8 Dangers of Drinking Chilled water

We all know that it’s extremely important to drink sufficient water to stay hydrated. However, are you aware that the temperature of water you drink can also affect your health? There’s nothing quite like a glass of chilled water to cool down on a hot day, but reading the following information, you might want to think twice before reaching for a pitcher of chilled water. When I first came across this information, it shocked me, but I thought that it’s highly pertinent to share with you since these hidden dangers aren’t very well- known.

Constipation - Drinking chilled water has the potential to cause constipation. It causes food to solidify and hardens as it passes through the body, making the intestines contract, which can lead to difficulty when you need to defecate.

Headaches - If you’re familiar with ‘brain freeze’, which you get as a result of ingesting ice cream or crushed ice, then you can know that chilled water can do the same thing.

Hinders hydration - Chilled water slows down the hydration process rather than speeding it up. This is because the body needs to bring it up to the correct temperature first before it can use it.

Irritates throat - An average cold day can give you a runny nose and block up your sinuses. In the case of chilled water, it results in extra mucus accumulating in your pipes, thus making your throat sore.

It can lead to extra fat - Cold temperatures in the body causes fat to harden and congeal, making them more difficult for the body to digest.

Sap energy - While drinking chilled water can make you feel refreshed and stimulate you in the short term, it actually drains your energy in the long run. This is because your body has to use extra energy to warm up the chilled water and bring it up to its average temperature.

Slows heart rate - The vagus nerve which runs down the back of your neck, is affected by a sudden ingestion of chilled water, which can cause the heart rate to drop. As an emergency measure, your heart rate slows down until your body temperature reaches equilibrium once again.

Upsets digestion - Cold temperatures are anti-inflammatory, therefore causing blood vessels to retract leading to stomach upsets, abdominal pain, stomach gurgling and nausea.

source - littlethings

Omelettes

It is a delicious, healthy meal that can be breakfast, lunch or dinner. And suitable for all ages.

Omelettes are super versatile and easy to throw together. Once  you’ve got the basic ingredients, you can literally throw in any vegetables or protein that’s on hand.

To make the basic omelette, all you really need is eggs!

Heat a non-stick fry pan over medium heat and lightly spray with oil.

Crack a couple of eggs into a bowl and lightly whisk them with a fork.

Add your favorite herbal seasoning then pour your egg mixture, then swirl to cover the base.

Cook for 1-2 minutes until the egg starts to set but its still a little raw on top.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and you are ready to add your favorite ingredients. Such options include baby spinach, diced tomatoes, smoked salmon or cheese!

When the edges are crispy, use a spatula to fold in half to cover the filling and cook for another minute or until golden brown.

Omelette is plated and served

Yummy!

Meal prep

One of the best habits I’ve ever learned is to MEAL PREP. Not only does meal prepping makes it easier to eat healthily, it’s also a huge time saver and it takes out all the guess work when deciding what you’re going to eat! So I want to share some top tips for effective meal prepping!

ü Stock up on pantry staples - Stock up on ingredients like beans seeds, rice and grains. These items can be purchases in bulk, which often works out cheaper and can be stored for longer lengths of time in the pantry.

ü Prepare ingredients - To make meal prep easier, focus on preparing ingredients rather than full meals. Wash, chop and prepare your vegetables and store them in airtight containers in the fridge.

ü Store ingredients correctly. No one wants to waste food. So ensure you store each ingredient correctly and separately.

ü Keep it simple - Choose simple meals and snacks! Remember meal prep is supposed to make your life easier. Select a few key meals that you can rotate through to keep things simple but interesting.

Image credit: Kayla_Itsines

5 foods you shouldn't eat after turning 30

Unhealthy food is unhealthy at any age. But after we turn 30, our bodies become progressively less able to tolerate junk food. As you approach middle age, your risk of developing certain disease also increase. 
Diet plays a huge part in the prevention of cancer, diabetes and heart diseases; so eliminating some of the bad stuff As Soon As Possible, greatly increase your odds of staying healthy. Following are 5 foods you should never eat after turning 30.

