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Friday, April 16, 2010

Top 10 Health Benefits of Lemon Water




Many people often love the tarty flavor of lemon juice in their dishes. But have you ever wondered that you can put this lemon juice to many more good uses than this? Yes! There are enormous benefits of lemon juice and water in your everyday life.

you simply need to arm yourself with relevant knowledge and you would soon start valuing this amalgamation more than everLemon is an inexpensive, easily available citrus fruit, popular for its culinary and medicinal uses. It is used to prepare a variety of food recipes such as lemon cakes, lemon chicken and beverages like lemonade and lemon-flavored drinks. It is also used for garnishing. Lemon juice consists of about 5% citric acid that gives a tarty taste to lemon. Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C. It also contains vitamins like vitamin B, riboflavin and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium as well as proteins and carbohydrates. Lemon is generally consumed in the form of lemon juice or lemon water. Lemon water makes a healthy drink, especially when taken in the morning. Daily consumption of lemon water provides a number of health benefits like:

Honey The Perfect Natural Beauty Product





Honey may well be one of nature’s most perfect products. It has nutritional value, containing lots of vitamins and minerals including B6, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, niacin, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin, sodium, thiamin and zinc.

12 tips to enjoy a natural healthy summer




Botox and face lifts, fake claims from quick-fix diets - we've had enough of unnatural images and outlandish goals.

It's time to enjoy the natural side of life. That means appreciating your own (real) qualities, living a natural life, and eating naturally healthy food.

Friday, April 9, 2010

How to Have Great Looking Skin




Great skin is something that nearly everyone can cultivate. Our skin is affected by our:

. Genes
. Inner nutrition - what we eat and drink
. Exercise
. General health and well-being
. Emotional health, and
. Outer nutrition - how we take care of our skin

While we can't alter our genes, we can improve our skin by making the necessary adjustments in the areas we can influence. Read on to discover the basic components of a healthy outer nutritional plan for your skin.

If you seriously want great skin the very first thing to do and wear a hat and good quality sunscreen when out in the sunshine. Having said that, let's move on to understand the next three basic foundations to great skin.

If you want your skin to look and feel great, careful cleansing is very important. This should be done first thing in the morning and last thing at night to remove pore-clogging dirt. Don't cleanse enough and you could find yourself prone to spots. Cleanse to often and you could be stripping away essential oils and be susceptible to dry skin or even eczema. Understanding your skin type (normal, dry or oily) and using a cleanser to match is the best foundation for great looking skin. Remember to rinse your face with warm water after using a cleanser, as any residue will continue to work on the skin if not completely removed.

Our grandmother's used soap and water?isn't that good enough? Soap is not very good at removing makeup because it does not contain enough oils to dissolve the staying power that most cosmetics have today. Remember the 'tight' feeling after your have washed your fact with soap? Soap can be very drying on your skin and may wash away essential oils. Another reason not to use soap is that it is not matched to the natural balance of our skin. Soap is generally alkaline, whilst skin is naturally acidic.

The second step to great outer nutrition for your skin is to tone. Toners are designed to remove any last traces of cleanser, while also helping to tighten and refine pores and prevent the build-up of dead skin cells. After toning your skin should fee and look revitalised and refreshed, and ready to be moisturised. Again you will need to apply a toner that matches your skin type.

The third foundation step is to apply moisturiser to help restore the moisture loss caused by the drying effects of sunlight, central heating, wind, cold and pollution. A good daytime moisturiser would contain a sunscreen and will be easily absorbed into the skin. At night you should use a richer, more nourishing cream, as this is when your skin more readily absorbs moisture.

Despite the plethora of products on the market and the myriad of additives?. the most important ingredient of any moisturiser is water! If water is just splashed on the skin it will not say there. Moisturisers are basically oil and water emulsions which contain a humectant (a substance added to another to make it moist), which attracts water and helps 'fix' it in the upper layers of the skin.

Moisture that is lost firm the skin needs to be replaced quickly so that the surface of the skin is kept both soft and smooth. The living cells in the layers need water so that they will not shrivel up and die. A moisturiser can protect the skin by providing a varier between the skin and the external environment. It also prevents the loss of moisture from the deeper layers of the skin.

