Your Liver Gets Damaged From Regular Consumption Of Alcohol, Eat These Super Foods That Detoxify The Liver And Give You Better Health.

Our liver is an essential part crucial to our health and well-being. But all the drinking and partying can take a toll on the body. The liver removes and purges toxins, breaks down hormones, detoxifies the blood, digests fat, and stores essential minerals and vitamins. Indeed, it is one of the hardest working organs.Because of an increasing amount of pollutants and toxins in the air and our foods, it’s all the more important to take care of the liver as it becomes harder to do the same. GREAT FOODS FOR THE LIVERALMONDSA source of vitamin E, that helps protect against fatty liver disease. Almonds – and other nuts – are great for your heart as well.

BANANASBananas are full of potassium, which makes it a staple in many diets. Bananas also help in digestion and release metals and toxins which in turn helps the liver to function better.

BLUEBERRIES Blueberries have nutrients that protect against diseases. Dark chocolate, olives, and plums also help reduce the risk of liver dysfunction.

BROCCOLI Broccoli isn’t the tastiest of foods, but it’s healthy for you. It’s one of the best veggies for the liver. 

COFFEE ,The health benefits of coffee are often debated – and there are valid points on both sides. That said, studies show that 2-3 cups per day may lower the risk of liver cancer.

GREEN TEA, Green tea is full of with catechins – an antioxidant that protects against many forms of cancer, including the liver. 

HERBS ,There are a bunch of herbs and spices to include. Cinnamon, cumin, curry powder, oregano, rosemary, and sage are all excellent for liver health. 

OATMEAL ,Oatmeal contains a heavy dose of fiber, which is terrific for keeping us feeling full. Research shows it can also help shed some extra pounds, which decreases the risk of liver disease.

RAW VEGGIES ,Raw veggies aren’t everyone’s thing; which is one reason why juicers have become so popular. Eating (or juicing) raw vegetables – including beets, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, cucumber, and leafy greens – are great for liver health.

SPINACH ,Spinach is loaded with glutathione, an antioxidant that may help keep your liver in working order. Whether you eat spinach raw or as a base for a dinner salad, your liver thanks you.

Top 10 Beauty Superfoods For Fabulous Skin, Hair & Nails

Top 10 Beauty Superfoods For Fabulous Skin, Hair & Nails

We all know that we are what we eat! So what do your hair, skin and nails say about you?

Charmaine Yabsley, the author of Naturally Beautiful shares her list of the 10 best beauty foods to have you glowing and gorgeous this year.

1. Oats for:

White spots on nails

White spots on your nails may indicate that you are lacking in vitamin E. Try adding some oats to your diet, such as porridge, to make sure you get sufficient levels.

Vitamin E provides the healthy pink color in nails, and helps to keep them healthy and strong. Oats also contain iron; a deficiency can lead to thin, brittle nails, with a concave shape.

Also try: Pine nuts, sesame seeds, cashew nuts

2. Scallops for:

Oily skin

Scallops are high in protein, yet very low in fat. They contain significant amounts of omega-3 fat, which helps to prevent heart disease and counteracts inflammation. They are also good sources of minerals, including the antioxidants selenium and zinc. If you suffer from excessively dry or oily skin, or your skin breaks out in spots on a regular basis, you could be deficient in zinc, which is vital for skin repair and renewal.

Also try: Prawns, anchovies, mussels

3. Yoghurt for:

Dry, cracked lips

If you suffer from dry, cracked lips, particularly in the colder months, it may indicate a lack of riboflavin, or vitamin B2. This deficiency can cause an inflammation of cells in the lips, causing swelling and cracks.

Eating a pot of yoghurt every day can help to maintain a healthy gut and prevent constipation. Prolonged periods of constipation can lead to spots around the mouth.

Also try: Chicken, cheese, cranberries

4. Walnuts for:

Rich hair colour

If your hair color is fading, try adding some walnuts to your diet. Walnuts contain copper, which is needed by the body to produce melanin pigments. Melanin provides hair with its color, and it also helps to thicken and add shine to hair. Eating walnuts may also assist in reversing the greying of hair. In addition, including walnuts in your diet can increase blood flow to the head and scalp, which means that your hair will grow faster.

