Sweet potatoes: A beauty food with health benefits

Apart from being flavourful, sweet potatoes can boost your health and enhance your beauty too! Here are some amazing health benefits of sweet potatoes:

Great source of vitamins:

Vitamin A: Sweet potatoes provide you with vitamin A which aids in improving your eyesight, neurological function and also provides you with a healthy skin. The vitamin is also an antioxidant which combats various types of cancers.

Vitamin C: It helps in boosting our immune system and helps fight cardiovascular diseases, prenatal health problems. It also keeps wrinkles at bay and maintains skin elasticity.

Vitamin E: This vitamin is great for hair growth, balancing cholesterol, also helps in developing growth and development during prgnancy, repairing damaged skin, it is anti-inflammatory and helps in slowing down the ageing process.

Curbs dark circles, puffed eyes and provides skincare:

Place slices of sweet potatoes over your eyes and relax, it can help in removing dark circles and puffiness from your eyes. It also has properties that can help in healing cracked heels and dry skin, all you need to do it soak your feet in the nutrient-rich water in which sweet potatoes have been boiled.

You can store that water in a container, cool it down and even use it as a skin toner. It can help in removing impurities from your skin and soothe irritated skin.

Keeps dry skin at bay:

Sweet potatoes can help those who have dry skin. Just boil sweet potato, add a tablespoon of oats and yogurt, blend it into a coarse paste and use it like a scrub, it will help in removing dead cells. Rinse with lukewarm water once done with scrubbing, apply a moisturiser after that.

Natural anti-ageing remedy:

Sweet potatoes are found to be natural anti-ageing remedy. Boil a sweet potato till it softens, peel its skin, add a tablespoon of honey, milk, ginger juice and blend it till it turns into a smooth paste. Clean your face and neck area and apply the paste for 20-25 minutes. It will rejuvenate your skin and hydrate it, and prevent premature ageing.

Keeps oily skin away:

Smash boiled sweet potatoes, add honey and lemon juice to it and apply it on your face, leave it for 20-30 minutes and rinse it with water. It will take care of your oily skin by removing the excess oil naturally.

Fights hair dryness:

Apply a blend of sweet potatoes with a cup of yogurt, a tablespoon of honey and coconut oil on dry hair and scalp, leave it for 15 minutes and wash your hair. This will make your hair smooth and nourished and keep dryness away.

10 Amazing Bedtime Drinks That Help Burn Fat & Lose Weight

You must have been struggling very hard to get that perfect figure, going to the gym, undergoing strenuous workout session and what not. But did you know that by merely having a few homemade drinks during bedtime you can burn down the excess fat stored in your body?

By referring to drinks, many of us think about the dietary weight loss supplements which are readily available in the market.

Although they come in well-designed packets with an assurance of no negative effect, such drinks might have possible chance to wreak major hormonal changes in the body.

So it is always best to opt for natural remedies. Not only the natural drinks will help you lose the fat from your body but these are also rich sources of essential vitamins and nutrients, which after entering the body can be beneficial in replenishing the deficiencies in the body.

So these drinks have multi-purpose value and are extremely useful for having a perfect shape and healthy lifestyle.

Let us now look at the following bedtime drinks which will burn down the fat and make you look fab!

1. Milk:

Milk is a rich source of calcium, protein, zinc, and vitamin B. But despite such nutritive properties many of us avoid milk because of its bad taste (tasteless). Also some people are of the view that milk accelerates in weight gain, while recent studies show just the opposite. Milk contains peptide YY (PYY)-a hunger-fighting hormone, which keeps the stomach full for a longer span. So having it every night reduces the sudden midnight food cravings and helps in controlling the weight by speeding up the metabolic rate.

2. Grape Juice:

Grapes are one of the loved fruit for many of us. So having a drink made of it can be equally exciting. And to add on, this grape juice will help burn down the extra fat in your body. A glass of pure grape juice contains antioxidants which converts the calorie-storing white fat into calorie-storing brown fat and induces the process of weight loss. Further having it during bedtime is imperative for sound sleep as well.

