Tuesday 24 December 2013

Merry Christmas

Christmas is a time where we spend time with our loved one and enjoy their company, share laughter's...

Head 2 Toe Inspirations, wishes you a very Merry Christmas. Enjoy and don't forget to stay healthy!

XoXo :*


Thursday 19 December 2013

What is Lean Meat?



We always hear that choosing lean meats plays a very important role in our health. But what is lean meat.
Below I share with you what exactly lean meat is and how to choose the right meat for a health diet.

What is lean meat.

Lean meat is meat that has less the a total of 10 grams fat. Protein is the a very important element of our daily diet and for the overall growth of muscle, bones, skin, etc... Even though we also find this protein in nuts, peas and beans, it is no doubt that meat is the complete source of protein.

Here is a least of leaner cuts of meat:

Leaner cuts of beef:


  • Arm Roasts
  • Bottom Round Steaks 
  • Chuck Shoulder Roasts 
  • Eye Of Round
  • Leg Cuts

Leaner cuts of pork:


  • Bone-In Rib Chop 
  • Bone-In Sirloin Roast
  • Bone-In Sirloin Roast

Leaner cuts of lamb:


  • Arm 
  • Leg Of Lamb
  • Loin

Leaner Poultry:


  • Chicken
  • Skinless Breast Meat
  • Lean or Extra Lean Ground Chicken

Find the whole list at Nourish Health Kids.



Friday 6 December 2013

5 Amazing Health Benefits of Pineapples

Pineapples are irresistibly juice and are a great add on to puddings and smoothies. They belong to the Bromeliaceae family originated in America.

The important thing about pineapples is that they are packed with nutrition that are much needed for a healthy body. Let us look at some of their amazing health benefits:



1. Builds Strong Bones

Pineapple are rich in manganese. Manganese is necessary for building strong bones and connective tissues. It also has anti–inflammatory properties which when taken regularly, helps to reduce the pain associated with arthritis in elderly people.

2. Fights Cold and Flue

Pineapples are rich in vitamin C which helps fight colds and flue.It also has a nutrient called  bromelain which helps in suppressing coughs and prevent mucous build up in your throat.

3. Reduces Morning sickness

If you are pregnant pineapples should be your best friend.

4. Keeps your Gums Healthy

Including pineapple in your diet will make your gums strong which will keep your teeth healthy and strong.

5. Helps with Digestion

The bromelain found in pineapples work to neutralize fluids to ensure that they are not too acidic and helps keep the digestive track healthy.




Monday 2 December 2013

Health Benefits of Cinnamon Sprinkles

Cinnamon.. Who doesn't like a sprinkle of it on that milk tart or cinnamon toast ( I'll share the recipe tomorrow) not forgetting to sprinkle it on a pancakes topped with banana and honey... It tastes so good!!


As good as its health benefits. Lets find out what wonders a sprinkle of cinnamon can do for your body...

1. Helps digest food

 Cinnamon reduces the uncomfortable feelings associated with IBS ( Irritable Bowel Syndrome ) especially the bloating it also aids with  heartburn or indigestion.

2. Aids weight loss

Cinnamon increases blood circulation, increased blood flow  boosts your metabolism therefore helping you loss weight. This blood thinning property of Cinnamon also helps it in acting as an anti clotting agent especially for those suffering from heart disease.

3. Reduces PMS

According to the University of Maryland web site women who ate 5.6 mg of manganese in their diets each day had fewer mood swings and cramps compared to those who ate only 1 mg of manganese. These results suggest that a manganese rich diet may help reduce symptoms of PMS.

4. Reduces pain linked to arthritis.

5. Food preservative

Cinnamon is a natural food preservative,when added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage.

6. Reduce heart disease

Cinnamon is an excellent source of calcium and fiber. The two components help to bind and remove bile salts from the body--salts that have a damaging effect on the colon. When the bile is removed from the body, it has to break down cholesterol to generate new bile, having a positive impact on atherosclerosis and heart disease prevention.

7. Aids yeast infection

Cinnamon helps to stop medication-resistant yeast infections.

8. Blood Sugar Regulator

9. Cures stomach bug and flu

Cinnamaldehyde contain in cinnamon helps cure stomach bug and reduce symptoms of flu.

10. Packed with good nutrients and a great anti - oxidant

Cinnamon is packed with nutrients such as fiber, calcium, iron, and manganese. Reach in anti - oxidants which reduce the forming of " Free Radicals " that cause cancer.


Monday 18 November 2013

Fighting Constipation


Yes I said - Constipation - the one topic that everybody shies away from. If you are suffering from this problem here are the causes and the solutions that will help you get rid of this uncomfortable situation.

What causes constipation:

Constipation is caused by the slow passing of stool and the lenght it spends in our colon. Our colon absorbs too much liquid from our stool making it hard, this makes it difficult for our rectum muscles to push it out of our bodies.