Also try: Pulses, liver, seafood

5. Prawns for:

Soft, dewy skin

Prawns are ideal if your skin has lost some of its lustre and softness. They contain copper, vital for creating collagen and springy elastin, which form the deeper layers of the skin.

Copper also helps to absorb ultraviolet rays and creates an even, natural skin color.

Also try: Seaweed, strawberries, wholemeal bread

6. Peppers for:

Dry, flaking nails

Peppers have a high water content – one large pepper supplies the body with the equivalent of a glass of water, so peppers are particularly useful for keeping the skin and nails hydrated. Nails are composed of 16% water; when the levels fall below this amount, they become prone to brittleness, breaking and peeling. Peppers are also packed with vitamin C, which helps to boost the immune system and fight fungal infections, which can sometimes affect nails.

Also try: Herrings, garlic, black-eyed peas

7. Avocado for:

Dry skin

Avocado really is the skin saver of the food world. You can use avocados externally to moisturize dry, damaged skin, or eat them for numerous complexion benefits. Avocados contain around 30g of fat, which helps to plump out skin cells, and provides the nourishment needed to prevent dryness and wrinkles.

The monounsaturated oils can also help to reduce inflamed skin conditions, such as eczema, acne or psoriasis.

Also try: Salmon, nuts, seeds, papaya

8. Pumpkin seeds for:

Soft, shiny hair

Pumpkin seeds are not just a tasty snack; they’re also a great way to add some shine to your hair. They contain a large amount of iron, which helps to supply oxygen to the hair roots and can prevent hair loss. It will also encourage hair to grow at a much faster speed. The protein in pumpkin seeds helps to build keratin, the protective coating of hair that makes it appear shiny. And if you’re growing your hair but despair of your split ends, then the zinc will aid in strengthening the hair follicle.

Also try: Mackerel, tuna, flax seeds

9. Kiwi fruit for:

Cellulite

The “orange peel” effect affects around 95% of women. Eating kiwi fruit, which is extremely high in vitamin C, not only helps you to achieve your five a- day fruit and vegetable goal, but eating just one means you’ve achieved your recommended daily intake of vitamin C.

This vitamin is required to strengthen capillary walls, which, when ruptured, can cause skin bruising and tiny thread veins. Strong capillary walls also ensure that a good supply of oxygen and nutrients can reach the skin, helping it to appear plumper, smoother and more elastic.

Also try: Celery, berries, papaya

10. Chamomile for:

Dark eye circles

Dark circles around the eyes can be caused by a sluggish liver or kidneys, so drinking herbal tea, such as chamomile, can help to kickstart it. Chamomile is also a natural antiseptic, and can help to reduce redness of the eye and blocked tear ducts. If you’re suffering from a lack of sleep, try drinking chamomile tea before going to bed. The balerianic acid in the leaves of the chamomile plant can help you to relax. A good night’s sleep is beauty’s restorer, reducing the appearance of dark circles, and also reducing the appearance of tiredness and facial tension. These can add years, so try to get your minimum of eight hours at least once a week.

8 Classic Cold Creams to Save Your Skin This Winter

If you've ever asked a wise grandmother about her secret to youthful, smooth skin, you've probably gotten a response like: "Pond's on the face and no worries on the brain." Cold creams, such as Pond's and Noxzema, have been used to cleanse and moisturize skin for many decades — though similar creams have been popular since as early as the second century, when the Greek physician Galen developed a combination of beeswax, rosewater, and essential oils that lent a similar effect to the skin. The unique combination of fat and water in cold cream helps to moisturize, soothe, and soften skin, feeling cold to the touch but extremely refreshing when applied.

