Saturday 26 May 2012

Water Benefits


Overall maintenance: Water helps us in multiple ways and is a part of the cells in the body. Apart from quenching thirst, it regulates body temperature, helps to flush out waste products from the kidneys, keeps mucous membranes moist, helps in digestion, lubricates joints, maintains the viscosity of blood, and moisturises the skin.

Water helps in prevention of diseases. Water helps to prevent constipation by softening the stools and making it easy to evacuate the bowels. It helps to prevent urinary tract infection. It prevents premature wrinkling of skin by keeping the skin moist. It helps to prevent frequent infections and allergies by keeping the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, eyes, etc moist. Adequate water intake prevents dehydration and its effects.

Importance of getting daily requirement of water content through your food. Water can be taken plain in the required quantity or can be combined with fluids to maintain the hydration levels in the body. Nourishing fluids would include beverages like buttermilk, fresh lime juice, fresh fruit juice, tender coconut water, plain milk, clear soup. Some of the vegetables and fruits are high in water content and their intake helps in boosting the hydration in the body, especially in the hot summer months. Some examples are cucumber, ash gourd, watermelon, tomato and celery.

Water and weight loss. Drinking water right before a meal aids in suppressing appetite to some extent, thus, making one eat less. However, this does not contribute to weight loss directly. Weight loss takes effort and involves balanced food intake, physical activity, exercise, and so on. As far as water is concerned it has no calories and creates a false feel of fullness and might just contribute to weight loss indirectly.

The biggest take-home here is that water helps promote healthy metabolism, which in turn affects how our bodies handle energy production and fat storage. So get healthy, and drink up today!



Heat Remedies


If you have been out in the sun too long and are now dealing with the consequences, cucumber may be just what the doctor ordered. Cucumbers contain natural coolant properties, and when applied directly to the skin can help both in the reduction of pain, as well as increase the healing process of the damaged skin. For best results when treating sunburn, put some cucumber slices on it as soon as possible.


"Cucumber is one of the best cooling beauty products. It can be applied on the face, eyes and feet to reduce that heat-induced greasy feeling," says Mahima Trivedi, spa manager. To get rid of your tan, use a cucumber face pack, this acts like a natural bleach.
 
For oily skin 
- Even if your skin is very oily in summer, don't discontinue the use of sunscreen. Use a gel-based sunscreen instead of your regular cream-based sunblock.
- Apply fresh, cooled cucumber paste to the skin and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Wash your face at least two to three times a day.
- Use a scrub once in 10 days, depending on the sensitivity of your skin.
- Aloe vera gel is also an excellent coolant and moisturiser for oily skin.
 
If you get a tan
- Rub your face with ice cubes to close your pores to reduce breakouts. Ice also soothes burnt skin.
- Cool your palms by lightly rubbing them with ice cubes. Lightly massage skin with a gel (combination to oily skin) or cream (dry to normal skin).




Use a mixture of honey, rosewater and lemon to get rid of a tan.
- A face pack of unboiled milk, turmeric and some lemon juice is effective for the face. You can also blend gram flour, lime juice and some curd to make a face pack.
- You can make herbal sunscreen at home by mixing sesame oil, almond oil and olive oil.

Secrets to Beauty


Secret 1 
Drink water: Thinking it's no secret? Well, forget about the eight glass rule. Make sure you drink just enough that you don't feel thirsty. Says freelancer Prachi, "My skin gets all flaky and dry if I am not well hydrated."

Secret 2 
Sunscreen is a must: Sunscreen is a guarantee for youthful skin. UV rays is the most common source of skin cancer and ageing. Be it rains or sunshine, make sure your skin is nicely smothered with sunscreen- and you know the rule- apply it 15 minutes prior to walking out so the body absorbs it properly.

Secret 3 
Moisturise: Make sure you have a moisturizing body lotion that includes a self-tanner. It helps you hide spider veins on your legs and give a slimming effect all over.

Secret 4 
Hands and neck are important too: Treat your hands and neck like your face. Wash, cleanse and moisturise. Apply suitable creams and rub it nicely on your neck and hands to make sure they glow as much as your facial skin.

Secret 5 
Exercise! If you want glow on your face, facials are not the only option. Workouts help improve blood circulation and oxygen capacity. So hit the treadmill and enjoy the healthy glow!

Secret 6 
Eat right: Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Stress a lot on vitamin A, C and E and they help deal with skin issues. Applying antioxidants on the skin also help...

Secret 7 
Feel good: Do things that make you feel great about yourself. If you look happy you will automatically feel the glow. So smile and stay cheerful!