अपने दिलचस्प इतिहास के साथ खुबानी विश्वभर में लोकप्रिय है। इसका खूबसूरत आकार और मीठा स्वाद किसी भी फूड लवर को अपना दीवाना बना सकता है। यह एक रसदार, सुगंधित फल है, जिसे कच्चा या कई प्रकार के व्यंजनों में प्रयोग करके खाया जा सकता है। इस फल को दैनिक जीवन में इसलिए भी शामिल किया जाना चाहिए, क्योंकि यह स्वास्थ्य को बेहतर बनाने का काम करता है। खुबानी विटामिन-ए, सी, पोटैशियम और मैंगजीन जैसे खनिज और डाइटरी फाइबर से समृद्ध होती है (1)।

इस खास लेख में हमारे साथ जानिए स्वास्थ्य, त्वचा और बालों के लिए खुबानी खाने के फायदों के बारे में।

विषय सूची

क्या है खुबानी? – What is Apricot in Hindi

एक पौष्टिक नाश्ते के लिए खुबानी को सबसे उपयुक्त माना जाता है। बस इसे पानी से धोएं और खाएं। इसे अक्सर एक मीठे खाद्य पदार्थ के रूप में खाया जाता है, लेकिन इसके खाने का तरीका मीठे तक सीमित नहीं है। मध्य पूर्वी देशों में व्यंजनों का स्वाद बढ़ाने के लिए सूखी खुबानी को मांस और मसालों के साथ पकाकर खाया जाता है। भारतीय मसालेदार व्यंजनों के साथ आप खुबानी की चटनी का आनंद ले सकते हैं।

इसकी उत्पत्ति से जुड़े तथ्य बताते हैं कि चार हजार साल पहले खुबानी की खेती चीन में की गई थी। वहां जाने वाले व्यापारी इस खास फल को अपने साथ ले गए थे, जिससे इसकी लोकप्रियता बढ़ी और परिणामस्वरूप इसकी खेती विश्व के अन्य प्रांतों में होने लगी। बाद में इसकी खेती यूरोप में भी की गई और अंग्रेज इसे ऑस्ट्रेलिया ले गए। वर्तमान में विक्टोरिया को खुबानी के मुख्य उत्पादकों में से एक माना जाता है (1)।

खुबानी के फायदे – Benefits of Apricot in Hindi

आकार में छोटा दिखने वाला यह फल न सिर्फ आपकी जीभ का स्वाद बदलता है, बल्कि कैंसर और मधुमेह जैसी घातक बीमारियों से भी आपकी रक्षा करता है। नीचे जानिए त्वचा, बाल और आंतरिक स्वास्थ्य के लिए खुबानी के फायदों के बारे में।

सेहत के लिए खुबानी के फायदे – Health Benefits of Apricot in Hindi

1. बेहतर पाचन के लिए

Shutterstock

अधिकांश शारीरिक बीमारियां पेट के बिगड़ने से ही शुरू होती हैं। अपच के कारण गैस, पेट दर्द और न जाने कितनी तकलीफें शरीर को घेर लेती हैं। इस स्थिति में खुबानी आपकी मदद कर सकती है। एक स्वादिष्ट फल होने के साथ-साथ यह फल पेट को आराम पहुंचाने में मदद करता है। दरअसल, खुबानी फाइबर युक्त होती है और फाइबर पाचन क्रिया को सुचारू रूप से चलाने में मदद करती है (2)। कब्ज जैसी समस्याओं के लिए भी खुबानी लाभदायक मानी गई है।

2. आंखों की दृष्टि में सुधार

उम्र के साथ-साथ कुछ शारीरिक समस्याएं बिना आमंत्रण दिए ही शरीर में दाखिल हो जाती हैं, जिसमें नजर का कमजोर होना भी है। खासकर 40 के बाद आंखों की दृष्टि कमजोर होने लगती है। सही पोषण की कमी इसका एक बड़ा कारण है। विटामिन-सी, ई, β-कैरोटीन और ओमेगा-3 फैटी एसिड जैसे तत्व आंखों के स्वास्थ्य के लिए जरूरी माने जाते हैं (3)। यहां खुबानी एक महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभा सकता है। खुबानी में β-कैरोटीन और विटामिन-सी जैसे प्रमुख तत्व होते हैं, जो आंखों के लिए जरूरी माने गए हैं (4)। आंखों की रोशनी बनाए रखने के लिए आप आज से ही खुबानी का सेवन करना शुरू कर सकते हैं।

3. वजन घटाने में मददगार

खुबानी कम फैट वाले आहार के लिए अनुकूल माना जाती है, क्योंकि यह फाइबर युक्त होती है। खासतौर पर इसमें घुलनशील फाइबर होता है, जो पेट भरे होने का एहसास कराता है (2)। वजन घटाने में खुबानी आपकी काफी मदद कर सकती है। यह फल बल्किंग एजेंट के रूप में काम करता है, जो आपको अत्यधिक भोजन करने से रोकता है। फाइबर आपके पाचन तंत्र को भी बेहतर रखता है, जिससे आप पेट संबंधी परेशानियों से बचे रहते हैं।

4. हृदय रोग

यहां दोबारा खुबानी में मौजूद फाइबर गुण को देख सकते हैं। फाइबर से समृद्ध होने के कारण यह फल शरीर में कोलेस्ट्रॉल को नियंत्रित करने का काम करता है, जिससे हृदय सुरक्षित रहता है (4) (5)। यह खराब कोलेस्ट्रोल को कम करता है और अच्छे कोलेस्ट्रॉल को बढ़ाने का काम करता है। इसके अलावा, इसमें मौजूद पोटैशियम हमारे शरीर में इलेक्ट्रोलाइट स्तर को संतुलित करता है, जिससे हमारे हृदय की मांसपेशियां व्यवस्थित रहती हैं (6)। भविष्य में हृदय रोग से बचने के लिए आप रोजाना खुबानी का सेवन कर सकते हैं। सूखी हुई खुमानी ‘कोरोनरी आर्टरी कैल्सीफिकेशन’ से भी बचाती हैं। यह स्थिति हृदय रोगी के लिए घातक साबित हो सकती है (7)।

5. एनीमिया

एनीमिया एक घातक बीमारी है, जिसमें खून के अंदर लाल रक्त कोशिकाओं की कमी होने लगती है। एनीमिया के कारण शरीर के अंगों तक ऑक्सीजन का प्रवाह कम हो जाता है। थकान, त्वचा का पीलापन, सांस लेने में तकलीफ व चक्कर आदि इसके आम लक्षण हैं। एनीमिया के इलाज के लिए आप खुबानी का सेवन कर सकते हैं। यह एक गुणकारी फल है, जो विटामिन-सी से समृद्ध होता है (4) (8)। विटामिन-सी रक्त की एंटीऑक्सीडेंट सुरक्षा क्षमता में सुधार करता है। शरीर में रक्त स्वास्थ्य को बनाए रखने के लिए आप खुबानी का रोजाना सेवन कर सकते हैं (9)।

6. मधुमेह

सूखी खुबानी खाने के कई शारीरिक फायदे हैं। इसमें प्राकृतिक रूप से मिठास होती है, जिससे मधुमेह से बचा सकता है। खुबानी फाइबर और एंटीऑक्सीडेंट गुणों से समृद्ध है और ये तत्व शरीर में शर्करा (glucose concentration) के जमा होने से रोकते हैं। मधुमेह के मरीज में ग्लूकोज के स्तर को संतुलित करने के लिए चार फेनोलिक कंपाउंड (प्रोसीएनिडिन्स, हाइड्रोक्सीसैनामिक एसिड डेरिवेटिव, फ्लेवोनोल्स और एंथोसायनिन) मिलकर खुबानी को सक्षम बनाते हैं। भविष्य में मधुमेह से बचने के लिए आप रोजाना खुबानी का सेवन कर सकते हैं (10)।

7. कैंसर

खुबानी की गुठली में एमिगडलिन नामक रासायनिक तत्व पाया जाता है, जिसकी पहचान एंटीकैंसर के रूप में मिली है। एमिगडलिन एक सायनोजेनिक ग्लाइकोसाइड है, जिसे प्राकृतिक रूप से एंटी-कैंसर एजेंट के रूप में वर्णित किया गया है (9), (11)।

8. कानदर्द

Shutterstock

कानदर्द जैसी समस्या के लिए भी खुमानी का इस्तेमाल किया जा सकता है। खुबानी का फल एंटीइंफ्लेमेटरी गुणों से समृद्ध होता है। खुमानी के बीज का तेल कान में होने वाले दर्द से राहत दिलाने का काम कर सकता है (9) (12)।

9. दर्द और सूजन

सिर्फ फल ही नहीं, बल्कि खुबानी के बीज औषधीय गुणों से भरपूर माने जाते हैं। खुबानी के बीज दर्द और सूजन से राहत दिलाने का काम करते हैं। एक अध्ययन से पता चला है कि खुबानी के बीज का तेल अल्सरेटिव कोलाइटिस के खिलाफ लड़ने का काम करता है, जो आंतों से जुड़ी बीमारी है (12)।

10. उच्च रक्तचाप

उच्च रक्तचाप की स्थिति में भी खुबानी को लाभदायक माना गया है। खुबानी पोटैशियम का एक बड़ा स्रोत है और पोटैशियम उच्च रक्तचाप को नियंत्रित करने का काम करता है। रोजाना दो खुबानी खाने से रक्तचाप नियंत्रित रहता है (13)।

11. लीवर डैमेज

सिर्फ ह्रदय ही नहीं खुबानी लीवर को भी स्वस्थ्य रखने में अहम भूमिका निभाती है। एक अध्ययन के अनुसार खुबानी का फल लीवर की रक्षा कर सकता है और फैटी लीवर रोग (जिगर में वसा का संचय) के लक्षणों को भी कम कर सकता है (14)। अपने औषधीय गुणों से ऑर्गेनिक खुबानी लिवर को फिर से काम करने के योग्य बनाती है। लिवर को स्वस्थ्य रखने के लिए आप रोजाना खुबानी का सेवन कर सकते हैं (15)।

12. गर्भावस्था

Shutterstock

खुबानी अत्यधिक पोषत तत्वों से भरी होती है, जो गर्भावस्था के दौरान गर्भवती महिला के लिए लाभदायक साबित हो सकती है। गर्भावस्था के दौरान शरीर में आयरन और कॉपर की कमी को पूरा करने के लिए इसका सेवन किया जा सकता है। खुबानी का फल आयरन का बड़ा स्रोत है। आयरन ऐसा मिनरल है, जो शरीर के स्वस्थ रहने के लिए बहुत जरूरी है (16)।

13. फ्लूड बैलेंस

खुबानी को फाइबर और पोटैशियम का बड़ा स्रोत माना जाता है (13)। पोटैशियम एक जरूरी पोषक तत्व है, जो इलेक्ट्रोलाइट के रूप में काम करता हैं। शरीर के लिए इलेक्ट्रोलाइट्स महत्वपूर्ण है, क्योंकि यह –

• पानी की मात्रा को संतुलित करता है।
• शरीर के पीएच स्तर को संतुलित करता है।
• पोषक तत्वों को अपनी कोशिकाओं में स्थानांतरित करता है।
• कोशिकाओं से गंदगी को बाहर निकालता है।
• इसके अलावा, नसों, मांसपेशियों, हृदय और मस्तिष्क के काम को भी सुनिश्चित करता है (15)।

14. सांस संबंधी तकलीफ

खुबानी में मौजूद विटामिन-सी का उच्च स्तर सांस की तकलीफ को कम करने में मदद करता है (4)। एक अध्ययन के अनुसार यह फल सर्दी-जुकाम के दौरान सांस की तकलीफ और संक्रमण को दूर कर सकता है (16)। इस खास विषय पर अभी और अध्ययन की जरूरत है।

त्वचा के लिए खुबानी के फायदे – Skin Benefits of Apricot in Hindi

खुबानी के सेवन से त्वचा को भी कई प्रकार के लाभ होते हैं। नीचे जानिए त्वचा के लिए खुबानी के फायदों के बारे में –

15. एंटी-एजिंग

एंटी-एजिंग प्रभाव को कम करने के लिए एक तो इसका सेवन (रोजा दो से तीन) किया जा सकता और दूसरा इसका फेस पैक बनाया जा सकता है। नीचे जानिए किस प्रकार बनाए खुबानी फेस पैक।

कैसे बनाएं खुबानी का फेस पैक

सामग्री

• तीन से चार पके हुए खुबानी के फल
• जैतून तेल की तीन से चार बूंदें या नींबू का रस

प्रक्रिया

• पकी हुए खुबानी का छिलका उतार लें।
• खुबानी के गुदे के साथ जैतून का तेल या नींबू का रस मिलाकर पेस्ट तैयार कर लें।
• आप तेल या नींबू के बिना भी खुबानी के गुदे का पेस्ट बना सकते हैं।
• अब तैयार पेस्ट को पूरे चेहरे पर लगाएं और 15 से 20 मिनट के लिए इसी अवस्था में छोड़ दें।
• इसके बाद साफ ठंडे पानी से चेहरे को धो लें।
• आप यह प्रक्रिया हफ्ते में दो बार दोहरा सकते हैं।

कैसे है लाभदायक

खुबानी में विटामिन-सी, ए, ई और के की अच्छी मात्रा होती है, जो त्वचा के लिए एक कारगर एंटी-एजिंग एजेंट के रूप में काम करते हैं (4)। इसमें मौजूद विटामिन्स नई कोशिकाओं के विकास में मदद करते हैं। वहीं, विटामिन-सी शक्तिशाली एंटीऑक्सीडेंट का काम कर सकता है, जो त्वचा के स्वास्थ्य को बरकरार रखने में मदद करता है (17)।

16. त्वचा की चमक

Shutterstock

अपने एंटी-एंजिग प्रभाव के साथ खुबानी का प्रयोग त्वचा की चमक बढ़ाने के लिए भी किया जा सकता है। नीचे जानिए चेहरे की चमक बढ़ाने के लिए किस तरह करें खुबानी का इस्तेमाल (18)।

खुबानी ब्यूटी फेस पैक

• दो चम्मच शहद
• खुबानी का गुदा दो चम्मच
• बादाम तेल आधा चम्मच
• नींबू का रस आधा चम्मच

प्रक्रिया

• सभी सामग्री को अच्छी तरह मिलाकर पेस्ट तैयार कर लें।
• पेस्ट को चेहरे पर लगाएं।
• अब 15-20 मिनट के लिए पेस्ट को चेहरे पर लगे रहने दें।
• फिर ठंडे पानी से चेहरे को धो लें।
• यह प्रक्रिया आप हफ्ते में दो बार कर सकते हैं।

खुबानी कई विटामिन्स (ए, सी, ई) से समृद्ध होती है, जो त्वचा के लिए एंटी-एजिंग और ब्यूटी एजेंट के रूप में काम करती है (4) (19) (20)। चेहरे की चमक बढ़ाने के लिए आप खुबानी का इस्तेमाल बताए गए तरीके से कर सकते हैं।

17. त्वचा विकार

विटामिन-सी और ए से भरपूर होने के कारण खुबानी का तेल संवेदनशील त्वचा के लिए कारगर माना जाता है। यह एंटीइंफ्लेमेटरी और एंटीऑक्सीडेंट गुणों से समृद्ध होता है, जो त्वचा संक्रमण से आपको निजात दिला सकता है (21)।

कैसे करें इस्तेमाल

खुबानी के तेल को आप एसेंशियल ऑयल के साथ मिलाकर त्वचा संक्रमण को ठीक करने के लिए प्रयोग कर सकते हैं। अच्छा होगा कि आप संक्रमित त्वचा के लिए खुबानी का तेल डॉक्टर के परामर्श पर ही इस्तेमाल करें।

बालों के लिए खुबानी के फायदे – Hair Benefits of Apricot in Hindi

स्वास्थ्य और त्वचा के अलावा खुबानी का इस्तेमाल बालों के लिए भी किया जा सकता है। नीचे जानिए बालों के लिए खुबानी के फायदों के बारे में –

1. बालों का विकास

खुबानी एक गुणकारी फल है, जो अपने विभिन्न पोषक तत्वों से बालों को स्वस्थ रखने का काम करता है। खुबानी के तेल में मौजूद विटामिन-ई बालों बढ़ाने में सहयोग करता है (4), (20)।

कैसे करें इस्तेमाल

• खुबानी का तेल आप अपने रेगुलर शैंपू और कंडीशनर के साथ मिलाकर इस्तेमाल कर सकते हैं।
• आप इसकी चार-पांच बूंद जैतून या बादाम तेल के साथ मिलाकर स्कैल्प की मालिश कर सकते हैं।
• मसाज के एक-दो घंटे बाद शैंपू से बालों को धो लें।
• यह प्रक्रिया आप हफ्ते में दो बार कर सकते हैं।

2. स्कैल्प की समस्याएं

Shutterstock

खुबानी का तेल विटामिन-ए और ई से समृद्ध होता है। यह तत्व की मरम्मत करने का काम करता है। ड्राई स्कैल्प और रूसी के लिए खुबानी का तेल कारगर हो सकता है। यह तेल स्कैल्प को हाइड्रेट कर स्वस्थ रखने का काम करता है (4), (20), (21)। नीचे जानिए कि प्रकार करें खुबानी के तेल का इस्तेमाल-

कैसे करें इस्तेमाल

• खुबानी के तेल को आप शैंपू के साथ मिलाकर प्रयोग में ला सकते हैं।
• आप जैतून या बादाम तेल में इसकी चार-पांच बूंदें मिलाकर स्कैल्प की मालिश कर सकते।
• मालिश के बाद एक-दो घंटे बाद शैंपू से बालों को धो लें।
• यह प्रक्रिया आप हफ्ते में दो बार कर सकते हैं।

खुबानी के पौष्टिक तत्व – Apricot Nutritional Value in Hindi

खुबानी का उपयोग – How to Use Apricot in Hindi

• आप खुबानी को दही के साथ मिलाकर भी खा सकते हैं या अपने सुबह के नाश्ते में दलिये के साथ मिलाकर सेवन कर सकते हैं।
• जूसर की मदद से खुबानी मिल्क शेक भी बनाया जा सकता है।
• आप इसे धोकर ऐसे ही खाएं या फिर काटकर, यह फल हर प्रकार से स्वादिष्ट साबित होगा।

खुबानी के नुकसान – Side Effects of Apricot in Hindi

• एक अध्ययन के अनुसार खुबानी के बीजों का सेवन जानलेवा रसायन का कारण बन सकता है (22)।
• सूखी हुए खुबानी का सेवन आंतों में रूकावट (bowel obstruction) का कारण बन सकता है (23)।
• सूखी हुए खुबानी से उल्टी और पेट के नीचे दर्द (Abdominal Pain) हो सकता है (24)।

अब तो आप शरीर के लिए खुबानी के विभिन्न फायदों के बारे में जान गए होंगे। दोस्तों, खुबानी कई औषधीय गुणों से समृद्ध एक स्वादिष्ट फल है, जिसे आप अपनी जीवनशैली का हिस्सा बना सकते हैं। इसका इस्तेमाल चेहरे की चमक बढ़ाने से लेकर पेट की गंभीर समस्या से निजात पाने के लिए किया जा सकता है। यह लेख आपको कैसा लगा हमें कमेंट बॉक्स में जरूर बताएं। खुबानी से जुड़ी अन्य जानकारी के लिए आप हमसे सवाल भी पूछ सकते हैं।

The post खुबानी के 19 फायदे, उपयोग और नुकसान – Apricot (Khubani) Benefits, Uses and Side Effects in Hindi appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

Who doesn’t love hummus? Hummus, along with the pita bread is like a match made in heaven for us. We love it to the extent that we might just popularise the thought, “I’ll be your pita if you’ll be my hummus”.Might sound hilarious to you, but there are a whole lot of emotional foodies out there who’d agree with our emotional connect and longing for hummus.

