Best Foods for Lungs

Lungs are the most essential and chief breathing organs in the human body. The two lungs are located on either side of the heart, near the backbone. They have the key role of transporting oxygen from the surrounding environment into the bloodstream. Similarly, they release carbon-di-oxide from the bloodstream back into the atmosphere. For this process to take place, large surface area is needed, and it is accomplished by the cluster of specific cells, which are very tiny and have a very thin wall, and are called alveoli.

It is very essential to keep the lungs functioning efficiently as improper functioning can lead to a number of dangerous lung diseases, including asthma, bronchiolitis, asbestosis, etc. Below are some superfoods that are highly nourishing and are loaded with essential vitamins and nutrients that ensure the proper functioning of lungs.

1. Water

Dry lungs are more likely to get irritated as the alveoli get constricted due to the lack of adequate water. Water is the quintessential drink to keep the lungs well hydrated. Drinking plenty of water in a day is good not just for your kidneys, but also for lungs and the whole body. It is advisable that one should drink at least 10-12 glasses of water in a day for the proper functioning of lungs and other body parts.

2. Garlic

Garlic is not just used to make a dish piquant, but also for various therapeutic benefits. It has been used for more than 100 years as a superfood to treat various ailments and disorders. Garlic is an anti-bacterial and helps to clear pathways of bronchioles. Besides, it also helps to flush out mucus and cough; thus, making the nasal air passage thoroughly clear and making the process of respiration easy.

3. Apple Juice

Studies have revealed that drinking apple juice daily can keep children away from wheezing. Hence, apple juice should be introduced in your daily diet to keep lung disorders at bay.

4. Apricots

Apricots are rich in vitamin A and hence, associated with the healthy functioning of lungs. Vitamin A is responsible for linings of the respiratory tract and thus, keeps lung disorders at bay.

5. Ginger

Ginger is another blissful food that when added to your diet can help you detoxify your lungs. Ginger also helps in improving the circulation of blood and thus, keeps the body healthy and fit. Ginger has also been proven to aid in digestion along with curing bronchitis and making your immune system much stronger than before.

6. Chilli

For some people, hot and spicy chilies are a great addiction during a meal, but very few know that it is equally beneficial when it comes to keeping the lungs healthy and disease-free. Chilies also help to remove tars and chemicals that get trapped in the mucus, thereby, help in lung detoxification process.

7. Fresh Foods

Processed and preserved foods might be cheap and quite convenient to buy, but they certainly do not add to the health benefits of your body. In fact, they play a dominant role in destroying and weakening your body from the core. They contain harmful chemicals that interfere with the various metabolic functions of the body and blood sugar levels, thus, harming the body in many ways. So, it is highly advisable to consume fresh fruits and vegetables to keep the inner body clean and clear. At the same time, you will notice a drastic difference in the health of your lungs, as well.

8. Broccoli

Broccoli has high levels of antioxidants and thus, it is highly beneficial and one of the best veggies for keeping up the lungs’ health. Studies have also proven that broccoli is an effective remedy for patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.

9. Poultry

Poultry birds, like chicken and turkey, are small, but can benefit your lungs greatly. According to the Office of the Dietary Supplement, these small yet efficacious birds have high levels of vitamin A and are essential for lungs’ health. So, you should try on these poultry birds and see what health benefits they can bestow apart from delectable taste.

10. Walnuts

As a known fact, walnuts contain a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids and are quintessential in treating various respiratory disorders, such as asthma. Have a handful of walnuts every day in your breakfast to keep away such disorders.

11. Berries

Berries, be it blueberries, raspberries or strawberries, are superb source of antioxidants. Amongst all the berries, blueberries are the ones that contain the maximum amount of antioxidants. Besides, cranberries, strawberries and grapes are equally good for the health of your lungs.

12. Beans

Like berries, beans also contain high levels of antioxidants. Red beans, black beans, all are good for lungs’ health and fight off free radicals efficaciously, which could otherwise damage lungs.

