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Archive for September, 2009

A lot of people have been thinking of lowering cholesterol by diet rather than by medication. But the question is, is lowering cholesterol by diet possible? More and more people are suffering from cardiovascular diseases and many have already died – all because of high cholesterol levels in the body. The numbers are increasing at an alarming rate, and it is time to put a stop to it.

Cholesterol, by definition, is an important part of cell membranes and nerve tissues in the body. It serves as a building block of hormones as well. When people expose themselves to UV (ultraviolet) light, a cholesterol substance in the skin can be changed into vitamin D by the liver and the kidneys. Cholesterol is also needed in the body because it helps to create different structures. Cholesterol can be obtained from food such as beef, chicken, eggs, fish, and dairy products. In the case of lowering cholesterol by diet, there are no known plants that contain cholesterol.

A high cholesterol levels in the blood is also hazardous; in fact, it increases the risk in suffering from Coronary Artery Disease in the future. Cholesterol is needed in the body, but only in moderation. So, it is very important to keep cholesterol levels in check because going overboard means danger. As for those who are already suffering from heart problems, lowering cholesterol by diet and exercise should be done.

The secret of lowering cholesterol by diet is by eating foods that are rich in healthy fat, like vegetable oils and fish. Eating too much animal sources will most likely add to the cholesterol content in our body. People should learn how to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Replacing animal fat (butter and margarine) with polyunsaturated oils such as canola or olive oil will also help to reduce cholesterol. Worried about flavor in food? Substitute butter, cream, and margarine for natural spices instead!

Exercise is also essential part of lowering cholesterol by diet in the body. Exercise helps to keep the weight down to a healthy level. At the same time, it helps to reduce the bad cholesterol. It is very important to remember that for every 1% of body cholesterol that is reduced, the person also reduces the risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases by 2%.

Lowering cholesterol by diet and exercise are the best ways to keep away from cardiovascular diseases. Whatever the reason for lowering cholesterol is, it will do wonders in keeping a person healthy.

Natural Aids for Beautiful Skin

Several natural aids have been found useful in promoting healthy and beautiful skin.

Lime Juice
Lime juice is an important natural aid for healthy skin.

1. Lime Juice Formula
Squeeze lime into a bowl. Add a glass of boiled whole milk and a teaspoon of glycerin to it. Stir well and let it stay for half an hour. Apply this mixture on the face, hands and feet before going to bed at night. This treatment every night will help you to look young and beautiful. It will also help cure pimples.

2. For very oily skin
Squeeze lemon juice in a bowl of iced water. Splash this over the face, massage for five minutes and then wash off with water.

3. T o improve a dull and greasy complexion
Mix half teaspoon of lime juice with one teaspoon of cucumber juice and a few drops of rose water. Apply on the face and neck and leave on for 15 minutes. Remove with water.

4. To improve a dry and rough skin
Take an egg yolk and mix in a few drops of lime and olive oil. Spread on the face and leave it till the skin feels dry. Wash off with ordinary water and splash on cold water.

5. To relieve tired eyes
Take four tablespoons each of lime juice and iced water. Saturate cotton pads in this water and place over your closed eyelids for 10 minutes.

6. To remove freckles
Blanch and grind two almonds. Mix it with white of an egg to which half teaspoon of lime juice has been added. Spread on the face and leave it on till the skin feels dry. Then, wash off first with warm water and then with cold water.

Peach Treatment

The skin of the peach is useful in improving the complexion.
Gently massage the inside of peach peelings on the face every night for a few minutes. Don’t rub off the moisture afterwards. This will cleanse the skin thoroughly and free the pores. It also has an astringent action and tightens the muscle of the face slightly, thus preventing sagging tissues.

Orange Tonic
Blanch and grind a couple of almonds to a paste and mix in two tablespoons of milk and one tablespoon each of carrot and orange juice. Apply thickly on face and neck and leave on for half an hour. Removes scars and blemishes from the face and makes it soft and smooth.

Watermelon Juice
The juice of water-melon is useful in the removal of blemishes on the skin.
Prepare a lotion by grating and squeezing the juice of a small slice of water-melon. Apply this lotion over the face and neck for fifteen minutes. Wash with hot water. Follow this by a splash of cold water.

Tomato
Tomato, used externally, is good for getting a good complexion.
Apply the pulp of a tomato liberally on the face. Leave this for an hour. Then wash off with warm water. Repeat this daily. You will have a good complexion. It will also remove ugly-looking pimples in a short time.

Cucumber
Grate or blend a cucumber. Apply this over the face, eyes and neck for 15 to 20 minutes. It is a great tonic for the facial skin. Regular use of cucumber prevents pimples, blackheads, wrinkles, and dryness of the face.

Mint Juice
Application of fresh mint juice over the face every night, cures pimples and prevents dryness of the skin. The juice can also be applied over eczema and contact dermatitis with beneficial results.

Almonds
Make a paste of almonds with mild cream and fresh rosebud paste. Apply it daily over the face. This softens and bleaches the skin and nourishes it with the choicest skin-food. Regular application of this mixture prevents the early appearance of wrinkles, blackheads, dryness of the skin, pimples. It also keeps the face refreshed.

To improve rough and dry complexion:
Take a teaspoon of almond oil and mix it with half a teaspoon each of milk cream and lime juice. Apply every night before going to bed both on the face and on the neck.

Yogurt
Yogurt is a very important natural beauty aid.
Apply yogurt on the face every morning. Wash it off after a few minutes with cold water. This will keep the complexion smooth, healthy and fresh. A mixture of yogurt and lemon juice is ideal for softening hands.

A paste of lentil and yogurt, applied as a mask, cleanses the skin and gives it a glow. Let it dry. When dried, remove it with fingertips and wash off with water.
Honey, olive oil and a mixture of turmeric and sandalwood paste are all very effective in rejuvenating dry , parched skin.