3 Ways To Avoid Gaining Belly Fat Over Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner, your fitness and healthy eating schedule can be easily forgotten. Everybody is entitled to a few treats over Christmas, but you don't want to start suddenly gaining belly fat when you've been trying to lose it for the past few months. Controlling your weight and fitness over the Christmas period can be easy if you plan ahead and carry on with your workout routines.

Here are 3 ways to avoid gaining belly fat over Christmas:

1. Quick Workouts

Resistance and strength training is one of the best ways to avoid gaining belly fat at any time whether it's Christmas or not. If lack of time is an issue, do your workout in the morning so it's done before everything else. Try combining exercises together to save time, such as squats with an overhead press or lunges with a bicep curl. Also, get some cardio exercise into your day by using the stairs at work, parking your car a bit further away from your destination or get off one stop early if you're using public transport. You can also plan things to do during the Christmas break like a walk after lunch or games in the park.

2. Watch What You Eat And Drink

Over-eating lots of high-calorie, non-nutritious foods is one of the main reasons for gaining belly fat during the Christmas holidays. But if you follow a rule of portion control, it will help. For example, if you're eating from a buffet, take what you want and then go and sit somewhere else. If you eat next to the table you will eat more. Also, eat small, healthy meals or snacks throughout the day to keep your energy up and then you can enjoy your main meal without over-eating because you're feeling starved.

Alcohol is a major cause of fat belly weight gain. Two bottles of beer can have more calories than a large slice of sponge cake. To avoid gaining belly fat when enjoying your favourite tipple over Christmas, opt for a low calorie mixer or soda. Also drinking water in between alcoholic drinks is a good way to minimize your calorie intake and also helps to keep you hydrated.

3. Control Your Stress

Christmas can be a stressful time and stress is a one of the reasons for gaining belly fat. When you're extremely stressed, your body produces cortisol, which can increase fat storage in the stomach area. Many people turn to comfort foods, like chocolate, when dealing with stress. The key is to be conscious of your stress and try different techniques before turning to food for relief. Exercise is a great stress reliever, so don't give up on your workouts. Another way to control stress is to slow down your breathing. Deep breathing can help slow your heart rate and blood pressure while relaxing the muscles and calming the mind.

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100 Nutrition Facts About 25 Well-Known Foods

100 Nutrition Facts About 25 Well-Known Foods

More Evidence that Sugar Fuels Cancer Growth

Cancer is not a curse – it is a lifestyle! You may have certain genetic risk factors for cancer, however, it is your lifestyle that activates those genes and allows cancer to develop. In fact, cancer develops over many years as a result of the combined effect of daily lifestyle choices. New research, reported in the New York Times Health blog, adds further evidence that sugar consumption – especially sugary drinks fuels the growth of cancer.

Few words have the ability to strike such fear into one’s heart as the words: “You have cancer.” In our society, cancer is viewed as a raging enemy that is stalking us, preparing to pounce when we are most unaware. However, this is simply an inaccurate view of this disease.

The truth is that cancer is not a curse that strikes randomly. It follows a very specific pattern. It actually develops when it is most expected to. It is not the result of a random curse but rather, it is the result of a specific lifestyle. The good news about this is that you can literally choose to live a cancer-proof lifestyle. You can beat the odds of cancer!

Sugary Drinks Shown to Increase Cancer Risk

Though this study adds more evidence that sugar fuels cancer, this is not new information. Many studies have documented this for many years. In fact, this MRI Study(3) takes advantage of this characteristic of cancer in order to more easily visualize cancer cells. It was noted that tumor cells consume much more glucose (sugar) than normal, healthy tissues.

This new study published last month in the Journal, Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention(2), documented that all sugar caused an increase in risk of endometrial cancer in women. They noted a more concerning risk associated with sugar-sweetened drinks, such as soda, Gatorade, sweet tea, etc. In fact, those in the highest one-fifth for sugar sweetened drink consumption had a 74 percent higher cancer risk than those in the lowest one-fifth!

It is quite amazing that something as simple as dietary sugar has such a huge effect on your risk of developing this frightening disease. Once again, this demonstrates that cancer is not the result bad genes or bad luck. It is the result of bad lifestyle choices!

Related Article: Do You Choose Cancer or Does Cancer Choose You?

