antioxidants

Leave a comment Posted on Diet

5 Juicing Recipes for Glowing Skin

5 Juicing Recipes for Glowing Skin

Juicing Recipes for Glowing Skin

Juicing Recipes for Glowing Skin

We all want better skin. There are so many factors that play a role in lessening the clarity and the beauty of our skin. The skin is the bodies protective barrier therefor it is exposed to the environment, it can be affected by stress levels, the food that we eat, and it can also be sensitive to hormone changes in our body. Every now and then you need to provide your skin with a rejuvenating boost. Although many people use masks and skin treatments as a way to give therapy to their skin they forget that the vitality of our skin is also determined by the things that go into our bodies.

If you are not providing your body with nutrition, your skin will suffer. You will not be able to produce healthy skin cells if you are filling your body with junk foods and skimping on fruits and vegetables. Juicing is a great way to treat your body and your skin. There are many foods that have great benefits for the skin and when you juice you are putting potent amounts of minerals and vitamins that your skin needs to thrive. Below we are sharing five juicing recipes that will leave you with glowing skin.

  1. Carrot and Orange Juice

Recipe:

2 whole carrots (with the stem chopped off)

1 peeled orange


As children, we are told to eat carrots in order to improve our vision, but they have many more benefits for the body aside from helping eyesight. Carrots are amazing because they are jam packed with beta carotene. You may be wondering what beta carotene is. It is an antioxidant that protects cells by preventing cell breakdown. It is a pigment with an orange/red color and our body takes it in as a source of vitamin A. The abundance of vitamin A in carrots makes it great for the skin as vitamin A is needed in order for our body to produce healthy, glowing skin. This vitamin promotes the skin’s production of collagen. Collagen is what gives the skin its fullness which keeps the face looking young and plump. Without collagen the skin will quickly begin to sag and wrinkles become more prominent.  It also helps to protect our skin from damage against free radicals.

Oranges also present many benefits for the skin. They are fortified with vitamin C. You may have seen vitamin C skin serums and other products for the skin containing vitamin C and that is because it does wonders for the skin. It naturally has the ability to fade dark spots on the skin. If you have acne scars or spots from sun damage vitamin C is your friend. The vitamin C in oranges also has the capability to reduce inflammation so that means that your breakouts will look far less severe.

  1. Beet and Lemon Juice

Recipe:

½ a beet

1 lemon

½ cup water

Beets are stellar for the skin. They can prevent breakouts by cleansing the liver and the blood. When your body is full of toxins your skin suffers. When the toxins that are in your liver and blood are filtered out of the body they can no longer cause breakouts. They are also full of other nutrients that promote healthy skin.

Lemons are also wonderful for the skin. They are a source of citric acid which can help fade stubborn marks on the skin. This juice will leave your skin flawless and scar free!

  1. Apple and Ginger Juice

Recipe:

1 large apple

1 tablespoon of grated ginger

This juice is one that has a great taste. The apple is sweet and subtle and the ginger gives it a bit of a spicy kick. It is also great for your complexion. Make sure that you leave the peel on the apple because it is full of pectin which boosts the production of collagen in the skin. The ginger in the juice makes it great for anyone who suffers from acne. Ginger has anti-inflammatory abilities which will help improve the clarity of your skin.

  1. Kale and Lime

Recipe:

2 cups chopped kale

1 lime

1/4 cup water

Kale is another powerful source of beta carotene which we have discussed previously in this article. Like other citrus fruits lime is a source of vitamin C and are skin brighteners which repair the skin from damage that was inflicted to it by the sun or by breakouts.

  1. Cucumber and Mint

Recipe:

1 cucumber

¼ cup mint leaves

Cucumber is mainly water, which means that it is hydrating and it also contains a small amount of vitamin C. Mint is awesome for the skin, it is fortified with vitamin A. Salicylic acid, which is an acid used in many anti-acne products, is naturally occurring in mint.

conclusion

Amazing skin is possible. Juice a few times a week using these recipes and you are sure to see a visible difference in the beauty of your skin. In order for our body to produce healthy skin we have to take care of our body on the inside and out.

