Foodiesweb | Food Blog Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata

Blueberry History

The blueberry belongs to the genus Vaccinium. Other berries in this genus include cranberries, lingonberries, and huckleberries. The blueberry is one of the few fruits that are native to North America.

Native Americans gathered fresh blueberries for centuries and revered them so much that parts of the plant were used for medicine. In 1620, Native Americans taught pilgrims in the Plymouth settlement how to gather blueberries, dry them, and store them for the winter.

Did you know?

There are more than 450 different types of blueberry plants! The plant grows wild around the world. The wild blueberry is a hardy, small bush that can survive in the wild as far north as Arctic North America.

The Southern Rabbiteye blueberry thrives in the southern regions of the U.S. The Northern Highbush variety grows wild in the forests of North America.

July is known as National Blueberry Month because blueberry production reaches its peak during this month.

Where are Blueberries Grown?

North America produces nearly 90% of the world’s blueberry crop. The North American blueberry harvest runs from mid-April through early October. Michigan produces the largest blueberry crop in the United States, followed by Oregon, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Georgia.

Tips for Enjoying Blueberries

Sprinkle on top of pancakes or in pancake batter.
Mix blueberries in your favorite morning cereal.
Blend milk, blueberries, and yogurt for a delicious smoothie.
Add dried blueberries to your trail mix.
Substitute dried blueberries for raisins in your favorite recipes.
Stir in blueberry juice into lemonade or iced tea.

Tip

Do not wash blueberries until just before eating or using in your recipes to prevent berries from becoming mushy.

Unwashed blueberries will stay fresh for up to two weeks in the refrigerator if kept dry.

Enjoy the health benefits of blueberries - find blueberry recipes.

Each of us contributes to the impact that our food system has on the planet. We can all commit to making the world a healthier place to live, through small but achievable changes to our diets.

Eat more fruits and vegetables

Eat locally, when in season

Avoid eating more than needed, especially treats

Swap animal protein for plant-based ones

Choose whole grains

Choose sustainably sourced seafood

Eat dairy products in moderation

Avoid unnecessary packaging

Drink tap water

1. Eat more fruits and vegetables

Fruit and vegetables are good for our health, and most come with a low environmental impact. There are exceptions, as some require a lot of resources to transport and keep fresh, so eating these less frequently can increase the sustainability of our diets. Examples include:

fruits and vegetables that are fragile, or require refrigeration (salads and berries)
vegetables that are grown in protected conditions (such as hot-house tomatoes or cucumbers)
foods that use a lot of resources during transport (green beans, mange-touts, or berries imported from the southern hemisphere).

2. Eat locally, when in season

Locally-grown foods can be a sustainable choice if we choose those that are in a season where we live. The cost of producing or storing local foods beyond their natural growing seasons could be higher than shipping foods that are in season somewhere else.

3. Avoid eating more than needed, especially treats

Consuming only what we need reduces demands on our food supply by decreasing excess production. It also helps to keep us healthy and avoid excessive weight gain. Limiting snacking on energy-dense low-nutrient foods and paying attention to portion sizes are all useful ways to avoid unnecessary overconsumption.

4. Swap animal proteins for plant-based ones

In general, more resources are needed to produce animal-based proteins (especially beef), compared to plant-based proteins (such as beans, pulses, and some grains). Eating a more plant-based diet also brings health benefits: plant-based food provides more fibre and has a lower saturated fat content, both of which can contribute to a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.

For meat-eaters, limiting meat consumption to 1-2 times a week, having meat-free days and choosing more sustainable meats like chicken over beef can help us reduce our ecological footprint.
For those choosing a vegan/vegetarian diet, combining different sources of plant-based protein will ensure our protein needs are met.

5. Choose whole grains

Non-refined cereals are generally less resource-intensive to produce than refined ones as they require fewer processing steps. They are also good for health, reducing our risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and overweight.

Wholemeal bread, whole grain pasta, unrefined barley, buckwheat, and quinoa, are great choices.
Brown rice is a good substitute for white rice, but it should be enjoyed in moderation, as a lot of water is used during its production.

6. Choose sustainably sourced seafood

Fish is a good source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to normal vision, brain function, and heart health. However, overfishing is causing wild fish stocks to become depleted. In order to benefit from the necessary nutrients and reduce pressure on wild fish stocks:

consume fish and seafood 1-2 times weekly to provide the necessary nutrients and reduce pressure on wild fish stocks.
choose fish and seafood marked with a sustainability label from certified organizations such as the Marine Stewardship Council.

7. Eat dairy products in moderation

While milk and dairy production has an important environmental impact, dairy products are an important source of protein, calcium and essential amino acids, and have been linked to a reduced risk of several chronic diseases, including metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, stroke, bowel cancer and type 2 diabetes.

Enjoy low-fat unsweetened dairy products daily, but in moderation.
Limit consumption of high-fat cheeses to occasional.
For those of us who choose to eliminate dairy completely, opt for plant-based drinks that are fortified with vitamins and minerals, like calcium.

8. Avoid unnecessary packaging

Food packaging, especially when made of non-recyclable materials can have a huge impact on the environment. We all can reduce the amount of packaged products we buy (think of bulk apples versus cling-film wrapped ones), or opt for materials that are biodegradable, fully recyclable, or made from recycled materials.

