Continued ...

... from here

20 Best Healthful Tips

9. Keep Menstrual Cramps At Bay

To reduce the intensity of menstrual symptoms, you can change your diet. Consume less sugar and slightly more protein. Diuretic foods such as eggplant, cucumbers and parsley can help diminish water retention, while calcium supplements and magnesium can help reduce anxiety (always take both). Vitamin B6 can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and tension, and VitaminsE and C can help reduce the intensity of cramps. You can also turn to plants- Angelica, Matrix, Milfoi of Yarrow and Sage - to relieve your pains.

10. Use Seaweed To Stimulate Your Immune System

Japanese seaweed possesses remarkable immunising properties, especially in fighting cancer. Laminaria extract found in seaweed has proven 70% to 84% effective in suppressing intestinal tumours.

11. Reduce Your Cholesterol

First, cut down on saturated fats ... eat lean meat, drink skim milk instead of whole milk and alcohol, in moderation (not more than 2 glasses a day). Do regular exercise and take VitaminE. It reduces the risk of coronary disease. Calcium brewer's yeast, VitaminC and VitaminB6 also combat the accumulation of cholesterol, lecithin, which helps fight excess cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, hypertension and angina. Use poly-unsaturated, non-hydrogenated, cold pressed oil: corn oil, sunflower seed oil, soy and flax. Daily consumption of fish is very beneficial for the arteries.

12. Stop Catching Colds

Avoid coming into close contact with infected persons, especially if they cough or sneeze. Alternatively, there are certain substances found in alcohol that help decongest sinuses. You don't have to get drunk to get better- just sniff some strong alcohol like cognac or brandy and breathe in the fumes.

13. Beat Asthma

Taking VitaminC and Magnesium is an excellent way to prevent asthma attacks. You can also drink two or three cups of strong coffee to breathe more easily during an attack.

14. Care For Your Heart While You Sleep

If you sleep on your stomach or on your left side, you are putting pressure on your heart with the extra body weight. To reduce the strain on your heart, sleep on your right side, or on your back.

15. Put An End To Heartburn

Avoid acidic foods, alcohol, fat or fried food, food that is overcooked, coffee, juice, tomato base products and chocolate. But don't deprive yourself too much. Rather, observe which foods bring on heartburn and avoid them. Also, don't go to sleep right after eating and don't smoke, especially after meals.

16. Exploit Fibre's Goodness

Fibre prevents cardiac disease, certain types of cancer, diabetes, obesity, tooth decay and varicose veins. It is also useful in combating many disorders besides constipation. Good sources of fibre are from fruits, especially apples and prunes and vegetables such as spinach and cabbage. Note that there are numerous types of fibre, and that you should alternate between them.

17. Prevent High Blood Pressure

Diet rich in potassium and calcium are less likely to develop high blood pressure. Fortunately, both are abundantly present in fruits, vegetables, beans, fish, fowl and lean meats.

18. Protect Yourself Against Cancer

The strongest anti-oxidising agent is VitaminE, which is found in wheat germ oil and sunflower seeds. Next comes VitaminC and beta-carotene. Also in red vegetables (like tomatoes), orange ones (carrots), yellow (squash), and dark green (broccoli).

19. Avoid Cancer Cause By Smoking

Drink carrot juice. According to a German Doctor Hans Nieper, if you smoke 60 cigarettes a day but drink four glasses of carrot juice, you will still be less prone to contract cancer that someone who doesn't smoke but who doesn't drink carrot juice.

20. Age With A Healthy Body & Mind

Did you know that sexual activity can keep you looking good as you age? (I AGREE!!!) Studies conducted in Sweden have shown that elderly people who have sexual partners have much more vitality and a better memory than those who do not.

... what I read

20 Best Healthful Tips

How to ...

1. Fight Ageing

Walking for 30 minutes 3 or 4 times a week is enough to combat ageing.

 

2. Get Rid of Liver Spots

Take brown seaweed tablet once a day every morning for 15 days a month or apply a cream composed of one teaspoon oxygenated water and 4 1/2 tablespoons lanovaseline every morning and night.

3. Handle Irritation In Your Eye

Before doing anything, make sure you don't do what you absolutely shouldn't: rub or press the eye, lift the eyelid, or remove contact lenses without washing your hands. Let nature do its work... tears and natural eye movements will usually get rid of the irritation. Or try rinsing your eye with some warm water, or with drops. You can pull on the skin around the eyes, but don't touch the eyelid.