According to the 50-plus crowd and modern skin care enthusiasts alike, cold creams can be used for a plethora of purposes: moisturizing dry skin, removing makeup, softening rough patches like elbows and knees, soothing sunburns, washing the face, and even as a shaving cream. While oil-based makeup removers may cause acne flare-ups and makeup-removing wipes can tug on eyelashes, cold creams infuse moisture while completely removing even the toughest of waterproof mascaras. Cream-based products also tend to be more potent than other moisturizers during cold weather, so be sure to pick up a pot of it when your skin feels dehydrated and tight. The chilling effect of these soothing potions even helps to calm wind-chapped cheeks and lips after a walk in blustery Winter weather!

We've rounded up eight cold creams that we're sure even Grandma would swear by, so don't let Winter get the best of your skin for another second. Once you try these soothing, classic creams, you'll never go back.

If you've ever asked a wise grandmother about her secret to youthful, smooth skin, you've probably gotten a response like: "Pond's on the face and no worries on the brain." Cold creams, such as Pond's and Noxzema, have been used to cleanse and moisturize skin for many decades — though similar creams have been popular since as early as the second century, when the Greek physician Galen developed a combination of beeswax, rosewater, and essential oils that lent a similar effect to the skin. The unique combination of fat and water in cold cream helps to moisturize, soothe, and soften skin, feeling cold to the touch but extremely refreshing when applied.

According to the 50-plus crowd and modern skin care enthusiasts alike, cold creams can be used for a plethora of purposes: moisturizing dry skin, removing makeup, softening rough patches like elbows and knees, soothing sunburns, washing the face, and even as a shaving cream. While oil-based makeup removers may cause acne flare-ups and makeup-removing wipes can tug on eyelashes, cold creams infuse moisture while completely removing even the toughest of waterproof mascaras. Cream-based products also tend to be more potent than other moisturizers during cold weather, so be sure to pick up a pot of it when your skin feels dehydrated and tight. The chilling effect of these soothing potions even helps to calm wind-chapped cheeks and lips after a walk in blustery Winter weather!

We've rounded up eight cold creams that we're sure even Grandma would swear by, so don't let Winter get the best of your skin for another second. Once you try these soothing, classic creams, you'll never go back.

Noxzema Classic Clean Original Deep Cleansing Cream

Noxzema Classic Clean Original Deep Cleansing Cream ($2)

Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser

Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser ($5)

Mustela Cold Cream Nutri-Protective

Mustela Cold Cream Nutri-Protective ($13)

Eve Lom Cleanser

Eve Lom Cleanser ($50-$135)

Jergens All-Purpose Face Cream

Jergens All-Purpose Face Cream ($6)

Nivea Crème

Nivea Crème ($1)

Avène Cold Cream

Avène Cold Cream ($20)

Weleda Cold Cream

Weleda Cold Cream ($17)

Forget popcorn & soda, live healthy

BENGALURU: Cancer, not only is the reason for physical stress but also emotionally and financially drains the patient and family members. But did you know avoiding some food items can help reduce the chances of encountering the disease? We often tend to ignore the nutritional aspects of the food we love so dearly, but for a healthy body this practice is inevitable. According to the American Cancer Society, up to 35 percent of all cancers may be caused due to inappropriate diet. By 2030, globally there will be 26.4 million patients with cancer every year and 17 million deaths will occur due to cancer. Lifestyle habits like occupation, habits, diet, genetic, hygiene, stress are the ones leading to cancer. Risk of developing certain types of cancer can be reduced by simply changing eating habits.

There are various chemical and components added to the food which are carcinogenic. Some of these harmful processes such as adding of chemicals and alteration of genetics, are done in the growing stage of crops, fruits and vegetables. One must keep a close watch on these food items.
Here are the list of cancer causing food items:

Microwave popcorn
The bags used to pack microwave popcorns are creased with Perfluoroalkyls, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluoro octane sulfonate (PFOS). This is done to prevent bag from soaking the oil. According to research done before, it has been observed that PFOA has been associated with tumours in animal organs (liver, pancreas, testicles and mammary glands in rats). Increased number of prostate cancer has been observed in PFOA plant workers.

