Showing posts with label antioxidants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label antioxidants. Show all posts

Friday, May 17, 2013

Tips for a Healthy Skin


The human skin grows from the inside out. We spend lots of time and money to nourish and care from the outside skin. But, all this will be in vain if we do not care, protect and nourish the skin from the inside.
Here is how:
Drink enough water
Water is most vital for a clear and healthy skin. Water hydrates and cleanses it from the inside. Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, preferably purified water. Remember, hydrated skin looks plump, healthy and glowing.
Eat fresh vegetables and fruit
Vegetables and fruit are very good for your skin, providing essential phytonutrients.
Make sure you get sufficient essential fatty acids
The body needs fat. Without it the skin will look dull and lifeless. Good-quality fats like the omega fats are the building blocks for healthy cells. Therefore, make sure you include these good fats in your diet. Good sources are fish, nuts, seeds and cold-pressed oils.
Limit refined carbohydrates
Excess sugar and refined foods, such as cakes, biscuits, and confectionery are not good for your skin and can even slow the whole body’s healing system. Limit your intake and make sure you include good sources of protein to help balance blood-sugar levels that can lead to sweet cravings.
Get enough exercise
A good workout, even if it is just a brisk walk, will make you sweat to eliminate toxins from the skin. The increased blood flow will also bring nourishment out into the skin and encourages your skin to breathe. This will give your skin a healthy glow.
Take an antioxidant
The modern world we live in exposes our bodies to pollution, excessive radiation exposure, like computers, inadequate diets, overworking, etc. Therefore, it is imperative to supply your body with optimal nutrition by taking a good quality antioxidant that supplies natural vitamins and minerals at optimal levels.
Manage your stress levels
Stress is part of life - you cannot get away from it. However, when stress turns to anxiety and worry, it starts to affect your health and skin. When you are under excess stress this affects your hormonal system, which often triggers skin problems and sensitivities, as well as lowering your immune system. Strain and worry is also worn on your face, so, the best is to relax. Take time out, relax and nurture yourself.
Get enough sleep
Sleep in very important for good health. Sleep is nature’s way to repair damaged tissues and during the sleep cycle there is a surge of your growth hormone, which stimulates cell renewal. Therefore, make sure you get enough sleep; at least 7 to 8 hours per night.
Recipes 101
Freelance Writer

Saturday, May 4, 2013

What are Free Radicals and Antioxidants?




As the body’s cells use oxygen to produce energy, some highly unstable molecules known as free radicals are produced.

These are molecules or atoms with missing electrons. These molecules rush around grabbing electrons from other molecules to stabilize themselves, in the process creating new free radicals. An electron-grabbing chain reaction starts that damages tissues and contributes to ageing and degenerative disease.

The good guys who put a stop to this are the antioxidants, among which are vitamins E, C and beta carotene. They seek out the free radicals and inactive them - becoming inactive themselves in the process. This is why a regular supply of antioxidants is needed, and the best way of ensuring this to eat a natural unrefined plant food diet.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Why is Chocolate so Popular?



Chocolate equals love. It is thought of as a romantic gift. For women especially, it is associated with love and romance. Chocolate makes them feel loved and special.

It tastes great as it melts in your mouth. Chocolate lovers often describe this melting feeling as a moment of true of ecstasy. It is the cocoa butter in chocolate that gives it the rich and creamy texture that we love so much.

Chocolate makes us feel good. Chocolate contains phenylalanine, the same chemical that is released in the brain when we fall in love. Eating chocolate can give some people a natural "high" which is often related to the feeling of being in love.

Chocolate is good for you. Recent studies show that chocolate, especially dark chocolate, contains chemicals that can lower the risk of cancer and heart disease. The antioxidants in dark chocolate have shown to make a difference in cardiovascular health.

Chocolate is great for your sex life. It is believed that chocolate is an aphrodisiac. Chocolate makes us feel good, which in turn makes for a healthy sex life. 

It is important to remember not to overindulge in chocolate. It does contain high amounts of saturated fats and sugars that can cause obesity if you eat too much. However, when eaten in moderation, chocolate should not do any harm. It is hard to find anyone who does not like some kind of chocolate.