Hummus is a delicacy originally from the Middle East side of the world. It’s originally made of ground chickpeas, tahini (sesame seeds), lemon juice, olive oil, and some salt. However, we can find many people across the world tweak this delicacy down according to their personal preferences of taste. Not just that, we have the top food brands selling the readymade version of hummus in tins and cans! But we’d ask you to refrain to buy them because they shout only preservatives and chemicals. The store-bought hummuses definitely have a hell lot of preservatives and your not-so-desirable ingredients too.

We want to encourage all you hummus lovers to make hummus at home. It’s fresh, it will taste exactly like how you want it to be, and homemade hummus can last up to a week if stored the right way in the refrigerator. We did some culinary research and experiments and got you some healthy hummus recipes for you try to out at the comfort of your home.

1. Avocado Hummus

Shutterstock

This one can be considered as a cross between guacamole (an avocado dip made by the Mexicans) and the traditional hummus. This avocado hummus calls for some mashed avocado, ground chickpeas, tahini, and a splash of lime juice. To give this an aromatic kick, add some minced garlic. And to lend in a smooth finish, add some extra virgin olive oil and you’re done. While chickpeas contain vital proteins and nutrients that are required by our body, the avocados are considered to have more potassium than the bananas. The avocados also have cancer-fighting properties and are heart-friendly(1). Both these super foods when paired together make for a killer healthy food.

We can use this as a dip for our pita bread or nachos. We can also spread it on bread and have it like a toast.

2. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Shutterstock

This version of hummus continues to stay true to its Mediterranean roots. It can be regarded as a very rustic version of the hummus. And it makes for a perfect entrée for a dinner party.
For this, you will have to cut thin slices of red pepper and lay them out on an oven tray. Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil on it and bake it till it’s nicely roasted. Another way of roasting the bell peppers is to directly roast them on a stove top.

Take a food processor or a grinder and all the roasted peppers and the rest of the usual hummus ingredients to it. We recommend adding some jalapenos too to this for that extra punch and it’s done!

3. Pumpkin Hummus

Shutterstock

The fun part of this hummus is the way you serve it in a pumpkin bowl. All you have to do is cut the top part of the pumpkin to make it like a bowl and scoop its flesh out in an oven tray. Add garlic and a good dollop of oil and bake it for 45 minutes. Add the contents of the oven tray into a food processor along with chickpeas, tahini, and some salt. Serve the ground mixture inside the pumpkin shell. You can sprinkle some paprika over to make it look much more presentable.

The pumpkin is said to be a rich source of vitamin A which is also known to boost immunity. It helps reduce the risks of various chronic diseases and is also very low in terms of calorie intake (2). Dip your veggies or bread in it and enjoy.

4. Cilantro Hummus

Shutterstock

All you ‘ciltantrophobes’ out there, we’re sorry! But we just cannot not mention this amazing version of the Mediterranean bean dip. Cilantro is such a fresh herb and it almost is right next to the goodness level of that of basil leaves. Cilantro, when added to hummus really, strikes a freshness quotient in the otherwise very creamy and very rich hummus. You can make it in two ways, either add the cilantro leaves to the food processor along with the chickpeas and tahini to make a green looking hummus for yourself. Or you could chop cilantro finely and mix it with your usual classic hummus and enjoy.

Cilantro is basically a herb that is a relative of parsley. History has it that cilantro has been in usage for thousands of years. In fact, cilantro is known to contain chemical compounds that can help to keep food fresher for a long duration of time (3). It helps to improve skin health and also has anticancer properties.

These were our most healthy versions of hummus. Food with twists has become a very fond indulgence for food lovers worldwide. Have you tried making hummus with a twist before? Let us know in the comments below.

The post Healthy Hummus Recipe Ideas appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

महिला हो या पुरुष हर किसी को चमकती त्वचा और चेहरे की चाहत होती है। आप कहीं भी जाते हैं, तो सबसे पहले आपका चेहरा ही आकर्षण का केंद्र बनता है। वो बात और है कि इन दिनों बढ़ते प्रदूषण और तनाव भरी जिंदगी के कारण आपका चेहरा प्राकृतिक चमक खोने लगता है। परिणामस्वरूप त्वचा संबंधी परेशानियां घेरने लगी हैं। इस कारण से आप तरह-तरह की क्रीम, लोशन, स्किन केयर प्रोडक्ट, मेकअप और स्किन ट्रीटमेंट पर पानी की तरह पैसा बहाते हो। हालांकि, इनका असर कुछ वक्त तक तो रहता है, लेकिन कई बार साइड इफेक्ट का भी सामना करना पड़ता है। ऐसे में कभी आपने सोचा है कि चमकती त्वचा के लिए आहार भी बहुत मायने रखता है।

स्टाइलक्रेज के इस लेख में हम चमकती त्वचा के लिए आहार और डाइट प्लान आपके साथ शेयर कर रहे हैं। साथ ही हम आपको उन खाद्य पदार्थों के बारे में भी बताएंगे, जिनका सेवन आपको नहीं करना चाहिए।

विषय सूची

चमकती त्वचा के लिए डायट प्लान – Diet Plan For Glowing Skin

इस डाइट चार्ट से क्या-क्या लें – Takeaways From This Diet Chart in Hindi

बेशक, स्वास्थ्य के लिहाज से यह डायट चार्ट ठीक है, लेकिन आपको सिर्फ इसी पर निर्भर रहने की जरूरत नहीं है। आप उन सभी अच्छे खाद्य पदार्थों का सेवन कर सकते हैं, जो आपकी त्वचा को स्वस्थ और जवां रखने में मदद करें। इसके लिए यह समझना जरूरी है कि अपने आहार में क्या शामिल किया जाए और क्या नहीं। इस संबंध में हम आपको नीचे कुछ टिप्स दे रहे हैं, जो आपकी मदद कर सकते हैं।

1. खाली पेट पानी पीना जरूरी है। साथ ही आप एलोवेरा जूस, हल्दी पाउडर या नींबू के रस का सेवन कर सकते हैं।

2. जब भी आप सुबह कहीं बाहर जाएं, तो पहले नाश्ता जरूर करें।

3. अपने आहार में सही मात्रा में फल, सब्जियों और प्रोटीन को शामिल करें।

4. सही स्नैक्स का चुनाव करें जैसे – फलों का रस, दही, छाछ या फिर नारियल पानी।

5. ऐसे खाद्य पदार्थों का सेवन करें, जो आपके पेट और लिवर के लिए अच्छे हो।

6. उन खाद्य पदार्थों से बचें, जिनसे आपको एलर्जी हो सकती है, जैसे कि डेयरी उत्पाद, सी फूड इत्यादि।

7. आप अपने आहार में स्वाद लाने के लिए हल्के-फुल्के मसाले और हर्ब्स मिला सकते हैं।

अब वक्त है उन खाद्य पदार्थों के बारे में जानने का, जिन्हें अपनी जीवनशैली में शामिल करना चाहिए।

प्राकृतिक रूप से ग्लोइंग स्किन के लिए 15 खाद्य पदार्थ – Glowing skin diet in hindi

1. हरी पत्तेदार सब्जियां

चमकती त्वचा के लिए आहार की बात करें, तो हरी पत्तेदार सब्जियां सबसे पहले आती हैं। एंटीऑक्सीडेंट और आवश्यक विटामिन्स व पोषक तत्वों से भरपूर हरी पत्तेदार सब्जियां जैसे – पालक, मूली के पत्ते, सरसों का साग, धनिया व ब्रोकोली आदि आपको बेजान त्वचा से राहत दिलाकर आपकी त्वचा पर निखार लाते हैं । आप इन सब्जियों को सलाद, सूप, सैंडविच व दाल आदि में भी डालकर सेवन कर सकते हैं।

2. पानी

Shutterstock

पानी पीना न सिर्फ आपके स्वास्थ्य के लिए, बल्कि आपकी त्वचा के लिए भी लाभकारी है। जब आप पूरे दिन में खूब सारा पानी पीते हैं, तो आप हाइड्रेटेड रहते हैं, जिसका प्रभाव आपके चेहरे पर नजर आता है। पानी न सिर्फ आपके शरीर से विषैले पदार्थों को बाहर निकालता है, बल्कि यह आपके चेहरे पर झुर्रियां होने से भी बचाता है। साथ ही यह आपकी त्वचा में चमक लाता है। आप हर वक्त अपने पास पानी की बोतल रखें और जब भी आपको सोडा वाले पेय पदार्थ या कोल्ड ड्रिंक पीने का मन करे, तो उनकी जगह पानी पी लें।

3. हल्दी

हल्दी आपके शरीर के अंदर और बाहर हानिकारक बैक्टीरिया को मारती है। हल्दी में मौजूद मुख्य फाइटोन्यूट्रिएंट करक्यूमिन (Cucurmin) एंटीबैक्टीरियल, एंटीवायरल, एंटी-इन्फ्लेमेटरी और एंटीफंगल गुणों से भरपूर होता है। आप सुबह के वक्त सबसे पहले कच्ची हल्दी का सेवन कर सकते हैं या फिर आप रात को सोने से पहले एक गिलास गर्म दूध में हल्दी मिक्स करके पी सकते हैं। आपको एक हफ्ते के अंदर फर्क नजर आने लगेगा। आप हल्दी को सब्जी, सलाद व जूस आदि में भी मिला सकते हैं।

4. एवोकाडो

Shutterstock

एवोकाडो त्वचा के लिए उत्तम खाद्य पदार्थ है। यह विटामिन-ई और स्वस्थ वसा से भरपूर होता है। स्वस्थ वसा सूजन को कम करता है और विटामिन-ई एक एंटीऑक्सीडेंट की तरह काम करता है। एवोकाडो त्वचा के नुकसान को कम करने में मदद करता है, नमी को लॉक करता है और वक्त से पहले झुर्रियों, मुंहासे और बेजान त्वचा को रोकने में मदद करता है। आप एवोकाडो को नाश्ते के दौरान या फिर सैंडविच और सलाद के साथ सेवन कर सकते हैं।

5. एलोवेरा

त्वचा की समस्याओं को दूर करने के लिए एलोवेरा सबसे लोकप्रिय घरेलू उपाय है। इसमें ऑक्सिन और जिबरेलिन नामक हार्मोंस होते हैं, जिनमें एंटी-इंफ्लेमेटरी गुण होता हैं। इसलिए, जब आप एलोवेरा लगाते हैं, इसका जूस पीते हैं या फिर इसे सप्लीमेंट की तरह सेवन करते हैं, तो यह किसी भी तरह की सूजन को कम करने में मदद करता है। ध्यान रहे कि कभी सीधा एलोवेरा के पत्ते से निकले जेल का सेवन न करें। यह हानिकारक साबित हो सकता है।

6. फल

Shutterstock

फल विटामिन्स, मिनरल्स और फ्रूट शुगर से भरपूर होते हैं। मीठे फल बार-बार भूख लगने की लत को कम करते हैं। इस कारण जंक फूड खाने की आदत कम हो सकती है। इसलिए, फलों का सेवन करके, आप अपनी त्वचा के स्वास्थ्य को बनाए रख सकते हैं और त्वचा में चमक बढ़ा सकते हैं। नीचे हम कुछ फलों के बारे में बता रहे हैं, जो आपकी त्वचा के लिए फायदेमंद हैं।

• आम एंटीऑक्सीडेंट और विटामिन-ए से भरपूर होता है, जो त्वचा पर वक्त से पहले एजिंग या झुर्रियों की परेशानी से बचाता है। साथ ही त्वचा की चमक और कसाव को बरकरार रखता है। यह त्वचा की नई कोशिकाओं को बढ़ने में भी मदद करता है।

• केला विटामिन-ए, बी और ई से भरपूर होता है। यह त्वचा पर समय से पहले आने वाली झुर्रियों से बचाता है।

• पपीता त्वचा की मृत कोशिकाओं को हटाता है और त्वचा की अशुद्धियों को दूर कर त्वचा को साफ करता है।

• संतरा और कीवी विटामिन-सी से भरपूर होते हैं, जो झुर्रियां को होने से रोकते हैं और कोलेजन संश्लेषण को बढ़ाते हैं। अमरूद, अंगूर और स्ट्रॉबेरी भी ऐसे फल हैं, जो विटामिन-सी से भरपूर होते हैं। विटामिन-सी त्वचा को सूरज की हानिकारक किरणों से होने वाली क्षति से बचाता है और नए कोशिकाओं को बनने में मदद करता है। इस प्रकार यह आपकी त्वचा को लंबे वक्त तक जवां और खूबसूरत बनाए रखता है।

• एक गिलास गर्म पानी में शहद और नींबू का रस मिलाकर पीने से आपकी त्वचा में निखार आएगा, जिससे आपकी त्वचा और साफ नजर आएगी।

• सेब टोंड लुक को बनाए रखने में मदद करता है और आपकी त्वचा को जवां बनाता है।

• जामुन भी विटामिन-सी से भरपूर होता है, जो एक शक्तिशाली एंटीऑक्सीडेंट और इम्युनिटी बूस्टर है। इनका सेवन करने से त्वचा के काले धब्बे और निशान से जल्दी छुटकारा पाने में मदद मिलती है।

7. गाजर

गाजर में बीटा-कैरोटीन, विटामिन-ए और एंटीऑक्सीडेंट के उच्च स्तर होते हैं। ये विषाक्त पदार्थों को बाहर निकालकर आपकी त्वचा को अंदर से स्वस्थ बनाते हैं। ये आपकी त्वचा को सूरज से होने वाले नुकसान से बचाते हैं और समय से पहले चेहरे पर आने वाली झुर्रियों को रोकते हैं। शकरकंद और रतालू अन्य विकल्प हैं, जो समान परिणाम दिखाते हैं।

8. मछली और मछली का तेल

Shutterstock

मछली और मछली का तेल ओमेगा-3 फैटी एसिड से भरपूर होता है। इसके सेवन से त्वचा में प्राकृतिक तेल का स्तर संतुलित रहता है, जो सूजन, मुंहासे, फटी त्वचा और लालिमा को कम करने में मदद करता है। त्वचा को स्वस्थ और मुलायम बनाए रखने के लिए आप वसा युक्त मछली जैसे ट्यूना, साल्मन, कार्प या फिर फिश ऑयल के सप्लीमेंट्स का सेवन कर सकते हैं। मछली की त्वचा को निकाले बिना ग्रिल्ड या बेक्ड फिश का सेवन करना फायदेमंद होता है।

9. स्वस्थ फैट

स्वस्थ फैट आपकी त्वचा के लिए गुणकारी होता है। स्वस्थ फैट के सबसे अच्छे स्रोत नट्स (बादाम व अखरोट आदि), बीज (अलसी, सूरजमुखी के बीज, चिया बीज आदि), स्वस्थ तेल (जैतून का तेल, चावल की भूसी का तेल आदि) और मछली हैं। शाकाहारियों के लिए नट्स, बीज और तेल बढ़िया विकल्प हैं। दाग रहित त्वचा पाने के लिए आप अपने आहार में पर्याप्त मात्रा में पौष्टिक तत्वों को शामिल करें।

10. ग्रीन टी/माचा टी

Shutterstock

ग्रीन टी एंटीऑक्सीडेंट का प्राकृतिक स्रोत है। चाय में मौजूद एंटीऑक्सीडेंट गुण हानिकारक मुक्त कणों को नष्ट करने में मदद करता है, जिससे आपकी त्वचा समय से पहले बूढ़ी, काले धब्बों और लालिमा का शिकार होने से बच जाती है। ग्रीन टी मुंहासे पैदा करने वाले हार्मोन के स्तर को भी कम करने में मदद करती है, जिससे आपकी त्वचा स्वस्थ और दमकती नजर आती है।

