Be an Eco-Chic Today!

When you hear the word eco-chic, you know that it has something to do with the environment and trendiness. The term indeed is for the environment but we hope it will last forever since trend, by definition, is a fad—bound to come and go.

Environmentalists still believe that environmental consciousness should be embedded deep within us. Everyone should make an effort to adjust their lifestyles according to what is right for the environment since it’s already showing signs of distress, and we are the ones to suffer if things get out of hand. Because of the overwhelming response to the environmental call, the concept of eco-chic was born.

Eco chic is not all about clothing and cosmetics, it encompasses all aspects of one’s life, even to the way you eat. From as simple as eco bags to as grand as designer furniture, eco chic must have it all just as long as it’s green and very environment-friendly. The idea behind this is to instill savviness in eco practices and hopefully encourage others to do the same. It is meant to bring out the beauty in saving the world and add a little spice into it. Trendsetters call it “being green without sacrificing style”. Basically, being an eco-chic involves a whole lot of lifestyle changes.

However, there’s a downside to this eco-chic practices, one of which is the tendency of people buying eco-chic stuff just to be “in” when in fact, it defeats the purpose of sustainable living. One should remember that embracing ecofriendly practices means consuming less and to consume less means to buy less too.

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Fight Acne by Eating Right

In truth, there is no known connection between the food you eat and acne. There’s no proven diet that can clear up your face as well as those that can aggravate its already worst condition. Young adults are always reminded not to eat oily and sugary foods but experts say it bears no difference at all whether or not you choose to eat them.

On the other hand, nutritionists the world over strongly support eating right to fight acne. Eating healthy will keep acne at bay. The key to keeping your skin healthy is giving your skin everything it needs to maintain optimum health and radiant glow. Aside from that, one should be aware that toxins inside your body are also a suspected cause of acne so as much as possible, rid the body of these acne-inducing substances. Here are some foods that can give you all the essential nutrients your skin will need:

·    Water. Keep yourself hydrated all the time. When your body lacks the hydration it needs, the first to giveaway is your skin. The recommended daily intake is about 8 glasses, more if it’s a hot day and you perspire a lot.
·    Fiber enriched foods. They act as brooms inside the digestive tract. When you maintain a healthy, daily dose of fiber-enriched foods, rest assured that toxins won’t live long in there to accumulate and cause acne. Munching on fruits and vegetables in your snack time instead of junk foods and empty calories would be your best move.
·    Since acne is closely associated with hormones, it is but natural to seek low-glycemic diet to help stabilize your insulin levels.
·    Lastly, anti-inflammatory substances such as vitamins and herbal products may help in naturally calming down skin breakouts.

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Natural Supplements for Skin Cancer Prevention

Poor eating habits contribute to many lifestyle diseases and cancer is no exception to the rule; in fact, skin cancer is found to be a result of poor nutritional habits developed overtime. Due to this factor, it is but normal for us to seek preventive health care measures the safest way we know of and that is through natural supplements. The body needs natural supplements; these are foods we eat everyday—nutritious, natural foods not those you grab in fast food chains. Natural supplements boost up your body’s natural defenses for skin cancer. Here are some of the most important natural supplements to keep skin cancer at bay:

·    Lycopene is the most powerful antioxidant to protect the skin from diseases and anomalies—one of the most convenient too since it can be found in your regular tomato sauce and ketchup.
·    Citrus peel can be used for teas and baked goods. This aromatic substance prevents free radicals from forming. Candied citrus peel is very popular amongst people who look after their cholesterol levels.
·    Turmeric is an antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic and most of all, has anti-inflammatory properties. All the things you need to ensure great, healthy skin.
·    Fish oils are not only good for your heart but also for your skin since it strengthens the immune system therefore fights free radicals from harming the body.

Natural supplements are your best bet in fighting your risk of getting skin cancer. When engaging yourself in a healthy living composed of natural, nutritious eating habits, you’ll be adequately protected from all damaging factors that affect the body.

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Nutrition in Skincare Products

With all the buzz around keeping our bodies clean and free of harmful chemicals that have become a standard way of life for many, nutritious skincare products were born.

