Top 18 cancer fighting foods

Cancer is a dreaded disease that is affecting several individuals in the last decade. We all know someone who has cancer.

But you can prevent cancer with a healthy diet, fitness and health mind. Today we look at 18 cancer foods that have properties to fight cancer.

Cabbage:

Cabbage is a healthy vegetable that makes you stronger and is considered a medicinal veggie. The compound Indole-3-carbinol present in cabbage fights estrogen that is responsible for the development of breast cancer. Indole-3-carbinol converts the harmful effects of estrogen into a useful compound.

Cauliflower:

Besides cabbage, the other cruciferous vegetable is cauliflower that is a cancer fighting food. It is important to consume cruciferous vegetables daily to absorb all the health benefits. Cauliflower is linked to fighting bladder cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and ovarian cancer. Cauliflower helps the body to detox, it is an antioxidant and it has anti-inflammatory properties.

Mushrooms:

Mushrooms are a good source for vitamin B and iron. It is also know to fight diabetes, prevents tumours, antioxidant, fight allergies, fights cholesterol and boost immunity. Besides fighting cancer, mushrooms have properties to counter act side effects such as nausea that is related to cancer therapy like chemo and radiation.

Broccoli:

Sulforaphane present in cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli can fight cancer. This compound helps to prevent the development of tumours. But the best way to reap the benefits of broccoli is through broccoli sprouts.

Carrots:

Beta carotene and falcarinol found in carrots helps fight cancer, but few research also says that beta carotene can cause cancer - but it is still inconclusive. Consumption of carrots can fight cancers like lung cancer, mouth cancer, throat cancer, stomach cancer, intestine cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer.

Sweet potatoes:

Polyphenol antioxidants caffeic acid and di- and tri-caffeoylquinic acids present in sweet potatoes help fight cancer like lung cancer, gall balder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer and breast cancer.

Grapefruits:

Grapefruit is popularly known to fight diabetes and promote detox on the body, but it is also a cancer fighting food. Colon cancer can be prevented with grapefruit by suppressing the production of cancer cells and flavonoids in grapefruit slows down the production cancer cells. But consuming grapefruit with medication can develop dangerous side effects.

Grapes:

The research on grapes as a cancer fighting food is in its juvenile stage. But it is important to note that grape seed holds the chemical proanthocyanidins that helps fight colon cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer.

Tomatoes:

Tomatoes is a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, but the cancer fighting compound is lycopene. This antioxidant helps fight free radicals and cancer cells. Vitamin C too prevents cell damage that can lead to cancer. Tomatoes are great ingredients to fight breast cancer, prostate cancer, mouth cancer, pancreas cancer and colon cancer.

Raspberry:

Raspberries and strawberries contain antioxidants that can fight cancer cells especially stomach cancer, colon cancer and breast cancer. Ellagic acid is responsible for preventing skin, bladder, lung and esophagus cancers.

Papaya:

Papaya contains compounds beta carotene and lycopene that is effective in fighting free radicals. Isothiocyanates from papayas also protects the cells from cancer. Hence this makes it a superfood to fight cancer.

Oranges and lime:

These foods contain limonene that boosts immunity by producing cancer killing immune cells. Oranges and lime is a great way to fight free radicals.

Flaxseeds:

Flaxseeds can prevent the growth and spread of cancerous cells. Flaxseeds are linked to curing prostate cancer and breast cancer.

Garlic:

Garlic can reduce the risks of stomach cancer, colon cancer, esophagus cancer, pancreas cancer and breast cancer.

Turmeric:

Curcumin found in turmeric is a powerful antioxidant that slows down the growth and spread of cancer. But research is still ongoing in this field. But according to Indian ayurveda, turmeric has several medicinal properties.

Green Tea:

Green tea may be consumed to speed up metabolism for weight loss, but now it is believed that green tea can prevent the spread of cancer.

Soy Products:

Certain chemicals present in soy is linked to lowering the risk of prostate and breast cancer. Besides fighting cancer, soy products can help fight cholesterol and blood pressure.

Watermelon:

Lycopene which is present in tomatoes is also found in watermelon. Lycopene is a compound that can fight cancer.

Source: http://www.stylecraze.com

Heart-healthy diet: 8 steps to prevent heart disease

Changing your eating habits can be tough. Start with these eight strategies to kick-start your way toward a heart-healthy diet.

Although you might know that eating certain foods can increase your heart disease risk, it's often tough to change your eating habits. Whether you have years of unhealthy eating under your belt or you simply want to fine-tune your diet, here are eight heart-healthy diet tips. Once you know which foods to eat more of and which foods to limit, you'll be on your way toward a heart-healthy diet.

1. Control your portion size

How much you eat is just as important as what you eat. Overloading your plate, taking seconds and eating until you feel stuffed can lead to eating more calories, fat and cholesterol than you should. Portions served in restaurants are often more than anyone needs. Keep track of the number of servings you eat — and use proper serving sizes — to help control your portions. Eating more of low-calorie, nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and less of high-calorie, high-sodium foods, such as refined, processed or fast foods, can shape up your diet as well as your heart and waistline.

A serving size is a specific amount of food, defined by common measurements such as cups, ounces or pieces. For example, one serving of pasta is 1/2 cup, or about the size of a hockey puck. A serving of meat, fish or chicken is 2 to 3 ounces, or about the size and thickness of a deck of cards. Judging serving size is a learned skill. You may need to use measuring cups and spoons or a scale until you're comfortable with your judgment.

2. Eat more vegetables and fruits

Vegetables and fruits are good sources of vitamins and minerals. Vegetables and fruits are also low in calories and rich in dietary fiber. Vegetables and fruits contain substances found in plants that may help prevent cardiovascular disease. Eating more fruits and vegetables may help you eat less high-fat foods, such as meat, cheese and snack foods.

Featuring vegetables and fruits in your diet can be easy. Keep vegetables washed and cut in your refrigerator for quick snacks. Keep fruit in a bowl in your kitchen so that you'll remember to eat it. Choose recipes that have vegetables or fruits as the main ingredient, such as vegetable stir-fry or fresh fruit mixed into salads.

Fruits and vegetables to choose :
Fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits
Low-sodium canned vegetables
Canned fruit packed in juice or water

Fruits and vegetables to avoid:
Coconut
Vegetables with creamy sauces
Fried or breaded vegetables
Canned fruit packed in heavy syrup
Frozen fruit with sugar added

3. Select whole grains

Whole grains are good sources of fiber and other nutrients that play a role in regulating blood pressure and heart health. You can increase the amount of whole grains in a heart-healthy diet by making simple substitutions for refined grain products. Or be adventuresome and try a new whole grain, such as whole-grain couscous, quinoa or barley.

Another easy way to add whole grains to your diet is ground flaxseed. Flaxseeds are small brown seeds that are high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower your total blood cholesterol. You can grind the seeds in a coffee grinder or food processor and stir a teaspoon of them into yogurt, applesauce or hot cereal.

Grain products to choose:
Whole-wheat flour
Whole-grain bread, preferably 100% whole-wheat bread or 100% whole-grain bread
High-fiber cereal with 5 g or more of fiber in a serving
Whole grains such as brown rice, barley and buckwheat (kasha)
Whole-grain pasta
Oatmeal (steel-cut or regular)
Ground flaxseed

Grain products to limit or avoid
White, refined flour
White bread
Muffins
Frozen waffles
Corn bread
Doughnuts
Biscuits
Quick breads
Granola bars
Cakes
Pies
Egg noodles
Buttered popcorn
High-fat snack crackers

4. Limit unhealthy fats and cholesterol

Limiting how much saturated and trans fats you eat is an important step to reduce your blood cholesterol and lower your risk of coronary artery disease. A high blood cholesterol level can lead to a buildup of plaques in your arteries, called atherosclerosis, which can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.

