Be active always

Be active always

To live and enjoy your life fully, you need to be physically and mentally active. Yes, we all are actively living our life, doing our things, and finishing our tasks on time. But, it is equally important for everyone to be moving their hands and limbs and doing some or other activity always.

 To take out time from the daily rigours of life and working on your mind and body is the key. In fact, staying active sometimes can be quite an eye-opener. You begin to find out how strong or weak your body is. How fast or slow your limbs move or how long it takes you to solve a puzzle.

Why you need to be active

1.    Young or old everyone needs a strong heart and strong muscles to use oxygen efficiently. If you are fit and your muscles are strong, you will feel less breathlessness doing everyday work like climbing stairs, doing household work or even walking.

2.    Being active can improve your brain health, and keep your mind sharp and active. An active mind and body can make anyone lead a blissful life.

3.    You can help manage your weight, reduce the risk of diseases, make your bones and muscles strong, and improve your ability to do everyday activities with ease if you are active.

4.    The daily activity you do can have immediate and long-term health benefits the most important one is that regular activity can improve your quality of life.

5.    Indulging in physical and mental activity helps improve your mood and removes the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

6.    As you age the absence of activeness in life, declines the ability to think, learn and make decisions. If you stay active you can delay and manage your old age well.

7.    Physical activity prevents or delays diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, or osteoporosis.

 How to be physically active every day

If you are a kid, who likes to play, jump, run, dance and cycle around then you are having a sufficient amount of activity time at your disposal. But, if most of your time passes sitting in front of your television, or study desk or playing mobile games then you need to change your daily routine and start to become physically active.

If you are a young adult, you need to devote at least 150 minutes of the week or 30 minutes per day to physical activity. Depending on your age, body type, strength and fitness level, you need to push yourself daily to be active.

This will ensure your vitals function at their best. You will find yourself happy and bouncing with energy.

If you are an elderly then it is essential that you make physical activity an important part of your daily routine. Older adults should be as active as possible and realize that exercise can help them live a longer and healthier life. For older individuals exercise helps them to prevent injury, improve strength, improve balance, provide energy and prevent falls.

It is safe for most adults over 65 years old to exercise. Even most patients who have chronic illnesses can exercise safely. These illnesses include heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and arthritis. Many of these conditions are improved with exercise. If you are not sure if exercise is safe for you or if you are currently inactive, ask your doctor.

Best ways to stay active.

1.    Start doing aerobics activities, such as brisk walking, swimming or dancing, which will raise your heart rate and improve the circulation of oxygen around the body.

2.    Include activities to improve muscles and bone strength, such as climbing stairs, carrying shopping or children, waka ama or digging in the garden.

3.    Sit less, move more, especially for long periods, at your computer or in front of the TV. Break up sitting and move for at least a few minutes every hour, preferably more.

4.    Jogging, biking faster than 16km per hour, dance, aerobics, fast lap and swimming is the best way to stay active.

5.    Young people can do muscle-strengthening activities for all 5 major muscle groups (arms, legs, chest, abdominals, and back).

6. Taking breaks from a long period of sitting should be the mantra.

7.    Move as much as possible during the day, walk, take the stairs, and do housework to raise your heart rate. Look for challenges and have fun walks or runs. . Taking the stairs has significant cardiovascular benefits and can burn more calories than jogging.

8.    Tracking your steps with a fitness tracker, smartwatch, smartphone or pedometer is an easy way to ensure you’re getting enough activity in each day. Start by tracking your steps for one day, then try to slowly improve that number until you’re walking at least 10,000 steps every day.

How to stay mentally active every day

Forgetfulness is something which we generally experience when we are not careful to listen to things properly. It is also related to the ability of our brain to remember things as the ageing process starts.