The common causes of constipation are:

  • Lack of water intake
  • Low fibre diet
  • Lack of exercise
  • Depression
  • Stress
  • Eatting a lot of dairy 
  • Over use of laxatives
  • Some medications such as pain medication and iron supplement

How to treat constipation

  • Eat ffods which a filled with fibre like fruits, vegetables and bran muffins.
  • Drink water and soups
  • Engage yourself in daily exercises







Sunday 17 November 2013

Eggs for Life ( Health benefits of Eggs)

Image : landolake.com


When i was in senior primary my mother use to stuff me with eggs. Soon I came to hate anything that had eggs in it. But recently I have become quite a fan of these precious eggs after stumbling across these interesting benefits that they add to your health.

1. Good for your eyes

I'm a heavy reader and I spend most of my time infront of a computer. So it was lovely to learn that just one egg a day can prevent macular degeneration - a medical condition which usually affects older adults and results in a loss of vision.

2. Aids in weight loss

A breakfast which contains eggs will keep you fuller for longer.

3. Reduces risk of getting cancer.

The egg yoke is packed with a nutrient called choline. High intake of choline reduces the risk of breast cancer; choline also protects our livers from accumulating fat, helps regulate the nervous system, the brain and cardiovascular system.

4. Promotes healthy hair and nails

Eggs are high in sulphur and contain a wide array of vitamins and minerals which help keep your nails and hair healthy.

5. Protects your heart

Eatting two eggs a day increases your HDL the good cholesterol which protects your heart.




Wednesday 13 November 2013

5 effective ways to Boost your Metabolism


  
Friendsthroughfood.com

Our metabolism is the rate at which our body burns off food. a speedy metabolism helps us burn fat faster. Here are a few ways in which you can increase your metabolism and burn calories faster.

1. Always eat breakfast

I always stress to people the importance of eatting breakfast because its the one meal that keeps us from starvation eatting and kick starts our metabolism.

2. Caffiene (Coffee or Black Tea)

Caffiene  helps your body release more fat burning hormonesand helps you burn more fat when working out.

3. Morning workouts

Working out in the morning gives you a long lasting calory burning effect which will help you burn more calories through out the day.

4. Eat more protien

Your body burns huge amounts of calories while digesting protiens.

5. Spice things up

Spicy foods don't only increase your heart rate but it also speeds up your metabolism.








Wednesday 6 November 2013

Cup a Tea ( Black tea health benefits)



I use to look at my Gran and wonder how in the world she managed to drink 5 cups of Black tea a day. Personal I don't like the taste of tea but being the curious self that I am, I went on a research spree to find out what are the health benefits of my beloved Grans tea.

Black tea is one of the mostly consumed teas in the world, maybe because it is a good alternative to coffee as it is high in caffiene.

1. Cancer Prevention

Black tea is loaded with polyphenols. This is an antioxident which helps protect your cells from DNA damage. Research has shown that women who drink black tea have a lower risk of getting ovarian cancer than those who don't.


2. Immune system Booster

Tannins and alkylamine antigens are substances found in black tea. Tannins helps fight viral infections such as flues and the alkylamine antigens helps boost your immune system's response to viruses.

3. Increased Energy levels

Black tea is loaded with caffiene. The invigorating effect of caffiene found in the black tea is said to be more than found in coffee.

4. Help clear blemishes and uneven skin

Place a tea bag in warm water and let it steep for a bit. Then rub the teabag on to your face. Do this for about two minutes. The caffiene contained in the black tea will tighten your skin and lighten dark areas.

Black Tea list and prices. Order Now





Thursday 24 October 2013

Captain chair abs exercise

The captain chair abs exercise is an effective way to burn of abdominal fat. Below is how you go about doing it.




Starting position:

Sit on the edge of a chair with your back vertical and feet flat on the ground. Hold the edges of your chair just at the position of your hips. Rest your palms on the chair and keep your elbow slightly bent.

The exercise:

While you lift your knees towards your upper body exhale and hold the position for about 3 seconds, always keep your back straight. Lower your legs to the starting position and inhale.

Stay tune for more...

Tuesday 22 October 2013

Health benefits of avocado's





I'm extremely happy that the avocado season is almost near.  Cant wait to spread that avocado on my bread with with a bit of salt. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water... Lol  Today I share with you the wonderful health benefits of avocado.

1. Helps maintain your weight

Avocado is rich in  monounsaturated fat, these fat are easily burnt into energy. If you ever decide to cut down on carbs, you'll need to increase your intale of healthy fats and avocado is one of the best was to do so.

2. Improves liver health.

3. Improves the look and feel of your skin

The antioxidant carotenoids and vitamin E found in avocados protects your skin from wrinkles and helps fight against  photoaging from sun exposure. The vitamin C helps your skin maintain its firmness and elasticity.

4. Helps prevent arthritis

Avocado is an anti-inflammatory food therefore it is perfect in reducing arthritic pain.