Should people who have oily skin use a moisturiser? Moisturisers are particularly recommended for people with dry skin but everyone can benefit from using a moisturiser. You simply need to ensure that you choose the correct moisturiser for your skin type. People with oily skin should choose a moisturiser that hydrates their skin whilst helping absorb any excess oil.

The Miracle of Green Tea




"Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one." (Ancient Chinese Proverb)

Is any other food or drink reported to have as many health benefits as green tea? The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headaches to depression. In her book Green Tea: The Natural Secret for a Healthier Life, Nadine Taylor states that green tea has been used as a medicine in China for at least 4,000 years.

Today, scientific research in both Asia and the west is providing hard evidence for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea. For example, in 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol.

To sum up, here are just a few medical conditions in which drinking green tea is reputed to be helpful:

* cancer
* rheumatoid arthritis
* high cholesterol levels
* cariovascular disease
* infection
* impaired immune function

What makes green tea so special?

The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The latter takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.

Links are being made between the effects of drinking green tea and the "French Paradox." For years, researchers were puzzled by the fact that, despite consuming a diet rich in fat, the French have a lower incidence of heart disease than Americans. The answer was found to lie in red wine, which contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that limits the negative effects of smoking and a fatty diet. In a 1997 study, researchers from the University of Kansas determined that EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol, which may explain why the rate of heart disease among Japanese men is quite low, even though approximately seventy-five percent are smokers.

Why don't other Chinese teas have similar health-giving properties? Green, oolong, and black teas all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What sets green tea apart is the way it is processed. Green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. By contrast, black and oolong tea leaves are made from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being converted into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various diseases.

Other Benefits

New evidence is emerging that green tea can even help dieters. In November, 1999, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo.

Green tea can even help prevent tooth decay! Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the bacteria that causes dental plaque. Meanwhile, skin preparations containing green tea - from deodorants to creams - are starting to appear on the market.

Top 10 Health And Fitness Tips




Below are our top 10 health and fitness tips, in no particular order. From healthy eating habits to exercise programs, these health and fitness tips will help you get smarter about weight loss, wellness and healthy living overall.

1. Drink more water. You hear this all the time and there's a reason for that - because it's important! Drinking water curbs your hunger, hydrates your body and nourishes you from the inside out, including your skin. Aim for half your body weight in ounces per day. i.e. if you weigh 150 lbs, you would aim to drink 75 ounces of water per day.

2. For faster fat loss and a stronger heart, try sprint interval training. The basic format of sprint interval training is sprint/walk/sprint/walk, etc. Pick a stretch of road that is flat for 50 yards - sprint the 50 yards, walk back slowly, repeat - do this 10 times. Make sure you're warmed up before you start sprinting and that you warm down when you're done. Sprint interval training boosts your metabolism, burns more fat, and takes less time to complete.

3. Stay away from sugar! When you consume sugar, it causes your body to release insulin - and insulin causes your body to store fat. That's why those fat-free cookies with extra sugar are actually causing you to gain weight. Read the ingredients label and stay away from products heavy in sugar and high fructose corn syrup. "Healthy" breakfast cereals and bars are notorious for being high in these two ingredients.

4. Add more of the following foods to your diet: whole grains, olive oil, eggs, natural peanut butter, fish, poultry, berries, apples, almonds, protein powder and water. These foods will help you burn more fat, stay in shape and better your health.

5. Add weight training to your exercise routine. Adding muscle to your body increases your life span, makes you stronger and burns fat. If you're looking to tone up, use a weight that you can lift 8-12 times; if you're looking to add bulk, use a weight you can lift 4-6 times. Weight train 2-3 times per week and keep your weight training sessions to 45 minutes max.

6. At a minimum, add a quality multivitamin to your diet and fish oil softgels (omega-3 fatty acids). Most people don't get a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals from foods alone so it's important you compliment your healthy eating habits with a strong multi. The fish oil softgels are important because most people's diets are severely lacking in omega-3 fatty acids and this is suspected to be a contributing factor to many health diseases, including obesity. Fish oil softgels are the easiest way to add omega-3's to your diet - consume 2,000 to 3,000 mg of omega-3's per day.

7. Add more Wild Alaskan salmon to your diet. It's extremely high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and low in fat - an incredibly healthy combination. And Wild Alaskan salmon is very low in mercury, the one problem with regular salmon.