Living a Cancer Proof Lifestyle

Dr. Patrick Quillin has worked with hundreds of cancer patients as the director of nutrition for Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Tulsa, OK. He noted:

“Of the 4 million cancer patients being treated in America today, hardly any are offered any scientifically guided nutrition therapy beyond being told to “just eat good foods.” Most patients I work with arrive with a complete lack of nutritional advice. I believe many cancer patients would have a major improvement in their outcome if they controlled the supply of cancer’s preferred fuel, glucose… Controlling one’s blood-glucose levels through diet, supplements, exercise, meditation and prescription drugs when necessary can be one of the most crucial components to a cancer recovery program.”(5)

This 2009 study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine(6), showed the dramatic anti-cancer effect of adopting just four very simple lifestyle modifications. The researchers showed that more than a third of all cancers were prevented in participants who simply adhered to 4 simple behaviors (not smoking, exercising 3.5 hours a week, eating a healthy diet [fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and limited amounts of meat], and maintaining a healthy weight [BMI <30]). So much more than this is possible when we maximize these lifestyle choices. Here are some great tips to help you do just that.

Related Article: Healing Cancer Naturally – Resources and Stories

1. Detoxify Your Life – Toxic chemicals are everywhere in our modern society. From our foods, medicines and vaccines to our skin care and personal care products. We are overloaded with toxicity, especially in the U.S. This toxicity weakens our immune system, preventing it from killing cancerous tumor cells as it normally does day in and day out.
2. Eliminate Refined Sugar – Sugar feeds tumor cells. Sugar creates an acidic environment in the body that allows tumors to thrive! Over-consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates causes inflammation throughout your body as well. Inflammation is an underlying cause of many diseases, from heart disease and diabetes to cancer.
3. Maximize Plant-Based Nutrition – Vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds are the only source essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support your immune system. Vegetables contain many thousands of phytochemicals that literally kill cancer cells.
4. Bask in the Sunshine – We have been taught to avoid sunshine because it causes skin cancer. However, this has only resulted in more carcinoma cases. Why? Because unprotected sun exposure is how your body makes vitamin D. Other than supplementation, you do not get significant amounts of vitamin D from any other other source. Vitamin D is essential for your immune system to function normally and kill cancerous cells. We were created to thrive on sunshine – our bodies require it!
5. Boost Your Oxygen Intake – Every cell of your body requires oxygen for normal metabolism, to produce energy and to rid itself of toxins. When cellular metabolism is interfered with and toxicity builds up, cancer is the natural result. To effectively deliver oxygen into the three trillion cells of your body, you need regular, high intensity exercise. Exercise is not only good for your heart but it prevents cancer as well. Recent research has shown that simply walking one hour each day lowers breast cancer risk by 14 percent. However, performing more vigorous exercise (high intensity interval training, for example) lowers your risk by at least 25 percent.(7)
6. Optimize the Healing Power of Your Nervous System – Your nervous system controls all health and healing in your entire body, including your immune system. When it is stressed, your healing is hampered. Chiropractic physicians are specifically trained to correct this cause of disease. Dr. Ronald Pero, the chief of cancer prevention research at New York’s Preventative Medicine Institute found that people who received regular chiropractic care over a five-year period had a 200% greater immune competence than those who had not received chiropractic care. The chiropractic group also showed a 400% greater immune competence than people with cancer and other serious diseases.(8)

Cancer is not a curse – it is a lifestyle. Start maximizing your Optimal Healing Lifestyle today!

http://blogs.naturalnews.com/more-evidence-that-sugar-fuels-cancer-growth/

Natural News Blogs De-Chlorinate Your Shower for Soft, Luscious Hair » Natural News Blogs

Natural News Blogs De-Chlorinate Your Shower for Soft, Luscious Hair » Natural News Blogs

Treating Knee Pain

Knees can hurt for many reasons like overuse, underuse, overweight, falling on them, many reasons. It is easy to tweak your knee when your body turns but your foot does not. And, don't discount the repetitive knocks our knees get just in living a normal life. Any and all of these can cause massive wear and tear on our knees.

One more thing that can cause knee pain, uneven muscle strength between your quadriceps-the muscle group on the front of your thigh-and your hamstrings-the muscle group on the back of your thigh.

So, your knees hurt. What can you do about it? If your knee pain is severe, see a doctor to find out the extent of any wear and tear to the knee, whether any knee repair is necessary. More than likely, if you are a candidate for surgery, the doctor will have you do exercises to prepare for surgery anyway, so keep reading.