5. Helps with blood sugar

The monounsaturated fats found in avocado can reverse insulin resistance. The high fiber helps prevent blood sugar increase.

Monday 21 October 2013

Avocado Deviled Egggs


A healthy snack filled with protien...

INGREDIENTS
6 hard boiled eggs
1 avocado, peeled and pitted
3 tbsp homemade mayonnaise
Salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS
Peel eggs and cut in half lengthwise
Scoop out the yolks into a bowl and mash together with the avocado
Mix in the mayonnaise, salt and pepper
Scoop mixture back into the egg halves and garnish with salt and pepper

Find more at livinpaleo

Saturday 19 October 2013

Thursday 17 October 2013

Best food tips to keep your stomach tight



There could be two major possibilities as to why your stomach is not flat; either you have accumulated fat on your belly or your abdominal muscles are soft and not toned up.

You need to lose your body fat in order to make flat your stomach. As much as you are fat free, if your stomach muscles are flabby and loose, it will still be difficult to have a flat stomach.

Note that sit ups and crunches and all the other ordinary exercises can further make your stomach bigger if they are not done properly.

The following tips will enable you attain a flat stomach

Eat frequently

You should always eat frequently so that your body’s metabolism is active and burns more fat as opposed to when you don’t eat whereby the metabolism will be slowed down consequently allowing fat to accumulate.

At each meal time, eat small quantities of food

This goes hand in hand with tip one above. Note that if you eat every so often, then you need not to eat a lot of food in order to feel satisfied and full. As your body is feeling nourished frequently, it will not get concerned as to when the next meal will be available as it is safe and your metabolism will hence speed up.

Drink plenty of water

Water does not have any calorie and as such ensure that you drink a lot. Make it a habit to always carry drinking water. It is a fact that nearly all physical ailments are as a result of being dehydrated. For this particular objective of achieving a flat stomach,

drinking lots of water on a frequent basis keeps your stomach full so you never get that craving for food. Indeed, combining tips one and two above with drinking water will eventually make you have a flat stomach and make you not feel hungry.

Before every meal ensure that you drink a glass of water and drink water often as you take your meal. Since water has zero calories, if you fill your stomach with more water and less food, that is calories that you will be consuming during the day as a whole.

Thanks to Weight Loss Tricky Tips.com

Tuesday 15 October 2013

Olive Oil hair and face treatments


Now we know how good Olives are good not only for our health but for our skin and hair too. Below I share with you some hair and skincare tips.

Remedy for a dry flaky ( dandruff ) scalp:

1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil

Massage the olive oil onto your scalp and hair. Cover with a shower cap and live it on your hair for 45 minutes. Rinse off with shampoo and warm water. This will live your hair shiny and will help with dandruff. Do this once a week for best results.

Olive oil as face cleanser.

Ever thought of replacing your face cleanser with olive oil. Well here's why you should consider doing so. Olive oil gives your skin that unforgettable glow and can help reduce wrinkles. 

Just take a teaspoon of olive oil and gentle apply the oil onto a  wet face. Message your face for about 2 minutes to insure that all the impurities (make-up) are removed. Rinse off with warm water. It will live your skin soft and clean.


Monday 7 October 2013

The Olive ( health benefits)


Olives have become my one and only love. I enjoy the sour, salty taste they give off. My out most favorite are the black olives... Green or black they add that lovely twist to our salads and pasta's. Now that we appreciate the pleasure of eating them, lets take a look at how they benefit our bodies...

1. Healthy eyes

Black olives contain loads of vitamin A which is good for our eyes. It assist the eye to tell between dark and light therefore helps improve night vision. Just one cup of black olives is 10% of the daily vitamin A intake recommendation which is 700 to 900 micrograms (mcg) per day for people aged 14 years and above.

2. Prevents cancer

A  phytonutrient called Hydroxytyrosol this nutrient prevents the DNA of a cell from damage and mutating into a cancerous cell.

3. Boosts fertility

4. Rich in iron

Iron helps your body produce adenosine triphosphate which is the main source of our bodies energy.

5. Digestive health

Consumption of vitamin E and monounsaturated fats in olives is associated with low rates of colon cancer. The fiber in the olives promotes a healthy digestive tract by helping to move the food though the system.

6. Healthy hair and skin

Vitamin E protects skin form ultraviolet radiation, therefore guarding against skin cancer and aging. 

Monday 30 September 2013

3 steps to getting a perfect smile



Its the last day of our National Oral health Month in South Africa. It is a time to pay extra attention to our oral or dental routine. Did you know that two off the world's most common health problems affect the mouth, gum disease and cavities.

It is in your best interest to practice good oral hygiene to keep your gorgeous smile and to keep your gums healthy. Gum disease has been linked to many other diseases like adverse pregnancy outcomes, coronary heart disease and diabetes; women with gum disease will find it harder to conceive, therefore oral health is off great importance in our lives.