9. Drink tap water

In Europe, the standards of water quality and safety are high. Instead of buying bottled water, we can re-fill a reusable water bottle at the tap as many times as we want. Tap water costs a fraction of the price of bottled water and reduces our ecological footprint.

Further information:

For more information on the environmental impact of our diet see ‘Towards more sustainable diets’

Sugar & lemon: cut the lemon into two pieces. Dip the lemon slice in the sugar bowl. Now Rub the tan area with the lemon slice. Do it for 5 minutes. Then take bath. Continuously doing this removes the sun tan. Sugar works as the cleaning agent.

Oats & buttermilk: Mix the ground oats powder with the butter milk. Make it as paste. Apply this paste on the affected area. Wash this after 20 minutes. Oats are works as exfoliates for the skin. Clear the skin and open the blocked pores.

Cucumber & Lemon: take the cucumber juice and lemon juice in equal quantities. Add the rosewater to this mixture. Mix these entire well. Apply this on the sun tan area. Leave it for 10 minutes then wash with water. Lemon juice helps to remove the sun tan.

Lemon juice: Apply the raw lemon juice to the tan area and use the natural exfoliates like gram flour, oatmeal etc to clear the body. Use these exfoliates on the tan area after applying the lemon juice.

Milk powder & honey: prepare the paste with milk powder, almond oil, lemon juice and honey. Apply this paste on the sun tan area. Wash after 10- 20minutes.This paste you can use it up to 10 days.

Honey & Lemon: Take the honey and lemon juice and mix the both. Apply this on the tan affected area. Leave it for dry. Wash after its get dried.

Turmeric & Lemon: Mix the pinch of turmeric to the lemon juice. Apply this juice on to the tan affected area. Rub the area with using palm. Wash the tan area after 10 minutes.

Curd & lemon: Mix the besan(Gram flour) , curd and lemon juice and make all of them as smooth cream. This will helps to remove the tans. Use this pack regularly for the good results.

Coconut: Apply the coconut water on the tan area it will lighten the tans. This coconut water is work well on the knees and elbows.

Cucumber, Rose Water and Lemon Juice Pack—this pack serves as naturalbleach which removes the dark sun tan spots and gets rid of pimples. All the three ingredients—rosewater, cucumber and lemon give a cooling effect to the skin which is helpful in soothing the blemished parts of the skin. Prepare the pack by mixing a table spoon of juice extracted from each of the ingredients. Apply this mixture on the tanned spots with a cotton pad and leave it for 10 minutes. Clean it with cold water.

Besan and Turmeric Face Pack—this pack is an excellent agent for bleaching and scrubbing the skin. Prepare the pack by mixing milk, besan, turmeric and crushed dried orange peels in a bowl with chilled rosewater. Apply it on the face and leave it to dry. Sprinkle drops of water and gently rub this mixture with fingertips in clockwise and anti-clockwise direction.

Papaya and Honey Face Pack—this pack is popularly known for, whitening, exfoliation and skin renewal. It also helps in moisturizing the skin. Mix the pulp OD papaya and honey and apply it on the face and leave it to dry. Clean it off with cold water after half an hour.

Tomato, Yogurt and Lemon Juice Face Pack—this is a valuable pack to remove darkspots caused by sun tanning. The ingredients together work as a bleach, skin toner and moisturizer. Prepare the pack by mixing tomato pulp, lemon juice and yogurt in a bowl. Apply the mixture on the face and neck and wash it clean after 20 minutes.

Aloe Vera, Masoor Daal and Tomato Face Pack—Masoor dal is an excellent agent to clear the toughest tanning. Along with aloe Verajuice it helps to rejuvenate the skin. Make a rough paste of the dal after soaking t for two hours and then grinding it coarsely. Mix tomato pulp and aloe Vera juice and apply it on the face. Wash it off after 20 minutes.

Oat Meal and Butter Milk Exfoliating Pack—Oatmeal is found to be good natural scrub that can exfoliate the skin to get rid of blackheads and dead skin cells. Buttermilk acts as a skin toner to soothe the skin and heal blisters. Mix the two ingredients and apply it on the face in circular Leave it for 15 minutes before washing it off.

Milk Powder, Honey and Almond Oil Face pack—This pack helps in imparting a clear and fair tone to the skin and in moisturizing the skin. Make a paste with milk powder, honey and few drops of almond oil and apply it on the face. Wash it clean with water after 15 minutes.

Sandal Wood and Coconut Water Pack—Sandalwood is popularly known for its medicinal property of healing for years. It also helps as a natural scrub to clear dead skin cells and impurities of the skin. It is a soothing ointment to cure blisters and blemishes. Make a thick paste of coconut water and sandalwood and mix few drops of almond oil. Apply it on the face and neck and wash it clean with water after 20 minutes.

Orange Juice and Yogurt Face Pack—the two ingredients orange and yogurt help to clear blemishes , slow down the process of aging by tightening the skin. It also helps in moisturizing the skin after natural bleach, leaving it soft and supple. Mix orange juice and yogurt and use it like any other pack.

Potato and Lemon Juice Face Pack—Potatoes play an important role in whitening, tightening and reducing the signs of aging and sun burn. Extract the juice of potato and mix drops of lemon juice to apply on affected areas of sun tan.

