Strawberries for a healthy skin

Fruits have innumerable benefits when it comes to skin care. Not only eating them is beneficial but applying them as scrub, mask or facial has remarkable effects on any skin type.

One of the most effective fruits one can find in an orchard is the luscious red wonder berry — strawberry. Delectable and yummy, it is a favourite of both grown-ups and kids. If used regularly, strawberries can work wonders in giving your face a shine and healthy glow. Here are a few methods in which you can use strawberries to get the most out of it:

Boost your complexion
Beauticians have found out that the juice of this berry is rich in skin lightening and also cures blemishes and acne marks effectively. Mash three to four strawberries in a bowl and filter the juice with a clean muslin cloth. Apply the juice all over he face. Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash off with cold water. Use this mask thrice a week to reap the best benefits. It also reduces sun damage and minimizes the effects of ultraviolet rays on the skin.

Treat acne
Mix half a cup of sliced strawberries with a spoon of sour cream. Mix it well. Apply the mixture as a mask and leave it on for 10 minutes. Since this berry has cleansing properties and contains salicylic acid, it helps in removing dead cells from the skin. It also tightens the pores and prevents further break outs. Strawberries have been hailed for their effectiveness in removing impurities and are thus, used in a lot of face washes as an active ingredient.

A great toner
Grind a handful of strawberries and extract the juice. Add two tablespoon of this juice to 100 ml of cold rose water. Apply it with a cotton ball all over your face before going to bed. This is a great toner for every skin type. For best results, do it daily and do not follow it with any night cream. The best thing about this homemade mix is that you can store it for 15 days in the refrigerator.

A strawberry scrub for a youthful skin
Take five to six strawberries and add two tablespoon of honey to the mixture. Mash the strawberries in a way that the seeds remain. Do not do off with the seeds. Add around three drops of warm water to the mixture. Massage your skin with the mixture for 10 minutes in circular and semi-circular motion. Then wash off with cold water. If done thrice a week, this scrub results in a youthful and glowing skin.

Strawberry milk mania
Two great ingredients come together to gift you flawless skin. Take three strawberries and add seven spoons of milk. Crush them in a blender and use the mixture on your face as a mask first thing in the morning. You will not need any cream to pull you through the day. An easy-to-do mask, this is helpful for people with a dull and tired-looking skin.

Strawberry and carrot juice cleanser
Mix a cup of strawberry juice with a cup of fresh carrot juice. You can replace your usual cleanser with this excellent homemade one. For people with oily skin, this cleanser can be a saviour.

Why fruit juice isn’t better than cola

How many times have you settled for a packaged fruit drink instead of a fizzy cola for health reasons? Turns out that the fruit drink contains the same amounts of sugar and calories as the cola. 

Researchers from the University of Glasgow's Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences observed that high intake of fruit juices can lead to an increased risk of diabetes. The team pointed out that most packaged fruit juices had an energy density and sugar content similar to other sugary drinks and called for a more comprehensive labelling of fruit juice cartons. Researchers compared 250ml of a packaged fruit drink and a fizzy cola and found that while one serving of apple juice typically contained 110kcal and 26g of sugar, a serving of cola contains 105kcal and 26.5g of sugar. 

Diabetologists and nutritionists in the  agree that the observations are true in the case of packaged fruit drinks here. They could spell danger for diabetics and pre-diabetics. A study sponsored by the Indian Council of Medical Research found 62 million people across the country were diabetic, and 77 million were pre-diabetic. 

Dr Nathan, senior diabetologist at a Diabetes Research Centre, said that many packaged juices increase the risk of diabetes if consumed in excess. "Each carton contains concentrated sugar and simple carbohydrates which when consumed, especially after a meal, makes the blood sugar peak. We advise diabetics never to drink fruit juices and go for the whole fruit instead," he said. 

The 26g sugar in each serving of fruit juice means the person is taking five tablespoons of sugar, points out nutritionist Emily. "Those who need instant energy can drink a lot of fruit juice, but diabetics should avoid it. Summer is here and people tend to gulp packaged fruit juice when they are thirsty,"she said. She added that consuming sugar-rich juice could lead to acute glucose toxicity which may result in damaging the liver, eyes and kidneys in the long run. 

Senior diabetologist Dr Moses warned that packaged fruit juices also contained preservatives apart from added sugar. "It is always better to eat whole fruits and vegetables to absorb the goodness. Moreover, people should read the label of the juice packs so they can make an informed choice," he said.