Health Benefits Of Blueberries

Believe it or not, but blueberries seem to belong to the kind of delicious food rich in flavors and great for health improvement. They are close to the top on the list of the best, commercially available antioxidant fruits. They have even been categorized as super foods. The substance responsible for their strong antioxidant action is called anthocyanin. It is a type of (bio)flavonoid and these substances in general are known to have dual action – they promote health and have substantial therapeutic effects.


Therefore, there is no better recommendation that to reach out for and capitalize on the numerous health related benefits of blueberries. If you are wondering how much is enough, just take one cup of blueberries daily, or even better, prepare some delightful, healthy juice out of them alone, or in combination with some other fruits. Apart from juicing in a juice extractor  there is another possibility – you can prepare a healthy smoothie out of them. Either way, make sure that there are no fruits with marks of mould formation, and … happy juicing.

Health Benefits

Apart from their antioxidant action, blueberries contain a lot of vitamin C, minerals and fibers. One cup of this fruit contains 12 milligrams of vitamin C, less then a milligram of Mn, about 5 grams of fiber, and relatively low calorie content. Remember that these micro nutrients are beneficial substances primarily due to their organic origin – unlike some of the supplements which contain minerals and vitamins of inorganic origin. Blueberries are a real mine of beneficial minerals, especially calcium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin C.

When consumed raw, blueberries will be quite beneficial also to those who struggle with weight problems. They are rich in vegetable fibers and thus will promote a feeling of satiety. Unlike the fresh berries that will gently cleanse the body, the dried blueberries will stop diarrhea.

The beneficial effect of blueberries can be seen in the improving of some heart conditions, cancer prevention, sight improvement, and preventing infections of the urinary tract. Some studies suggest that the dark pigments in blueberries are likely to be responsible for lowering of cholesterol blood levels, while the antioxidants may help prevent colon cancer. Last, but not least, the lutein is held responsible for preventing issues of macular degeneration.

Blueberries May Improve Memory

In an article published in the ACS Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, experts point out that studies on animals have shown that blueberries may improve memory in older adult. A group of subjects older than 70 years were given a cup of blueberry juice in the morning during a period of two months. The control group was given a drink without blueberries. The subjects who consumed blueberry juice had better scores on memory and learning tests. As the authors of this research study say, the preliminary results are encouraging, and suggest that the continuous consumption of blueberry juice could delay or mitigate neurodegeneration.

In the absence of effective therapy for dementia, there is always the preventive approach where blueberries, amongst the other healthy foods, can indeed help.

Vitamins In Beetroots

Containing the powerful antioxidant betacyanin, which gives beetroot its deep red hue, this vegetable purifies the blood and has anti-carcinogenic properties. Research shows it boosts the body’s natural defenses in the liver, regenerating immune cells. Also contains silica, vital for healthy skin, fingernails, ligaments, tendons and bones.

Beet is believed to be native of the Mediterranean region of Europe and probably Western Asia. It has been used as a vegetable for the last 2000 years, even by early Greeks and Romans. It was so appreciated by ancients that it was offered on silver to Apollo in his temple at Delphi.

Beetroot contains sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iodine, iron, copper, Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and C. Each capsule provides approximately 1-2mg of elemental iron.

Benefits and Features of Beetroot

• Beetroot provides a good source of anthocyanadins, a natural antioxidant that contributes to its deep red colour
• Extract is a natural source of vitamins and minerals
• Beetroot is used traditionally as a blood building food
• Beetroot may aid the natural process of elimination and support detoxification processes
• Beetroot has liver, spleen, gall bladder and kidney cleansing properties
• Beetroot is particularly rich in Vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus and iron
• Each capsule provides approximately 1-2mg of elemental iron
• The iron contained in beetroot is organic and non-irritating and will not cause constipation
  Beetroot is useful in acidosis due to it being rich in alkaline elements
• Vacuum packed to enhance stability and shelf life
• Suitable for vegetarians and vegans

DESCRIPTION

Also called beet, the beetroot is a firm, clean globe shaped vegetable with no soft wet areas. If still attached, it should have fresh, clean young leaves. The beetroot is characterised by dark purple skin and a distinctive purple flesh.