The American Heart Association offers these guidelines for how much fat and cholesterol to include in a heart-healthy diet:

Type of fat Recommendation
Saturated fat: Less than 7% of your total daily calories, or less than 14 g of saturated fat if you follow a                               2,000-calorie-a-day diet
Trans fat: Less than 1% of your total daily calories, or less than 2 g of trans fat if you follow a 2,000-                           calorie-a-day diet
Cholesterol: Less than 300 mg a day for healthy adults; less than 200 mg a day for adults with high levels                         of LDL ("bad") cholesterol or those who are taking cholesterol-lowering medication

The best way to reduce saturated and trans fats in your diet is to limit the amount of solid fats — butter, margarine and shortening — you add to food when cooking and serving. You can also reduce the amount of saturated fat in your diet by trimming fat off your meat or choosing lean meats with less than 10 percent fat.

You can also use low-fat substitutions when possible for a heart-healthy diet. For example, top your baked potato with salsa or low-fat yogurt rather than butter, or use low-sugar fruit spread on your toast instead of margarine.

You may also want to check the food labels of some cookies, crackers and chips. Many of these snacks — even those labeled "reduced fat" — may be made with oils containing trans fats. One clue that a food has some trans fat in it is the phrase "partially hydrogenated" in the ingredient list.

When you do use fats, choose monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil or canola oil. Polyunsaturated fats, found in nuts and seeds, also are good choices for a heart-healthy diet. When used in place of saturated fat, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats may help lower your total blood cholesterol. But moderation is essential. All types of fat are high in calories.

Fats to choose:
Olive oil
Canola oil
Margarine that's free of trans fats
Cholesterol-lowering margarine, such as Benecol, Promise Activ or Smart Balance

Fats to limit:
Butter
Lard
Bacon fat
Gravy
Cream sauce
Nondairy creamers
Hydrogenated margarine and shortening
Cocoa butter, found in chocolate

Coconut, palm, cottonseed and palm-kernel oils

5. Choose low-fat protein sources

Lean meat, poultry and fish, low-fat dairy products, and egg whites or egg substitutes are some of your best sources of protein. But be careful to choose lower fat options, such as skim milk rather than whole milk and skinless chicken breasts rather than fried chicken patties.

Fish is another good alternative to high-fat meats. And certain types of fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower blood fats called triglycerides. You'll find the highest amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in cold-water fish, such as salmon, mackerel and herring. Other sources are flaxseed, walnuts, soybeans and canola oil.

Legumes — beans, peas and lentils — also are good sources of protein and contain less fat and no cholesterol, making them good substitutes for meat. Substituting plant protein for animal protein — for example, a soy or bean burger for a hamburger — will reduce your fat and cholesterol intake.

Proteins to choose:
Low-fat dairy products such as skim or low-fat (1%) milk, yogurt and cheese
Egg whites or egg substitutes
Fish, especially fatty, cold-water fish, such as salmon
Skinless poultry
Legumes
Soybeans and soy products, for example, soy burgers and tofu
Lean ground meats

Proteins to limit or avoid
Full-fat milk and other dairy products
Organ meats, such as liver
Egg yolks
Fatty and marbled meats
Spareribs
Cold cuts
Hot dogs and sausages
Bacon
Fried or breaded meats

6. Reduce the sodium in your food

Eating a lot of sodium can contribute to high blood pressure, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Reducing sodium is an important part of a heart-healthy diet. The Department of Agriculture recommends:

Healthy adults have no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium a day (about a teaspoon)
People age 51 or older, African-Americans, and people who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic kidney disease have no more than 1,500 mg of sodium a day
Although reducing the amount of salt you add to food at the table or while cooking is a good first step, much of the salt you eat comes from canned or processed foods, such as soups and frozen dinners. Eating fresh foods and making your own soups and stews can reduce the amount of salt you eat. If you like the convenience of canned soups and prepared meals, look for ones with reduced sodium. Be wary of foods that claim to be lower in sodium because they are seasoned with sea salt instead of regular table salt — sea salt has the same nutritional value as regular salt.

Another way to reduce the amount of salt you eat is to choose your condiments carefully. Many condiments are available in reduced-sodium versions, and salt substitutes can add flavor to your food with less sodium.

Low-salt items to choose:
Herbs and spices
Salt substitutes
Reduced-salt canned soups or prepared meals
Reduced-salt versions of condiments, such as reduced-salt soy sauce and reduced-salt ketchup
High-salt items to avoid:
Table salt
Canned soups and prepared foods, such as frozen dinners
Tomato juice
Soy sauce

7. Plan ahead: Create daily menus

You know what foods to feature in your heart-healthy diet and which ones to limit. Now it's time to put your plans into action.

Create daily menus using the six strategies listed above. When selecting foods for each meal and snack, emphasize vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Choose lean protein sources and limit high-fat and salty foods. Watch your portion sizes and add variety to your menu choices. For example, if you have grilled salmon one evening, try a black-bean burger the next night. This helps ensure that you'll get all of the nutrients your body needs. Variety also makes your meals and snacks more interesting.

8. Allow yourself an occasional treat

Allow yourself an indulgence every now and then. A candy bar or handful of potato chips won't derail your heart-healthy diet. But don't let it turn into an excuse for giving up on your healthy-eating plan. If overindulgence is the exception, rather than the rule, you'll balance things out over the long term. What's important is that you eat healthy foods most of the time.

Incorporate these eight tips into your life, and you'll continue to find that heart-healthy eating is both doable and enjoyable. With planning and a few simple substitutions, you can eat with your heart in mind.

Sleep tips: 7 steps to better sleep

You're not doomed to toss and turn every night. Consider simple tips for better sleep, from setting a sleep schedule to including physical activity in your daily routine.

Feeling crabby lately? Or simply worn out? Perhaps the solution is better sleep. 

Think about all the factors that can interfere with a good night's sleep — from pressure at work and family responsibilities to unexpected challenges, such as layoffs, relationship issues or illnesses. It's no wonder that quality sleep is sometimes elusive.

Although you might not be able to control all of the factors that interfere with your sleep, you can adopt habits that encourage better sleep. Start with these simple sleep tips.

No. 1: Stick to a sleep schedule

Go to bed and get up at the same time every day, even on weekends, holidays and days off. Being consistent reinforces your body's sleep-wake cycle and helps promote better sleep at night. There's a caveat, though. If you don't fall asleep within about 15 minutes, get up and do something relaxing. Go back to bed when you're tired. If you agonize over falling asleep, you might find it even tougher to nod off.

No. 2: Pay attention to what you eat and drink

Don't go to bed either hungry or stuffed. Your discomfort might keep you up. Also limit how much you drink before bed, to prevent disruptive middle-of-the-night trips to the toilet.

Nicotine, caffeine and alcohol deserve caution, too. The stimulating effects of nicotine and caffeine — which take hours to wear off — can wreak havoc with quality sleep. And even though alcohol might make you feel sleepy at first, it can disrupt sleep later in the night.

No. 3: Create a bedtime ritual

Do the same things each night to tell your body it's time to wind down. This might include taking a warm bath or shower, reading a book, or listening to soothing music — preferably with the lights dimmed. Relaxing activities can promote better sleep by easing the transition between wakefulness and drowsiness.