Strawberry and Milk Cream Face Pack—This delicious fruity pack is an ideal pack to lighten the skin and get rid of dark spots , sun tan marks and blemishes.

Saffron and Fresh Cream Face Pack—The costliest royal pack used by Kings and queens of the past is helpful in brightening the skin tone , removing tan and curing pimples and freckles. It works as a perfect deep skin moisturizer for dry and dull skin caused by the sun’s rays.

Source : Beautyhealthtips.in

1. Wash and dry your hands properly.

2. Using a double-sided emery board, file nails using a gentle stroke. Avoid corners of your nails.

3. Shape your nails. The most popular shape is oval, but choose the one which suites your hand and finger.

4. To harden soft nails, soak in warm olive oil for about 20 minutes, on alternate days.

5. To clean stains from your nails, mix one tablespoon of lemon juice in a cup of water and soak your nails in this liquid for a few minutes. Then, wash off with warm water and apply a hand moisturizer.

6. In case you wear nail polish, make sure to give your nails a break from time to time.

7. Whenever you wash your hands, make sure to dry the nails properly and apply a hand cream or lotion, using it on the nails as well. This is because soap makes the nails dry and brittle.

8. If you have brittle nails, it is advisable to wear a nail polish, or at least the colorless base coat, as much as you can.

9. Add shine to your nails by massaging coconut oil or warm castor oil on to them.

10. Dip a cotton-tipped swab in hydrogen peroxide to clean under the nails and whiten them.

11. Drink fresh carrot juice daily, this is high in calcium and phosphorus and is excellent for strengthening nail.

12. If your nails are weak, splitting, or fragile etc, the problem may possibly be traced back to a poor water intake.

Follow these home remedies for getting rid of dark elbows and knees naturally.

1. Lemon: It is an antioxidant. In addition it has bleaching and exfoliating properties, and so can be used to get rid of dark skin / dead cells on various parts of your body, including dark elbows and knees. It also clears the way for the healthy cells reproduction.

Cut a large lemon into two equal halves. Squeeze out a little juice from both halves, so as that you have two small cups. Scrub each lemon half onto your elbows and knees for 10 to 15 minutes. Rub away the pulp. Keep the cleansed areas away from sunlight by staying indoor or covering them with some loose clothing. However, do not put water on the cleansed areas. Moisturize the areas with pure petroleum jelly or vaseline. Your elbows or knees will feel smoother and softer. Repeat this process every day for a couple of weeks to see significant improvement. Continue with this treatment till your elbows and knees are lightened, and thereafter as and when needed.

2. Fresh Lemon Juice, Olive Oil and Salt: Mix 2 tbsp. of fresh lemon juice with 1tbsp of olive oil and 1/2 cup of sea or table salt in a small glass bowl. Mix the ingredients well. The lemon juice acts as acidic to eliminate dead skin cells, uncovering lighter skin from underneath plus it also work as a mild natural bleaching agent. The grainy property of the salt makes it work as a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells. In addition the olive oil works as a moisturizer. Rub this mixed paste onto your dark elbows and knees every day for 10 to 15 minutes to see significant difference in few weeks’ time.

Caution: If the lemon stings your elbow or affected dark area unbearably, your skin might be super dry. If such is the case with you, you need to moisturize it with petroleum jelly or vaseline a night before you use the lemon.

3. Baking Soda mixed with Milk: Mixed these two ingredients well to make a thick paste. Apply this paste onto your elbows and knees and rub it in circular motions. Repeat this treatment every day or every alternate day, till your dark knees and elbows are lightened.

Caution: If the affected area on your elbows and knees is bruised or cracked, avoid using lemon or salt ingredients thereon.

4. Coconut Oil and Lemon Juice: Mix one tsp. of coconut oil with 1/2 tsp. of lemon juice in a small glass bowl. Rub this natural whitening solution onto your dark elbows and knees and leave it there for 15 to 20 minutes. Wipe off any excess lotion using paper towels. Coconut oil is not only very soothing, but it works as a hydrating agent and natural bleacher.

5. Olive Oil and Sugar: Mix one tbsp. of olive oil with one tsp. of sugar to form a scrubbing paste. Before taking bath rub this scrubbing paste on to your dark elbows and knees for few minutes.

Other Natural Beauty Tips:

(i) If none of the above home remedies for getting rid of dark knees or elbows work then we suggest you try a skin bleaching lotion.

(ii) After using any ingredient to exfoliate or scrub your dark elbows or knees, remember to moisturize the area with coconut oil or any other moisturizer or even petroleum jelly or vaseline to prevent re-occurrence of darkening of the affected areas.

Cracked heels are a painful but common problem; they are commonly referred to as heel fissures or calluses. They are unsightly as well as disturbing because they are visible in sandals and they ladder stockings.

Causes:

Cracked heels can be avoided if timely care and attention are paid to them. Sometimes the skin around the heel is very dry and thick and some circumstances cause cracks in the heels.

Some of the factors are:

Being on one’s feet for long time.

Walking bare feet and not washing feet after this.

Due to obesity.

Wearing shoes without socks.

Diabetes.

Dehydration.

Long showers with hot water – in the bathtub.

Exposure of the feet to harsh soaps and detergents.

