“Anti-Acne Diet” – 23 Nov 2020
There are three main types of acne:
1) A whitehead is a pore that gets clogged and closes but sticks out of the skin. These appear as hard, whitish bumps.
2) A blackhead is a pore that gets clogged but stays open. These appear as tiny dark spots on the skin’s surface.
3) A pimple is a pore whose walls open, allowing oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells to get under the skin. These appear as red bumps that sometimes have a pus-filled white top (the body’s reaction to the bacteria).
How does diet affect the skin? One thing that can affect your skin is diet. Certain foods raise your blood sugar more quickly than others. When your blood sugar rises quickly, it causes the body to release a hormone called insulin. Having excess insulin in your blood can cause your oil glands to produce more oil, increasing your risks of acne.
Some foods that trigger spikes in insulin include:
1) Pasta
2) White rice
3) White bread
4) sugar
What foods are believed to help your skin?
1) Whole grains
2) Legumes
3) Unprocessed fruits and vegetables
Foods containing the following ingredients are also thought to be beneficial for the skin because they reduce inflammation:
1) The mineral zinc
2) Vitamin A and E
3) Antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids
Some skin-friendly food choices include:
1) Yellow and orange fruits and vegetables such as carrots, apricots, and sweet potatoes
2) Spinach and other dark green and leafy vegetables
3) Tomatoes
4) Blueberries
5) Whole-wheat bread
6) Brown rice
7) Quinoa
8) Turkey
9) Pumpkin seeds
10) Beans, peas, and lentils
11) Salmon, mackerel, and other kinds of fatty fish
12) Nuts
Everyone’s body is different, and some people find that they get more acne when they eat certain foods.
Who should use these products?
Those with oily skin or prone to acne will benefit most from noncomedogenic products.
These noncomedogenic oils can be applied to the skin or used as carriers for things like essential oils. These include:
1) Grapeseed oil
2) Sunflower oil
3) Neem oil
4) Sweet almond oil
5) Hempseed oil
“7 Fat-Burning Foods That Stop Cravings Instantly” – 23 Oct 2020
1) Eggs – The healthy fats within the yolks can help you feel fuller longer and curb cravings. Not to mention, choline—a belly fat-blasting nutrient—is only present in the orange part of the egg, rather than the whites.
2) Spirulina – This protein-packed blue-green alga is brimming with energizing thiamine (vitamin B1), as well as calcium and iron. Add it to your morning smoothies for a free radical-fighting antioxidant boost.
3) Cheese – Cheese is an excellent source of protein, calcium, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, and it helps slow down the absorption of sugar and carbohydrates, leading to consistent energy levels and improved brain function.
4) Fat Free Milk(Skim Milk) – Want to cut calories and fat, fat free (also known as skim) milk is a good choice. In fact, because it has less fat, there are just 80 calories in fat free milk in each 8-ounce glass. There is a misperception that skim milk contains water to reduce the fat content — but that is not the case. The nine essential nutrients, including 8 grams of high-quality protein, remain intact.
5) Sesame seeds – Sesame seeds contain more phytosterols than any other seed or nut. They “can be used to treat arteriosclerosis, a disease characterized by fatty buildup within the arteries,” thus regulating the body’s cholesterol and potentially replacing some of it (due to their similar structures). Sesame seeds can help your skin! In addition to vitamin B, tahini contains vitamin E, trace minerals, and fatty acids that can increase skin cell rejuvenation and inhibit signs of aging.
6) Beef – “As we age, we start to lose muscle mass, but we’re still able to build and maintain. Beef a protein source, contains more omega-3s as well as fat-burning Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) than its grain-fed counterparts.
7) Bacon – You read that right. Even bacon can be healthy! While opting for turkey bacon will save you about 13 calories and a gram of fat per slice, it also adds sodium to your plate—which can lead to high blood pressure. Plus, pork offers more protein and heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAS) than its poultry-based counterpart. Bear in mind that no matter which option you add to your breakfast plate, serving size matters, so don’t pig out. A few slices are all you need.