11. ब्रोकली

ब्रोकली में प्रचुर मात्रा में एंटीऑक्सीडेंट और एंटी-इंफ्लेमेटरी गुण मौजूद होते हैं। त्वचा को स्वस्थ रखने के लिए एंटीऑक्सीडेंट महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाते हैं। फ्री ऑक्सीजन रेडिकल्स कोशिकाओं को क्षति पहुंचाकर कोशिकाओं और अंगों के सामान्य कामकाज को बाधित करते हैं। इससे हार्मोंस के स्तर में असंतुलन, कमजोर इम्युनिटी या पेट से जुड़ी समस्याएं हो सकती हैं। इसलिए, आपको भोजन के माध्यम से एंटीऑक्सीडेंट की अच्छी खुराक लेनी चाहिए। ऐसे में ब्रोकली अच्छा विकल्प है।

12. दही

Shutterstock

दही और छाछ में प्रोबायोटिक्स होते हैं, जो पाचन और मल त्याग में मदद करते हैं। जब आपकी पाचन शक्ति सही होती है, तो आपको त्वचा से जुड़ी परेशानियां जैसे – कील-मुंहासे, दाग-धब्बे या किसी भी तरह के संक्रमण का खतरा भी कम होता है। प्रतिदिन दोपहर के भोजन के बाद, रात के खाने के साथ या स्मूदी में दही का सेवन कर सकते हैं।

13. लौकी

चेचक यानी चिकन पॉक्स कभी भी हो सकते हैं और कई बार चिकन पॉक्स के निशान कई दिनों तक रहते हैं। कुछ लोगों के चेहरे पर तो ये उम्र भर रह जाते हैं। ऐसे में लोग कई तरह के उपाय भी करते हैं, लेकिन कुछ खास फर्क नहीं पड़ता। ऐसे में सही खाना बहुत मददगार साबित हो सकता है। लौकी (लौकी का रस) चिकन पॉक्स के निशान को हटाने के लिए अच्छा प्राकृतिक उपचार है। लौकी में मौजूद फाइटोन्यूट्रिएंट्स में एंटी-इंफ्लेमेटरी और एंटीऑक्सीडेंट गुण होते हैं। इस लिहाज से लौकी प्राकृतिक रूप से निशान हटाने के लिए अच्छा खाद्य पदार्थ है। आप नाश्ते में अन्य खाद्य पदार्थों के साथ लौकी का जूस पी सकते हैं। आप लौकी का सूप बना सकते हैं या सब्जी और दाल में मिलाकर भी सेवन कर सकते हैं।

14. करेला

Shutterstock

करेला भले ही खाने में कड़वा लगे, लेकिन इसके कई फायदे हैं। यह न सिर्फ स्वास्थ्य के लिए लाभकारी है, बल्कि यह आपकी त्वचा के लिए भी बहुत गुणकारी है। यह त्वचा संबंधी कई परेशानियों जैसे – एलर्जी, दाग-धब्बे और टैन से राहत दिलाता है। यह न सिर्फ एंटीऑक्सीडेंट का अच्छा स्रोत है, बल्कि इसमें एंटी-इंफ्लेमेटरी गुण भी होते हैं। साथ ही करेला आपके लिवर और पेट को भी स्वस्थ रखता है। आप करेले को उबालकर खा सकते हैं। इसे भूनकर या लंबे वक्त तक पानी में भिगोकर न खाएं, क्योंकि ऐसा करने से इसके पोषक तत्व खत्म या कम हो जाते हैं।

15. रेड वाइन

रेड वाइन और कुछ नहीं, बल्कि लाल अंगूर का फर्मेन्टेड रस होता है। इसमें त्वचा की चमक को बरकरार रखने के और एजिंग या वक्त से पहले झुर्रियों की समस्या को कम करने के गुण होते हैं। इसमें मौजूद एंटीऑक्सीडेंट गुण विषाक्त पदार्थों को बाहर निकालने और त्वचा को सूजन व सूरज की हानिकारक किरणों से होने वाली क्षति से बचाने में मदद करते हैं। इसका सीमित मात्रा में ही सेवन करें, क्योंकि शराब का अधिक सेवन करने से आप डीहाइड्रेट हो सकते हैं, जिससे त्वचा संबंधी समस्याएं बढ़ सकती हैं।

ये तो थे चमकती त्वचा के लिए आहार ( glowing skin diet in hindi) जिनका सेवन आप कर सकते हैं, लेकिन अपनी त्वचा को स्वस्थ रखने के लिए किन खाद्य पदार्थों से आपको बचना चाहिए यह जानना भी जरूरी है।

नीचे हम आपको वो खाद्य पदार्थ बता रहे हैं, जिनका सेवन आपको नहीं करना चाहिए।

क्या न खाएं – Foods To Avoid in Hindi

• चटपटा या मसालेदार खाना।
• प्रोसेस्ड और जंक फूड।
• उच्च सोडियम और उच्च शर्करा वाले खाद्य पदार्थ।
• तैलीय व अधिक मिर्च-मसाले वाले खाद्य पदार्थ।
• ऐसे खाद्य पदार्थ, जिनमें एस्ट्रोजन (estrogen) का उच्च स्तर हो।
• ऐसे खाद्य पदार्थ, जो शरीर के आंतरिक तापमान को बढ़ाते हैं।
• ओवरकुकड या आंशिक रूप से जले खाद्य पदार्थ (कबाब)।

स्वस्थ और चमकती त्वचा अच्छे स्वास्थ्य की निशानी है और चमकती त्वचा के लिए आहार (glowing skin diet in hindi) भी बहुत मायने रखता है। इसलिए, वक्त रहते अपने खाने की सभी बुरी आदतों को दूर कर स्वस्थ खाद्य पदार्थों का सेवन शुरू करें। ऊपर दिए गए डायट प्लान को फॉलो करें और एक नई जीवनशैली को अपनाएं। साथ ही अपने अनुभव हमारे साथ कमेंट बॉक्स में शेयर करना न भूलें।

The post प्राकृतिक रूप से चमकती त्वचा पाने के लिए बेस्ट डायट प्लान – Glowing Skin Diet Plan in Hindi appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

A bride-to-be will have a zillion things going on in her head. Leave alone the tsunami of emotions that she’ll be dealing with, she will also have to take care of her bridal wear and the most important aspect of all — her bridal looks. We all know how hard it is to find a makeup artist who will use his/her magic wand on you and make you look like a dream and not a makeup clown with extra, caked on makeup. If you’ve managed to find yourself a good makeup artist, we couldn’t be happier for you.

But we know one thing for sure, that you’ve got your makeup needs covered for the D-day. What about the rest of the days? In India, a wedding includes a lot of rituals and pre-rituals too, right? And the bride-to-be needs to look her best for all of these. We know that most people can’t afford a makeup artist for all the pre-wedding rituals; it’s bound to burn a huge hole in your pockets if you hire one. So what do you do then? You try to create your own bridal makeup kit within your budget. And if yours is a small budget then read on and find yourself some comfort in the options we’re putting forth for you.

1. Pick A Foundation Within The Bracket Of INR 1000-1250

shutterstock

If there is any category in makeup where we’d ask you to spend the most, it would be this — the foundation. Because this is what forms the basis of makeup look, right? The right foundation, chosen with the right tone can make your face look great with an even complexion and will leave your face looking flawless.

First, decide the type of look you want to obtain. It could be a matte look or a dewy look. If matte is the answer, then search for foundations that will help you achieve an HD (high definition) look. These kinds of foundations provide better coverage and your skin looks fabulous when captured on camera. It is lightweight and is available in some good shade options as well. Brands like L’oreal, Lakme, LA Girl, and Revlon have a good range of foundation options which fall into the above-mentioned budget and are easy to work with.

2. Pick A Concealer Within The Bracket Of INR 500-600

shutterstock

A concealer is basically used to hide any sort of dark spots, dark circles, zits, or patches on your skin. It’s supposed to be applied after the foundation. And even for concealer, you need to make sure that you pick a shade that goes well with the shade of your foundation. Most of the brands like Maybelline New York, NYX etc. have professional and photogenic concealer wands that are within the mentioned budget and have plenty of options when it comes to shades as well.

3. Pick A Mascara Within The Bracket Of INR 350-400

shutterstock

Now, who on earth doesn’t love eyelashes that are long and beautiful? If you aren’t someone who loves false eyelashes, we suggest you pick up mascaras that are known to volumize and hypercurl your lashes. Brands like L’oreal and Maybelline have very affordable mascara ranges that will cost you as much as your favorite Starbucks Latte or maybe even lesser. Oh, and don’t forget to opt for the ones which are waterproof and smudge-free!

4. Pick An Eyeliner Within The Bracket Of INR 500-600

shutterstock

It’s the eyes that capture your beauty the best. Therefore, pick an eyeliner carefully because it will help accentuate your eyes and make it look more attractive. Whether you’re thinking of doing a subtle flick or planning to get it winged, when you pick an eyeliner, make sure that it is smudge-proof, waterproof, and stays for as long as possible. Almost all beauty brands have an affordable range of eyeliners. And the bonus is that some of them come in different shades and metallic forms as well. So, try to pick one that goes well with your wedding theme and most importantly the nature of your makeup look.

5. Pick An Eyeshadow Within The Bracket Of INR 120-200

shutterstock

The mistake that people make while buying an eyeshadow is that they end up buying an entire palette knowing very well that it’s just one or two eyeshadows that they’ll be using from the whole lot. When you know the shade which will you compliment you the best, but only those and we’re sure it will fit into the above-mentioned budget quite easily.

6. Pick A Lipstick Within The Bracket Of INR 500-700

shutterstock

It’s generally a pink, red, or perhaps a berry shade that will be the grand lip color for a wedding, right? Well, almost! Also, you might want to look for a lipstick which isn’t transferable because we’re sure you’ll be stealing a few kisses with your man in between the wedding rituals (wink-wink). Figure out whether you want a matte finish or a glossy finish and search for a shade of your choice, in brands like Lakme, L’oreal, Maybelline, and even Nykaa.

That’s it! It’s as simple as this when it comes to creating your own makeup kit within your budget. You just need to focus on what is going to make you look beautiful. Do you own a budget-friendly makeup kit too? Any suggestions that you’d want to add here? Let us know in the comments below.

The post How To Create The Ultimate Bridal Makeup Kit Under Rs 5,000 appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

What don’t we do to get bright, even, glowing complexion? We spend hundreds in chemically composed cosmetics which make tall claims of giving us bright and fair skin in a blink of an eye. We also try those snazzy facials that purportedly have elements of the expensive metals such as flecks of gold or diamond particles. Some of us even opt for chemical peels, which are not only costlier but are dangerous for us as well.

Now that the summers are here in all their glory, and the sun is beating down hard, we need a quick fix that will polish our skin and give it the much-needed pick-me-up. But we need this without the added burden on our pockets. Before you think of making that trip to the makeup store, we have a cheaper solution for your summer skin woes. It’s our humble potato.

shutterstock

Yes, that little tuber that you are afraid to binge on because it would only lead you to pack on a few pounds. Turns out there are quite a few home remedies that make use of potato to give you a glowing complexion in no time. Want to know what they are? Read on!

Remedy #1

shutterstock

To prepare this remedy you are going to need the following materials in the quantities mentioned below.

• A few fresh potatoes
• ½ cup of water
• 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice

Preparation

• Extract the juice of the potatoes by blending them in a blender and then straining the juice using a muslin cloth or a sieve. Gather about half a cup of juice.
• Now, transfer that juice in a small bowl and add the rest of the ingredients to it and mix them well.
• Pour this watery mixture in an ice tray and put it in the freezer overnight to get potato-lemon ice cubes.
• If your skin is feeling pretty dehydrated and malnourished, you can rub these on your face before going to bed. Do so in a circular motion, so that the potato water is massaged into your skin and is able to work on it overnight.

Remedy #2

shutterstock

To prepare this remedy you are going to need the following materials in the quantities mentioned below.

• A few fresh potatoes
• ½ a cup of rice water

Preparation

• As mentioned earlier, prepare about half a cup of juice.
• While you are doing this, take about a cup of rice and soak it in water and keep it aside. Twenty minutes later, strain the rice water and keep aside half a cup of it.
• Now, transfer the rice water in a container and add the potato juice to it. Mix both the liquids well.
• Pour this liquid in an ice tray and let it sit in the freezer overnight.
• Rice water is a great solution for people looking for relief from inflamed skin or with skin issues such as dermatitis (1).
• You can try using this remedy after you’ve been out in the sun for a while. Just rub these ice cubes on your skin and let the rice water undo the damage caused by the sun.

Remedy #3

shutterstock

To prepare this remedy you are going to need the following materials in the quantities mentioned below.

• A few fresh potatoes
• ½ a cup of coconut milk

Preparation

• Using a muslin cloth squeeze out about half a cup of juice after blending it.
• Transfer the juice in a bowl and add the coconut milk to it. Mix them well together.
• Now pour the resultant watery mixture in an ice tray and leave it in the freezer overnight.
• Coconut milk is a miraculous liquid that is known to provide relief from a number of skin issues such as dryness, aging, eczema, psoriasis, and even, sunburn (2).
• Use these coconut milk-potato juice ice cubes before going to bed. Rub them on your face for about 5–10 minutes in circular motion, and then wipe away the sticky residue with a damp towel. The liquid that seeps into your skin will repair it from inside while you sleep.

Potato juice is the main ingredient in all these remedies. It has been found that this edible tuber is a great skin rejuvenating agent as the vitamin C, starch and enzymes present in it provide nutrition to our skin. Besides, its alkaline nature helps in providing our skin with a youthful appearance. It even provides relief to tired, puffy eyes. Considering all this, it wouldn’t be wrong to consider potato as a superfood for the skin (3).

Try these remedies and tell us how they worked out for you. Though if you have sensitive skin which is prone to allergic reactions, then we would recommend you use these after consulting your dermatologist.

If you know of any other potato-based skin care remedies, share them with us in the comments section.

The post Potato Ice Cubes To Brighten Skin appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

East or West, when it comes to glamming it up, our Indian saree are the best! And I am sure a lot of you who are reading this article, agree with me. Every time an Indian actress struts on a foreign red carpet wearing the nine yards of fabric, our Indian hearts just swell up with pride, don’t they?

And not just that, this traditional Indian garment, too, has evolved with time to give the ball gowns of the world a run for their money. So now, you have the pants-saree, saree-gowns and what not! But what about its humble companion, the blouse? Don’t you think that it deserves a makeover too?

We, here at StyleCraze, decided that it was time to put a fun, festive, and fashionable spin on the traditional blouse. Charged with this creative impulse, we scoured the Internet for inspiration and came up with a few fun and functional styles that add to the grace of the saree, while simultaneously adding a fun element to it. So, if you are looking to make a style statement with the traditional nine yards, take your inspiration from the styles given below and wow everyone with your look!

1. Full-sleeved Blouse With A Round Neck

source: pinterest

If you are thinking why I would suggest a full sleeved blouse, when a saree is just nine yards of plain fabric, I would like to draw your attention to the image given above. The sequined sleeves add an element of glamour to the plain saree, which uplifts the whole look. Go for this if you are looking for a more Pooh bani Parvati vibe.

2. Blouse With Chinese-Collared Neck

source: pinterest

While the blouse might have been inspired by our neighbors, there is nothing more Indian than covering it up! Jokes aside, if you have a graceful, swan-like neck, go for this blouse to highlight it the sophisticated way.

3. Blouse With A High Neck

source: pinterest

Don’t worry, you can still opt for a racier back while opting for a blouse with this neck-style. This is especially recommended for women who have a small bust, as it makes them appear more shapely. You can turn up the glam quotient by getting heavy brocade work or adding sequins as pictured above.

4. Peplum-Style Saree Blouse

source: pinterest

Go for this style if you are looking to give your outfit a more Indo-western vibe. This style draws attention to your waist; therefore, you can use it to flaunt your envious frame. Recommended for women with a petite frame.

5. Blouse With A Knot At The Back

source: pinterest

We decided to take a risk and brought you this naughty-yet-nice style. If you are looking for something that is flamboyant, yet sanskaari enough, then this is our pick for you! What better way to flaunt your beauty than presenting yourself as a present that is looking to be unwrapped! Recommended for date nights and candlelit dinners.

6. Off-Shoulder Blouse

source: pinterest

Taking it up a notch is this peek-a-boo styled off-shoulder blouse that will leave your audience wanting for more. The Duchess (Meghan Markle) might not be allowed to showcase that collar bone, but who is stopping you?

7. Corset-Style Blouse

source: pinterest

This one is for the bodacious babes out there. If you are someone who has a curvier frame (a large bust), then this style would showcase your assets in a more graceful manner while also highlighting your hourglass frame.

8. Cape-Styled Blouse

source: pinterest

If you thought that capes are meant for royalty or superheroes, then you are right. And you are both. So, strut in style in this gorgeous amalgamation of western and eastern elements in a cape-style blouse.

9. Sheer Blouse

source: pinterest

This is for those who are looking something for more flirty than daring. The addition of sheer panels creates an aura of mystery while maintaining the graceful air. If you don’t prefer bareback blouses, this is the perfect solution for your “less-is-more” style needs.

10. Boat-Neck Blouse With A Deep Back

source: pinterest

Nothing spells elegance as much as this boat-neck style blouse. While the elegant front neck makes it a perfect choice for evening get-togethers, the deep back adds to the oomph, making it the perfect companion for a gorgeous saree worn for a cocktail evening.

11. Blouse With Frilled Sleeves

source: pinterest

This is for those who like to add a bit of flair to their outfit. This blouse has the power to transform the most basic of cotton sarees into a fun coffee-date outfit. Case in point: the picture given above.

We hope we gave you enough style inspiration to dust out those sarees rotting away in the long-forgotten corners of your mother’s almirahs. Which of these styles did you like the best and why? Share your opinions with us in the comments section.

