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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Amazing Benefits Of Capers For Skin, Hair And Health

Capers are the unripe flower buds of Capparis spinosa. They are also called Flinders rose. Capers are perennial winter deciduous plants which are native to the Mediterranean and some parts of Asia and South Africa. These are an integral ingredient in Mediterranean cuisines. They are mainly used as a seasoning or for garnishing. After these pea sized buds are cultivated, they are dried in the sun and used in pickles due to their tangy lemony flavor. Ancient history says capers were used in Sumerian food.

Capers range in size from that of a peppercorn or nonpareil up to the size of a small green olive. Larger capers are stronger in flavor but if you want to enjoy its aroma go for the tiny ones. Caper buds are picked by hand. Apart from adding some vibrant flavor to your meals, they are known for their immense health benefits. One tablespoon capers contain just two calories. Hence capers can be a good option if you are following a low calorie diet. Apart from its low calorie benefit, they also contain antioxidants, phytonutrients, and vitamins essential for optimum health.
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Amazing Benefits Of Dragon Fruit For Skin, Hair And Health

Dragon fruit is a fruit of the cactus plant that grows in the tropical and subtropical areas which includes Asia and Latin America. It has a yellow or red peel with green scales on it, which are spiny, inside a white, magenta or pink flesh and it has many tiny black seeds – the overall shapes resembles a dragon and hence the name Dragon fruit. Dragon fruit provides a number of essential nutrients and has some potential health benefits as well. The other name of Dragon fruit is Pitaya.
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Easy Ways to Incorporate Vegetables into Your Diet

In order to ensure that you diet is nutritious; you have to include a healthy serving of vegetables in it. Vegetables are loaded with a number of nutrients, which can help you watch your weight as well as boost your well being. But if you find it difficult to eat vegetables, try these easy ways to get more vegetables into your diet.
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Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a multi functional plant that has gained favour and acceptance as an excellent home remedy source in India and the world over. Its medicinal healing properties, for external and internal use, have made it a favourite for many organic solutions followers.
Aloe vera has anti- microbial effect against bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeast.”

Internally or externally aloe vera can fight several kinds of microbes. This plant should be hailed for its importance and rightfully added as a great new member of your house plants family.
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Top Ten Health Benefits Of a Good night's Sleep

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Super Seeds You Should Be Eating

Seeds are the “eggs” that contain the nutrients needed to nourish the growth of a new plant. To expect them to be choc-a-block with nutrients and other essential elements is a no brainer. Most of us either throw them away, or generally relegate these nutritional wonders to the occasional snack rather than making them staples of our diet. Having known the wonders of the self-healing prowess that our bodies possess, and how nourishing this internal system is the answer to healthy living, conferring them the status of super foods should not come as a surprise.

Considering the constant and unending debate over vegetarian diet not being able to bridge the deficiency gap (especially protein), seeds come as a boon to everyone wanting to stick to a non-meat option, without losing out on the nutrients. The amount of minerals and nutrients that come compressed in those small “natural” capsules is astounding. They are among the better plant sources of niacin, folic-acid contents, protein, iron, zinc and provide more fiber per ounce than nuts.
Take the Balanced Route:

You can’t go overboard with seeds because of their high fat content. But, in moderation, seeds can be mixed with cereals or trail mix or eaten by themselves. A sprinkling of seed kernels over fruits, vegetables, pastas, or salads adds a touch of crunchy texture and flavor. Sesame seeds are especially attractive as toppers for breads, rolls, salads, and stir-fries.
See what the Best 13 Wonder Seeds can do to your Health:

Hemp Seeds-
Contents: Protein (globulin edistin, and albumin), essential fatty acids, omega 6 Linoleic Acid and omega 3 Linoleic Acid, soluble and insoluble fibers, vitamins A, B1, B2, D and E, and all the 20 amino acids (including the 9 essential amino acids (EAAs).
Hemp seeds help: promote healthy skin, hair, eyes, and liver; inhibit the production of DNA in cancerous cells; the body metabolize fats and protein; the nervous system function properly; aid proper brain function; regulate calcium and phosphorus in the body; maintain proper bone structure; maintain gastrointestinal and heart health; reduce inflammation ; lower cholesterol levels.
Sesame Seeds-
Contents: Essential minerals like manganese, copper, iron, phosphorus, vitamin B1, zinc, dietary fiber and calcium and lignan fibers (sesamin and sesamolin).
Sesame seeds help: promote bone health; production of red blood cells; carry oxygen through the bloodstream; promote bone health and prevent osteoporosis; reduce hypertension and eases stress; fight free radicals and strengthening the immune system; prevent high blood pressure; increase vitamin E supplies; protect the liver from oxidative damage; provide relief from PMS.
Chia Seeds-
Contents: calcium, phosphorus, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, folate, antioxidant, iron, calcium, vitamin C, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)(“short-chain” omega-3 fatty acid), fiber, and magnesium. They are also gluten free.
Chia Seeds help: promote bone health; promote healthy digestion; reducing joint pain; achieve weight loss; deliver an energy boost; protect against serious ailments such as diabetes and heart disease; relieve depression and rheumatoid arthritis; protect heart, liver; promote bone and dental health; lower triglycerides ; prevent coronary artery disease; stabilize the blood sugar, promote heart health.
Sunflower Seeds-
Contents: vitamin E, selenium, magnesium, copper, and B vitamins including folate.
Sunflower seeds help: neutralize free radicals; induce DNA repair and synthesis in damaged cells; inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, and to induce their apoptosis; strengthen bones; lower blood pressure; decrease muscle tension; relieve migraine headaches, soreness, and fatigue; detox and cleanse the body; reduce cholesterol; reduce the severity of asthma; reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke; support healthy pregnancy ; maintain healthy hair and skin; weight loss through healthy digestion and increase fiber intake.
Pumpkin Seeds-
Contents: protein, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron, copper, B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6 and folates), vitamin K, vitamin E, antioxidants known as carotenoids, and chemical L-tryptophan.
Pumpkin seeds help: promote healthy sleeping patterns; protect against osteoporosis; prevent calcium oxalate kidney stone formation; significantly reduce inflammation; boost your mood and fight through depression; fight parasites, especially tapeworms; keep our blood vessels healthy and lower bad cholesterol; stop the triggering of cancerous behavior in male prostate cells; enhance immune activity and disease fighting capacities; support skeletal health.
Flax Seeds-
Contents: Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) -a kind of omega-3 fatty acid, fiber, and phytoestrogens –Lignans.
Flax seeds help: reduce inflammation, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine headaches, and osteoporosis; lower blood pressure; relief from abdominal pains; promote digestive health; breast cancer prevention; lower triglycerides in the blood; suppress appetite and helps support weight loss; lower inflammation and blood levels of C-Reactive Protein (CRP); block tumor growth and cancer risk; stabilize hormonal levels, reducing the symptoms of PMS and menopause; reducing the risk of developing breast and prostate cancer; lower blood cholesterol levels, helping reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke; beneficial to eye and brain health;.
Pomegranate Seeds-
Contents: Antioxidants, polyphenols, health-boosting tannins, anthocyanins, and ellagic acid, vitamin C and potassium, low in calories and a good source of fiber.
Pomegranate seed help: protect cells from free radicals; pumps the level of oxygen in your blood; prevents blood clots; improving the oxygen levels in your blood; reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease; prevent low-density lipoprotein cholesterol from oxidizing, preventing arterial hardening (atherosclerosis); reduce imflammation and cartilage damage and arthritis; lower high blood pressure and increase the speed at which heart blockages melt away; Overeating prevention, weight loss.
Cumin Seeds-
Contents: rich in iron.
Cumin seeds help: relieve digestive disorders; as an antiseptic; boost the power of the liver and protect the livers from ethanol and rancid sunflower oil-induced toxicity; relieve symptoms of common cold; soothes sore throat; increase the heat in the body and elevate metabolism levels; kidney functions; boost the immune system; treat asthma and arthritis; reduce blood glucose; stave off cataracts through anti-glycation properties; reduce total cholesterol, triglycerides, and pancreatic inflammatory markers; reduce elevated cortisol and replenishment of depleted T cells; increase bone density; wean addicts off of opiates by reducing tolerance and dependence.
Grape Seeds-
Contents: vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid and polyphenols.
Grape seeds help: prevent heart diseases such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol; reduce risk of heart disease, limiting lipid oxidation, inhibiting platelet aggregation, and reducing inflammation; kill squamous cell carcinoma cells, while leaving healthy cells unharmed; reduce the infectivity of Norovirus (leading to nausea, forceful vomiting, watery diarrhea, abdominal pain and low grade fever) surrogates .
Wheat Germ-
Contents: protein, iron and B vitamins such as folate, high fibre, low glycemic index, phytonutrient L-ergothioneine.
Wheat germ help: prevent constipation and keeps your appetite in check; prevent blood-sugar spike and diabetes; reduce a compound homocysteine reducing the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, bone fractures, and dementia.
Dill Seeds-
Contents: vitamin A (in the form of pro-vitamin A carotenoid phytonutrients), monoterpenes- carvone, limonene and anethofuran, and flavonoids-kaempferol and vicenin.
Dill seeds help: with anti-microbial effects on bacteria and fungi; keep your digestive system healthy; reducing hyperacidity, flatulence and indigestion; reduce acute bacillary dysentery and diarrhea; control respiratory disorders such as cold, influenza, bronchitis and asthma; increase breast milk quantity; prevent early ovulation (contraceptive); treat menstrual problems- oligomenorrhoea, by increasing haemoglobin.
Watermelon Seeds-
Contents: essential Amino Acids(arginine, lysine, tryptophan, glutamic acids), magnesium, vitamin B (niacin, folate, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, panthothenic acid), zinc.
Watermelon seeds help: calcium absorption, formation of collagen, connective tissues; improve body metabolism, cardio vascular system; normalize heart functioning, promoting normal blood pressure, supporting energy metabolism and protein synthesis; treat cardiovascular diseases, hypertension; regulate carbohydrate metabolism and thereby checks blood sugar and controls diabetes; as a demulcent-forms protective layer mucus membrane and reduces inflammation; as a diuretic-excretion of water from body and aids detoxification; treat catarrhal infections; as a vermifuge-to paralyze tapeworms and round warms; increase sperm production and treat acute arteriogenic Erectile dysfunction; treatment of scabies and skin tanning; increase production of ceramides and fatty acids for skin protection; reduce fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, red blotchiness and skin sallowness; prevent skin infections like acne, cold sores and rashes.
Apricot Seeds-
Contents: Nutrient Amygdalin(vitamin B17), gamma linoleic acid.
Apricot seeds help: attack cancer cells preventing bone cancer, skin cancer and cervical cancer; reduce arthritis symptoms; maintain blood pressure and also lowers high blood pressure; strengthen the immune system to fight infections such as colds and flu.
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