Monday, January 28, 2013

Benefits of Almond Oil

A short post continued from my previous post on Almonds:


Pic: Healthaliciousness

Almond Oil For Skin

  • Rich in Vitamin E which protects our skin from UV
  • Improves complexion glow
  • Delays Inflammation
  • Moisturise skin- In Fact, it works better than some expensive moisturiser in the market.
  • Reduce wrinkles and fade dark eye circles
  • Can be used as eye makeup remover
Note: Do not use excessively on face as it may lead to clogged face and breakouts.

Almond Oil for Hair

  • Apply a few drops of almond oil to palm and massage onto clean hair.
  • Helps to strengthen hair and reduce hairfall

Almond for Good Health

  • Contain high level of Vit B1, B2 and B6 which are essential for energy production
  • Also contains high level of Vitamin A essential for healthy skin and eyesight
  • High level of vitamin E-Antioxidant helps protect cell from damage from free radicals
  • Research also shown that regular intake of Almond Oil may reduce cholesterol level
  • Helps to reduce constipation
Note: Use Sweet Almond Oil not bitter almond oil as bitter almond oil has been found to have potential toxic effects.

Where to buy Almond Oil?

  •  I get my almond oil from GNC. Apart from GNC, they are also available from online organic stores or drugstores.

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Benefits of Almonds


Nuts are known for many health benefits.

One of my favourite nut would be Almond ----Tasty and nutritious ! 

Pic : HealthAliciousness


Benefits of Almond

 

  • Reduce Heart attack risk- Almond contains high amount of monounsaturated fats which are the fats commonly found in olive oil. Apart they also contain potassium, magnesium,antioxidants and vitamin E which helps reduce heart disease. Taking 5 servings of nuts in a week were found to reduce 50% of heart attack risk. 
  • Regulates cholesterol- Rise the level of high density lipoproteins (HDL) and lowers the level of low density lipoproteins (LDL) which effectively balances cholesterol levels 
  • Help to lose weight- Almonds' healthy fats and low calories are a good substitute for people who wants to shed their weight.
  • Reduce risk of diabetes- Almonds reduces blood sugar and insulin level after meals.
  • Good for energy production- Almond is a good source of maganese and copper. These elements aids in energy production. 
 

Recommended serving


- One serving of nuts a day is sufficient. 1 serving- 8 pieces of almonds





  

Monday, January 21, 2013

REFINED SUGAR & WHY YOU SHOULD AVOID THEM

It is probably nothing new to know that sugar is bad for you. However, what we not know is that not all sugar needs to be avoided. 

Sugar exists in two forms- Intrinsic and Extrinsic

Pic:Eszter



Intrinsic sugar - Natural sugars that are found in fruits or vegetables.  
Common intrinsic sugars are : glucose, fructose, lactose and sucrose 
They reside in the cell structures and are coupled with loads of vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy body functioning. 
Simply put, they are the good sugar and can be eaten in small quantities every day. 

Extrinsic sugar- Processed/refined sugars are sugars not contained in cell structures and are added to food. Examples of extrinsic sugar : White sugar, honey, artificial sweeteners 
These are bad sugars that has no nutrients and instead are metabolised and accumulated as fat. 

Negative impacts of consuming large quantities of Refined sugar

  • Sucrose, in its refined form when consumed is broken down by the body into glucose and other simple sugars which are then used for energy production. In small quantity, it does not pose any issues. However, in large quantities, sudden shock of sugar intake will cause an imbalance in blood sugar levels. 
  • Refined sugar drains body off essential vitamins and minerals in attempt to restore the balance. In attempt to protect the blood, calcium are extracted from bones and teeth which eventually caused teeth decay and general weakening.
  • Insulin is a hormone used to regulate blood sugar levels. When sugar levels rises too high within a short period, insulin will be released in large quantities to bring the sugar levels to equilibrium. A sudden increase in energy follow by a sudden drop in energy will cause a strain on the pancreas which eventually cause insulin production to become inconsistent which leads to diabetes. 
  • Sugar can be a contributing factor to cancer. Metabolism of malignant tumors depends greatly on glucose consumption. Research had shown that body with presence of high sugar level were less susceptible to chemotherapy. Reducing amount of refined sugar and white flour could effectively help our body fight cancer.
  • Diet high in refined sugar also caused dull and blemished skin.      

Examples of Refined sugar products:

Ice tea/coffee with sugar, ice cream, chocolates, sweets, biscuits,cakes, sodas, white bread

Ways to replace and reduce refined sugar intake

  • Instead of ice tea/milk tea/coffee/Sodas, Drink Green Tea.
  • Replace cakes/ ice cream desserts with fresh fruits
  • Have Multi grain bread instead of white bread
  • Use natural substitutes for sugar : Honey, Xylitol,Dark chocolate

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Sunday, January 13, 2013

Benefits of drinking soya milk

Soya milk are made from soaking, grinding and boiling of soy beans with water.
It has high level of dietary fiber, protein and Vitamin B6 which is responsible for building of amino acids.
Apart from its large number of nutrients, it also has many health care benefits. 



Pic: Vincehuang

  

So why should we drink soya milk?

