Fight heat with fluids, cucumber, citrus fruits

Here are a few ways to enjoy the summer outdoors. 

-Heat-related ailments are common around this time — sunstroke, dehydration, skin diseases. If you know how to tackle these, the battle is half won. 

-Most importantly, keep yourself hydrated through the day by consuming a lot of fluids. Gulp down as many gallons of water as you can and avoid aerated drinks 

-Barley water is a coolant and so is tender coconut water. Drink these at least twice a week. 

-If heat stroke hits you, then make sure you apply an ice pack as a first-aid but consult a doctor immediately because it could turn fatal depending on its intensity. 

-Fruit juices too are a good option. Eating fruit as a whole is even better. You could perhaps try citrus fruits like orange, lemon and sweet lime. Water melons too are abundantly available in the market. 

-Avoid eating spicy food and reduce your salt intake. Consume a lot of vegetables that is high in water content — cucumber, bottle gourd, celery, tomatoes. 

-Never step out in the sun between 10 am and 3pm. If you must, then apply sunscreen on your face and body. Also, use an umbrella to protect yourself from the harsh UV rays of the sun. 

-Wear light-coloured clothes.

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

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

Buttermilk: Beauty benefits

Next time when your mother hands over a glass of buttermilk to you and you sneak out to secretly pour it down the balcony, remember, buttermilk is one of the best natural products and provides various benefits to the skin. 

Interested already? But the best part is that you need not drink it to reap all these benefits. External use of buttermilk works wonders as well.
Besides being a natural pro-biotic, buttermilk is rich in lactic acid that is found in many expensive beauty products and is one of the best facial peels that doctors choose for softening, brightening and exfoliating skin. Because of it's highly acidic and astringent nature, it treats age spots, freckles and even tightens skin. In fact, legend has it that Cleopatra, the ancient Queen of the Nile whose beauty was said to be astounding, bathed regularly in buttermilk. It was she who popularized the buttermilk treatment, which is followed by women in various countries till date.
You can mix powdered buttermilk with honey and egg, and massage your body with this mixture. It will not only rid you off the stubborn sun tan, but will also give your skin a radiant glow. You can also apply pure buttermilk on your face, leave it on and wash off before going to bed.
You can also use a butttermilk hair mask. Blend one banana, two tablespoons of honey, one avocado and one cup of buttermilk. Apply the mixture as a mask and leave it on for 45 minutes before washing it off. This is the easiest way to get shiny and healthy mane.

Samsung Unveils Water-resistant Galaxy S5 to launch in April '14

Samsung on Tuesday announced the Galaxy S5, its new flagship Android smartphone with an Apple iPhone 5S-like biometric sensor button. The phone is dust and water-resistant, sports a faster camera and offers fitness-related features.

The Galaxy S5, which was unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, will be available in 150 countries, including India, on April 11. However, the company did not announce the price of the new smartphone.

It sports a slightly larger 5.1-inch Super AMOLED (1080 X 1920p) display which looks similar to that of the Galaxy S4.

Powered by a 2.5GHz quad-core processor and 2GB RAM, the Galaxy S5 will come in 16GB and 32GB internal storage variants which will be expandable up to 64GB through microSD card.

"With the Galaxy S5, Samsung is going back to basics to focus on delivering the capabilities that matter most to our consumers," said JK Shin, president and head of IT & mobile communications division at Samsung. "Galaxy S5 represents an iconic design with essential and useful features to focus on delivering the ultimate smartphone in the market today through people inspired innovation."

While acknowledging the market murmur about lesser-than-expected sales of Galaxy S4, Shin revealed that Samsung had so far sold over 200 million Galaxy phones. Galaxy S4 was launched in the summer of 2013. It has faced tough competition from the likes of Apple iPhone 5 and 5S, LG G2, HTC One and Sony Xperia Z1.

Usually, Samsung launches flagship Galaxy phone every year after World Mobile Congress (MWC). But, this year, the company announced Galaxy S5 at the MWC because it wants to replace Galaxy S4 as soon as possible.