4. Avoid Eye Problems Caused by TV and Monitors

Do a few eye exercises, for example- roll your eyes in large circles in both directions; look over to each sides as far as possible and then go from up to down; or scan an imaginary text on the wall from left to right.

5. Treat Insects Bites

Eat asparagus and your sweat will develop an odour that repels insects or apply lemon oil to your skin. If you are bitten, use aloe vera as it has extraordinary powers of soothing skin disorders.

6. Combat Fatigue

Make sure you have enough sleep. In general women need at least 1,200 calories per day and men 1,500. Avoid monotony: a varied diet will be more likely to provide the nutritive elements you need to conserve your energy. Walking is the minimum effort necessary for staying in shape.

7. Prevent Motion Sickness - Naturally

Ginger has been used for centuries to prevent seasickness; using half a teaspoon of ground ginger is more effective than chemical medication in suppressing motion or seasickness.

8. Treat Diarrhoea Without Medication

Avoid all solid food on the first day. Drink liquids like water, apple juice, meat or vegetable boullion and tea. Chinese medicine has always considered ginger one of the best remedies for diarrhoea. Dilute a tablespoon in hot water and add honey.

9. click her to read more

... what I read

 to be continued.... (as I have to run somewhere)

SuperFoods

Superfoods, Super You !

A health-boosting diet doesn't have to equal exotic and expensive. If you want glossy hair, gorgeous skin and a sharper brain, it's the everyday foods that count.

1. GARLIC - There is evidence that garlic is good for the heart. Studies have shown that eating garlic can have a beneficial effect in lowering blood cholesterol levels. Garlic has anti-fungal properties too. If you have athlete's foot you can speed up your recovery by using garlic in a foot soak. Just get some warm water, add two crushed cloves and two tablespoons of cider vinegar, and bathe your feet.

2. TOMATOES - Packed with Vitamin C, they're great for your tissue and boosting your immune system. There are four in a teaspoon of puree and two in dollop of ketchup. If you buy whole tomatoes, choose sun-ripened ones. Lots of tomatoes are picked when they're green and ripened artificially. They won't give you the lycopene benefits (a caratinoid that acts as an antioxidant) because lycopene only develops on the 11th day of the tomato being in the sun.

3. SPINACH - This is really good for you. It's full of folic acid and contains Vitamins A, C & E (an antioxidant). Spinach also contains compounds called lutein and zeaxanthine. These are vital for protecting your eyes against age-related macular degeneration (AMD; an eye disease that leads to reduced vision). 

4. APPLES - The proverb should be 'two apples a day keeps the doctor away'. Because studies has shown that the pectin, the fibre in those two apples can lower your cholesterol by 10% in three weeks. French research found that just the smell of apples was enough to bring down people's blood pressure (So, if your boss is driving you mad, sneak off for an apple break). Apples with deep red skins and pinky flesh contain more betacarotene, which converts into vitamin A in you body, and helps look after your skin, while sourish green apples contain more vitamin C.

5. CABBAGE - Otherwise know as the medicine of the poor. It's full of vitamins and minerals and glucosinolates, which has anti-cancer properties. Everyone should try and eat some for of cabbage- sprouts, kale, broccoli, coleslaw ... everyday!

6. NUTS & SEEDS -  Containing dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids which are vital for our immune and nervous systems. Nuts are packed with goodness. There's also evidence that they can help protect against heart disease. Walnuts are the best for that. They contain monounsaturated fatty acids, which help the body get rid of cholesterol. Try and have a handful everyday.

7. OILY FISH - You should aim to eat four portions of fish a week. Of those, at least two should be oily fish like mackerel, herring, kippers and sardines. They contain essential fatty acids and lots of vitamin D. Without vitamin D in the body women can't absorb calcium, which is vital for strong bones. Oily fish also contains important minerals like iodine, which helps the thyroid work properly. Without it you'll feel tired and even depressed.

... what I read

Erogenous Zones ...

... satisfaction very much guaranteed  [ for married couples only  ; ) ]

The E-Spot (EYES)

Experiments showed that women could experience orgasms from visual aids alone. Choose positions where you see parts of his body that turn you on. Put a pillow under your head while he is on top so you can get better view of him.

The H-Spot (HEAD)

Stimulating the scalp's numerous nerve endings through a head massage can make you feel aroused. He should focus on your temples and behind your ears, gliding his hands all the way down to your collarbone to induce strong sexual arousal in you.