HISTORY

In pre-Christian times, the leaves of the beetroot were only eaten. Today, the root is used more often than the leaves since it stays fresher longer. Some beetroots are cultivated for distilling and the sugar industry. They are used as a vegetable and as food colouring.

PREPARATION TIPS AND USAGE

The leaves of the beetroot should be removed and the beetroot should be washed in cold water using a soft vegetable brush. They can be grated and eaten raw, boiled or baked. Raw beetroot may be peeled, diced and sauteed in butter. They can also be added to salads. Beetroots take at least 2 hours to be baked in the oven or boiled in salt water. Very small beetroots are preserved in vinegar and used in making pickles.

STORAGE 

For storing, the beetroot leaves should be cut 50 mm above the root. They will keep for 4 - 5 days when refrigerated in the vegetable crisper.

Heel cracks cause & remedies

Cracked heel is common foot problem in which the skin on the heel of the foot becomes thickening and fissuring. Cracked heels are symptom of lack of attention to foot care. In medical terms, cracked heels are also known as heel fissures. If cracked heels are not treated at an early stage, it can be very painful. In the beginning, they appear like thin lines under foot. Walking may become difficult as they deepen. These lines appear on the heel when the heel skin turns dry and scaly. Bleeding starts from these cracks in extreme cases and the pain also intensifies.

What Causes Cracked Heels?

Some people have naturally dry skin which is responsible for cracked heels. Dry skin which is thickened may crack due to mechanical factors like increased pressures in that area (eg the way you walk).
The most common causes of Cracked Heels are:

• Dry skin
• Inactive sweat glands
• Improperly fitting shoes
• Wearing glasses with an open back
• High arched feet
• Flat feet
• Surgery to the lower extremities
• Mal-aligment of the metatarsal bones
• Prolonged standing
• Heel Spurs
• Obesity
• Thyroid disease
• Diabetes
• Psoriasis
  Athlete’s foot

Symptoms of cracked heels:

Most common symptoms of cracked heels are:

• Peeling and cracked skin
• Yellow or dark skin on the heel
• Itchy skin
• Red or flaky patches on the heel of the foot
• Hard growth of skin on the outer edge of the heel
• Pain while walking
• Increased pain in thin soles or open back shoes

The symptoms may worsen by wearing open or thin soled shoes.

Cracked heel remedies:

It is best to start the treatment of cracked foot at a preliminary stage and for that it is necessary to take proper care of feet. Feet also need to be coddled same as the skin of the other parts of body.
Home remedies:

• Warm Water and Pumice Stone:
  • Warm water is the best remedy. It helps to soften the tough skin on the heels. By the use of pumice stone, soft skin is easily removed. You can also use sandpaper instead of pumice stone. You can wrap sand paper on a small block of wood that easily to fit in the palm of your hand.
• Shortening:
  • Same as moisturizer or lotion, apply a generous coating of lard or shortening. To prevent the escaping of shortening, wear thick socks and leave it overnight. Continue to do this steps each night until your heels look better. You can also use hydrogenated vegetable oil instead of shortening.
• Ripe Banana:
  • Ripe banana is also helpful for treating heel fissures. Apply the smash of the ripe banana on heel. Leave it on for about 15 minutes, and then wipe off. Wear a protective sock over the foot for more relief.
• Sudsy Water:
  • Sudsy Water is prepared with soap and warm water. Soak your feet every night for 15 to 20 minutes in warm and then dry completely. Don’t scrub your feet with the pumice stone during the soaking phase.
• Moisturizers:
  • In any department store or drugstore, moisturizers for cracked heels can be availed. Moisturizing lotions which are specially formulated for excessively dry skin will work best. Ask a dermatologist to provide a prescription-strength moisturizer in extreme cases. Soak your feet for 15 minutes in a foot bath to hydrate the skin for best results and then apply moisturizer after completely drying of the feet.

Medical Treatment:
If heel fissures are very painful and bleeding also takes place, look for medical treatment immediately. If there is more serious underlying problem, such as an under active thyroid, diabetes or psoriasis, your doctor can diagnose this.