“Best 10 foods for healthy eyes” – 23 Sept 2020
1) Fish – Oily fish are fish that have oil in their gut and body tissue, so eating them offers higher levels of omega-3-rich fish oil. The fish that contains the most beneficial levels of omega-3s include:• Tuna• Salmon• Trout• Mackerel• Sardines• Anchovies• Herring
2) Nuts and legumes – Nuts are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Nuts also contain a high level of vitamin E, which can protect the eye from age-related damage.Nuts and legumes that are good for eye health include:• Walnuts• Brazil nuts• Cashews• Peanuts• Lentils
3) Seeds – Like nuts and legumes, seeds are high in omega-3s and are a rich source of vitamin E.Seeds high in omega-3 include:• Chia seeds• Flax seeds• Hemp seeds
4) Citrus fruits – Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C. Just like vitamin E, vitamin C is an antioxidant that is recommended by the AOA to fight age-related eye damage.Vitamin C-rich citrus fruits include:• Lemons• Oranges• Grapefruits
5) Leafy green vegetables – Leafy green vegetables are rich in both lutein and zeaxanthin and are also a good source of eye-friendly vitamin C.Well-known leafy greens include:• Spinach• Kale• Collards
6) Carrots – Carrots are rich in both Vitamin A and beta carotene. Beta carotene gives carrots their orange color.Vitamin A plays an essential role in vision. It is a component of a protein called rhodopsin, which helps the retina to absorb light.
7) Sweet potatoes – Like carrots, sweet potatoes are rich in beta carotene. They are also a good source of the antioxidant vitamin E.
8) Beef – Beef is rich in zinc, which has been linked to better long-term eye health. Zinc can help delay age-related sight loss and macular degeneration.The eye itself contains high levels of zinc, particularly in the retina, and the vascular tissue surrounding the retina.Meats such as chicken breast and pork loin also contain zinc, but at lower levels than beef.
9) Eggs – Eggs are an excellent source of lutein and zeaxanthin, which can reduce the risk of age-related sight loss. Eggs are also good sources of vitamins C and E, and zinc.
10) H2O Water – It may come as no surprise that a fluid essential to life is also vital to eye health.Drinking plenty of water can prevent dehydration, which may reduce the symptoms of dry eyes.
“10 Testosterone Boosting Foods” – 23 Aug 2020
Testosterone is one of our key hormones for both men and women as such it’s important that we pay attention to how it is being managed in our bodies. If you have low levels of testosterone, then adding these testosterone boosting foods into your diet can help give you that boost you need!
1) Garlic contains a compound called allicin which can be useful for lowering your cortisol levels. Cortisol is produced in the adrenal gland, which is where testosterone is produced. When your body is under stress it produces cortisol and this has an impact on other bodily functions, including the production of testosterone. Therefore, by reducing the amount of cortisol in your system you allow testosterone to be produced more effectively by the adrenal gland. So whilst garlic doesn’t itself act as a testosterone boosting food, it is a cortisol reducer and by association boosts testosterone levels.
2) Eggs are a fantastic source of protein, cholesterol, vitamin D and omega-3s, all of which aid in the production of testosterone. Eggs are a very versatile ingredients and not only do they help increase testosterone levels, the protein in them helps with muscle building too!
3) Almonds contain high levels of the mineral zinc which is known to raise testosterone levels in people who are zinc deficient. If you are low in zinc this could stop the pituitary gland from releasing some of the key hormones for stimulating testosterone production. By eating zinc rich foods, you can help make sure this doesn’t happen and avoid a reduction in your testosterone levels.
4) Oysters are commonly known as an aphrodisiac and there’s actually science behind this! Testosterone increases your libido and oysters are naturally high in zinc! As mentioned above, zinc is very important for the healthy production of testosterone…so get shucking!
5) Spinach has long been considered one of the best testosterone boosting foods around! Spinach is a natural source of magnesium which has been shown to correlate positively with testosterone levels. Spinach also contains vitamin B6 and Iron which are both excellent testosterone boosters!
6) Porridge oats are an excellent source of B Vitamins which are key for good testosterone production. There are a number of different B Vitamins, many of which are found in testosterone boosting foods. One B Vitamin which plays a very direct role in testosterone production is Vitamin B6 which supresses the production of estrogen, thereby helping testosterone levels to rise! Oats are an excellent source of a variety of B Vitamins and therefore are one of a range of excellent testosterone boosting foods!
7) Lemons, along with other citrus fruits, are great testosterone boosting foods! Much like garlic they help to lower your levels of cortisol which means testosterone can be more readily produced. Not only that but they contain vitamin A which is required for the production of testosterone and can help lower estrogen level which means testosterone can be more effective.
8) Good quality wild salmon is an excellent addition to the list of testosterone boosting foods because it contains magnesium, vitamin B and omega-3s which we have already established work to increase testosterone levels. Not only this though, it also helps lower the levels of the ‘Sex Hormone Binding Globulin’ which makes testosterone non-functional. If this is lowered testosterone can have more of an impact on your body.
9) Tuna is an excellent source of Vitamin D it can help boost testosterone levels by up to 90%! Vitamin D helps to maintain sperm count and tuna is an excellent way to get this particular vitamin.