If your knee pain is just an irritating, nagging type of knee pain, you may be able to resolve your pain or at least improve your mobility through exercise. The purpose behind these exercises is primarily to improve the strength and balance between the two muscle groups: quadriceps and hamstrings.

Isometric knee exercises

Isometric exercises are static, or still, exercises. You do not use motion or weights, just static muscle work holding the muscle in tension for a period of time. The two isometric exercises that I describe here are called quad(ricep) sets and ham(string) sets can be used for stability or as a warm-up for other exercises.

I like to use quad sets and ham sets just for stability. One of my knees suffered an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear several years ago and I was able to avoid surgery, largely due to these exercises. By the way, if you are a weekend jock and intend to keep being a jock, you probably should go ahead with ACL repair if you get a significant tear. You can only make it worse by playing hurt.

For either of these exercises you can lie flat but you get more benefit if you are sitting up on a relatively firm surface, propping up your upper body on your extended arms.

Quad sets

1. Seated on a firm surface like an exercise mat or your bed, extend your legs out in front of you, keeping them close together.


2. Flex your ankle so you are pulling your toes up toward your knee


3. Tighten the tops of your thighs. Imagine you have a ball under the back of your knee and you are trying to squash it. If you have some discomfort doing this, roll up a washcloth, place it under your knee, and squash it for real. It helps with the visualization and gives you a sense of security.


4. Hold as tight as you can for six seconds. Maintain normal breathing. Muscles need oxygen so breathing is important.


5. Perform ten repetitions.

Ham sets

1. Seated on a firm surface like an exercise mat or your bed, extend your legs out in front of you, ankles about shoulder width apart.


2. Bend your knees until they are at least 6-to-10 inches off the exercise surface.


3. Flex your ankles, pulling your toes up toward your knees.


4. Dig your heels into the exercise surface as if you were trying to drag the surface with your heels up to your buttocks. Don't allow your heels to move. Just pull against the surface until you feel your hamstrings tighten and then hold.


5. Hold this position for six seconds. Maintain normal breathing.


6. Perform ten repetitions.

Isotonic exercises

Isotonic is the opposite of isometric. You perform isotonic exercises in motion, moving through a full or partial range using weights or some other form of resistance. Sometime the exercise is a combination of isometric and isotonic, like doing biceps curls with a dumbbell and then holding the flex static for a count of 30 on the last curl.

You can add ankle weights to any of these exercises but I recommend practicing without weights for a time or two, to educate your body to the motion before you add any weight. I would also start with very little weight and build up.

Drakes

'Drakes' are so named for the late Ducky Drake, a coach and trainer at UCLA who came up with these exercises for his players.

1. Seated on a firm surface like with your legs out in front of you, bend your left leg so that your foot is next to your right knee. This is for stability.


2. Set your right quad for a count of 2, tightening the quadriceps like in the Quad Set exercise.


3. Without losing the tightness of the set, keeping your ankle flexed and leg straight, raise your leg until your heel is 4 to 6 inches off the surface.


4. Set the quad even tighter for a count of 2. Movement relaxes your muscle tension so you are regaining any tension that was lost


5. Do not loosen the tension in the quad and lower the leg to the surface.


6. Tighten the quad for a count of 2 for the same reason as step 4.


7. Relax for a count of 2. Ensure you relax the leg completely.


8. Perform three sets of 10 with at least a two-minute break between each set. In other words, rest your right leg while you do the Drakes with your left leg.

One set of 10 will make a difference in your life but if you want real strength and stability, you will do three sets. If you are doing these therapeutically, you will do them a couple of times a day.

Hamstring curls

If you do these using a hamstring curl machine at the gym, pay special attention to steps 2 and 3.

1. Lying on your stomach on a firm surface with your legs extended.


2. Flex your ankle so your toe is pulled up as far as it can go.


3. Bend your right leg bringing your heel up toward your buttocks. Do not allow the heel to go past the line of the knee. You really don't want to force the knee capsule too far. It is the same reason you don't allow your butt to go lower than your knees when you are doing squats. When you bend your knee past 90°, the exercise does not benefit the muscles and could create undue stress and unnecessary stretching in the knee capsule.


4. Straighten your leg again.


5. Rest and repeat for 3 sets of 10 repetitions.


6. Repeat on the other side. Actually, with these, it is easiest to do 10 on one side and then 10 on the other until you have done the 3 sets.

