Anti Aging Foods

If we want to live to older and our skin to look younger while we age, we have to watch our lifestyle and diet closely. The life expectancy in America is estimated about 75 years old for males and 79 for females. In Japan, however, males live up to 79 years old and for the women it is about 85. There are also countries in some Greek islands, where it is not rare to find their habitants with 100 years old or older. The basic conclusion drawn is the difference in their diet which shapes the life expectancy of the citizens or habitants.

It is true what have been said so many times “We are what we eat”. Anti aging foods should be a combination of plant foods, which are high in antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables. They have been shown to be fundamentals to a long and healthy life.

Research has proven that people whose diets are rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds have lower incidence of heart disease, dementia, stroke, diabetes and cancer or any other disease.

The most common vitamin that helps to increase the collagen in our body is Vitamin C. Vitamin C found in a lot of fruits and vegetables. It is an antioxidant that fights the ultraviolet radiation that generates oxygen free radicals which causes wrinkles. Collagen is an important element vital for the proper functioning of the body and is essential for healthy and beautiful skin. So, it is important to have these anti aging foods in our diet to slow down the process of aging.

Below are some anti aging foods which are highly recommended for living healthier, longer and spotting a more youthful skin and body.

1.)Avocado

This fruit contains omega fatty acids found in fish. It has mono unsaturated fat that reduces level of bad cholesterol in our body, which is good for heart health. The fat in avocados enhances the absorption of disease-fighting carotenoids.

Avocado is also a good source of vitamin E and can help to maintain younger looking skin and nails. Vitamin E also helps to alleviate menopausal hot flushes. Avocado is equally rich in potassium which helps prevent fluid retention (no puffy eyes!) and high blood pressure.

2.)Blueberries & Acai Berries

Phytochemicals known as flavonoids are found in blackberries, blackcurrants, black grapes and blueberries. Flavonoid is a form of powerful antioxidants which protect the body against damages caused by free radicals and aging.

The Acai berries are native fruits in South America.  They are full of antioxidants, vitamins, protein and interestingly also contain Essential Fatty Acids which are found in fishes.

The unique combination of health properties make the acai berries a true anti aging food for our brain and body. It is important to note that Acai needs to be consumed as a fruit or at least freeze dried or frozen if you want to reap the full benefits and not taken as pills which are sold in health food stores.

Blueberries are one of the top performers in terms of anti aging foods too. They have one of the highest antioxidant capacities per serving. As we know it, antioxidants helps combat aging.

Besides that, antioxidants also help our bodies protect against disease and age-related health risks. Our cells wage battles against free radicals and dietary antioxidants come to our rescue. Antioxidants also protect us against inflammation, a leading factor in brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease. A recent research shows that blueberries help to improve and deter short-term memory loss that comes with aging, hence, making blueberries a natural “brain food.”

Anthocyanin, a pigment found in blueberries, improves night vision and prevents overworked or strained eyes.

Like cranberries, blueberries are also able to prevent urinary tract infections.

3.)Nuts & Seeds

Most varieties of nuts are good sources of minerals, particularly walnuts. Walnuts are rich in calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium, selenium, folic acid, Vitamin C and E. Packed with so much good nutrients; we should try to incorporate them into our diet.

Adding nuts to our diet can enhance the functioning of your digestive system and improve our metabolism. They strengthen our kidneys and lungs. Nuts also help to control cholesterol levels.

Other nuts such as cashews, almonds, cashew and Brazil nuts contain healthy minerals as well. They are certainly one of the anti aging foods that helps maintain our body function well.

Sunflower Seeds not only taste good but are a rich source of Vitamin A, B, D, E, K, calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, omega-3 as well as Omega-6 essential fatty acids. In fact, it is a more beneficial nutrient source than most eggs, meats and cheese.

They also contain pectin, which helps to remove toxins and heavy metals. It aids in strengthening vision too.

Packed with so much goodness, it is beneficial to consider using nuts and seeds as a form of snack instead of eating junk food.

4.)Tomatoes

Tomatoes are of flowering plant and therefore considered a fruit. Tomatoes are used extensively in a lot of Mediterranean cuisine, especially Italian and the Middle East as well.