Ageing also has an impact on concentration and attention span. But the ageing of the brain can be improved and delayed by keeping yourself mentally active. Deterioration and age-related memory problems will occur but keeping yourself mentally and physically fit and active will definitely make you feel better. You can take measures like-

Healthy food

Fatty fish, yoghurt, eggs, dark chocolates, blueberries, pumpkin seeds and nuts are some of the food to boost your brain health. Stop taking cakes, pasta, sugary food and sugary drink as they are bad for brain health.

Regular exercise

Keep yourself active and do regular exercise or jogging, walking or aerobics to keep your brain healthy. Exercise for half an hour at least three times a week.

Mind workout

For a mind workout, you can try these:

1.    Take time out to enjoy a daily puzzle or the crossword.

2.    Use the option of mental arithmetic rather than using the calculator.

3.    Make a habit of reading more – perhaps by joining or starting a book club.

4.    Play mind-stretching games, like bingo, bridge, chess or computer games.

5.    Stay socially active and join a local music or dance group or start a gardening club.

6.    Learn to knit or embroider, even gardening is good for the brain.

7.    Join a course whether it is a day or evening class, and make your mind intellectually stimulated.

8.    Plan to go out with your friends – enjoy movie time, theatre and galleries.

9.    Meditation will calm your mind and keep stress and anxiety away.

Importance of staying active in later life.

 Staying active can always help in later life. It lowers your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. Staying active also improves your strength and balance so you can prevent injuries and stay independent. It lowers your aches and pain and you can really feel good.

As you grow older regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health.  It also helps your muscles grow stronger so you can keep doing your day-to-day activities without becoming dependent on others.

 Taking care of your physical and mental health requires you to stay active. It also involves besides staying active, making healthy food choices, getting enough sleep, limiting your alcohol intake, and proactively managing your health care. Small changes in each of these areas can go a long way to supporting healthy ageing.

Amazing Green Vegetables

Green vegetables

We have been made to eat green vegetables by our elders since childhood. We are told they are beneficial for us. We were told that vegetables are an amazing source of nutrients and fibre. This information is passed to the generations onward. Many inquisitive kids always asked their parents about this staunch belief in veggies. But it is not just belief but fact based on science. Let’s go through the amazing world of green vegetables and find out more about them.

Although green vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals and fibres, they are low in calories too. Making them part of our diet can offer numerous health benefits including reduced risk of obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, mental illnesses and cancer.

Popular green vegetables

Nature has gifted us with a wide range of green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, mustard greens, broccoli, cabbage, coriander leaves, fenugreek leaves, moringa leaves, amaranth leaves, etc. They are available for consumption in various forms. You can relish the different flavours of these leafy vegetables as they can be consumed in different ways. Some of the popular green vegetables are:

Spinach

The most powerful health benefit of spinach also called ‘palak’ is that it helps stabilise your blood glucose levels, helps in reducing your risk of developing cancer and is good for bone health. One vegetable with so many health benefits is amazing and so are its uses for the human body. Adding this green to your healthy diet will benefit your health in multiple ways.

Spinach helps in controlling diabetes. It has a low glycemic index (GI), thus it does not cause a spike in your blood sugar levels. Spinach also has a high source of antioxidants zeaxanthin and carotenoids that can flush out the free radicals from your body. These free radicals make your body prone to many diseases including cancer and as a result, spinach is said to prevent cancer. 

Lettuce

Lettuce is most often used for salads, although it is also seen in other kinds of food, such as soups, sandwiches and wraps. In fact, lettuce is a source of vitamin K, which helps strengthen bones. Water makes up over 95% of raw lettuce so it is zero calorie vegetable and helps in weight management. Lettuce is a source of vitamin A, which plays a role in eye health. Extracts of multiple lettuce types have also been shown to promote sleep.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable that may enhance your health in many ways. It helps in your health management by controlling blood sugar levels, boosting immunity and promoting heart health. However, keep in mind that good health doesn't come from any single food. Your diet needs to be balanced and must be physically active.

Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable. One to two servings of broccoli per week is required as part of a healthy diet. It helps to normalize bowel movements, lower cholesterol levels, control blood sugar and aid in achieving a healthy weight. Broccoli is known as a superfood. It is low in calories but contains a wealth of nutrients and antioxidants that support many aspects of human health.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek or methi leaves are used to treat indigestion, gastritis and constipation. In addition, it is effective in managing cholesterol, liver disorders, and reproductive disorders. It also helps in bone, skin and hair health.  

Fenugreek leaves help with blood sugar and raw fenugreek leaves have a low glycaemic index too. The main ingredients that help in maintaining blood sugar levels are phytochemical components and essential nutrients such as trigonelline, yamogenin, chlorine, calcium, copper, potassium, manganese, iron, zinc, and magnesium.

One cup of methi contains 13 calories so it is a good low-calorie food. It is enriched with antioxidants like vitamin C and beta carotene and helps the body’s immune system to fight illness.

 Fenugreek leaves contain vitamin K which is good for bone metabolism. Bone metabolism involves the continuous removal of old bone cells and the generation of new bone cells. Vitamin K prevents the loss of bone density and stops the onset of osteoporosis.

 

Green beans

Green beans are high in vitamin K. They also contain calcium which is important for maintaining strong, healthy bones and reducing your risk of fractures. It is a great source of folate and B vitamin, which is important for reducing depression.

Green beans are potent sources of vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K. They are also great sources of fibre and folic acid. Green beans are full of antioxidants to reduce illness and cell damage, including vitamin C.

Beans are one of the healthiest foods you can consume, they are specifically great for belly fat loss as they are rich in soluble fibre, which fights inflammation that cause belly fat accumulation.

Coriander

Coriander leaves are full of vitamin K, which plays an important role in helping your blood clot. Vitamin K also helps your bones repair themselves, helping prevent problems like osteoporosis. Additionally, evidence points to vitamin K helping lower your risk of heart disease.

Coriander is full of antioxidants which are important for fighting free radicals in your body. Free radicals are loose oxygen molecules that can damage your cells, potentially causing cancer, heart disease, and more. The antioxidants in coriander help remove free radicals from your body, reducing your risk of certain cancers and even decreasing signs of ageing.

Moringa

Moringa or “sahjan” leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 and Folate. These leaves have 7 times more vitamin C than oranges and 15 times more potassium than bananas. It also has calcium, protein, iron, and amino acids, which help your body heal and build muscle.

 It's also packed with antioxidants, substances that can protect cells from damage and may boost your immune system. They are also rich in magnesium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. Moringa leaves control cholesterol level, lowers blood sugar, protects the liver and are full of antioxidants.

Mustard

Mustard greens or “sarson” support liver health due to their anti-inflammatory effects and because they're high in plant chlorophyll, which is beneficial for detoxification. Frequent consumption of vegetables from the Brassica family helps stimulate the immune system, prevents oxidative stress, and induces detoxification enzymes. As a result, they can help boost the immune system, maintain eyesight, enhance bone density, improve heart health, and potentially fight cancer. They also possess a distinct ability to neutralize heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides that are in your body.

Collards

Collard greens or “haak” frequently grown in Jammu and Kashmir are an excellent source of vitamins. Collards contain vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium, a rich source of vitamin K, and a good source of iron, vitamin B-6, and magnesium.

 Because of their sulfur-containing compounds, collard greens are natural liver cleansers. The vitamin C in collard greens has antioxidant properties that help fight damage to the body. Collard greens cover up to 100 per cent of the daily recommended value of vitamin K.

Regular consumption of collard greens can be beneficial in fighting off diseases, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Collard greens are a good source of iron because they contain 0.5mg of iron per 100g. The folate present in collard greens helps the body absorb iron and build more red blood cells.

The benefits of green vegetables

Low in calories

One of the biggest benefits of consuming leafy green vegetables is that they are extremely low in calories. Green vegetables are dense in nutrients. That is why they are preferred in a weight loss diet.