Exposure to wintry conditions.

Speed walking, running and hiking.

Cracked Heels

Natural Cures:

Use a bucketful of tepid water, to which a cup of lemon juice is added. Soak feet in this for 15 minutes. Refill bucket with fresh warm water and add a tablespoon of shampoo to this - soak feet for another 15 minutes. Rub each foot gently with a pumice stone; remove only the skin that comes off easily. Thoroughly wash feet and dry them. Apply Vaseline or a moisturizing lotion and wear socks. Repeat this treatment every 5 days.

Heat some paraffin wax with coconut oil, cool this and apply. Wear socks and go to bed, rinse feet well in the morning. Mustard oil and wax can also be used.

Apply any hydrogenated oil and wear cotton socks overnight, repeat every night for a fortnight and you will see that your heels are soft and supple.

Soak feet in lukewarm water; rub heels gently with a pumice stone. Dry. Mash the pulp of a ripe banana and apply on feet, leaving the fruit on for 20 minutes. Rinse and dry gently but thoroughly.

To keep the heels healed and healthy it cannot be a onetime regimen, you need to take care on a regular basis.

Care to keep heels healed:

Wash the feet every day before going to bed.

Apply a moisturizer and wear cotton socks to bed as often as possible.

Drink plenty of water.

Use a pumice stone to exfoliate hard skin, once a week after soaking feet in warm water.

Wear comfortable shoes.

At times cracks in the feet are very deep and painful; wash the feet with anti-bacterial soap to prevent the entry of bacteria and fungi. When cracks bleed it is best to consult a podiatrist.

Prickly heat also known as heat rash or miliaria – looks like an itching red patch of skin and is more of an irritant which can go worse when left untreated. Relief is quick if immediate care is taken to cool and dry the affected area.

There are many types of rashes but most of them begin due to hot weather conditions. The sweat ducts are blocked and perspiration is trapped under the skin causing extreme itchiness and prickliness. Sometimes this fades away on its own but usually it needs some treatment and care for relief. Simple remedies could provide quick relief – though at times professional help may be required.

Infants develop heat rash and need immediate care and attention so that it can be controlled early. They have immature sweat ducts, which are prone to rupturing – especially under certain conditions. Heat and humidity along with being dressed too warmly is one reason. Wearing clothes, which do not breathe well, is another cause, so children should be dressed in fabrics made of natural fibers rather than synthetics.

Heavy creams of any kind are avoidable. Keep the infant covered but dressed in lightweight fabrics. Keep him in a cool room and wipe him down with damp washcloths. Dry the skin completely and lightly dust him with cornstarch powder.

Adults have prickly heat rashes on their backs, arms, under breasts and groin area. These are areas, which do not get enough air and collect perspiration. After a heavy bout of exercise, or when clothes are extra tight or the fabric is synthetic and causes friction against the skin.

Prickly Heat

Some simple remedies, which can arrest prickly heat before it becomes painful:

The foremost action is to keep the skin area cool and dry.

A cold compress relieves the itchiness and helps heal the rash – dip a wash cloth in cool water and place it on the affected area. Do this 3-4 times a day. The immediate relief felt will be heavenly.

Aloe Vera gel applied on the rash is very beneficial and soothing.

Apply sandal wood powder or some fresh sandal wood paste as this cools the skin.

Fullers earth or multani mitti – made into a thin paste by adding some water and rose water smeared is another way to cool and heal the rash – let it dry and then sponge off with cool water.

Soak in a tub of tepid water to which a few tea bags are added. Tea has anti oxidant properties.

Ice can be rubbed on the affected area for immediate relief from prickles and itching.

Freshly grated ginger can be boiled in a liter of water. Sponge the area with this.

In extreme hot and humid weather have 2-3 showers a day with cool water using a mild anti bacterial soap. At times the pores are blocked due to dead skin cells, dirt and bacteria.

Use a mentholated prickly heat powder as its slightly rough texture is soothing on the tiny blisters.

Drink a lot of fluids like sugar cane juice, buttermilk and lemon juice. Eat fruits like watermelon and pineapple.

When pus fills up in the bumps and nodes feel tender and swollen consult a physician as antibiotics may be necessary to clear the rash.

Sources: www.ehow.com,

Tip 1:

Lemon juice has lightening properties that are highly effective to treat freckles. Take fresh lemon juice and apply gently on the affected area for 10-15 minutes, then wash your face with lukewarm water. Repeat this remedy regularly.

Tip 2:

Apply sour cream to the affected area of the skin and allow to dry for a few minutes. Do not rinse your face with water; just wipe it with a soft tissue or a towel then apply some moisturizer on your face. The lactic acids in sour cream can help to reduce freckles.

Tip 3:

Honey has natural skin bleaching properties that work wonders for the skin. Take a teaspoon of honey and add a little bit of warm water to it. Apply this on the freckles, leave for 10-15 minutes and wash your face with warm water.

Tip 4:

Papaya is another effective remedy that can be used to treat freckles. The enzyme present in papaya can help to lighten freckles. Dab a cotton ball in fresh papaya juice and apply it directly on the freckles. Leave for 10-15 minutes and rinse your face with cold water. Repeat this remedy on a daily basis to remove freckles and this will also keep your skin healthy and soft.