Be wary of using the TV or other electronic devices as part of your bedtime ritual. Some research suggests that screen time or other media use before bedtime interferes with sleep.

No. 4: Get comfortable

Create a room that's ideal for sleeping. Often, this means cool, dark and quiet. Consider using room-darkening shades, earplugs, a fan or other devices to create an environment that suits your needs.

Your mattress and pillow can contribute to better sleep, too. Since the features of good bedding are subjective, choose what feels most comfortable to you. If you share your bed, make sure there's enough room for two. If you have children or pets, set limits on how often they sleep with you — or insist on separate sleeping quarters.

No. 5: Limit daytime naps

Long daytime naps can interfere with nighttime sleep — especially if you're struggling with insomnia or poor sleep quality at night. If you choose to nap during the day, limit yourself to about 10 to 30 minutes and make it during the midafternoon.

If you work nights, you'll need to make an exception to the rules about daytime sleeping. In this case, keep your window coverings closed so that sunlight — which adjusts your internal clock — doesn't interrupt your daytime sleep.

No. 6: Include physical activity in your daily routine

Regular physical activity can promote better sleep, helping you to fall asleep faster and to enjoy deeper sleep. Timing is important, though. If you exercise too close to bedtime, you might be too energized to fall asleep. If this seems to be an issue for you, exercise earlier in the day.

No. 7: Manage stress

When you have too much to do — and too much to think about — your sleep is likely to suffer. To help restore peace to your life, consider healthy ways to manage stress. Start with the basics, such as getting organized, setting priorities and delegating tasks. Give yourself permission to take a break when you need one. Share a good laugh with an old friend. Before bed, jot down what's on your mind and then set it aside for tomorrow.

Know when to contact your doctor

Nearly everyone has an occasional sleepless night — but if you often have trouble sleeping, contact your doctor. Identifying and treating any underlying causes can help you get the better sleep you deserve.

10 Easy Ways to Healthy Eyes

It’s easy to forget how important eye health is, until a problem comes up. Here are some easy, commonsense tips to help avoid macular degeneration, cataracts, blurry “computer” vision and more.

1. Eat greens. Ingesting lots of leafy green vegetables like spinach, collard greens and kale help avoid macular degeneration. (The “macula” is an area at the back of the eye that enables us to see fine details. When the macula doesn’t work, there is blurriness or darkness in the center of our vision).

2. Take vitamins. There are supplements made specifically for eye health. Be sure that they include these: Vitamins A, C, E and B2 and the minerals zinc and selenium.

3. Keep your eyes hydrated. A simple saline solution can help to lubricate and soothe eyes. (Be sure to check with your doctor if you experience stinging or burning in your eyes, or a sandy or gritty feeling, or you don’t produce tears when you cry. These symptoms could indicate “dry eye,” a condition that needs medical attention).

4. Eat apricots and blueberries. Blueberries are associated with reduction of eye fatigue and apricots are rich in beta carotene and lycopene, both of which promote good vision.

5. Get plenty of Omega 3 fish oil. It helps clear eyesight and eye health. (Heart-healthy diets in general tend to be good for the eyes as well, since blood circulation is so important to eye health).

6. Pamper your eyes. Try placing two slices of soothing cucumber over closed eyes for 15 minutes. It cools and refreshes the eyes.

7. Drink tea. It’s thought that drinking tea might help to deter cataracts.

8. Try Bilberry. This herbal remedy, according to some herbalists, can help to improve night vision.

9. Wear UV filtering sunglasses. Harmful UVA and UVB rays can contribute to cataracts.

10. Give them a break. If you work at a computer, remember the 20/20/20 rule. Take a break every 20 minutes. For 20 seconds, look at something 20 feet away or farther. This allows your eyes to refocus and relax and prevents the blurry vision that can occur by staring at a computer screen for too long.

These common sense tips, in addition to regular visits to a qualified ophthalmologist, will help your eyes stay healthy for years to come.

Maintaining Good Eye Health

Don't take your eye health for granted. Protect your eyesight with these six tips:

1. Eat for Good Vision

Protecting your eyes starts with the food on your plate. Studies have shown that nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E may help ward off age-related vision problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Regularly eating these foods can help lead to good eye health:

• Green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collards
• Salmon, tuna, and other oily fish
• Eggs, nuts, beans, and other non-meat protein sources
• Oranges and other citrus fruits or juices

Eating a well-balanced diet also helps you maintain a healthy weight, which makes you less likely to get obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults.

2. Quit Smoking for Better Eyesight

Smoking makes you more likely to get cataracts, optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration. If you've tried to quit smoking before and started smoking again, keep trying. Studies show that the more times you try to quit smoking, the more likely you are to succeed.  

3. Wear Sunglasses for Good Vision

The right kind of sunglasses will help protect your eyes from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Too much UV exposure makes you more likely to get cataracts and macular degeneration.

Choose sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound lenses help protect your eyes from the side. Polarized lenses reduce glare when driving.

If you wear contact lenses, some offer UV protection. It's still a good idea to wear sunglasses for more protection.

4. Use Safety Eyewear at Home, at Work, and While Playing Sports

If you work with hazardous or airborne materials at work or home, wear safety glasses or protective goggles every time.

Certain sports such as ice hockey, racquetball, and lacrosse can also lead to eye injury. Wear eye protection (such as helmets with protective face masks or sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses) to shield your eyes.

5. Look Away From the Computer for Good Eye Health

Staring at a computer screen can cause:

• Eyestrain
• Blurry vision
• Difficulty focusing at a distance
• Dry eyes
• Headaches
• Neck, back, and shoulder pain

Protect your eye health by taking the following steps:

• Make sure your glasses or contact lens prescription is up-to-date and adequate for computer use. 
• Some people may need glasses to help with contrast, glare, and eye strain when using a computer.
• Position your computer so that your eyes are level with the top of the monitor. This allows you to look slightly down at the screen.
• Try to avoid glare on your computer from windows and lights. Use an anti-glare screen if needed.
• Choose a comfortable, supportive chair. Position it so that your feet are flat on the floor.
• If your eyes are dry, blink more.
• Every 20 minutes, rest your eyes by looking 20 feet away for 20 seconds. At least every two hours, get up and take a 15-minute break.

  6. Visit Your Eye Doctor Regularly

  Everyone, even young children, should get their eyes examined regularly. It helps you protect your sight and make sure that you are seeing your best.
  Eye exams can also find some eye diseases, such as glaucoma, that have no symptoms. It's important to find these diseases in their early stages, when they're easier to treat. Depending on your eye health needs, you can see either an optometrist or an ophthalmologist for an eye exam. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye care. They can provide general eye care, treat eye diseases, and perform eye surgery. Optometrists have had four years of specialized training after college. They provide general eye care and treat the most common eye diseases. They do not perform eye surgery.
  A comprehensive eye exam may include:
  • Talking about your personal and family medical history
  • Taking vision tests to see if you have nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism (a curved cornea that blurs vision), or presbyopia (age-related vision changes)
  • Tests to see how well your eyes work together
  • Eye pressure and optic nerve tests to determine if you have glaucoma
  • External and microscopic examination of your eyes before and after dilation
  You may also need other tests, depending upon your particular case.

Natural sore throat remedies

Before you go running to a doctor, try these simple but effective natural home remedies to battle a sore throat

Natural sore throat remedies

A sore throat burns, feels scratchy and may cause pain that makes it hard to talk or swallow. The usual cause is a virus or bacteria, though throat irritation may also be caused by smoking, dry heat, postnasal drip or an allergic reaction. Try these sore throat remedies to feel better fast.