The post 11 Trending Blouse Designs In 2019 That Will Impress You appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

Only the ones with oily skin will understand the true meaning of a forever shiny-skin problem. Dealing with oily skin can be quite tiresome, especially when it comes to taking care of it. This becomes even more tedious when the climate is very humid, because the oil secretion on the surface of the skin increases and if we don’t take care of our skin then, it can lead to a lot of problems. The oil secretion can clog our skin’s pores and make it a breeding ground for acne. In order to take care of such skin problems, one needs to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, eating healthy food, and using cosmetic products that have a matte finish and are non-comedogenic as well.

But, wait, there are other, totally organic, natural ingredients that we can use to prevent our skin from becoming an oily mess, and they are coconut oil and turmeric. We can use these natural ingredients in homemade face masks to get the oiliness on the face under control. These two ingredients, together, can reduce the level of sebum production in our skin; and that can help in keeping our skin unclogged, and acne-free.

shutterstock

Why Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is known to have skin-calming properties and its components are also considered to be anti-bacterial in nature. In fact, it is considered to be an effective moisturizer for acne-prone and oily skin (1). It’s a natural hydrator for skin and prevents secretion of excess sebum. It unclogs the pores, heals the acne that is already present on it, and prevents any further acne breakouts from surfacing.

Why Turmeric?

Turmeric, in general, is known to exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-neoplastic (prevents formation of tumors), and antioxidant properties which are helpful in treating oily skin (2). Curcumin, an active component found in turmeric has been used in the field of dermatology for centuries. It has the capacity of curing the most trivial to the most serious of skin ailments. Applying turmeric on oily skin will prevent the skin from getting any new pimples or acne breakouts.

After being educated on all of the aforementioned facts, you are bound to wonder as to how you can combine the benefits of these natural ingredients to treat the oily skin on your face. Don’t worry, we’ve put together 3 effective ways of incorporating both these super ingredients in order to treat oily skin the right way. Let’s read together.

1. Coconut Oil + Turmeric + Neem

shutterstock

You’ll Need:

• 1 teaspoon of virgin coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons of neem powder or freshly ground neem leaves
• ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder
• Juice of 1 lemon

Preparation:

• In a bowl, add all of the ingredients and mix them well to obtain a lump-free and smooth mixture.
• Make sure you don’t add too much of coconut oil.
• Apply this paste all over your face or you can apply it only on the oilier regions of your face and neck.
• Leave it on for about 15 minutes.
• You can rinse the mask off with normal water and pat your face dry.
• Use this mask once every week for visible, good results.

Why This Works?

We already are aware of the benefits of including coconut oil and turmeric in a face mask and using it on our skin. The addition of neem is like adding another feather to the cap of benefits of this face mask. Oily skin is more prone to bacterial infections, and neem, also known as Indian Lilac, helps in preventing the growth of bacteria. On the other hand, turmeric and coconut oil control the production of oil while simultaneously keeping the skin hydrated (3).

2. Coconut Oil + Turmeric + Fuller’s Earth

istock

You’ll Need:

• 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
• ½ teaspoon of turmeric
• 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel
• 2 tablespoons of Fuller’s Earth

Preparation:

• The same drill with this too peeps! Firstly, mix all the ingredients well in a bowl.
• Apply the resultant mixture evenly on your face and leave it on for a good 15 minutes.
• Then, rinse the mask off with some normal tap water and pat your face dry with a towel.
• Use this remedy at least once a week to get noticeable results.

Why This Works?

The inclusion of Fuller’s Earth along will coconut oil and turmeric have an added benefit for oily skin. This Fuller’s Earth is capable of absorbing any dirt, impurities, and excess oil from the pores of our skin (4). This leaves our skin looking clean and fresh. While the Fuller’s Earth helps in absorbing the excess oil secreted by the skin, coconut oil and turmeric help in sanitizing the oily glands and preventing them from developing any bacterial infections.

Coconut oil and turmeric can also be combined with various ingredients like orange peel, basil etc. and can be made much more beneficial in treating our oily skin. These two were our favorite picks. Is there any other way you’d recommend using coconut oil and turmeric in face masks? Let us know in the comments below.

The post Coconut Oil and Turmeric Face Mask for Oily Skin appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

Whether you are a believer or not, astrology and palmistry are subjects that have a certain appeal that reaches across the age groups and masses. As unconvincing as they might have seemed at first, several of world’s great wonders and travesties were actually prophesied by those who claimed that they were able to read the stars or the palms of their patrons. Case in point — the great Nostradamus.

Now, if we have managed to hold on to your attention for this long, we would like to draw it towards your respective palms. Do you think that these unbounded lines, that run amok on your hands could hold the key to your future? If your answer is in negative, we would urge you to reconsider. Why, you ask? Read on to know more about the mysteries that are held in your precious palms!

The Significance Of The Fish Symbol

Youtube

The German philosopher, Immanuel Kant, said that hand is the visible part of the brain. And the discipline of palmistry operates on a similar principle. According to this principle, the undulating lines on our hands often hold the key to our past, present, and even our future! It can also correctly correspond to several of our personality characteristics as well. Of the many shapes that these lines make, the symbol of fish is considered to be quite auspicious.

In a lot of cultures, fish is celebrated as a symbol of fertility and abundance, similarly in palmistry too, the fish stands for wealth, prosperity and luxury in the later part of the bearer’s life (1). However, the symbol acquires different meaning with respect to its location on the palm.

Location Of The Symbol Is Important Too

Pinterest

In palmistry, the different regions of our palms are considered to be symbolic of the position of different planets. Situated at the base of the fingers, these positions are also referred to as mounts of those planets. If you look at the image given above, you would see that the point directly below the index finger is said to be the mount of Jupiter, and similarly, all the different regions in the palm are occupied by different planets.

It is said that the popular pop star, Jennifer Lopez has the fish symbol located in the Sun mount in her palm. If you focus on the image given below, you will also notice that the tail of the fish seems to point towards the mount of the Mercury. Going by the significance of its positioning, it seems that the bearer is likely to make use of skills such as communication, oratory, and creativity to achieve fame and prosperity. And with a net worth running into several millions, Ms. Lopez is prosperous for sure!

Youtube

Now, let’s see what the different locations of the symbol foretell about the bearer’s future.

• Fish On The Mount Of Jupiter

The mount which is located just below the index finger is said to be the position of the planet Jupiter. If a person has a fish symbol on this mount, it means that the person will acquire fame and wealth through his/her wisdom and knowledge.

• Fish On The Mount Of Saturn

If the sign is on the mount of the Saturn, then it signals the interest of the bearer in the larger mysteries of life, that is, towards disciplines such as the occult sciences or philosophy. And it foretells that the bearer is going to achieve success due to his/her interest in them.

• Fish On The Mount Of Mercury

The presence of the fish sign in this region is symbolic of the bearer’s command over the skill of communication. It predicts his/her success in personal and professional endeavors that make use of that skill. This includes businesses and even, marriage.

• Fish On The Mount Of Moon

Since the moon is symbolic of the free spirit of creativity and imagination, the presence of the fish sign here foretells that the bearer is going to prosper in any career or professional enterprise that is founded on the creative principle. It also suggests the possibility of life-changing travel in the bearer’s life.

• The Tail Of Fish Is Positioned Towards The Mounts

This signals that though the bearer might still achieve fame and wealth in life, it will happen at a later point in his/her life.

So folks, did you spot this fortuitous fish in your palms yet? If you have, then be excited, for there are good things stored in your future. And in case you did not, don’t lose heart, you can be the maker of your future and you will be prouder of yourself that way. In the end, we would ask you to believe in yourself and just continue to do the good work that you always do!

The post A Fish Shape In Your Palm Can Be Special: Check Out If You Have The Same appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

Before I begin this conversation, I must confess something — I am married.

Now that we have that out of the way, let’s begin this conversation. I say it’s a conversation because I really hope that in 2019, people think that women are capable of holding their own in a conversation.

The idea for this article germinated after a thorough commiserating session with colleagues who were yet to achieve the bliss of matrimony, so this is on their behalf. After all, sisters before misters, right? My dear colleagues, who are yet to find the one (the horror, the horror) are what you might call 21st Century gals. They are travelers, dreamers, poets, food bloggers, in general, badass women. They know their worth and believe in themselves — something that is not easily accepted by the society, in general, and no, I am not making this up, dear men.

Before you go on accusing me of being a feminazi, I would like to point out that while I do believe in feminism as a movement, I don’t condone using it as an excuse to get out of making hard calls. So there you have it, I am not a bra-burning, man-hating, black sheep of my gender. And neither am I rebel without a cause. But moving on to more important questions first.

What Or Who Even Is Marriage Material?

via GIPHY

Marriage is a social contract, not the 7 janmo ka bandhan, that your mother and K.Jo would have you believe. You see, when the history was still in its infancy, and man wasn’t the ambitious, world-conquering animal that he is now, he had just begun to farm. He was physically stronger and more likely to survive in a fight with a wild animal, therefore, he would go out, and gather food, and meanwhile, his companion (not a wife, mind you) would stay back in the shelter, look after the offspring, and do other chores. They worked together as a team, capitalizing on their respective evolutionary traits to survive.

via GIPHY

So much for the marriages made in heaven, right? As time went on, empires rose and conquered others and capitalism became the norm, it was the men who went on to become the movers and shakers of the world, and their authority had to be beyond reproach, and thus, was born the concept of “pativrata” patni. After all, all labor carries a fiscal cost, and who wants to pay an extra dime, when you have the ideal wife ready to do them for you just at the drop of the hat. (Don’t believe me? Watch Mad Men and get back to me.)
Aur ye tha sach shaadi ka!

via GIPHY

Now, that we have given you this short introduction to the history of the institution of marriage, let’s have a look at the lived reality of women whose market value is evaluated in terms of their so-called marriage-ability.

My Body, My Rules; My Gamla My Phools

via GIPHY

I don’t get why people feel the need to police women and their bodies. Be it deciding whether or not they should abort a pregnancy, or how and when they should perforate their hymen (yes, I can say that, I am a woman!) As long as they are doing it being fully aware of the side effects of these, no one else gets a say as to what all they are putting in their body, be it alcohol, or cigarette or other manner of sundry things (Hello, Swara Bhaskar, do lead us).

Naach Basanti Naach, For It’s Your Pay Day

via GIPHY

The activity of partying is directly proportional to the amount of money people have in their salary accounts, and now that ladkiya kamaun hain, why shouldn’t they party? Going out with friends, having a drink or two is just a manner of unwinding. And this is the way, normal human beings survive the disaster that is the 21st Century. Women, too, fall under that subset you know, the “normal human beings” one.

Work Is Worship — Outside The Confines Of The Home As Well

via GIPHY

Though it is pretty self-explanatory, yet I shall detail why women need to and as well as like to work. Because in today’s economy it pays to be self-sufficient and also because it gives you a sense of identity when the fruits of your labor have a monetary value attached to it. No more unpaid labor at home, which is brushed under the carpet of your filial “duties”. Is that too much for society’s fragile sense of aadarsh-ness?

Now that I have given pretty detailed explanations, it would be pretty evident that these activities in no way hamper a woman’s marriage-ability. But here I have a sincere and genuine request for the future spouses, and in-laws of my dear colleagues and of other women, who are in a similar situation, please look at my friends as individuals who will add value to your family, have your son’s back in any situation, and really enrich your lives. They are not just mere vessels of your future lineage.

via GIPHY

Sincerely,
Not your “aadarsh” bahu

The post “I Party, Smoke, Drink, And Work. Am I Marriage Material?” appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

Whether it’s your date night or just a pyjama party with the girlfriends, everything that you wear matters. From that bodycon dress to the lacy underwear, there’s so much that needs to be taken care of. Wearing panties is essential (if you like going commando, we’re okay with that), and there are not many women who would step out without wearing one. So, when it’s such a necessity, why not invest some time, effort, and interest in your lingerie collection? Don’t let another year pass by where you’re unclear about your panty choices (boyfriend choices can wait ladies).

There are different kinds of panties out there for every woman which is meant for various occasions. Most of the women are either too lazy or are genuinely not aware of figuring out which one to wear when. Or they, in general, get conscious while shopping for the panties. But, don’t you worry, dear women, we’re here to help. We surfed the cyberspace and most of the elite fashion magazines and came up with the below-mentioned list of various types of panties that you should be considered this New Year 2019. Let’s take a look.

1. Boy Shorts

shutterstock

Well, it doesn’t take a genius to guess this but the style of this panty is modeled after men’s briefs; these panties have a more rectangular shape. They can be considered very similar to the hipster style, the difference between these both is the lower cuts near the legs. In boy shorts, there are certain brands that have extended the lower-cut for legs (almost till the thighs).

When Can You Wear Them?

If this style of panties is made from the right fabric and fits seamlessly, then this glides under your dresses effortlessly. It can be your comfort wear or just worn under proper fitting clothes to avoid any panty lines. If the shorts are longer, then it can even be considered as a loungewear option.

2. Lacy Hipsters

shutterstock

This can be considered as the most sensuous form of hipster style panties. They are just like hipsters (panties that come up to your hips) that cover the baby fats around your hips. But, these are the kind of hipsters that are made of lace which makes them quite hot in terms of looks.

When Can You Wear Them?

If you want to wear a panty that will cover your innocent love handles and also look attractive when you unbutton your jeans, then pick this style of panty. Trust us, your man will not be disappointed!

3. Supporting Panties

shutterstock

These are the kind of panties that help support a heavy stomach. They go slightly higher than the hip in terms of fit. They are the most comfortable.

When Can You Wear Them?

These panties are meant for pregnant women and are generally worn by them. Women who are obese or overweight can also consider trying this style of panties for the most comfort.

4. Bikini Panty

shutterstock

As the name suggests, these are panties that are a part of a bikini. They are sensuous, they are colorful, they are appealing, and they are neither too loose nor too tight. They come in various styles too — like a normal panty or a panty which needs to be tied on both sides like the picture above.

When Can You Wear Them?

On days when you’re sure you might just turn your car towards the beach and jump into the waters, wear these.

5. Thong Panty

shutterstock

Thongs can be considered as the most versatile type of panties ever. You will never have to worry about panty lines if you’re wearing them. Even your man will be content seeing you in them. However, if you’re wearing a thong for the first time you will feel a little discomfort. But with time, you’ll understand it’s the best invention ever in the panty world.

When Can You Wear Them?

On date nights (wink wink). And on days when you’re wearing those uber cool body-hugging skirts and dresses, and you don’t want people to see your panty lines.

6. Lovable Comfortable Panty

shutterstock

These are mainly made of cotton, they are soft and extremely comfortable for your down there. These are the type of panties that can be worn by every girl and woman irrespective of the age group. They are the most normal kinds.

When Can You Wear Them?

When you’re wearing casual clothes and when all you care about is just comfort and nothing else, then, pick these.

7. Silky Panty

shutterstock

These panties are generally made of satin fabric. It feels very smooth on the skin. They come in very attractive colors. Wearing these can make you ready for a racy night. They are definitely the feel-good panties and they are quite famous for being a favourite among the opposite gender.

When Can You Wear Them?

When you want something that will make you feel like ‘Madame Important’, when you want your man to see you in your naughtiest best, something as minimal as a silk panty can do the trick for you.

These were our guide for you to pick panties which should be sitting in your wardrobe this New Year. All of them are meant for different occasions and moods. Which one is already a part of your wardrobe? Let us know in the comments below.

The post 7 Different Types Of Panty Collection For Women In 2019 appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

Nitrates are compounds commonly found in veggie-rich diets, including leafy greens. They are also added to cured meats like bacon and hot dogs as color preservatives to retard the growth of microorganisms. Though nitrates may have some health benefits, there is another side to them that is not quite as pleasing.

What Are Nitrates?

To understand nitrates, we must also know about nitrites. Let’s delve into a bit of chemistry. Nitrate contains 1 nitrogen atom bonded to 3 oxygen atoms, whereas, nitrite contains 1 nitrogen atom bonded to 2 oxygen atoms.

Nitrates, by themselves, are inert. It is only when they come in contact with the bacteria in the mouth and other bodily enzymes do they get converted into nitrites.

Nitrites, in turn, can get converted into nitric oxide or nitrosamines. It is at this stage we either have good news or bad news. Nitric oxide has been found to reduce arterial stiffness and inflammation – thereby cutting the risk of heart disease (1).

Nitrosamines, on the other hand, are found to be potent lung carcinogens. They are found in cigarette smoke too. Animal studies have shown that nitrosamines are closely related to gastrointestinal cancer (2).

It is this rather thin line between the conversion of nitrites to nitric oxide and nitrosamines that defines how beneficial nitrates can be. But there is a way to counter this.

Studies show that nitrites get converted into nitrosamines only when exposed to high heat (3). This is why most processed meats, including bacon and hot dogs, contain the most nitrosamines (as they are exposed to high heat) (4).

This is one reason vegetables and fruits, though high in nitrates, are never as harmful as they are not exposed to such high temperatures. But not all foods contain nitrates. We will see what actually do.

Which Foods Are High In Nitrates?

1. Beetroot

shutterstock

Beetroots are rich in dietary nitrates that our body converts to nitrites and then nitric oxide. Studies show that intake of beetroot juice increases nitric oxide content in both men and women, regardless of body weight (5).
In another study, intake of beetroot juice increased nitric oxide levels by 21.3% in a matter of 45 minutes (6).
This is why beetroots have turned out to be wonder foods that boost athletic performance (7). They also display great abilities to lower blood pressure levels (8).

2. Spinach

Spinach is another vegetable with a high nitrate content. Research shows that this can be linked to reduced arterial stiffness and blood pressure levels (9). Regular intake of spinach can contribute to beneficial hemodynamic effects.