1. Favored yogurt - The flavored varieties have a boatload of sugar in every serving - as much as 47 grams of it. That’s more added sugar than anyone should have in a whole day. The American Heart Association puts the guidelines at 38 grams/day for men and 25 grams/day for women. Instead buy plain or Greek yogurt and mix it with fresh or dried fruit at home to actually get the nutritional benefit of the fruit.

2. Farmed fish - Unfortunately, up of 80 percent of the fish you’ll find at the local market is farmed fish. But you really want to avoid it because farmed fish are so overcrowded that they eat each other’s faces. They are fed a diet of antibiotics to compensate, as well as food dyed specifically to tint the fish in a way that makes it look healthy. Fresh fish is always a better call for good seafood.

3. White bread - Maybe as a kid, white bread was the only kind you’d eat. But you’re a grown-up now and white bread is essentially nutritionally void. The bleached white flour spikes your blood sugar and features almost none of the vitamins and minerals present in whole wheat. White bread also has less fiber than whole wheat and trust us - you need more fiber as you age to keep your digestive system chugging along.   

4. Fruit juice - when juice is extracted from fruit, all the beneficial fiber is left behind. Most commercial juices have sugar, way beyond what is present in the fruit itself. They are also often pasteurized, which means that any heat-sensitive nutrients are destroyed before the product even hits store shelves.

5. Store backed goods - Home baked goodies are so much better than store bought because you can enjoy them fresh from the oven, without the slight chemical after-taste of preservatives. Commercially produced baked goods rely on hydrogenated oils to keep their products looking fresh for weeks. At home, you can control the ingredients and are most likely to use way less sugar and butter.

This list represent a mere fraction of the poor food choices available on the market today. Though it takes a bit longer to buy only whole foods and make everything from scratch, think  of it as adding more time to the end of your life. 

Photo credit: Mywekutastes.com

5 natural ways to grow a beard

Having beards has become an important look for men today. In recent years, it has become the go- to look for men that want to make a strong impression or bolster their fashion statement.

While some have an abundance of facial hair, sadly, some are not so lucky. And that’s why we’ve come up with natural ways to grow your beard faster.

Below are 5 natural ways to grow your beard faster and with no side effects

1. coconut oil - Combine coconut oil with rosemary oil and apply the mixture to the face with the help of a cotton ball. Leave for 15 minutes and rinse with cold water. Do thrice a week for the best results.

2. Lemon and cinnamon - mix one teaspoonful of ground cinnamon bark with two teaspoonfuls of lemon juice. Apply the mixture on our face and then rinse with cold water after 2- minutes. Do this twice a week for the best results.

3. Castor Oil - Apply a few drops of castor oil on your beard and rub evenly. Leave it on for the night, as long as you can use some old pillowcases - its stains.

4. Onion oil - Make a mixture of honey with onion juice and consume it orally everyday. You may also apply this mixture on your beard and massage for 15 minutes everyday.

5. Aloe Vera - Use its gel and apply it on the face and neck areas. Keep it for 20 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this remedy daily for the best results.

5 Best Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps.

Menstrual cramps, which are a common problems for ladies, are the encumbering pain in the lower abdomen. It usually occur before and during menstruation.

Given below are a few remedies which will help you to feel better without using medicines.

1. Ginger - it lowers the prostaglandins in the body. It also helps in making irregular periods regular fatigue associated with premenstrual syndrome.

2. Workout - it increases circulation to the pelvic region, reduces menstrual pain and releases endorphins.

3. Aloe Vera - reduces the intensity of the period cramps as it helps in improving the blood flow.

4. Drink hot water - it helps soothe the pains as hot liquid helps in increasing the flow which will relax the cramped muscles.

5. Eat healthy - Do not eat spicy or junk food when you are on your period. Add vegetables to your diet. This ease the cramp pain and regulate the functioning of nerves an muscles.

Photo credit: askthegynaedoctor.com

6 Random Questions on Aloe Vera Gel

Question 1 - Is it okay to leave the gel on my face overnight?

Answer - you can keep it on overnight, but remember to wash your face in the morning.