What you can do for a sore throat
• For fast and effective sore-throat relief, nothing beats an old-fashioned saltwater gargle. Salt acts as a mild antiseptic, and also draws water out of mucous membranes in the throat, which helps to clear phlegm. Dissolve a half-teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water, gargle and spit out. Repeat up to four times a day.

• Alternatively, gargle with a baking-soda solution. Dissolve one-half teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of warm water.

• Run a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier in your bedroom. Adding moisture to the air will help keep the air from drying out and prevent the lining of your throat from becoming too dry. If you don’t have a humidifier, place a bowl of water on your radiator or heating vent each night. It will work as well as a store-bought device.

• Quit smoking. Cigarette smoke is extremely irritating to the lining of the throat. Breathe through your nose, rather than your mouth. It’s a natural way to humidify the air you breathe.

• If you’re plagued with a sore throat that seems to come back time and time again, buy a new toothbrush. Bacteria collect on the bristles, and if you injure your gums as you brush, they can enter your system and re-infect you.

• Bolster your immune system during cold and flu season with vitamins, herbs and good nutrition. The obvious supplement candidates are vitamins C and E, the minerals zinc and magnesium, and immune-boosting herbs such as goldenseal and astragalus. Also cook or supplement with garlic, ginger, shiitake mushrooms and reishi mushrooms, all of which have immune-boosting properties.

More sore throat remedies

• Honey has long been used as a sore-throat remedy. It has antibacterial properties, which can help speed healing. It also acts as a hypertonic osmotic, which means that it draws water out of inflamed tissue. This reduces the swelling and discomfort. Add several teaspoons to 1 cup of hot water or herbal tea.

• Hot lemonade with honey can also relieve pain. Combine the juice of half a lemon with hot water.

• Horehound reduces the swelling of inflamed throat tissue. It also thins mucus, which makes it easier for you to clear it from your throat. To make the tea, steep 2 teaspoons chopped herb in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes; strain and drink.

• Slippery elm contains mucilage that coats the throat and eases the soreness. Steep 1 teaspoon of the inner bark in 2 cups boiling water, strain and drink.

• Like slippery elm bark, marshmallow root (Althea officinalis) contains throat-coating mucilage. To make the tea, steep 2 teaspoons dried herb in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes; strain and drink. Drink three to five cups a day to help a sore throat.

• Take vitamin C three times a day. Whether your sore throat is caused by a cold, the flu or strep, this vitamin will help boost your immune system and fight off infection. Reduce the dose if you develop diarrhea.

• Echinacea. This herb’s antibacterial and antiviral properties will speed healing.

• Garlic, as another aid to fight off infection. Dried garlic has potent antibacterial and antiseptic properties.

• Zinc lozenge. In one study, people who sucked on a lozenge containing about 13 milligrams of zinc every two hours got rid of viral sore throats three to four days quicker than those who didn’t. But too much zinc can actually compromise immunity, which is why you shouldn’t take the lozenges for a long time.

7 foods that heal

Here are some foods that boost your health

Are you in the habit of popping a pill for every little malady? Well, don't. There are many ways to heal your body without pumping medicines into it. For example, you can cure minor conditions using simple medicinal foods. Here, take a look.



Garlic
Garlic is a known natural antibiotic. It is antiseptic and heals wounds quickly. It also fights infections such as cold and cough, lowers the blood pressure, reduces harmful cholesterol and keeps the heart healthy. Garlic boosts our immunity and acts as a nasal decongestant, apart from cleaning up the digestive system.

Oily fish
Now, this one comes with many benefits. Firstly, it is good for your brain and eyesight. Their fat is a natural painkiller with anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show that eating oily fish regularly helps reduce the pain of arthritis as well as lowers back and neck pain. They even work against menstrual cramps.

Milk
Milk, it seems, can make kicking the butt easier. Drinking milk before smoking worsens the cigarette's taste.

Oats
Finding it difficult to sleep? Eat a bowl of porridge before you hit the bed. Oats contain Melatonin that aids the regulation of your body's internal clock. They also have Tryptophan that helps the brain to produce Melatonin, and Serotonin, a relaxing chemical.

Ginger
It is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. It's an effective cure against nausea, motion sickness, morning sickness, food poisoning, heartburn, migraines and menstrual pain. Ginger also works wonders against common cold and flu.

Bananas
It's good to make bananas a part of your diet if you suffer from heartburn or indigestion. Bananas are natural antacids that work against stomach ulcers. They also reduce the risk of strokes and low blood pressure.

Green tea
It aids the treatment of cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Green tea increases metabolism and fat oxidation, thus reducing heart diseases and attacks. It improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol, treats impaired immune function, keeps your teeth healthy, increases stamina, boosts endurance and aids digestion.

What your eyes say about your health

Here is what a few common eye symptoms could reveal about your body's health

Is there more to your health than meets the eye? According to experts, your peepers may hold clues to undiagnosed health problems and a routine eye test could reveal the truth.

Eyes are the window into the body, offering a great pre-warning for many life-threatening illnesses. Most of us think we only need their eyes checked for vision problems, but all of us should have regular examinations, as conditions such as diabetes can be detected in the eye before they start to cause problems in the body.

Here are some common eye symptoms that can be detected by opticians and what they could reveal about your health.

Red eyes
Could be: High Blood pressure
When an optician shines a light into your eyes, they see the tiny blood vessels in your retinas - the sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.

High blood pressure can make these blood vessels appear twisted - or even cause them to burst so the eyes look red. A quarter of adults with high blood pressure don't know they have the condition, which can cause strokes.

Yellow deposits behind the eye
could be: Diabetes
Yellow deposits of fat, or small tears in the retina, are signs of Type 2 diabetes. A big change to your glasses prescription is another. Early diagnosis is key to avoiding long-term, sometimes fatal, complications.

Iris rings
Could be: High cholesterol
White rings around the iris — the coloured part of the eye — are a sign of high cholesterol levels.

Another clue is 'xanthelasmas' — flat, white fat deposits under the skin on or around your eyelids. Studies show people with both these symptoms have a higher risk of heart disease.

Pale inner eyelids
Could be: Anaemia
If the inside of your lower eyelids look pale when pulled down, you may be anaemic - lacking iron, which helps makes red blood cells. Anaemia can be treated with iron supplements, but can be a sign of internal bleeding, so see your GP.

Bulging eyes
Could be: Thyroid problems
Prominent-looking eyes can run in families, but eyes that appear to bulge may be evidence of an overactive thyroid. Abnormal levels of thyroid hormone cause the tissues around the eye to swell, making it appear the eye is popping outwards.

Droopy eyelid
Could be: Bell's Palsy or Stroke
A drooping eye can indicate Bell's Palsy, a temporary facial paralysis. It can also be a symptom of a stroke, especially if the speech is slurred.

More rarely, it could also be evidence of a brain tumour or an autoimmune disease that is known as myasthenia gravis

Yellow eyes
Could be: Liver disease
Liver conditions, including hepatitis and cirrhosis, can turn the whites of your eyes yellow — a symptom which requires an immediate doctor's trip. The colour is caused by bilirubin, a chemical created by the breakdown of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying molecule inside red blood cells.

Pale optic nerve
Could be: MS or Brain tumour
The optic nerve, which transmits information from the retina to the brain, is visible at the rear of the eye to an optician. A pale optic nerve can be an early manifestation of MS or evidence of a brain tumour.

Different sized pupils
Could be: Stroke or tumour
Healthy pupils are around the same size and react similarly to light. If this is not the case with you, check yourself for problems such as stroke, brain or optic nerve tumour, a brain aneurysm or MS.

