Natural Beauty Remedies

There are some essential ingredients that should make up the foundation of your new beauty routine. You can probably find them in your kitchen because they are mostly edible. They are incredibly potent on their own and learning to use them as beauty products will teach you the basics of being your own little chemist.


FINE-GRAIN SEA SALT
Especially great for acne or quick treatments during flare-ups. Other uses are: as a muscle relaxer, pulls toxins from pores, balances moisture, eliminates fluid retention, removes dead skin cells, cleans deeply and can be applied on your face and body. The simplest way to use sea salt is to wet your skin, put some salt on your wet hand so it sticks, then pat it gently onto your skin. You can leave it for a few minutes or rinse immediately. Just make sure not to scrub too hard – it is too abrasive by itself.


APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
It is the best natural astringent because it helps to balance your skin's pH, making your skin less oily and less dry. Plus, it promotes blood circulation and kills bacteria, yeasts and viruses. It is pungent, so, always dilute it first. Apply to your face with a spritzer or a cotton ball. No need to wash it off.


SHEA BUTTER
A little bit of it goes a long way, leaving your skin hydrated. Shea butter absorbs ultraviolet radiation as it has a natural SPF. Apply it straight on your body or face.


COCONUT OIL
Coconut oil is a great body moisturiser. It soaks in and glides on easily, keeping you hydrated for a longer time. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties that will help heal acne, infections, scars and rashes. Coconut oil is full of antioxidants and healthy fats so it offers a lot of nutrition for your skin. Use this oil right after you shower, when your pores are soft and hydrated.


OLIVE OIL
It is a light moisturiser that is great for the face and is especially affordable. Olive oil protects skin against sun damage and cancer. Use olive oil more freely on your face and hair as it hardly has any allergic side effects.


GROUND ALMONDS OR OATS
These are gentle exfoliants that leave skin super-soft. Both of these ingredients are incredibly healing and soothing to the skin and they also reduce inflammation. The simplest way to use oats is to pour a heaping cup into a warm bath and soak.


BAKING SODA
It’s a great odour fighter, deep cleanser, toothpaste ingredient and an instant spot treatment. It also removes zits occasionally. Make a paste with water and put it on a blemish or spread onto a stinky area, leave on for however long you would like, then rinse.

HONEY
It kills bacteria while moisturising and soothing skin. It is also hydrating and anti-inflammatory to your pores. It is a great addition to any mask or exfoliant. Rub it onto your face and let it rest for some time and then rinse with warm water.


COARSE SUGAR
It melts quickly in water, leaving the skin cleansed and smooth. Have you heard of chemical peels of glycolic acid? It is a synthetic type of sugar. Scrub down with sugar when you want fresh, clear, shiny skin. You can use sugar scrub while bathing. You can also use it on your face, but don't be too vigorous – just pat!


ALOE VERA
It is high in antioxidants, fights itchiness and inflammation. It also creates fresh new cells, and has the ability to moisturise and heal your skin. Apply the gooey inside of the stem that spills out after breaking it. You can also get it in gel or juice form from any herb store.

DRY HERBS & SPICES

Herbs are used to enhance the natural flavour of food. They are used with a proclivity to add freshness, balance and exquisite taste to every dish. They may also be used for presentations; as they make a dish look livelier.

Many people use the term broadly to mean all seasonings. In fact, spices are really the seeds, fruit, roots, buds or bark of aromatic plants that usually grow in tropical countries.

In the past, spices were used to mask the taste of foods that had spoiled. Nowadays, we use spices to titillate our taste buds and try something new. Spices can transform an everyday dish into a signature dish that gets its flavour from the cook’s secret blend. In concocting such blends, cooks must of course take into account their guests’ tolerance for hot foods.

Spices are sold whole, ground, powdered, as flakes or in bags. For maximum fragrance and flavour, buy spices whole and crush them just before using them. The aroma of ground and powdered spices fade more quickly. Keep spices in airtight bottles or jars, away from heat and light. Never store spices close to the e stove. Smell spices periodically and discard any that have lost their aroma.

KNOW GOAT BETTER

Different meat cuts can taste and be prepared in various ways. This is why it is important  to know goat better. 

Head

A goat’s head is one of the more popular cuts the brain tastes great and is more firm that it tender. Usually it is a good idea to pan-fry the brain in a traditional way to make it less chewy. The brain is also believed to be one of the more delicious parts of a goat.