References

https://www.solvaderm.com/blog/skin-brightening

https://www.thebeautyinsiders.com/category/natural-skin-brightener

 

Author Bio

Kelly Everson (@kellyeverson12) is an American author and MA in English literature. She is a health article writer who has written numerous articles/online journals on stretch marks, pregnancy, sleep disorders, female health and joint pain problems. She is also passionate about health, beauty and fitness. She is contributing to Consumer Health Digest from 2011. Examiner from 2013, Epochtimes & Healthline from 2014

Leave a comment Posted on Women's Health

7 SIMPLE WAYS FOR EVERYDAY SKINCARE

The skin is the outer covering of the whole body, and it is important to take care of it. A daily skin care routine is imperative for people who want to have a gorgeous and radiant look all the time. This is because the products and care given to the skin will help to determine the final results of how the skin will look. The simple ways of taking care of the skin will involve:

Have a routine

7 SIMPLE WAYS FOR EVERYDAY SKINCARE

7 SIMPLE WAYS FOR EVERYDAY SKINCARE

It is important to have a daily routine with the steps that are important to take care of the skin. Skin experts encourage individuals to have a personal list of the daily skin care routine that they use. This helps one to ensure that all the steps are done in the right way.

Wash the face

It is important to wash the face at least twice a day i.e. in the morning and before going to bed. This is even in cases where one washes in the morning, and they are not wearing any makeup. There are many germs and toxins that come into contact with the skin during the day. The face is more affected because it remains exposed throughout the day. People who wear makeup should remove it strictly before going to sleep to prevent it from clogging the pores and causing acne on the face. Washing is important, but it is not advisable to scrub the face as this can lead to chapping of the skin.



Use the right products

It is important to be careful about the products that one applies on the face. The right anti-aging products and the best skin brighteners will keep the face glowing and radiant for e.g Meladerm. It is advisable to apply an anti-aging cream when going to bed as this will continue working on the face as you sleep. The right products will work well on a clean face especially at night when one is without makeup.

Hydrate the skin

A night time lotion or cream is important to keep the skin well hydrated. It is important to slather the skin with a lotion immediately after birth to prevent it from excessive dryness. Proper hydration will also lead to longer and thicker eyelashes, and this will make one look more radiant. In addition to moisturizing the skin, it is important to take water daily at least eight glasses. Taking the right diet will also help to keep the skin in good condition and prevent symptoms of high blood pressure and other conditions.

Using a mask

There are many skin care masks that are available, and some are good for night time. The masks are loaded with nutrients and antioxidants that help to nourish the skin. The masks that are meant for night time are well suited for the night, and they do not mess the pillowcases. There are also others that are good for the day.

Sleep on the back

Sleeping on the stomach or the side will smush the face on the bed or the pillow and this can easily lead to the development of wrinkles. Sleeping on these sides will also remove the moisturizer and rub the face of its important nutrients. The skin experts encourage people to sleep on their back to prevent the early and premature development of wrinkles. It is advisable to practice sleeping on your back, and this will become a routine in no time. People who are just not able to sleep on their back are advised to use pillowcases made of satin as it does not smush the face as much as the other materials.

Proper health precautions

It is important to take the necessary skin care precautions to avoid the development of skin conditions. Most skin conditions are caused by bacteria and the presence of toxins on the skin. Practicing skin protection entails taking good care of the skin and being on the lookout for the things that come into contact with the skin. This helps to reduce the chances of the skin coming into contact with germs. It is also advisable to avoid touching the face with fingers and other items like telephone receivers. It is important to avoid sharing drinks with other workmates or friends as this can lead to the transfer of infections from one person to another.

Conclusion

It is important to take care of the skin for one to glow and look radiant. Having a routine for daily skin care is very important as it helps to prevent the occurrence of acne, skin conditions and other symptoms of high blood pressure and other chronic conditions. This article explains the seven simple ways of every day skin care.

