Homemade Hair Treatments

Eggs, yogurt and honey are, at first glance, all components of a tasty breakfast—but they also happen to be hair treatment ingredients, and affordable, all-natural ones at that. And they're not the only ones. Did you know, for instance, that the oils in avocados more closely resemble our own skin's oils than any product in the beauty aisle does? Or that the mild acidity in lemon is an effective—and gentler—alternative to chemical-laden products? Next time your locks need a lift, save money by using one of these kitchen fixes.


For All Hair Types

The raw egg is really the best of all worlds. The yolk, rich in fats and proteins, is naturally moisturizing, while the white, which contains bacteria-eating enzymes, removes unwanted oils.
  
To Use: For normal hair, use the entire egg to condition hair; use egg whites only to treat oily hair; use egg yolks only to moisturize dry, brittle hair. Use 1/2 cup of whichever egg mixture is appropriate for you and apply to clean, damp hair. If there isn’t enough egg to coat scalp and hair, use more as needed. Leave on for 20 minutes, rinse with cool water (to prevent egg from “cooking”) and shampoo hair. Whole egg and yolks-only treatments can be applied once a month; whites-only treatment can be applied every two weeks.




For Dull Hair

Styling products (as well as air pollution) can leave a film that both saps moisture and dulls shine—but dairy products like sour cream and plain yogurt can help reverse this damage. Lactic acid gently strips away dirt while the milk fat moisturizes.

To Use: Massage 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt into damp hair and let sit for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water, followed by cool water, then shampoo hair as you normally would. Treatment can be applied every other week.




For Itchy Scalp

To fight flakes—brought on by poor diet, stress and climate, among other factors—try a lemon juice and olive oil mixture in your hair. The acidity in lemon juice helps rid your scalp of any loose, dry flakes of skin, while the olive oil moisturizes the [newly exposed] skin on your head.

To Use: Mix 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 Tbsp olive oil and 2 Tbsp water, and massage into damp scalp. Let mixture sit for 20 minutes, then rinse and shampoo hair. Treatment can be applied every other week.




For Limp or Fine Hair

To add body to hair, reach for an unlikely beauty beverage: beer! The fermented drink contains generous supplies of yeast, which works to plump tired tresses.

To Use: Mix 1/2 cup flat beer (pour beer into a container and let it sit out for a couple of hours to deplete carbonation) with 1 tsp light oil (sunflower or canola) and a raw egg. Apply to clean, damp hair, let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with cool water. Or add flat beer only to a spray bottle and spritz onto dry hair. When the liquid evaporates, the remaining protein residue (from the wheat, malt or hops) continues to strengthen and structure hair. Treatments can be applied every other week.




For Dry or Sun-Damaged Hair

Whatever your hair-dehydrating demon—hard water, sun overexposure, your trusty flat iron—nature's sweetener can help. Honey is a natural humectant, which means it attracts and locks in moisture.

To Use: Massage approximately 1/2 cup honey into clean, damp hair, let sit for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. You can also add 1 to 2 Tbsp olive oil to loosen the honey for easier application. For extremely sun-damaged hair, trying mixing honey with 1 to 2 Tbsp of a protein-rich ingredient, like avocado or egg yolk, which will help replenish the keratin protein bonds that UV rays attack. Treatment can be applied once a month.




For Oily or Greasy Hair

Used properly, cornmeal or cornstarch is an inexpensive way to remove oil and grease.

To Use: Pour 1 Tbsp cornmeal or cornstarch into an empty salt or pepper shaker and sprinkle onto dry hair and scalp until you’ve used it all. After 10 minutes, use a paddle hairbrush to completely brush it out. Treatment can be applied every other day.





For Frizzy Hair

Home beauty experts swear by avocado—and not just to repair damaged hair. Its oils (which are light and moist like our own natural skin secretions) and proteins boast the best combination of nutrients for smoothing and weighing down unruly hair.

To Use: Mash up half an avocado and massage into clean, damp hair. Let sit for 15 minutes before rinsing with water. Amp up moisturizing power by combining mashed avocado with 1 to 2 Tbsp of a hydrating ingredient, like sour cream, egg yolks or mayonnaise. Treatment can be applied every two weeks.




For Residue-Ridden Hair

Nothing eats through product buildup like baking soda. Sodium bicarbonate essentially breaks down anything acidic.

To Use: Mix 1 to 2 Tbsp baking soda with small amounts of water until a thick paste forms. Massage into damp hair and let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with water, then shampoo hair. Treatment can be applied every two weeks.

Happy Mother's Day

Foods That Will Boost Your Mood

1. Berries - Berries are very efficient against depression, as they are full of antioxidants that support the proper functioning of the brain and improve the cognitive function. In addition to this, berries also promote positive energy, they stimulate the production of “feel-good enzymes” in the brain and they can prevent a variety of potentially fatal diseases, such as cancer. The high amount of antioxidants also prevent cell oxidation caused by free radicals, and prevent premature aging. In other words, you should replace the traditional popcorn with frozen blueberries when watching TV or when you feel sad – you will not only stay fit in the long run, but you will also feel happier!