8. Stay away from foods that contain hydrogenated oils and processed foods altogether. Hydrogenated oils, or trans fats, wreck havoc on your body and some states are even banning them. Read the ingredients of the food you are eating - it will indicate if it contains hydrogenated oils - and if it does, toss it! Processed foods are the chemically-altered, packaged foods like many of the foods targeted towards kids nowadays. Usually you can tell a food is processed if the ingredients show a list of chemicals a mile long.

9. A simple way to keep your weight under control is stop eating before you're full. Portion control is an easy way to make sure you don't over eat and gain weight. If you continuously eat until your uncomfortably full, you'll consume too many calories and stretch your stomach out, causing you to eat more often.

10. Give yoga a try because you'll be amazed at the difference it makes when your body is limber and flexible, plus it will help reduce your chances of injury. Yoga consists of 15-20 minutes of deep stretching and usually meditation. Your body will feel younger and you'll have less stress - combine this with cardio, weight training and a healthy diet, and in 12 weeks you'll be in the best shape of your life.

10 Essential Health Tips (The Basics to Practice Every Day)




1. Move More Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators.

Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!

2. Cut Fat Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!

3. Quit Smoking The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.

4. Reduce Stress Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them.

5. Protect Yourself from Pollution If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent. Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum the tune daily.

6. Wear Your Seat Belt Statistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for the day: Buckle down and buckle up.

7. Floss Your Teeth Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don't? Thought for the day: Floss and be your body's boss

8. Avoid Excessive Drinking While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. Thought for the day: A jug of wine should last a long time.

9. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.

10. Choose Your Parents Well The link between genetics and health is a powerful one. But just because one or both of your parents died young in ill health doesn't mean you cannot counteract the genetic pool handed you. Thought for the day: Follow these basic tips for healthy living and you can better control your own destiny.

Source: health-fitness-tips.com

Five Ways to Remain Fit and Healthy




Eat the right food - instead of fried foods, have baked or steamed. Include salads and fruits in your diet.
Water - drink lots, clean and boiled.
Walk - try to walk every morning, or anywhere else you can.

Yoga and meditation - yoga is one of the best ways to keep fit and healthy and meditation calms and relaxes the mind.
Clean habits - try not to drink alcohol or smoke.

Eyes are one of the most wonderful gifts given to us. Here are some tips to take care of them.

Have a good night sleep and give them enough rest.

Massage your eyes with almond oil using your ring finger without giving too much pressure.

Refresh your eyes by splashing cold water on them.

Buy good quality cosmetics. Never lend or use other people's eyeliner, eyebrow pencil, mascara or eyeshadow.

Wear sunglasses while going out in the sun.

Have a good diet consisting of fruit and vegetables. Red, orange, yellow and dark green vegetables, fruit and greens are very good for the eyes.

Make lifestyle changes like giving up alcohol, smoking, avoiding fatty and refined food.

Cover your hair with a scarf or shawl during travel to prevent tangles and to protect your hair from dust.

Always dilute shampoo in a little water and use it. Do not use it directly. Wet your hair first and then apply this diluted shampoo.

Never skip meals as you tend to eat more at the next meal. Do not skip breakfast in particular.

Include a lot of fibre in your diet as it gives a feeling of fullness, thereby preventing you from gorging on fatty foods.

Aerobic exercise like jogging, swimming, cycling and running accelerates weight loss. Consult a physician before starting any weight loss program. Aerobic exercise combined with healthy eating will certainly help in weight reduction.

Use a wide toothed comb to remove tangles and do not comb wet hair. Avoid using a hair dryer to dry your hair. Do not tie your hair tightly. Always use coated rubber bands or soft hair ties.

Mayonnaise is an excellent conditioner for dry hair. Massage your scalp with mayonnaise and leave it for half an hour. Then shampoo as usual. Always rinse your hair well so that no traces of shampoo are left behind.

Source : sooperarticles.com

Keep Your Heart Strong and Healthy




In United States Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death. As of 2007, it is the leading cause of death in the United States, UK, Canada, killing one person every 34 seconds in the United States alone.

Every year millions of people suffer from this disease, and one of the main reasons behind it is an improper diet. Although you might know eating certain foods can increase your heart disease risk, it’s often tough to change your eating habits.