Tomatoes are a treasure trove of lycopene, anthocyanin, carotene and other antioxidants. They are abundant in Vitamin C and A as well.

Lycopene is the pigment that makes tomatoes red. Lycopene protects our skin against harmful UV rays and increase collagen production; hence tomatoes are great anti- aging foods. Lycopene reduces risk for cardiovascular disease, breast cancers, neurodegenerative diseases and macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness in people 55 years and older.

While fresh tomatoes have the best supply of lycopene, cooked tomato products, such as spaghetti sauce, soup or salsa are easiest to absorb forms. Reap the same benefits with watermelon, beets, pink grapefruit and red bell peppers.

5.)Vegetables

Dark green vegetables are rich in Vitamin C and help our bodies produce collagen.

Brocccoli is one of another excellent source of anti- aging foods. The sulforaphane found in broccoli increases the production of enzymes and that clear toxins from our bodies. In general, younger broccoli contains more sulforaphane. Broccoli has protein that is vital in keeping cells healthy. There is actually more vitamin C in broccoli than oranges along with beta carotene, which is beneficial for spot free skin. Its fibre helps to detoxify the digestive system as well as liver, which paves the way for clear, healthy skin. Broccoli contains diindolylmethane (also known as DIM) and glucosinolates, which help slow down aging in women due to hormonal changes and reduce the risks of age-related cancers.

A test was done at the Institute of Food Research in Norwich some years back. The researcher added juiced broccoli to human cells cultured in the laboratory, and the results shown was that the survival rate of precancerous cells was massively cut down by an incredible 95 per cent.

6.) Garlic

Garlic belongs to the Allium family, along with onions, shallots, leeks and chives.  It is an anti aging food as it contains anti-aging nutrient called allicin. Allicin lowers cholesterol level and assists in blood thinning more effectively than aspirin, thus helping to reduce the risk of heart disease. Garlic also has the ability to lower blood pressure and help regulate blood sugar. It is also reputed to be a potent natural antibiotic.

This pungent herb also improves liver function lessen the chances to develop colon cancer. Garlic also inhibits the growth of the tumour and can treat diabetes types I and II when taken as a tablet.

Garlic is the one of the key ingredient used in the Mediterranean diet.  Incorporate at least a clove a day in your diet for healthy living.

7.)Barley

One of the first authorities to confirm and endorse Barley’s benefits was Hippocrates, who advised people who fall ill to consume barley gruel.

Barley has the highest nutrients among more than 150 cereals tested. The grains are a great source of nutrients that our body needs for repair, growth and well-being.

It is high in fiber and regulates blood sugar for up to 10 hours after ingesting. Barley contains a multitude of minerals and vitamins. Barley juice is almost seven times richer in Vitamin C than an equivalent weight of oranges, five times more potent in iron than spinach and ten times stronger in calcium than milk. It is also an anti aging food with strong anti oxidants and an excellent source of Vitamin B-12.

8.)Soya

Soya products are excellent anti-aging foods due to their host of therapeutic properties. Most of the symptoms linked with aging are due to deterioration in cells and deficiencies in hormonal functioning. Soya products can effectively address all these deficiencies. Soya is high in protein, so it is excellent in building strong cells and muscles. When cells are strong, the signs of aging is less visible.

Soya beans contain isoflavones, which help in lowering bad cholesterol due to consumption of high dietary fat or blood circulation difficulties. They are an excellent form of plant-based estrogen that helps women retain their beauty and smooth skin.

Soy products contain an element- genistein. Genistein enhances the production of collagen in soy products and helps to block enzymes that break down and age the skin.  Soybeans also contain high levels of phytoestrogens which are powerful immune-suppressants.

Women who are going through menopause might find that soya helps to balance their oestrogen levels. Soya alleviates menopausal hot flush and shield against osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease.

The low incidence of colon or breast cancer in both Japan and China has been partially attributed to the high consumption of soya products.