Green vegetables are a brilliant source of natural fibre. They help in digestion and slow the rate at which your body absorbs sugar. This prevents the sharp rise in blood glucose. Spinach and other leafy green vegetables like kale, lettuce, etc. are great for burning belly fat and are very nutritious as well. 

Good source of Macronutrient

Green vegetables are important sources of many nutrients, including potassium, dietary fibre, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin C. While leafy green vegetables are a popular source of vitamins and minerals (micronutrients), many of them even have sufficient quantities of macronutrients as well. Some leafy green vegetables have complex carbohydrates, fibre, protein, and even minute traces of fat. For example, spinach being a classic dark green leafy vegetable provides 1 g of carbohydrate and 1 g of protein in each cup of serving.

Disease prevention

Leafy green vegetables are full of vitamins and minerals that are needed to boost the immune system. A diet rich in vegetables and fruits can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. They also prevent some types of cancer and lower the risk of eye and digestive problems. Green vegetables positively affect blood sugar, which can help keep appetite in check. They maintain a healthy body and prevent certain diseases as well for example, mineral deficiencies like iron deficiency (anaemia), poor eyesight, weight troubles, signs of ageing, poor immunity, constipation, blood clotting, folate deficiency, weak bones, cancer, heart diseases, and high cholesterol.

Great source of vitamin K

Leafy green vegetables are added to a weight loss diet because they contain a nutrient known as Vitamin K. This fat-soluble vitamin is extremely helpful in stimulating weight loss. Moreover, recent research also suggests that Vitamin K can help reduce inflammation, help combat diabetes, helps reduce plaque formation in the arteries, and can even help delay the onset of bone ailments like osteoporosis. Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that helps your blood clot and your bones grow the way they should.

The high levels of vitamin K, Magnesium, and calcium in leafy greens produce osteocalcin, the bone-building component. Middle-aged women who eat over one serving of greens per day will lower their risk of hip fracture by 45%.

Protect eyes

Children who consume inadequate amounts of Vitamin A have a higher risk of going blind. Carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin) found in leafy greens are concentrated in the macular region of the retina and the lenses of the eye. A diet dominant in leafy greens protects the eyes from needing eyeglasses in kids.

 

Micronutrients

Salad greens, kale and spinach are rich in vitamins A, C, E and K, and broccoli, bok choy and mustard are also rich in many B vitamins. These vegetables also contain an abundance of carotenoids-antioxidants that protect cells and play roles in blocking the early stages of cancer.-

Green leafy vegetables are best known for being rich sources of micronutrients and this is one of the reasons most people do not add them sufficiently to their daily diet. Although micronutrients may be required in lower quantities in the body, they play a major part in helping boost the immune system and several other functions of the body. Green leafy vegetables contain essential micronutrients like beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. These can help prevent damage to the cells of your body and even enhance your eyesight.

 

The World of Essential oils

What are essential oils?

In ancient India, Egypt and Persia, scents obtained from the extract of flowers, leaves and roots of some aromatic plants were mixed with fatty oil. They were used to treat people to soothe their minds and make them relax. This kind of fragrant oil was also used in incense, massage, medicine, skincare and cosmetics

Nowadays fragrant oil is called essential oils and the therapy to treat using essential oils is called aromatherapy. Essential oils are concentrated extracts of various potentially beneficial plants. Practitioners use them in natural and alternative health practices, such as aromatherapy and naturopathy. 

Essential oils are used for many common conditions like muscle pain, skin care, insomnia, sore throat, cold and stress. The use of essential oil at home has been said to help people feel relieved from problems they were facing. Common examples of essential oils are lavender oil, chamomile oil and ginger oil.

Method of extraction

Essential oils often have a strong smell than the plants they are extracted from. This is due to the high level of active ingredients present in them. As they require a large quantity of plant matter to make essential oil. Essential oil is extracted by steam distillation and cold pressing.