Today I'll share my 3 little secrets on how to get bright, white teeth using basic home remedies.

1. Eat crunchy food.

Foods like carrot, apples, broccoli, cucumber, and celery. Apples have a chemical called malic acid, which is actually used in same teeth whitening product, this acid helps clean away stains. Crunchy food helps increase saliva production, this also helps in lessening stains on our teeth.

2. Eat dairy products.


  • Cheese
  • Milk
  • Yogurt
The above mentioned products contain the minerals phosphorus and calcium which promote the remineralization of enamel ( the outer layer off the teeth) in our teeth.

3. Baking soda paste

Take a teaspoon of baking soda and combine it with water to form a paste. Brush your teeth as you normally and rinse your mouth proper using warm water with a pinch of salt. you can do this once a week. Do not over use the baking soda method as it can eat away you teeth  literally..

Happy smiling... :)  

Friday 27 September 2013

Quick Delicious Apple Sandwich

Ever feel like a quick snack? No need to worry this delicious apple sandwich will hit that yummy spot no doubt....


Apple Sandwiches
Makes 3 sandwiches

1 tablespoon rolled oats
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons unsweetened peanut butter
3/4 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon raisins
1 medium apple

Combine the oats and cinnamon in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast, stirring occasionally, until the oats are golden. Cool before using.

Mix together the peanut butter and honey.

Core and slice the apple into 6 rounds. (If you don't have an apple corer, you can slice the apple first and then cut out the centers with a small cookie cutter or knife.)

Spread 1 tablespoon of peanut butter on 3 of the apple slices and sprinkle with raisins and oats. Top with the remaining apple slices to form sandwiches.

Notes:
• If you are not eating the apple right away, you can brush it with lemon juice to prevent browning. A solution of 1/4 cup water and 1 tablespoon lemon juice does the trick without tasting too lemony.
• For strict gluten-free diets, be sure to use gluten-free oats.

Enjoy...

*Special thanks to theKitchen for this wonderful healthy snack :)

Monday 23 September 2013

Deliciously healthy ( Apple health benefits)



For many years it has been claimed that an apple is the greatest, most healthiest fruit one could ever eat today we look at the reasons why  its the best and why we need it to keep our bodies healthy.

Low in cholesterol

A medium sized apple has about 5 grams of fiber and most of this fiber is good fiber called pectin. Pectin has low levels of bad cholesterol therefore it blocks the absorption of cholesterol  by lowering insulin secretion and helps the body use it rather than store it.

Curbs Cancer

Apples are loaded with flavonol and triterpenoids these are compounds which have potent anti-growth activities against cancer cells.

May keep you slim

The  ursolic acid  found in the peel of an apple aids the body to burn calories and increases muscle. The  quercetin ( which is an antioxidant) can help boost your immune system. The fiber keeps you fuller for longer.

Good for your brain

Apples help the body produce acetylcholine which helps with memory.

Brightness, Lightness and tightness your skin

Red apples are loaded with collagen and elasticity properties which will help your skin remain youthful forever.

Restores your hair :)

A compound called procyanidin B-2  found in the apple helps your hair stay stronger.

Healthy teeth

Chewing an apple stimulates the production of saliva therefore decreasing the level of bactria and reduces teeth decay.






Wednesday 18 September 2013

Brown sugar vs white sugar ( you choose) Health benefits

White or brown sugar


Many times we form a battle of whether brown sugar is healthier than white sugar.... We today we see the facts between these two and the rest is left on you to choose.

Brown and white sugar are made from the same sugar crane which contain molasses. The difference is that brown sugar is that brown sugar has molasses and white sugar is stripped from theses molasses.

Health benefits of  Molasses in brown sugar:

Source of Calcium

We loss calcium on a daily bases through our urine, sweat, skin, hair and nail. This calcium has to be replaced daily to prevent our bodies from abstracting the calcium it needs from our bones.An adult aged 19-50 needs about 1000 milligram of calcium a day, a teaspoon of brown sugar has 0.08 mg.

Calcium keeps you slim
Keeps PMS away
Calcium keeps your heart healthy

Calcium rich foods:

Milk
Yogurt
Soybeans
Cheese

Source of Magnesium

Magnesium is required by the body to properly digest food. An adult at the age of 19 upwards needs 320 milligrams of magnesium a day. In every 100 gram ( 13 teaspoons) has 9 mg of magnesium.

Powerful detoxifier 
Healthy blood sugar levels  

Other sources of magnesium

Nuts and seeds (sesame seeds and almonds)
Lentils
Whole grains ( brown rice)


Source of Potassium

Potassium is need for our kidneys to filter blood and for our muscles to move. An adult need about 1600 milligrams of potassium.

Lowers the risk of getting cancer
Low risk for obesity and heart disease.