Prevention tips for cracked heels:
Moisturizing the feet commonly can prevent heel fissures. Besides keeping your feet moisturized, other ways are also available to prevent them. Avoid walking around barefoot for extended periods of time and wear shoes that offer support to foot and heel when standing for a long time. Also, you can use a pumice stone daily to gently decrease the thick and flaky layer of skin after occurring of cracked heels.

Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Care & Wash

Apple cider vinegar is a marvelous bactericide for hair. To encourage healthy hair in both men and women, Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used from long time. It is good conditioner and also an effective germ killer. A proper pH balance is provided by apple cider vinegar to promote hair growth and a healthy scalp. In the following article, there are different tips to use apple cider vinegar for hair care and wash.


Apple cider vinegar is a famous health food and folk remedy. Old nasty skin cells are removed from the scalp and hair follicles by apple cider vinegar due to the fact that it is super high in alpha-hydroxy acids. The main ingredient, Acetic acid will eliminate buildup from styling products and conditioners and strengthen the hair shaft, leaving with soft, glimmering strands. Apple cider vinegar hair wash will balance pH level of hair, kill bacteria and it is also a great cure for dandruff. For color-treated or processed hair, this rinse is not suggested because acetic acid is a clarifier and can strip hair of color. It also encourages blood circulation in the small blood capillaries that irrigate the skin. It is also antiseptic, fighting yeasts, viruses and bacteria that can cause infection.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar in Hair?

• Comb and shampoo the hair with your normal shampoo.
• Rinse the hair thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining shampoo or build-up that’s accumulated on the hair.
• Take two cups of apple cider vinegar and one cup of water and rinse hair carefully with the mix.
• Leave the mixture on the hair for fifteen minutes.
• After that rinse the vinegar with clean warm water until the vinegar smell dissipates.
• Carefully comb out the hair and you will find detangled, healthy looking and manageable hair.
• Repeat the procedure every week or less if desired.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Dandruff and Itchy Scalp?

• Add two to three teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water.
• After that, add 1 oz of olive oil, 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
• Mix all these ingredients well.
• Apply this concoction to scalp and place a towel over the scalp for 15 minutes.
• Afterwards, comb the hair and wash it with warm water.
• Repeat this treatment regularly.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Growth?

• Apply apple cider vinegar directly onto the scalp.
• Afterwards dab royal jelly on the hair.
• Rinse the hair after sometime.
• How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Loss?
• Mix 2 Tbsp ACV with a tiny pinch cayenne powder.
• Apply it to scalp an hour before shampooing
• Rinse the hair after sometime.

How to Use of Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Loss?

• Combine apple cider vinegar and water in equal amount.
• Afterwards, add 10 drops of sage to it.
• Apply this mixture to hair and let it to be on the scalp for 30 to 40 minutes.
• After that, wash off the mixture with water.
• Repeat this treatment daily for a week.

Basic Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

• Mix 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 qt. of distilled water to make the rinse.
• Put it in a plastic bottle and bring it into the shower or bath.
• Shampoo hair and rinse well.
• Apply the apple cider vinegar rinse to hair and leave it for few seconds.
• Rinse hair using cold water to seal the hair shaft and create more shine.
• Try it once a week at most.
• Dry your hair with a towel. If vinegar scent is noticed after rinsing, then don’t worry. The smell will disappear after the hair dries.

Herbal Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

• Boil 1 cup water and add 3 tbsp. of your selected dried herb into a tea ball or muslin bag.
• Place the ball or bag in hot water and allow the mixture instill for two hours.
• When the herbal tonic is cooled, pour the mix into a glass jar and add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar.
• Shake well and apply the mixture to hair and leave it for few seconds.
• Rinse hair using cold water to seal the hair shaft and create more shine.
• Try it once a week at most.

Hair Remedies at Home with Olive Oil

Olive oil is well-known natural remedy for promoting the growth of good hair and overall body health. Read out article to know some home remedies for hair with the use if olive oil.

Olive oil improves the health and quality of your hair and scalp. Many people have a problem of dry, brittle or frizzy hair. Probably, this problem may be due to use of expensive products which promises silky and shiny locks. Frizziness and drying condition of your hair can be treated well with a simple product like olive oil. Olive oil is used for almost all hair problems including dandruff, hair lice, hair loss etc. Also, it acts as conditioning agent on hair.