Among the foods included in the study, spinach has been identified as one of the richest sources of dietary nitrates for humans (10). The study states that regular intake of spinach is an effective way to maintain cardiovascular health.

3. Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is rich in nitrates. More importantly, it is also replete with phenolic acids and flavonoids. The veggie also doesn’t contain allergens (11).

Swiss chard is inexpensive when compared to other veggies rich in nitrates. This is another reason for you to include it in your diet.

5. Cabbage

Cabbage is replete with nitrates that, as we know, are converted into nitric oxide in the body (12). Kale, bok choy, and arugula also have similarly high nitrate levels that contribute to human health.

Studies also show that regular intake of nitrate-rich foods, especially green leafy veggies, can help maintain adequate levels of nitric oxide in the blood and tissues (13).

A vast array of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, are linked to nitric oxide insufficiency (14). Enhancing nitric oxide levels in our system by consuming foods rich in nitrates can be a good start to great health.

6. Rhubarb

Reports suggest that rhubarb juice (a popular way rhubarb is consumed) contains high levels of nitrates – as much as 850 mg for every liter (15).

A particular species of rhubarb is also found to possess excellent antioxidant properties. These can help combat oxidative stress in the body and the resultant health complications (16).

7. Carrots

Carrots contain over 800 mg of nitrates for every kilogram. Eating carrots every day can be a good way to increase your nitrate intake. In case you are going for carrot juice, remember this – consume only freshly prepared carrot juice. This is because stored carrot juice was found to lower the levels of nitrate (17).

8. Watermelon

shutterstock

In a study, watermelon was found to be one of the major contributors to nitrate intake (18).

Watermelon also contains an amino acid called citrulline, which is ultimately converted to nitric oxide in the body. In another study, eight men drinking 300 ml of watermelon juice every day for two weeks saw a significant increase in their nitric oxide bioavailability (19).

Watermelon supplementation was also found to enhance exercise performance and lower blood pressure levels (20).

9. Pomegranate

Pomegranate contains high levels of nitrates and other important antioxidants. Animal studies have shown that pomegranate juice and extract can boost the concentration of nitrates in the blood (21).

The polyphenols in pomegranate were also found to boost blood nitric oxide levels. This can enhance exercise performance (22).

These foods contain high levels of nitrates. They also are replete with other beneficial nutrients – so consuming them is a wise option any given day.

Before we move on to the next section, we also would like to mention garlic. Though it doesn’t contain high concentrations of nitrates, it can help boost the nitric oxide in the system. The veggie activates nitric oxide synthase, an enzyme that aids the synthesis of nitric oxide (23).

In a study, aged garlic extract was found to boost nitric oxide levels by 40% within just an hour of intake (24). This ability of garlic to boost nitric oxide levels can have a positive impact on an individual’s blood pressure levels (25).

That’s a lot about nitrates (and nitric oxide), isn’t it? We saw a bit about how nitrates can benefit you. But there is more research to it.

How Are Nitrates Beneficial To You?

• Nitrates Promote Heart Health

Nitrates are considered a safe and effective choice to prevent ischemic syndromes related to coronary heart disease. Nitrates relax the coronary arteries and prevent their constriction (26).

Nitrates also have a role in congestive heart failure therapy (27). In fact, most cases of cardiovascular disease found a decrease in endothelial nitric oxide levels (28).

• Nitrates Enhance Physical Performance

Dietary nitrates improve muscle efficiency and enhance endurance performance. They also enhance the contractile function of the skeletal muscles (29).

A high-nitrate diet is also considered feasible for improved exercise performance (30). This can be attributed to the ability of nitrates to increase the efficiency of mitochondria, which are the energy currency of the body’s cells (31).

These are the major ways nitrates can benefit you. Yes, nitrates are beneficial compounds found naturally in green leafy vegetables and some fruits.
But does this mean that anyone can consume them?

What Are The Side Effects Of Nitrates?

We have no issue with naturally occurring nitrates. It is the nitrates that turn into nitrosamines we have a problem with. These primarily include processed meats like bacon and sausages, etc.

Studies show that prolonged exposure to nitrosamines can increase the risk of death by cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, and even the esophagus (32).

Nitrosamines are harmful for anyone – and more so for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

But there is something we can do.

How To Prevent Nitrates From Turning Into Nitrosamines

shutterstock

As discussed earlier, nitrates turn into nitrosamines only when exposed to extremely high temperatures.

• • The first step you can take is to reduce your intake of processed meats – as most of them contain added nitrates as preservatives (to prevent them from getting spoiled). Bacon is one meat food that is most often preserved using nitrates. Hence, it is better to go for frozen bacon.
  • Go local. Try to pick your meat from the local farmer’s market. Bacon from pasture-raised pigs is far healthier than what you get from the conventional store.
  • You can also change the way you cook bacon. Fry it at low heat for a longer time. This will produce far fewer nitrosamines. Burnt is worst. Microwaving bacon works best – it is the best way to reduce nitrosamine formation (33).
  • Check the labels carefully. Avoid products that list potassium or sodium nitrates or nitrites. In addition to meat, even canned foods like bacon and packaged seafood may contain these preservatives (34).
  • Follow a diet rich in vitamin C. This nutrient is known to reduce the formation of nitrosamines (35).

Conclusion

You can enjoy your favorite bacon without worrying about its nitrate content – provided you take the basic precautions. Don’t forget the leafy greens too – they are powerful sources of antioxidants and other nutrients!
Anything about nitrates you think we have missed? Why don’t you let us know by leaving a comment in the box below? We would love to hear from you!

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

What are the safe levels of nitrates in drinking water?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the safe levels of nitrates in drinking water are 10 mg for every liter (36).

What does it mean when your urine contains nitrites?

The presence of nitrites in urine can mean a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTI occurs when harmful bacteria find their way into the urinary tract and rapidly reproduce. Some types of these bacteria have enzymes that convert nitrates into nitrites.
The treatment for this condition usually involves a course of antibiotics. Drinking plenty of water also helps – it flushes out the bacteria causing the infection.

References

1. “Vascular effects of dietary nitrate…” British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, US National Library of Medicine.
2. “Nitrosamines” ScienceDirect.
3. “The use and control of nitrate and nitrite…” ScienceDirect.
4. “Formation and occurrence of nitrosamines in food” Cancer Research, US National Library of Medicine.
5. “Beetroot juice increase nitric oxide metabolites…” International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition.
6. “Acute ingestion of beetroot juice increases…” PloS One, US National Library of Medicine.
7. “A single dose of beetroot juice enhances…” Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, US National Library of Medicine.
8. “Acute blood pressure lowering, vasoprotective…” Hypertension, US National Library of Medicine.
9. “Effect if spinach, a high dietary nitrate source…” Clinical Nutrition Research, US National Library of Medicine.
10. “Food sources of nitrates and nitrites…” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
11. “Effect of Swiss chard as nitrite replacement…” Korean Journal for Food Science of Animal Resources, US National Library of Medicine.
12. “Nitrate in leafy green vegetables and…” African Journal of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicines, US National Library of Medicine.
13. “Nutritional epidemiology in the context of…” Nitric Oxide, US National Library of Medicine.
14. “The effect of green leafy and cruciferous vegetable…” JRSM Cardiovascular Disease, US National Library of Medicine.
15. “Processing and chemical composition of rhubarb…” United States Department of Agriculture.
16. “Photoprotective and antioxidant effects of…” BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, US National Library of Medicine.
17. “The content of nitrates and nitrites in fruits…” Roczniki Państwowego Zakładu Higieny, US National Library of Medicine.
18. “Dietary nitrate and nitrite intake and…” Nutrition and Cancer, US National Library of Medicine.
19. “Two weeks of watermelon juice supplementation…” Nitric Oxide, US National Library of Medicine.
20. “Influence of L-citrulline and watermelon supplementation…” Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care, US National Library of Medicine.
21. “The influence of pomegranate fruit extract in…” Nitric Oxide, US National Library of Medicine.
22. “The effect of acute pomegranate extract supplementation…” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, US National Library of Medicine.
23. “Potent activation of nitric oxide synthase…” Current Medical Research and Opinion, US National Library of Medicine.
24. “Aged garlic extract enhances production…” Life Sciences, US National Library of Medicine.
25. “Nitric oxide mediates the blood-pressure lowering…” The Journal of Nutrition, US National Library of Medicine.
26. “The role of nitrates in coronary heart disease” Archives of Internal Medicine, US National Library of Medicine.
27. “Nitrates in congestive heart failure” Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy, US National Library of Medicine.
28. “Dietary nitrate provides sustained blood pressure…” Hypertension, US National Library of Medicine.
29. “Dietary nitrate and physical performance” Annual Review of Nutrition, US National Library of Medicine.
30. “Effects of a short-term high-nitrate diet on…” Nutrients, US National Library of Medicine.
31. “Dietary inorganic nitrate improves mitochondrial…” Cell Metabolism, US National Library of Medicine.
32. “Exposure to high concentrations of nitrosamines…” British Medical Journal.
33. “Effect of frying and other cooking conditions…” Wiley Online Library.
34. “How to avoid added nitrates and nitrites in your food” Environmental Working Group.
35. “What are nitrates?” Benton Franklin Health District.

The post Nitrates: The Truth About Them + Top 9 Foods appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

Jicama is a bulbous root vegetable with a golden brown, papery skin. It looks like a cross between an apple and a turnip. It is pronounced as hee-cama – and its other names include yam bean, Mexican water chestnut, Mexican potato, and Chinese turnip.

Jicama has been an important part of the traditional cuisines of Central and South America, the Caribbean, and parts of Asia for thousands of years. All for a reason – its healthful benefits.

What More Do We Know About Jicama?

Jicama is scientifically called Pachyrhizus erosus. While the texture of the vegetable is like that of a potato, it is firm to hold and tastes starchy and sweet (like an apple).

Except for the taproot, everything else about jicama is unsafe for consumption. This is attributed to the toxin rotenone, a naturally occurring odorless chemical in the plant that acts as an insecticide and pesticide (1).

Today, jicama is quite popular in China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and parts of Southeast Asia. The reason is the host of benefits this root veggie has to offer.

How Can Jicama Benefit You?

1. Aids Diabetes Treatment

The hypoglycemic effects of jicama have been explored in a study. Jicama extract was found to lower postprandial blood glucose levels. The vegetable contains inulin, a soluble fiber that may help in this regard (2).

Jicama extract was also found to increase insulin sensitivity and regulate glucose levels in mice. It can inhibit gluconeogenesis (generation of glucose) in the liver (3).

Jicama has a low glycemic index as well. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to regulate their blood sugar levels.

2. Boosts Heart Health

shutterstock

The soluble fiber in jicama has a role to play here too. The soluble dietary fiber prevents the bile from being reabsorbed into the intestines. This not only lowers cholesterol levels but also prevents the liver from generating more cholesterol (4).

Jicama juice was identified for its cardioprotective benefits in another study. The juice was found to prevent blood clots with the help of its nitrate content (5).

Nitrate supplementation, in general, is associated with modest benefits to cardiovascular health (6). It lowers blood pressure levels and enhances blood flow. Jicama, being rich in nitrates, can help in this regard.

The fiber in jicama also contributes to heart health by helping lower blood cholesterol levels.

3. Can Cut Cancer Risk

A report suggests that including white vegetables (like jicama) in your diet can help lower the risk of some cancers (7). The vegetable is also rich in fiber. Studies show how fiber can be particularly protective against colon cancer (8).

Jicama is a good source of vitamin C too (9). Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that fights oxidative stress, which can lead to several forms of cancer (10).

4. Promotes Digestion

The fiber in jicama can play a great role in promoting digestion. Dietary fiber adds bulk to your diet. This promotes digestion and prevents constipation (11).

Jicama is rich in water too, and this aspect is also beneficial for digestion.

5. Enhances Gut Health

Jicama is rich in inulin, which is a type of prebiotic fiber. Prebiotics support probiotics (the beneficial gut bacteria) by supporting their nutrition (12).

6. May Help With Weight Loss

Jicama is nutrient-dense. It contains more nutrients and fewer calories (13). This can help promote weight loss.

The high water and fiber content in jicama also helps you fill up. This can discourage you from overeating and ultimately aid weight loss.

The prebiotic inulin in jicama has been linked to weight loss as well. Studies show that it can influence certain hormones that affect hunger and a feeling of fullness (14).

7. May Promote Immunity

The vitamin C in jicama may help boost the immune system.

The inulin in the veggie can also contribute to better immunity (15).

These are the major ways jicama can boost your health. In addition to what we came across, jicama contains other important nutrients. The following section covers all the nutrients in the healthful root vegetable.

What Is The Nutritional Profile Of Jicama?

One cup serving of sliced raw jicama (120 grams) has just about 46 calories. It also contains:

• 24 milligrams of vitamin C (40% of daily value)
• 180 milligrams of potassium (5% of DV)
• 14.4 milligrams of magnesium (4% of DV)
• 0.6 milligram of vitamin E (3% of DV)
• 0.1 milligram of copper (3% of DV)
• 25.2 IU of vitamin A (1% of DV)

That’s an impressive nutritional profile! But then, jicama is one vegetable not everyone is aware of. So, how does one prepare and consume it?

How Do You Eat Jicama?

First and foremost, you don’t want to forget about the toxin. The skin, leaves, pods, seeds, and stems of the root vegetable must be discarded before cooking.

Jicama is quite versatile. You can remove the peel and cut the white flesh into cubes or slices. You may add it to your diet in the following ways:

• Add it to your evening vegetable salad.
• Have the slices with a dip like hummus or guacamole.
• Sprinkle it with chili powder and lemon juice for a spicy evening snack.
• Combine it with mango or pineapple for a tropical salad.

This shows that jicama is not only nutritious but also delicious. Does this mean you can have as much of it as you want? Probably not – because it has a few side effects.

What Are The Side Effects Of Jicama?

• Rotenone Toxicity

We already discussed this. Jicama contains this natural insecticide that can be toxic to humans. Hence, you must only consume the root of the vegetable (with its skin peeled off completely) (1).

• Possible Effects Of Excess Fiber

Jicama is rich in fiber. Consuming too much of it in a day can cause issues like abdominal pain, flatulence, bloating, and constipation. Limit your intake to one to two whole vegetables per day.

Conclusion

Jicama is gaining popularity fast, thanks to its diverse array of nutrients and, more importantly, its low-carb and high-fiber profile. All of this just tells us how important it can be in our life. Remember to eat the flesh alone.

Did you have jicama before? How did you like it? Do let us know by leaving a comment in the box below.

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

Can you eat jicama raw?

Yes, you can eat it raw. It tastes sweet and nutty. Just remember to peel the skin off.

Is jicama good for a low-carb diet?

Yes. Jicama has fewer total carbohydrates compared to other vegetables. Hence, it can be a part of a low-carb diet.

Is jicama paleo?

Though the jicama root comes from a plant that also produces beans, the root itself is not a bean. Hence, jicama is paleo-friendly.

Is jicama keto-friendly?

Since it is low in carbs, jicama can be added to a keto diet.

How long does jicama last?

Jicama should last for about three days at room temperature. If you store the cut pieces wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator, they can last for about a week. Whole jicama can last in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

References

1. “Rotenone” US National Library of Medicine.
2. “Hypoglycemic effect of jicama…” Preventive Nutrition and Food Science, US National Library of Medicine.
3. “Jicama extract increases insulin sensitivity…” Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, US National Library of Medicine.
4. “Mechanisms underlying the cholesterol-lowering properties…” Food & Function, US National Library of Medicine.
5. “Platelet inhibitory effects of juices from…” BMC Complementary & Alternative Medicine, US National Library of Medicine.
6. “Nitrate ingestion: a review of the health and physical…” Nutrients, US National Library of Medicine.
7. “Fruits & veggies – more matters…” TN Department of Health.
8. “Health effects of dietary fiber” Acta scientiarum polonorum. Technologia alimentaria, US National Library of Medicine.
9. “Basic report: 11603, yambean (jicama)…” National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Legacy Release, US National Library of Medicine.
10. “Antioxidants: in depth” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
11. “Dietary fiber” US National Library of Medicine.
12. “Prebiotics and probiotics in digestive health” Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, US National Library of Medicine.
13. “Yambean (jicama)…” SELFNutritionData.
14. “Modulation of the gut microbiota…” Advances in Nutrition, US National Library of Medicine.
15. “Inulin and oligofructose…” The Journal of Nutrition, US National Library of Medicine.

The post What Is Jicama Good For? 7 Health Benefits Of The Root Vegetable appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

Emojis! The very appearance of these pictorial characters in a text chat lights up most of our faces. With various operating systems releasing their own spins of various emojis, they are only getting cuter by the day.

And of late, they seem to form the basis of our expressions. On a personal note, I can never strike a conversation with a person while texting if the other person isn’t using emojis in his/her messages. It puts me off in a jiffy! In fact, by the usage of emojis, I can very clearly create an opinion about the nature of the person. And hey, it’s not just me; there are many, in fact, a lot of them out there who rely on emojis to accurately represent how they’re feeling at that particular moment.

It doesn’t end here. Emojis are also becoming a part of our celebrations and gifting. Who wouldn’t like to be gifted an emoji cushion or an emoji badge or a poster? All of us will love it! There are people out there who are considering emojis as the harbingers of the end of the written world. And then there are another set of people who think that emojis are helping people come out of their closed-off cocoons and shake off their inhibitions in a more soothing manner. Now that I’ve bragged so much about emojis, I want to enlighten your minds with some unknown facts about emojis. Give it a read.

World Emoji Day!

itunes/ Instagram

Yes, peeps, there’s a day when emojis all over the world are celebrated. It’s being celebrated for the last five years and this July 17th, 2019 will be the sixth year of the World Emoji Day celebrations (1). Have you wondered why July 17th? There’s an emoji-explanation for this — have you observed the calendar emoji in your phones? It has July 17th on it, therefore, this day and month were picked as the perfect time for these celebrations. I’m so sure you guys didn’t know about this. Now you know when you can celebrate with your favorite emoji the most in a year, right?