Other great sources of potassium are:

Orange juice
Avocado
Tomatoes
Spinach
Dried fruit ( apricot and dates)
Peas and beans
Fresh fruit like strawberries and bananas

Source of Iron

Iron is needed for the proper growth and development of our bodies.

Oxygen carrier
Muscle health

Other iron rich food:

Chicken liver
Ham
Fish

Adult males from the age of 19 - 50 need 8 mg and females of the same ages need 18 mg of iron per day.

NB: too much sugar is bad for you brown or white!!...






Saturday 14 September 2013

A slice of Cucumber for your hair and skin




Everyday we find ourselves think of how we can make ourselves more health or how we can make the products we use on our skin to be more Eco friendly. I love using natural products at least once a week. I think that is what keeps my face looking a bit younger than my actaul age... Or maybe I should thank God for giving me wonderful genes.

I would like to think that everything goes hand in hand. A healthy diet will surely lead to gorgeous glowing skin, shiny hair  and a healthy body. The fun and wonderful thing is that we can use what we eat in our beauty routine :)

As we know that a woman's hair is their grown. It is very important for us to rinse all the shampoo out of our hair to cheap our hair shiny and healthy for a long period of time. Below is an easy DIY hair repair cucumber mask that will repair damaged hair.



what you'll need:

2/4 cup of  finely grated cucumber
1 egg
1/4 cup olive oil

Put 1/4 cup of grated cucumber in a bowl( save the other part for after you have shampooed). Beat the egg and add it to the bow containing cucumber then add the 1/4 cup of olive oil. Apply to hair and cover it with  a shower cap for 30 minutes. Rinse hair with shampoo.

Then apply the left over 1/4 cup of  cucumber onto washed hair. Leave it on for 15 minutes then rinse it of thoroughly. This will renew hair damaged by pool chlorine and reduce hair loss.

Something for your face...

Take 1/4 cup of grated cucumber and apply it onto your face. Leave it on for about 15 minutes. Rinse of with warm water and pat skin dry. This will help tighten pores and leave your skin glowing and looking brighter. Add 1 beaten egg white to help reduce wrinkles.




Friday 6 September 2013

Be as cool as a cucumber ( Health benefits)


Need a quick and healthy pick me? Look no further, no need for those fizzy unhealthy soda's and an overdose on caffeine, just eat a cucumber. There is still a debate on whether this cool dark green log of super food  is a fruit or vegetable; well surprise, surprise according to the botanists (those who study plants) a cucumbers is technically a fruit with tremendous health benefits.

Below is a short list of benefits we get from this fruit:

1. Flushes out toxins

The water in  a cucumber acts as a broom which sweeps all the unwanted toxins out of our system. Cucumbers are also known to liquefy kidney stones if consumed regularly.

2. Aids in weight loss

Thanks to its low calorie and high water content cucumber is the ideal food for whoever is looking to lose weight. The water that the cucumber contains aids in getting rid of toxins in the digestive system aiding in digestion and is a great remedy for constipation.

3. Maintains normal electrical activity of the heart.

Cumbers are rich in Potassium which plays a huge  role in the development of muscle tissue and helps maintain normal electrical activity of your heart.

4. Keeps your joints in good health

Cucumbers are an excellent source of silica, which is known to help promote joint health by strengthening the connective tissues.

5. Controls blood pressure and helps cure diabetes

Cucumbers contain a loads of potassium, magnesium and fiber; these work effectively in regulating blood pressure.










Tuesday 3 September 2013

Beautify your skin with tomatoes



Yesterday we learnt about the benefits of tomatoes for your body internally, today I will share with you a way in which you can use tomatoes to beautify your skin.

Whether you want to cure large pores or reduce acne and rashes or sooth a nasty sunburn or simply to revive the glow on dull skin, tomatoes are beneficial in many homemade beauty treatments.

To cure burnt inflamed skin...

Dice and mash half a tomato and mix it with two tablespoons of plain yogurt.
Apply it on face, neck, hands and feet.
Wash it off after 20 minutes.

Tomato brings a cooling effect to the skin and neutralizes the surface and the yogurt will give your skin a protein boost and leave your skin feeling soft.

Get rid of blackheads....

Slice a tomato into cubes and smash it with a fork or you can grate the tomato instead. Apply it to a clean face. Leave on for about 30 minutes.

The acidity in tomatoes will help clear up acne and blackheads and it will also help cleanse the skin from oils, dirt which cause acne by clogging the pores, heavy makeup and dead skin cells. Tomato juice even has the ability to shrink pores. This mixture is sure to give your skin a beautiful soft clear appearance over time.




Sunday 1 September 2013

Juicy health benefits of tomatoes

Tomato  goodness


Fruit or Vegetable? Its for you to decide. Either way tomatoes are a great source of nutrition. You may eat them raw or cooked, which ever way they remain true to their delicious taste. Below is a list of health benefits of tomatoes.