Neck

Necks are a tougher cut with a lot of cartilage, the lamb neck is best used for making lamb stew or use in gravy. 

Shoulder

The shoulder has the lowest amount of meat content. The lamb shoulder is often roasted — in which case it is usually boned and rolled; it can be stuffed, as well. This part is succulent and can be used to make stew or Palao as well. It is because of this that these are used to make goat chops which, if cooked right, can be delicious and satiating. 

Lamb Rib

The lamb rib primal cut is where we get lamb rib chops , lamb crown roast and rack of lamb . Depending on the size of the ribs, a lamb chop may actually have two ribs on it. 

Forequarter

The forequarter is lowest in fat content. The bone to meat ratio in the rack/rib and loin is just right. The loin can be cut into smaller parts and grilled over a charcoal grill so that they maintain their meat content. 

Lamb Breast 

Lamb breast contains a lot of cartilage and other connective tissues, making it one of the few lamb primal cuts that needs to be cooked with moist heat . Lamb breast can also be used for making ground lamb.

Lamb Sirloin 

The lamb sirloin is sometimes considered part of the leg primal cut , but it can also be prepared separately. In this case it is frequently cut into chops or steaks .

Hindquarter

The hindquarter is inclusive of the thigh and calves and is relatively higher in fat content and it has more meat. Roasting the hindquarter in an oven would be a good idea. The heat would travel into the meat and prepare it well. Mutton Kunna is prepared with mutton legs is one such curry which has a very unique and traditional texture and has wonderful  flavors in it.

Calves

The calves can be used in stews (Paye), too. These have some, albeit low, meat content but they can complement the flavour of the stew. Throw in a few onions and carrots and serve the meal with bread for a nice and warm 

Health Benefits of Neem

OTHER NAMES

Antelaea azadirachta, Arishta, Arishtha, Azadirachta indica, Bead Tree, Holy Tree, Huile de Neem, Indian Lilac, Indian Neem, Lilas des Indes, Lilas de Perse, Margosa, Margosa Tree, Margousier, Margousier à Feuilles de Frêne, Margousier d’Inde, Melia azadirachta, Neem Oil, Neem Tree, Melia azadirachta, Nim, Nimb, Nimba, Persian Lilac, Pride of China.

There are quite a few neem benefits, and they include a salve for skin diseases, plus the versatility to function as an aid to one’s hygiene, and even an insecticide. It can be used as a source of protective oil that may be ingested to safeguard against disease, plus it’s also frequently lauded as a kitchen spice.

SKIN

Neem proves to be a miracle for people with problematic skin. Thanks to its anti- fungal and anti- bacterial properties. Neem is a boon for people with sensitive or oily, acne prone skin.

Neem benefits include Vitamin C, which helps in getting rid of skin problems like blackheads, pigmentation, dullness and ageing thus leaving the skin with a youthful glow.

REDUCES SCALP ITCHINESS

To tackle the problem of dandruff and itchy scalp you can also apply a paste of neem powder and water and let it sit for an hour followed by your regular shampoo and conditioning

ORAL HEALTH

Both oils and aqueous extracts of neem comprise strong antiseptic compounds; these may destroy the bacteria that cause cavities, halitosis, and gum disease. Neem’s powerful antibacterial activity makes it a well-known ingredient in toothpaste, mouthwash, and oral health tonics.

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

Based on the Neem Foundation, neem is a fairly powerful birth control agent; it reduces fertility in both women and men without affecting sexual performance or libido. Neem also functions as a spermicide and could prevent sexually trasmitted infections when used as a vaginal suppository. Neem can treat excessive vaginal discharge, as well.

ARTHRITIS

The Neem Foundation notes that neem is a well known, powerful botanical treatment for osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It might help provide long term treatment for individuals with chronic debilitating conditions like fibromyalgia.

CERVICAL CANCER

In at least one study on the antioxidant properties of neem (Azadirachta indica) in inducing apoptosis of cervical cancer cells, neem demonstrated to be a potent inducer of apoptosis in biopsies of cervical cancer patients.

TREATS DANDRUFF

Neem has medicibal properties. Boil neem leaves with water until the water turns greenish. Use it after shampooing. If you are suffering from dandruff, you could also apply a paste of neem powder and water on your scalp and wash off after an hour, followed by shampoo and conditioner.

CURES DARK CIRCLE PROBLEMS

Neem helps in reducing pigmentation and also acts as a moisturising agent. Mix water and neem powder to make a thick paste and apply it around the eyes. Wash it off after 15 minutes.