Short-arc Quads

For this exercise, you need a firm padded roll under your knee that bends the knee at about 45°. I filled a 3-pound coffee can with sand and taped the top on. Then I wrapped it in a folded towel. That made it just about the right thickness and firmness for short-arc quads.

Short-arc quads are called that because you don't move the lower leg through its complete arc. You do a short arc. If you work out at a gym, this is something you can do on the quad machine as well, just go through the last 45° of arc on the machine.

1. Seated on a firm surface like an exercise mat or your bed, bend your left leg so that your foot is next to your right knee. This is for stability.


2. Place the roll under your right knee.


3. Flex your right ankle so that the toe is pulled up toward your knee.


4. Straighten your right leg. Actually, a better way to do this exercise is to tighten your quadriceps, almost like you were trying to squash the roll, until the leg straightens from the shear effort of your push. It's a mental thing that gets better results than just lifting your lower leg.


5. Do ten repetitions and switch sides.


6. Do three sets of ten on each leg.

Abductors and Adductors

Abduction moves your limb out to the side, away from the midpoint of your body. So, the abductors of your leg allow you to move your leg out and away from your body laterally, to the side.

Adduction is a movement that moves your limb to and across the midline of your body. So, the adductors of your leg allow you to cross your legs.

If you were doing anything like those awful tire exercises at football camp, you would need very stable abductors counterbalanced by strong adductors.

FYI: most clinicians use the terms A-B-duction and A-D-duction. This is so that they are clear which muscles they are talking about. Yep, they sound out the first two letters when talking about your A-B-ductors or A-D-ductors.

Abductor to-the-front exercise

The abductors for your leg, are all in the hip and thigh region, obviously, since the lower leg only moves back and forward. Interestingly, only one major abductor muscle is in the thigh while several more are in the pelvic cavity and one is on the hip.

These exercises, therefore, are also good for strengthening and stabilizing the hip region. Your hip, like your shoulder, is a ball-and-socket joint meaning it has circular plane of motion while the knee itself is a simple hinge joint meaning it has only the one plane of motion. To strengthen and stabilize the knee, you must also have stability in your hip.

1. Lying on your left side, bend your left knee up in front of you so that your left foot is under your right knee. Brace yourself with your right hand and arm in front of you.


2. Straighten your right leg and set the quad, flexing your ankle so that the toe is pulled up as far as possible like in the Quad Set exercise.


3. Keeping your quad firmly set and the outside of your foot parallel to the ceiling, use the muscles of your hip and thigh to move your foot forward at a slant. Your foot should start at just above the exercise mat or bed and end up at about 12-to-18 inches off the bed.


4. Return the foot to the neutral position and relax the set.


5. Repeat 10 times.


6. Roll over and repeat using the left leg.


7. Perform 2 sets of 10 each leg.

Note: Ensure you relax between each rep. You still get some benefit if you don't but you will not get the full benefit.

Abductor to-the-back exercise

The reciprocal of the front abductor exercise is the abductor back exercise. This is a more difficult exercise if only because we don't make this motion often enough to have good mobility in this direction. Pay attention to the instructions, especially the extra information that points out where you can go wrong.

1. Lying on your left side, bend your left knee up in front of you so that your left foot is under your right knee. Brace yourself with your right hand and arm in front of you.


2. Straighten your right leg and set the quad, flexing your ankle so that the toe is pulled up as far as possible like in the Quad Set exercise.


3. Keeping the leg straight, your quad set, and the side of your foot parallel to the ceiling, use the muscles of your hip and thigh to move your foot back behind you at a slant. Your foot should start at just above the exercise mat or bed and end up and end up at about 12-to-18 inches off the bed. Try to avoid any motion of your upper trunk. This gets easier as your condition improves.


4. Return the foot to the neutral position and relax the set.


5. Repeat 10 times.


6. Roll over and repeat using the left leg.


7. Perform 2 sets of 10 each leg.

Adductor exercises

1. Lying on your right side, bend your left knee and flare your leg out so that your left foot is tucked behind your right knee. Brace yourself with your left hand and arm in front of you. Note: I have also seen this with the left leg bent up in front of the right knee. You should experiment.


2. Straighten your right leg and set the quad, flexing your ankle so that the toe is pulled up as far as possible like in the Quad Set exercise.


3. Lift you right leg off the exercise surface about six inches, keeping your inner ankle pointed at the ceiling.


4. Repeat 10 times.


5. Roll over and repeat for the left leg.

Toe press ups

Toe press-ups are a stability exercise. You can do them sitting or standing. I personally prefer sitting until I know that the knee capsule is strong enough to handle any missteps.