1.Prevent DNA Damage

Tomatoes are high in important antioxidants such as vitamin C and Vitamin A. These vitamins work to fend of DNA damage from free radicals. Consequently, tomatoes may help to ward off age related diseases such as diabetes.

  2. Protect Against Thrombosis (blood clots in the blood vessels)

Another study showed that drinking 8 ounces of tomato juice daily reduced platelet aggregation significantly, among study subjects. Those drinking a placebo showed no benefit. It’s important to drink low-sodium tomato juice if you are trying to protect against thrombosis.

4. Decreases risk of prostate cancer

Tomato contains amazing amounts of lycopene which is said to have anti oxidant properties. Studies have shown that tomato can reduce prostate cancer especially in synergy with broccoli. A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggested that ‘the intake of tomatoes and tomato products is associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer. This benefit may be related to the antioxidant properties of lycopene, but other potential mechanisms and other beneficial tomato-based components instead of or combined with lycopene cannot be excluded’.

5. Tomatoes work against impotency and help increase the sperm count.

6. Tomatoes are powerful blood purifiers and clear up urinary tract infections.

7. Tomatoes are widely used in the manufacturing of skin care and beauty products as they are good for improving skin porosity.


Types of tomatoes

Ball’s Beefsteak

Very large flattened, solid, meaty juicy bright red fruits, weigh up to 2 lbs., excellent slicer with rich sub-acid flavor.



Beefmaster

Large red meaty beefsteak type tomatoes, good-flavored, can weigh up to 2 lbs. Good tolerance to cracking & peeling.



Better Boy

Most popular hybrid. Spectacular midseason deep red tomatoes are plump & juicy& average about 1 lb. fruits.



Better Bush

 Long harvest season. 4-inch fruits have a juicy consistency and great garden-fresh flavor!




Wednesday 28 August 2013

Secrets of Lemon




Many are times where we use lemon in our tea's, curries and for weight loss but can one say they truly know the health benefits of eating lemon. Today it will be my pleasure to interest you in the many secrets that this
( Lemon) small yellow fruit hold:

 1. Balances pH

Lemons will help alkalize your body. Many may think that lemons are an acidic food, the acid in lemons does not create acidity once it is metabolized by your body.

2. Improves circulation

Lemons contain Vitamin P a bioflavenoids that help Vitamin C perform its function. It is known to strengthen the blood vessels.

 3. Aids bad breath

Lemon juice is a great oral cleanser. Brushing your teeth with a warm mixture of lemon and salt water will leave your mouth with a fresh smell.

4. Good for you liver

“The lemon is a wonderful stimulant to the liver and is a dissolvent of uric acid and other poisons, liquefies the bile,” says Jethro Kloss in his book Back to Eden. Lemons have powerful antibacterial properties; experiments have found the juice of lemons destroy the bacteria of malaria, cholera, diphtheria, typhoid and other deadly diseases.

5.  It destroys intestinal worms.

6.  Lemons can halts or slows down the growth of cancer.

Lemons contain 22 anti-cancer compounds, including naturally occurring limonene; oil which slows or halts the growth of cancer tumors and flavonol glycosides which stop cell division in cancer cells.

7. Decreases cholesterol levels

These are also helpful in decreasing the cholesterol levels in the body which results in maintaining good health of our hearts. This is due to the presence of polyphenol flavonoids in lemon peels.

8. Promotes Weight loss

Lemon peels contain a component known as Pectin, which is responsible for the promotion of weight loss in the body. You can grate the lemon peels and drop a few in your cup of tea.

9. Improves bone health

Lemons contain a high amount of calcium and vitamin C, these  help in maintaining and improving the health of our bones. Lemons also helps in preventing bone related diseases likes osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Sunday 25 August 2013

Small with big health benefits (Lentils)



Summer is very near in South Africa and we all want that gorgeous body to show of at the beach :). Low in calories and high in nutrition, lentils are the perfect legume to eat in the summer in salads, spreads and crackers. Stated bellow are the benefits of including lentils in your diet....

 1. Weight Loss

Lentils include all these beneficial nutrients like fiber, protein, minerals and vitamins, they are still low in calories and contain virtually no fat. One cup of cooked lentils only contains about 230 calories, but still leaves you feeling full.

2. Reduces risk of heart attack

Lentils help to reduce blood cholesterol since it contains high levels of soluble fiber. Lowering your cholesterol levels reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke by keeping your arteries clean.

3. Rich in Iron

 The body uses iron to produce red blood cells and adenosine triphosphate, or ATP.  A man needs 87% of iron per day and a woman needs  only needs 2/3 of that amount. Just one cup of lentils can provide you with your daily dose of iron.

4. Cancer Prevention

Studies conducted by the Department of Nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health, Boston revealed that both lentils and peas are able to reduce the risk of breast cancer. One of the reasons is that both these foods are rich in flavones, a class of antioxidants.