Treat yourself to a spa at home

Who says you need to spend megabucks on a spa treatment every week? Here are some simple pampering tricks that you can indulge in at home

Begin to relax
Shut down your phone and television. Switch on your favourite relaxing music and sip on some camomile green tea.

Face up to it
Clean your face: Use a makeup remover and then use a gentle face cleanser to get rid of impurities.
Scrub and exfoliate: Dermatologists say that this process helps in removing the superficial layer of dead skin. Be careful not to use harsh products nor scrub too hard, otherwise it could prove to be abrasive and harm skin.
Moisturise well: Use a rich creamy nourishing moisturiser generously on your face. With circular and upward movements gently massage it in. Wash off your face with cold water.
Mask it right: Use a soothing face mask that has nourishing, moisturising, brightening and tightening properties.

Body beautiful
Polish and shine: Exfoliating the entire body is essential. Use a body scrub to get rid of dull deal skin. Rub it all over the body in a circular motion and then wash off with lukewarm water.
All steamy and hot: Take at least two sets of hot towels and wrap yourself in them one after the other. You can also use hand-held, table-top steamers along with this. The hot steam improves your circulation and gives you a radiant glow.

Do-it-yourself foot spa
- Fill a wooden bowl (any pretty bowl will do) with warm water, epsom salts, a few drops of shampoo or foot soak, a few drops of your favourite essential oil and of course fresh rose petals. Let your feet luxuriate in your homemade spa bath for eight to 10 minutes.

- Trim your nails. Use a nail file to shape them. Avoid trimming and filing too deep at the corners to prevent painful in-growing nails. Toe nails are best left square.

- Apply a cuticle gel and push back your cuticle one after the other with an orange stick. Rub in a cuticle cream or a few drops of argan or olive oil.

- Scrub your feet with a scrubbing gel or cream for ten minutes and then wipe it clean.

- Use a pumice stone to give a light brush to your heels. Slough off the dead skin. Wash it off.

- Wipe your feet dry and then apply a foot cream or a moisturiser generously. Massage it in.

Want radiant skin? Make this body scrub at home...
Here is a simple home-made mask that can bring a radiant glow to your skin...

Creamy lentil exfoliant
Ingredients:
Half-a-cup of masur dal (red lentil)
1 tablespoon of milk
1 tablespoon of cream
2 teaspoon of besan (gram flour)

Method:
Soak masur dal for a few hours and grind to a coarse paste. Add milk, fresh cream, besan. Avoid cream if you have oily skin. Apply this paste all over your body and scrub gently. Wash off.

How to deal with grey hair

You may be petrified of seeing that grey hair on your head. But before you jump the gun and try to get rid of your greys, here are some interesting facts that you probably didn't know about them.

This is the most common fact we've about grey hair that plucking one leads to many more greys. But it's just a common myth. One grey hair doesn't turn all the surround hair white. But you must pluck your hair as this act can damage your hair follicles.

Just because you have grey hair doesn't mean that you don't have to maintain them anymore. They require the same amount of care and grooming as much as your regular pigmented hair. Since they have a coarse texture, they tend to be dull and so need conditioning treatments regularly.

Another myth is a fear that people have when they start getting grey hair. People think graying of hair is a sign of ageing and turning old. But that's not completely true. Genetics is also responsible for greying hair.

Your hair could also turn grey prematurely if you're a smoker. So apart from health issues, smoking affects your skin, teeth and hair too.

6 steps to get gorgeous mane at home

Follow these tips and skip those frequent trips to the salon.

Shiny hair can now be achieved without splurging on beauty treatments. Just make sure that it is strong enough to be styled at home (styling brittle hair is a bit risky as it will break).

Use the right tools

If you want to straighten or curl your hair, apply a styling serum first. It will ensure that your hair texture does not look rough. After you are done styling, apply hold spray to keep your hair in place. With the right tools, products and some key blow-drying tricks, you can easily create magic.

Wash and condition

Gently massage a small amount of shampoo on your roots and let the runoff cleanse the ends. Without washing it off, slather some hair conditioner — concentrate on the mid-shaft to the ends; avoid the scalp and roots. If you have coarse hair, opt for a creamy conditioner.

Tip: When towel-drying your hair, gently squeeze — don't rub. After that, apply a good styling product. Then use a wide-tooth comb to remove the tangles and to evenly distribute the styling gel.

Section your hair

To make blow-drying easier, work your hair in sections. Part your hair from ear to ear and separate the front section from the back. Now divide the sections into smaller ones. Twist each section into loose mini buns and secure using hair clips. If you have thick or curly hair, divide your hair into as many sections as you can. This will make styling easier.

Blow dry

This leaves your hair with bounce and lustre. Use the nozzle of the dryer to regulate airflow. Work on one section at a time. Place a round brush near the root and pull your hair taut with it. Aim airflow down the hair shaft and slowly roll the brush out — from roots to ends. Repeat until the section is completely dry.

Tip: Avoid damaging your scalp or burning your hair. Make sure that you keep the dryer moving back and forth in small circles, instead of concentrating on a single spot.

Hold it with spray

Once the rollers are on, spray your hair lightly with a fine mist of medium-hold spray. Leave on the rollers for sometime. Hold the spray 10 to 12 inches above your head and apply in a long, single spray over your entire head.

Beautiful hair requires more than just oil and hair masks. What you eat is equally important. Here are a few ways to keep your hair healthy...

Know your ABCs

Vitamin A: It protects the nourishing oil of your scalp and also boosts shine. In case you are lacking vitamin A in your diet, make sure to take supplements. Sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach are said to be rich in vitamin A.

Vitamin B: There are 11 B-complex vitamins and all of them are essential for increasing blood supply to your scalp. Walnuts, salmon and oysters are known to be excellent sources of this vitamin.

Vitamin C: To prevent dry scalp, hair breakage and stressed hair, vitamin C is important. It also boosts your immune system. Blueberries, broccoli and oranges are a few options.

Roll it up

Once you've blow-dried your hair, wrap it around a medium-sized Velcro roller and secure with bobby pins. Make sure not to wind the rollers too tightly, or else, the hair might get stuck. Repeat it. To give your curls more staying power, choose smaller rollers.

Your under eye dark circles guidebook

Fighting dark circles seems like a dying cause as their stubbornness is only added by the fact that dark circles can be a shadowy curtain on our impeccable skin.

No wonder how well you dress or how perfect your make-up is, dark circles can take the spotlight in a very unattractive manner. Dark circles, bags under the eyes and tired eyes can be unappealing and the sad truth is that no amount of make-up or designer clothes is going to hide dark circles. But there must be a solution, right? Today, we will try to uncover the dark secrets of dark circles and find out the causes of dark circles and ways to prevent and treat dark circles.

What are dark circles? 

We have tiny blood vessels, which are like a web under the skin. But these capillaries are so fine that the red blood cells queue up to pass through; in the process some of them leak in the surrounding area. Enzymes are produced during the cleaning up session. The breaking down of these red blood cells leaves them black and blue. The reason why this is so visible is that the skin around the eyes is the thinnest.

Causes of Dark Circles #1 

Sinus and Allergies can cause dark circles 

If you thought sinus and allergies can only drive you crazy, well it can also be the cause of dark circles. Dark circles around your eyes are a sign for allergies. Histamine reaction and constant rubbing of the eyes are the reasons of the dark circles.

