Thursday 28 August 2014

Top 10 Probiotic Foods To Add To Your Diet


Top 10 Probiotic Foods To Add To Your Diet

Yogurt
One of the best known probiotic foods is live-cultured yogurt, especially handmade. Read your labels, as many popular brands are filled with high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, and artificial flavors and are way too close to being a nutritional equivalent of ice cream. As with most food, the most health claims made on the packaging means more marketing, not more nutritional value.





Miso Soup
Miso is one the mainstays of traditional Japanese medicine and is commonly used in macrobiotic cooking as a digestive regulator. Made from fermented rye, beans, rice or barley, adding a tablespoon of miso to some hot water makes an excellent, quick, probiotic-rich soup.







Sauerkraut
Made from fermented cabbage (and sometimes other vegetables), sauerkraut is not only extremely rich in healthy live cultures, but might also help with reducing allergy symptoms. Sauerkraut is also rich in vitamins B, A, E and C.









Kefir
Similar to yogurt, this fermented dairy product is a unique combination of goat’s milk and fermented kefir grains. High in lactobacilli and bifidus bacteria, kefir is also rich in antioxidants. Look for a good, organic version at your local health food store.






Kombucha
This is a form of fermented tea that contains a high amount of healthy gut bacteria. This probiotic drink has been used for centuries and is believed to help increase your energy, enhance your wellbeing, and maybe even help you lose weight. However, kombucha tea may not be the best fit for everyone, especially those who've had problems with candida.






Mircoalgae
Although this isn’t a food per se, it's great to add to your morning smoothie. Microaglae refers to superfood ocean-based plants such as spirulina, chorella, and blue-green algae.








Pickles
Believe it or not, the common green pickle is an excellent food source of probiotics. The less commercialized the better, but most pickles will have some microbial value.








Tempeh
I wouldn’t necessarily call soy a health food any longer as it's mostly GMO. However, tempeh can be a great substitute for meat or tofu. Tempeh is a fermented, probiotic-rich grain made from soy beans. A great source of vitamin B12, this vegetarian food can be sautéed, baked, or eaten crumbled on salads.







Kimchi
An Asian form of pickled sauerkraut, kimchi is an extremely spicy and sour fermented cabbage, typically served alongside meals in Korea. Besides beneficial bacteria, Kimchi is also a great source of beta-carotene, calcium, iron and vitamins A, C, B1 and B2. Kimchi is one of the best probiotic foods you can add to your diet, assuming you can handle the spice, of course.






Poi
Poi is a staple food of Hawaii, made by mashing cooked taro plant until its consistency is liquid to dough-like. Poi hasn't been officially recognized as a probiotic food like these others, even though it contains more beneficial bacteria that yogurt. While poi is loaded with good germs, it's stirred up some controversy as there's currently no way to mass produce it in a way that's 100% sanitized. (In order to pass health and hygiene standards in America to prepare and sell anything, everything has to be 100% sanitized.) Too bad, because fresh, fermented poi is teeming with bacteria. In order to reap these benefits from po, you might have to fly to Hawaii to get it, which sounds fine to me!


Sunday 28 July 2013

20 Best Homemade Face Packs For Summer

1 : Mint Pack 

This pack is one of the best summer packs to soothe your skin from the summer heat.

Ingredients:

 Fresh mint
 Turmeric powder – a pinch
 Lukewarm water

Method:
1. Take some fresh mint and make a fine paste of it. Now add a pinch of turmeric powder and mix well.
2. Wash your face with lukewarm water and apply this fine paste all over the face.
3. Leave for 15 minutes and wash with cold water.




2: Cleansing with Milk

Regular cleansing is one of the most important steps to get glowing skin during summer.


Ingredients:
 Piece of cotton
 Milk

Method:
Dip a piece of cotton wool in milk and wipe your face with it. It also cleans unseen dirt which can go down into your pores.






3: Almond Oil Therapy

This therapy is a fine cleanser and it is very effective in protecting the delicate skin under the eyes.


Ingredients: 
 Piece of cotton
 Almond oil


Method:
Dip a piece of cotton wool in almond oil and wipe your face with it. It is an effective cleanser, for removing unseen dirt.






4: Soya Beans or Lentil Pack

Soya beans are rich in isoflavone and applying this pack will help to slow down the process of ageing of the skin.

Ingredients:
 50 grams soya beans or masoor dal
 Water
 Unboiled milk
 Almond oil


Method 
1.    Take fifty grams Soya beans (or masoor dal), soak it in water over-night.

2.     Grind it well next morning into as paste after removing the shells. 

3.     3. Mix un boiled milk and almond oil in the paste and apply.



5: Cucumber Face Pack

This pack will help to keep your skin hydrated and smooth during summers.

Ingredients:
1 cucumber
1 tbsp. sugar

Method:

1. Peel a cucumber and mash it in a bowl.

2. Add 1 tbsp. of sugar into the mashed cucumber and mix well.

3. Place it in the refrigerator until cool.

4. Apply it to your face and leave it on for ten minutes. Use cold water to wash your face.




6: Tomato Pulp Face Pack

This homemade pack is best for oily skin. Besides that, this pack will also help to remove tan and polish the surface of the skin to give a healthy shine.

Ingredients:
 Tomato pulp
 Drop of honey


Method:
1. Take tomato pulp and mix a drop of honey into it
2. Apply this mixture on your face and leave it for few minutes, before rinsing it with cold water.





7: Oatmeal Pack

This pack is best for people who suffer from dry skin during summers.
Ingredients:

 Cucumber
 Cup of oatmeal
 Spoonful of yoghurt


Method:


1. Combine cucumber with a cup of oatmeal and a spoonful of yoghurt to form a thick paste.
2. Apply it on your facial skin and wait for approximately 30 mins before rinsing it with lukewarm water.