·       Steam or water distillation

In this method water or hot steam is passed through the plants, taking out the essential compounds away from the plant matter.

·       Cold pressing

In this process mechanical pressing or squeezing of plant matter causes it to release essential juices or oils.

Essential oils are safe when used correctly. You need to dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin or inhaling them with steam. But never try to ingest them. Essential oils are always used with carrier oils.

Essential oils vs natural oils

Essential oils are scented liquids taken from certain plants using steam or pressure. Essential oils contain the natural chemicals that give the plant its “essence”. Essential oils are often used in aromatherapy, a form of alternative medicine that employs plant extracts to support health and well-being.

 Essential oils do not have any specific chemical properties in common, beyond conveying characteristic fragrances. Whereas, natural oils are triglycerides in which the glycerine is esterified with three fatty acids. They are the main constituent of vegetable oil and animal fats.

 Carrier oils

Carrier oils are plant-based oils, made from seeds and nuts. Some of the most common include sweet almonds, cold-pressed coconut, grapeseed, jojoba, and olive oil. Essential oils are steam distilled or extracted from aromatic leaves, flowers, and other parts of plants.

Carrier oils and essential oils both are made from plants. Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils and “carry” them to your skin. That’s because essential oils are potent and can cause irritation when applied directly to your skin.

Most carrier oils are unscented or lightly scented and don’t interfere with the therapeutic properties of essential oils. They may be used alone or with other oils to nourish your skin. Few carrier oils have a distinct odour. When added to essential oil, it may alter the aroma. Your skin can absorb some carrier oils better than others. Depending on your skin type, some carrier oils may irritate the skin or worsen a skin condition such as acne. they can be stored for longer periods without getting deteriorated.

Types of essential oils

Lavender oil,

Lavender oil is an essential oil derived from the lavender plant. It can be taken orally, applied to the skin, and breathed in through aromatherapy. This oil promotes relaxation and helps to treat anxiety, fungal infections, allergies, depression, insomnia, eczema, nausea, and menstrual cramps. The lavender oil helps cleanse your skin and lessen redness and irritation. To use this essential oil for the skin, mix 2 drops with 2 teaspoons of coconut oil. You can apply it on your wrist, palm, forehead or on your temples for instantaneous relaxation to nerves.

Peppermint oil

Peppermint essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant and is used for a number of purposes. Peppermint oil is promoted for topical use (applied to the skin) for problems like headaches, muscle aches, joint pain, and itching. In aromatherapy, peppermint oil is promoted for treating coughs and colds, reducing pain, improving mental function, and reducing stress.

 The topical application of peppermint oil is generally safe, although it is necessary to dilute it with a carrier oil like almond or jojoba oil. Inhaling steam and vapours can be helpful for easing nasal congestion from colds and other upper respiratory infections

Eucalyptus oil

It is the essential oil from the eucalyptus tree and appears in many over-the-counter cough and cold products to relieve congestion. It's one of the best essential oils for sore throats, coughs, seasonal allergies and headaches.

 Eucalyptus oil is also used in creams and ointments to relieve muscle and joint pain and in some mouthwashes. t is a natural cure for insomnia. Inhaling the oil is not dangerous, but one should be very careful in young children and babies, as it could be dangerous to expose them to high dosages of eucalyptus oil, even when inhaled. 

Chamomile oil

Chamomile oil is an essential oil that's been used for a variety of conditions, from digestive issues to wound healing. chamomile oil easily qualifies as wonderful oil to nourish the hair and scalp.  Chamomile Essential Oil is a wonder ingredient to help soothe your complexion.

 Whether it's irritation, breakouts or any other skin concerns, Chamomile Oil is a great natural remedy to calm your skin and reignite your radiance. Using chamomile on the skin brings along powerful antioxidants which help the skin to regenerate, tighten pores and slow down ageing effects in the skin. Skin lightening: Blemishes and redness can be lightened by chamomile which is sometimes referred to as natural skin bleach.