In Galaxy S5, Samsung has introduced several unique features aimed at fitness conscious users in a bid to steal Apple's thunder. It is widely rumoured that the iPhone maker will launch the successor of iPhone 5S with a clutch of health and fitness-related features.

"With the enhanced S Health 3.0, the Galaxy S5 offers more tools to help people stay fit and well. It provides a comprehensive personal fitness tracker to help users monitor and manage their behaviour, along with additional tools, including a pedometer, diet and exercise records, and a new, built-in heart rate monitor," said a Samsung spokesperson.

"Galaxy S5 users can further customize their experience with an enriched third party app ecosystem and the ability to pair with next-generation Gear products for real-time fitness coaching,"

Another highlight of the phone is a new iPhone-like fingerprint sensor integrated with the phone's home button. The finger scanner will offer a biometric screen-locking feature and mobile payment experience to consumers.

The Galaxy S5 sports a 16MP rear camera and a 2.1MP front-facing camera. The rear camera is capable of capturing 4K video at 30 frames per second. Samsung claimed the Galaxy S5 offers the world's fastest auto-focus speed up to 0.3 seconds.

The smartphone runs on Android 4.4.2 KitKat, the latest version of Google's mobile operating system. It is IP67 certified dust and water-resistant. The back panel of the phone sports a dimpled soft-touch cover, similar to the Nexus 7(2012) tablet.

Balsamic vinegar: Health Benefits

Though originating from Italy, balsamic vinegar is popular throughout the world and is regularly used in salad dressings. Here are some of its health benefits.

For weight loss: According to studies, balsamic vinegar is a source of calcium, iron, manganese and potassium, which improve the body's functioning and weight loss abilities. Low in calories, it also helps to curb the body's appetite and prevents overeating, increasing the amount of time it takes for the stomach to empty.

Helps blood circulation: The antioxidants presents in balsamic vinegar can help repair damage caused by free radicals, produced by the oxygen used in our body. Balsamic vinegar contains polyphenols, antioxidants that can protect the body from heart disease and cancer.

Improves immunity: The grapes that are used to make balsamic vinegar contain antioxidants that fight against cell damage, improve the body's immune system and make blood platelets more flexible.

Regulates blood sugar: Balsamic vinegar can improve insulin sensitivity for diabetics, allowing for an easier regulation of blood sugar and reducing unpleasant side effects from diabetes.

Helps digestion: This vinegar is great for body's digestion. It boosts the activity of pepsin, an enzyme that breaks protein down into smaller amino acids that can be more easily absorbed by the body. Pepsin also helps to improve the body's metabolism.

Rose water: Beauty Benefits

Rosewater is a boon to your face, hair, body, mind and soul.

Rosewater has always found a place in every household. This natural by-product of rose oil that is used in perfumes, is full of healing powers. Read on...

Skin
- Rosewater is a natural toner. Pour two to three drops of rosewater on a cotton ball and wipe it thoroughly on the face and neck to remove dirt and grit. Follow this routine every morning and night for a natural glow, and refreshing and soothing effect.

- Due to its refreshing fragrance, you can put a few drops of rosewater into the bathing water for glowing skin. This can relax and sooth your body and mind.

- For skin irritation caused by acne, pimples, redness and breakouts, wash your face with rosewater.

Hair
- Rosewater comes with natural conditioning and moisturising properties, making it a part of your hair care routine. Add a few drops of rosewater with your shampoo. It will also give a long-lasting fragrance to your hair.

- It also aids hair growth. After shampooing, pour half a cup of rosewater on the wet hair and gently massage your scalp for a few minutes.

- Mix rosewater with glycerin or fenugreek powder and apply it on the scalp to prevent dandruff.

- Its therapeutic properties can help combat inflammations on the scalp.

- Being a by-product of rose oil, it is as an alternative to normal hair oil. 