Carbonated drinks
Soft drinks contain high fructose corn syrup, sugar, dyes, brominated vegetable oil (a flame retardant), and aspartame which has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.

Farmed fish
Farmed fishes contain higher levels of chemical pollutants including Polychlorinated Biphenyls compared to wild fish.

GMOs
Genetically Modified Organisms or GMOs are food that have been
modified and grown using chemicals. Consuming this food can lead to damaged immune systems, pre-cancerous cell growths, along with shrinking brains and livers.

Canned goods
A buyer must ensure that the cans they pick in supermarket is labelled BPA free. It’s likely to contain Bisphenol-A (BPA). Laboratory studies in cells of animals have linked BPA to cancer, infertility, diabetes, and obesity.

Refined sugar
Cancer cells thrive on sugar. Researchers have found relations between sugar and health issues such as unhealthy levels of blood fats, low HDL levels, heart disease, higher blood triglyceride levels, obesity, weak immune, arthritis and cancer.

Hydrogenated Oils
The Harvard School of Public Health notes that transfats promote immune system over-activity and inflammation and are linked to heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes.

Processed meats
Cured meats tend to be high in nitrites and nitrates, preservatives which, if consumed in large amounts, can potentially increase risk of stomach and other cancers. Some foods preserved with high concentrations of salt also are carcinogenic.
Improperly stored food grains can get infected with fungus that produce toxins that can cause cancer.

Alcohol
World Health Organization concluded that excessive alcohol use is the main cause of heart diseases and various types of cancers.

Tobacco usage
Smoking or chewing tobacco can cause cancer. Annually 6,30,000 premature deaths due to tobacco use. Tobacco usage can cause cancers of lip, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchus and lung.

HFCS
High-fructose corn syrup. It is the major driver of the obesity, which is a risk factor for several types of cancer. It is found in soft drinks as well as in processed food.

Artificial sweeteners
They both generally contain aspartame, which causes cancers. These food items are chemically processed and made from super refined ingredients, excessive sodium levels, along with artificial colours and flavours to
make it tasty.
Anything artificial is synthetic and can’t replace real food.

Non-organic food
These crops are grown with pesticides that have been associated with an increased risk of cancer.
Having a balanced and healthy diet helps a person stay healthy and prevent cancer. Exercise regularly and keep fit. No single food or food component can protect you against cancer by itself. But strong evidence does show that a diet filled with a variety of plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans helps lower risk for many cancers.

Foods can fight cancer both directly and indirectly. Laboratory studies, many individual minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals demonstrate anti-cancer effects. Yet evidence suggests it is the synergy of compounds working together in the overall diet that offers the strongest cancer protection.
AICR research finds that excess body fat increases the risk of 11 cancers. Vegetables and fruits are relatively low in calories. Whole grains and beans are rich in fiber, which also can help with weight management.

That is one reason AICR recommends filling at least 2/3 of your plate with plant foods. Research on foods that fight cancer – and that may also aid cancer survival – is ongoing and active.
The various lifestyle changes that we are adopting that includes decreased physical activity ,unhealthy food – leading to obesity,tobacco use, excess of carbonated drinks,alcohol excess all contribute to increasing a persons chance of being prone to cancer. The lifestyle changes can also produce mental stress which is known to depress the immune system and make the body vulnerable to various diseases including cancer.
The author is an associate professor of Medical Oncology at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology

This winter, say no to dry skin. Follow this 7-step routine to ensure flawless skin

A good cleansing oil is the foundation for good skincare. (Shutterstock)

With winter comes dryness, dullness and roughness. So, it becomes all the more important to follow rituals like treating the skin with Vitamin C or peeling away flakiness with enzymes. Disha Meher, skin and nail expert at Lakmé Salon, and Pond’s skin expert Rashmi Shetty, share tips on how to nourish, revive and refresh your skin this winter.

* Use a good cleansing oil: It is the foundation for good skincare, regardless of the season. In winter, when your skin is driest, you should replace your usual cleansing product with a non-comedogenic cleaning oil as it won’t block pores. After cleansing, it leaves you with soft and smooth skin that isn’t greasy.