3. Chamomile Tea:

This tea is beneficial for reducing weight, treating ailments, and improving overall health. It has natural detoxifying properties which aid in flushing the toxins and reduces body weight and relieves from bloating. Chamomile tea is also helpful in curbing down appetite thereby reducing the desire to have pastries and ice cream at night! Have it warm or cold with a squeeze of lemon or sprinkled rosemary. Avoid adding sweeteners which can induce weight gain.

4. Grapefruit Juice:

A glass of grapefruit juice during bedtime reduces your level of appetite and in turn, reduces the amount of calorie intake. In this process, it helps in keeping a check on your diet, which is often the major reason for weight gain. A single serving of grapefruit contains 53 calories and 2gm of fiber, which has the potential to control your hunger until next morning.

5. Soy Protein Shake:

This is a plant-based protein shake that is a source of rich nutrients. Besides, consumption of soy protein shake during bedtime reduces hunger and induces the metabolic rate of the body. In this process, the excess fat stored in the body gets burned, and a person can have his/her desires physique.

6. Cucumber +Lemon+ Ginger Juice:

One of the most effective drinks that aids in the process of weight loss is a mixture of cucumber along with lemon and ginger. Needless to say that these three ingredients help in potential weight loss and works as an appetite suppressant. All you need is 6 slices of cucumber along with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1-2 grates ginger or 1 tablespoon of ginger powder. Blend it well and have it before bedtime every day and enjoy a flat tummy.

7. Aloe Vera Juice:

Research shows that aloe vera juice has the potential to aid in proper digestion and increase the metabolism, which helps in breaking down the extra fat stored in the body. Aloe vera is a rich source of antioxidants, fiber, amino acids, vitamin A, C, and E, and has anti-inflammation and detoxifying properties which also helps in curbing down subsequent body weight.

8. Lukewarm Water+ Honey:

The benefits of having lukewarm water with honey during bedtime, range from reduced constipation, rendering flawless skin, to aiding in the process of weight loss. Water, as we know, has the detoxifying effect of flushing out the excess toxins from the body and improving digestion. With an induced metabolism, the fat stored automatically gets burned down as an individual consumes this drink. For this mixture warm 300 ml of water and add a spoonful of honey and mix well. Have it every night to see the potential effect.

9. Warm Water+ Cinnamon+ Honey:

The benefit of having warm water with honey is known to one and all. But adding a pinch of cinnamon in it can work wonders. Honey, as we know, helps in rendering flawless skin and speeds up the metabolic rate of the body. Water in itself is a detoxifying agent and cinnamon helps in stabilizing the blood sugar level. An increased blood sugar level often results in storing of fat. Cinnamon along with honey is beneficial to kill germs in the digestive tract, and this drink is an excellent appetizer as well. For this mixture add 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a cup of warm water and have it before bedtime.

10. Ginger+ Lime Tea:

Lemon and ginger is a perfect combination to initiate the weight loss process. Both these ingredients are beneficial in reducing fat and eliminating toxins from the body. So for using it together, make ginger lime tea before you go off to bed. For this tea, you need to boil a cup of water and add grated ginger to it. After 5 minutes switch off the flame and let it rest. Now add 1 tablespoon of lime in it and have this tea to promote weight loss.

So, these are some of the essential drinks which if taken on a daily basis will not only promote weight loss but will also help to kick-start a fresh morning.

Add these 3 nuts to your diet to stay slim and fit

• Almonds rank really high when it comes to the best nuts for weight loss.
• Make one feel fuller and kill that unhealthy junk food craving.
• Nuts are a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids, proteins and fibre.

Weight loss sometimes feels like a nightmare with those extra pounds bogging one down. From expensive gym memberships, yoga classes to crash dieting; people try everything under the sun to look their best. However, it is to be remembered that only a combination of a healthy diet and optimum exercise is a sure way of losing weight. And nuts come to the imgcue of all those who want to lose weight. In fact, nuts are known to enhance one’s metabolism and help in fighting the flab.