Author Bio

Kathy Mitchell was born and raised in the USA. She has done MA in English literature, and she loves to write articles on health and beauty. She loves to read daily online magazine on health and beauty. Also, she is contributing to consumer health digest since 2011.Her articles are both professional and creative. You can contact her on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Leave a comment Posted on Cardiovascular disease

7 Superfoods That Improve Heart Health – a guest post by Meighan Sembrano


Superfoods have been around throughout the history, but it was only recently when scientists
Superfoods

Superfoods

realized their true power and beneficial effects on our health. They have the ability to improve our brain power, prevent cancer, and boost our heart health. In this article, we will discuss heart-healthy superfoods that you should introduce into your everyday menu.

  • Blueberries

Blueberries and berries, in general, belong to the group of the healthiest foods you can eat. Blueberries are both extremely delicious and rich in antioxidants that reduce the buildup of LDL (bad) cholesterol in artery walls. Otherwise, LDL cholesterol would keep building up and cause various cardiovascular diseases. The reason blueberries are included in first place of our list is because, studies that were conducted at the USDA Human Nutrition Center revealed that blueberries rank as #1 in best antioxidant activity when compared to other fresh fruits and vegetables.

Also, the recent study revealed that women who ate more than three servings of blueberries per week had a 32% lower risk of getting the heart attack. It is recommended to eat one cup of blueberries a day.

  • Beans

Beans are one of the most underrated superfoods. However, black, kidney, and pinto beans have a high level of soluble fibers that are beneficial for our heart health. Also, beans aid in lowering high cholesterol levels and they don’t contain saturated fats. After all, high cholesterol is the leading cause of heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, another great benefit of beans for your heart health is the face it acts as an appetite suppressor. When you eat beans you feel full for a longer period, you don’t eat as much and manage to maintain your weight. Gaining weight and even obesity are a great threat to your heart health.

  • Spinach

Spinach and other green leafy vegetables are high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that protect your body from cardiovascular diseases. Most people don’t know that spinach is a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids too, which is another reason you should include it into your diet after all Popeye ate all that spinach for nothing. Moreover, Spinach is rich in folate that helps reduce the blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine. High level of this amino acid is an emerging risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease.

  • Salmon

Meighan Sembrano

Meighan Sembrano

When we’re talking about heart health, it is impossible to leave out glorious salmon. This fish is the best source of Omega 3 fatty acids that are essential for our body. Omega 3 fatty acids reduce the risk of developing various cardiovascular diseases by lowering levels of triglycerides (blood fats that are associated with diabetes and heart diseases). Additionally, some researchers showed that Omega 3 fatty acids prevent blood clots by making preventing platelets clump together and stick to artery walls.

American Heart Association recommends eating two 3 to 6 or servings of salmon at least two times a week.

Video: Also Watch: Benefits of omega 3 fatty acids.

Embed code:

 

  • Dark chocolate

This is great news for all chocoholics out there. Naturally, this doesn’t mean you should buy a regular chocolate bar you eat every day. Instead, you should opt for a dark alternative. Various studies showed that dark chocolate can, indeed, benefit our heart health due to its flavonoids that reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation. British Medical Journal published findings of the study that showed that consumption of dark chocolate reduces heart attack (and even stroke) for people that are high at risk of getting cardiovascular disease.

Dark chocolate is defined as chocolate that contains at least 60 to 70% of cocoa. It is recommended to eat a square or two a day.

  • Nuts

Walnuts, pecans, cashews and other nuts are good sources of Omega 3 fatty acids. Also, nuts prevent dangerous heart rhythms, reduce the risk of blood clots, lower LDL cholesterol in the blood and prevent various cardiovascular diseases. To improve your heart health and avoid gaining weight in the abdominal area, you should an ounce of nuts a day as a replacement to usual sugary snacks.

  • Oatmeal

A half-cup of oatmeal a day contains about 130 calories while providing our body with 5 grams of heart-healthy fiber that lowers cholesterol and keeps our maintains our healthy body weight. Also, oatmeal makes you feel full which means you won’t be tempted to eat unhealthy foods or snacks. Moreover, oatmeal and whole grains lower the risk of diabetes that is, actually, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It’s important to eat whole grains, instead of refined ones if you want to get all these healthy benefits from the food.