CURES ASTHMA

According to experts, neem oil is extremely beneficial when it comes to curing breathing problems or asthma. Have a few drops of neem oil every day, increasing the intake gradually. It also helps in controlling phlegm, cough and fever.

HEALS ULCERS

According to various studies, neem bark extract has been found to cure stomach and intestinal ulcers. Researchers believe that consuming the bark extract twice daily for 10 weeks, practically heals ulcers. The bark also helps cure malaria and many skin diseases.

CONTROLS DIABETES

The plant contains chemicals that help reduce blood sugar levels. Neem acts as insulin after being digested by the body.

NEEM SIDE EFFECTS & SAFETY

Neem is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth for up to 10 weeks, when applied inside the mouth for up to 6 weeks, or when applied to the skin for up to 2 weeks. When neem is taken in large doses or for long periods of time, it is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. It might harm the kidneys and liver.

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS

CHILDREN

Taking neem seeds or oil by mouth is LIKELY UNSAFE for children. Serious side effects in infants and small children can happen within hours after taking neem oil. These serious side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, blood disorders, seizures, loss of consciousness, coma, brain disorders, and death.

PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING

Neem oil and neem bark are LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth during pregnancy. They can cause a miscarriage.

Not enough is known about the safety of need during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

 “Auto-immune diseases” such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Neem might cause the immune system to become more active. This could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it’s best to avoid using neem.

DIABETES

There is some evidence that neem can lower blood sugar levels and might cause blood sugar to go too low. If you have diabetes and use neem, monitor your blood sugar carefully. It might be necessary to change the dose of your diabetes medication.

REDUCED ABILITY TO HAVE CHILDREN (INFERTILITY)

There is some evidence that neem can harm sperm. It might also reduce fertility in other ways. If you are trying to have children, avoid using neem.

ORGAN TRANSPLANT

There is a concern that neem might decrease the effectiveness of medications that are used to prevent organ rejection. Do not use neem if you have had an organ transplant.

SURGERY

Neem might lower blood sugar levels. There is a concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using neem at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Have a Healthy Heart

The smartest plan for attacking a heart attack is, of course, preventing one from ever happening. Choose  the following strategies and make them a habit. 

Stress
Stress affects your mood, productivity, and the heart. You need to brush stress aside and try your best to avoid overworking. A burnout can tax your mind and the body causing you to crash and be fatigued. If you feel stressed, the best way to get rid of it is to take a walk and clear your mind. Get some fresh air and a fresh perspective.

Weight Management
No, it is not a program we are asking you to sign up; it is a lifestyle choice that you need to follow for the sake of your heart. If you are among the people who have a desk job, then know this: you are in danger of putting on weight because you sit all day. Being overweight is a big red flag for your heart. Besides exercising, weight management also calls for having a balanced diet. This means that you should effectively utilize the concept of the food pyramid. Your regular diet should contain a lot of fruits and vegetables. Try to cut down on red meat and substitute white bread with brown while you’re are at it.

Stay Active
Pick up cycling or light jogging if you prefer a light workout. If you are looking for something easy to fit your busy schedule, then take up walking, but going from your couch to your refrigerator does not count. At the very minimum, the 10,000 steps a day challenge counts as walking. This might feel outrageous, but it is possible and will help you stay active. You can do your heart a favor and get a pedometer to monitor your steps. Challenge yourself and if possible, take the subway instead of driving everywhere.

Eat Lots of Fish
You should eat this amazing source of protein at least once a week. Fish is high in Omega-3 and is your best defense against heart diseases. You don’t need to worry about the mercury content as the positives outweigh the negatives.

Don’t Smoke
Smoking is a leading cause for coronary diseases and therefore, you need to stay away from it.

The Salt
Food without salt is unimaginable for everyone. But as they say, too much of anything is bad for you and the same principle applies to salt. Blood pressures spikes are often related to high salt content so try to minimize your intake of salt.

Eat Nnuts

Almonds, walnuts, pecans, and other tree nuts deliver a powerful punch for lowering your risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease.

Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy

Eating well balanced meals is important at all times, but it is even more essential when you are pregnant. There are essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that your developing baby needs. During pregnancy it is advisable to eat natural foods, but there are certain food groups you should avoid.