Eyes
- Mildly soak cotton swabs in rosewater and place it over your eyes for a soothing, cooling and relaxing effect.

- Get instant relief from burning, red or inflammatory eyes by pouring two to three drops of rosewater in each eye and closing it for a few minutes. You can also cleanse your eyes every night to wade off any eye infection. Rosewater is also one of the ingredients used in Ayurvedic medicine.

- Banish those dark circles by smearing rosewater under the eyes.

- To treat those tired and droopy eyes, mix sandalwood with rosewater, apply on the eye lids and wash it off with cold water after 15 minutes.

Lose those extra pounds just in 10 days

Follow these easy-to-do tips and get rid of your tummy in 10 days...

Courtesy our party-hopping and binge-eating sprees in the last couple of months, thanks to the festive season, almost all of us are battling that unwanted bulge. In fact, fitting into our old dresses and slim-fit jeans is almost like a challenge. But worry not. Here are some simple tips, which, if followed properly, could help you get rid of your paunch in flat 10 days.

Drink lots of water
Water is essential for our system, as around 70% of our body constitutes water. However, too much of anything does not work. So, have around 2.5 to 3.5 litres of water every day. And make sure you avoid drinking cold water. Normal or lukewarm water will help you stay slimmer. Water flushes out toxins and hydrates the system. If you don't like water, sip on herbal and green tea. Sports nutritionists, advocate going the anti-oxidant way with this. "This is a delicious way to include anti-oxidants in your diet. It can work wonders for your immune and digestive system."

Cut down on carbs
Many believe that going on a zero-carbs diet will help in a miraculous way. While one should cut down on it for quick results, the no-carbs way is a strict no-no. Kim Mai, clinical nutritionist, explains, "Carbs are our energy givers and should contribute 65-70% of the total calorie intake in a day. One can only improve stamina if one includes carbs in every meal, every day! Weight loss will also follow suit when the body is fuelled optimally to be able to burn fat."

Increase protein intake
Have baked chicken or fish with steamed vegetables for lunch and dinner. Skimmed milk and milk products work too. Having a protein-rich diet makes you feel full for longer. Make sure you include egg whites in your breakfast. Have small portions and ensure that you have at least five to six meals.

Stay away from fad diets
Crash diets can be extremely harmful, so stay away from them completely. Dr Smita Naram, Ayurvedic physician, says, "A diet with a combination of 30% protein, 60% vegetables and 10% carbohydrates is most beneficial for reducing weight." Eating regular food every two-three hours (don't go for snacking in between) is great when it comes to losing weight.

Eat slowly
Eat slowly and stop eating when you are about 70 to 80% full. Do not overeat. Eating fast and gulping down food results eating much more than our body needs.

Walk, and then walk some more
Go for a 45-minute brisk walk in the morning or evening. Wear clothes that are not too tight and comfortable shoes that are meant for walking. Start with a 30-minute walk and extend it to 45 minutes or one hour. Do this for 10 days without fail.

Crunches can save your day
Don't have time for the gym? Just do some warm-up exercises and then target your paunch — do crunches (See box). Do this everyday — twice a day if possible. (After all, you want to lose that paunch in 10 days, don't you?) Throughout the day, whether you are sitting or walking around, make sure that you pull in your stomach and keep your back straight.

Take up a de-stressing activity
Stress and depression can lead to a lot of unwarranted emotional eating. So, de-stress. Take up a favourite activity — do some meditation, read a book, watch some romantic comedies, play with your dog or take up a yoga or dance class.

Stay away from temptation
Every time you almost give up and reach for a chocolate bar, remind yourself what you really want — looking hot in a sexy LBD or being flabby and fat and hiding inside a loose ill-fitted outfit. And behave accordingly.

Basic crunches
Lie down on your exercise mat. Bend your knees and keep it parallel to the floor. Now put your hands behind your head and exhale and lift up your shoulder blades off the floor while you contract your stomach and reach for your knees.

Get more out of crunches
Do bicycle crunches. Paddle each of your legs in the air while you do the crunches.