The beauty industry recognises the benefits of soy and hence there are tons of moisturizers and eye creams which are marketed with soya ingredients. So these products can be used regularly and women can enjoy the anti-aging benefits of soya. The soya protein helps to strengthen the collagen in our skin and make it look more firm as well as prevent the appearance of wrinkles.

9.)Fish

Fish such as mackerel, salmon and tuna are excellent sources of omega fatty acids. The presence of Omega 3 fatty acids forms an ideal environment for collagen production. They are popularly known as a rich source of anti aging foods, be it from the appearance or brain’s point of view. They possess anti- inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-aging properties that can help us live younger, healthier and for longer.

Omega 3 fatty acids which are powerful anti-oxidants that stop the decay of cells and retard the process of aging are abundant in fish oils. Fish oil could also restore and heal mental disorders such as depression, dementia and schizophrenia. Fish oil is also extremely good for skin. It prevents wrinkles, dryness, acne, dark spots, psoriasis and eczema. It also restores the suppleness and elasticity of skin.

Aging causes our body immunity to decline. Bacteria and viruses will then take advantage of this weakening of our body’s defence mechanism to attack the body and result in inflammatory actions setting in. This will lead to age- related diseases and other health complications. Fish oils have the amazing properties of slowing down inflammation and curbing diseases.

10.)Yogurt

Yogurt is of Turkish origin and has enjoyed a reputation as a health food for centuries. Ancient Persians and the Middle Eastern nomadic tribes are believed to have created it as a means to preserve the wholesome goodness of milk.

Yogurt gained popularity in Europe in the 16th century, when a Turkish doctor treated King Francis I of France with goat’s milk yogurt and cured him from intestinal disease.

Historians have also recorded that the Genghis Khan’s Mongolian armies relied on this amazing fermented diary product to keep them strong, healthy and energized throughout their extensive conquests.

Yogurt contains many beneficial nutrients like high quality protein, calcium, zinc, potassium, Vitamin Bs and magnesium. Yogurt contains beneficial live bacteria, such as Lactobacillus Bulgaricus and Streptococcus Thermophilus that are beneficial to humans. These friendly bacteria improve immunity, help restore balance in the intestinal bacterial population and also strengthening its defenses against infection and disease, which delays aging, and leads to improved health, energy and wellness.

Other health benefits of yogurt include building strong bones, providing protection against colon cancer and fighting yeast infections.

Yogurt is also an anti aging food and is extremely beneficial for our skin. It contains anti-fungal properties. Elderly people suffer a lot from skin infections such as eczema, psoriasis and yeast infections. Regular application of yogurt on the affected sites can cure skin infections permanently. It also makes our skin well-hydrated and looks bright. Yogurt is a hot favorite with those who want to defy aging.

Gradual decline of immunity is a natural thing with age.  However, by taking yogurt as an anti aging food regularly, this effect is reduced dramatically.  Hence, consumption of yogurt is highly recommended as an effective way to beat the aging process.

Left Brains Right Brains

American neurobiologist and Nobel Prize winner in Science Roger Wolcott Sperry performed an outstanding research concerning the lateralization of the left brain and right brain. The finding of the left brain and right brain functions helps individuals comprehend their unique abilities and mental aptitude. Understanding the dominance of the left brain and right brain enables people to further enhance and nurture them.

The dominance of left brain and right brain is not related to genetics. There are myths associated with left brain and right brain functions such as gender, intelligence and handedness. The functions of the left brain administer logic, speech, strategies, sequence, language and analysis distinguishing letters, words and numbers. On the contrary, the right brain handles more on spatial recognition, artistry, context and patterns. The right brain acknowledges objects, faces and places. The right brain and left brain each have distinctive roles; problem solvers, science experts and math whiz utilize left brain functions while risk takers, artists and philosophers employ right brain functioning. There are popular right brains such as physicist Albert Einstein and American virologist Jonas Salk. Salk instituted the creative center for children wherein he demonstrated right brain thinking.

The importance of recognizing the left brain and right brain assists the individuals to utilize certain approaches in order to maximize one’s comprehension on a particular subject. If a person is going through spatial difficulties then most probably there is damage to the right brain. Another good case in point is when persons experienced left brain damage then most likely they will experience aphasia or difficulty in finding the right words, struggle conversing with people or trouble understanding fast speech especially from radio news.