In case you doubt the efficacy of toe presses for knee stability, grab your knee just above the kneecap so that your thumb is on the inside of your thigh and your fingers on the outside. Do the exercise. Can you feel the muscle action that is required to perform a toe press? Amazing, isn't it?

Standing toe press ups

1. Place the balls of your feet on the edge of a rise or step. Ensure you have good support in case you slip. A stairway with two handrails is good, a much shorter rise of 1-to-2 inches is better.


2. Straighten your legs and set your quads like in the Quad Set exercise.


3. Using ankle action and a lot of calf muscle, rise up onto the balls of your feet.


4. Maintaining control, lower your feet again allowing the heels to fall below the level of the step or riser.


5. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for 20 repetitions.

Sitting toe press up using a leg press exercise machine

1. Place the balls of your feet on the bottom edge of the leg press foot plate. Do yourself a favor and set the weights to the lightest resistance. See how you feel the next day before increasing the weights.


2. Straighten your legs and set your quads like in the Quad Set exercise.


3. Using ankle action and a lot of calf muscle, press the plate away from your body.


4. Maintaining control, flex your ankles allowing the press to pass the heels.


5. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for 20 repetitions.

Sitting toe press up using a stretchy strap or tube

1. Sitting comfortably on any surface, place the ball of one foot in the center of the stretchy strap (elastic bands) or tube (Theratube).


2. Straighten your leg and set your quad like in the Quad Set exercise.


3. Using ankle action and a lot of calf muscle, point the toe away from your body.


4. Maintaining control, flex your ankle allowing the toe to flex past your heel.


5. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for 20 repetitions on each leg.

I have seen people do both legs with the stretchy device but it can force the ankles to roll in and actually create instability and pain so best you do one leg at a time with the stretchy stuff.

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Stress: The New Cause of Alzheimer's Disease

Stress: The New Cause of Alzheimer's Disease

The Rich Benefits of Eating Chocolate

The Rich Benefits of Eating Chocolate

5 Common Fitness Habits That Can Hinder Your Exercise Goals

5 Common Fitness Habits That Can Hinder Your Exercise Goals

How To Clean Your Arteries With One Simple Fruit

How To Clean Your Arteries With One Simple Fruit

Pimples: What Causes Them and How to Get Rid of Them

Pimples, known as spots, zits or acne, confidence-killers or the buzz-kill of an otherwise happy day, are small lesions or inflammations of the skin. These inflammations are caused by bacterial infection within the hair follicle of the skin. When dead skin cells collect within the hair follicle, the sebum produced (a waxy/oily substance meant to lubricate the skin and hair) within the pore cannot escape. This accumulated and blocked sebum has bacteria, including propionibacterium acnes; it is a slow-growing bacteria which is the source of acne. Acne bacteria generally live harmlessly on our skin - however, when the conditions are right, (clogged pores + hormones, sweating and other factors) it can reproduce rapidly. The bacterium feeds off the sebum and produces a substance that causes an immune response. This leads to inflammation of the skin, eventually revealing itself as a pimple -- an inflammatory lesion of acne that becomes pus-filled to varying degrees. Acne bacterial infection can be growing under your skin for up to 8 weeks before appearing as an acne lesion, which is one of the reasons that it takes 4-8 weeks for most acne treatments to work.

It is a myth that acne is caused by poor hygiene! In fact, excess washing or scrubbing can irritate and over dry the skin, which can further inflame skin and cause increased oil production. Unclean hair, cell phones and pillowcases can transfer unwanted acne bacteria to the skin.

There is little evidence that diet causes acne. However, greasy foods touching your skin can cause breakouts around the lips, due to grease being deposited on the skin and clogging the pore, more than for any dietary reason.

The 5 types of pimples:

1. Pustules - These are pimples full of pus and are clearly visible on the surface of the skin. The base is red and the pus is on the top.

2. Whiteheads - These are very small and remain under the skin, appearing as a small, flesh-colored papules.

3. Blackheads - Appear as a black-filled pore. Some people mistakenly believe they are caused by dirt, because of their color. It is actually oxidized dead skin cells blocking the opening of the pore.

4. Cysts - these are clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are filled with pus and are usually painful. Cysts commonly cause scaring.

