Drink coconut water for glowing skin

Got dull, lifeless skin? While skin texture is mostly hereditary, there is a lot you can do to improve it.

The effect of diet is seriously underestimated in beauty care. While consumption of fruits and fruit juices is said to be good for the skin, it is best to avoid oily and masala rich foods. While orange juice has been voted the best for skin, not many are aware of the benefits of coconut water when it comes to skin care.

The liquid, considered the purest one after water, hydrates the skin, making it look more youthful and supple. Studies say that the antioxidants and cytokinins present in coconut water have an age defying effect on skin. The nutritious value of the drink has always been acknowledged. If you are feeling weak or have stomach problems, drink coconut water for an energy boost.

An advantage it has over fruit juices is that you can easily have a glass a day since it is almost entirely fat free and sugar free. There are also studies which say that coconut water dabbed on skin has a positive effect. However, there are no studies to prove this.

Well, drink coconut water every day and watch your skin glow!

For questions specific to your health conditions, please write down in the comments section and we will answer it as soon as possible. Thanks

Vegetarian diet and the myths about it

Misconceptions over the years have surrounded vegetarian diets and those who adopt them. Let's view the myths and see the actual reality

Myth: Vegetarians do not get enough protein. 
Fact: Well, there was a time when nutritionists and dietitians even said this, but no longer. Now, we know that vegetarians get plenty of protein. What they don't get is the excessive amount of protein found in the typical modern diet. If you eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes, then getting enough protein is not an issue.

Myth: Vegetarians do not get enough calcium. 
Fact: This myth has been applied, in particular, to vegans who have eliminated milk products from their diets. Somehow, the notion got started that the only good source of calcium is milk and cheese. Granted, milk does have a good supply of calcium, but so do many vegetables — especially green, leafy veggies. The truth is, vegetarians suffer less from osteoporosis (a deficiency of calcium that leads to weak bones) because the body assimilates the calcium they eat more easily during digestion.

Myth: Vegetarian diets aren't balanced, so they are risking their health for their principles. 
Fact: First of all, a vegetarian diet isn't out of balance. It has a good proportion of all the complex carbohydrates, protein and fat — the three macro nutrients that are the cornerstone of any diet. Plus, vegetarian food sources (plants) tend to be higher sources of most of micro nutrients. Another way to look at it is this: The average meat eater consumes one or fewer servings of vegetables a day and no servings of fruit. If a meat eater does eat a vegetable, chances are it's a fried potato. "Out of balance" depends on your perspective.

Myth: A vegetarian diet is all right for an adult, but kids need meat to develop properly.
Fact: This statement makes the assumption that protein from plants isn't as good as protein from meat. The truth is, protein is protein. It is all made from amino acids. Children need 10 essential amino acids to grow and develop properly. These amino acids are as readily available in plants as they are in meat.

Myth: Humans were designed to eat meat. 
Fact: Although humans are capable of digesting meat, human anatomy clearly favours a diet of plant foods. Our digestive systems are similar to those of the other plant-eaters and totally unlike those of carnivores. The argument that humans are carnivores because we possess "canine" teeth ignores the fact that other plant-eaters have "canine" teeth, and that ONLY planteaters have molar teeth. Finally, if humans were designed to eat meat, we wouldn't suffer from heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis from doing so.

Banana: Health benefits

Rich in nutrients including vitamins A, B, C and E along with minerals like potassium, zinc, iron, etc, banana is a strong source of energy. Here are some other health benefits of this versatile fruit.

Controls blood pressure: According to research, the potassium in this fruit keeps the blood pressure levels in check and it can also help decrease its levels.

Improves brain power: A good source of vitamin B, banana helps perk up nerve function and boosts learning abilities.

Decreases the risk of stroke: According to studies, regular consumption of a banana helps reduce the occurrence of stroke. Rich in antioxidants and dietary fibre, consumption of bananas is also said to reduce the risk of cancer.

Maintains bones: Probiotic bacteria present in bananas is known to absorb calcium in the body. Hence, it helps in building better bones.

Enhances digestion: The priobotics in banana help produce enzymes that enable absorption of nutrients, thus enhancing the digestive ability and preventing unfriendly bacteria from harming the body. Astringent in nature, raw bananas are effective in treatment for diarrhoea.

Relieves constipation: Pectin found in bananas helps to alleviate constipation and improves bowel function.

For questions specific to your health conditions, please write down in the comments section and we will answer it as soon as possible. Thanks

Treating hair loss : Causes and Remedies

What causes hair damage and hair loss?

The causes are many. Chemicals used during straightening treatments, perming, highlighting, bleaching and colouring are some of the major culprits when it comes to damaging hair. Chemicals in some hair gels, shampoos or hair conditioners can also cause hair damage. Not to forget, malnutrition, fever, some drugs used in cancer medication, stress, pregnancy and childbirth are some of the common causes of hair damage and hair fall.

Tips for treating hair loss

1. Avoid using chemicals unnecessarily for styling hair
2. Clips and bands to tie the hair should not be too tight.
3. Cut the tip of the hair to remove split ends.
4. Use a shampoo formulated for dry or damaged hair.
5. Shampoo only on alternate days.
6. Do not use very hot water to wash hair.
7. Avoid hair driers.
8. Avoid brushing or styling hair till it has dried completely.
9. Use a deep conditioner with protein base once a week.
10. Eat healthy food with plenty of vegetables and fruits.
11. Exercise regularly to de-stress.

If all this does not work, it's time to consult a dermatologist

5 seemingly ‘unhealthy’ foods that are in fact healthy

Dieticians have instructed you to give up on these foodstuffs if you want to lose weight, yet the temptation makes you want to eat it. We give you 5 such unhealthy foods you may incorporate in your diet in a healthy moderation.

Butter: We are not instructing you load up on butter, but according to experts, naturally occurring saturated fats, like those found in butter, may actually be good to include in your diet in moderation when compared with processed fats like those found in margarine.

Cheese: Just like butter, cheese is also high in saturated fat and calorie content. But, it is also rich in nutrients, calcium, vitamin A, B12, riboflavin, zinc, and phosphorus. It also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a good fat, according to latest discoveries, found in animal protein and dairy that has been linked to cancer prevention.

Chocolate and whole milk: A glass of chocolate and whole milk has the perfect carbs to protein ratio (3:1) and is a good post workout recovery drink. It also replenishes bone-building calcium and sodium to restore electrolyte balance. Go with dark chocolate, if you are still unsure.

Coffee: It not only improves concentration and stamina, but a recent research has revealed that it helps prevent diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer's. Just don't overdo it, 3-5 cups are optimum as it may have some side effects like insomnia, jitters and anxiety.

Bananas: Although labelled as fattening, bananas sometimes play a healthy role when you are trying to shed pounds. They are rich in potassium and provide antioxidants, vitamin C and fibre. Banana eaters also experience a shift in dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for elevating your mood.