As such, it is very important for us to be aware of the correct diet to be followed in order to avoid being a victim of heart disease.

We need to cut down on foods having a high content of saturated and trans fat as they help in increasing the cholesterol level in our body which in turn leads to heart disease and a condition called as atherosclerosis which causes heart attack and strokes. In order to do this, we need to consume less solid fats such as butter, margarine, lard, bacon, gravy, cream sauce, non dairy creamers, cocoa butter, shortening, cookies, crackers and chips. We can use products like low fat yogurt and salsa as substitutes.

For cooking, we need to use mono saturated fats such as olive oil and canola oil instead of coconut, palm, cotton seed and palm-kernel oils.

We should get our daily proteins from low fat sources rather than high fat ones. Lean meat, poultry, fish, legumes such as peas, beans and lentils, skim or low fat milk, low fat yogurt, skinless poultry and soy beans and soy products are all excellent sources of proteins. We need to avoid full fat milk, organ meats, egg yolks, fatty meats, cold cuts, fried or canned meats and sausages.

Vegetables and fruits are a good source of vitamins and minerals and can help prevent cardiovascular diseases and as such we should learn to include a good amount of fruits and vegetables in our everyday diet. However, we should avoid vegetables with creamy sauces, fried or breaded vegetables and canned fruits. Whole grains also are a good source of fibers and nutrients and also help in regulating the heart pressure. We need to eat foods like whole wheat flour, whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole grain pasta , oatmeal and ground flaxseed to lower our cholesterol and avoid foods like muffins, waffles, corn bread, dough nuts, biscuits, quick breads, granola bars, cakes, pies, egg noodles, cakes and pies.

People who eat a lot of salt are prone to high blood pressure which is one of the symptoms of heart disease. The American Heart Association suggests that adults should eat less than 2,300 milligrams of salt on a daily basis. We need to reduce the amount of salt that we use in cooking and also stop eating canned or processed foods which contain a lot of salt. We should also not use tomato ketchups and sauces and substitute them with herbs, spices and reduced salt versions of condiments.

Thus, based on the above mentioned foods that need to be consumed for a healthy heart, we need to prepare a chart indicating the foods we need to consume on a daily basis and follow it properly. We should never eat more than required and exercise everyday to stay fit and have a healthy heart.

Eating a special diet called the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan also can help protect your heart. Following the DASH diet means eating foods that are low in fat, cholesterol and salt. The diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products that can help protect your heart. Legumes, low-fat sources of protein and certain types of fish can also reduce risk of heart disease.

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10 Alkaline Foods and 10 Acid Foods for Perfect pH Balance



Alkaline foods and pH balance are not a typical daily topic of conversation. However, people who cycle, run, hike, play tennis, or do any physical activity and want to perform at peak levels of fitness, have a choice to make.

It’s a choice many never consider, but one of the most important for overall health and fitness. It stares you right in the face every time you look at a menu or a shelf full of groceries.


The choice to consider is whether or not a food or beverage is going to help you maintain proper pH balance, or is it going to throw that delicate balance off and leave your body’s defenses vulnerable to health problems.

In order to maintain suitable pH balance, nutritionists suggest 80% of dietary intake should be alkaline and 20% acid foods. What exactly does that mean? It is a widely accepted nutrition fact that the alkaline or acid properties of foods and drinks come into play when your body burns them for fuel.

Consuming too many acid foods, drugs, tobacco, sodas, cocktails, and coffee causes the pH balance of the blood to become overly acidic, therefore, out of balance. It’s kind of like a swimming pool that has an acid pH level, and as any pool owner knows that can cause problems.

When we refer to ALKALINE FOODS or ACID FOODS here we’re talking about what happens to them in the bloodstream after they have been consumed. All foods and drinks leave either an alkaline ash or an acid ash in the blood, depending on what happens to them after your body has burned them for fuel. This is what effects blood pH balance, as well as urine or saliva pH balance, which can all be tested different ways.