Shigetaka Kurita — The Father Of Emoji

cienciainicial/ Instagram

It was in the year 1999 that Mr. Kurita, a Japanese designer, designed the first set of emojis for cell phones (2). He’d made them for the first ever mobile internet system, called NTT Docomo’s i-mode, which was used back then. The program coined for this allowed a user to only use a maximum of 250 characters in an email. This is why Kurita designed emojis as it would be a better way to easily communicate with less scope for misunderstandings. He made use of a combination of the different everyday symbols, some Chinese characters, manga imagery as inspiration, and few street signs which lead him to create emojis that were 176, 12-pixel by 12-pixel characters. He considers emojis to be useful tools of communication that can transcend languages.

When asked what’s his favorite emoji? His answer was, “<3, Heart.”

Different Platforms Use Different Emojis For The Same Expression

giftzoneph/ Instagram

Okay, I know the subhead sounds a little confusing and must have totally gone above your head (giggles). Therefore, let me explain it to you now. Have you seen the “grin face” emoji? If yours is an iPhone you’ll know how a “grin face” emoji looks like, right? Now, check with your friend who has an android phone and see how the “grin face” emoji looks like in their phone. It’s different, right? Why phones, just log into your Facebook profile and see the “grin face” emoji there. Different platforms — HTC, Google, Mozilla, Samsung, LG etc. have the same “grin face” emoji but they all look different (3). Therefore, the same emoji differs from platform to platform.

Most Used Emoji In The World

pxinzess / Instagram

Don’t we all use that emoji which has a “Face with tears of joy?” It’s also the go-to emoji for most of us for use as the laughing or the LOL emoji. For three consecutive years, this particular emoji has been reigning as the most frequently used emoji on social media (especially on Facebook and Twitter). This symbol has been picked up by Oxford as the Oxford Dictionary’s Word of the Year (2015). This emoji has also earned itself a Guinness world record as well (4).

There’s An Emoji Governing Body!

worldemojiday / Instagram

Not kidding bro! According to my research, there’s the Unicode Consortium which is a governing body that is responsible and also manages the emoji keyboard which we all use (5). At present, there are 2,666 official emojis which are in use as compared to the original 722 which were recorded in 2015. The credit for the increase in the number of emojis goes to the wide array of options available in terms of skin tones, professions, and gender.

Now, that we have given you this treasure chest full of these cool emoji facts, we are sure you all must’ve acquired a newfound respect for these impish characters! Hope they motivate you to write more and express more in the future. Which is your favorite emoji? Drop them in the comments section.

The post Unknown Facts About Your Favorite Emojis appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

If you have just found out that your little one has autism, know that you’re not alone. According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, autism spectrum disorder affects 1 in every 59 children (1).

This behavioral disorder may cause repetitive and stereotypical behavior in the affected lot. While such behaviors may be difficult to observe initially, you may figure it out eventually when your child doesn’t behave as expected at that age.

To know more about this behavioral disorder and its treatment options, read on!

What Is Autism?

Autism is a neurobehavioral condition that is characterized by a range of symptoms. The symptoms usually include impairments in social interaction and developmental and communication skills. These symptoms are usually rigid and repetitive.

Due to the range of symptoms associated with autism, this condition is now termed as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This covers a large array of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment.

Children who have autism usually have trouble communicating and understanding what other people think or feel. This makes it extremely hard for them to express their emotions through words, gestures, touch, and facial expressions.

ASD is four times more common in boys than in girls. This disorder is reported across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups (1).

ASD is categorized into five subtypes according to the 5th Edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Types Of Autism

The five subtypes of ASD are:

• With or without intellectual impairment
• With or without language impairment
• Associated with a genetic or medical condition or an environmental factor
• Associated with a mental, behavioral, or neurodevelopmental disorder
• Associated with catatonia, which is a behavioral syndrome characterized by the inability to move

An individual can be diagnosed with one or more subtypes or specifiers.

Before being categorized under the DSM subtypes, the individuals in question are likely to be diagnosed with any of the following disorders. They are:

• Childhood disintegrative disorder
• Pervasive development disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)
• Autistic disorder
• Asperger’s syndrome

Most symptoms associated with autism usually emerge during early childhood, i.e., between 12 and 24 months. These symptoms may also occur earlier or later.

Signs And Symptoms Of Autism

One of the earliest symptoms of autism is a marked delay in language or social development.

The symptoms of autism are further divided into two categories according to the 5th Edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They are:

1. Problems with communication and social interaction

• Issues with communication like sharing emotions or interests or maintaining a conversation
• Issues with non-verbal communication, such as trouble maintaining eye contact
• Difficulties in maintaining relationships

2. Restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior or activities

• Repetitive motions, movements, or speech patterns
• Fixated interests
• Rigid adherence to specific behavioral patterns
• An increase or decrease in one’s sensitivity to certain sensory information, like a negative reaction to sound

While an individual is being diagnosed with autism, they are evaluated within each of these categories, and the severity of their symptoms are noted. To be diagnosed with ASD, the patient must display all the symptoms discussed in the first category of symptoms along with at least two symptoms in the second category.

The exact cause of autism is yet to be determined. Most scientific researches state that there is no single cause of ASD.

Causes And Risk Factors For Autism

A few factors known to cause or increase one’s risk of developing autism are:

• An immediate family member who has autism
• Genetic mutations
• Genetic disorders like fragile X syndrome
• Delayed pregnancy
• Low weight at birth
• Exposure to environmental toxins
• Imbalances in metabolism
• A history of viral infection
• Exposure of the fetus to medications like valproic acid (Depakene) or thalidomide (Thalomid)

Once the child is diagnosed with autism or ASD, immediate treatment and intervention should be availed to help manage the symptoms.

While there is no cure for this condition, the following are some medical treatments that can help in managing ASD.

Medical Treatment

The most commonly availed treatment approaches for autism usually include therapies such as:

• Play therapy
• Behavioral therapy
• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy

The affected individuals may also benefit from massages, weighted blankets/clothing, and meditation.

There are also some natural ways, like the ones listed below, that can help in managing the symptoms of autism.

Natural Ways To Manage The Symptoms Of Autism

1. Epsom Salt Bath

shutterstock

You Will Need

• 1 cup of Epsom salt
• Water

What You Have To Do

1. Add a cup of Epsom salt to a tub filled with water.
2. Mix well and get the child/individual to soak in the water for 15-20 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once daily.

Why This Works

People with autism are often deficient in magnesium. An Epsom salt bath can help the skin absorb magnesium and also manage other symptoms of autism (2).

2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

shutterstock

You Will Need

Omega-3 supplements

What You Have To Do

1. Give the affected individual omega-3 supplements daily.
2. Also, include foods rich in omega-3s like salmon, mackerel, soybean and walnut in the diet.

Note: Go for additional supplements after consulting a doctor.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once daily.

Why This Works

Omega-3 deficiencies are often linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Restoring this deficiency was found to improve symptoms like lethargy, hyperactivity, and stereotypy in the affected individuals as concluded by a study published in the journal Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment (3).

3. Essential Oils

a. Lavender Oil

shutterstock

You Will Need

• 2-3 drops of lavender oil
• A diffuser
• Water

What You Have To Do

1. Add two to three drops of lavender oil to a diffuser filled with water.
2. The affected individual should inhale the diffused aroma.

How Often You Should Do This

You may do this 1-2 times daily.

Why This Works

The soothing aroma of lavender oil may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and enhance cognitive ability in ASD individuals (4).

b. Orange Oil

shutterstock

You Will Need

• 2-3 drops of orange oil
• A diffuser
• Water

What You Have To Do

1. Add two to three drops of orange oil to a diffuser that is already filled with water.
2. Inhale the aroma of orange oil.

How Often You Should Do This

You may do this 1-2 times daily.

Why This Works

The odor of orange oil was also noted to improve anxiety and mood (4). Hence, it may help in managing similar symptoms exhibited by patients with autism.

4. Probiotics

shutterstock

You Will Need

Probiotic foods and supplements

What You Have To Do

1. The child must have a probiotic supplement daily.
2. You can also increase their intake of probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kefir.

Note: Consult a doctor before going for any additional supplements.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this once daily.

Why This Works

Gastrointestinal symptoms are quite common in children with autism. Probiotics can positively impact the gut microbes and help alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms (5).

While there is no specific diet designed for those with ASD, diet does play an important role in improving their overall quality of life.

Autism Diet

An autism diet should pay more attention to whole foods like:

• Lean poultry
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Fish
• Unsaturated fats
• Water

Magnesium-rich foods like green leafy vegetables, seafood, and nuts may have a positive impact on those who have autism (6). Seafood is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can help with the symptoms of ASD (3). Probiotic yogurt is also a great addition to the diet of an autistic individual (5).

Certain foods can increase inflammation within the body, thereby aggravating existing symptoms in autistic children. Avoid the following:

• Preservatives
• Food coloring
• Sweeteners and sugar

The following are some tips that can help in parenting a child with autism.

Tips For Parenting A Child On The Autism Spectrum

• Focus on the positive aspects of your child. Shower them with praises for every well-behaved moment.
• Adhere to a schedule as children on the spectrum like routines.
• Indulge in activities that are fun-filled and don’t come across as educational or therapeutic.
• Take your time to find the best possible combination of treatment approaches to help your child.
• Involve your child in everyday activities like grocery shopping.
• Don’t hesitate to seek support from other families or professionals who deal with similar challenges.

Autism is a disorder that needs to be dealt with utmost care and patience. It is very important that parents provide immense support to the affected children to deal with this disorder and help them lead as close-to-normal lives as possible.

Hope this post helped address all your doubts revolving around autism. If you have any more doubts or inputs to deal with this condition better, feel free to post them in the comments box below.

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

Can individuals with high-functioning autism live a normal life?

Individuals with high-functioning autism are often found to be quite bright. Compared to those at the lower spectrum, people with high functioning autism may lead a life that is as close to normal as possible. However, they too find it equally challenging to deal with the disorder.

Is CBD oil good for autism?

The therapeutic effects of CBD oil may help alleviate behavioral symptoms of anxiety and seizures associated with autism.

How to test for autism in adults?

There is no standard diagnostic procedure for adults suspected to have ASD. Primarily, clinicians diagnose ASD in adults through a range of in-person interactions and observations.

How does autism affect the brain?

Autism is believed to affect the entire brain of the affected child. Such children have increased number of synapses between the brain cells.

When to visit a doctor for autism?

If you notice any autistic or unusual behavioral symptoms in your child, visit a doctor to confirm the diagnosis for the behavioral disorder.

References

1. “Autism Spectrum Disorder” Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.
2. “Comprehensive Nutritional and Dietary Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder-A Randomized, Controlled 12-Month Trial.” Nutrients, US National Library Of Medicine.
3. “Supplementation of omega 3 fatty acids may improve hyperactivity, lethargy, and stereotypy in children with autism spectrum disorders: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials” Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, US National Library Of Medicine.
4. “Ambient odors of orange and lavender reduce anxiety and improve mood in a dental office” Physiology & Behavior, ScienceDirect.
5. “Can probiotics benefit children with autism spectrum disorders?” World Journal Of Gastroenterology, US National Library Of Medicine.
6. “Magnesium profile in autism.” Biological Trace Element Research, US National Library Of Medicine.

The post What Is Autism? Causes, Symptoms, And Diet + Natural Methods To Manage The Symptoms appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

Is the idea of trying herbal medicine freaking you out? Would you want to improve your sex life, anxiety, and constipation in one go? Damiana leaves might help you out.

Damiana leaf is a well-known aphrodisiac in folk medicine. This central American herb can help you lead a healthy and confident life. Want to know how? Keep scrolling!

What Is Damiana? What Is The Importance Of Its Leaves?

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a popular aphrodisiac that is extensively grown in Brazil, Bolivia, Mexico, and the West Indies. The pale green leaves of this perennial shrub are used in folk medicine to brew healing teas.

Damiana leaf tea is said to relieve mild depression, weakness, anxiety, fever, cough, skin disorders, dyspepsia, digestion, and hangover. Above all, it stimulates metabolism, menstruation, and sexual drive (1), (2).

The leaves are smoked for a narcotic effect, similar to marijuana.

Damiana leaf has potent antinociceptive (pain-relieving) properties (2). Due to the powerful phytochemicals it contains, this leaf can heal a variety of ailments. Take a look.

What Are The Benefits Of Damiana Leaf?

1. Aphrodisiac: Improves Libido, Sexual Health, And Potency

shutterstock

A few rat studies demonstrated the positive effect of damiana on sexual performance. It was found that 80 mg/kg dose of damiana extract increased the number of males resuming a second ejaculatory series right after finishing the first one. The interval between the two rounds also reduced (3).

Homeopathy recommends the use of damiana with zinc phosphide, arsenious acid, and cocaine to cure erectile dysfunction (4).

Folklore has it that damiana leaf might treat spermatorrhea, premature ejaculation, and several prostate complaints (5).

Also, damiana leaf can boost sexual desire, stimulate arousal, and increase sexual drive/pleasure in women (6).

This effect might involve the nitric oxide (NO) pathway. Regulating nitric oxide levels in your body could improve sex life in rats (7).

2. Anxiolytic: Controls Anxiety, Depression, And Nervousness

shutterstock

Alcoholic and aqueous extracts of damiana have potent anti-anxiety properties. These formulations relieve depression and nervousness and improve blood circulation in men and women.

It also could give you a transient ‘high’ and hallucinations like marijuana while acting as a stimulant (5).

Phytochemicals including flavonoids, alkaloids, and steroids are behind this property (8). Apigenin, one such flavonoid in the leaves of this plant, has a notable anxiolytic effect (9).

All thanks to its biochemical composition, damiana leaf (predominantly, Turnera aphrodisiaca) can help address CNS disorders – in traditional medicine and as per The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia (8).

3. Digestive And Anti-diabetic: Aids Digestion And Glycemic Control

shutterstock

Damiana plant is an excellent digestive aid. It has been used in digestive and weight loss formulations in folk and new-age medicine. These herbs trigger the secretion of gastric and bile juices (5), (10).

Its extract also has mild laxative effects. Damiana, in small doses, can stimulate the bowel movement and prevent spasms due to constipation (5).

A capsule with yerba mate, guarana, and damiana leaves caused a delay in gastric emptying and increasing the time to feel gastric fullness. A 45-day course of this capsule brought about weight loss in overweight patients (11).

What makes these wild leaves exceptionally beneficial for your sexual and digestive health?

Check out the next section to find out.

What Are The Active Components Of Damiana Leaf?

Both the species of damiana have an abundance of flavonoids, hydrocarbons, alkaloids, oils, terpenes, etc.

Tetraphyllin B, gonzalitosin I, caffeine, arbutin, damianin, tricosan-2-one, and hexacosanol are identified in the plant (12).

The leaf contains up to 1% volatile oil rich in cineole, cymene, 𝛼- and ß-pinene, thymol, 𝛼-copaene, and calamene (12).

Wondering how and how much you should take? Keep reading!

How (Much) Do You Take Damiana Leaf?

Generally, damiana leaves are brewed to make slightly bitter and mild tea or infusion. And how do you make it? In three simple steps! Here you go!

Step 1: Boil 1 cup (250 ml) water.
Step 2: Add ½ cup (1 g) of dried damiana leaves.
Step 3: Let it steep for 15 minutes. That’s it!

Drink this infusion 2-3 times a day.

Alternatively, you can try taking 1-3 ml of damiana tincture, twice or thrice a day.

If you wish to try the capsules or tablets, 3-8 g, twice a day, is a safe dosage. You can get a bottle of capsules here.

You don’t have to worry about side effects because there are none documented till date. This is also why the US FDA has approved the usage of damiana in foods (5).

However, we recommend you to keep the following points in mind before trying damiana.

Are There Any Precautions Or Risks Associated With Damiana Leaf?

Scientific literature and research claim that damiana and its leaves are one of the safest supplements for enhancing sexual performance (5).

There are almost no or minimal side effects reported against damiana. There are also no proven drug interactions with this herb (5).

In case of an overdose, you might pass loose stools because of the herb’s laxative effect (5).

Conclusion

Damiana leaf is a safe and potent aphrodisiac, digestive aid, antidiabetic, and anxiolytic agent. When taken in the right amount under medical supervision, it can up your intimacy game by quite a few notches!

Has your search for the best aphrodisiac come to an end here? If yes (or no), please share your experiences, apprehensions, queries, and feedback with us in the section below.

We hope all your troubles are put to rest with a cup of damiana tea.

References

1. “Aphrodisiac properties of Turnera diffusa” Liza (Jodarski) Helmrick and Charity Reiser.
2. “Damiana” Herbal Safety, Austin Cooperative Pharmacy Program & Paso del Norte Health Foundation.
3. “Exploring scientifically proven herbal aphrodisiacs” Pharmacognosy Review, US National Library of Medicine.
4. “Two Millennia of Impotence Cures” Impotence: A Cultural History, University of Chicago Press.
5. “Damiana” The GALE Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Second Edition.
6. “Herbs For Women’s Health And Well-being” Blog, News & Events, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.
7. “Pro-sexual effects of Turnera diffusa Wild (Turneraceae)…” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, US National Library of Medicine.
8. “Anti-anxiety Activity Studies on Homoeopathic Formulations…” Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, US National Library of Medicine.
9. “Estimation of Apigenin, an Anxiolytic Constituent…” Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, US National Library of Medicine.
10. “Using Herbal Remedies to Maintain Optimal Weight” Author manuscript, HHS Public Access, US National Library of Medicine.
11. “Hypoglycemic herbs and their action mechanisms” Chinese Medicine, US National Library of Medicine.
12. “Pharmacological evaluation of Bioactive Principle of…” Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, US National Library of Medicine.