Foods for Soft Skin

Face masks, compacts, exfoliators, cleansers, toners, concealers, moisturizers, and the list is endless….Every girl tries such cosmetic product to get flawless and radiant skin, and she even acquires it with these pricey products, but for the time being. These products, when used for a long period of time, complicate the texture and feel of the skin, and moreover, they are external. As you cannot wear make-up for the whole day, so to get radiance and splendour from within, here are a number of super foods that you can try.

1. Avocado

Avocado is considered a beauty food as it is affluent in healthy and essential fatty acids and antioxidant that make the skin look younger and radiant. The gooey flesh of avocado can be applied on the skin, as well. It is one amongst the best moisturizers that can safeguard the skin cells from getting wrinkles.

2. Salmon

Wild salmon can render you supple and nourished skin because of being high in omega fatty acids. Omega fatty acids are essential for the overall nourishment of the skin and also safeguard the skin from getting exposed to harmful effects of heat and ultraviolet rays of the sun.

3. Tomatoes

To get red cheeks just like tomatoes, chomp up a tomato every day. Tomatoes, especially the cooked ones, are high in lycopene contents and potent antioxidants that not only defend your skin against sun-damage, but also hold back the development of wrinkles on the skin.

4. Berries

Almost all sorts of berries are excellent for the skin as they are richly profused with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. They expand the endurance of the skin cells, thus protecting them against wrinkles and damage.

5. Green Tea

Everybody knows that green tea is one of the best sources of antioxidants and can make you look younger for long, without the fear of skin damage.

6. Watercress

This is an excellent salad food, which is believed to heal blemishes and damages of the skin.

7. Flaxseeds

The crunchy flaxseeds are also regarded as an effective foodstuff for treating dry and parched skin. They are wealthy in omega fatty acids and healthy oils, which is not only good for the brain, but also for the well-being of the skin.

8. Sweet Potato

Being excellent in vitamin C, sweet potatoes help in plummeting wrinkles from the skin and give you more young-looking face.

9. Almonds

Almonds enclose vitamin E, which you can find in a number of sun-screen creams, and hence; almonds are also good for safeguarding the skin from the harmful rays of the sun. The essential oil in almonds is superb in providing you with the gorgeous skin.

10. Curd

Eating curd daily is also beneficial for getting supple, smooth and younger-looking skin. If applied externally, curd is excellent in unblocking pores and sloughing off the dead skin cells.

11. Dark Chocolate

To keep your skin hydrated and protected from sun, consume dark chocolate every day. The cocoa present in it can prove to be beneficial in giving you the gorgeous skin.

12. Coffee

A cup of coffee can also prove to be awesome in keeping your skin gorgeous. But remember to gulp just a single cup in a day.
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14 Super Foods for Acne Prone Skin

Acne is certainly one of the most searched about skin condition on any search engine, and is also the most common ailment of the skin that is encountered by every individual at some point in his/her life. People have numerous misconceptions about the causes of acne. Some claim that it is caused due to intake of oily foods and chocolates, while some others suggest that the dry skin is the root cause of this disorder. But, the actual facts that lie behind the acne are- hormonal changes in the body, eating habits, improper and ineffective care of the skin, etc. Acne is also caused when sebum (natural oil present in our body) is produced in excess by the sebaceous glands.

Here are some super foods that will not only help you in getting rid of acne, but will also keep other skin problems at bay.

1. Berries

All types of berries- strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are a great source of antioxidants. Antioxidants work great in protecting your body by fighting off free radicals effectively and efficiently. They help to prevent a number of diseases, such as cancer, heart diseases, acne, and are also known to have anti-aging effects. Having antioxidant-rich diet can assist you in getting a radiant, elastic, and smooth skin for a more beautiful you.

2. Coconut Oil

Undoubtedly, coconut has great benefits for your body and skin. Coconut oil is bliss for those suffering from acne and acne scars as it is one of the best natural remedies to get over the acne scars impeccably. Besides, coconut oil also contains medium fatty acids, and hence, it is effective in reversing the aging process to a great extent. Coconut oil is also a significant source of Lauric acid, which is a well-known anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and also anti-fungal. The blissful and calming oil of coconut is absolutely anti-inflammatory and prevents your skin from getting damaged by UV rays.