There are several approaches in nurturing the left brain and right brain to action. To enhance the performance of the right brain, try to imagine and make a draft of what’s on your mind.  Mind mapping is a great means of studying and memory enhancing. There are available software tools for mind maps which may be utilized for synergy work, creativity, problem solving and outline sketching.

Random body movements such as juggling and arms swinging are another simple and enjoyable way of nurturing the left brain and right brain. A serious sport like gold enables the use of the left brain for planning and right brain for spatial recognition. Enhancement of both hemispheres may also be done through gardening wherein spatial recognition and logical thinking are being employed.

A pretty difficult left brain enhancer is checkbook balancing and answering crossword puzzles. Furthermore, attending social parties or debates is a superb way to rouse one’s logic, words and thinking capacity. Conversing and disputing with intelligent people enhances one’s logical skills. Altering one’s routine such as sleeping on the left side of the bed or playing RPG video games may help in brain enhancement.  Playing mind games such as Taboo and Millionaire’s game would be a creative way to enhance both hemispheres. Spelling and math exercises would be excellent brain enhancers.

Individuals are endowed with dominance of either the left or right brain. Right-brained people are proficient in dancing, music, painting and usually deals with emotions. Left brained people are great thinkers and mathematicians.

Laser Plastic Surgery

The popularity of laser plastic surgery and cosmetic enhancements particularly botox, fillers, liposuction and mesotherapy shoot up every year. Modern technology has made colossal progress in seeking better health and perfecting the aesthetics of people. Television programs such as The Swan, Dr. 90210, and Extreme Makeover and movies like Faceoff and Nottinghill have even amplified the reputation of laser plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures in showing what our latest technology could do to us, so confidence is uplifted.

Laser plastic surgery used for the hair removal is beneficial to an individual who desires to eradicate excessive hair on their face, legs, chin, and toes or even in their fingers due to influencing factors triggering the hair to grow extremely. This problem is caused by a male hormone so if a woman has a higher androgen level most likely she will have more hair compared to other women who have normal level of androgen. Laser plastic surgery offers the longest span of time for the unwanted hair to regrow, compared to plucking or hot waxing. Laser plastic surgery for hair removal is not for everybody though. One who wishes to have laser plastic surgery should always find out more information on the doctor and technician who will perform the laser plastic surgery procedure.

Laser plastic surgery is designed for beauty enhancement of those who wish to add a little or more to give an emphasis on their assets. Through laser plastic surgery, a procedure to have a breast lift will help take away the excessive skin that contributed to the breast to sag. A patient should take note of the risks if one would want to undergo the breast lift procedure through laser plastic surgery and these are skin loss, scarring from the treatment and infection that may lead to lose the sensitivity in breast or nipples. The procedure in laser plastic surgery for a breast lift usually takes two hours up to three hours and may be done with local anesthesia.

People who would want to look like a model or consider having a lip augmentation to obtain fuller lips just like Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson or Eddie Redmayn can also opt for a laser plastic surgery procedure. There are types of technique in having the laser plastic surgery for lip augmentation and one of which is Collagen or the patient’s own fat that is going to be injected to them.

Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty is the answer for men and women who have unwanted stomach fat. Laser plastic surgery also includes this body procedure to help people ranging from different ages who would like to wear sexy clothes or even make themselves look healthier. In laser plastic surgery, the fat that is visible in a person as love handles could be removed and help the tummy tighten. Just like any other laser plastic procedures, it also has a risk involved that a patient should know before deciding to undergo the laser plastic surgery for tummy tuck. The risks include infection and fluid build-up. The healing period will range from 1 month or more and the fading and scarring caused by the laser plastic surgery will be 3 months or even up to two years.

Laser plastic surgery is beneficial in helping people solve issues relating to appearance and gaining their confidence back.