Why nuts for weight loss?

• Nuts make one feel fuller and kill that unhealthy junk food craving.
• Nuts are good for weight loss as several imgearches have pointed out that people who eat nuts more often are also inclined towards eating more fruits and veggies, thus cutting on the meat intake. This is vital for weight loss.
• The oils and fats in nuts are good for our health and especially our heart. They do not contain any bad cholesterol.
• Always eat the nuts in raw form for weight loss.
• However, it is a misnomer that all nuts are good for weight loss. The salted that are so freely available in supermarkets are actually bad for you.

Best nuts for weight loss

Almonds

Almonds rank really high when it comes to the best nuts for weight loss. Almonds are a rich source of fibre, proteins and omega 3 fatty acids and all these are needed for losing weight. In fact, according to a study that was published in the International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders, obese adults who eat more almonds have significant reduction in their weight. Almonds also help one feel full, thereby reducing the overall calorie intake.

Walnuts

Like almonds, walnuts too should be made a part of one’s daily diet for losing weight. They are a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids, protein and fibre. In fact, walnuts are especially good for the heart and they help in ridding the body of bad cholesterol.

Cashew nuts

A rich source of minerals such as zinc and phosphorus and also rich in fibre, proteins and healthy fats; cashews are essential for weight loss. Moreover, just like the other nuts, cashews too make a person feel full, thereby curbing the desire of unhealthy eating.

Avoid red meat, dairy products in winter

NEW DELHI: Dry fruits, nuts, tulsi, ginger, leafy vegetables in your meals in winter is good, but avoid red meat and control the intake of milk products, suggest experts.

Bhavishya Wadhwan, Founder at 98FIT and Neha Ranglani Nutritionist and lifestyle educator, have listed food habits not advisable for the cold season:

* Dairy products: Although milk is known as a complete food, but in winter it is better to reduce its intake. Milk causes phlegm and can thicken the phlegm already present. This makes you more uncomfortable and increases the irritation in the throat.

* Hot or cold drinks: Everybody loves hot coffee, hot tea, or hot chocolate in winters. But we need to keep in mind the amount of fat and caffeine they contain. These drinks dehydrate your body, which leads to much thicker mucus. So, it is best to avoid caffeine and opt for water or herbal fusions instead.

* Red meat: Meat and eggs are known to be the best source of protein. High protein can cause a build-up of mucus in your throat. Processed meat and high fat meat can cause problem, while fish and poultry are relatively safer. But you must choose organic meat instead of processed.

* Fried food: Deep fried food is a source of trans-fat and adds up to your total calorie consumption without giving you any actual food value. Fried food also run the risk of making your stomach upset.

* Non seasonal fruits: Whenever a particular fruit is available on off-season, don't consume them as they are not fresh. This is because it may lead to illness and health issues. Intake of more citrus fruits during winter season will boost up our body metabolism.

* Sugar: Cold weather and hot chocolate go hand in hand, but many doctors believe that too much sugar can weaken your immune system. One study found subjects who had just consumed a lot of sugar weren't able to fight off bacteria as compared to those who had mostly water.

* Alcohol: During winter, we naturally tend to drink less water and due to the dry weather, the chance of being dehydrated is high. Alcohol can be a good option to warm up your body but alcohol dehydrates the body extensively which can be most damaging during winter.

Moreover, alcohol increases your body temperature quickly which adds to the chance of getting cold during winter.

Common myths about sex

Masturbation is a way of releasing pent up sexual energy. Most people start masturbating at the time of puberty. Myths surrounding the act are that it reduces virility by making the semen less thick thereby reducing the chances of a man to bear children. This is totally untrue. Masturbation does not cause any loss of strength or virility in a person. So, masturbation does not lead to impotence, blindness, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, insanity or any other health hazards.