3. Green Leafy Vegetables

Green vegetables, such as spinach, collard greens, kale, chard, etc. contain a plethora of manganese. The consumption of these veggies leads to the formation of new collagen and also keeps your skin clear, supple, and elastic. Besides, green vegetables are also a rich source of vitamin A, which is quintessential in clearing up acne and other skin problems.

4. Avocados

It would not be erroneous to call avocados a complete food in treating a variety of disorders from skin to hair to the body. They don’t just work topically, but also treat and replenish your skin from deep within, making it beautiful as never before. Avocados contain a plethora of vitamin B, especially vitamin B3 (niacin), which is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent. It helps to treat problems, such as rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, acne, etc. Avocado is a significant source of vitamin A, D, B, and E, and all of them play a major role in replenishing your body cells.

5. Fish

Fish, particularly sardines, salmons, and herrings are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acid, which is excellent for your skin’s health. Omega-3 fatty acids make your skin moist, supple, and also enhance the thickness of the skin surface. Besides, they also help to decrease the levels of skin’s sensitivity towards the sun exposure.

6. Mushrooms

Mushrooms are also a great source of vitamin B, particularly riboflavin, which is very much essential for the overall well-being of your skin as it promotes repair and maintenance of the skin tissues. This vitamin also reduces the risk of development of acne or blemishes.

7. Kiwis

Like berries, kiwis contain a plethora of vitamin C and antioxidants that are responsible for rejuvenating your skin cells. Vitamin C is well known for boosting up collagen production and giving you a radiant and flawlessly beautiful skin. Collagen, which is produced by having vitamin C in your diet, is also responsible for making your skin firmer, thereby, reducing and reversing the effects of wrinkles and fine lines. So, make sure that you consume this fruitful fruit every day.

8. Chocolate

Many people must be wondering that why chocolate is a part of super foods to treat acne as it is most commonly believed that chocolate is the source responsible for popping up of acne. But, it is merely a myth and contradicting to this myth, the fact is that it basically plays a key role in treating acne significantly. Chocolates are rich in antioxidants and flavonols, and are also responsible for improving skin’s texture, smoothness, and elasticity. Besides, it also plays an important role in hydrating your skin.

9. Mangoes

Mangoes fall in the category of tropical fruits and contain high levels of vitamin A. Thus; mangoes are great for repairing your skin and improving its texture, making it smooth and supple. Vitamin A is known for keeping the skin well hydrated and moisturized. Besides, it also plays a key role in reversing the process of aging by reducing fine lines and visible wrinkles along with curing acne, liver spots, and preventing the skin cancer.

10. Almonds

Almond is one such nut that is ultra nourishing and performs a number of functions to keep your skin and body fit and healthy. Almonds contain vitamin E, which is responsible for keeping the body well moisturized, and also helps to improve the overall complexion. It protects the skin from UV damage and keeps acne at bay, if consumed regularly over a period of time.

11. Fennel

Fennel is one of the best natural cleansers. Improper digestion of food is one of the major causes for breakouts and fennel is excellent for digestion. It helps to reduce acne swelling and also plays a role in flushing harmful toxic materials out of the body.

12. Brown Rice

Brown rice is yet another super food that is an excellent source of vitamin B, which plays a major role in fighting off stress. Besides, it also contains a significant amount of proteins, magnesium, and antioxidants. Vitamin B plays an important role in regulating the hormone levels in the body, and thus, prevents breakouts.

13. Garlic

Garlic is one of the best known anti-inflammatory super foods. Garlic contains a naturally occurring chemical, called allicin, which helps to kill any harmful bacteria and viruses present in the body.

14. Broccoli

Broccoli is known to be the best skin cleansing food as it contains a variety of vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamin A, K, C, E, and B. It also has antioxidants that fight off free radicals present in the body, and thus, helps to enhance the luminosity of your skin.
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Home Remedies for Treating High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a cardiovascular ailment and is also known as hypertension. Continually raising pressure of blood in arteries results in high blood pressure. If you are overweight, diabetic, or older in age, you are at a risk of high blood pressure. If untreated, it may lead to injury to eyes and brain, kidney failure, strokes and heart attacks. Hypertension can be minimized by bringing changes in the lifestyle. You can treat this malady with the natural ingredients, obtainable in your kitchen.

Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can be controlled to a great extent by using home remedies. Let’s take a look at these natural remedies for hypertension.

1. Grapes

Grape is a multi-vitamin fruit, which is a rich source of potassium and phosphorus. Eating grapes on the daily basis helps in reducing the risk of high blood pressure.

2. Banana

Banana contains potassium in high amount. It is a rich source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, and magnesium. If a banana is consumed every day, high blood pressure can be controlled. Along with banana, raisins, dried apricot, currants, orange juice, spinach, sweet potatoes (baked), and winter squash also works wonder.

3. Celery (Ajmud)

Add celery in your diet. If a blood pressure patient eats celery along with one glass of water on a daily basis, the results will be surprising. Eating celery will lower the chances of hypertension.

4. Onion Juice

Mix ½ tsp each of onion juice and honey. Take this mixture 2 times a day for 1-2 weeks. You will notice a remarkable improvement in your blood pressure. You can also eat a raw onion as a salad.

5. Honey

Take half spoon of honey and add half spoon of onion juice in it. Mix it and take it twice a day in order to avoid high blood pressure.

6. Garlic

Take two cloves of garlic and smash it. Swallow it. You can also eat garlic in a cooked form. Raw garlic improves the blood flow and reduces the pressure on the heart.

If you can’t eat the raw garlic, here is what you can do. Take 1 tablespoon of water and add a few drops of fresh garlic juice in it. Drink it twice a day.

7. Basil

Take fresh basil juice and add equal quantity of honey to it. Mix both the ingredients. Drink it every day in the morning on an empty stomach.

8. Coconut Water

Coconut water will help to keep the body hydrated. Drinking coconut water on the daily basis can control the high blood pressure. Along with the coconut water, replace your vegetable oil with coconut oil. This will help a lot.

9. Fenugreek Seeds

Take 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds and boil them in hot water for a couple of minutes. Then, strain them and make a fine paste. Take this paste in the morning on an empty stomach and in the evening.

10. Cayenne Pepper

As cayenne pepper is very spicy, it should be taken in a very low quantity. A pinch of cayenne pepper is enough to control the high blood pressure. You can add it on the fruit salad or in soup.

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Health Benefits of Almonds

 

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Health Benefits of Eating Pistachios

Pistachio is a small tree, originally from central Asia and the Middle East. The tree produces small nuts that are enclosed in shells Pistachios are filled with essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, calcium and zinc besides containing proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and dietary fiber. Pistachios also have numerous health benefits that include lowering the risk of heart problems, controlling body weight, protecting the eyes, aiding in digestion, nourishing the skin. Pistachios are tasty nuts that can be eaten as a snack, just crack open the shell and enjoy the flavourful crunch inside. 
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Best Benefits Of Sunflower Oil For Skin, Hair And Health

Sunflowers, native to America, has been widely used for the extraction of cooking oil since ages. Sunflower oil is non-volatile oil extracted from the seeds of sunflowers. It is commonly used as cooking oil as well as in cosmetic formulations due to its emollient properties.

Its nutritious composition makes it one of the healthiest oils for consumption as well as application on skin and hair. The main component of sunflower oil is linoleic acid. Its other components include oleic acid and palmitic acid. In addition to these, it contains lecithin, carotenoids, tocopherols and appreciable quantities of vitamins A, D and E.
There are basically two types of sunflower seeds- confection sunflower seeds and non-oil sunflower seeds. Confection sunflower seeds are edible and are used for the extraction of oil whereas non-oil sunflower seeds are used for feeding animals and are not suitable for human consumption. Sunflower seed oil is extracted from the black seeds as well as the entire flower. The expressed sunflower oil is amber in colour with a mild and pleasant taste. Refined oil is pale yellow in colour. Being extremely light with a high content of polyunsaturated fat, sunflower oil is often preferred over other oils like canola, safflower, corn and olive oils for cooking purposes. Its excellent smoothening properties and long shelf life make it ideal for cosmetic preparations.