Here are 10 types of acid foods that create an acid ash when metabolized:

1. White flour (breads, pastas)
2. Refined sugars
3. Artificial sweeteners
4. Dairy products
5. Processed corn and many grain products
6. Meats
7. Fish
8. Nuts (not all of them, but most)
9. Cranberries (surprising, but true, even some healthy fruits and vegetables can form an acid ash)
10. Coffee and sodas

Here are 10 good choices for alkaline foods to help maintain proper pH balance in the bloodstream:

1. Almonds (raw)
2. Apples
3. Avocados
4. Canteloupe
5. Leafy green lettuce and spinach
6. Citrus fruits
7. Broccoli
8. Cantaloupe
9. Carrots
10. Peas

A human being’s blood pH level is meant to stay around 7.4, so the body is constantly working to sustain that pH balance, no matter what you consume. When the body has to neutralize more acid than it is designed for, the best place to find a readily available supply of something alkaline enough to perform that function is in your bones. If the consumption of alkaline food and drinks is insufficient to do the job, then calcium from bones will be utilized in order to neutralize excess acid in the bloodstream.

It is a nutrition fact that too many acid foods such as meat, sugar, dairy, and refined flour products can cause a body’s pH balance to be too acidic. This can lead to all sorts of health problems, not the least of which is bone weakness.

A calcium supplement may help. However, if the calcium is not from a whole food source, the body does not absorb it as efficiently due to the lack of live enzymes, but more about that in a future article. The best whole food sources for calcium are broccoli, green leafy vegetables, and other alkaline foods with live enzymes.

The easiest way to consume the 80% alkaline foods you need each day is with concentrated health drinks that are heavily weighted to the alkaline side of the scale. Look for products made with real fruit and food grade herbs, because we know that most of those natural whole food ingredients are alkaline by nature. As you consume more alkaline foods and drinks for proper pH balance, your body will come into its own perfect balance and your overall health will reflect a positive change. Source : ezineall.com

Top 10 psychological and emotional reasons to quit smoking




To stop smoking, smokers need strong motivation to drive them to kick the nicotine habit.

Indeed, there can be strong personal reasons, pressure from peers and family members or due to social stigma attached with smoking to give up the habit.
The following list tries to address the psychological and emotional side of benefits smokers can derive when they take the arduous journey of quitting smoking.

1. Smoking is no more 'cool'

Cigarette smoking no more considered cool compared to 70s and 80s when everyone smoked. The smoking habit considered unhealthy. Cigarette companies generated the ‘cool’ image due to cleverly designed commercials. For someone intelligent, the appeal of coolness is diminishing given the health hazard the smoking habit carries. There are mandatory ghastly looking images on cigarette packs in some countries not only horrifying, but also a revelation.

2. Stop buying packs of cigarette saves you lot of money

For a moment, imagine how many cigarettes a smoker smokes in a year on an average 20 cigarettes a day. Cool 7000 cigarettes a year! Astounding, right? No! Try the numbers if one smoked for the last 10 years. That totals to 70,000 cigarettes. Now, that is worrying. We have not considered special occasions, weekends; jaunts to nightclubs where one tend to smoke more than usual, sometimes two times the average. This puts the numbers even higher.

Just do the math and see how much cigarette one has burnt in her life. Interestingly, the amount of money one spends just to satisfy addiction is staggering. It is fraction of a dollar, no doubt, for each cigarette. However, how much money one spends on buying cough medicine, breath fresheners, throat fresheners, teeth whiteners, and visiting dentists just because one wanted to be normal?

3. Increased Confidence levels once one stop smoking.

You look like a rock star to others who are trying to quit smoking. Apparently, almost every other smoker wishes to stop smoking one day. However, how many honestly stop smoking and never become a smoker again in their lives? You will be surprised to find out how people expression can change when one mention that she quit smoking. It is shocking for most of smokers and pleasant surprise for many of her not smoking friends. Just imagine how tall she can walk!

4. Worry no more about how bad your breath smell in front of clients or customers

The cigarette smoke smells nasty. Smoking creates bad odor in your mouth and few feet around you. The smell lingers longer if you smoke in an air-conditioned room. You make every other not smoking person to suffer because of your habit. Does it sound selfish? Perhaps, yes. Stop smoking and never worry about the stink again.

5. Save astounding amounts of time

Can you imagine how much time one save by stop smoking? If you are a busy person and a smoker, you can gain lot by stop smoking. It is a simple arithmetic.

One may argue that he or she is smoking the cigarette while working. The smoker while smoking unknowingly idle away productive minutes. How much time you end up wasting just for smoking every year? You be the judge.