 

Benefits of soy

One of the main benefits of Soy bean is its' high level of Isoflavones. 

High level of isoflavones

  1. Reduce risk of coronary heart disease
  2. Supplements estrogens for women to prevent uterus cancer and breast cancer
  3. Reduce occurence of Menopause symptoms- During Menopause, woman's estrogen level drops exposing them to higher risk of heart disease and obesity. Isoflavones in soya milk is an effective estrogen replacement.  
  4. Slows down skin aging 
  5. Reduce blood fat- plant sterols in soy reduce absorption of cholesterol

Other benefits of Soy are as follows:

  1. Lower risk of osteoporosis- Soya is high in vegetable protein, phospholipids, vitamin B1,B2,B6 and nicotinic acid. High content of mineral substances like iron and calcium also lowers risk of osteoporosis: Bone loss.
  2. Reduce High Blood Pressure- High level of potassium helps reduce High blood pressure as high blood pressure is due to excess intake of sodium and insufficient intake of potassium.
  3. Skin whitening- oleic acid in Soya bean prevents synthesis of melanin in skin cells.
  4. Promotes weight loss- It has lesser sugar than regular milk.
Points to take note when drinking Soya milk
  • Soya milk must be boiled under high temperature of 100 degree celsius. Do not drink uncooked soya milk as they contain toxic substances that may lead to protein metabolism disorder and poisoning.  
  •  Do not leave soy milk unrefrigerated- Unrefrigerated hours lower life span of soy milk. Every hour unrefrigerated equates to one day off the life expectancy. 

How many cups of Soya milk should I drink in a day ?
  • cup of soya milk in a day is sufficient 

Controversial with Soya Milk

There are however controversial with fermented and non fermented soy proteins. While some sees soy as a wonder food, there are opponents of soy who believe soy is toxin food. Non fermented soy proteins- Soy milk, ice cream are claimed to contain goitrogens which slows down the function of thyroid in body which increases risk of thyroid cancer. 

On the other hand, Fermented soy is claimed to be good as the fermentation process removes the trypsin inhibitors on the coating of soy, which obstructs the absorption of nutritive compounds. Research claimed that fermented soy products like natto, tempeh, miso, fermented soy milk and soy sauces have also helped in reducing risks of cancer. 
various doctors have also expressed their views on Soy bean.

Despite the controversial with soy bean, I still believe that Soya Milk does has a certain number of benefits and when taken in moderate amount.

What are your views on soy?

Feel free to share them ! 

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Thursday, January 10, 2013

Travel Inspiration- Bali

Once in a while, I love to set aside a few days and go on an overseas trip. Travelling expands my knowledge of the world.I get to learn and understand the culture of various countrieswhich helps me see things in different perspective. Most importantly, I feel relaxed and rejuvenated, putting aside all the work stress and hectic lifestyle.

One of my favourite travel destination is BALI.

Pic:HugoLim

Bali is a province in Indonesia which may be small but has great prominence as a travel destination. Beautiful architects, enchanting temples ceremonies, dance performances, surfing scenes and most important the beautiful white sandy beaches are reasons why we cannot resist Bali.

When to go ?

Bali has two seasons- Wet and Dry

Dry Season- April to Early October (Between June and August, Temperature is lower)

Wet Season- October to March ( Highest Rainfall is between Dec and Feb ) 

Peak season- July, August ( School holidays ), September 1-15, December 20- January 8
Roads may be conjested with tourists and accommodation may be at double price.

I usually travel to Bali in April, May or late September.

Where to go ?

 

For shopping- Seminyak is the right place for you.  

 

Pic:A Rabin

Seminyak is one of the most popular tourists choice. Stretches of shop selling beach wear, accessories,local products. There are shops that customises personal T- shirts. You just have to write down the message and they will hand print it onto the shirt according. You can collect the shirt the next day. Many tourists purchase them as souvenirs or as gifts for their love ones.

Where to stay in Seminyak?

Anantara Seminyak  
Cost : S$ 520 per night 
*****

Pros
- 10 mins walk away from the shops
- Beachfront view
- Suites comes with personal outdoor jacuzzi
- Service from staff is good

Points to take note
- Jacuzzi may have little bugs in it as it is an outdoor personal jacuzzi.
You need to rinse the tub before you can fill it with water.
There are insect coil burners in the drawers. Do light up two of them and place it near the jacuzzi so that you won't find yourself having jacuzzi with insect buddies.
- Beach at Seminyak is not the fine white sandy type.


For beautiful cliff view- Uluwatu


Pic:joewen1980

Uluwatu has beautiful cliff views, temples and interesting dance performances.
You can sign up for their local tours where they will bring you to Uluwatu temples, Kecak and Fire dance. This area is also a popular spot for surfers where they have surfing school for those that do not have any experience in surfing.

Where to stay in Uluwatu?

Alila Villas Uluwatu
Cost:S$ 850 per night
***** 

Pros
- Isolated, away from the crowded beaches
- unique architecture
- Paranomic view of the ocean
- Good Housekeeping service

Points to take note
- Breakfast is not included in the villa rate. Additional 21% tax is applicable.
- Open concept invites bugs. Remember your insect repellent


For Serenity and white sandy beach- Nusa Dua



Pic: Mark Yang


St Regis Nusa Dua
Cost:S$ 577 per night
*****

Nusa Dua has one of the most beautiful beach in Bali.
Fine sand, clear water and a top destination for relaxation.