5. Papules - these are small, rounded bumps on the skin which are often pink.

6. Nodules - these are morphologically similar (similar structure) to papules, but larger. These are often painful and are embedded deep in the skin.

How to get rid of pimples?

Keeping those pores clear is key! Actually - keeping clear pores is the one and only way to control acne breakouts. Since acne bacteria lives naturally on our skin, there is no permanent medical cure for pimples.

The good news?

Clear skin is possible! Pimples can be managed with consistent care and a good acne treatment. What to use? It depends on your level and type of acne. There are many natural remedies that are beneficial to acne-prone skin, but won't go far with persistent acne. There are many prescription medications that can be helpful, especially with chronic and cystic acne. If you are an acne sufferer who does not want to use prescription meds, or experiences mild to moderate acne, it is well worth it to try an over-the-counter acne medication. Salicylic Acid medications work by exfoliating the dead skin cells out of your pores - which is the primary goal. Salicylic Acid is also the best for clearing and prevention of blackheads, too. Find one that includes anti-inflammatory effects for quick, viewable results. Benzyol Peroxide works by drawing out the infection. It can be harsher on your skin, but it is very effective for some people. Some treatments use a mixture of both medicines. The best thing to do is start with the most gentle and natural treatment first. Keep experimenting until you find what works for your individual skin, by giving each treatment a try for 2-4 weeks, unless you experience negative side effects. Most companies will give you your money back if you don't see the results you were looking for.

Important to know:

1. Controlling acne is a lifestyle. Consistency is key! Acne bacteria is extremely adaptable, and will out-wit your acne medication if you allow it! So keep up the good work and you can beat acne!

2. Don't let acne ruin your skin. Picking your skin easily causes scabbing, scarring and dark spots. Be kind to your skin and treat with an acne treatment, trying not to pick at your blemishes. If you already have dark spots and scarring, don't let it get you down. There are products and procedures such as laser to help this - it is not necessarily permanent.

3. If acne is causing you to change your lifestyle or affecting your self-worth and self-esteem, do see a doctor or dermatologist for advice. Often they have low-cost ways to help your skin.

4. Use an oil free, non-comedic (non-pore-clogging) foundation or cover-up until you get the clear skin that you want - it will really boost your confidence, and will let your pores breathe. You are on your way to great skin!

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Learn About Aloe Vera

The use of Aloe has been traced back thousands of years to Egyptian civilization. The Egyptions used to call it "plant of immortality". It have even been thought to have been one of the ingredients that Cleopatra used in her beauty regimens. Today aloe is used in commercial cosmetic products around the world and not to mention home remedies too.

Aloe Vera is probably one of the first plant remedies most people today have used. Even without knowing. If you ever had a sunburn and used the sunburn gel with aloe, you have used aloe as a remedy.

Aloe originated on the island of Sacotra in the Indian Ocean. Many years ago immigrants brought and transplanted Aloe into America. Many immigrants weren't sure if America would have the medicinal plants they were used to so they brought them with them.

When you cut the leaves open inside is a bitter tasting juice and a soothing gel. Also inside of each aloe leaf is a clear gel like sap which has an immediate soothing effect on burns and also forms a clear protective seal, allowing healing to take place rapidly. The gel can be placed directly on the affected area.

Description

Aloe is a tender evergreen perennial, which grows up to 24 inches. The leaves are pale green, blade like and are long, very fleshy, tapering, pointed and have spiny teeth along the margins. The plant base is stem-less, but it does eventually produce a stem which will then produce a flower. These are spikes of narrow, trumpet shaped yellow or orange flowers. The stem also provides offshoots for propagation. The root is strong light brown and fibrous.

Growing:

Aloe needs to be grown in full sun or light shade in a frost-free location with a well-drained gritty soil, two parts compost and one part sharp sand should be good. When growing indoors or out maintain a temperature of 41 degrees F minimum. This is an excellent plant to grow indoors if you like to have indoor plants, or don't have space outside and have to have your plants inside. Propagation of this plant is by removing the offshoots in the summer time and then drying them for two days before planting. Plant them in the spring, Make sure that the soil is at least 70 degrees F before you plant them outdoors or the roots may freeze out, or you can also plant them indoors in a pot.

Medicinal:

The components in the aloe leaves contain its medicinal properties that help heal and replenish skin tissue. Aloe has proved useful against acne, dandruff, moisturizes dry, sensitive skin and other dermatological problems, it inhibits inflammation, stops minor bleeding and helps cure eczema, sunburn and other minor burns.