The K-spot (KNEES)

Stimulating the knees causes an increase in muscle tension that stretches upward to trigger an orgasm. Pay attention to the backs of the knees, which have intense nerve endings. Have your man tickle there lightly, while stroking your leg with varying degrees of pressure. Nuzzling a vibrator under the knee will kick-start sensations across your body.

The F-spot (FEET)

Padded with sensitive nerve endings, the feet connect directly to the sexual organs, and massaging them can unlock a wave of sensations. Take a leaf out of the Kama Sutra and get him to massage your feet during sex. Lie on your back and get him to kneel with his knees open around your thighs, so your feet are against his chest. Then ask him to caress them as your have sex.

... what I read

What You Should Know ...

... by now

1. That the words "easy" and "weight loss" do not belong in the same sentence.
   
2. That when someone asks whether they look OK, the only acceptable answer is YES.
3. That you can fight with your boss... but you can't win.
4. That those people on TV whose lives always look so effortlessly great? They're not real.
5. That you should never, ever feel self-conscious in bed, even with the lights on.
6. That there is very little in life that can't be undone.
7. That please and thank you actually are magic words.
8. That if he really loves you, he'll be good to you.
9. That models have cellulite too, and most men couldn't care less about it. Why should you?
10. That if you're capable of being happy "someday", you're capable of being happy right now.
11. That you know what to do. You may just be scared to do it (but don't let that stop you).

...what I read

Orgasm Insurance !

Commit to these habits and you'll be a VERY happy woman.

1. Flex your muscles.

Strong pelvic muscles equals intense contractions. Strengthen yours with Kegel exercises. To do them, squeeze you PC muscles (the ones that stop the flow of urine) for 10 seconds, then release. Work up to 100 reps a day.

2. Get sweaty.

Regular heart-pumping exercise improves blood flow, which boosts sexual arousal. Even taking a jog right before sex could make an orgasm more intense.

3. Eat right.

Need another reason to eat more fruits and vegetables? A healthy diet can help keep pelvic tissues soft and puffy, important for boosting sexual response.

4.  QUIT SMOKING !

The nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes constrict capillaries and choke off pelvic blood flow.

5. Go easy on the booze.

Yes, a glass of wine can make you feel sexy, but watch out if you have more than a few drinks. alcohol can dampen your ability to become aroused and may delay orgasm because it slows the central nervous system.

... what I read

Skin-Friendly Food Substitutes

Dark Chocolate beats Chocolate Cake

... packed with antioxidants, dark varieties have less sugar than milk chocolate or cake.

Olive Oil beats Vegetable Oil

... vegetable oils, including corn oil, are harder to digest and can lead to inflammation.

Whole Eggs beat Egg Whites

... most of an egg's nutrients, including biotin and lutein, are found in its yolk.

Almond Butter beats Peanut Butter

... peanuts can trigger mild skin irritation, and almonds are a great source of omega-3 fats.

... what I read

Foods for Beautiful & Ugly skin

Foods that help if you have ...

ACNE

What to eat :

Bright red and orange fruits and vegetables have beta carotene, which your body converts to oil-reducing vitamin A. Green leafy vegetables contain vitamin B6, which minimizes swelling, so pimples are reduced.

What to avoid :

Iodine-rich salt, shrimp and seaweed stimulate oil glands, inducing irritation of pores. And although pure chocolate won't cause acne, the sugar in desserts (along with dairy and refined flour) can.

WRINKLES

What to eat :

Fruits rich in color (such as berries) have vitamin C to promote anti-aging, skin firming collagen and antioxidants. Orange sea foods, like salmon and lobster, contain astaxanthin, an antioxidant stronger than vitamin C and E.

What to avoid :

Balance sugar intake with cinnamon (1/8 tsp can lower sugar in your blood for two weeks). Avoid taking too much iron, high doses can contribute to wrinkles.

DRY SKIN

What to eat :

Drink lots of water and eat foods with good fats ( which keep cell walls strong and prevent water loss), like avocado and olive oil, as well as citrus and kiwi (the potassium they contain regulates the body's water levels). Cabbage has sulfur, which can prevent dry, irritated skin.

What to avoid :

Drinks like coffee and black tea dehydrate your internal tissues and skin. Also, margarine and most fried foods contain trans fats and hydrogenated oil, which can deplete levels of good fats and lead to dry skin.

