The skin is often one of the most neglected organs of the body. We use it and abuse it in many circumstances by exposing it to the sun without protection. We also use harsh chemicals on it every day when we wash because some of the cheaper shower gels, face creams and other similar products have added extras that are hardly soft and gentle! As such, you need to take care of your skin. You need to protect it and if you can do so then you will slow down the aging process by maintaining its hydration and offering a little respite to the cells.
I actually wrote this post because I read an article about some of the new natural skin care products available today. I had no idea that some companies were developing natural products with organc ingredients to work in harmony with the skin. Of course, I've heard about stores that offer natural remedies but most of those sell raw ingredients rather than the complete product. Even high profile stores that do not test on animals do not offer completely natural products.
There were several companies featured but one stood out in the article. This was largely because they offered so much more information about the products they offer in terms of how they work and what is in them. Some of the other natural skin care companies only talked about the range of products they sell but Astara Skin Care gave full details about their products. I am always sceptical when companies only tell you what they think you need to know rather than giving you an in depth look at their products so I'll be giving the others a miss but may try Astara Skin Care because their systems impressed me.
Their organic skin care products are specifically designed to offer healthier skin in a completely natural way and thus stave off the aging process as well. The natural ingredients provide nutrition and allow the skin to self heal more effectively than it otherwise would. I would normally be a little suspicious of this because it is such a massive assertion, but the botanical ingredients that are used have been scientifcally proven to offer highly benficial results. The delivery system is also effective so nothing gets lost in transit!
I also liked the inclusion of Totara Tree Essence in the ingredients list. it is expensive but is better than Tea Tree Oil for your skin. It is an antioxidant and reduced bacterial activity on the skin far quicker and more effectively than Tea Tree Oil does.
You should always check out what you are putting on your skin. I am not all for the expensive products in any way but I have to say that I do not like putting synthetic products on my skin. Always look at the company as well as the ingredients label so you can make an informed decision that is best for your skin!
Showing posts with label antioxidants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label antioxidants. Show all posts
Sunday, 18 January 2009
Sunday, 3 August 2008
Good News For Chocolate Lovers Everywhere
Before I go about spreading the good news, I would love to whole heartedly thank Rachael Ray for this golden nugget of information. I have to say that I got a little excited - CHOCOLATE IS GOOD FOR YOU!
As a self-confessed chocoholic, I was really pleased to hear that alittle chocolate a day can boost your imune system and help to prevent aging. Bittersweet or dark chocolate is packed full of antioxidants, meaning that it helps to combat the free radicals that course around the body attacking and degrading cells. Free radicals are produced naturally in the body in increasing numbers as we get older. As they break the cells down, they can cause wrinkles and a loss of elasticity as well as a poor immune system and an increased likelihood of a variety of health problems. Antioxidants prevent that and thus chocolate is good for you!
In addition to chocolate, a glass of red wine can also help to keep aging at bay. It is also full of antioxidants so a glass of red wine and a little chocolate will go a long way!
As a self-confessed chocoholic, I was really pleased to hear that alittle chocolate a day can boost your imune system and help to prevent aging. Bittersweet or dark chocolate is packed full of antioxidants, meaning that it helps to combat the free radicals that course around the body attacking and degrading cells. Free radicals are produced naturally in the body in increasing numbers as we get older. As they break the cells down, they can cause wrinkles and a loss of elasticity as well as a poor immune system and an increased likelihood of a variety of health problems. Antioxidants prevent that and thus chocolate is good for you!
In addition to chocolate, a glass of red wine can also help to keep aging at bay. It is also full of antioxidants so a glass of red wine and a little chocolate will go a long way!
Sunday, 24 February 2008
The Benefits Of Coffee - Yay!
It's been a while so I apologise for not being here. I've had a few health issues of my own to deal with, so much so that I was not sure what to write. Now I'm back and have a wealth of research to share with you all, so we'll start with one of my favourite topics - coffee!
I love coffee and drink way too much of the stuff every single day. It was my guilty pleasure because I used to think that coffee, and more specifically caffeine, was bad for you. As it turns out, it probably is in the quantities I drink every day, but not if you control your intake. In fact, it is apparently very good for you if you limit your intake to a couple of cups a day.
Coffee actually works to improve your general health in a variety of ways. It can improve the health of your heart, help to prevent diabetes, relieve stress and stave off ailments like Parkinson's Disease. In fact, it can even reduce the instances of some forms of cancers. To get the full story on why it can do this, you would need to go through thousands fo scientific studies, but the basic reason is the chlorogenic acid that is to be found within the coffee. It is an antioxident, meaning that it actively works to break down free radicals that are created by and move through the body. Antioxidents prevent it from damaging cells and thus causing these illnesses.
So, in short, I can now enjoy a cup of coffee with peace of mind!
I love coffee and drink way too much of the stuff every single day. It was my guilty pleasure because I used to think that coffee, and more specifically caffeine, was bad for you. As it turns out, it probably is in the quantities I drink every day, but not if you control your intake. In fact, it is apparently very good for you if you limit your intake to a couple of cups a day.
Coffee actually works to improve your general health in a variety of ways. It can improve the health of your heart, help to prevent diabetes, relieve stress and stave off ailments like Parkinson's Disease. In fact, it can even reduce the instances of some forms of cancers. To get the full story on why it can do this, you would need to go through thousands fo scientific studies, but the basic reason is the chlorogenic acid that is to be found within the coffee. It is an antioxident, meaning that it actively works to break down free radicals that are created by and move through the body. Antioxidents prevent it from damaging cells and thus causing these illnesses.