8: Banana Facial Mask

This easily accessible fruit can be of great aid, if you are a victim of dry skin during summers.


Ingredients:

 ½ banana
 1 tablespoon honey
 2 tablespoon sour cream


Method:

1. Mash 1/2 banana and add 1 tablespoon honey and 2 tablespoons sour cream. 
2. Apply to face and let set for about 10 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth or wash it off with lukewarm water.



9: Milk and Honey Bleach

This works well for oily skin and helps to get rid of the tan.

Ingredients:

 4 tbsp milk
 1 tbsp honey
 2 tbsp lemon juice


Method:
1. Mix all the above ingredients together.
2. Apply the mixture evenly on the tanned areas for 15 minutes.
3. Wash with cold water when dried.




10: Egg Mask


This pack is best to get smooth and oil free skin.


Ingredients:
 One egg-white
 Touch of lemon juice


Method:
1. Beat one egg-white until stiff with some lemon juice. Apply this paste on your skin for 20 mins.
2. Wash it off with lukewarm water.





11: Besan Magic


If you are pimple prone during summers, then this pack is for you. This pack has anti-microbial properties which will help to curb pimples.


Ingredients:

 Gram flour/besan
 Honey


Method:
1. Mix gram flour and warm honey.
2. Apply this paste regularly to your face for 20 mins. Wash it off, thoroughly with cold water.




12: Chocolate Face Pack

This delicious and tempting face pack can be a feast for your skin.


Ingredients:
 2 tablespoons of dark chocolate or cocoa powder
 5 tablespoon of honey
 1 tablespoon of milk


Method:
1. Mix two tablespoons of dark chocolate or cocoa powder with five tablespoons of honey. 
2. Add a tablespoon of milk to this mixture and mix well. 
3. Apply on your face and leave it for ten minutes after which, you can feast it down your throat. 




13: Watermelon Face Pack

This soothing fruit is for your skin as well as your taste buds. Indulge in this tasty and hydrating fruit this summer but as a face pack. Besides, it will also help to clear your skin, by removing blemishes and acts as a toner. 


Ingredients:
 2 tblsp cucumber juice
 2 tblsp watermelon juice
 1 tsp yoghurt
 1 tsp milk powder


Method:
1. Mix all the above intergradient’s and apply on your face for about fifteen minutes.
2. Wash it off thoroughly with cold water.


14: Pumpkin Mask

Pumpkin is loaded with natural exfoliating acids and antioxidants. Use this mask to brighten, calm your breakouts and to soften the appearance of fine lines and sun damage.


Ingredients
 ½ cup fresh pumpkin pulp
 2 eggs
 2 teaspoon almond milk 
 1 teaspoon honey (for dry skin)
 2 teaspoon apple cider or cranberry juice (for oily skin) 


Method:


1. Puree the fresh pumpkin pulp into a thick paste. Add the egg to it. 


2. If your skin is dry, stir in a splash of omega-rich almond milk and the honey. 


3. For oilier complexions, instead stir in apple cider vinegar or cranberry juice.


4. Mix well. Apply the mask, leaving it on for 15-20 minutes, depending on your skin sensitivity. 


5. Rinse with cool water and moisturize as usual.


15: Aloe Gel Pack

Aloe Vera has great soothing properties but this mask may irritate sensitive skin so test it on arm before trying it on your face.


Ingredients:
 Aloe Vera juice


Method:


1. Extract fresh aloe vera from a juicy leaf and apply to the face. 
2. Leave on for fifteen minutes and then splash face with cold water.






16: Sandalwood Magic

Sandalwood has great soothing properties and it also helps to get rid of blemishes and tans.


Ingredients:
 Sandalwood powder
 Rose water


Method:
1. Take some Sandalwood powder and make a thin paste with rose water. 
2. At bed time wash your faces with lukewarm water. Aapply this paste on face and leave for overnight. Wash in the morning with lukewarm water



17: Mango pack

This summer fruit is a delight as it protects your skin from sun damage.


Ingredients:


 Two tablespoons mango pulp
 One teaspoon sandalwood powder
 One teaspoon of honey
 One tablespoon yoghurt
 Some turmeric


Method:


1. Apply two tablespoons mango pulp, one tea spoon of sandalwood powder, one teaspoon of honey, one tablespoon of yogurt, and some turmeric powder on your face right after. 
2. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash it off thoroughly.



18: Kiwi Face Pack

To get rid of the tanned look this face pack is ideal. 


Ingredients:
 Paste of soaked almonds 
 Half cup besan
 Few tablespoons of milk
 Two slices of kiwi


Method:
1. Make a paste of a handful of almonds that have been soaked overnight. Add this paste to half a cup of besan or gram flour.
2. Add a few tablespoons of milk and mix to get smooth consistency. 
3. Apply some of the mixture on your face and gently scrub your face. Spread remaining pack over the face. 
4. Place two slices of kiwi over your closed eyelids, leave aside for 15 minutes. Wash off with water.


19: Milk Powder Face Pack

This pack will ensure that you get a soft and moisturized look for the summer.


Ingredients:


 Two teaspoons milk powder
 Two tablespoons honey


Method:
1. Mix two teaspoons of milk powder with two tablespoons of honey. 

      2 . Apply on your face to fight dryness for 15 minutes and then wash it with cold water


20: Lemon Face Pack

This pack will help to tighten your skin and make it smooth and glowing.


Ingredients:
 1 tbsp honey
 1 tbsp lemon juice
 1 egg white

Method:

1. Mix a tbsp. of honey, lemon juice and one egg white to prepare this pack.

2. Apply it on the face with your fingertips.

      3. Do not wash for 20 minutes and then rinse with cool water and pat dry with a towel