The rate of hair growth depends on two factors: the amount of nourishment that reaches to your hair follicles from nutrients supplied to them by the bloodstream and also the regular oiling and cleaning of the scalp and hair. Some other factors which adversely affect hair growth include stress, exposure to heat, dust and sun and prolonged physical ailments. Olive oil is a good source of polyphenols which gives anti bacterial and anti fungal properties. So, some of the most effective home remedies for hair comprise the use of olive oil as it gives the healthier, softer and more manageable look to hair.

Extra virgin olive oil is marginally better to use than virgin oil as it is prepared with organic olives. Olive oil is well regarded as an aid to over-all health due to its nourishing properties. To enhance the health and vitality of your hair, olive oil is the best and cheapest way to use on hair as it nourishes conditions and improves the strength and elasticity of the hair.

Olive Oil treatments for hair:

Olive Oil as Conditioner:
For dry and damaged hair, olive oil can be effectively used as a conditioner as it has nourishing property to the hair.

• Warm about 2 tsps of olive oil as it penetrates more deeply into the hair shaft to repair the damaged cuticles that cause dryness, frizziness and breakage. Massage the oil into your hair from beginning to the ends of your hair. Cover your hair in a warm towel and allow the oil to saturate your hair for up to 30 minutes. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo. Finally, rinse your hair with cool water which seals the hair shaft, locking in shine and prevents damaged ends.
• Add few drops of lemon juice in half a cup of olive oil. Apply this mixture on the hair and scalp after shampooing. Rinse hair after 5 minutes.
• Combine half a quarter of spring water with a quarter of olive oil and massage into the hair. Wrap your hair in warm towel and leave for 25 minutes. After that, wash off hair with water.

Olive Oil to Treat Head Lice:
It is very difficult to remove head lice and recurring attacks are also possible. Olive oil can effectively treat head lice. It is effective in tacking the problem of hair lice without the agony and irritation as it related with other commercial hair lice removal products.

• To remove head lice, apply olive oil on the scalp and leave it on scalp for 30 minutes. Shampoo the hair thoroughly to eliminate the oil. Reapply the olive oil the next day for greater effect.

Olive Oil to Treat Hair Loss:
The problem of hair loss can be significantly decreased with the regular use of olive oil.

• To bring out the best results, consume olive oil as a part of your diet.
• Before going to bed, massage your scalp with olive oil every night and cover your head. In the morning, rinse the hair with shampoo.
• Mix one beaten egg in ¾ cup of olive oil. Apply this mixture to the hair after it is shampooed and is still wet. Allow it to remain on the hair for at least 45 minutes. Then, rinse hair with mild shampoo. This is a good remedy for the hair regrowth. Olive oil also used as an excellent conditioner that also aids in increasing hair volume.
• You can also apply a blend of an egg, a tablespoon of olive oil and two tablespoons of honey on your scalp. Rinse your hair after 15 minutes to enhance hair growth.

Other Olive Oil Treatment:

• In a sauce pan, place half a cup of olive oil and add half a cup of dried rosemary leaves. Heat it on a low flame with continuous stirring. Then, eliminate from heat and strain the leaves from the oil. When oil is slightly warm, apply it on your scalp and hair. To retain the heat, cover the head and leave for 15 minutes. At last, wash thoroughly with shampoo and water.

For hair growth, extra virgin olive oil is found to be most effective because it is good source of vitamin E and mono-unsaturated fatty acids which act as antioxidants and promote hair growth. It’s emollient property help to minimize hair loss and factors that cause hair loss fir example dandruff. Regular use of olive oil directly on the hair and on the scalp helps to resolve the problem of brittle hair.  Regularly massage of the scalp with olive oil tends to stimulate the scalp and promote hair growth. Furthermore, it also improves the elasticity of hair and prevents hair breakage.