The post 3 Principal Benefits You Get From Damiana Leaf – The Safest Aphrodisiac appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

Whether you want to dye your hair, color-correct the current shade, or refresh your highlights, you need to pay a bomb at the salon. But, what if I told you that you no longer require regular salon touch-ups? Sounds impossible? Well, you can get the perfect colored hair right at home at a fraction of the price! It’s true, and it’s all thanks to one product – color depositing shampoo. This shampoo polishes dull hair, prevents fading, and enhances the vibrancy of your hair color all at once.

Want to know more about this amazing hair product? Keep reading.

What Is A Color Depositing Shampoo?

Color depositing shampoos are tinted cleansers that deposit color on your (already colored) hair. The pigments in these shampoos are not as intense as hair dyes, but they are enough to tone and refresh the color already in your hair. These shampoos neutralize brassy tones, impart pigments that blend into your natural hair color, and minimize fading. Some formulas leave a temporary tint in your hair that makes your hair color look brighter and more intense.

Color depositing shampoos come in different shades for different natural hair colors. Here’s how you can pick the perfect one for your hair.

Color Depositing Shampoos For Each Hair Color

• Blonde – If you have blonde hair, go for a purple shampoo.
• Red – For red, auburn, and ginger hair, use a red shampoo.
• Brunette – For dark hair, pick a blue shampoo.

Now that you know which color depositing shampoo to pick for your hair color, check out the best ones available on the market right now.

10 Best Color Depositing Shampoos – 2019

1. John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Visibly Deeper Colour Deepening Shampoo

Want beautiful shiny hair with enhanced color? Try John Frieda’s Brilliant Brunette Shampoo that claims to deepen your hair color and add a rich and lustrous shine to it. Crafted specially for brown-haired goddesses, this shampoo cleanses your hair, infuses brunette hues, and tones it for a salon-finish look. This formula is enriched with cocoa and evening primrose oil that add extra depth to your hair color.

Pros

• Does not weigh your hair down
• Hydrates your locks
• Refreshes highlights
• Just a little product required per use

Cons

• Can dry out your hair initially

Ratings

4.5/5

Buy it here!

2. Pure Blends Hydrating Color Depositing Shampoo – Cocoa

Add an intense, rich brown hue to your hair with this hyper-pigmented color depositing shampoo. Pure Blends is a hydrating shampoo that corrects, brightens, and tones your hair color. It maintains the richness of brown tones by eliminating warm hues. It also prevents fading and deepens the color with each use. Its formula is light and lathers well without weighing your hair down. Since its base color is cool brown, the shampoo helps maintain neutral-cool brown tones.

Pros

• Creamy consistency
• Conditions your hair
• Pleasant fragrance
• Short developing time
• Free of sulfates

Cons

• Can stain your scalp

Ratings

4.4/5

Buy it here!

3. TouchBack Instant Temporary Color Depositing Shampoo And Conditioner

This shampoo and conditioner duo adds black color to discolored hair. The color lasts up to three washes. This formula is created using the temporary hair color technology that uses natural ionization to bind the color to the hair shaft. This product claims to brighten your color and add a lustrous shine to it. Also, it controls tonal variation by preventing your hair color from fading. The best thing about this product is that it tones down the grays by blending them seamlessly into your natural hair color.

Pros

• Nourishes and moisturizes your hair
• Repairs damaged cuticles
• Enhances the color
• Highly pigmented
• Boosts shine
• Free of ammonia and sulfates

Cons

• Not long-lasting results

Ratings

4.3/5

Buy it here!

4. Punky Color 3-In-1 Color Depositing Shampoo + Conditioner – Purpledacious

Punky Color 3-In-1 Color Depositing Shampoo + Conditioner delivers moisture to each strand and strengthens the follicles for healthy and shiny hair. It helps maintain your hair’s vibrant color by adding a lustrous shine to it. This formula also helps retain the color by depositing more color in faded regions. It creates a protective barrier around the shafts, restoring life back to your hair. This shampoo is infused with keratin amino acids, Verbascum flower extracts, and hydrolyzed quinoa that make your hair look visibly shiny and healthy.

Pros

• Repairs damaged cuticles
• Improves shine
• Adds volume
• Smoothens dry hair

Cons

• Stains your skin

Ratings

4.3/5

Buy it here!

5. Aveda Black Malva Shampoo

Aveda Black Malva Shampoo brings out the cool tones in natural shades and eliminates red and brassy tones for a vibrant and refreshed look. It gently cleanses your hair and scalp. Its formula helps blend faded strands into your natural hair color. It tones down the grays and gives your hair a youthful look. The formula is also infused with pure flower and plant essences that nourish your hair.

Pros

• Ideal for black and brunette hair
• Creamy formula
• Does not weigh your hair down
• Pleasant fragrance

Cons

• Expensive

Ratings

4.2/5

Buy it here!

6. Joico Color Infuse Shampoo – Copper

Joico Color Infuse Copper Shampoo is created specially to add warm tones to copper and blonde hair. It imparts an auburn and reddish tinge to your hair with a touch of metallic vibrancy. It fights unwanted brassiness and maintains 85% of color vibrancy for up to 18 washes. Its formula is infused with tone-enhancing pigments that add depth to your hair color. This shampoo is also formulated with a unique multi-spectrum defense complex that prevents your hair color from fading and an anionic dye technology that ensures the dye stays intact for days.

Pros

• Controls frizz
• Repairs damaged hair
• Adds shine with every use
• Processes quickly

Cons

None

Ratings

4.2/5

Buy it here!

7. Redken Color Extend Blondage Color-Depositing Shampoo

This color depositing purple shampoo is formulated for blonde hair. It refreshes your hair color and makes it appear brighter and healthier. Its ultraviolet pigment is infused with a triple acid-protein complex that strengthens, brightens, and tones your blonde hair and prevents yellow hues from appearing. This shampoo also strengthens your hair and reduces breakage.

Pros

• Adds a glossy look to your hair
• Repairs damaged cuticles
• Just a little product required per use
• Prevents your hair color from fading

Cons

• Strong fragrance

Ratings

4.1/5

Buy it here!

8. Oribe Silverati Shampoo

This shampoo is specially formulated for gray and white hair. It eliminates dullness and yellow tones and adds a reflective glow to your hair. It softens your hair and improves its elasticity. It gently cleanses your hair and scalp without drying. It also tames unruly strands, making your hair more manageable. This formula is infused with blue and silver pigments that help brighten gray and silver hair. This unique shampoo is powered with a European silver fir extract that intensely hydrates your hair and prevents premature aging.

Pros

• Restores vibrancy and shine to dull hair
• Makes your hair more manageable
• Moisturizes your hair
• Ideal for reviving gray and white highlights

Cons

• Expensive

Ratings

4.1/5

Buy it here!

9. N Rage 3-in-1 Color Depositing Shampoo + Conditioner – N-Digo Blue

This shampoo imparts intense color to your hair instantly. It moisturizes and repairs your hair, maintains its vibrancy, and delivers long-lasting shine with every use. Its formula is infused with Verbascum flower extracts and hydrolyzed quinoa that moisturize dry and rough hair. This shampoo claims to deliver pigmented color to your hair while strengthening the cuticles at the cellular level.

Pros

• Softens your hair
• Tames flyaways
• Lathers well
• Fade-resistant formula

Cons

• Takes time to process

Ratings

4.0/5

Buy it here!

10. Drybar Blonde Ale Brightening Shampoo

This deep purple pigment shampoo enhances blonde tones and eliminates warm hues in blonde, gray, and white hair. It gently cleanses your hair without drying out the strands. This shampoo contains lemon and chamomile extracts that brighten highlights and protect the vibrancy of your hair color. These ingredients also boost blonde tones while moisturizing your hair.

Pros

• Free of parabens and sulfates
• Pleasant fragrance
• Prevents damage
• Adds a silvery shine to your hair

Cons

• Expensive

Ratings

4.0/5

Buy it here!

If you want to refresh your hair color without spending a big chunk of money on salon treatments, buying one of these products can be an excellent investment. If you haven’t used a color-depositing shampoo before, pick your favorite product from this list, try it out, and let us know about your experience in the comments section below.

The post 10 Best Color Depositing Shampoos You Need To Try Right Now appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

An oval face is a hairstylist’s dream!

Why? Because most hairstyles look great on it.

I’m not just talking referring to long hairstyles. Short hairstyles look even better on this face shape! Oval faces are usually symmetrical, so they can rock hairstyles that don’t look good on most other face shapes. But with so many hairdos to choose from, how do you know which ones are the best? Well, that’s where I come in!

Want to know if you have an oval face? Just check out the next section!

Do You Have An Oval Face?

An oval face is perfectly symmetrical from top to bottom. It resembles the shape of an egg. If you were to divide your face down the middle, the two halves would match perfectly. It is a common misconception that oval faces are always slender. It is just that because your face is so even, you can get away with having wider cheeks.

To know more on how to determine your face shape, check out this article.

If you have an oval face and love short hair, scroll down to check out my top 25 picks for stylish short hairstyles.

20 Chic Short Hairstyles For Oval Faces

1. The Deep Side-Sweep Tuck

shutterstock

While oval faces can be long and (sometimes) wide, they are also very symmetrical. This means that you can pull off the ‘hair tucked behind the ear’ look pretty well. Comb your hair down with some lightweight mousse and part it deeply on one side. Finish off the look by tucking the hair behind your ear on one side.

2. Classic Highlighted Bob

shutterstock

If your short bob is growing out, add some highlights and let it shine. Opt for a slick bob cut like this one. The best thing about growing out hair is being able to add layers to it. Also, don’t forget those long side-swept bangs!

3. Beach Bob

shutterstock

While bangs do look great on oval faces, you can also pull off a no-bangs look. Go for a blunt bob that ends below your chin. To make it look beachy (like Jessica Alba’s look here), color it in a nice ombre.

4. Shadow-Root Bob

shutterstock

If you have an oval face, you can pull off the above-chin-length bob. To be honest, this haircut does not look good on all face shapes. Wide cheeks can look wider with this cut, but it accentuates an oval face. Feather out the ends to draw attention to your jawline.

5. Classic Curly Bob

shutterstock

The curly bob is a versatile hairstyle. Usually, it is styled with bangs. But if you have an oval face, you can rock a curly bob without them just like Charlize Theron. Give it a try! You won’t be disappointed.

6. Blunt Bob

shutterstock

Not all face shapes can rock this bob. The issue with a blunt bob is that since your entire hair is cut at one level, it can over-accentuate your face shape. But if you have an oval face, you can flaunt this look with no worries. However, I would recommend getting it cut above your lips to avoid disrupting the natural contours of your face.

7. Classic Pixie

shutterstock

The pixie cut is trending everywhere right now. However, it has actually been around since the ‘60s, when it was called the efian cut. If you have an oval face, I’m sure you’ve been told you can pull off bangs better than most other face shapes. So, rock this thick side bangs look with a classic pixie.

8. Short Pixie With Baby Bangs

shutterstock

If there’s one face shape that can nail a baby bangs look, it is the oval. Pair your short pixie with some baby bangs and leave it unstyled to shine bright like a diamond!

9. Grunge Pixie

shutterstock

This hairdo looks so badass! The finger sculpted bangs here are super on point. If you love grungy styles, go for this hair look. It will not let you down. And you don’t need to worry about messing up the top of your hair because it still looks cool!

10. Big Kinky Curls

shutterstock

If you have thick hair, I’m sure you want to flaunt your voluminous locks. I would recommend you opt for this stunning curly lob. It draws attention to your jawline and cheekbones while also displaying the length of your hair. Use velcro rollers overnight to get these perfect curls.

11. Wet Look Bob

shutterstock

If you have a wide or short face, you know how difficult it is to sport the “drenched” look. But, people with oval faces don’t have to worry about that. Apply lots of wet-hold gel to your hair and scrunch it up with your hands to get this look.

12. Layered Lob

shutterstock

This look suits all face shapes, but it looks especially great on an oval face. Get it cut in layers to draw attention to your facial features. The layers draw the eye sideways, which brings out your eyes, lips, and cheekbones.

13. Curly Ended Lob

shutterstock

This hairstyle is extremely cute. While it can make other face shapes look wider, it shows off an oval face really well. The slightly messy parting adds an effortlessly chic touch to this whole look.

14. Sleek Short Hair

shutterstock

That’s right! You can flaunt a slicked back look without a care. How awesome is that? The best thing about this hairdo is that you don’t have to worry about your hair looking too flat because it works both ways.

15. Classic ‘20s Bob

shutterstock

Deep side parting, curled ends, and a stunning dress – that’s how they rolled in the roaring ‘20s. You too can look that fabulous! So what’re you waiting for? Take all the hair inspiration you need from Olivia Munn.

16. Neat Pixie

shutterstock

Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair needs to have its own Instagram account, it looks that good. She’s known for experimenting with edgy looks with her hair. But, when she was hit with a bout of hair loss, she handled it extremely well. She chopped off her locks and rocked styles like this pixie. Queen!

17. Choppy Pixie

shutterstock

If you like sharply cut layers, this hair look is for you. The messy, choppy and heavy layers of this pixie cut can be flaunted very well on an oval face. It draws attention to that chiseled jawline and cheekbones.

18. Asymmetrical Bob

shutterstock

Looking for a hairstyle that shows off your face shape and your hair texture? An angled asymmetrical bob is your answer. No matter how steep the cut, this bob will look good on an oval face. You really are so lucky!

19. The Monica

NBCUniversal, Inc.

Remember when Phoebe cut Monica’s hair? Hairstylists all over the world hissed in fear at the outcome. But once it grew out a bit, Monica styled her hair like a pro. So, it’s only fair we call this look ‘The Monica’!

20. The Rachel

NBCUniversal, Inc.

This list could never be complete without this hairstyle. When Jennifer Aniston’s hairstylist created this look, I’m sure he never thought about what a crazy trend it would become all over the world. Cut to 15 years later, women still want this look.

If you have an oval face, let me know in the comments section which short haircut you want to sport this summer. I hope this article has given you some ideas!

The post 20 Chic Short Hairstyles For Oval Faces appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

When it comes to anti-aging skin care products, the options are endless. However, if you prefer going au naturel with your anti-aging skin care routine, essential oils are a safe bet. Essential oils are loaded with antioxidants that help minimize the signs of aging, especially wrinkles. Want to know which oils to include in your routine? Scroll down and find out.

10 Best Anti-Aging Essential Oils For Wrinkles

1. Pomegranate Oil

shutterstock

Pomegranate seed oil is an extremely potent topical antioxidant. It is rich in active ingredients that have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antimicrobial properties. According to a study, it promotes the regeneration of the epidermis (the top layer of your skin) by stimulating the keratinocytes (the epidermal cells that produce keratin). It also boosts elasticity of your skin and the key proteins that maintain its firmness (1).

Even the fruit and its various extracts are good for your skin. It can protect your skin from photoaging (UV rays induced skin aging) (2).

2. Lemon Oil

Lemon essential oil is rich in antioxidants that protect the skin from oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. It contains ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol (an anti-aging ingredient), and glutathione that boost your cellular defense against damage (3). Applying lemon oil to your skin strengthens your skin’s defenses and prevents premature aging (4).

3. Rosemary Oil

shutterstock

Rosemary oil has antibacterial properties that can heal many skin conditions, including dermatitis, eczema, and rosacea. It is also good for maintaining the overall health of your skin (5). It prevents oxidative stress, which is another cause of skin aging. Rosemary extracts exhibit strong antioxidant activities that prevent any alteration to the natural lipids of your skin surface and delay skin aging (6).

4. Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil has anti-inflammatory effects on your skin. It contains linoleic acid, carotenoids, and tocopherol (vitamin E, which has anti-aging benefits). Rosehip seed oil also contains high amounts of phenolic acid that prevents inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can speed up the skin’s aging process (7).

5. Frankincense Oil

shutterstock

This oil improves the natural defense mechanism of your skin against harmful bacteria and also tones it and maintains its elasticity. A study shows that frankincense oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It promotes tissue growth and prevents inflammation. It can promote wound healing by improving the appearance of stretch marks and scars on the skin (8). It can have the same effect on wrinkles.

6. Ylang-Ylang Oil

Ylang-ylang essential oil has antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties (9). This promotes skin renewal. It also helps in rebuilding your skin by reducing the effects of harmful free radicals.

7. Rose Geranium Oil

shutterstock

This essential oil has multiple benefits for your skin. It has potent antiseptic and wound-healing abilities. Rose geranium oil doesn’t cause any irritation and doesn’t have any potential side effects. Moreover, it can heal many dermatological issues, such as eczema and dermatitis, and reduce excessive oiliness (10). It has antioxidant properties that keep your skin healthy and youthful.

8. Clary Sage Oil

This natural antidepressant is a very effective antioxidant and can reduce the skin-damaging effects of harmful free radicals (11). The free radicals can damage the skin’s DNA and speed up the aging process (12). Using clary sage essential oil minimizes this and keeps your skin youthful.

9. Sandalwood Oil

shutterstock

Since ancient times, sandalwood has been a part of Ayurvedic healing practices. Sandalwood has anti-inflammatory effects and is known for its antioxidant properties. It has free radical scavenging capacity that can reduce oxidative stress, keeping your skin healthy. In clinical trials, sandalwood oil was found to be effective in healing warts, psoriasis, acne, and eczema (13).

10. Carrot Seed Oil

Carrot seed oil is best known for its sun protection factor. It is widely used in cosmetic formulations for its antioxidant activities. A study shows that carrot seed oil-based cosmetic emulsions can rejuvenate your skin by preventing the breakdown of healthy skin cells (14).