So, in short, I can now enjoy a cup of coffee with peace of mind!
Friday, 28 December 2007
Healthy Foods Part 1: Superfoods!
To get this blog off to a flying start, I'm going to post a multiple part series to give everyone an idea of what they can be eating in their daily diet to feel good and look great from the inside out! First up SUPERFOODS!!!
The Rise And Rise Of Superfoods
In terms of weight loss, superfoods are the new kids on the block, and yet have tried and tested properties to help with the process. Superfoods actually contain large amounts of antioxidants, which defines each one as a superfood, and antioxidants actually strengthen the cells within the body as a result of eliminating free radicals that roam around attacking cells. Weight loss is aided by this process because it actually makes the cells more efficient, allowing them to work harder and thus burn more calories.
The concept of superfoods is relatively new, mainly because superfoods have largely come about as a result of modern research. Unlike the rest of the dieting fads that seem to be getting a lot of attention, superfoods have a laboratory tested seal of approval for people wanting to lose weight, as well as having extra benefits that can keep aging at bay. Laboratory tests have proved that including superfoods in your diet can actually make your entire system more efficient because, thanks to the antioxidants, the cells remain healthier for longer.
There are many different superfoods, but the main known ones are blueberries, raspberries, russet potatoes, broccoli, salmon, oats, beans, spinach, nuts, turkey and soy. The majority of foods do contain a certain amount of antioxidants. In fact, the only foods that don’t tend to contain antioxidants are junk foods and red meats, but only the foods with the highest amounts in them make the superfoods list!
Antioxidants actually attack and neutralise free radicals that are floating around your body. As previously stated, free radicals attack cells, thus damaging them. This can hamper some of your bodily functions, but if you eat foods with antioxidants then they take care of the cells, maintaining their health and ensuring that no lasting damage is inflicted by the free radicals. Healthy cells can actually metabolise at a greater rate than those damaged over time. That, in turn, burns more fat from the stored reserves.
Some superfoods actually suppress appetite as well as having properties that speed up your metabolic rate. Bee pollen is a perfect example. It helps to speed up the metabolism because it contains enzymes and phytochemicals that help to break down stored fat. It also contains lecithin, which is well known for flushing toxins out your system thus making it more efficient, and phenylalanin, which suppresses the appetite. Blueberries also do exactly the same in terms of your metabolism. The fructose contained within blueberries is slower than other sugars to release and thus speeds up your metabolic rate, and the fiber within the blueberries can also help you to stave off hunger.
Superfoods are packed full of goodness, whether you want to lose weight or get and stay healthy. However, if your intentions lie with the first option then you could do far worse than to superfood your diet! Superfoods have so many positive points that it would be foolish not to! If you get the balance of superfoods in your diet right then not only will you look better, but feel better from the inside out too!
The Rise And Rise Of Superfoods
In terms of weight loss, superfoods are the new kids on the block, and yet have tried and tested properties to help with the process. Superfoods actually contain large amounts of antioxidants, which defines each one as a superfood, and antioxidants actually strengthen the cells within the body as a result of eliminating free radicals that roam around attacking cells. Weight loss is aided by this process because it actually makes the cells more efficient, allowing them to work harder and thus burn more calories.
The concept of superfoods is relatively new, mainly because superfoods have largely come about as a result of modern research. Unlike the rest of the dieting fads that seem to be getting a lot of attention, superfoods have a laboratory tested seal of approval for people wanting to lose weight, as well as having extra benefits that can keep aging at bay. Laboratory tests have proved that including superfoods in your diet can actually make your entire system more efficient because, thanks to the antioxidants, the cells remain healthier for longer.
There are many different superfoods, but the main known ones are blueberries, raspberries, russet potatoes, broccoli, salmon, oats, beans, spinach, nuts, turkey and soy. The majority of foods do contain a certain amount of antioxidants. In fact, the only foods that don’t tend to contain antioxidants are junk foods and red meats, but only the foods with the highest amounts in them make the superfoods list!
Antioxidants actually attack and neutralise free radicals that are floating around your body. As previously stated, free radicals attack cells, thus damaging them. This can hamper some of your bodily functions, but if you eat foods with antioxidants then they take care of the cells, maintaining their health and ensuring that no lasting damage is inflicted by the free radicals. Healthy cells can actually metabolise at a greater rate than those damaged over time. That, in turn, burns more fat from the stored reserves.
Some superfoods actually suppress appetite as well as having properties that speed up your metabolic rate. Bee pollen is a perfect example. It helps to speed up the metabolism because it contains enzymes and phytochemicals that help to break down stored fat. It also contains lecithin, which is well known for flushing toxins out your system thus making it more efficient, and phenylalanin, which suppresses the appetite. Blueberries also do exactly the same in terms of your metabolism. The fructose contained within blueberries is slower than other sugars to release and thus speeds up your metabolic rate, and the fiber within the blueberries can also help you to stave off hunger.
Superfoods are packed full of goodness, whether you want to lose weight or get and stay healthy. However, if your intentions lie with the first option then you could do far worse than to superfood your diet! Superfoods have so many positive points that it would be foolish not to! If you get the balance of superfoods in your diet right then not only will you look better, but feel better from the inside out too!
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