10) Bananas contain an enzyme called bromelain which is known to help boost testosterone levels. Bananas are also excellent for maintaining energy levels and reducing antioxidants so make the perfect on the go snack!
“Fat-Fighting Foods” – 23 July 2020
1) Greek yogurt has almost twice as much protein as other yogurts. It takes longer to leave your stomach, keeping you satisfied longer. Plus, you burn more calories digesting protein than carbs. Choose nonfat, low-fat, and low-sugar types.
2) Quinoa is a nutritional all-star that belongs in your weight loss plan. This whole grain has 8 grams of hunger-busting protein and 5 grams of fiber in one cup, and you’ll also get iron, zinc, selenium, and vitamin E. Quinoa is as easy to cook as rice. For a quick dinner, mix in some vegetables, nuts, or lean protein.
3) Cinnamon may have a stabilizing effect on blood sugar levels. This could curb your appetite, particularly in people with type 2 diabetes. Nearly everyone can benefit from cinnamon in its traditional role. Stir some into your coffee, tea, or yogurt to add sweetness without adding calories.
4) Hot peppers have a flavourless chemical called capsaicin. It’s more plentiful in habaneros, but jalapeños also have it. Capsaicin seems to curb appetite and speed up metabolism slightly, but only for a short time. It probably doesn’t have a big impact on weight, unless you eat less food because it’s spicy.
5) Green Tea may promote weight loss by stimulating the body to burn fat. Green tea contains catechins, a type of phytochemical that may briefly affect the metabolism. To get the most benefit, you may need to drink green tea several times a day. Try taking your tea hot, because it takes longer to drink, providing a soothing, mindful experience.
6) Grapefruit doesn’t have any magical fat-burning properties, but it can help you feel full with fewer calories. That’s because its soluble fiber takes longer to digest. Having half a grapefruit or a glass of grapefruit juice before a meal fills you up, so you eat fewer calories during the meal.
7) Watermelon are rich in water. This signals the body that you’ve had enough to eat and leaves less room for other foods. Many raw fruits and vegetables are full of water and nutrients and low in calories. Watermelon is a great example. It’s a good source of the antioxidant lycopene and gives you some vitamin A and C, too.
8) Pears and apples are also high in water content. Eat them with the peels for extra fiber, which will keep you full longer. Go for whole fruits rather than fruit juice. You’ll get more fiber, and you have to chew the fruits. This takes longer and you’ll burn a few calories chewing, as opposed to gulping down a smoothie.
9) Grapes vs. Raisins – Compare 2 cups of grapes to 1/4 cup of raisins. Either choice has a little more than 100 calories, but you’ll probably be more satisfied with the grapes. Dried fruit has its place. When used sparingly, a few raisins or dried cranberries can liven up a salad.
10) Berries are high in water and fiber, which can keep you full longer. They’re also sweet, satisfying your sweet tooth for a fraction of the calories you would get from cookies or brownies. Blueberries are a good example because most stores carry them and they’re loaded with antioxidants.
11) Raw vegetables make an outstanding snack. They satisfy the desire to crunch, they’re full of water to help you feel full, and they’re low in calories. Half a cup of diced celery has just 8 calories. Coat celery with a little peanut butter or dunking carrots in salsa. When you’re in the mood for chips and dip, replace the chips with raw veggies.
12) Sweet Potatoes – Baked sweet potatoes are so full of flavor, they don’t need a lot, unless you want to try a sprinkle of cinnamon. This can save you loads of calories. As a bonus, sweet potatoes are packed with potassium, beta-carotene, vitamin C, and fiber.
13) Eggs – One egg has only 75 calories, plus 7 grams of protein along with other vital nutrients. Remember, your body will burn more calories digesting eggs than a carb-heavy breakfast. And the good news is that eggs are no longer on the “no-list” for people concerned about high cholesterol. It’s saturated fat not dietary cholesterol we need to be wary of.
14) Coffee does stimulate the metabolism, but only a little. Don’t count on this for weight loss, especially if you add calories with toppings.
15) Oatmeal has three things going for it: fiber-rich whole-grain oats, lots of water, and it’s hot. It’s a very filling combination. Hot food takes longer to eat, and all that liquid and fiber will help you feel full longer. Avoid super-sugary oatmeal. Stirring in cinnamon or nutmeg will give you a sweet taste with less sugar.
16) Crispbreads – Whole-grain rye crackers, sometimes called crispbreads, offer a low-fat, fiber-packed alternative to traditional crackers. Research suggests people who replace refined grains with whole grains tend to have less belly fat. Whole grains also provide a richer assortment of plant nutrients. This doesn’t just apply to crackers. You can get the same benefits by switching to whole-grain breads, cereals, and pastas.