Face Freckles

Tip 5:

Tomatoes can prevent and treat freckles relatively. The vitamin C present in tomatoes works efficiently in reducing freckles. Daily drink a glass of tomato juice or you can have it regularly along with your meals.

Tip 6:

Cucumber juice is a natural remedy to lighten freckles and dark spots on the skin. Extract the juice from cucumber and apply the juice on your skin twice a day.

Tip 7:

Regular use of facemask made of fruits and vegetables such as apricots, strawberries, red currant and cucumber will keep your skin fresh and soft and is very helpful to lighten freckles.

Tip 8:

Radish has natural bleaching agent that works wonders to remove freckles. Grate 1 radish and add the juice of 1 lime to it. Mix well and apply all over your face, allow it to dry and wash it with water. This remedy will help lighten the freckles naturally and will also help remove blackheads.

Do’s:

Rubbing the inside fibrous part of the peel, of a ripe banana, makes your teeth sparkle.

Juice of half a lemon when rubbed firmly but gently on the teeth removes yellow stains and tartar.

Half a teaspoon of baking soda to which a pinch of salt is added and rubbed on the teeth with a fingertip shows excellent results.

Strawberries are very good for whitening teeth. They can be rubbed on the teeth in pureed form or cut into halves and used.

For quick results dip your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide and then gently brush the teeth.

Table salt may be used to rub stains off the teeth. Use fingertips for best results.

Use the inside of an orange peel to rub the teeth for good results.

Munching on crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, cucumber, celery and parsley help in removing stains on teeth.

Sparkling White Teeth

Don’ts:

Fizzy drinks peel away the tooth enamel due to the acids in them and make the teeth weak and yellowish.

Drugs like cocaine, ecstasy, etc, are not only bad for health but also have a telling affect on the teeth as they restrict blood flow to the gums and cause extensive gum damage.

Smoking is also a major don’t for dental health as well as for general health. Nicotine leaves a residue on teeth causing yellowish stains on them.

Dark colored juices, like cranberry juice, leave stains on teeth due to the pigment and sugar they contain. Drink such juices with a straw.

Black coffee is also a culprit against sparkling, white teeth.

Tomato sauce and balsamic vinegar are said to cause staining of teeth.

Red wine is said to stain the teeth as well as wear away tooth enamel. It is easiest to swish some plain water in the mouth while at parties.

It is better to drink green tea or herbal tea as black tea does cause some staining on the teeth.

Steam therapy

Inhalation of steam helps clear phlegm and mucus from the bronchial tubes and lungs.

• To make the steam more effective add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to hot water. Antiseptic properties of eucalyptus oil help clear the bronchial tubes.

• You can also add leaves of basil or a few cloves into the water when boiling and then use it for inhalation. Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of basil and cloves provide relief in bronchitis.

Ginger

Ginger contains anti-inflammatory properties, which help clear mucus from lungs.

• Drink a hot concoction of ginger mixed with some honey several times a day.

• Boil water with ginger, basil leaves, black peppercorns and drink before bedtime.

• You can chew on raw ginger pieces sprinkled with salt to find relief from bouts of cough.

Honey

Honey is packed with mineral and enzymes that help clear out infections from the body and reduce inflammations.

• Mix honey with cinnamon powder and consume a few times a day until infection clears up.

• Add honey to herbal teas and drink as often as you can. This is also a good habit to imbibe for those who suffer from frequent colds and nasal infections.

Black pepper

Anti-inflammatory property of black pepper makes it an excellent home remedy for bronchitis.

• Add powdered black pepper to herbal teas and concoctions and consume several times a day.

• Mix jaggery and black pepper powder and make small balls. Chew on them for relief from cough and throat irritations.

• You can also make a hot concoction of black pepper, ginger, jaggery and basil leaves and drink at bedtime.

Onion

Antibacterial properties found in onion help in bronchial treatment.

• Make a hot soup with 2 onions, one tomato, some garlic and few chili peppers. Have this for dinner a few times a week during bronchitis treatment.

• You can also consume onion and honey together in a mixture and swallow it with water.

Further Prevention Tips:

If you are someone who suffers from chronic cold and cough or bronchitis, then take some preventive measures to keep infections at bay and strengthen your immune system.

• Consume foods high in vitamin C. Daily intake of at least one type of citrus food can do wonders for your health.

• Add peppers, onion, garlic, and ginger to everyday diet.

• Wash your hands frequently with soap especially before meals.

• If you smoke, quit smoking.

• Use protective facial masks when the air pollution seems high.

Healthy and pink lips are every girl's dream. Texture and colour of your lips can reveal a lot about your health and lifestyle. The trend of smoking, consuming alcohol and trying out different cosmetics on your lips can make them look dark and unhealthy. When the face is beautiful, why detract the allure with dark, chapped and dry lips. With a little bit of care, you can achieve pink, luscious and attractive lips, as you ever wanted.

1. Apply honey on lips at bedtime and massage with a soft brush next morning this will clear the entire dry and scaly layer on the lips.

2. Take a handful of rose petals, add some cream and make paste and apply on the lips, you will see your lips become soft and pink.