Men as well as women both are capable of enjoying sex equally. This myth exists because there is a basic difference between male and female sexuality. Male sexuality is body oriented. A man gets attracted to a woman's body. If he finds her body attractive, he gets interested in sex, irrespective of whether he loves her or not. Female sexuality is more heart oriented. She can be interested in having sex with a man mostly if she is in love with the person. This is the basic difference. 

Moreover, there is another difference wherein a man's sexuality is very intercourse oriented. He is very eager to have intercourse and unless intercourse happens he doesn't get satisfied. Against this, a woman does enjoy intercourse but her sexuality is very much foreplay oriented. Good foreplay is very much required for a woman to enjoy sex and ultimately to enjoy intercourse. If there is not adequate foreplay, she may not enjoy intercourse that much or she may not be able to achieve orgasm. This is the difference between male sexuality and female sexuality.

Most important fact to understand is that penile size has no correlation with your partners sexual satisfaction. The size of the penis can be very variable. The vaginal canal is about 9 cm long and only the outer one third of it has sensations. Therefore, a female partner can easily be satisfied if the penile length is 3 cm after erection.

There is no difference between the sexual pleasure experienced between men who are circumcised and those who are not, because during intercourse anyway the foreskin gets retracted and the glans penis gets exposed, which is sensitive to sexual stimulus. So, even a person without circumcision can enjoy sex as much as a person who is circumcised.

First of all the hymen may not be present since birth in some women. Moreover, even if it is present during childhood, during many athletic activities and sports activities the hymen may get ruptured. So, the absence of the hymen does not mean that a girl has lost her virginity. It is not true that during the first intercourse if a woman does not bleed or her hymen does not get ruptured, that means she was not a virgin.

Females masturbate as much as males do. However, they tend to report it less than males due to the social stigma attached to it. Also it has been observed that females tend to reduce or discontinue masturbation once they get into meaningful sexual relationships.

Abstinence has nothing to do with physical strength. On the contrary if a person has had sex he enjoys it, he get de-stressed, he becomes more capable of doing any work. The kind of exhaustion that people experience after intercourse or after ejaculation is not a loss of power. It is like at the end of any exercise you feel tired, which is perfectly physiological and normal. I absolutely do not believe that sex makes a person weaker in any manner.

Sex during pregnancy is totally safe if not otherwise advised by the doctor. Most women can have sex right until the last month of their pregnancy if they do not feel uncomfortable. It is safe to have intercourse since the baby is protected by a thick mucous plug that seals the cervix and guards against infection.

The only aphrodisiac that has a potent effect is the ‘human thought'. There are many myths about chemicals but none of them has proven to be an aphrodisiac.

Alcohol actually decreases interest and arousal. It causes more problems than it helps. It is a depressant drug and not an exciting drug.

If it is dry kissing, HIV cannot be transmitted. But if it is a deep wet kiss where body fluids or saliva get exchanged and if there are any ulcers or wounds in the mouth, there is a possibility of HIV getting transmitted.

Lifting heavy weights does not cause any problems related to sexual pleasure.

A glass of red wine can make you feel relaxed

New Delhi: If you want to feel relaxed after a hard day, drink a glass of red wine

, says a study. 

Researchers conducted an analysis included the responses of nearly 30,000 

adults aged between 18 and 34. 

Around 59 percent of the respondent's associated spirits, like vodka, gin, 

whiskey and other hard alcohols, with feelings of energy and confidence. 

And more than four out of 10 associated them with feeling sexy, showed the 

study published in the journal BMJ Open.

Spirits were, however, the least likely to be associated with feeling relaxed. 

Just 20 percent felt so. 

Red wine was the most likely to elicit this feeling (just under 53 per cent) 

followed by beer (around 50 per cent).

Drinking spirits was also more likely to draw out negative feelings than all the 

other types of alcohol. 