PUFFY EYES

What to eat :

Diuretics, asparagus and parsley included, reduce bloating. Potassium-rich bananas and citrus fruits help maintain a good balance of fluids. Circulation boosters like cayenne pepper can aid in lymphatic drainage around the eyes.

What to avoid :

Salt, which leaches water out of cells, is your biggest enemy, so avoid soy sauce and preserved foods (no cheese or deli meats). Yeast can cause puffiness, and expert also suggests shunning baked goods and alcohol.

THIN HAIR 

What to eat :

Foods rich in biotin (dark greens and meat, for example) can help hair grow faster and stronger. Hair is made of protein, so foods such as beans and eggs are critical for healthy hair growth. Olive oil contains squalene, which helps hair hold on to moisture better.

What to avoid :

If your mane is thinning, avoid supplements with high doses of vitamin A, which could exacerbate the condition,. But do eat nuts like almonds, they contain zinc, which can soothe the scalp irritations that lead to thinning hair.

BROWN SPOTS

What to eat :

Sun exposure can cause freckles, so powerful antioxidants ( in dark chocolate, pomegranates and broccoli) that fight sun damage are your best beauty bets. Studies have shown that green tea can protect against sunburn and also help prevent skin cancer.

What to avoid :

Alcohol and processed foods weaken the immune system and therefore make skin more sensitive to sunlight. Watch out for beer in particular, because hops have been known to cause dark spots on skin.

DULL SKIN 

What to eat :

Green and orange veggies increase vitamin A levels, making skin cells shed faster for a radiant, bright complexion. Soybeans and yams contain plant estrogens, which can add luster to your skin. Eating berries will make your pores look smaller too.

What to avoid :

Spices, garlic and onions increase circulation and impart a healthy glow, but don't overdo them or you can end up red in the face. Avoid sugar, caffeine and fried foods, they interfere with nutrient absorption, so skin can become sallow.

... what I read

Beautiful You

5 things that make you look tired (even when you're not) :

1. Eating salty foods ~ sodium can leave you puffy. The rudest awakening comes from the MSG that's often found in Chinese food and soy sauce (yikes ! I love soy sauce, with cili padi). Beware of sauces in general, they're just minefields of salt.
2. Piling on makeup ~ too much foundation sinks into fine lines and masks your natural glow, making you look older. Also skip too bright cheek color, the contrast can further wash you out.
3. Sleeping face down ~ fluid pools in your tissues, so you puff up. Sleep on your back.
4. Wearing reddish shadow ~ eye makeup with red undertones (roses,plums,browns) plays up redness in eyes. Better to go with black liner.
5. Not enough water ~ dehydration puts you on the fast track to looking prune like. Have a glass of water at bedtime.

******************

3 Fast Beautifiers :

1. Store face cream in the fridge - the coldness temporarily tightens pores, making skin look smoother.
2. Really soften up - break open an egg, then put the yolk on dry spots, rinse off.
3. Radiate - apply tinted moisturizer, sweep shimmer powder on cheekbones and brow bones.

******************

Improve your skin :

1. Put down the doughnuts ~ fried, fatty food trigger the production of free radicals. These nasty little buggers harm cells, making skin more susceptaible to sun damage, and eat away at collagen, the stuff that keeps skin young & plump. Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, walnuts and eggs, and brightly colored produce like dark, leafy greens and berries. They minimize damage and give you clearer, smooter skin.
2. Exfoliate, but not too much ~Exfoliate a minimum of once a week, but never so often that skin feels scratchy or raw. "No pain, no gain" does not apply here.

******************

STOP DIETING ! DIET IS A FOUR-LETTER WORD, 

DON'T DO IT. 

RESTRICTIVE EATING ONLY SLOWS YOUR METABOLISM.

5 things to eat (and drink) more of :

1. VEGGIES ~ veggies , colorful veggies
2. LEAN PROTEIN ~ It's what will keep you feeling satisfied. Think chicken breast or fish
3. GOOD FATS ~ like the unsaturated ones found in avocados, nuts and olive oil
4. HEALTHY CARBS ~ the whole grain and unprocessed kind
5. WATER ~ clear plain water

... what I read

Good SEX for life !

Experts have uncovered something you can do now to keep your sex drive charged in the future : Have plenty of sex in you twenties and thirties. It conditions your brain to want it even after hormone levels drop off. If you need to destress, for example, your brain will seek out activities that have made you feel good in the past, like sex  ; )