Beauty Starts With Me

Cucumber Gives The Wink In Summer!

2009-03-08T06:35:00.000-07:00

Cucumber, which originated from southern Asia, it has, for centuries, been the secret ingredient in retaining youthful appearance and other variety health benefits. Traditionally, cucumber (also known as Cucumis Sativus which belongs to the same family as watermelon and pumpkin) is used as a remedy to treat acne, rheumatic conditions, fluid retention, and alternately a homemade soothing skin lotion.

Cucumber which contains a valuable substance of silica, gives you the key component of healthy connective tissue, notably your muscles, cartilage, ligaments and bone. In addition to that, over 90% of cucumber’s flesh is primarily composed of water but also ascorbic acid (better known as Vitamin C), which gives your skin a natural glowing complexion. The ultimate distinct properties present in the cucumber like potassium, magnesium and fiber, can always be eaten raw, or pickled while greatly reduce the risk of hypertension.

Other known benefits of cucumber:

Slice fine layers of cucumber and let it rest on your eyes. It has been used traditionally to lighten your dark circles.
Raw cucumber juice helps to moderate nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

Partners in Crime: Mint Leaves
Let’s forget the minty moment in your vodka or cocktail. Why not treat yourself with a blend of splashing cool taste to your cucumber juice? After all, summer is arriving sooner than usual if you’ve been exhausted with workloads and micro-managing behaviour from your boss. Mint is known for its tension-releasing property.

Partners in Crime: Lemon (optional for mint skeptics)
It gives your juice creation a zesty kick and considerably the best combination with cucumber juice for cleansing impurities and stimulating process of excess body fat.

Wholemeal bread made good.

2008-12-20T00:27:00.000-08:00

If you're craving for quick and low-carb breakfast without much preparation before your morning rush hour, wholemeal bread would probably the healthiest choice as an "always-on-the-go" diet staple (high fibre grain). It's simply wholemeal bread notably made from high fiber grain, contains complex carbohydrates that keeps your body charged up through the whole day.

Among the bread variations such as white bread, croissants, or even french sticks, wheatmeal bread is generally lower in calories and fat. Therefore, it doesn't add extra inch to your waistline. Many nutrition studies on high fibre food have shown that wholegrain or wholemeal food helps to protect against coronary heart diseases and ultimately beneficial for diabetic patients in regulating their blood sugar level.

Image by: freefoto.com

What's my healthy morning treat?
Blueberry spread onto a slice of wholemeal bread would be the perfect nutrient match. Served hot by toasting the bread and savour the fresh smell to kick start your morning with a cup of hot chocolate. *For some may want to replace with high calories jam with "low-sugar blueberry spread" from selected supermarket, mostly organic shops.

Love your heart with tomato

2008-11-09T07:29:00.000-08:00

Tomato is known for its lycopene contain which believed to reduce heart related diseases such as high blood pressure. Lycopene is an antioxidant which claimed to be effective in fighting against free radicals. These free radical can potentially cause premature aging, cancer and heart disease.
Recent studies by conducted by researchers in China said that lycopene may be as effective as statins (medications but with undesirable side-effects) in reducing the formation plaque in the arteries that cause atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis (loss of elasticity of arterial blood vessels) is a disease affecting the arterial blood vessels due to inefficient macrophages (white blood cells) in removing fat and cholesterol by functional HDL (High Density Lipoprotein).

Feels like virgin with Olive Oil?

2008-10-31T03:33:00.000-07:00

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is considerably rich in polyphenols and hydroxytyrosol, in layman's term means it has high level of antioxidant. Both these superior elements act effectively in slowing down aging process by modulating your cell plasma membrane activity.

Starting your week with a healthy diet (for guilt-free food 'cravers'):
The next time when you're preparing your own salad, reduce your high calories dressing like mayonnaise by incorporating it with more of EVOO and some fresh lemon juice. Olive oil is nutritionally a good source of antioxidants that protect your body and skin against free radicals from the inside out. Scientific evidence suggests that eating about 2 tablespoons (23 grams) of olive oil daily may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease due to the monounsaturated fat or better known as oleic acid content.

How EVOO help to improved my body appearance?
Because Olive Oil is rich in Vitamin A & E, therefore it is the best natural moisturizer which is available for the fraction of the price. Here are some basic steps:

Apply a small amount of olive oil and massage gently (alternate evening before you sleep) anywhere of your dried skin areas like elbows or cracked feet. It helps tremendously in softening those hardened areas.
Add 3 tablespoons of Olive Oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (freshly squeezed) into a small jar or bottle and shake to mix (store in cool & dark place with tightly sealed). Allow your hands to soak in thin with loose cotton so that the mixture can penetrate deeply into your nails and cuticles. A traditional remedy use to strengthening your nails to prevent it from breaking or flaking.
Pamper your face with your self-made facial mask with some honey, 1 tablespoon of EVOO and egg yolk. Beat those ingredients until well blended. Apply it on your face and leave it for 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water to clean.

Remember, choose only organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil because is the least processed and retains the highest nutrient value.

Life begins with water....

2008-10-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

Water is the only chemical substance that gives magic to every life forms on Earth. In fact it is water that creates human civilization. As civilization evolves, we all know that water is essential to keep us at an optimal level of health. In fact the ultimate secret to healthy radiant skin is hydrating yourself everyday with water sufficiently.

Water is the most vital element in flushing out toxins and impurities. Skin that glows often associated with drinking a healthy amount of water intake which helps to repair your dull and lackluster appearance due to minor sun damage. Nothing more important than water which promotes a decent cellular activity in producing new healthy cells.

Water also known as one of the great way in losing your fat inches. Considering water as the replacement of those high calories drink like soft drinks, juices, coffee or even alcohol, you should try supplying your body with water before each meal. Eventually you'll eat lesser because of its appetite suppressant effect.

Though many agree that drinking 6-8 glasses of water per day is the standardization in maintaining proper hydration, but it really depends on the body size, level of activity, temperature, humidity and other related factors of the individual. The latest dietary reference generally suggested that the recommended drinking amount for men are 3.0 liters (7-8 glasses) of water and 2.2 liters (6-7 glasses) for women daily. So, nourished your body with water to stay healthy.