Causes of Dark Circles #2 

Anemia and Kidney Infection 

Kidney problems or iron deficiencies translates to dark circles. Increase your iron intake and drink plenty of water to reduce dark circles. But before you self-diagnose yourself and claim that anemia and kidney infection is the cause of dark circles, we advise you to get a professional opinion.

Causes of Dark Circles #3 

Aging can be responsible of dark circles 

Unfortunately, aging not only loses elasticity of the skin but also responsible for dark circles. Aging makes the skin thinning, which increases the chances of damaging the skin and becomes far more visible.

Causes of Dark Circles #4 

Sun exposure can cause dark circles 

UV rays damages the skin, hence it is important to apply sunscreen under direct sunlight. The sun increases the melanin in the skin and brings it to the surface of the skin. Dark circles are obvious after a trip to the beach or the park.

Causes of Dark Circles #5 

Dark circles are attributed to insomnia and lack of sleep 

Dark circles appear if you are tired and lack sleep. It is also a reason for bags under your eyes. If you don't sleep enough, your skin turns paler.

Causes of Dark Circles #6 

Hormonal changes 

When women go through hormonal changes during their period or pregnancy, they will start noticing dark circles. Hormonal changes make the skin paler, enhancing the dark circles around the eyes.

Causes of Dark Circles #7 

Lack of nutrition 

It is rare but lack of nutrition can make dark circles more noticeable. Lack of iron is one cause of dark circle, but dark circles appear if you lack nutritious diet. A healthy diet or a balanced diet can help you fight dark circles.

Causes of Dark Circles #8 

Hereditary 

Genes can make the capillaries weak, genes can also be responsible for skin tone and the texture of the skin.

Causes of Dark Circles #9 

Smoking and drinking 

Late night parties, smoking and drinking can play havoc with your skin and result in dark eye circles. Dark eye circles could be a sign of loss of water from the body (dehydration) due to excessive drinking and intake of caffeinated drinks.

Causes of Dark Circles #10 

Dehydration 

Dehydration is one of the most common reasons for dark circles under the eyes. The reason is the close proximity to the skin underneath the eye in relation to the underlying bone. When the body does not have a proper amount of water, the symptoms are often evident in this specific area.

Causes of Dark Circles #11 

Dark circles and liver disease 

Dark circles also indicate liver dysfunction due to various liver ailments. An example of such a liver ailment is hepatitis.

Treatment for Dark Circles #1 

Healthy diet 

A healthy and nutritious diet filled with vitamins like A, C, K, E and nutrients can help to get rid of dark circles.

Treatment for Dark Circles #2 

Avoid unhealthy habits 

Smoking, drinking and insomnia are causes of dark circles, but adequate sleep, avoid smoking and alcohol can help you achieve healthy skin. Cutting back or stop smoking and drinking couple of days before an important day can reduce dark circles.

Treatment for Dark Circles #3 

Be active 

Lack of exercise or fitness can be the cause of dark circles. Lack of activity in your life prevents the follow of blood and oxygen to different parts of the body. Hence you will see dark circles around the eyes if you are inactive.

Treatment for Dark Circles #4 

Improve blood circulation 

Dark circles appear under the eyes when the circulation is poor, what you can do is slash cold water on your face. Cold water improves the circulation in the body, hence cold shower is a great way to relax and rejuvenate your body after a hot and tiring day.

Treatment for Dark Circles #5 

Sun protection 

Stepping out in the sun? Don't forget to use sunscreen and sun protection, these sun protection creams can help you reduce and prevent damaging your skin. Damaged skin brings out the dark circles which cause havoc to your flawless skin.

Treatment for Dark Circles #6 

Stay hydrated 

Lack of water makes the blood vessels to dilate and swell, making it visible under the eyes where the skin is thin. Drinking water will reduce this process. Even caffeine induce drinks can make you dehydrated and enhance dark circles.

Treatment for Dark Circles #7 

Moisturise every night 

Trying to fight dark circles? Try applying moisturizer every night to keep the kin nourished and hydrated.

Treatment for Dark Circles #8 

Apply make up 

Not a original idea, but concealer can help you hide the dark circles to a certain extent. If the dark circles are too prominent its time to visit a specialist.

Anti-ageing tips for oily skin

Oily skinned women have typically less lines and wrinkles visible as compared to women with normal and dry skin. Though there are a few benefits of having oily skin, here's how you can prevent your skin from ageing faster

1. Apply sunscreen regularly 

Whatever the skin type, using sunscreen is a must. If protecting your skin from damage caused due to sun was never your priority, start now. Sunscreen will protect your skin from sun and you'll look younger. Most importantly, go for sunscreens for oily skin to avoid clogged pores.

2. Don't wash your face too often 

Don't over cleanse your face even though your oily skin texture may tempt you into washing your face again and again. Yes you may want your skin to look fresh, clean and oil-free but washing your face several times in a day actually leads to increase in oil production. Also, over-cleansing may make your skin dry. You can wash your face twice a day and use blotting papers during the day to keep oil away.

3. Nourish your skin 

Antioxidants help prevent oxidising and help your skin stay supple. So antioxidants is certainly something that you need to incorporate in your skin-care routine. Opt for oil-free moisturisers that contain antioxidants. Also follow a diet that includes berries, beans and veggies to feed your skin

4. Get adequate sleep 

Sleep is extremely important not only for your skin but your overall health. This doesn't mean you sleep all day, just get adequate sleep of around 8 to 9 hours. Also, sleep on your back as sleeping on your face can wrinkle the skin and age skin at a faster rate.

5. Consume Omega-3 fatty acids 

Omega-3 fatty acids revitalises your skin and repairs it from inside. Eat foods rich on omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, halibut, eggs, soy milk and yogurt. They are not only delicious but also do a lot of benefit to your skin.

6. Avoid sugar, smoke and alcohol 

Quitting smoking is the best thing you can give yourself as it not only damages your health but also your skin. And if you have a sweet tooth and indulge in too many sweets, cut down on them. Studies have shown that consuming lots of sugar over long periods can cause skin to age and dull due to a process in our body called glycation. Limit your consumption of candies and eat healthy vegetables and fruits instead. Also, drinking alcohol dilates your blood vessels and increases blood flow near the skin's surface which makes your skin appear sallow. So limit your consumption of alcohol.

Quick tips for a shiny mane

Is the humidity and moisture wreaking havoc on your tresses? With the following tips you can make sure they do not lose their shine.

Aesthetician Ritu Singh Tanwar tells us about a simple hair mask that can be made at home. "Take a cup of thick curd and add two tablespoons of fenugreek powder to it. Apply this to your hair length properly. Let it stay for around 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. You do not need to shampoo your hair, but you must apply a conditioner and hair serum," she says.

Eggs, most of us know, are very good for hair and Ritu says that one should apply egg whites on your hair length and ends to make them lustrous. "You should leave it on for around 20 minutes and then use a shampoo — preferably egg-based — to wash off. Follow this with a conditioner," she says. Trichologist Dr Apoorva Shah says that one needs to condition hair well to give it a shine, (See box on conditioning). Hair masks like these, not only make your hair shiny but also softer and more manageable. Go on and flaunt your healthy, and shiny hair!

For lustrous tresses
- Take a large mug of water and add the juice of one lemon to it.
- Now use this water as a final rinse after your regular shampoo.
- You could also use three to four teaspoons of vinegar instead of lime juice.
- Rinsing hair with this, will make it lustrous.

Here are a few steps to conditioning your hair properly...

Step 1: Moisturising your scalp is very important. We have been following this since ages — oil the scalp and the hair shaft and let it stay overnight or keep it for at least four to five hours.