6. No embarrassing stares at you

Nowadays, many public places are out of bounds for smoking. However, when smokers lit a cigarette in places with children, senior citizens, pregnant women, and sick persons, for example, invite cold stare from others. It is embarrassing for both the guilty smoker and others. You can walk guilt free when you quit.

7. Feel healthier and fresh day after day

We know there are nearly 2000 types of chemicals produced while smoking and some are hazardous and carcinogen! Smoking can cause irreparable damage to mouth, gums, teeth, and lungs. We are wise enough to stay away from death inviting sticks.

8. Help your society to become smoke free and earn good karma

Leading by example, you can help others to quit smoking. You can motivate others who are trying to quit smoking. You will earn good karma by doing this.

9. Make your family members happy and healthy

Do you know how happy your friends, family members and others feel for you when you stop smoking? It is certainly a feel good factor for you. You help them to eliminate passive effects of smoking. The whole environment becomes healthy. You will love it.

10. Develop cleaner and healthier living environment

Imagine the cigarette butts, empty boxes that thrown around on the street by un-mindful smokers. By quitting smoking, you are helping to keep the clean environment and smoke free. Our world beset with global pollution. By quitting, you can contribute positively to the global cause.

Stop Smoking Video Campaign







Autore: abhayam | Article source: hubpages.com

Healthy Food Substitutes




Whether you are health conscious or a little overweight or blessed with a speedy metabolic rate, keeping an eye on your diet is always recommended.

Cutting down your food intake is always the answer. All it takes is a sensible substitute. Here are a few suggestions for healthy substitutions.

Gelatine desserts vs. cakes and brownies
We all know just how rich cakes and brownies can be and that these rich delicacies leave us poorer in health. Gelatine desserts can be a delicious and healthy alternative. They not only leave you with stronger and shinier hair and nails, but are said to help with metabolism and muscle growth. The collagen that gelatine contains in said to be excellent for joint movement as well as moisturizing skin, keeping it smooth and fi rm .


Yogurt vs. cream
Yogurt contains bacteria which helps in digestion. This bacteria also boosts the immune system and prevents the growth of a lot of ha rm ful bacteria. Yogurt also feels a lot lighter than cream
Brown bread vs. White bread

White bread is white because it lacks the bran and ge rm that is present in brown bread. With the absence of the bran and ge rm , the nutritional value goes down leaving white bread with fewer amounts of zinc, fiber, thiamin, niacin, trace elements and good fats and oils.

Red sauces vs. white sauces

Apart from the obvious reason that creamy white sauces are more likely to add on the kilos than the tangy red ones, the cooked tomatoes that make up the red sauce are said to contain the antioxidant lycopene which is good at preventing cancer and heart diseases.

Granola bar vs. candy bar

Granola bars usually contain oats, nuts, honey, grains and dried fruits and is a rich source of vitamins and fibre. Candy bars are usually loaded with fat, sugar and artificial colour. Granola bars are the clear winners.



White meat vs. red meat

Red meat as we know contains a lot of ha rm ful fats that lead to heart diseases. White meat on the other hand has no such issues and is also a good source of proteins.

Brown rice vs. white rice

As in the case of white bread and brown bread, white rice lacks the vitamins, minerals and fibre present in the brown rice.

Frozen yogurt vs. ice cream

Frozen yogurt and ice cream aren't very different. They both contain similar sweeteners and about the same calories. They are both sources of calcium and protein. The difference lies in the cultures present in the yogurt. As mentioned above, these cultures assist in many digestive functions. Although frozen yogurt is a narrowly healthier choice when compared to ice cream, it should be kept in mind that this type of food is as fattening as ice cream.
Fresh fruits vs. canned fruits

Instead of picking up that can with fruits swimming, no wait, drowning in syrup, just pick up some fresh fruits which retain the enzymes and vitamins which are otherwise lost during the canning process, as well as keep your weight down.




Honey vs. sugar

Have you ever heard the phrase, 'sugar is a polluted sweetner'? It is in a way. In the production of sugar, a lot vitamins and minerals are lost. Honey has no such problem.