5. Stabilized Blood Sugar

Adding to the many benefits of fiber, soluble fiber traps carbohydrates, this slows down digestion and stabilizing blood sugar levels. This can be very helpful for people with diabetes or insulin resistance

Tomorrow I will share my favorite, easy to make lentil soup..



Saturday 24 August 2013

Lets have a Date.....



It's a wonderfully delicious fruit to eat, dates are one of the most popular fruits packed with an impressive list of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are required for normal growth, development and overall well-being. Below are a few benefits of adding dates to you diet.

1. Prevents abdominal cancer:

 It is high in natural antioxidants which helps in preventing development of some colonic cancers. It does not have any side effect on the body and is completely natural.

2. Improves digestive system:

 Dates contain different kinds of amino acids as well as soluble and insoluble fibers which help regulate the digestive system.

3. Helps treat aminia:

Dates have high iron content and are very useful in treating anemia. They also have fluorine that slows down the process of tooth decay.

4. Good for your vision:

They are moderate sources of vitamin-A, which is known to have antioxidant properties and essential for vision. Additionally, it is also required maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural fruits rich in vitamin A is known to help to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.

5. Aids oxygen flow in the body:

Dates are an excellent source of iron. Iron, being a component of hemoglobin inside the red blood cells, determines the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

6. Loaded with needed minerals:

They are also rich in minerals like calcium, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Calcium is an important mineral that is an essential constituent of bone and teeth, and required by the body for muscle contraction, blood clotting, and nerve impulse conduction. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Copper is required for the production of red blood cells. Magnesium is essential for bone growth.

7. Boosting Brain Health:

 Some studies, such as one found in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that sufficient vitamin B6 levels are associated with improved brain performance and better test scores.



Wednesday 21 August 2013

DIY Banana hair mask and cracked heels healer.


Hair Mask (Treats hair loss,prevents split ends and breakage)

1 banana
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup natural yogurt

Mix all ingredients together. Mash rapidly for a couple of minutes. Let it stay on your hair for 15 minutes followed by hair wash with your favorite shampoo.





Heals cracked heels

 Banana is a good remedy for cracked heels. Take two bananas and  mash it into a smooth paste apply the past onto clean  feet. Leave the paste on your heels for 10 minutes and rinse the feet with luke warm water. Pat them dry and apply your favorite moisturizer ( mine is Coco Butter by Vasiline).The banana will live your feet soft and smooth.


Sunday 18 August 2013

A Banana a day keeps the Doctor away...



Its not just a banana after all. This yellow skinned fruit is not just deliciously sweet but it has so many unbelievable benefits for our body. Here a reasons why you should include a banana in your daily diet to kep the doctor away....

1. Aids digestion

Rich in pectin, bananas aid digestion and gently chelate toxins and heavy metals from the body. They act as a prebiotic, stimulating the growth of friendly bacteria in the bowel. They also produce digestive enzymes to assist in absorbing nutrients. Helps with relieving constipation and heart burn.

2. Prevents kidney cancer

3. Makes you smarter

Bananas make you smarter and help with learning by making you more alert. Eat a banana before an exam to benefit from the high levels of potassium.

4. Reduces Stroke 

Eating a banana between meals helps stabilize blood sugar. The potassium it contains is also helpful for reducing strokes.

5. Depression and stress

Bananas help overcome depression due high levels of tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin mood brain neurotransmitter.   When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body’s water balance.

6. Anemia

 High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood therefore helping in cases of anemia.

7. Smoking and hangovers

 Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6,B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Hungover? The banana calms the stomach and builds up depleted blood sugar levels.

8. For beauty

Banana contains Vitamin B6, C and a high percentage of water, which nourishes and hydrates the skin. These nutrients also help to maintain the elasticity of your skin.

PS: Banana's do not make you fat. The fiber content of bananas helps to control hunger much better for those who are trying to lose fat.


Friday 16 August 2013

Reduces Cellulite Appearance (DIY Coffee Body scrub)




As I shared in my last blog the benefits of coffee are more than just our favorite wake up boost. Today I share how coffee can help reduce the appearance of cellulite by plumping up your skin. If you check the labels, caffeine is in many of those very expensive cellulite creams ( so why pay more when you can do it yourself at home?). Here's an easy DIY Coffee body scrub that will not leave a dent in your monthly beauty budget :)

What you'll need:

1/2 cup ground coffee
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp sea salt

Mix the ground coffee with the brown sugar and sea salt. Add the olive oil mix well. Quick and easy coffee body scrub DONE!


Wednesday 14 August 2013

Benefits of Coffee for your Health



Many people preach about how bad coffee is.. Well today I have good news to with all the coffee lovers (like myself) out there. Coffee is good for our health and our skin... Below I list a few benefits of including coffee in our diet...