Step 2: Apply a deep conditioning treatment hair pack (there are many available over-the-counter or with your trichologist). You need to apply this only on the hair length. Keep this for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 3: Now wash off the hair pack. Shampoo your hair well and then apply a good wash-off conditioner on your hair, but avoid the scalp. You need to keep a wash-off conditioner on your hair for at least three minutes.

Step 4: Finally, before washing off your conditioner, wrap a hot towel around your head covering your hair. Then wash off once the towel really cools off. After you are out of the shower, towel dry your hair. Now apply a hair repair serum on the hair shaft. Let your hair dry naturally. Comb through with a wide-toothed, preferably wooden comb. Do this once a week and you will be surprised at the visible change in your hair texture.

Unusual beauty tips that work

Here are two unusual but very effective beauty tips to get rid of blackheads and to get soft, supple hands.

Pepper to get rid of blackheads:

Fighting blackheads is a never-ending battle. Blackhead strips are a huge dud. Try pepper instead. Mix one tablespoon of pepper with yogurt and apply it on your nose. Scrub gently in circular motions. Keep it on for seven minutes and rinse. The grainy pepper works as a natural exfoliant and lifts blackheads more effectively than anything else.

Cinnamon for soft hands:

Mix two cups of water with a cup of milk, two tablespoons olive oil and a pinch of ground cinnamon. Warm it up and soak your hands in it for 10 minutes while gently rubbing them together. Cinnamon works as an exfoliant and stimulates circulation.

4 ways to whiter teeth

So, you have always been complimented for your dazzling smile. We hope you have a perfect set of pearlies to give you that radiant smile.

Yellowing of teeth are a thorough let-down. Dark lipsticks, especially shades of red and even neons, bring out the yellowness of your teeth. Thus, it is imperative to have a clean set of white teeth for you to flaunt that neon pout. However, whitening or brightening your teeth need not be an expensive affair. You don't always have to splurge on products and treatments that will leave a dent in your pocket. Here are some natural ways to whiten your teeth.

Mix baking soda
This is by far the cheapest and most effective way to whiten your pearlies. Baking soda is easily available in most general stores. Squeeze out a little toothpaste in a bowl. Add a pinch of baking soda to it. Mix it up and then brush your teeth with it. Indian food tends to stain teeth a lot, because of the use of turmeric. Try this mixture before bedtime. Ensure that you rinse your mouth thoroughly afterwards, as baking soda doesn't taste good if left in your teeth.

Gorge on strawberries
Strawberries are tasty and make for a great scrub for your teeth. The tiny seeds in the fruit scrub away the tartar off the teeth. Works well on days when you are feeling too lazy to do much else in the way of oral hygiene.

Use a straw
We all love our daily cuppa. However, caffeine addiction wreaks havoc on your teeth. Sad but true. Having too many cups of coffee or tea stains teeth like nothing else. The same goes for soda. You simply must give it up completely or restrict your intake to as little as possible. If you can't give it up, at least try using a straw to sip coffee or soda to avoid direct contact with teeth.

So, you have always been complimented for your dazzling smile. We hope you have a perfect set of pearlies to give you that radiant smile.

Yellowing of teeth are a thorough let-down. Dark lipsticks, especially shades of red and even neons, bring out the yellowness of your teeth. Thus, it is imperative to have a clean set of white teeth for you to flaunt that neon pout. However, whitening or brightening your teeth need not be an expensive affair. You don't always have to splurge on products and treatments that will leave a dent in your pocket. Here are some natural ways to whiten your teeth.

Mix baking soda
This is by far the cheapest and most effective way to whiten your pearlies. Baking soda is easily available in most general stores. Squeeze out a little toothpaste in a bowl. Add a pinch of baking soda to it. Mix it up and then brush your teeth with it. Indian food tends to stain teeth a lot, because of the use of turmeric. Try this mixture before bedtime. Ensure that you rinse your mouth thoroughly afterwards, as baking soda doesn't taste good if left in your teeth.

Gorge on strawberries
Strawberries are tasty and make for a great scrub for your teeth. The tiny seeds in the fruit scrub away the tartar off the teeth.  Works well on days when you are feeling too lazy to do much else in the way of oral hygiene.

Use a straw
We all love our daily cuppa. However, caffeine addiction wreaks havoc on your teeth. Sad but true. Having too many cups of coffee or tea stains teeth like nothing else. The same goes for soda. You simply must give it up completely or restrict your intake to as little as possible. If you can't give it up, at least try using a straw to sip coffee or soda to avoid direct contact with teeth.

Floss
Most people don't think much about it. However, flossing is one habit that you must inculcate. It is one of the best ways to dislodge the food that you have eaten all day long — even if you rinse thoroughly, food particless get stuck between your teeth. It helps in cleaning the stains in the creases of your gums while preventing gum disease. Grab some floss and make it your nightly routine.

Most people don't think much about it. However, flossing is one habit that you must inculcate. It is one of the best ways to dislodge the food that you have eaten all day long — even if you rinse thoroughly, food particles get stuck between your teeth. It helps in cleaning the stains in the creases of your gums while preventing gum disease. Grab some floss and make it your nightly routine.

Honey, the skin saviour

Honey is seen as an ideal natural ingredient to do away with skin dryness and there is more to this sweet kitchen ingredient.

Make honey part of your beauty regime to get natural glow...

Usage of honey:

Facial scrub: Women with sensitive skin can prepare a face mask made of honey, brown sugar, olive oil and lemon juice. It's less abrasive, yet removes dead skin cells to reveal a smoother and more vibrant complexion.

Hair removal: Mix honey and lemon juice and pour into a sugaring wax that's safe to use on your body. This will remove hair and also make your skin soft.

Scars: To make the scars leave your side, apply raw honey on the affected areas before bed and cover with a bandage. In the morning, remove the cover-up and cleanse the skin.

Bath treatment: Take bath with milk and honey. The alpha hydroxy acids in milk breaks down dry and flaky skin, while the enzymes in honey softens skin.

Sunburn: Honey helps to soothe sunburns. You just need to dab on a little honey on skin.

Chapped lips: Mix honey, brown sugar and olive oil, and apply on your lips. This mixture will moisturise chappy lips.

How to get rid of blackheads

Here are some sure shot ways to remove blackheads through some quick fix methods.

Squeeze them out: Warming your skin makes the pores expand, making it easier to squeeze out the blackheads. You can do this by taking a warm shower or applying a hot compress to the affected areas. Use an extractor tool or bobby pin to force it out. Be careful with these methods, and if you experience serious pain, try something else.

Use Toothpaste: Apply an inch-sized amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush. Wet the toothbrush and wet the affected area. Gently with your toothbrush, scrub the affected area for a short period of time. Make sure you do not apply it too close to the eyes, as the vapours from methanol toothpastes can irritate the eyes. If you have nose blackheads, apply an even smaller amount of toothpaste, and keep clear from eyes. Always sterilise the toothbrush with boiling-hot water after following this method.

Lime juice: Make a lotion with equal parts of lime juice, almond oil and glycerin. Apply your lotion to your face. It will not only cure blackheads but the discolouring spots on the face too.

Steam and moisturise: Put a hot towel over your face for 10 minutes. Letting it sit will bring the black heads to the surface. Wash with warm water and natural face wash. Close pores with cold water and apply oil-free moisturiser.

Natural remedies to cure skin problems

Are you looking for some natural remedies to get rid of skin related problems. Try out rosewater as it helps in removing skin clogs and blackheads or you can also opt for aloe vera pack for glowing skin.