Hummus vs. mayonnaise

Hummus contains less fat and more sodium when compared to mayonnaise. Mayonnaise as we know can contribute to our bad cholesterol levels in a ha rm ful way, so hummus makes a good substitute.



Dark chocolate vs. regular chocolate

Dark chocolate has better antioxidant properties when compared to milk chocolate. This benefits the heart as well blood flow and not to mention gives you that additional mood-boost. Dark chocolate also contains less sugar and is a much better option for figure-conscious chocoholics.

Healthy Summer Drinks and Snacks




Summer is a time when we tend to drink a lot to replenish the liquid and
the needed body salts lost from sweating.

In addition we also tend to eat snacks and munchies to go with what we drink.
This can pose some serious problems for those who are trying to maintain their weight or even lose some.

Here are some great ideas for coolers to quench thirst and cool down your body temperature when it's blazing hot outside. They're easy to make and you don't have to search the aisles of an entire supermarket to find the ingredients. Chances are that most of them are already a part of your well-stocked kitchen and refrigerator.

Fruit Sorbet:

For sorbets, water-filled fruits such as watermelon, sweet lime, rose water and fruit sugar mix are good. All you have to do is puree the fruit, pour it into ice cream moulds and set in the freezer. Most citrus fruits are great for sorbets.

Smoothies:

Good smoothies can be made with bananas, mangoes, papayas and other pulpy fruits. You can have them with breakfast as accompaniments or as stand-alone breakfasts, especially if you're on the go. Simply blend the fruit with yogurt and a few raisins (like kishmish) and set. If you don't like them too cold then drink them straightaway.

Chilled fruit tea:

Fruit teas are healthy drink options in terms of calories. They're easily available in every departmental store but you can choose to make them at home. Just make a light brew of tea and allow it to cool. Add some fruit to it and chill in the refrigerator. Serve with crushed ice.

Lime Soda - the old favourite:

Nothing beats the amazing thirst quenching power of fresh lime soda with salt or sugar. The ingredients are available throughout the year, making it the most popular drink across cultures, states and climatic regions of the World. To make it at home, use fresh lime, club soda and add black salt, roasted cumin (jeera) powder and a few mint leaves.

Zingy Apple:

Another good summer drink is just plain apple juice with chilled soda. You can opt to use packaged apple juice or make it fresh at home. However, make sure that the packaged option has minimum or no added sugar. This will ensure that less unwanted calories enter your system.

Ice Cream:

A little low fat ice cream with plenty of fresh fruits is a good anytime-of-the-day snack. Avoid this as dessert after dinner and go easy on the ice cream even though it's low fat.

Sweets:

It's ok to eat a little sweet here and there, especially if they're made out of figs, dates, prunes, apricots or other dry fruits and nuts. They're good if not made out of white refined flour and ghee.

So make the best of summer by trying out all these drinks and snacks. They're healthy, they're easy to make and by Jove, you'll enjoy them 100%.


Article Source : lifemojo.com

Tips to Burn Fat Naturally



How fast the body burns calories has a direct impact on how easy or how hard it is for one to lose weight and a sluggish metabolism can make weight loss incredibly difficult.

While metabolism is largely determined by gender and heredity, there are activities one can do to speed metabolism and burn fat naturally.



  • Eat Breakfast
Skipping breakfast can cause the body to go into "starvation mode" to conserve energy, slowing metabolism and thereby decreasing calorie burn. Kickstart metabolism for the day by eating a balanced breakfast consisting of a combination of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
  • Drink Water
Dehydration causes metabolism to slow down, and studies show those who drink eight to 12 8-ounce glasses of water per day have a faster metabolism than those who only drink four glasses. Drinking ice water may provide an extra boost in calorie burn as the body works to warm the water to its core temperature.
  • Sip Green Tea
Research suggests the ECGC found in green tea can boost fat burning and those who drink two to four cups per day burn up to 50 more calories. Studies also show that those who drink three to five cups of green tea per day see a weight loss of 4.6 percent in just 12 weeks.
  • Build Muscle

Muscle burns fat and building muscle means burning more calories throughout the day, even while at rest. Beginners can start building muscle by strengthen training two to three times per week using free weights, resistance bands or by doing exercises that use body weight as resistance, such as pushups, lunges and tricep dips.