Rosemary oil

Rosemary oil has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can help you to relax. You can benefit from its pain-relieving properties by massaging the oil on the affected area. Mix 1 teaspoon of carrier oil with 5 drops of rosemary oil to create an effective rub. 

Use it for headaches, sprains, muscle soreness or pain, rheumatism or arthritis. As an oil, rosemary is known for its soothing properties, making it an ideal pick for itchy scalps or those looking to repair scalp damage. It not only smooths down the cuticle, but it heals and calms the scalp from irritation and itchiness.

sweet orange essential oils

Orange essential oil is used for various purposes like lifting mood and reducing stress and adding a fresh, orange-like aroma to a room. Orange essential oil is extremely beneficial in antimicrobial action, pain relief, and anticancer properties. The enzymes in the orange oil keep the skin clean and blemish-free. 

The orange oil has antiseptic properties that help to prevent bacteria from further spreading and leading to more acne. The sweet orange essential oil works well for all skin types: oily, dry, and combination skin. If you apply it in its concentrated form, it can cause skin burns.

Ginger essential oils

Ginger oil is an essential oil extracted from the rhizome of the ginger plant. Ginger Essential Oil facilitates the elimination of toxins, boosts digestion, eases discomforts of the stomach and bowel, enhances appetite, clears the respiratory tract, soothes aches, and reduces inflammation. As with any essential oil, ginger oil is very concentrated and shouldn't be applied to the skin undiluted. 

Ginger essential oil is high in antioxidants, and it can help prevent the signs of ageing. Use it topically to prevent free radicals that can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help boost skin elasticity and tone the skin. There are a lot of anti-inflammatory properties of ginger that can help your brain. For example, ginger increases serotonin and dopamine levels. This can reduce inflammation, which may cause depression.

How to use essential oil

The concentrated oils are extracted from the fruit, flowers, and other parts of plants. And for thousands of years, people have used them to help with stress, insomnia, and other health concerns. 

Typically, you use essential oils with aromatherapy techniques. For example, you can diffuse essential oils to inhale them. Or you can apply them directly to your skin for muscle aches.

Always dilute using a carrier oil when applying oils topically to children. Like perfume, apply oils behind the ears, on the chest or on the wrists. You can also apply oils down your spine or on the bottoms of your feet before bed. For super-fast absorption apply oils on your stomach, near your belly button

The most common way to use essential oils is to inhale them, either directly out of the bottle or by using a diffuser or humidifier. You can also dilute essential oils with a carrier oil and apply it directly to your skin. Or you can get creative and add the mixture to a body wash, shampoo, or bath.

Make your skin glow this winter

 Make your skin glow this winter

Winter is here, and also the shivering cold, so, it's time to get ready for it. Remember your struggle with dry skin every year, but this year let’s prepare to fight the dry air. No, this is not for young girls or women alone, people of all ages, colours, races and gender should feel and look good. Looking good increases self-confidence, so all of you, get ready to make your skin glow this winter.

Healthy, glowing and supple skin should be a priority for everyone. Cold wave dries the skin of all, that is why all should try to protect their skin. Not only protect but care for it to make it glow always, especially during winters.

There are a lot of cosmetic products in the market but to make your skin glow naturally, you need natural remedies based on natural products. To explore the natural products that are good for your skin, head straight towards your kitchen. You will find a treasure of natural products waiting for you.

Natural remedies based on natural products are good for your skin as they are more effective than cosmetic products and don’t have any side effects.

Natural products for skin care

1)  Banana:

This natural remedy is for dry skin types. Bananas are great for the skin as they contain potassium, vitamin A and vitamin B. If your face is too dry then you can apply mashed banana on your face as a face pack. Bananas will hydrate and moisturise your skin. Just mash the bananas add milk, honey, and lime juice to them and apply this mixture on the face.