Nearly a third (30 per cent) of spirit drinkers associated this tipple with feelings 

of aggression compared with around 2.5 per cent of red wine drinkers.

"Understanding emotions associated with alcohol consumption is imperative to 

addressing alcohol misuse, providing insight into what emotions influence drink

 choice between different groups in the population," the researchers said.

The responses differed by gender and category of alcohol dependency.

Cigars as harmful as cigarettes, says study.

Washington DC: Some people believe cigars pose fewer health risks than 

cigarettes, but a new research suggests it isn't so.

Cigars may be just as harmful and addictive, according to Penn State 

researchers, who add that small cigars have just as much if not more nicotine 

than cigarettes.

The researchers analyzed the nicotine in smoke from popular brands of "small"

or "filtered" cigars -- cigars that are almost identical to cigarettes except they're

wrapped in leaf tobacco instead of paper. The researchers found that the level

of nicotine found in small cigar smoke is similar to or greater than cigarette 

smoke.

Researcher Reema Goel said that the study shows that nicotine is pretty high 

in this class of cigars, and future regulation that affects cigarettes should also 

affect these cigars.

John Richie said that the confusion surrounding the safety of cigars may stem 

from tobacco companies using clever tricks to get around current regulations.

"There are many misconceptions about cigars. The truth is, cigar smoke is 

inhaled and is just as harmful to the lungs," Richie said. "Tobacco companies 

use loopholes in the way these products are taxed to allow these small cigars 

to be substantially cheaper than cigarettes. They can also get around the 

regulation that says cigarettes can't be flavored, to avoid making them 

appealing to children. These small cigars come in all kinds of flavors."

The researchers compared the nicotine delivery in eight common brands of 

small cigars with two types of cigarettes commonly used in research. Nicotine 

was measured by first collecting the smoke from each cigar with a smoking 

machine in the laboratory, which "smoked" the product using two different 

methods to account for the different ways people smoke.

Using the International Organization of Standardization method (ISO), the 

machine took two-second puffs every 60 seconds, with no filter vents blocked. 

With the Canada Intense (CI) method, the machine also took two-second puffs,

but they were only 30 seconds apart, and the vents were blocked with tape. 

Nicotine was then extracted and analyzed from both groups.

The researchers found that when the ISO method was used, the mean average

nicotine delivered by the small cigars sampled was 1.24 milligrams per cigar, 

compared to 0.87 in cigarettes. Using the CI method, the mean average of 

nicotine delivered by the small cigars was 3.49 milligrams per cigar, compared 

to 2.13 in cigarettes.

The study appears in the journal Nicotine and Tobacco Research.

Dry skin in winters? Here's how you can avoid it.

New Delhi: It`s everyone`s dream to have dewy skin that tolerates the effects 

of chilly temperature and also bears all the desert like heat.

Winter weather is for sure not fun for skin. If not taken care, the winter dry skin 

can lead to cracking and bleeding. Indoor heat further adds to robbing the 

moisture from the skin and so do the calming hot showers.

With all these harsh attacks on skin, it is extremely important to indulge in the 

right skin care routine and also choose the products wisely. In order to 

efficiently do that, it is equally important to understand your skin first.

One needs to know the texture of his or her skin, whether it`s oily, dry or a 

combination skin. Once when you have understood the texture of your skin, 

you can now choose the products according to the need of your skin.

We often go by the fragrances or the texture of the products while purchasing 

them, but the content in it is what actually matters.

Dr. Rohit Batra Dermatologist, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital said, "I

f someone has an oily skin, gel based moisturisers are best to be used; 

wherein a cream based moisturiser or a cream based lotion should be used by 

the ones having dry skin.

"When asked for suggestions for choosing the correct formula for skin, 

Dr. Batra added, "People with dry skin need to select products having liquid 

paraffin, sheer butter and coco butter and for someone who has an allergy 

prone skin should opt for moisturiser containing ceramides.