Ban the following completely for the next 10 days:
- Red meat
- Sweets
- Canned foods
- Junk foods like burger, pizza, pasta etc
- Cold aerated drinks
- Canned juices (even the ones that say 'healthy' on the pack)
- All kinds of outside food
- Avoid over-eating

Top 10 home remedies for healthy hair

Hair can look healthy without visiting high priced salons, paying for expensive treatments and trying many conditioners and shampoos. 

A variety of home remedies for healthy hair can be easily found in our kitchens for better results. From beer to bananas, shiny healthy hair is easy with a variety of these home remedies. Let's have a look. 

Bananas for healthy hair 

Due to high level of potassium found in bananas, they help improve hair health and natural elasticity. 

Use a fork to mash one banana in a bowl, and then apply the mixture from root to tip. Leave the treatment on for 15 minutes, and then wash with shampoo. This treatment will cure dry and damaged hair. 

Egg yolk treatment 

Massaging the yellow portion of the egg on your scalp or a mixture of three egg yolks, 1 tbsp olive oil and three drops of Vitamin E can be a wonderful hair remedy. 

Leave treatment on hair for 10 minutes and then rinse and shampoo hair. You can repeat the procedure at least once a week to ensure best results. This treatment will soften and condition your hair. 

Beer treatment 

A popular remedy is to rinse your hair with a little beer. Place beer into a spray bottle. Shampoo and lightly towel dry hair. Lightly spray beer into hair. 

Believers in this remedy claim that beer has properties that can return the shine to your hair. 

Hair conditioning with mayonnaise 

Apply mayonnaise to wet hair. Leave treatment on hair from 15 minutes to 1 hour. 

Rinse well and shampoo. Mayonnaise is an excellent deep conditioner. 

Oil massage 

Massaging warm oil on to the scalp is a very popular medication in India. You can use coconut or olive oil for best results. 

Leaving this for an hour and following this procedure with the application of limejuice mixed with some vinegar can help you get rid of dandruff. 

Olive oil treatment 

Apply 4 tbsp of olive oil to hair. Massage oil into scalp and hair. Leave on for 30 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. 

For best results, leave olive oil in hair overnight for additional conditioning. Olive oil will strengthen hair and prevent breakage. 

Mixture of amla powder and lime juice 

Mixture of amla powder and lemon juice can be applied to the hair to help it grow stronger and have a fuller appearance. 

Combine 1 tbsp. amla powder with the juice of one lemon in a small container and shake to dissolve the powder. 

Gently massage the mixture onto the roots of the hair and scalp and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing and shampooing. 

Strawberries for luscious hair 

Mash eight strawberries with one tablespoon mayonnaise. Massage into washed hair. Cover with a shower cap, then a warm towel. 

Wash out with a shampoo and conditioner combination. 

This luscious mix of rich berries will leave your hair both conditioned and with rich gloss. 

Fenugreek seeds 

Soak two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds overnight. Then ground the seeds into a fine paste in the morning and apply over the scalp. Leave it for 30 minutes and then wash thoroughly. 

This is a highly effective remedy to remove dandruff. 

Good diet and exercise 

You are what you eat even with reference to the health of your hair. Consuming fruits and dark green leafy vegetables and the right amount of proteins like nuts, cereals are the key to ensuring the good condition of your hair. 

Along with ample amount of water and little exercise will make your hair healthy and soft. The more you exercise, the better your body's blood circulation will be - which means that your hair will grow stronger, faster and healthier. 

Dandruff: Why you should not apply hair oil

Hair oil may soothe an itchy scalp and reduce dandruff flakes, but Dr. Johan explains, "Hair oil has been used in our country as a continuance of our age-old traditional way of moisturising our hair. However, the truth is that the hair oil forms a layer on the scalp that prevents moisture from entering the skin naturally. This leads to the formation of flakes and dandruff because of the choked pores. So, I do not recommend applying hair oil."