Sunflower Oil For Skin

Sunflower oil is a natural and healthy way of maintaining a great skin due to its calming and emollient (moisturizing) properties. Being rich in nutrients and antioxidants, it is widely used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes and is found to be effective against acne, eczema, inflammation, general redness and irritation of the skin. Some of the benefits of sunflower oil for skin are as follows.

Due to its emollient properties, sunflower oil helps the skin to retain its moisture. Using sunflower oil as lotion on the skin of pre-term infants’ acts as a protective barrier and massaging them with this oil helps in reducing skin infection by nearly 14 percent. Hence, sunflower oil can be used for their daily skincare.

Sunflower oil is extremely high in vitamin E in comparison to other skincare products like almond oil or shea butter. Vitamin E is essential for preventing damage to skin cells by ultraviolet light or UVA from the sun. Vitamin E improves the appearance and health of your skin through prevention of scarring and smoothing of existing wrinkles.

Sunflower oil is also rich in vitamins A, C and D and healthy carotenoids and waxes which form a protective barrier on the skin. Thus, this oil is effective in the treatment of acne. Being exceptionally light and non-greasy, it gets absorbed into the skin easily without clogging or blocking the pores. Its range of vitamins and fatty acids act as antioxidants to regenerate skin cells and rid the skin of acne causing bacteria.

Beta-carotene is a richly pigmented fat-soluble compound that can be converted into vitamin A and its antioxidant properties are beneficial for the appearance of your health and skin. Sunflower oil is an excellent source of beta-carotene. Consumption of this compound makes your skin less sensitive to the sun. The antioxidants in it neutralize the free radicals that penetrate your skin, causing sunburn and other types of sun damage such as skin cancer.

The antioxidant properties of sunflower oil help in preventing premature signs of aging. Exposure to free radicals and sunlight increases the rate of aging of skin, causing the occurrence of wrinkles and fine lines at an early age. The antioxidants in sunflower oil lower the risk of developing premature signs of aging.

Being a natural emollient, sunflower oil improves your skin’s moisture retention capacity and is beneficial for individuals with dry, dehydrated or sensitive skin. A mixture of sunflower and castor oils is effective in making your skin supple and removing dead cells and impurities. This mixture can be used as a cleanser and there is no need to use moisturizer as the oils contain fatty acids and vitamins to moisturize your skin.

Sunflower seed oil is an oil of fine quality as it is light in texture and extremely suitable for eye and skin care. It is suitable for normal to dry skin and is increasingly used in aromatherapy because of its mild scent and light texture. It is used in skin products and creates a smoothing feel on the skin.
Sunflower Oil For Hair:

Just like skin, sunflower oil has a moisturizing effect on your hair as well. A wide array of nutrients and antioxidants together with essential fatty acids make it extremely beneficial for your hair. Following are the benefits of sunflower oil for hair.
Due to its light texture and mild flavour, sunflower oil softens the hair and adds a delightful sheen to it. Sunflower seed oil helps to control frizz, tackles dryness and damage and makes you hair manageable. This versatile oil maintains your hair’s luster and texture and can be used as a natural conditioner. Sunflower oil can be applied and massaged on your scalp before a bath once a week for maximum benefits.

Being extremely light, sunflower oil helps in conditioning greasy hair. It nourishes the hair and prevents breakage.
Sunflower oil is an important source of gamma alpha linolenic acid (GLA) which helps in preventing thinning of hair. It is effective in the treatment of hair-loss, baldness and alopecia areata characterized by round patches of lost hair.

Due to its wide range of benefits for health, skin and hair, sunflower oil is considered as one of the healthiest oils and is generally preferred over other heavier oils like coconut, almond, safflower and olive oils. However, to reap its benefits, it is advisable to consume it in small quantities as it has some associated side effects.

Consuming high qualities of this oil might increase insulin or blood sugar and increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries) in people with type 2 diabetes. Due to its high content of omega-6 fatty acids, excess consumption is likely to cause breast and prostate cancer in post-menopausal women. Therefore, appropriate dose of this oil should be taken after considering factors such as age, health and other conditions. It is advisable to consult a physician before using such natural products.
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