You can take aloe as a laxative; it is commonly used in over the counter laxatives also as it stimulates intestinal activity. Aloe tincture can re-stimulate your appetite if it has waned. Take a few drops in some water or juice.

Aloe is also sometime use orally to treat a variety of conditions, including diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis.

You can crush sap from leaves or slice them removing the skin and apply as a poultice for chapped skin, dermatitis, osteoarthritis and eczema.

For a minor burn or sunburn break off a leaf and rub the gel from the leaves on to the affected areas.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Learn-About-Aloe-Vera&id=8023218

Honey Plus Coffee Beats Steroid For Treating Cough

Honey Plus Coffee Beats Steroid For Treating Cough

How To Eat Out Without Gaining Weight

Photo: Getty

Increasingly busy lifestyles, long working hours and numerous daily commitments mean that eating out has become a routine part of modern life. Unfortunately for those who enjoy a restaurant meal, it is likely to mean many extra kilojoules thanks to the mix of larger portion sizes, the heavy use of oil, butter and sauces as well as numerous courses. So if you do find yourself eating out regularly, here is your fail-safe guide to enjoy it without gaining weight.

Always have a snack before you go

Arriving at a restaurant or function starving is a recipe for disaster when it comes to kilojoule control. Not only are you more likely to order much more than you require, you are also more likely to succumb to extras like bread, entrees and drinks. When we eat out, it also often means we are eating a meal later than we usually would. For this reason, grabbing a protein-rich snack like a nut or protein bar, vege sticks with cottage cheese or hommus, or even a protein shake an hour or two before your meal will help to take the edge of your hunger so that you are able to make better choices off the menu.

Choose your cuisines carefully

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Indian, Chinese and Thai foods in particular tend to be extremely high in fat because they involve high-fat sauces, like those made of coconut milk, as well as batters and large volumes of oil for frying. When high-fat curries and fried foods are then eaten with large amounts of white rice, noodles and breads, it is easy to see how a kilojoule overload can result. Ideally high-fat cuisines need to be consumed sparingly, just once or twice a month, and it is best to choose plain dishes like vegetable stir-fries, curries and salads over deep-fried options.

Focus on lighter options

Japanese, Greek and even Modern Australian cuisines have a wider range of menu options, which can help you to make healthier choices. Any sort of raw fish, grilled meat or seafood will be a great choice, especially when teamed with a large portion of vegetables or salad.

Size is everything

The truth be known, if we simply ate smaller portions of everything, far fewer of us would have a weight problems. Few of us really need an entree as well as a main course and for most of us an entree-sized portion of heavier foods such as pasta or risotto will be more than sufficient. When the meals are brought out to the table, if serves of pasta, rice or meat are far larger than you need, visualise how much you will eat and then take the excess off your plate and share with your fellow diners.

Always share dessert

When it comes to desserts, no one is saying that you have to avoid them completely, but remember that the most pleasure of a dessert is gained in the first few mouthfuls, so keep your portions small. When you consider that the average serve of dessert will contain as many kilojoules as an entire meal, it makes sense to share your favourite dessert with as many people as possible.

Add vegetables

One the biggest issues with meals consumed away from the home is that they rarely contain the amounts of vegetables or salad that we need for good health and to help us feel full and satisfied. Even though they can be expensive when ordered as sides, it is worth ordering extras to help bulk up your meal so you are not tempted by extra chips or bread.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/lifestyle/diet-and-fitness/how-to-eat-out-without-gaining-weight-20131029-2wde1.html

Main Causes of Brown Spots and Skin Darkening

Main Causes of Brown Spots and Skin Darkening

Skin is our most precious belonging. It serves us as defense against all kinds of hardships and it is the most beautiful and valuable jewel we could ever have. The skin represents our health and our beauty at the same time. This is why we want to keep it as good looking and healthy as possible. Unfortunately, there are many factors which can ruin both the aspect and the health of the human skin. Dark patches and brown spots are only two of the most common skin conditions which can affect its looks.

Many people from all over the globe, regardless of their skin color or the environment in which they live have to face these two problems on their skin: dark patches and brown spots. In order to know how to effectively treat them and prevent their further apparition it is necessary to understand which were the factors that caused them.