3. Half a teaspoon of olive oil, sugar and honey, mixed well and applied on lips will pinken and soften lips.

4. Grate some beet and squeeze out the juice. This applied on the lips will definitely give you soft, pink lips.

5. Coriander juice, carrot juice and mint juice are all beneficial for soft and pink lips.

6. Slice a lime into half and apply on lips in a circular motion.

7. Apply the cream that is got from boiled milk, it moisturizes the lips and keeps them soft.

8. Two to three raspberries mixed with a spoon of aloe vera gel and a drop of honey is a great way to achieve pink lips.

9. A mixture of glycerin and lime juice at a 1:1 ratio will significantly lighten dark lips.

10. Regular use of Vaseline or petroleum jelly will keep the lips soft at all times.

Dark circles are common and almost everyone has these bluish grey shadows under their eyes at some point. They are a sign of fatigue due to lack of sleep, or stress, or illness. At times they are inherited and these don’t clear up, but you can definitely lighten them.

The skin becomes thin with age and veins more prominent appear like dark circles. At times of illness, nutrient deficiency or usage of drugs could also cause dark circles.

There are simple remedies which can help, try them and use what suits you best.

1. Take ½ teaspoon of gram flour and add a pinch of turmeric powder, ½ teaspoon of lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of tomato juice. Mix to form a paste and apply carefully, leave for 20 minutes. Wipe with a cotton ball soaked in water and pat dry.

2. Grate ½ a cup of cucumber and extract juice. Soak cotton wool pads in this and place on eyelids. Relax for 20 minutes.

3. Grate a cup of raw potato and extract the juice, dip cotton pads and place on eyes for 20 minutes.

4. Soak 2-3 almonds overnight, grind into a smooth paste, apply this paste on the under eye areas and leave for 30 minutes. Wash gently. Do this regularly for 3 months.

5. Massage the area with almond oil; do this twice a day for at least 3 weeks. You can also use Vitamin E oil.

6. Make a paste with fresh mint leaves, apply and leave for 20 minutes. Wash.

7. Drink plenty of water and sleep for 7 – 8 hours.

8. Drink a glass of tomato juice with a teaspoon of lemon juice and a pinch of salt.

Using a remedy once or twice will not help; continue for 15 – 20 days for appreciable difference.

Source: www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Most of us love wearing spaghetti straps or strapless gowns, but can we raise our arms without embarrassment? When the underarm area looks darker than skin tone or unkempt in any way – it will be better to cover up.

Most women face this issue at some point – this can be very restrictive to wardrobe options. The simplest course is to follow some easy home remedies which can be worked on regularly and keep the underarms clean and fresh.

The Don’ts:

Avoid wearing tight clothing or synthetic fabrics too often as this will cause excessive friction.

Take care not to spray deodorants directly on the skin, keep a distance of 6 cm and spray. Chemicals present in deodorants are a cause for darkened skin.

Restrict use of depilatory creams as the chemicals darken skin. When you do use a hair removing cream – wash underarm thoroughly with warm water. Use a mudpack made with fullers earth as this will absorb all the chemicals and leave the area clean and dry.

When the arms are very flabby and heavy due to obesity – dark underarms can result.

Some Simple Home Remedies:

Add lemon juice to baking soda and apply this paste, leave it till it dries and wash. Dry thoroughly.

Rub the underarm area with a slice of potato. Potato juice can also be applied with good results as it can bleach skin.

To 1 tablespoon of sandalwood powder add enough rose water to make a paste. Apply and leave for 15-20 minutes. Wash and dry thoroughly.

Make a scrub with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon honey and 1 teaspoon of powdered walnuts or peanuts. Apply and leave on for 20 minutes. Honey nourishes the skin, while lime acts as a bleaching agent and nuts provide essential nutrients and oils.

Mash 1 ripe banana and combine the pulp with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, a pinch of turmeric powder and apply, leave for 20 minutes. Wash off and dry thoroughly.

Try to use an anti fungal powder or alum powder instead of a deodorant.

Use any of the tips that suit you best. As there is no ventilation – the underarm area requires some care before you wear your sleeveless and topless garments. The key to having fair underarms is Regular Care.

Natural Tip to clear Blackheads

Follow these simple, natural tips to clean your pores and banish blackheads using easily available ingredients at home.

Tip 1

Tomatoes have natural antiseptic properties that dry up blackheads. Take a small tomato, peeled and mashed, then apply it over the blackheads before going to bed. Leave overnight and then wash your face with clean water in the morning.

Tip 2

Lemon is another natural ingredient that is effective in treating blackheads. Squeeze few drops of lemon juice in a bowl, add salt and stir the mixture well. Wash your face with warm water and apply the mixture on the blackheads. Leave for some 20 minutes and wash your face again with warm water.

Tip 3

Apply a thin layer of toothpaste over the blackheads, leave for 25 minutes and wash your face gently with warm water. Repeat this remedy for two weeks to be free from blackheads.

Tip 4

Honey has antiseptic properties that work wonders for both oily skin and blackheads. Apply honey onto the affected area and wash off with warm water after 15 minutes.

Tip 5

Prepare a mixture of baking soda and water to make a paste. Apply gently to the affected part, allow to dry for few minutes and then rinse it off with warm water to remove away the oil and dirt that causes blackheads.