1. It helps make your reproductive systems.

If you're looking for a drink to lower your risk of prostate cancer, and ladies lower your risk of endometrial cancer, then keep that coffee habit going. Journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention found that women who drank more than four cups of coffee a day had a 25 percent lower risk of endometrial cancer and men who drink  at least six or more cups a day reduced their risk of prostate cancer by 20 percent.

2. Coffee Can Help You Burn Fat 

Coffee contains caffeine, caffeine partly due to its stimulant effect on the central nervous system, both raises metabolism and increases the oxidation of fatty acids.

3.  Lower Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Coffee helps to block a substance in the body called human islet amyloid polypeptide that may play a role in the development of diabetes. 

4.  Coffee May Lower Your Risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s ( makes you smarter)

Not only can coffee make you smarter in the short term, it may also protect your brain in old age.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disorder in the world and a leading cause of dementia. In prospective studies, coffee drinkers have up to a 60% lower risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

5. It's great for your skin.

Drinking coffee may help you to ward off the most diagnosed form of skin cancer. In the journal Cancer Research that looked specifically at the caffeine in coffee demonstrated that coffee drinkers had a lower risk of developing basal cell carcinoma. 

Stay tuned for a Coffee Body Scrub that will help reduce the appearance of cellulite, make your skin firm and brighten the skin.


Tuesday 13 August 2013

Blueberry DIY Face Mask





In my last blog I talked about the great benefits of Blueberries and what they can do for your skin and your body as a whole. Today I will share with you my DIY Blueberry Facial Mask recipe.

This face mask will assist in the elimination of acne, blemishes, pimples and uneven skin tone problems. It will also help in slowing do the aging of your skin. Here's what you'll need...

1/4th cup dried crushed oats
1/4th cup of blueberries
2 tablespoons each of rose water
2 tablespoons each of honey
A pinch of turmeric and lemon
1 tablespoon of olive oil

Instructions

Blend everything together into a smooth paste. Apply to your face and leave on for 20 minutes. Wash of with lukewarm water.

Your face will feel soft and smooth... Enjoy....








Sunday 11 August 2013

Health Benefits of Blueberries



We eat them by the handful, toss them into salads and sprinkle them on cereal and vanilla
 ice - cream.No matter how you eat them blueberries do so much good for our bodies. Here a 5 benefits of including berries in your diet...


1. Blueberry's antioxidants and their potential benefits for the nervous system and for brain health is amazing. It helps improve memory. 

2. Blueberries are not really considered to be low in glycemic index (GI) as their GI is between 40 - 53. Either way they have a  favorable impact on blood sugar regulation in persons already diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. 

3. Aid in reducing Belly Fat

4. Blueberries help promote urinary tract health. The building of colonies of certain bacteria like b-coli along the lining of the inner walls of urinary tract is responsible for this infection, resulting in inflammation, burning sensation during in passage of urine and other complications. Blueberries can help decrease the building of bacteria.

5. Blueberries can slow down visual  loss. They can prevent or delay all age related ocular problems like dryness and infections related to the retina.


NB : Tomorrow I'll be sharing my Blueberry Face Mask recipe.


Friday 9 August 2013

Dark Beauty. ( Bright lipstick for dark skin)




Many dark skinned woman think they can not wear bright lipstick. Here are some tips on how to wear bright lipstick:


1. Keep eye makeup minimal. Wear only champagne eyeshadow, a little bit of black eyeliner, and a coat of mascara. And if you're wearing a very saturated lip color, don't top it off with gloss bright and shiny lips can look cheesy.

2. Use a thin nylon brush to outline your lips with concealer (choose a dry formula). This keeps lipstick from smudging or settling into lines around your mouth and doesn't look harsh, the way a lip pencil can.

3. Pat lipstick onto your lips with your finger to get a soft, stained finish—it's more flattering and less maintenance than an opaque layer of color. (Use your ring finger—the pad is smaller and more precise, and you won't apply as much pressure as you might with your index finger.)

My favorite color is Lipstick n 20 - Matte Finish from Black UP.









Wednesday 7 August 2013

Anti aging and skin lightning Face mask (papaya)



As promised yesterday.. Here I share with you my favorite Papaya homemade facial recipe. It will keep your face smooth and soft and also leave it even toned.

What you'll need


  • 1/2 a ripe papaya—peeled, seeded, and sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon of tumeric

Mash the papaya in a bowl with a fork until evenly mashed, mix in the other ingredients by hand. Spread over your face, be careful that no mixture gets into your eyes. Let it sit for 15 - 20 minutes. Wipe or rinse your face clean with warm water.

Other products that  contain papaya:

Papaya Body Balm by June Jacobs  - R 490


This unique synergistic action works to soften, protect and penetrate the skin as it replenishes lost moisture. Not only is the papaya scent intoxicating, but it leaves the skin refreshed and revitalized.

For the best result, apply the June Jacobs Papaya Body Balm daily after showering to keep the skin fresh and supple.