Question 2 - I use Aloe Vera gel, but my face is more affected by pimples that before

Answer - Everyone’s skin is different. If the Aloe Vera gel isn’t working for you, add cucumber

Question 3 - Should I wash my face before applying Aloe Vera Gel?

Answer - Yes. Always wash your face prior to applying. You want to ensure that the pores to your skin are free of any dirt, oil, debris that could potentially get trapped in, if you apply on top of unwashed skin.

Question 4 - Does aloe Vera Gel help reduce dark circles?

Answer - Yes. Aloe Vera gel has antioxidant and vitamin E in it which help to reduce the puffiness of the eyes and lightens the developed dark circles.

Question 5 - Can you put Aloe Vera Gel under your eyes?

Answer - Yes. You can use Aloe Vera gel around your eyes. It can be used to treat dryness and wrinkles.

Question 6 - Where can I get genuine Aloe Vera natural products?

Answer - Khadi.com

if you have any more questions regarding the health benefits of Aloe Vera Gel, don't hesitate to ask. 

12 Daily Tips For A Healthy Life

² Less soda - More water

² Less alcohol - More tea

² Less sugar - More fruits

² Less meat - More vegetables

² Less driving - More walking

² Less worry - More sleep

² Less anger - More laughter 

² Less words - More action  

² Less smoking - More Gum

² Less loitering - More Exercise

² Less depression - More Perseverance

² Less hatred - More peace

Best time to eat meals

Breakfast 

Ideal time: 7-8.am

Don’t have it later than 10.am

Remember: eat within 30 minutes of waking up.

Lunch

 Ideal time: 12:30-2.pm

Don’t have it later than 3.pm.

Remember; The ideal time gap between breakfast and lunch is 4 hours.

Dinner

 Ideal time: 6-8.pm.

Don’t have it later than 9.pm

Remember; The meal should be eaten at least 3 hours before you sleep

8 Ways To Reduce Belly Fat

Those without belly fat, I want to wholeheartedly congratulate you. Those with the pouch, don’t be sad. I have the remedy here for you.

Firstly, its important to note that belly fat is more than unsightly; it’s dangerous. Visceral fat releases a hormone that causes diabetes and inflammation. Belly fat has also been linked to breast cancer, cardiovascular diseases and gallbladder issues.

Don’t be scared. I’m here to give you the good news. You can get rid of belly fat. How?

1. Stop eating sugar - Yes, STOP the; soft drinks; fruit drinks, cookies, pastries; candy bars; chocolates and the whole sugary lots. Personally, I can testify how tough its going to be, but for losing dangerous belly fat; its worth it.

2. Eat more fruits - Fruits are healthy and contain fiber which makes you feel full longer so you wont eat much.

3. Eat raw, steamed or roasted vegetables. Like fruits, vegetables contain a lot of fiber, vitamins and other important nutrients needed for the body.

4. Eating lean meat like beef, chicken, whole eggs, and fish are winners in the belly fat fight.

5. Avoid refined carbs - Refined carbs are metabolized into sugar and from sugar; to belly fat. Refined fat include beer; white flour/bread, sodas, snacks and breakfast cereals.

6. Eat viscous fiber. Viscous fiber is found in foods like dried beans, nuts, oranges, carrots and apples.

7. Choose healthy fat - Cook with coconut, avocado or olive oil but use them in moderation.

8. Exercise - Yes, this isn’t food but exercise is extremely important. If you eat and avoid the foods discussed, you will loose the belly weight. Adding aerobic exercise will increase the belly fat loss.

Image credit: cosmopolitan.com

7 healthy benefits of drinking Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe Vera Juice is a gooey, thick liquid made from the flesh of the Aloe Vera Plant leaf. It is commonly known to treat sunburns and wrinkles.

Here are seven reasons why yo should drink Aloe Vera Juice

1. For Hydration - Staying hydrated helps your body detox by providing a way for you to purge and flush out impurities. The Aloe Vera plant is very water dense, so it’s an ideal way to prevent or treat dehydration.