2)  Almond Oil:

Almond oil is for all skin types. It is enriched with vitamin E and antioxidants. Almond oil is extremely beneficial for the skin as it provides the appropriate moisture and maintains a natural glow.

You can massage your face with almond oil and leave it overnight for the best results. This prevents fine lines and wrinkles. Use it on a daily basis to get more radiant and glowing skin.

You can also crush soaked almonds in milk and blend them well to form a paste. Apply on the skin and leave for 10 to 15 minutes. Then wash with cold water and pat dry. This will keep your skin fresh and glowing.

3)  Honey and egg white pack

Honey and egg are some of the best ingredients that people are using for ages. This is good for oily, acne-prone and combination skin types. This combo provides the exact moisture to the skin and the end result is soft and glowing skin. Honey is a great moisturizer and keeps the skin well-hydrated. It has great bleaching properties and hides pigmentation marks. Egg white makes the skin soft.

4) Oatmeal and milk

Oats work as an efficient anti-tanning agent and helps lighten the skin tone. Oatmeal mixed with milk or yoghurt is for all skin types. Oats are also rich in zinc which is important for fighting off pimples. Oats help to absorb the excess oil on the skin and are an essential part of acne treatments. Make a paste of some oatmeal and milk. Apply it on the face, gently rub and let it dry. Then after a few minutes rinse it off. This will remove the dead skin from your face and will make it more glowing and beautiful.

5) Curd

Curd or yoghurt is for all skin types. Actually, it can make your skin extraordinarily beautiful and glowing. You can either eat it or apply it to your skin. Curd is rich in lactic acid which is good for our skin. It moisturizes our skin and reduces wrinkles and fine lines. Curd also helps in reducing tan and dark circles. It improves skin elasticity and keeps it glowing. It can be used mixed with honey, oatmeal or gram flour.

6) Cucumber

Cucumber is best for dry, acne-prone and sensitive skin. Include cucumbers not only in your diet but also in your beauty regimen. Cucumber has the same pH level as that our skin. It helps in replenishing the skin’s protective layer and keeps the skin hydrated thus promoting glowing skin. Cucumber is the best remedy to treat any type of skin problem. It is rich in water content, you can either eat it directly or apply it on the face.

7) Coconut Oil:

Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids. It reduces inflammation and does wonders for almost all skin types. It is an excellent moisturizer, cleanser and sunscreen. It keeps our skin acne-free. It is good for dry and normal skin and acts as an excellent moisturizer, but not too good for oily skin.

8) Aloe Vera 

Aloe Vera is for all skin types. It is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that are good for our skin. Aloe Vera keeps skin glowing and soft. It also prevents acne. It helps to keep skin hydrated, improves elasticity and prevents the development of wrinkles. Aloe vera gel acts as a great moisturizer because of its non-greasy texture and can double as an aftershave too.

 9) Milk

Raw milk is good for oily, acne-prone and dry skin. It actually works as a great toner for the skin. Loaded with antioxidants and lactic acid, it helps to even out your complexion and remove dark spots on your face. You can also combine raw milk with ingredients like papaya, honey, almond, turmeric and so on to help your skin glow.

10)  Drinking Lots and Lots of Water

Hydrating your skin from within flushes out toxins from your body. Water clears out acne by balancing the oils on your face, and also helps to reduce wrinkles. It is recommended that women drink at least 1.6 litres of water a day and men drink about 2 litres. In all drinking, 7-8 glasses of water will be good for your health as well as your skin.

Good habits for Skincare

Proper Sleep

The primary activity to help you achieve that flawless look is getting regular and restful sleep. These days getting undisturbed sleep is relatively rare. Restless sleep and that too for a few hours only affects your skin negatively. When you sleep, your cells are able to flush out the toxins that are produced during the day. This ensures that you wake up with refreshed and supple skin. You require 7 – 8 hours of sleep every day for optimal brain function and improved health. This amount of sleep is also the minimum requirement for healthy skin.