Confidence Boosters block off Dreary and Stressful Living

Success and inspirations are trees of confidence boosters. People, in general, rely on their knowledge and experience to feel more confident. They feel more competent in what they know and do best. Hence, most people are stuck in the same routine to doing things over and over again and do not dare to explore uncharted grounds. They remain in their job positions for a long time because they have not acquired any confidence boosters to move out from that comfort zone. Confidence boosters are vital for people who stay inside their shells and could not withstand unfamiliar grounds. Fear and pessimism act as shackles to confidence boosters.

Looking smart and fashionable is also a form of confidence booster. The spray of cologne, well-pressed tailored clothing, sporting a new haircut, wearing shiny shoes and dressing in your very best, act and serve as effective confidence boosters. Putting much effort in one’s outside appearance adds as a confidence booster.

To reiterate, looking your best and feeling gorgeous are good confidence boosters. This type of emotion is a must for people of all ages. Fashion magazines and printed publications are valuable foundations of encouragement. Wearing clothing that fits and sporting the latest hair color that highly complement with one’s skin complexion appear as confidence boosters. Happiness and contentment are the benefits of having much confidence and making stress crouch down your life.

Drawing in positive thinking and possessing a growth mindset are excellent confidence boosters too. Preparedness and eagerness to play against life’s trials and issues help us keep our confidence at a high level. A person’s buoyancy and faith to stand up after a defeat would be a good factor in enhancing one’s quality of life. Optimism in one’s feeling, actions and thinking stands in the way of diffidence and uncertainty.  For some who may not still heard of a good confidence booster that involves an attraction, then it is highly suggested to read the book of “The Secret” wherein the law of attraction is the core of all the positive things that will evolve around you. What else can you ask for in this confidence booster?

Another confidence booster is going on a public speaking training wherein your self-belief will be enhance more since one of the part of the training would be speaking in front of many people and from that experiences we may not only have uplifted our self-esteem but more so it is one of a large influences for one’s confidence booster.

Improve your posture; do not slouch or hang your shoulder down because this position portrays you to be lack of confidence. Sit up straight with stomach tucked in and chest out. In this manner, you will feel good about yourself with positive the energy flowing through. Right posture produces right gesture equals confidence booster.

There are many confidence boosters ranging from posture, positive thinking, gesture, looking good, wearing fashionable clothes and career move. Knowing in which area you need to boost confidence is a good way to get started.

Happy Food

Happy Food translates to Food that makes You HAPPY.

Recent research has confirmed that there is a link between eating certain types of foods and lifting one’s mood, with the production of some substances at a cerebral level which determine our state of mind.

So what are some of the happy food?

1) CHOCOLATES

Remember the time you were offered these when you were little? Even before you put them into your mouth to savour them, you were already feeling thrilled and happy.

Some experts believe that foods sweet and rich in carbohydrates like chocolate has disease fighting anti- oxidant and also have a calming and soothing effect; however, others, consider that the caffeine and some other substances contained in the chocolates act as stimulants. Whatever it may be, the very pleasure it gives to our palate, is sufficient to make it be considered as a top happy food.

2) ICE CREAM

It is difficult to resist rich flavoured, colourful looking ice cream. There are so many flavours to choose from, not to mention, the variety of toppings like nuts or fruits and syrups to choose from.

Ice cream is considered a happy food to many. Adults and children are always seen enjoying the cold dairy product on a hot day. Obviously, it not only makes them feel less warm but the sugar content also perks them up and gives them bursts of energy, when they are having fun outdoors. Also, milk which is a rich source of calcium, and a natural mood booster.

3) BANANA

Banana has high content in minerals, such as magnesium. Magnesium not only helps to reduce anxiety but also relax sore muscle.

Other foods which are rich in magnesium are almonds, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. These seeds are also rich in naturally serotonin that will improve your mood and leaving you energised. Serotonin is found in Prozac, a prescribed medication for depression. So, have some of these happy foods to feel your mood lifted up.

4)      RED MEAT

Most of the joyful celebration or feast would involve sumptuous dishes with red meat. It is considered to many, a happy food that they cannot do without. While there are a lot of controversies about the benefits of red meat, it does have its own sets of merits.

Red meat is a good energy source and helps to build muscles as well. Consuming 85 grams daily is to sufficient to raise iron intake. Iron deficiency leads to constant fatigue and weakness.