Applying hair oil on a scalp, which is already infected with dandruff intensifies the process of hair fall. When hair oil remains on the hair for a long time, is loses it shine and turns dull. So, it is important to avoid applying hair oil on your scalp if you are struggling with dandruff.

Try these home remedies to reduce itchy-flaky dandruff:

1. Lemon Juice solution:

Massage lemon juice on your scalp before taking a shower. Wash your hair thoroughly after 15-20 minutes. This treatment helps to remove stickiness, prevents dandruff and makes your hair look radiant.

2. Aloe Vera rub:

20 minutes before you take a shower rub aloe vera gel on your scalp. Leave it on for a full 20 minutes, and then wash your hair with a shampoo.

3. Curd/yoghurt remedy:

Apply some curd on your hair and scalp and keep it on for at least one hour. Wash it off with a mild shampoo thoroughly. Do this at least twice a week.

Benefits of climbing the stairs

A latest research suggests that climbing stairs is considered to be one of the best ways to burn up calories and strengthen your heart. According to a British survey, climbing stairs is directly associated with reduced risk of heart diseases.

It is said that an overweight person can lose up to twelve pounds by climbing two flights of stairs a day for a year. Only strenuous activities like dragging logs and sprinting seem to burn up more energy per minute than climbing stairs. Regular stair climbing is also a beneficial augmentative exercise in a vigorous cardiovascular workout.

Burns more calories: Stair climbing engages your body's largest muscle groups to repeatedly lift your body weight up, step after step. Thus using your muscles to carry your own weight is far higher to running as compared.

Maximises your cardio efforts: It also raises your heart rate immediately thus maximizing your cardio benefits.

Increases core muscle strength: Climbing stairs is a great way to amp your core muscle strength.

Tones and sculpts your body: It also engages every major muscle in your lower body — glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps and calves to exercise and thus tones your body better.

Low impact workout: You don't have to ideally sweat it out while climbing stairs. Just a few stairs every day will give you a good workout.

How much water should you drink every day?

It's important to drink water according to your lifestyle rather than follow the 8-glass water rule, say nutritionists.

Water is your body's principal chemical component and a natural detoxifier but not many are aware about how much water should we ideally drink everyday. Moreover, the popular 8 by 8 rule which says that one should drink eight glasses, each consisting of eight ounce of water, may not suit every individual. Says nutritionist Peter, "While the general belief is to drink eight to 10 glasses of water, it is advisable to drink 12 to 15 glasses of fluids which includes water, tea, buttermilk, soup, etc. This would amount to an intake of around 2.5 litres of fluids everyday."

Drink according to lifestyle
According to nutritionist expert Patrick, one's lifestyle plays an important role in deciding the amount of water that one should consume. "If you have a sedentary lifestyle and work in an air-conditioned environment where there is no scope for water loss via sweat, drinking more than 2 to 2.5 litres of water is not advisable. It will end up accumulating in your kidney and cause edema," says Krishnan. For moderate workers like salespersons, who are required to do physical activity, it is important to drink around three litres of water.

Water consumption during summers
Also, it is necessary to change water consumption habits with the change in seasons. For instance, it is important to keep oneself hydrated during summers. "If you do not suffer from diabetes or blood pressure, you can have electrolyte or glucose water or drink lemon juice. It is not only refreshing but also increases your energy levels," says Patrick. Moreover, it is important to drink maximum amount in the morning. Peter says, "After waking up, it is important to drink around two to four glasses of water within the early part of the day. You could also add some amount of lemon, honey and cinnamon in it."

Your water guide
- Drink around two to four glasses of water (roughly amounting to 800 ml) after waking up
- If you work in an airconditioned environment and follow a sedentary lifestyle, do not drink more than 2 to 2.5 litres of water per day
- For moderate workers, for instance salespersons, it is important to drink around three litres of water
- During summers, keep yourself hydrated by drinking water at regular intervals. If you don't suffer from diabetes or blood pressure, having electrolyte or glucose water is also advisable