Factors such as pollution, UV damage, dryness, and loss of the skin’s natural barrier often speed up the aging process of your skin. Essential oils can slow down the skin aging process by promoting skin repair. However, you cannot use essential oils directly on your face. Scroll to the next section to know how to use essential oils.

How To Use Essential Oils

shutterstock

Before you apply any essential oil to your face, you need to dilute it with a carrier oil. Essential oils are the purest form of oils and can irritate your skin when applied directly. Carrier oils help to reduce the intensity of the essential oils. You can use the following carrier oils to mix essential oils:

• Jojoba oil
• Argan oil
• Avocado oil
• Almond oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Apricot oil

Pick your carrier oil and follow the below steps:

• Mix the carrier oil and essential oil in a bottle.
• Use 10 drops of essential oil per 5 ml (approximately one teaspoon) of carrier oil.
• Use the blend twice daily on your face.

To be on the safe side, do a patch test before applying the oil to your face. Apply one drop of the oil mixture on a small area of the skin on the inside of your elbow. Wait for at least 24 hours. If you experience no reactions, you can use go ahead and use the oil mixture on your skin.

Although essential oils are the purest form of oils derived from plants, it doesn’t mean that they are completely risk-free. They may cause allergic reactions. Here are the risk factors you should be aware of before using essential oils.

Potential Risk Factors Of Using Essential Oils

shutterstock

If you are allergic to any essential oil, you might experience:

• Rashes
• Redness of skin
• Hives
• Bumps
• Itchiness
• Sneezing
• Runny nose

Also, you need to be careful if you are using any citrus essential oil, such as grapefruit and lemon oils. Applying citrus oils on your skin makes it photosensitive. Hence, if you are applying citrus oils, make sure to use sunscreen lotion and avoid direct sun exposure for at least 12 hours.

If you are using any anti-aging products or undergoing any cosmetic procedure, consult your dermatologist before using essential oils.

Essential oils work miraculously in treating many skin issues. They are trustworthy remedies for taking care of your aging skin. However, you need to be patient and wait for a few months before you start noticing visible results. So, go ahead and try them. We are sure you won’t be disappointed!

References

1. “Pomegranate seed oil increases…” ResearchGate.
2. “Potent health effects of pomegranate.” Advanced Biomedical Research, US National Library of Medicine.
3. “Biochemical studies on a novel antioxidant…” Drugs Under Experimental and Clinical Research, US National Library of Medicine.
4. “Oxidative stress and antioxidants at skin…” Drugs Under Experimental And Clinical Research, US National Library of Medicine.
5. “Commercial Essential Oils…” Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, US National Library of Medicine.
6. “Biochemical studies of a natural…” International Journal of Tissue Reactions, US National Library of Medicine.
7. “Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier…” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, US National Library of Medicine.
8. “Biological Activities of Frankincense Essential Oil…” Biochimie Open, US National Library of Medicine.
9. “Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Bioactivities…” Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, US National Library of Medicine.
10. “Rose geranium essential oil as a source…” Libyan Journal of Medicine, US National Library of Medicine.
11. “Evaluation of the Antioxidant and…” Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry
12. “Free Radicals and Extrinsic Skin Aging.” Dermatology Research and Practice, US National Library of Medicine.
13. “Sandalwood Album Oil…” The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, US National Library of Medicine.
14. “Formulation and Evaluation…” Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, US National

The post 10 Best Essential Oils For Wrinkles – Anti-Aging Oils For Younger-Looking Skin appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

Becky’s “good hair” ain’t nothing compared to Beyonce’s tresses!

Beyonce has such incredible hair that she has inspired a new trend – lemonade braids! They are a braided style that has bewitched black women everywhere. I’m here to bring you the ”tea” on everything about lemonade braids. Lemonade braids are woven close to the scalp and towards one side. They are very stylish and inspired by Beyonce’s braided look in the video of her song ”Formation.”

Want to know more about these exquisite braids? Just scroll down!

What Are Lemonade Braids?

Lemonade braids are a protective style sported by black women. These braids start at the front and are woven and swept to one side. Their name was inspired by Beyonce’s album Lemonade.

What Is The Difference Between Box Braids And Lemonade Braids?

Box braids are sectioned into square or rectangular partitions. On the other hand, lemonade braids are cornrowed on one side.

Now that you have a fair idea about what lemonade braids are, let’s check out the 35 best ways that you can style them.

35 Stunning Lemonade Braids

1. Aligned Lemonade Braids

stolenbykokoyamsss / Instagram

Looking for gym hairdo? Try this lemonade braided style. Not only do these thin braids keep hair off your face, but they also look super on point! You can now work out while looking like a queen.

2. Burgundy Lemonade Braids

bxddiee.posts / Instagram

Adding a dash of color to your braids can make all the difference in the world. The best thing about it is that you don’t need to color all your hair to make it happen. Simply get colored extensions or color the extensions yourself. It’s a foolproof plan!

3. Classic Side Braids

styledbyvondraniquee / Instagram

Thin cornrow braids, perfectly aligned with the scalp. Notice how the different line patterns merge perfectly. Anyone who loves clean-cut styles will appreciate it! It also shows how much thought and effort has gone into the whole process.

4. Lemonade Braids Bun

kween2kween / Instagram

Have a formal event to get to, but none of your regular updos are nailing it? Try adding some Dutch braids and lemonade braids all around your scalp and tie them up in a high bun. It’s sure to spice up the hairdo and bring you all the attention you want.

5. Lemonade Braids High Ponytail

classicbraids310 / Instagram

This is for all those working women who need to wear formals to work. Lemonade braids tied up in a high ponytail let everyone know you mean business. You can add your personal touch to this style by accessorizing it with a colorful hair tie or tying it slightly to the side.

6. Classic Parted Lemonade Braids

cali_braids / Instagram

If you want something simple and not over-the-top, you need to try out this classic side-parted style. It looks sophisticated but fun. Perfect for a hard day’s work followed by partying at night.

7. Curved Parting Lemonade Braids

deescreativehands / Instagram

A curve can make your day! Try this stunning lemonade braids style with a curved parting. If you are someone who likes keeping things simple, this hairstyle is for you. The braids look sharp and on point, with the curve adding a cool angled look to your locks.

8. Thin Lemonade Braids

laslaybraids / Instagram

The thing with thin lemonade braids is that they make your hair look thicker and more voluminous. Moreover, if you have a round face, these thin braids will make it look slimmer.

9. Jumbo Lemonade Braids

lisashairaddiction / Instagram

The best thing about braided protective styles is that you get to experiment with hair extensions. They make your hair look thicker while protecting it from damage and breakage. Thank God for extensions! Can I get an amen?

10. Designer Lemonade Braids

kayaloveshair / Instagram

Showcase a masterpiece on your hair with this creatively designed protective hairdo. These swooping lemonade braids are truly a thing to behold. I would recommend getting a professional to do this hairstyle instead of trying it yourself.

11. Colorful Lemonade Braids

eye__en__cee__718 / Instagram

If you are using extensions, you might as well go all out! Thanks to hair extensions, you don’t need to put your natural locks through the test of color damage. You can use colored extensions or color the extensions yourself. Pretty cool, right? Say goodbye to hair damage!

12. Line And Curved Lemonade Braids

touchedbynatasha  / Instagram

This hairstyle flows so smoothly. The lines and curves merge together to form a surreal hairstyle. Never underestimate the power of perfectly done partitions, especially if they result in a cool look like this!

13. Warm-Toned Lemonade Braids

vipbraids1 / Instagram

Hairstylists will always tell you to pick a color that matches your skin’s undertone. If the veins on your wrist look green, then you have a warm undertone. Opt for colors that have a slight yellow or golden hue.

14. Top Designed Lemonade Braids

braids_by_deeeee / Instagram

Black women truly know the power of hairstyling. They know exactly how to part and weave a braid, making it look like something out of this world. What makes it even better is that these braids have been around for ages. Talk about a rich heritage!

15. Tribal Side Braids

1755braids / Instagram

Tribal lemonade or side braids look AWESOME! While the rest of your hair is weaved in side braids, one small section is weaved in front of your ear. This gives the hairstyle a tribal vibe.

16. Highlighted Lemonade Braids

musesuniform  / Instagram

Don’t deny it. When you go to the gym, you want to work out but also look good. There’s nothing wrong with it. You can sport these thick, highlighted lemonade braids while you work out.

17. Jumbo Red Lemonade Braids

thebeautycave / Instagram

Jumbo braids not only look good but also help frame your face. They can make a round face look slender and long. Throw in some color to match your personality and get ready to make heads turn.

18. Symmetrical Braids

titihairbraiding / Instagram

When it comes to lemonade braids, symmetry is important. It not only affects the flow of the braids but also adds a luxurious vibe to the look. Just take a look at this hairstyle – isn’t it pleasing to the eye?

19. Fashionista Lemonade Braids

wilchertouch / Instagram

There’s something mesmerizing about the way the partitions of lemonade braids zig-zag. The hairstyle looks even better when they are done meticulously. They help create a hair look that’s fit for a fashionista.

20. Deep Side Braids

styledbykatt / Instagram

Each braid in this hairstyle looks so well-defined. I love the colored extensions used in the creation of this look. If you have thin hair and think you can’t pull off lemonade braids, think again!

21. Traditional Side Braids

flossykaylooks / Instagram

This hairstyle looks super hardcore! Take a gander at this fabulous side braid hairdo. Looks spectacular, right? Try it out with any black braids style (ghana, tree, or feed-in), and you won’t be disappointed.

22. Thin Side Braids

lavishbeauty_braids / Instagram

Try this little twist with your classic lemonade braids style. The thinness of each braid makes it look even more captivating. It gives your hair a natural look and like you haven’t added extensions.

23. Diva Lemonade Braids

hairspiration_naija / Instagram

Who doesn’t like looking like a diva? Channel your inner diva with these stunning threaded lemonade braids and starting singing “Ladies get in formation…” I’m sure it’ll set your mood for the day!

24. Edgy Lemonade Bun

kween2kween / Instagram

Every girl wants to achieve the edgy badass look. This hairstyle will certainly help you accomplish it! Weave multiple small side braids (leaving the lower half of your hair unbraided), tie it in a super high ponytail, and accessorize with tons of gold beads to achieve this look.

25. Feed-In Lemonade Braids

styledbykatt / Instagram

If simple braids just don’t do it for you, give these feed-in lemonade braids a shot. Mix in a few blonde hair extensions to give your hair a gorgeous highlighted effect.

26. Cool-Toned Lemonade Braids

hairbylayla / Instagram

Look at the veins on your wrist. Are they blue? If yes, you have cool-toned skin. Colors like copper, blue, and silver tend to look great on you. You need to consider this when you pick a hair color. It can accentuate your lemonade braids beautifully.

27. Low Side Ponytail

awanihair / Instagram

Oh my gosh, talk about perfection! Tell me I’m not the only one seeing those flawless braids coming together to form a low side ponytail. There is only one word to describe this look: badass.

28. Ombre Lemonade Braids

niasoulesalon / Instagram

Who doesn’t love a good ombre? Especially when it doesn’t involve coloring your hair. This works best on shoulder-length hair, and your extensions are much longer and colored. This creates the ombre effect.

29. Lined Braids

twistsandbraidsatlanta / Instagram

There is beauty in simplicity. I mean, look at this incredible hairdo. The baby hair is finger waved to add a natural touch while the sides are styled perfectly straight. Flawlessness at its best!

30. Designer Side Braids

touch_of_beautys_braids  / Instagram

It’s all about lines and angles. Geometry finally makes sense! These angled patterns make for a great pattern that no one can take their eyes off of. If you love styling your hair like this, I’d say, go for it and get creative!

31. Queen Lemonade Braids

hairbyjackie40 / Instagram

Who doesn’t want to feel like Queen Bey? To do so, weave your side braids in mix-and-match patterns to create this royal look. You’ll surely rule the world with this eye-catching hairstyle.

32. Gradual Lemonade Braids

kween2kween / Instagram

Protective braids are extremely common, so how can you set your hairstyle apart from everyone else? Add some subtle colored extensions. They will make your braids look on fleek! I love how these braids are thicker at the top and gradually get thinner towards the ends.

33. Creative Lemonade Braids

sweetzdezines / Instagram

Are you artistic? Creative? Are you always doodling away? Channel that creativity into your hair look. You won’t be disappointed as it might lead to a stunning lemonade braids style like this!

34. Versatile Lemonade Braids

feistypisceskila / Instagram

Lemonade braids are versatile. They can look fierce or happy. Embrace their versatility to change your look every day. For example, you can style these stunning lemonade braids in a big braid or a low bun.

35. Swept Lemonade Braids

houstonbraids / Instagram

We know that side swept bangs work wonders for all face shapes. Now you can incorporate that sweep into your braids as well. Just take inspiration from this hairstyle.

Lemonade braids are the perfect hairstyle for badass women. Go on and try out some of these styles and let us know which ones were your favorites in the comments section below.

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

Why are they called lemonade braids?

Lemonade braids are actually side-swept braids. In 2016, Beyonce came out with an epic album called Lemonade. There’s a song called “Formation” in which she sports these kinds of braids. Since then, side -wept braids have been called lemonade braids.

Who sports lemonade braids?

Black women sport lemonade braids as a tribute to their roots.

Who started lemonade braids?

Lemonade braids have been a part of the African protective styling history for a very long time. Though it can’t be said who exactly started them, we do know that they started going by the name ‘lemonade braids’ when Beyonce’s album of the same name came out.

How can you accessorize your lemonade braids?

You can play around with accessories like rings, beads, colorful threads, and traditional hair clips.

How long lemonade braids last?

If taken care of properly, lemonade braids can last for up to 3 weeks.

The post 35 Stunning Lemonade Braids appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

Feet, are an important part of our body, aren’t they? After all, all that we are able to do in our everyday life is solely because we are standing on our two feet. Those who’ve had feet or ankle problems know how painful it is to carry out basic chores without being able to stand up on our own feet.

Have you ever noticed how frequently our heels crack? We’re sure that often times a pinching pain must have made you bend down and look at your heels only to realize that there are some cracks at the sides of your heels. Some of you might freak out while some of you might just think of it not being as big a deal it should be and ignore it. And we’re asking you not to ignore it!

What Are Cracked Heels?

Shutterstock

If you aren’t taking good care of your feet and heels, you will begin to experience some serious wears and tear in them. And podiatrists (foot and ankle specialists) term this as fissures or splits in heels. And if these cracks surface, it can get really painful, especially if you inhabit places with hot and dry climate. If you’re suffering from cracked heels, it’s very important to treat them in a right manner. Ignoring them can lead to further deepening of the existing cracks which might result in bleeding and can also disturb the skin’s structure from within.

Preventing Cracked Heels

Shutterstock

To prevent cracked heels we need to first understand what causes them, here’s a list to help you understand its causes (1):

• Climate which is either too dry or hot. Learn to clean and moisturize your feet if you live in such climates, every time you come back from outside.

• Severe dehydration. Therefore, make it a point to drink enough water every day.

• If there is any deficiency of minerals or vitamins. Make sure your diet includes all the essential nutrients to keep your body hale and hearty.

• If you’re overweight, then it’s your feet which is bearing all the weight. Watch your weight loss and weight gain. Eat right and follow an exercise regimen to keep yourself fit.

• Wearing footwear which is ill-suited. It’s very important to wear footwear which isn’t heavy and provides comfort to your feet. After all, it’s the foot that bears our bodyweight.

• If you’ve been wearing footwear which is open at the back. Wear footwear which is closed on all sides, try to wear shoes.

• If there is a deficiency of zinc in your body. Eat lots of whole grains, nuts, dairy, and eggs as they are rich in zinc.

• If you’re suffering from skin problems like eczema, psoriasis or hydrolysis. Treat these skin issues with utmost care. Consulting your doctor will be the most practical thing to do.

• Check your medications. It could be a result of the consumption of medicines which might be causing your skin to become dry which is causing cracked heels.

Apart from all of the aforementioned reasons, there are chances that what you do everyday could also be responsible for your cracked heels. For example, if you’re standing on your feet for longer durations in a day without footwear or wearing improper footwear, your heels are bound to crack.

How To Cure Cracked Heels:

Shutterstock

Okay, so the first thing in this process would be to keep your heels neat and clean. Every day after you’re back home, make it a point to wash your feet. And if your feet have cracks which are bleeding or hurt a lot, then soak them in lukewarm water. You can just fill a small basin or bucket with warm water and dip your feet in it.

Shutterstock

For better foot therapy and relief from cracked heels, we suggest that you add a tablespoon of salt to the water. You can also add a few drops of essential oils. We recommend tea tree oil because of its therapeutic, antifungal, and antiseptic properties (2). Once you’ve soaked your feet for about 15-20 minutes, try the DIY vinegar scrub that we have described below and heal them (the cracks).

Vinegar Scrub

Shutterstock

You’ll Need:

• Salt: 2 tablespoons
• Vinegar or apple cider vinegar: ½ tablespoon
• Olive oil: ½ tablespoon

Scrub Procedure:

Shutterstock

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. After you’ve soaked your feet in warm water, take this scrub in your hands. And gently scrub away the dead cells from the cracks of your heels by massaging it with the scrub. Be a little gentle while scrubbing if you feel it to be painful. You can scrub your entire feet with this, however, concentrate on the parts of your heels. Wash your feet and pat it dry after scrubbing. Following this moisturize your feet and wear socks while sleeping. Wearing socks will help retain the moisture of the feet.

Benefits Of Using Vinegar

Shutterstock

The fact that vinegar can be used as a sanitizer too and also has skin softening properties, makes it an ideal ingredient for treating the rough cracked heels. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which can be used to heal the heels (3).

Next time your heels crack, you know how to heal them, don’t you? How were you treating cracked heels before reading this article? Let us know in the comments below.

The post Vinegar Scrub For Dry, Rough, And Cracked Heels appeared first on STYLECRAZE.