17) Tabouli – A standout whole grain is bulgur wheat, the type found in tabouli. It’s high in fiber and protein but low in fat and calories. That helps you fill up with a minimum of calories. It also tastes great. To turn this dish into a meal, you could add beans and stir in extra tomato, cucumber, and parsley.
18) Soup — we’re talking broth-based, not creamy — has a lot going for it. It’s full of water, which fills you up with the fewest possible calories. It’s hot, which prevents you from eating too much. Have it before a meal, and soup can take up space that might have gone to higher-calorie foods. You can also make a satisfying, low-calorie meal out of soup alone by adding chicken, fish, cut-up vegetables, or beans.
19) Salad – Another way to fill up before a meal is by eating salad. Lettuce has plenty of water content to take up space in the stomach. That leaves less room for fattier foods that might come later in the meal. Make your salad interesting by adding a variety of fruits and vegetables or grated cheese. Be careful about dressing, which can add a lot of calories.
20) Vinegar – Dress your salad with oil and vinegar. It’s easy to make and it’s full of flavor that can make salad more satisfying — and it has fewer calories than most pre-made dressings.
21) Nuts are an excellent way to curb hunger between meals. They’re high in protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. Studies suggest nuts can promote weight loss and improve cholesterol levels when eaten in moderation. They’re also rich in calories, so limit your portions. If you have to get them out of their shell, you’ll slow down and not eat as much.
22) Air-Popped Popcorn – Three cups of plain, air-popped popcorn may seem like a lot, but you’re not getting a lot of calories. All that air adds volume without adding fat or sugar.
23) Skim milk provides plenty of protein, calcium, and vitamin D with none of the fat found in whole milk. And even though it’s fat-free, skim milk can help you feel full. It takes longer to leave the stomach than drinks with less protein.
24) Lean Meat – You know that protein can keep you full longer and burn more calories during digestion. Choose your protein carefully. Dark meat tends to be high in fat, which could cancel out some of the benefits. Skinless chicken breast is a great choice. And some cuts of beef can make the grade. Flank steak, eye of round, and top sirloin are extra-lean with less than 4 grams of saturated fat per serving. Stick with a 3- to 4-ounce portion.
25) Fish – One of the best sources of protein is fish. Most fish is low in fat, and the exceptions usually have a good form of fat: omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s, which are found in salmon, herring, and other fatty fish, may help protect against heart disease and other chronic conditions.
26) Beans are a vegetable, a protein, and a great source of fiber. You feel full for very few calories. Open a can of garbanzo beans (aka chickpeas) and toss them into soup or salad, or mash them up to use as a dip. One cup packs 12.5 grams of fiber, just 4 grams of fat, and almost 15 grams of protein.
The spice of life – 23 June 2020
Chilli– Contains a phytochemical called capsaicin, which boosts metabolism, thereby helping you burn fat more effeciently. There are different types of chilli, each varying in spiceness.
Parsley– It have antioxidants like vitamins A, C and K, parsley is a known immune-system booster and is thought to be effective in cancer prevention. It’s also useful if you’re looking to prevent kidney stones., relieve pain, fight fatigue and minimise the effects of ageing.
Turmeric– In addition to giving curries and marinades a bright yellow tinge and slight spicy kick, turmeric may lower your cancer risk because it contains curcumin, a natural compound that boasts anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Ginger– If you’ve been carsick or seasick before, you may have been advised to chew on some candied ginger. There’s a good reason for that. Ginger has a calming effect on the stomach and can ease nausea (which is why it’s also recommended for women experiencing morning sickness). Plus it aids digestion. Ginger is versatile- you can cook with it or even brew the spice to make an aromatic and warming tea.
Peppermint– After a rich or heavy meal, it’s peppermint to the rescue. The menthol in this common herb works wonders at relieving indigestion and minimizing digestive spasms. Feeling anxious? Peppermint also calms frazzled nerves. Enjoy the herb as a tea, or add a few leaves to a fruit salad or fresh juice for an interesting minty flavour.
Healthy Foods – Grilled Vegetables – 23 May 2020
Today I am going to share with you the recipes for Grilled Vegetables:
Ingredients for 2 Pax:
Brinjal (cubed) 150g
Pumpkin (cubed) 200g
French Bean 100g
Garlic (Chopped) 2 cloves
Dressing: Kewpie Roasted Seasame 150g
Steps to make (20 mins)
- Heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add brinjal,pumpkin and French beans. Cook until the vegetables become tender.
- Serve on a plate and pour Kewpie Roasted Seasame dressing on it.