All natural foods have nutritional value. Nutritional values found in these foods benefit the body tremendously; in fact, they are skin’s number one nourishment when eaten or even applied directly to the skin. Fruits are rich in antioxidants that effectively fight free radicals from damaging our skin. Aside from that, it is rich in vitamins and minerals needed by the skin to maintain its youthfulness and glow while encouraging cell renewal. When taken orally, fiber which is fruit’s main component acts as the digestive system’s cleaning lady—moves out all dirt and toxins trapped in nooks and crannies of the track. Fortunately, the power of nutritious foods is now harnessed by natural skincare advocates.

Organic beauty products flood the market today. Some of the popular nutritious foods for the skin are: grapefruit, acai berries, blueberry, pomegranate, and apple. Organic beauty products are those made without the use of chemicals, and other forms of growth interference. Popular skincare line includes body creams, exfoliating body scrubs, lip balm, lip scrub, and face and eye creams.

Producers swear that organic beauty products are selling well these days. Not only that, like stated earlier, major ingredients found in every jar of these natural products are rich in antioxidants which are absorbed well by the body. Take note that nutritious foods are natural to the body which means, upon application, your body will recognize it at once and process it faster that its very confusing, chemical-laden contemporaries. That alone will help you decide if nutritious skincare products are good for your skin.

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What Is Organic?

What is organic?  Why should we buy organic?  How do we make sure that what we are buying really is organic?  What is the fuss all about?  With everything going on in the world today, do we really have to worry about what’s organic as well?  These questions are probably running through your brain every time you do the grocery what with the multitude of labels you see on various everyday products we use everyday.

To put it simply, organic are products which do not use pesticides, hormones or other chemicals during the manufacturing process.  You have to remember that not all natural foods are organic.  Natural foods may still have additives and preservatives added during the manufacturing process.  More and more people are looking into organic food nowadays especially since chemicals and pesticides used on our crops and foods are showing links to various diseases such as cancer, heart disease and other illnesses.

And this is what the fuss is all about.  Organic foods contain no chemicals, preservatives or other harmful ingredients which may cause these life threatening diseases.  People are exposed to pollution, stress and chemicals found for daily hygiene purposes.  Do we really need the additional exposure to the food we consume as well?  While it is true that a balanced diet and regular exercise are essential to a healthy body, the quality of the food we shove down our throats should count as well.

Organic foods have to be certified by the USDA as organic.  They have 4 classifications so make sure that you familiarize yourself with them and only USDA 100% certified will have a seal with them.  These come in handy when shopping at a grocery store but at the local butcher’s you can ask the man behind the counter about their livestock practices since most of them raise their own stock.

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Pomegranate for A Healthy You

Although pomegranate had not been too popular until these recent years when researchers are exploring all possibilities and properties that can cure the ever-baffling cancer, pomegranate has actually been around for quite some time now, maybe even older than you and I—even the researchers themselves! Pomegranate was mentioned in mythology books such as that of Persephone’s story along with others; it was even suspected that Eve was tempted with a pomegranate and not an apple. The fruit was also used as symbols by different cultures and religions back then.

This golden fruit is considered as a miracle fruit by some people who experienced improved health after incorporating pomegranates in their regular diet. The most popular form you can find is the pomegranate juice but you can find fresh ones in supermarkets. Healthy benefits of the fruits come from drinking its juice or eating the seeds from the fresh fruit. This fruit is packed with health benefits particularly antioxidants that can boost your immune system, delay aging and help your brain function at its peak. It is also rich in vitamin C—in fact, it contains 40% of an adult’s daily requirement for the said vitamin.

Pomegranate has many uses aside from its usual juice form. The beauty industry is now welcoming pomegranate with open arms as they launch quality, natural beauty products by its name. Culinary-wise, the seeds of this fruit are often used for Indian and Iranian cuisine. Your favorite Grenadine syrup used for cocktails is made from the fruit’s seeds as well.

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The Food you eat and your skin

Our skin as we know is our body’s largest organ.  It covers us and protects us at the same time.  Imagine how we would look if we had no skin!

This is why it is imperative to take good care of our skin.  As a nation of eaters it is no wonder that the food we stuff down our mouths often manifests itself in our skin.  Poor diet results in dull hair, dry skin and brittle bones.  Poor unbalanced diet is actually one of the main causes of acne.  Bad food actually affects the production of hormones inside the body which affects our body’s detoxification processes which can cause acne.

Poor food choices usually result in acne breakouts.  So future acne problems can be avoided by eating more healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables and avoiding oily food such as junk food and oily food.