Vitamin B12 can be obtained from the animal protein. It is essential in the production of red blood cells and vital for preventing dementia. Zinc, which is also found in it, is important for wound healing.

5) CHAMPAGNE & WINE

Alcohol is often used as a quick fix to having a fun session. However, many studies have established that over consumption in alcohol can be a devastating depressant.

However, a drink a day, especially red wine, could be beneficial to the heart. The beneficial compounds in wine include antioxidants, polyphenols and flavonoids.

Champagne is a form of sparkling wine and is produced originally within the Champagne region in France, and hence its name. Some researches show that moderate consumption of Champagne can help to prevent deterioration of brain cells. Its health benefits are trace minerals such as zinc, magnesium, potassium and lithium (a mood regulator). It’s no wonder the bubbly drink makes us merry.

People become intoxicated and feel high- spirited more quickly on Champagne as alcohol is more rapidly absorbed when mixed with carbonated water. Perhaps that is one of the many reasons why Champagne is often used to celebrate a happy occasion due to this.

6) PASTA, BREAD & FRIES

What is the common component found in pasta, bread and fries?  The answer is carbohydrates. Often, they are viewed as a sort of “comfort food”. The components of Carbohydrates are starches, dietary fibre and sugars. Starch and sugar provide the body with energy. Without carbohydrates, our bodies will feel tired, angry and irritable easily.

Striking a balance is always the advice of many food experts- Everything in moderation. In our quest to seek out the happy foods to feel happy for the moment, we must also be mindful of whether consuming them will let us lead healthier lives. In conclusion, to help our body produce good- mood chemicals, it is best to consume foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals which benefit our body, health and well being.

How to be Happy

Good Skin

Good skin

Skin is the largest part of our organs.  It breathes through pores and absorbs good or bad things which we apply on it. Everyone desires to have good skin. Good skin is something that we have to constantly work on, and cannot be taken for granted. The reason is because everyone age and we lose their skin elasticity during our late twenties.

Hereditary Factors

Most of the time, a person’s skin is hereditary just like his or her genes. It is always beneficial to recognize the root of a problem and then find a solution or preventive measure. So, if your family has a history of not so good skin like acne prone skin or eczema, you should prepare what you can do to combat it before puberty (in the case of acne prone skin) or help your children be better prepared for it.

Acquiring adequate knowledge on how to maintain good skin and actively making every determined effort to achieve it, will ensure a higher success rate.

Recognize your skin type & using the right products

Recognize your skin type is one of the ways to start.  Is your skin type oily, dry or a combination or sensitive? Is it prone to break- outs? Is it having fine lines or developing wrinkles?

Using the right or suitable products for your skin will reap results that will be beneficial for your skin. Read the labels, get word- of- mouth feedback from regular users whom you can trust. It does not have to expensive, just effective. There are a lot of natural home remedies that have been passed down from generations that are still being circulated and used today that still gives women glowing good skin.

Getting started on a good skincare regime

Besides the basic 3 steps- wash, tone and moisturise, do remember to exfoliate weekly to achieve good skin. Dead skin produces a layer of flake and if not rid of, may not get the nutrients or moisturisers not being able to penetrate into the skin. On a worst case scenario, dirt starts accumulating and clogs the pores, causing breakouts due to lack of care.

Use a masque every week after exfoliating. Depending on your needs, if your skin is dry, use a hydrating masque. This will improve your skin condition to a certain extent.

Make sure you apply sunscreen before you step out of the house in the day time, so as to prevent sun damages and pigmentation.

Always cleanse your make up thoroughly before you go to bed regardless of how tired you are.

Remember to use appropriate anti- wrinkle cream on wrinkle prone areas like corners of eyes, laugh lines, forehead and also the neck. Do it diligently every night and your efforts will pay off in time to come.

Diet for good skin

As the saying goes “You are what you eat”. Eat lots of vegetables and fruits which are rich in fibre and in Vitamin C. They are good source of foods to lay a strong foundation for good skin. Drink lots of water as it flashes out toxin from the body.