Tip 6

A mixture of oatmeal and yogurt is good for the skin and helps banish blackheads. Mix 2 tablespoons of oatmeal with 3 tablespoons of yogurt, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and olive oil to it, mix all these ingredients well till it forms a paste. Apply the mixture on the face, leave for 10-15 minutes and wash your face with cold water.

Tip 7

Raw eggs are an effective home remedy to get rid of blackheads. Beat one to two egg whites, mixed with one tablespoon of honey. Apply this mixture over the area of blackheads, leave for 30 minutes and wash off with warm water.

Tip 8

Prepare a mixture of equal parts of cinnamon powder and limejuice to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the affected parts and leave on overnight and then wash off your face with warm water in the morning.

Source : http://www.medindia.net

It’s hard to resist soaking up the first few rays of summer sunshine, but sometimes lounging in the sun can come with a price. If you forget to put on sunblock, you can end up with a nasty sunburn. The outer layers of your skin become inflamed by overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, and the affected area gets hot and tender. Fortunately, there are some tried and true home sunburn remedies that can soothe your stinging skin. Try these ten suggestions to cool off, but remember: repeated sunburns cause your skin to age more rapidly, and increase the risk of cancer, so slather on that sunscreen the next time you venture into the sun.

1. Soak it up. For immediate relief, soak the sunburned areas in cold water (but not ice water) or with cold compresses for 15 minutes. The cold reduces swelling and wicks away heat from your skin.

2. Take a dip. If you’re burned all over, take a soak in a cool bath to which you’ve added oatmeal. You can either buy a colloidal oatmeal product, such as Aveeno, or simply grind up a cup of oatmeal in a food processor and add it to your bath.

3. Give yourself a green tea compress. Brew up a pot of green tea and let it cool. Soak a clean cloth in the tea, and use it as a compress for sunburned areas. The tea contains ingredients that help protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation damage and reduce inflammation.

4. Freshen up with mint. Use the cooling, aromatic qualities of peppermint to quell the scorch of a sunburn. Either make peppermint tea or mix two drops of peppermint oil with a cup of lukewarm water. Chill the concoction and gently bathe the sunburned area.

5. Bring veggies to the rescue. For extra-painful spots of sunburn, rub the area gently with sliced cucumber or potato. They contain compounds that cool the burn and help reduce swelling.

6. Try some vinegar. Vinegar contains acetic acid—one of the components of medications such as Aspirin. It can help ease sunburn pain, itching, and inflammation. Soak a few sheets of paper towels in white vinegar, and apply them to the sunburned areas. Leave them on until the towels are dry. Repeat as needed.

7. Take a vinegary bath. If the sunburn itches, take a cool bath, but add two cups of vinegar to the bathwater before you get in.

8. Coat yourself. Mix baking soda and vinegar to make a thick paste, and slather it over the sunburned areas. Apply the salve before bedtime, and leave it on overnight.

9. Make your bed sunburn-safe. Sprinkle your sheets with cornstarch to minimize painful chafing. (Use this technique only for bad sunburns, since you’ll have to wash the sheets afterward.)

10. Go for aloe. Apply a light coating of pure aloe vera to the sunburned skin, using either a fresh piece from the plant or in the gel form you can buy at the drugstore. If you buy the gel, make sure it’s 100% pure aloe vera.

Simple Home Remedies To Treat Pimples

There are many home remedies that you can try out to make a fist of the pimples affecting your skin.

1. Turmeric Powder Paste

Turmeric has antiseptic properties that will fight the bacteria that cause pimples and reduce the production of pimples on the skin.

• Take a tablespoon of turmeric powder and mix it with a few drops of water to make it a thick paste.

• Apply this paste on the affected areas of your face and neck and leave it there for a few minutes.

• Rinse it off with cold water. Repeat this process for five to six days to effectively reduce pimples.

2. Fresh Mint Leaves Juice

Mint leaves are said to have real cooling and antiseptic properties and can work wonders on pimples.

• Take a bunch of fresh mint leaves and grind it to a rough paste form.

• Now squeeze the mint juice out of this paste.

• Apply this mint juice generously all over your face and neck and leave it to rest on the face overnight.

• Wash it off the next day with water and mild soap.

• Repeat this process for four to five days to reduce pimples on face and neck.

3. Lemon Juice

One of the quickest ways to treat pimples is the use of lemon juice. It is rich in Vitamin C and helps to easily dry out pimples.

• Extract 2 tablespoons of lemon juice from two medium sized fresh lemons.

• Dab a generous amount of lemon juice on a cotton ball and apply it to the pimples on your face and neck. Leave it there for 20 minutes and wash it off.

• Repeat this two to three times a day for three to four days to see visible results.

4. Garlic

Garlic is a natural remedy to treat pimples as it has antifungal, antiviral and antiseptic properties. The sulfur in the garlic will help to heal pimples quickly.

• Cut a big clove of garlic into two pieces.

• Now apply the cut end of the garlic on the pimples and leave the juice on the pimples for five minutes.

• Wash this off in lukewarm water and repeat this treatment several times a day to quickly see effective results.

• You can also eat one or two cloves of raw garlic a day to purify your blood and this will help reduce pimples.

5. Toothpaste

Toothpaste that you use to brush your teeth is found to be very effective in treating pimples. You must only use the white toothpaste on your pimples for good results.