About the Author : Jennifer Murray

Article Source : weightloss.suite101.com

Thai Vegetable and Fruit Salad




Take fresh fruits and fegetable to Prepare a healthy and mouth watering Thai vegetable and fruit salad.

Thai style of cooking is well known for its wide variety of flavors, colors and texture. This Thai Salad blends in all the essential flavors like Salty, Sweet, Sour, Bitter and Hot, all at the same time.



In this salad, we use a special ingredient called Sui Choy. Sui Choy belongs to the cabbage family.What’s special about Sui Choy or Napa Cabbage is that it’s more delicate and a lot crispier than the normal green cabbage, which gives the salad a crispy and crunchy taste. Since this Salad tastes best when served immediately, hence the dressing needs to be kept separately and added just before serving.

The Benefits of Yoga




The benefit of yoga practice goes far beyond the actual time you spend in the poses. One of the most common reasons why people begin practicing yoga is to improve their health and well-being.

Yoga means union. It is a union of the mind, body and breath, so all aspects of your life are impacted by your practice.

A major benefit of yoga is physical.

Yoga improves your flexibility. - The stretching that you engage in during every practice helps lengthen and stretch muscles, which helps reduce the risk of injuries.

It helps to improve your balance. - The majority of yoga practices include some type of balancing in the poses. A significant number of people, especially as they began to get older, start to have problems with balance, which can lead to major injuries due to falls. By having a greater sense of balance, you are able to move more easily and safely.

Yoga can help reduce pain. - Tense muscles often contribute to pain. Relaxing muscles helps to minimize muscle tension and the pain that is associated with it. Also, breathing deeply into muscles helps lessen pain by altering your perception of it.

It tones your muscles. - Yoga works all the muscles in your body. It helps strengthen and tone them and also builds endurance and stamina.

It helps to increase your level of energy. - Carrying tension in your body takes an enormous toll on your energy reserves. By learning how to relax through your yoga practice, you benefit by enjoying higher levels of energy so you can more thoroughly enjoy your daily activities.

Yoga helps promote a sense of relaxation.- Most people breathe high in their chests. This not only does not allow them to get sufficient oxygen, it also triggers the stress response, which contributes to feelings of anxiety. Breathing deeply as practiced in yoga, helps relax your muscles and also brings much needed oxygen to your cells. The deep sense of relaxation also leads to better quality sleep.

Each yoga practice ends with some type of relaxation. Since your body and mind are one, by relaxing your body you also relax your mind. Many yoga experts believe that a relaxation pose is the most beneficial pose in any yoga practice.

Another benefit of yoga is mental.

Yoga clears your mind and helps you focus your attention. - During your practice, you are focusing your attention on your breath and turning inward. This concentration allows you to withdraw from the distractions in your environment. A significant benefit of yoga practice is that you can take this ability to focus your attention into every aspect of your life.

You can be fully present with whatever you are doing instead of worrying about tomorrow or regretting yesterday. Not only will your actions be more productive, you can also enjoy them in a greater way.

Yoga helps reduces stress.- Deep breathing helps reduce the hormones that are released when you are feeling overwhelmed, overloaded, and frazzled. The internal focus that accompanies the poses helps create a relaxation response in your body.

Yoga can help release stuck emotions.- Often stuck emotions find their way into our bodies. Remember, your mind and body are one, and if you are suppressing any painful emotions, you will often experience that as pain in some part of your body. A benefit of yoga is that by breathing deeply into places in your body that hold tension, you can help release the emotions that may be buried there. You can then examine these emotions and let go of those that do not serve you.

Also, as you take your body past the limits of where it has been, you start to feel that you can move past other limitations in your life as well.

You gain a sense of peace and tranquility.- Most yoga practices include some time for meditation. Regular meditation helps your mind reach a state of inner calm. It helps you gain control over your thinking instead of being at the mercy of wayward thoughts.

As you can see, the benefit of yoga has far reaching effects in every area of your life. Maintain a regular yoga practice, and you will see for yourself, how yoga can benefit you too.

About the author:
Della Menechella is a yoga and fitness enthusiast who has been involved in fitness for over thirty years. Her website http://www.beauty-fitness-yoga-source.com is filled with practical information about how you can make yoga and fitness a positive part of your life. Visit the site and get your free meditation e-book.

Source: personalgrowthplanet.com
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