Avoid having too much caffeinated drink like coffee and soda, alcohol consumption and fried food which are not only bad for the body but skin as well.

Besides Vitamin C, Vitamin B has a pivotal role in maintaining good and healthy skin. Vitamin B2 or riboflavin deficiency can result in brown pigmentation. These ugly spots will usually disappear if vitamin B2 is administered generously over a period of six months. Riboflavin facilitates the use of oxygen to the tissues of the skin, nails, and hair.  Nuts, cheese, milk and lean meat are sources of riboflavin, but it is also found in green leafy vegetables, fish, whole grains and yogurt. Vitamin B6 deficiency on the other hand can result in eczema. Vitamin B6 is available in eggs, chicken, carrots, fish, liver, peas and walnuts. So, it is good to consume food rich in Vitamin B.

Stress

Learn to relax and set time aside to unwind with friends or love ones. Stress is one of the underlying causes of not being able to have good skin. Many experienced irritability and have breakouts as a result. Their skin suffers and shows even though some of them do not speak out about or show their stress outwardly.

Lifestyle habits

Some of the habits you adopted like smoking and staying up late nights partying or working will affect your chances of having beautiful good skin.

Sleep is rest for the body as well as your skin. Even machines will break down if not been given sufficient rest or over- worked. It is important to embrace a healthy lifestyle such as regular exercise, sufficient sleep and healthy diet to leave your skin glowing and not lackluster or tired.

Pamper yourself and your skin once in a while, soak in a hot bath, go for a spa treatment or opt for a body scrub. These treatments will also do wonders and leave you rejuvenated and your skin radiant.

External Environment

It is important to recognize the conditions of our external environments and react to it effectively.

Change of season will affect the skin hydration level, so it is crucial to apply more moisturizer during the cold, dry winter. Apart from that, working or staying in a dusty environment will also affect skin conditions. If you are going through renovation, wear a mask and remember to cleanse your skin thoroughly daily. Prolonged exposure to sunlight also has a negative impact on skin pigmentation. To maintain good skin and protect skin from the harsh ultra violet rays, it is advisable to apply moisturizer with SPF of 30 and above or wear a hat.

The above are just some tips to be mindful about, in order to have or maintain healthy good skin.

Pampering Treats

Everyone who works hard deserves to go for pampering treats occasionally. It is beneficial to indulge in one of these small pleasures once in a while, to reward yourself for working so hard. Pampering treats do lots of wonders for the body physically and calms the soul as you rejuvenate yourself.

Pampering treats may be in the form of soaking in a luxurious milk bath with rose petals floating and feeling like Queen Cleopatra. This helps your skin to feel smooth and moisturised and you will also feel more mentally and emotionally relaxed after that.

A calming facial which gives you an instant radiance and glow afterwards can also be one of the many pampering treats women adore.  As the dead skin is exfoliated and cells on your face are renewed, you will also tend to feel more confident after the process.

To a lot of people, however, a pampering treat means a wonderful massage.  An effective massage gets rid of stress and aches, aids blood circulation and helps to relax a tensed body and mind. A lymphatic massage helps our body to expel body toxin as well as water retention. Not many people, men or women, would be able to resist a free aromatherapy massage given its extensive benefits and luxurious connotation.  After a good massage pampering treat, one can usually sleep very well as the stress are melt away, muscle  aches are relieved and body feels lighter.

A wonderful manicure, good feet scrub, pedicure and that great foot reflexology may be for some great pampering treats or the best gifts to receive. Those who work manually using their hands and whose feet are tired, would probably loved these treatments more than anything else, as their hands and feet get pampered by the professional manicurist or foot- reflexology masters.

Pampering treats are not just confined to the body. It can also be for the hair in the form of a hair spa, where the head, scalp and hair are focused on. Gently massaging the scalp and head on all focal points, it can be a very relaxing session. Your crowning glory is treated like the most important part of the body as oil are poured and rubbed into it to ensure that it absorbs the nutrients and wrapped up.

Likewise for pampering treats for the eyes, an eye treatment would concentrate on the “window to your soul”.  It promises to improve blood circulation, reduce fine lines, puffiness and revitalise tired eyes. Usually, it comprises of a collagen eye mask and massage.