Feta Cheese

Feta is a popular form of cheese, used in many salads and pastas and adored by food connoisseurs all over the world. Unfortunately, this type of cheese (along with other soft, unpasteurized cheese which we talk about later in this article) has been linked to foodborne illness such as Listeriosis. Avoid any cheeses that have “unpasteurized” on the label and opt for safer choices like mozzarella cheese instead.

Avoid seafood high in mercury

Seafood can be a great source of protein, and the omega-3 fatty acids in many fish can promote your baby's brain and eye development. However, some fish and shellfish contain potentially dangerous levels of mercury. Too much mercury could harm your baby's developing nervous system.

The bigger and older the fish, the more mercury it's likely to contain. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourage pregnant women to avoid:

Swordfish

Shark

King mackerel

Tilefish

Crabs

Prawns

Salmon

Avoid Undercooked Food In Pregnancy

It is important to avoid the consumption of raw and undercooked food. These foods may contain bacteria and viruses which can affect the mother and baby. Consume well cooked food and properly refrigerate food to avoid cross contamination.

Avoid Unpasteurised Food In Pregnancy

Unpasteurised food can contain food borne diseases. Hence avoid dairy products that are not properly pasteurised. You can consume mozzarella, cottage cheese and skim milk. But avoid cheese like feta and brie.

Avoid Unwashed Vegetables and Fruits In Pregnancy

It is important to cook food for consumption during pregnancy. Do not consume food that is not cooked, raw or under cooked. These foods may contain bacteria and germs that can impact you during pregnancy. Wash all food products thoroughly before you cook it.

Caffeine

Although most studies show that caffeine intake in moderation is OK, there are others that show that caffeine intake may be related to miscarriages. Avoid caffeine during the first trimester to reduce the likelihood of a miscarriage

Raw Eggs

Raw eggs or any foods that contain raw eggs should be avoided because of the potential exposure to salmonella. Some homemade Caesar dressings, mayonnaise, homemade ice cream or custards, and Hollandaise sauces may be made with raw eggs

Alcohol

There is NO amount of alcohol that is known to be safe during pregnancy, and therefore alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy. Prenatal exposure to alcohol can interfere with the healthy development of the baby. Depending on the amount, timing, and pattern of use, alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or other developmental disorders. If you consumed alcohol before you knew you were pregnant, stop drinking now. You should continue to avoid alcohol during breastfeeding. Exposure of alcohol to an infant poses harmful risks, and alcohol does reach the baby during breastfeeding.

Liver

Liver – and most liver products (like liver pate or liver sausage) – contain dangerously high amounts of Vitamin A. Too much Vitamin A has been linked to birth defects in babies. Monitor your intake of Vitamin A (ask your doctor how much of this vitamin is safe) and avoid high-dose multi-vitamin supplements, fish liver oil supplements and any supplement containing Vitamin A.

Cigarettes

For obvious reasons cigarettes are bad for pregnant women. ‘Not only does it have nicotine, but smoking also exposes your baby to nicotine, carbon monoxide and tar within the womb. This in turn lessens the oxygen that reaches the baby, giving rise to birth defects, a low birth weight or even a cleft palate.

Green tea

Green tea is herbal and good for health, but refrain from having it during pregnancy. ‘There aren’t enough documentation available to show that green tea is good for pregnant women. One reason why you should not have green tea during pregnancy is that it increases your metabolic rate and during pregnancy your metabolism levels are high as such. Speeding it up further wouldn’t be advisable. Green tea also have some caffeine in it so unlimited sips is going to do you as much damage as regular tea. Also excessive consumption of green tea can lead to less absorption of folic acid during pregnancy making you and your baby susceptible to folic acid deficiency diseases.

Side Effects of Diet Soda

Kidney Problems

Diet soda might be bad for your kidneys.

Messed-Up Metabolism

Diet soda is linked to a 34% higher risk of metabolic syndrome, the group of symptoms including belly fat and high cholesterol that puts you at risk for heart disease. Whether that link is attributed to an ingredient in diet soda or the drinkers' eating habits is unclear.

Obesity

Diet soda doesn't help you lose weight after all. Artificial sweeteners can disrupt the body's natural ability to regulate calorie intake based on the sweetness of foods, suggested an animal study from Purdue University. That means people who consume diet foods might be more likely to overeat, because your body is being tricked into thinking its eating sugar, and you crave more.

Cell Damage

Diet sodas contain something many regular sodas don't: mold inhibitors. They go by the names sodium benzoate or potassium benzoate, and they're in nearly all diet sodas. But many regular sodas, such as Coke and Pepsi, don't contain this preservative.