Make Your Own Fruit Facial Mask At Home

Everybody wants beautiful face so they spend thousands of dollars to achieve it. Face mask helps the skin to moisturize and tighten. Facial mask removes dirt, dust, and excess oil from the skin as well as soften it. There are so many face masks available in the market, which are loaded with synthetic chemicals. So, homemade face masks are better. Facial masks are usually based on fruits, dairy products and dry fruits.Homemade fruit facial mask will exfoliate the skin naturally with fruit acids. Refer the article to know the benefits and recipes of fruit facial mask.


Fruit facial mask helps to slow down the ageing process, restore damaged skin, reduce blemishes and tan, rejuvenate the dull skin and prevent wrinkles. Homemade fruit facial masks are free of chemicals, artificial supplements and preservatives. Fruit mask preserves the health and elasticity of the skin as well as provides relaxation and hydration. You can make fruit mask by using any seasonal fruit. Rich antioxidants particularly vitamin E is contained in the fresh fruit pulp which is soaked topically to nourish the skin. Before applying the fruit mask, always give yourself a facial massage. Facial massage will enhance the circulation allowing the cells to bathe in fresh oxygen.

1) Strawberry Mask:

Take ½ cup ripe strawberries and ¼ cup cornstarch. Then combine them to make a paste.

2) Banana and Honey Mask:

Take a mixing bowl and beat 1 egg white. After beating add 1 tablespoon yogurt, ½ teaspoon jojoba oil, 1 tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon white clay. Mix till it becomes a smooth concoction. Now take another bowl and mash 1 ripe banana; it becomes smooth. After that, add mashed banana in the first concoction.

3) Papaya Mask:

Take ¼ fresh papaya and mash it. Then add 1½ teaspoons of aloe vera gel and 4 teaspoons of green cosmetic clay. Mix it well till it becomes a smooth paste.

4) Orange Mask:

Take a bowl and whisk 1 egg till it becomes firm and stands in peaks. Then blend 1 orange juice and 1 teaspoon honey.

5) Avocado Mask:

Take a small bowl and mash the pulp of 1 avocado with the help of a fork. Then add 1 teaspoon honey and 1 egg yolk to mashed avocado.

6) Apple Facial mask:

Take the puree of ½ apple and add 1 tablespoon warm milk to it. Mix well and add 1 egg yolk. Blend all the ingredients well. If the mixture is runny then you can add 1 tablespoon pure oatmeal.

7) Peach Mask:

Blend 1 ripe peach and 1 egg white in a blender till it becomes smooth.

8) Kiwi, cucumber, and strawberry Mask:
Mix 1 mashed kiwi, 2 mashed strawberries and half slice of cucumber. After that put this concoction on a muslin cloth and compress the juice. Use the solid mixture as face mask and the juice as toner.


9) Grape Mask:
Take 1 cup green grapes and crush them to make pulp. Then add 1 teaspoon honey in it and mix well. You can also use 1 egg yolk in place of honey.


10) Pear Mask:
Take 1 ripe pear and mash it with the help of a fork. Then add ½ teaspoon honey and 1 tablespoon heavy cream. Mix well till it becomes a smooth paste.

Benefits of Homemade Fruit Facial Mask:

• They hydrate and rejuvenate the skin.
• You can combine any fruits to make the mask.
• They are chemical free and have no side effects.
• Fruit facial mask also helps to slow down the ageing process.
• By using fruit mask, the skin look bright and tight.
• These fruit masks also offer deep mental relaxation.
• The fruit masks decrease the blemishes and tones up the skin.
• The fruit masks open clogged pores and restore the moisture of skin.
• Homemade fruit facial masks also helps to get rid of the wrinkles on the face.
• Homemade fruit facial masks can be made by using any type of fruit.
• They improve and lighten the complexion and make the face glow.

5 Tips Untuk Kempiskan Perut

1) Makan makanan yang betul.

Untuk mengempiskan perut kita perlu makan makanan yang seimbang di dalam menu harian kita kerana diet yang betul boleh membantu membuang lemak di bahagian perut. Makan yang betul sepatutnya mengandungi karbohidrat kompleks, fiber, vitamin dan mineral, lean protein, ikan dan sayuran berdaun hijau.

2) Tinggalkan makanan ringan atau fast food.

