to use it only once and not refill it. The most famous water bottles in India feature #1 plastic and thus it should not be reused.

3. Unsafe Plastics: Even worse plastics are of number 3, 6 and 7. They contain BPA (Bisphenol A), which is accused of causing behavioral and neurological problems in children and fetuses. It can also cause prostate, brain or breast cancer.

Plastic Do’s and Dont's

1. Make sure your plastics are not exposed to heat. Do not put hot liquids in them because if you do, chemicals will leach into your liquid and will inside your body. So beware.

2. Prefer to use glass boltless when possible, aluminum & steel bottles will be better.

3. Do not use bottles numbered 7 for children

4. Go for clear plastics, this way coloring agents will not leach into water.

5. Do not recycle bottles, which are not recommended to recycle.

Consider these suggestions and try to abandon plastic bottles ASAP!

10 Natural Tips to Get Rid of High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is something that you cannot see or feel, unless you get it checked. This way high blood pressure also known as hypertension is a serious and silent killer. If high blood pressure is left unchecked, it can damage the blood vessels, eyes and heart while increasing your risk of stroke, dementia, kidney and heart diseases.

The following tips will help you in maintaining good healthy blood pressure and in lowering the rising blood pressure:

1.Take a 15-Minute Brisk Walk Everyday:

Researches have proved that taking a brisk walk helps in a better work efficiency of heart. When you exercise, the oxygen flow to heart is more efficient and it does not have to work hard to pump blood. Walking is probably the best kind of workout because it is suited to all age groups and having any fitness levels.

2.Practise Deep Breathing:

Meditative practices like yoga and slow breathing can decrease the stress hormones that decrease rennin, an enzyme responsible for rise in blood pressure. Do it for 5 minutes every morning and night. Breathe inside deeply and then expand your belly. Now, exhale all your tension.

3.Increase the Intake Of Potassium Rich Foods:

Loading up on potassium-rich fruits and vegetables is an important part of any blood pressure-lowering program, says Linda Van Horn, PhD, RD, professor of preventive medicine at North-western University Feinberg School of Medical. Few goods sources of potassium are tomatoes, raisins, oranges, sweet potatoes, cantaloupes, kidney beans and bananas. Drinking orange juice everyday can reduce the risk of blood pressure by 7%.

4.Include More Of Dairy And Soy Products In Your Diet:

A study by Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association proved that swapping carbohydrates with some soy or dairy products could actually control high blood pressures. Moreover, Soy products are healthy sources of proteins and experts claim that high protein diets are actually good in maintain good blood pressure levels.

5.Lower Down The Intake Of Salty Foods And Sodium:

Eva Obarzanek, PhD, a research nutritionist at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute says that there is no way to recognize people who are sodium sensitive, therefore everybody should lower down their sodium intake. Most of our sodium comes from processed foods, which means you have to check the labelling before buying any food.

6.Satisfy Your Sweet Craving With A Dark Chocolate:

The walls of blood vessels become more elastic with some compounds present in dark chocolate. This results in a proper circulation and keeps high blood pressure at bay. A study proved that 18% people who ate dark chocolate had decreased blood pressures.

7.Opt For Decaffeinated Coffee:

There is no denying the fact that excess coffee can disrupt the circulation system. Chose decaffeinatedcoffee to enjoy the health benefits of antioxidants present in coffee without getting negative impacts of caffeine. "When you're under stress, your heart starts pumping a lot more blood, boosting blood pressure and caffeine exaggerates that effect” says Jim Lane, PhD, associate research professor at Duke.

8.Sprinkle A Lot Of Pepper On Your Meals:

Pepper can help suppress the salt cravings and you will end up taking less sodium, the basic root of high blood pressure. Try ginger, lemon, garlic or basil if pepper is not enough to you.

9.Consult A Doctor If You Snore A Lot:

People who suffer breathing interruptions hundreds of time during sleeping, are suffering from hypertension and there are great chances of them having high blood pressures. Early morning headaches and excessive daytime tiredness along with loud snoring are good clues of high blood pressure.

10.Take Fish Oil, Coq10, vitamin D and Calcium Supplements Daily:

All of these have properties of lowering blood pressure. Do consult your doctor before taking them. Studies have shown that people deficient of vitamin D are more likely to have high blood pressures.

References:

http://www.prevention.com/health/how-lower-blood-pressure-naturally