These chemicals have the ability to cause severe damage to DNA in the mitochondria to the point that they totally inactivate it--they knock it out altogether. The preservative has also been linked to hives, asthma, and other allergic conditions.

Rotting Teeth

With a pH of 3.2, diet soda is very acidic. The acid is what readily dissolves enamel, and just because a soda is diet doesn't make it acid-light.

Reproductive Issues

Sometimes, the vessel for your beverage is just as harmful. Diet or not, soft drink cans are coated with the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA), which has been linked to everything from heart disease to obesity to reproductive problems. 

Cucumber Health Benefits

Cucumbers, scientifically known as Cucumis sativus, are grown to either be eaten fresh or to be pickled. Those that are to be eaten fresh are commonly called slicing cucumbers. They are cylindrical in shape and commonly range in length from about six to nine inches, although they can smaller or much larger. Their skin, which ranges in color from green to white, may either be smoothed or ridged depending upon the variety. Inside a cucumber is a very pale green flesh that is dense yet aqueous and crunchy at the same time, as well as numerous edible fleshy seeds

1. Cucumber refreshes the mouth

Cucumber juice heals and refreshes diseased gums. Get a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for a half minute, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing unpleasant breath.

2. Rehydrates body and replenishes daily vitamins

Cucumbers are 95 percent water, keeping the body hydrated while helping the body eliminate toxins. Cucumbers have most of the vitamins the body needs in a single day. Don't forget to leave the skin on because the skin contains a good amount of vitamin C, about 10 percent of the daily-recommended allowance.

3. Skin and hair care

If you don't like to eat the skin, it can be used for skin irritations and sunburns as aloe would be used. Place a slice over puffy eyes and its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce puffiness. The silicon and sulfur in cucumbers help to stimulate hair growth.

4. Fight cancers

Cucumber are known to contain lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol. These three lignans have a strong history of research in connection with reduced risk of several cancer types, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and prostate cancer.

5. Fights heat, both inside and out

Eat cucumber, and your body gets relief from heartburn. Apply cucumber on your skin, and you get relief from sunburn.

6. Flushes out toxins

All that water in cucumber acts as a virtual broom, sweeping waste products out of your system. With regular use, cucumber is known to dissolve kidney stones.

7. Revives the eyes

Placing chilled slices of cucumber on the eyes is a clichéd beauty visual, but it really helps reduce under-eye bags and puffiness.

8. Aids in weight loss and digestion

Due to its low calorie and high water content, cucumber is an ideal diet for people who are looking for weight loss. The high water content and dietary fiber in cucumbers are very effective in ridding the body of toxins from the digestive system, aiding digestion. Daily consumption of cucumbers can be regarded as a remedy for chronic constipation.

9. Cures diabetes, reduces cholesterol and controls blood pressure

Cucumber juice contains a hormone which is needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin which has been found to be beneficial to diabetic patients. Researchers found that a compound called sterols in cucumbers may help reduce cholesterol levels. Cucumbers contain a lot of potassium, magnesium and fiber. These work effectively for regulating blood pressure. This makes cucumbers good for treating both low blood pressure and high blood pressure.

10. Cucumber smoothes hair and nails

The wonder mineral Silica in cucumber makes your hair and nails shinier and stronger. The sulfur and silica in cucumbers help to stimulate your hair growth.

11. Promotes Joint Health, Relieves Gout and Arthritis Pain

Cucumber is an excellent source of silica, which is known to help promotes joint health by strengthening the connective tissues. They are also rich in vitamin A, B1, B6, C & D, Folate, Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium. When mixed with carrot juice, they can relieve gout and arthritis pain by lowering the uric acid levels.

12. Cucumber cures hangover

To avoid a morning headache or hangover you can eat a few cucumber slices before going to sleep. Cucumbers contain enough B vitamins, sugar and electrolytes to replenish many essential nutrients and reducing the severity of both hangover and headache.

13. A Radiant Complexion

The silica in cucumber is an essential component of healthy connective tissue, which includes intracellular cement, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bone. Cucumber juice is often recommended as a source of silicon to improve the complexion and health of the skin, plus cucumber’s high water content makes it naturally hydrating–a must for glowing skin. Cucumbers are also used topically for various types of skin problems, including swelling under the eyes and sunburn. Two compounds in cucumbers, ascorbic acid and caffeic acid, prevent water retention, which may explain why cucumbers applied topically are often helpful for swollen eyes, burns and dermatitis.