* Peel away flakiness with enzymes: If the surface of your skin is dry, it’s a sign you need to get rid of old skin cells that prevent moisture from getting into your skin. Scrubbing is the best solution for this.

* Night time care: You should invest in a night cream that does some heavy work while you sleep. Use a protective cream if you will be outdoors for long periods.

* AHA and Vitamin-C kick: If your skin feels tired and shows a fallout from the cold, treating it with Vitamin C will give it back its lustre and remove signs of fatigue. In the winter, before the sun gets too strong, opt for a facial with alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA).

* Moisturisation is crucial: While the temperature may vary from city to city, dry air is a common thread, which leaves the skin feeling parched. Use a thick cream enriched with ingredients such as soya protein, sunflower oil, skin lipids and glycerin that gently moisturise rough and stretchy skin, and maintain the skin hydration balance. These nutrients act on dullness and leave the skin soft and supple.

* Don’t forget the sun: It’s essential to use a moisturiser that already contains a good sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Creams with pro-vitamin B3 can also help reduce damage or dark spots that are caused due to sun exposure.

* Drink and hydrate: Drink lots of water. In summer, we feel thirsty and our body reminds us that we need water, but that is not the case with winter. Hence, it is even more important to drink water constantly to avoid dehydration. Water helps flush out toxins and maintain an overall healthy metabolism.

5 Food That Promote Fast Hair Growth.

Hair loss causes both men and women to look older. For many people the advent of hair loss, dramatically signals the end of the vitality, youth, and desirability. The loss of hairline can change a person’s appearance substantially. Many hair loss sufferers are extremely frustrated and are troubled by the necessity to camouflage the thinning hair and the inability to style hair as they would like. Hair loss severely changes the appearance of the face by shifting the main balance of the face to the forehead, resulting in a depressing aged appearance.

Normal hair growth is half an inch every month (give or take), or 5 inches a year. But since diet plays a pivotal role in the hair growth, you can give this a little nudge by ensuring the hair is growing to its maximum potential. There are a few specific foods that aid the body’s ability to construct a perfect hair shaft and produce lustrous hair and strong follicles.

Salmon

Salmon is an outstanding source of omega-3 fatty acids that promote hair growth. It also contains a huge amount of protein along with B vitamins, including B12, and several other minerals and vitamins. All these nutrients are necessary to enjoy proper hair growth and to solve problems such as excessive hair loss, dry hair and so on.

Almonds

The benefits of almond for skin and hair need no new emphasis. The best hair growth foods should include almonds. Almonds are an excellent source of magnesium and vitamin D, and they are utilized in a variety of cosmetics and creams. Deficiency of magnesium in the human body can lead to hair fall. When consumed properly, magnesium and several other nutrients help the human body to not only maintain proper functioning, but also encourage the growth of skin, hair and nails.

Avocados

Banana and avocado hair mask is extremely useful for conditioning dull and damaged hair. Avocado is beneficial for hair even when it is consumed. Vitamin deficiency can cause hair loss or the hair to grow extremely slow. Avocados are high in vitamins E and B, which work at the cellular levels to protect and strengthen the hair. Vitamin B is necessary for hair growth. Vitamin E helps repair damages on the scalp, which can prevent or slow hair growing.

Seeds

Seeds like flax seeds and sunflower seeds contain plenty of hair growth nutrients including, zinc, protein, selenium, potassium, biotin, copper, iron, vitamin E, B vitamins, calcium and magnesium. They are also rich in omega-6 fatty acids. The flax seed benefits for skin and hair are numerous.

Sweet Potatoes

A healthy diet for hair growth should include sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are an outstanding source of the antioxidant beta-carotene, which the human body turns into vitamin A. According to scientists every cell of the body cannot properly function without enough vitamin A. It also helps produce and protect the oils that sustain the scalp, and being low on vitamin A can even leave you with irksome, itchy, dandruff.