2. For constipation - Research has shown a relationship between increasing the intestinal water content and stimulation of peristalsis, which helps you to pass stool normally. And drinking of Aloe Vera juice helps increase the water content in your intestines.

3. For clearer skin - Aloe Vera juice help reduce the frequency and appearance of acne on the skin.

4. For Nutritional boost - Drinking Aloe Vera Juice is an excellent way to make sure you don’t become deficient.

5. For Heartburn relief - Drinking Aloe Vera Juice gives you relief when heartburn attacks. The compounds present in Aloe Vera helps control secretion of acid in your stomach and combat gastric ulcers.

6. For Digestive benefits - Aloe Vera Juice contains enzymes known to help in the breakdown of sugars and fats and to keep your digestion running smoothly.

7. For Beauty needs - Aloe Vera juice can also be used as; Make-up Primer, Make-up remover and sunburn soother

Photo credit: aaptiv.com

7 Questions Regarding Aloe Vera

Question one - Can Aloe Vera be used overnight?

Answer - Yes. You can use Aloe Vera on your face in the morning and night. However, make sure you either extract pure Aloe Vera at home or buy Aloe Vera Gel that’s free from harmful chemicals. 

Question two - Can I use Aloe Vera Daily?

Answer - Yes. Aloe Vera is one of the most powerful skin repairing herbs. Massage Aloe Vera gel extract on your face at night for skin repairing.  

Question three - Can Aloe Vera be used on an oily skin?

Answer - Yes, it can be used. It reduces acne, yet not clog your pores as it’s rich in water and skin healing ingredients.

Question four - Can Aloe Vera be used for Pimples?

Answer - Aloe Vera Gel heals red pimples by reducing inflammation and fighting against bacteria. You can also combine Aloe Vera Gel with Tea Tree Oil to make a home-made Anti Acne Moisturizer.

Question five - Can Aloe Vera be used for sunburn?

Answer - Application of Aloe Vera not only reduces pain and redness but also helps in healing of the sunburn skin.

Question six - can Aloe Vera be used for hair growth?

Answer - The natural ingredients in Aloe Vera help in nourishing hair roots and reducing hair fall.

Question Seven - Will drinking Aloe Vera help my skin?

Answer - Yes of course. Studies have shown improvement in wrinkles with intake of Aloe Vera for three months. However it is not advisable to consume undiluted Aloe Vera.

Photo credit: aaptiv.com

5 Benefits and Dangers of Eating Aloe Vera Gel

Consuming Aloe Vera Gel from the leaf has been linked to potential health benefits.

1. May reduce blood sugar levels: In human and animal studies, Aloe Vera Gel helped reduce blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity

2. May suppress inflammatory signals: In animal and test-tube studies, Aloe Vera extract suppressed inflammatory signals such as TNFα, IL-1 and IL-6.

3. Reduce dental plaque: If used as a mouthwash, Aloe Vera juice may be as effective as a regular mouthwash in reducing dental plaque build-up

4. May boost memory: In one animal study, consuming Aloe Vera Gel helped enhance learning and memory while also reducing symptoms of depression.

5. Rich in antioxidants: Regularly eating Aloe Vera Gel may raise blood antioxidant levels. Antioxidants help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are compounds linked to many chronic diseases

However, there are some few potential dangers of Eating Aloe Vera. Eating Aloe Vera latex, a yellow substance that is found inside the leaf, has potential risks. 

Long-term consumption of Aloe Vera latex has been linked to side effects, including stomach cramps, kidney problems, irregular heartbeat and muscle weakness. Pregnant women should avoid eating the latex, as it may stimulate uterine contractions, which could cause a miscarriage.

In addition, people with digestive disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or Crohn's disease, should avoid consuming Aloe Vera latex as it may worsen their conditions.

Aside from the latex, consuming Aloe Vera Gel is not advised for people taking diabetes, heart or kidney medications, as it may worsen potential side effects from the drugs.

Never eat Aloe Vera skin care products. They do not offer the same benefits as the leaf and are not meant to be ingested.

Coined from healthline

photo credit: satnam.de