Navin Sharma, head of research andDevelopment at Cholayil Private Limited shares some useful tips that can help in attaining a "healthy" skin.

Pearl pack: It improves the skin texture, balances moisture and makes the skin glow. It helps reduce dark marks, pimples and acne. It can be used both in form of paste and powder. Pearl helps in minimizing the large pores on the skin and therefore reduces redness.

Rose water pack: Wash your face regularly with rose water for softer skin. It effectively removes skin clogs, blackheads and reduces stickiness from the face. It helps clear all the impurities and dust. Rose oil contains anti-inflammatory properties.

Proper face massage with rose water will remove excess oil in the skin, keeping it evenly moisturised and exfoliated, thus restoring the lost pH balance and skin texture, preventing acne and pimples, removing the dirt that gets accumulated in the skin pores.

Neem pack: It is an ideal solution to all your summer-related skin problems. Neem benefits can be utilized the most during this season. Neem juice helps in purification of skin and blood. You can use facewashes that contain neem leaves as an ingredient.

Aloe Vera pack: It helps cure acne problems. It contains medicinal properties that help protect the skin's natural beauty. It also works as a moisturizer and provides oxygen to the body cells which strengthen the skin tissues and help to keep the skin healthy.

12 Simple Exercises To Reduce Belly Fat

Flab around the belly! This is one thing that can be source of constant embarrassment no matter what your age. Nobody wants their tummy protruding out and making their clothes fit them weird. And it’s the hardest part of the body to lose weight from! Here is how you can get rid of it. 


But before we tell you how, let us tell you why.

Why do you get belly fat?

• There are a number of reasons for belly fat in teenage girls:

  Your genes may be responsible for your tummy pouch.

  Weak metabolism is yet another reason. You must have noticed that some of your friends eat a lot of sugary foods, fried foods or cold drinks and still manage to keep a flat stomach. The reason being these girls have a very good metabolism. If your metabolism is not good, you may have a bloated stomach.

  If the muscles around your abdominal area are saggy, they may lead to fat belly.

  Learn to sit straight from your very childhood. Sitting with a curved back, may result in all the fat to accumulate in your stomach area.

  
  

  Exercise to reduce tummy:

  
• Dieting and exercise go hand in hand. If you had thought that only dieting will burn your belly fat, then you are wrong. Working out can be quite painful so many of you think of giving it a skip. If you want to really lose weight then you need to include an hour of exercise to reduce belly fat in your daily routine. Here are few exercises to reduce tummy for you!
• 1. Crunches:
• 
  
• Crunches take no.1 position when it comes to fat burning exercises. You have read in magazines and seen all over television that crunches are just magical when it comes to cutting down belly fat. Its time you start doing this ab crunching exercise.

i. Lie down flat on a mat with your knees bent and feet on the ground. Alternatively you can also lift your legs off the floor at 90 degrees angle. (See picture).
ii. Now lift your hands and place them behind your head or keep them crossed on your chest. 
iii. Inhale deeply and as you lift your upper torso off the floor, exhale.
iv. Again inhale as you get back down and exhale as you come up. 
v. Do this for 10 times as a beginner.
vi. Repeat another 2-3 sets.
One small tip is as you lift your torso; do not just sit up straight. You should be at 30-40 degrees angle off the ground. You’ll feel pressure on your abdominal muscles.

2. Twist crunches:

Once you get used to the regular crunches, modify the basic crunch to get a even more effect tummy exercise!
i. Lie down on the floor with your hands behind your head.
ii. Now bend your knees as you would do in crunches keeping your feet on the floor.
iii. As in a crunch you would have lifted your upper torso; in side crunches you just have to lift your right shoulder towards left keeping your left torso on the ground.
iv. Again alternatively, lift your left shoulder towards right keeping your right torso on the ground. 
v. Repeat for another 10 times.

3. Side Crunch:

Same as twist crunch, only that you have to tilt your legs to the same side simultaneously with your shoulders.

4. Reverse crunches:

Time to do reverse crunches.
i. Lie flat on the floor with your hands by your side palms facing the ground.
ii. Lift your legs bent at knees and keep them suspended in the air at 90 degrees angle.
iii. Now lift your hips so as to bring your legs close to your chest. (See picture)
iv. You have to lift your hips applying pressure on your abdomen.
v. Loosen your legs and again bring it to your chest.

5. Vertical leg crunch:


• Lie flat on the floor with your legs extended upwards and one knee crossed over the other.
• Now that you have positioned your body perfectly, do the same as you would have done crunches.
• Do 12-16 crunches upto 3 sets together.

6. Bicycle exercise:

No, you don’t need a bicycle for this. Thinking how? We’ll tell you.

i. Lie on the floor and keep your hands either by your side or behind your head as in crunches.
ii. Now lift both your legs off the ground bent at the knees.
iii. Bring your right knee close to your chest keeping your left leg out.
iv. Now take your right leg out and bring your left leg close to your chest.
v. Alternate bending your knees this way as if you are paddling a bicycle.

7. Lunge Twist:

This is a beginner workout for starters who want to reduce belly fat fast.

• Stand with your legs hip width apart. Keep knees slightly bent.
• Lift both your hands in front of you keeping them straight with your shoulders.
• Lunge forward as shown in the picture. Take a big step forward with your right leg and sit yourself down as if on a chair so that your knees are at 90 degrees angle from the floor. The left leg should be backwards supported by the toes.
• The spine should be kept straight. Don’t bend your spine forward. That is a very wrong way of performing lunge.
• First twist your torso to the right and then to the left. Twist just the torso, not your legs.
• Continue repeating this for 16 times.

8. Rolling Plank:


• Position yourself on the floor with your knees and elbows.
• Keep your neck aligned with your spine. Look forwards.
• Lift the knees upwards and support your legs on the toes.
• Contract knees and keep breathing normal. This is the plank pose. Stay in this posture for 30 seconds.
• Now start moving to and fro for the next 30 seconds. This is the rolling plank.

9. Side Plank:


• Lie down on the floor sideways.
• Support yourself on your right elbow and right leg. Your elbow should be perpendicular to the shoulder and the left leg should be above the right leg keeping them together.
• Keep your knees straight and your hips shouldn’t be touching the ground.
• Hold this position for 30 seconds. Once you get comfortable, you may hold this for 1-2 minutes.
• Repeat with your other side too.
While in this position you may also lift the leg placed on top and bring it back again. This makes the exercise more effective. Then it works not only for your abs but also thighs and hips.

10. The Vacuum:

• Come down on the ground to sit on all fours, supporting yourself on hands and knees.
• Now inhaling deeply loosen your abdomen.
• As you exhale the breath, tighten the abdomen muscles.
• Hold the abdomen contraction for 15-30 seconds.
• Repeat again.

11. Captain’s chair:


• Sit on a chair with straight spine.
• Keep both hands beside you with palms by the side of your hips facing downwards.
• Inhale deeply.
• Now as you exhale bring both your legs upwards such that your knees are close to your chest. Hold for 5 seconds. Don’t bend forward and arch your back.
• Bring down your leg and repeat again.

12. Bending side to side:

This is the best workout to slim down your waist.

• Stand erect with your feet together. Raise your hands above your head in a namaste.
• Now keeping your legs grounded, bend your body to the right as much as possible till you feel a strain on your left waist. Stay for 15 seconds.
• Return back to the original position.
• Now bend left. Retain this position for another 15 seconds.
• Slowly you may increase the holding time to 30 seconds.
These are the five simple and effective abs toning exercises. You can do these exercises at home easily without any machinery. You just need a mat and a lot of stamina.

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