Top Ten Incredible Benefits of Eggs

Eggs are considered to be the most nutritious and inexpensive food available. They are a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with proteins, essential vitamins and minerals. Eggs are available throughout the year and are a relatively cheap source of nutritious food. A single egg adds only 80 calories to your daily calorie requirement and just about five grams of fat. They are a staple breakfast food throughout the world.

Both the parts of egg i.e. white and yolk are rich in nutrients. The egg yolk also contains cholesterol, fat soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids. The cholesterol in eggs amounts to 212 mg. If your cholesterol levels are high you can always opt for the white of the egg only and still enjoy its nutritional value. Eggs can be boiled, poached, scrambled or fried. Apart from these we can also use eggs in various kinds of desserts or savory dishes such as quiche.

Nutrients in the Eggs

Egg contains a number of nutrients. The egg is covered with a hard shell and the raw egg contains egg white and yolk. Egg white contains the major portion of egg's protein. It is low in calorie and fat-free food. Apart from protein, it also contains sodium, folate, selenium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. Egg yolk contains cholesterol which is the saturated fat portion of the egg. It also contains fat-soluble vitamins, essential fatty acids and other nutrients.

Health Benefits of Eggs

If you are an egg lover then it’s time to rejoice because you should include eggs in your diet for following reasons:

Low in Calories; High in Nutrition: One egg contains just 80 calories, which is less than a bar of chocolate.

Great Source of Essential Amino Acids : Eggs are the great source of protein because they have all the essential amino acids required for healthy body functions. Eggs contribute the highest quality protein of all foods. The protein present in the egg is also easily digestible.

Rich Source of Vitamins & Minerals: Egg is considered as the most nutritious food on the planet. The following nutrients are present in a single large boiled egg:

• Vitamin A
• Folate
• Vitamin B5
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin B2
• Phosphorus
• Selenium

Apart from the above nutrients eggs also contain decent amounts of Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Calcium and Zinc. Some amounts of trace elements are also present in eggs which play a significant role in our health.

Protection of Eyes: Eggs contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two important phytochemicals and that have antioxidant properties. These two antioxidants protect the eyes from damage associated with UV exposure. They cut down the risk of developing cataracts in old age.

Development of Brain: Egg yolks contain choline, an important ingredient which helps in brain development. It is also essential for other metabolic processes, such as liver and heart. Choline plays a crucial role in the normal functioning of all cells in the body and secures the structural development and signaling functions of cell membranes.

Development of Memory Function in Infants: When consumed during pregnancy, the choline helps to improve the memory function in infants.

Cholesterol Profile: Though eggs contain cholesterol, people should not worry about it. The cholesterol present in egg does not affect the blood cholesterol levels too much. Cholesterol levels in the body are primarily influenced by the saturated and trans fat we consume. Studies have reported that cholesterol present in foods has very small impact on LDL (bad) cholesterol, hence does not increase the risk for heart disease. It is suggested to consume up to 6 eggs per week. An individual can consume 1 egg during most days of the week or can 2 eggs in 2 or 3 meals a week.

Weight Loss: Eggs are nutritious and contain the highest quality proteins. One egg contributes more than 6 gms of protein, which is equivalent to the 13% of recommended Daily Value. Protein present in egg helps to build muscles and allows feeling full for longer duration and staying energized. This helps to maintain a healthy weight. According to the studies, consuming eggs for breakfast has proven to lower hunger and cut down calorie consumption at lunch and throughout the day. The egg-protein does not surge in blood sugar or insulin levels and therefore, it provides the energy to be steady and sustained. This protein is beneficial for building muscle strength in children and adults whereas, it prevents age-related muscle loss in elders.

Good for Skin: Eggs contain vitamin A, biotin and selenium which help to provide a comprehensive protection package to skin. Skin conditions are repaired and improved with the help of vitamin A present in the eggs. Selenium works as a first line defense to protect the skin against oxidative damage.

Antioxidant in Eggs: Eggs contain various antioxidants including vitamin A, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Antioxidants neutralize the free radicals that from due to cellular metabolism and are responsible cancer and heart disease.