Conclusion

With the introduction of superfoods from this article into your diet, you will lower the risk of getting various cardiovascular diseases. The best thing of all, these foods are just as delicious as they are healthy.

References

 

 

 

 

Author bio:

 

Meighan Sembrano is an author at Consumer Health Digest. She has a keen interest in writing. She has contributed many beauty related articles in many popular websites. She has done her Mass Communication degree. She now lives in Washington DC. She is a social worker who spends her free time searching about life, healthy, beauty and lifestyle fitness related articles. She is fond of travelling and trekking. To know more about her, follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Leave a comment Posted on Diabetes, Diet, Multiple Sclerosis, Patient Talk, Rheumatoid arthritis

Organic Food, Health and Diet – what would you recommend?


Organic food - more antioxidants?

Organic food – more antioxidants?

Organic food? Here to stay of a hippie-dippie fad?

Certainly diet is important for a range of medical conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and, of course, diabetes!

I have to say that I’ve been following the debate over organic foods for around 20 years and have not yet really made up my mind on the subject.

Why?

Well the information seems to change all the time. That being said I read this article in last months Guardian by Damian Carrington and George Arnett which argues that organic produce is higher in antioxidants. You can read upon the benefits of antioxidants in a previous blog post.

That being said it does seem if sales in organic foods have been dropping over the last few years. Certainly the costs for both producers and consumers are higher than conventional foodstuffs. But this may be more a byproduct of the recession of the last few years.

So what do you think? Are organic foods better for us or do they make no difference.

To gauge the few of our readers we have set up a new poll to find out your thoughts. Please do take part below.

Also it would be great if you could share any more thoughts you may have on diet and health in the comments section below.



1 Comment Posted on Diet, Patient Talk

Chia Seeds – Find out more about this amazing Superfood


Chia seeds

Chia seeds

As many of you will know I’m rather partial to what are called superfoods.  While, it seems, there is no formal definition of Superfood the terms is, typically, used to describe foodstuffs which have a high nutrient value.  Therefore offering greater health benefits than the run of the mill stuff we often eat.

In fact superfoods are still a bone of contention in our house.  My wife claims I secretly grated broccoli, which she hates, on her food while she was pregnant with our first child.

For more background on superfoods please have a look at https://patienttalk.org/?p=276 .  It includes links to pro and anti superfoods discussions.

But to return to the point of the blog.  Last week my wife returned home brandishing a copy of a magazine which gave a recipe for a dish which included something called chia seeds.  Which, according to the article, were superfoods?  “What on earth are Chia seeds?” I exclaimed.   To which I received the traditional “search me” look.

So I decided it was my duty, as a healthcare blogger, to find out more about the health benefits of chia seeds.  Indeed in America the chia craze has been going for a few years but it seems that Europe is about to catch up.

Chia is a member of the mint family which grows in Latin America.   Apparently   it was  a staple of Aztec and Mayan cooking. However it is the seeds themselves which are of particular interest.  Chia seeds contain:-

a)      More Omega 3 fatty acids than salmon.

b)      A great source of antioxidants.  You can read up on antioxidants here https://patienttalk.org/?p=252

c)       Very high in dietary fibre

d)      A source of calcium and iron and a number of B vitamins

e)      May lower cholesterol and help prevent heart disease

Chai seeds are often used by athletes and a table spoon of the seeds has been described as the equivalent of a smoothie of salmon and spinach.

So how do you take it?  Well it is a common addition to smoothies and health drinks.  Have a look at https://patienttalk.org/?p=638 for more info.

The downside of chai seeds is the cost.  But if they take off we can only hope it will come down.

In fact today is going to be the first time I’ve tried chai seeds.  I’ll be using this recipe for BLACK BEAN SOUP WITH SUPER CHIA GARNISH for Stylist Magazine which can be found here http://www.stylist.co.uk/life/recipes/black-bean-soup-with-super-chia-garnish.  Once we have tried it I’ll give you an update.  Given that I love black beans I’m sure I’ll be a fan.

If you have used chia seeds it would be great if you can tell us how you found them using the comments box.  If you have any recipes then please share them as well

Many thanks in advance.