Always stay hydrated,

Another important activity to keep your skin looking radiant and glowing is to stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day. Try to drink at least 2 litres of water daily, apart from other fluids like citrus fruits, juices and soups. Remember that proper hydration is essential for healthy and glowing skin. 

Exercise regularly

Any kind of regular, daily exercise or physical activity goes a long way towards boosting your skin condition. It helps you to stay fit, increases your blood circulation, boosts your heart health and helps in the proper digestion of food. It is vital for maintaining an overall healthy body. Skin is the largest and most nutrient-demanding organ in your body though it rarely receives the replenishments it requires. These activities can help you to properly take care of your skin to keep it fresh and radiant.

Diet for good skin,

• Healthy and glowing skin requires a healthy diet consisting of lots of fresh fruits and vegetables along with nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Plan your diet to get the best out of your food.
• Consume skin-friendly fruits and veggies daily. Fruits like oranges, lemons, strawberries, watermelon, tomatoes and avocadoes will be really good. Vegetables like cucumber and broccoli are also good for the skin.
• Eat enough vitamin c enriched fruits like papayas, oranges, kiwi, strawberries, broccoli, guava, sweet potatoes and blueberries to get your share of antioxidants. 
• Avoid adopting crash diet plans, diet in long term lead to sagging and loose skin, marked by wrinkles and stretch marks.
• Try having selenium in your food which is a type of antioxidant available in foods such as shellfish, eggs, Brazilian nuts and wheat germ. You can have supplements of it on doctor’s recommendation.
• Make a habit of having vitamin E in your diet from avocados, hazelnuts, pine nuts and almonds.
• Consume foods such as fish, chia seeds and walnuts for omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids which are great for the skin.
• Eat more phytoestrogens which you can find in tofu and soya, that will keep your skin young and fresh.

Habits to avoid

Use of Body Lotion on the face

Many people are in the habit of applying a single cream-based product all throughout their bodies. It is better to use face cream for the face and body lotion for the body. As all products have different applications. 

Body lotions are thicker and oilier. They are formulated for your body which also tends to sweat more and so it is more fragrant. Using body lotion as face cream can lead to breakouts or allergic reactions and can make the skin look oily. Always use a face cream that is more gentle and less fragrant. 

Use of Sugar as scrub

Sugar is generally used as a home remedy for glowing skin in various kinds of scrubs. Try never to use it on the face. This practice is best avoided as sugar particles tend to be larger and more abrasive, leading to tearing and cuts on your face. Better use gram flour or oatmeal as a scrub. 

Hot Water for washing the face

Hot water is not good for washing your hair or face. It can increase hair fall and also make the scalp dry. Similarly, hot water is not good for your skin as it can reduce natural moisture and might even cause scalding and drying of the skin. Instead, you can use lukewarm water or a steam facial to open up your pores and enhance the glow. 

Toothpaste as blackhead cleaner

Some people use toothpaste to remove blackheads as a skin hack but this is highly counter-productive as toothpaste can cause allergies. Any hack of using toothpaste on the face should be avoided as you don’t know about the chemicals used and their effect on the skin.

Soap for washing the face

Many of us use soap to wash our face as we have grown up with this logic same as using body lotion on the face, body and everywhere.

Instead, use face wash as they are formulated to be mild and only removes excess oils from your face. Soaps can be harsh and can remove natural oils from your skin. While soap is perfectly fine for cleansing the rest of your body, stick to gentle cleansers like face wash for your face only.

Baking Soda

Another skin hack to get rid of acne is the use of baking soda. But remember, baking soda can strip your skin of its pH balance which is very important to safeguard your skin from bacteria and germs. Baking soda is alkaline and the use of it on the face is not at all recommended as it can do more harm to your skin. 

Your skin needs moisturizing, nutrition and breathing. If you take care of your skin, it will take care of you and your personality. Healthy and clear skin is an asset and it is needed to be treated that way.