1.     The sun

Probably the most important factor that triggers brown spots and dark patches is the sun. This is mainly because the melanin – the substance which gives that dark color of the skin – is produced in larger quantities when the skin is excessively exposed to sun. The areas which are more affected by the sun are the face, the shoulders and upper arms, the back and the chest. In these areas brown spots are dark patches are more prone to appear because they come much often in contact with the harmful rays of sun, thus stimulating the excessive production of melanin.

2.     Hormonal imbalances

Another cause which leads to brown spots is hormonal imbalance. Many women have been faced with this problem during or immediately after pregnancy, while others have had brown spots after treatments with different quantities of estrogen.

3.     Age

Time is merciless and in addition to leaving deep traces of its passage on the skin, it can also cause the apparition of brown spots on the skin. There are many people who have not had any brown spots all their lives, but as time passed by and they reached old ages their skin has become invaded by brown spots.

4.     Bruises, acne or rashes

Bruises, different wounds or rashes can leave marks on the skin. Even though scars are more often in these cases, there are also situations in which bruises or wounds do not heal completely, but rather leave behind anesthetic brown spots or marks. Acne is also a source of brown spots, especially when the pimples or blackheads are picked at continuously or when no appropriate treatment is used.

These are the main causes which can leave your skin spotted with brown patches. It is highly important to know which was the cause which led to the apparition of your dark patches or brown spots in order to know how to treat them. Each of these causes has a personalized treatment which you must follow in order to be successful and get rid of these skin problems for ever.

Resource box:

Do you want to know more about dark spots and the factors which causes them, click here. You will find all about skin color and the way in which you can whiten your skin in a natural and effective way.

For more information on Skin Whitening solutions go to: 

http://tiny.cc/absj5w

Health Benefits of Cinnamon Tea

Cinnamon is obtained from the inner bark of several trees which is known as cinnamomum. It is used as traditional medicine throughout the world. Cinnamon is considered as a wonder food in several cultures. It is available in powder and solid stick form. Normal use of cinnamon is in cooking but there are some medical uses:

• Reduce cold and flu symptoms:

Cinnamon's Oil can reduce the symptoms of flu. Take 2 teaspoons in hot water and then add some flavoring agent and use it.

• Help in meal digestion:

Cinnamon plays a role to digest the meal. Use it after a meal.

• Reduce the blood sugar level:

It also has an important role in controlling type-2 diabetes. Recently research has approved that cinnamon can help to reduce blood sugar level. For more information please contact with your family physician and follow the instruction.

• Boost brain functions:

Dr. P. Zoladz has approved that simple smelling of cinnamon improves your brain functions.

• Reduce heart diseases:

It has calcium and fiber in high amount which are very effective in heart patients to control their heart diseases.

• Decrease inflammation:

In human body arachidonic acid is responsible for the inflammation in the body which is released from the cell membrane. Cinnamon blocks the release of arachidonic acid with can help to reduce inflammation.

• Act as anticoagulant:

Cinnamaldehyde is an active oil which is present in this spice and can reduce the coagulation of blood in the body. So, avoid taking cinnamon before surgery.

Cinnamon tea benefits:

Cinnamon tea is similar to other tea. It was derived in Malaysia. It is good in winter. Take 1 teaspoon in hot water then adds sugar. Now tea is ready. There are some benefits:

1. As an antioxidant:

The chemical which inhibits the oxidation of other molecules is called antioxidants. Oxidation can cause or damage the other cells of the body. Antioxidants inhibit that reaction and cinnamon is also working as an antioxidant.

2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):

It is characterized by chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, alteration of bowel habits and bloating. Cinnamon tea can help to relief that symptoms.

3. Colon Cancer:

It inhibits the growth of cancerous cell in the colon. Because it reduces the sugar absorption and recent studies approved that cancerous cell's growth depends on sugar level.

4. Mouth freshener:

Cinnamon tea has strong anti-bacterial property. Therefore if you use it without sugar then it keeps your mouth feeling fresh and germs free.

5. Cinnamon benefit weight loss:

It is very useful to lose weight. There is some instruction to use cinnamon tea as weight loser:

• Don't put milk in it (milk damage the antioxidant property of cinnamon).
• Use cinnamon tea 2-3 times daily.
• Reduce your meal approximately 20%
• Avoid sweets.
• Do Exercise on regular basis.

The question is that how can cinnamon help to lose weight. The answer is that the cinnamon boost metabolism rate in the body and also detects the blood sugar level.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Health-Benefits-of-Cinnamon-Tea&id=7960237