Makan makanan ringan dan makanan segera adalah tidak baik untuk kesihatan dan akan membuatkan lemak berkumpul di bahagian perut jika diambil dengan berlebihan. Kita sepatutnya menggelakkan mengambil karbohidrat yang diprocess, gula, makan goreng (deep fried food), makanan segera dan apa jua makanan berlemak.

3) Berhenti makan lewat malam.

Kebanyakkan orang akan terus tidur selepas makan lewat malam. Ini bermakna lebihan gula yang dimakan semasa makan lewat malam akan ditukar kepada lemak kerana badan tidak boleh membakar lemak semasa kita tidur.

4) Kurangkan minum soda, jus atau minuman bergula.

Soda, jus asli atau minuman bergula mengandungi banyak kalori dan akan merosakkan usaha kita untuk mengempiskan perut. Berhenti minum minuman bergula dan banyakkan minum air kosong atau air mineral.

5) Latihan kardio dan berat.

Melakukan senaman kardio adalah amat penting untuk mengempiskan perut kerana senaman ini dapat membakar kalori lebih banyak dari melakukan senaman perut. Contoh senaman kardio seperti jogging, berjalan. Dan menaiki tangga. Diharap dengan tip-tip yang diberi dapat membantu anda dalam usaha anda mendapatkan bentuk badan yang di ingini.

Bagaimana Mengawal Tanda-Tanda Penuaan

Cara terbaik untuk memastikan kulit tidak mengalami penuaan terlalu awal ialah dengan menjauhi cahaya matahari. Pemakaian krim tabir suria, pakaian yang tertutup dan minum air yang cukup setiap hari adalah amalan yang baik. Bahkan dengan mengambil buah-buahan, sayuran berdaun hijau dan bersenam dengan konsisten juga bagus kerana ia menjadi benteng terhadap serangan radikal bebas, kerosakan kulit dan pembinaan toksin.

Apa Yang Sering Menyebabkan MATA Bengkak?

Antara masalah kesihatan yang boleh mengurangkan kecantikan mata anda ialah tiroid dan diabetes. Jika bengkak mata anda terlalu serius diikuti dengan masalah lingkaran hitam bawah mata serta kantung mata bengkak, pergilah bertemu doktor untuk mereka menilai tahap kesihatan anda dengan lebih teliti. Jika anda menggunakan krim mata pada waktu pagi, cuba simpankannya di dalam peti sejuk terlebih dahulu kerana ia mampu bertindak sebagai krim penyejuk mata.

The Benefits of Aloe Vera for Beauty and Health

Aloe vera is a plant that is shaped like a fleshy leaves of plants containing active compounds such as mannans acetate, polymannans, anthraquinone, and a variety of lectins. Many of the benefits of aloe vera can be taken from this plant. The benefits of Aloe vera is not just for drugs alone, but the benefits of aloe vera can also be used for cosmetics.

The benefits of Aloe Vera also contains about 75 types of substances that are beneficial and more than 200 other compounds. This makes the benefits of Aloe vera as an herbal remedy.

The benefits of aloe vera for beauty and health

1. The Benefits of Aloe vera as Detoxification.

Aloe vera juice contains many vitamins and minerals except vitamin D which helps our bodies cope with stress in daily life.

2. The Benefits of Aloe vera deterrent Indigestion.
Aloe vera can be used as preventive medicine as digestive disorders such as heartburn and peptic ulcers and irritable bowel. Aloe vera can also soothe and overcome esophageal acid reflux.

3. The Benefits of Aloe vera to maintain oral health.
Aloe vera is useful for mouth and gum problems, especially in improving the deteriorating gums.

4. The Benefits of Aloe vera for skin care.
The benefits of aloe vera can also remove acne, moisturize skin, detoxify the skin, removal of scars and marks on the skin, reduce inflammation, as well as repair and skin rejuvenation.

5. The Benefits of Aloe vera helps bowel movement.
Aloe latex contains anthraquinone glycosidesaloin A and B that are useful as a powerful laxative.

6. Burns.
Aloe vera gel can heal and repair the affected skin burns, including burns caused by exposure to sunlight.

7. The benefits of aloe vera to prevent Dandruff.
Aloe vera can help reduce itching and dandruff. Benefits of Aloe vera can also be used for treatment of hair before shampooing.