• Apply white toothpaste on the affected areas of your face and neck overnight before going to bed.

• Wash your face with water and see if there is some reduction in the size of the pimples.

• You can also do this procedure during day time and make sure that toothpaste remains on the pimples for about one to one and a half hours to see visible results.

6. Steam

Steam is a wonderful treatment for pimples as it will help to open up the pores of the skin and allow the skin to breathe freely. So, the bacteria, dirt and oil trapped in the skin will be easily removed from the skin.

• If you have a steam tub at home, then you need to fill the tub with hot water and allow the steam to come in contact with your face and neck.

• Allow the steam to hit your face for a few minutes.

• Rinse your face now with lukewarm water and pat it dry.

• Repeat this process two times a day for four to five days to reduce pimples and to make skin glow.

7. Ice Pack

Ice is also very effective home remedy for pimples. It removes dirt and oil from skin and also improves blood circulation.

• Wrap ice cubes or crushed ice in a piece of clean cotton cloth and hold it on the pimples on your face and neck or a few minutes.

• Wait for a few minutes and repeat the process three to four times.

• Do this twice a day to see effective results.

Simple Home Remedies To Treat Pimples

8. Cinnamon Powder

• Take one or two teaspoons of freshly ground cinnamon powder and mix it with a tablespoon of honey and lemon juice.

• Make a smooth paste of this mixture and apply on the pimples.

• Leave it there for 20 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water.

• You can also leave it overnight and wash it off the next day morning to see good results.

9. Orange Peels

• Grind orange peels and mix them with a few drops of water.

• Make it into a paste and apply it on the affected areas of your face.

• Leave it to react with pimples for half an hour and wash it off to see effective results.

10. Honey

Honey is a rich source of natural antibiotics and helps to heal pimples effectively.

• Dip a clean cotton ball in pure honey and apply it generously on the pimples on your face and neck.

• Leave the honey on your pimples for 15 to 20 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water.

• Repeat the process three times a day to see effective results.

11. Papaya

Papaya is rich in antioxidants and helps in reducing inflammation of the pimples.

• Cut raw papaya into pieces and crush it in a blender.

• Squeeze this paste to extract raw papaya juice and apply this juice over the pimples.

• Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash it off to see effective results.

12. Cucumber Juice

• Cut cucumber into slices and soak it in drinking water for an hour. All the nutrients and vitamins in the cucumber will get transferred into the water.

• Strain the cucumber water and drink it. Repeat this process two times a day for five days to see visible results.

13. Cucumber Face Mask

• Grind one cucumber into a smooth paste in a blender.

• Add a few drops of honey and lemon juice to cucumber paste and mix it well.

• Apply this mixture on the face as a mask and leave it there for 20 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water. Repeat everyday to see effective results.

14. Apple Cider Vinegar

• Dab a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it slightly on the affected areas of your face and skin.

• You need to just apply limier amount and you do not need to wash it off.

• Repeat this process once or twice daily to reduce pimples.

15. Tomato Juice

Tomatoes are natural antioxidants and will help in easily removing pimple scars on your skin.

• Cut tomatoes into halves and apply the juicy area of the tomato on the pimples. Hold it for two to three minutes and repeat the same after five minutes.

• Do this twice a day for three to four days to effectively remove pimples.

16. Egg White Face Mask

• Just take the egg white from an egg and apply it generously to the affected areas of your face and skin.

• Leave the paste as long as you can on the pimples or even let it dry on the pimples to see visible results soon.

17. Lavender Oil

• Dip a little bit of lavender oil on a cotton wool and apply it directly on the big pimples on your face and neck.

• Repeat this process often to get rid of pimples soon.

18. Neem Leaves Paste

• Grind neem leaves and then extract its juice. Now add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to this juice and mix well.

• Apply this mixture on the pimples and leave it there for 15 minutes or even overnight.

• Wash it off and repeat every day to get rid of pimples.

Proven Health Benefits of Blueberries

Blueberry History

Did you know?

Where are Blueberries Grown?

Tips for Enjoying Blueberries

Tip

9 Practical Tips for a Healthy and Sustainable Diet

1. Eat more fruits and vegetables

2. Eat locally, when in season

3. Avoid eating more than needed, especially treats

4. Swap animal proteins for plant-based ones

5. Choose whole grains

6. Choose sustainably sourced seafood

7. Eat dairy products in moderation

8. Avoid unnecessary packaging

9. Drink tap water

Further information:

Home Remedies to Remove Sun Tan From Your Body Health Tips

How to Care for Your Nails at Home

Get Rid Of Dark Elbows And Knees Naturally Fast

Top 10 Home Remedies for Cracked Heels

Home Remedies To Get Rid of Prickly Heat

8 Tips to Get Rid of Face Freckles Using Home Remedies

How to Get Sparkling White Teeth Naturally

Home Remedies for Bronchitis and Further Prevention Tips

How to get pink and soft lips naturally - 10 Tips

8 Simple Ways to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Your Eyes

3 Ways to Get Rid of Black Circles Under Your Arms

Natural Ways to Remove Blackheads on Face and Nose

Health Tips for Sunburn Soothing Using 10 Home Remedies

Heath Tips to Remove Pimples and Acne Using Homemade Remedies

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