Whatever pampering treats you opt for, you are discerning in rewarding your body, mind and soul from the pampering treats. Taking care of your body helps slow down the aging process and let it function better as a result. So, find time to reward yourself with a pampering treat this week.

Sense of Humor

One of the best ways to live a better or stress- free life is to have a sense of humor.

Possessing a sense of humor is to be able to see the silver-lining in every dark cloud. It is also often having the capability to provoke laughter in others.

It is important to be able to laugh at one self and not take life too seriously.  Life can be harsh and there will always be people who are critical and judgemental. Though we cannot often control our external environment, we can, however, control our attitude and mindset towards viewing and living our lives, which can then bring about a change and enhance the way we lead our lives. Possessing a sense of humor can help one in many ways, besides living a more fruitful, happier and fulfilling life.

Laughter is known as the best source of medicine and remedy. Medical research has been done on the effects of humor and laughter on our health. The benefits are tremendous and one of them is having a more resilient body. The other benefits include reducing stress, boosting our immune system, lowering blood pressure, increasing tolerance for pain, and hastening our healing process. Our body and mind are connected so our attitude and mindset determines how long we live. That is why people who have a great sense of humor and are positive, usually always make it through a difficult ordeal or medical condition whereas those who are pessimistic or gives up easily barely survive.

Children with a well-developed sense of humor are also found to be happier and more optimistic, have higher self-esteem, and can cope with problems better than those who do not possess this quality. They tend to share humor and are better liked by their friends and peers, are more adaptive to new environment and can handle the adversities of childhood from being teased at or moving to a new school.

When you are optimistic and have a good sense of humor, life will seem more manageable and fun. You will inevitably inject more joy into the lives of those surrounding you including your own. People who have a sense of humor have been known to be popular and charismatic and are often invited to parties. So, one of the benefits of having a sense of humor, would be attracting people like a magnet. Your influence will undeniably be positive and greatly benefit not only yourself but those who work and live with you.

A sense of humor can be cultivated. It’s never too late to start having a good time by sharing some jokes and have a hearty laugh with your colleagues and family. Start experiencing the change physically, emotionally, and socially today!

Vinegar Benefits

Vinegar is a solution derived from the fermentation of a wide range of bases like apple, other fruit juices, wine, beer, barley and rice. The health benefits of vinegar are wide-ranging and date back to ancient times. The ancient Babylonians embraced the benefits of vinegar and inscribed its virtues on stone tablets over 7000 years ago. Even Hippocrates, the father of medicine, used the medical benefits of vinegar for treating his patients in 400 B.C. In the Middle Ages, bands of thieves doused their skin in vinegar in order to protect themselves from germs before robbing dying or the dead.

Here are some of the benefits of vinegar:

1) Kill Bacteria and Cure Athlete’s Foot and Foot Fungus

Vinegar contains agents to help kill bacteria and fungus, so one of the medical benefits of vinegar is that it can help cure athlete’s foot and foot fungus. Soaking your feet in vinegar will change the PH levels in your skin so that fungus cannot grow.

2) Soothe Muscle and Leg Cramps

Another one of the many medical benefits of vinegar is that it can relieve muscle or leg cramps. Muscle cramps are often caused by low potassium levels in our body. Orally taking one teaspoon of vinegar will cause your potassium level to rise and alleviate pain and cramps.

3) Relieve Sunburn Pain

Vinegar can also relieve sunburn pain. You can cool down a painful sunburn by gently apply the vinegar onto the affected area. It is more effective if you do it as soon as you are back from outdoor, before the burning sensation and pain starts.

4) Restore Shiny Hair and Eliminates dandruff

Apple cider vinegar has also been known to many to make hair shiny and healthy. It improves the health of our scalp. Apple cider vinegar not only eliminates dandruff but also slow hair loss. So, it is beneficial to rinse your hair and scalp with a solution of raw apple cider vinegar and water at least once a week.

Now that you are aware of the various medical benefits of vinegar, you will start to look at a bottle of vinegar differently today.