People with combination skin should go for oil based rather than water based 

solution, as it is more likely to help your skin retain moisturiser in winter.

"Skin care is not only restricted to superficial applications, but what one 

consumes also decides the health of your skin. Especially in winters one must 

take utmost care while selecting the right food options.

Dietitian Deepti G Dua, Mutation Diet Clinic suggests everyone to `eat like a 

King!' She said, "Winter foods have some good calories and great nutrition. 

One must consume a nutritionally rich diet or foods rich in omega 3 like fish, 

etc. One must avoid starchy and sugary foods as they not only bloat your 

stomach but also cause acne, eczema and causes wrinkles. Your winter diet 

should also contain omega 6 fatty acids and essential oils."

"It is always better to keep your body warm the natural way, so one can 

consume ample nuts, almonds and peanuts as they are warm and contain 

vitamin D and iron. You can also add seasonal leafy vegetables, citrus foods 

having vitamin C as they have anti ageing properties.

"With beautiful skin and a healthy body, you can enjoy winter love. The 

combination of a balanced and required diet, and a glowing skin will surely 

make your winters less stressful and happy.

Are eggs vegetarian or non-vegetarian? Scientists finally put an end to the debate

New Delhi: Scientists have finally given an answer to the long-standing 

question of whether eggs are vegetarian or non-vegetarian, which might put 

an end to the debate once and for all.

Well, the answer according to scientists is that eggs are very much vegetarian.

Many people have reasoned that eggs are non-vegetarian since they come 

from a hen – a living thing.

However, scientists explain that there are three parts of the egg – eggshell, 

egg yolk, and egg white. The eggwhites (albumen) only contains protein and 

the egg yolk is mostly made up of proteins, cholesterol, and fat.

The eggs that we consume on almost a daily basis do not have embryos. 

This means that the eggs probably have not developed enough to be at the 

stage where one would be eating an actual animal/bird.

Once a hen is 6-months-old, it lays eggs every one to one and a half days. 

However, it isn't necessary for the hen to mate before laying her eggs. These 

eggs are known as unfertilised eggs. The eggs that we buy from the local 

markets are also mostly unfertilised.

Baldness, premature greying may up heart disease risk in men

While diabetes mellitus, hypertension, family history of premature coronary artery disease, central obesity, higher body mass index, dyslipidaemia and smoking were predictors of coronary artery disease it was to a lesser extent than male-pattern baldness, premature greying, and obesity. 

New Delhi: A study says that men under 40 years of age who are greying 

prematurely and going bald may be at five-fold risk of developing heart disease.

The findings show that both male-pattern baldness and premature greying 

were stronger risk factors than obesity, which was associated with a four-fold 

risk of early heart disease.

While diabetes mellitus, hypertension, family history of premature coronary 

artery disease, central obesity, higher body mass index, dyslipidaemia and 

smoking were predictors of coronary artery disease it was to a lesser extent 

than male-pattern baldness, premature greying, and obesity, the researchers 

said.

The young men with coronary artery disease were found with a higher 

prevalence of premature greying (50 per cent versus 30 per cent) and 

male-pattern baldness (49 per cent versus 27 per cent) compared to people 

without the condition. 

"Premature greying and androgenic alopecia (male-pattern baldness) correlate

well with vascular age irrespective of chronological age and are plausible risk 

factors for coronary artery disease," said Sachin Patil, from the UN Mehta 

Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre in Gujarat.

For the study, presented at the 69th Annual Conference of the Cardiological 

Society of India (CSI) in Kolkata, the team included 790 men aged less than 40

years with coronary artery disease and 1,270 age-matched healthy men who 

acted as a control group.

After adjusting for age and other cardiovascular risk factors, male-pattern 

baldness was associated with a 5.6 times greater risk of coronary artery 

disease and premature greying was associated with a 5.3 times greater risk.

Male-pattern baldness and premature greying were the strongest predictors of

coronary artery disease in men followed by obesity, which was associated with

a 4.1 times greater risk.