Pros
- Private white sandy beach
- Good service
- Restaurant beside the beach has very nice pita bread
- Exceptional Spa Treatments ( Must Try! )

             Happy Travelling !










Monday, January 7, 2013

Benefits of Green Tea

Green Tea 

Pic Credit :bkajino

Green tea is one of the tea most commonly known for its antioxidant properties
Apart from this benefit, it has tonnes of many other benefits.

Here are the Top benefits of green tea :

  1. Anti Aging- Due to its high antioxidant properties, Green tea helps to ward off free radicals and reduces wrinkle development. 
  2. Prevents bad breath
  3. Fights Skin cancer- Drinking two cups of green tea helps to reduce risk of skin cancer in the long run. Recent studies showed that green tea extract reduced size of tumor. 
  4. Weight loss- It increase metabolism rate and polyphenol in green tea  intensify levels of fat oxidation and rate in which food are converted into calories. 
  5. Heart Disease- It protects clots formation and help them better withstand blood pressure changes. 
  6. Acne- Green Tea contains catechins,  natural anti-bacterial agents that suppress acne-causing bacteria. It also contains anti inflammatory properties which reduces swelling of acne.

Here are some ways of using Green Tea to achieve soft and glowy skin:

  •  Green Tea Mask- Mix 2 tablespoons of organic green tea leaves and 2 tablespoons of milk together.Apply to skin (avoiding eye area) and wash off after 20 mins.

  •  Green Tea Toner- Apply cold green tea onto face and let it dry. Pores will be tighter and skin will be smoother due to its astringent property
  •  Green Tea Facial Steam ( Once a week )
  1. Wash face with cleanser
  2. Using a large bowl, place in 1 green tea tea bag or 1- 2 tablespoon of green tea leaves.
  3. Pour in hot water into the bowl
  4. Place head over steam ( Note not too place too near the steam as it may scald the skin), Cover towel over head to retain steam around face area. 
  5. After 5 mins, pat dry and use ice(wrap in tissue) to close up the pores.     

Friday, January 4, 2013

How to get healthy hair ( Part II )

As promised in my previous post, here are the DOs and DON'Ts to keep your hair in healthy condition.

DO's

  • Experiment with different shampoos every 6 months. Do you feel that your favourite shampoo often lose its effectiveness after using it for some time? This is due to buildup on our hair from styling products, weather conditions and hairstyle. Good quality shampoo or salon brand shampoo do not cause buildup.
  • Use a clarifying shampoo once to twice a month. Clarifying shampoo removes buildup that are caused by environment, styling products and shampoo. However, do note that clarifying shampoo strips off the essential oil from your hair hence do condition or apply leave in after.
  • Rinse your hair with cold water for extra shine
  • Do brush your hair in the morning and before bed. This removes the dirt, stimulates blood supply and helps to even out sebum on hair.
  • Do use hair oil. I am using Kerastase Nutritive Oleo Relax Elixir
  • Do eat food that are high in essential fatty acids, Omega 3Sardine, Dark green vegetable and red meat.    
  • Food that are high in copper and iron- Walnuts,crabs,mussels and liver

DONT's

  • Brush your hair when it is wet. Wet hair are highly vulnerable and are easily damaged. This is because wet hair swells causing it to be fragile. If really necessary to comb, do use wide toothed comb.
  • Don't tie your hair when it is wet for the same reason mentioned in the previous point.
  • Don't overwash your hair. I wash my hair every other day such that I won't strip off my hair off its essential oils making it dry and dull. However, how often to wash your hair still depends on your own hair type, lifestyle and the amount of styling products you use daily.
  • Dont expose your hair under the sun for a prolonged period. UV rays can cause hair to lose its protein causing your hair to turn dry.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

How to get healthy hair- Jojoba Oil

PicCredit:Nicole Zheng

Jojoba Oil

One of my favourite hair treatment ! I got to know about Jojoba Oil months back and I am definitely glad that I got to know about this product.

So what is Jojoba oil?

Jojoba oil is the botanical wax extract of the seed of Jojoba tree.
It has high stability,absorbs well and has invigorating scent.
Used for Healthy hair and softer skin. 

Suggested Use:
  1. Moisturised and Shiny Hair - Mix 3 drops of Jojoba oil with normal dosage of conditioner. Apply to hair and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off and get moisturised shiny hair. (Daily) 
  2. Split Ends- Apply 1 drop of oil to ends of hair. No need to rinse off. (Daily)
  3. Deep conditioning - Warm 1 tablespoon of Jojoba oil and apply through hair. Wrap hair in warm towel for an hour to two hours. Rinse off with water then shampoo and condition as normal. (Use 2- 3 times a week)
Note: Do not store Jojoba oil in shower area as it may develop mould. Store in cool dry area.

Where to buy Jojoba Oil?

     
**  Stay tune for Part II of How to get healthy hair ! **