Healthy foods such like fruits and vegetables help our bodies get rid of toxins by helping flush out these harmful substances out.  Studies also show that acne is more likely the result of improper diet rather than allergies or hormonal imbalance.

So in order to decrease the break out of acne, eat a balanced diet, get plenty of rest and exercise.  These three elements are important not only to keep healthy but to maintain glowing and young looking skin

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Vitamin C and the Collagen Connection

Human beings need Vitamin C in order to make collagen, an important component of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments and bones.  However, unlike most mammals, humans do not produce Vitamin C which is why important as it is, it should be included in our diet.

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin.  Studies have shown that the use of Vitamin C to treat scurvy dated as far back as the 17th century when ship physicians recommended lemon juice to treat patients suffering from the disease.  Sailors began to notice that they got sick with scurvy because of the absence of green, leafy vegetables in their diet at sea.  Which is why the British Navy began giving their crew two oranges and one lemon per day.

Vitamin C is needed to synthesize collagen and neurotransmitters and scurvy is one of the diseases best associated with Vitamin C insufficiency.  Scurvy is characterized by hair and tooth loss, joint pains and swelling.  This is because bones, tendons, blood vessels and tissue need collagen.

The North American Dietary Reference Index requires around 2000 milligrams of Vitamin C per day.  As most food contain Vitamin C, nutritionists report that a well balanced diet without supplementation is enough to protect the body from scurvy.  However, pregnant women, smokers and those under more stress require slightly higher doses.

Perhaps the most famous example for Vitamin C is the orange.  The Kakadu plums native to Australia is the best source of Vitamin C, containing 3100 milligrams and perhaps the most unlikely source being the Red Pepper.

Vitamin C is also found in meat, calf liver being the best choice.  Oysters are also a good source.  Food supplements which contain Vitamin C can also be taken as food supplements.

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Vitamin E- Fighting Free Radicals

The primary role of Vitamin E is to provide the body with antioxidants which fight free radicals.  Free radicals are by products of oxidation metabolism in the body which destroy lipids.  Lipids are fat which is where energy is stored and are components of cell membranes.  Although lipids and fat are more or less similar, they should not be confused with each other as fat is a sub group of lipids.

The forms of Vitamin E are known to fight cancer cells and reduce cholesterol.  Studies have also shown that increase Vitamin E consumption decreased the risk of a heart attack and heart disease.  Vitamin E is also known to prevent cataracts.  Immune functions also increase with the intake of Vitamin E.  Free radicals are also known to cause cancer cells to grow, so increased Vitamin E intake may inhibit these cells from forming.

A number of foods contain Vitamin E.  These are: almonds, asparagus, avocado, cucumber, nuts, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oil, wheat germ, whole grain food and milk.

The US RDA for Vitamin E for both men and women was previously set to 8mg per day.  However due to advancement in studies, this was increased to 15mg per day and 19 mg for breast feeding mothers.

Vitamin E supplements may increase the risk of  people who take anticoagulants to bleed.  People who are also deficient in Vitamin K are also adviced to seek the help of a professional before taking Vitamin E supplements.

Vitamin E protects us from chronic diseases like heart attacks, strokes, neurodegenerative diseases and some forms of cancer.  So be sure to eat Vitamin E rich foods in order to enjoy a healthy body.

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A Cupful of Tomato Keeps Cancer Away

Tomato ketchup, that is. Processed tomato has higher concentration of lycopene than raw tomatoes which loses its vitamin content upon cooking. Lycopene is a nutrient found in tomato sauce and other processed tomato products and plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system and with cancer prevention as well.

Incorporating tomato sauces and juices in your daily diet is by far the easiest way to stay healthy, not to mention, good-tasting too. Lycopene is a phytochemical found in tomatoes that makes them red. This carotenoid pigment is also found in other red fruits such as watermelon, pink grapefruit and red bell pepper.  Other lycopene rich fruits are pink guava, goji berries and gac.

When absorbed by the body, lycopene will instill itself to the liver, lungs, prostate gland, colon and skin. All of which will greatly benefit from lycopene. It is proven as a powerful antioxidant which combats free radicals from damaging our cells. Because of this, it protects us from premature skin aging which results to a pinkish glow, a definite sign of healthy skin. It also reduces risk of prostate cancer to male. Lycopene promotes good cardiovascular health thus preventing heart attacks from happening.

Tomato, when eaten raw is a great source of vitamin C for stronger immune system and fiber which helps the digestive system to function well.

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