2. Chocolate - If you think chocolate is nothing more than a delicious treat, you are wrong! Dark chocolate can improve cognitive function, it can prevent Alzheimer and dementia and it can also boost your mood in a matter of minutes. The darker the chocolate you consume, the better! Dark chocolate slows down the production of stress hormone, and the anxiety levels automatically decrease – moreover, chocolate also makes the brain release endorphins and also boosts the serotonin levels. This creates a feeling of well-being that lasts for several hours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Green Tea - Green tea has been used for thousands of years due to its numerous benefits. Just like berries, green tea is also very rich in antioxidants, amino acids and L-theanine, known for reducing stress and anxiety while improving the mood. If consumed on a regular basis, green tea can give a feeling of overall well-being. In addition to elevating mood, L-theanine found in green tea can also increase focus, memory as well as mental alertness. For a healthier, longer life doctors recommend one cup of green tea a day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Bananas - Bananas contain high amounts of vitamins and minerals, as well as tryptophan which is known for raising serotonin levels. All the compounds found in bananas are mood-boosting, and vitamin B6 converts tryptophan into serotonin, the mood-lifting hormone. This way, you will not only feel better but you will also get a better night’s sleep. Tryptophan is a compound that is widely used in medications for treating insomnia, anxiety and depression. You can easily add a banana to your milkshake or eat them raw – regardless of the form, bananas can and will treat depression if consumed properly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Sardines - Numerous studies have revealed the fact that people who are deficient in Omega 3 and Omega 6 are far more susceptible to anxiety and depression than those who have normal levels of fatty acids in the body. Sardines are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, and this elevates the mood and keep the brain healthy in the long run. Moreover, sardines also ensure the efficiency of neurotransmitters because they keep the brain cells flexible and fully functional over the years (if consumed regularly).

 

 

 

 

 

6. Avocados - Avocados contain good, healthy fats that are known for raising the levels of dopamine and increasing endorphins. No matter if you consume avocados in the form of shakes or salad, this true superfood is perfect for lifting your mood when you feel blue!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Poultry – Just like bananas, chicken and turkey also contain high amounts of tryptophan which increase the serotonin levels. In addition to this, chicken and turkey are also very rich in tyrosine, an amino acid that helps the body cope with stress more efficiently. Also, it must be mentioned that tyrosine is the building block for norepinephrine and dopamine, two important neurotransmitters that can influence mood. If you increase your intake of tyrosine, then you will automatically improve your mood and prevent depression in the long run!

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Dark Leafy Greens – Consuming dark leafy greens can also treat anxiety and depression due to the high amounts of acid, which elevates low mood and reduces fatigue as well. In addition to folic acid, dark leafy greens like romaine lettuce or spinach which ensure the proper functioning of the nerves and muscles. Besides, recent studies have shown that low magnesium levels can cause a drop in the levels of serotonin, therefore causing depression.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Eggs - eggs (especially egg yolk) also come in handy when you try to fight depression and improve your state of mind. Eggs are very rich in Vitamin D, and studies have revealed that Vitamin D can relieve mood disorders because it stimulates the production of serotonin in the brain. Moreover, doctors highly recommend consuming eggs during the cold season, to prevent what is known as “winter blues”. This is a seasonal affective disorders that affects a large part of the population, and it can be easily treated and prevented by consuming eggs on a regular basis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. Walnuts - Last, but certainly not least on the list of 10 superfoods that boost a mood, walnuts are known to improve cell health due to the fact that they are the richest nuts in essential fats. Besides the fact that they elevate mood, ten walnuts a day can properly optimize the cell wall composition and lower blood cholesterol levels, which will automatically improve the blood circulation, treat depression and give an overall sense of happiness and well-being.

 

 

 

These 7 often overlooked habits that sabotage your health

We know the obvious ones -- smoking, fast food, and not watching our weight. But these seven sneaky habits are just as bad for our health. Are you guilty of these health blunders?

 

1. Driving everywhere

 

Whenever possible, walk or cycle instead, for example when going grocery shopping within your neighbourhood. You'll not only help cut down on environmental pollution, you'll stay fit too! Just 30 minutes of walking everyday -- even broken down into three 10-minute sessions -- can lead to increased energy and weight loss.

2. Skipping regular gyno check-ups

 

We know, nobody likes them! But an annual pelvic exam is an essential tool for keeping your reproductive system healthy and detecting problems like cervical cancer early, so make sure you see your gynaecologist for your yearly Pap smear check-up.

3. Not eating enough fruits and veggies

 

Nearly three out of every four people repeatedly don't eat the recommended five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day needed to reduce our risk of disease. And it's not that hard: An entrée-size salad can pack in three veggie servings, a half-cup of cooked spinach equals a veggie serving, and one medium-sized banana makes a fruit serving.

4. Not eating enough bone-building nutrients

 

Dairy products like skimmed milk, low-fat cheese and yogurt are packed with calcium and vitamin D, both of which will help you avoid osteoporosis and risk of bone fractures later in life. If you're worried about running up a deficit, ask your doctor to recommend a daily calcium supplement for you.

5. Not strength-training enough

 

Weight-training strengthens bones and tones muscles. The result? A shaplier physique plus increased metabolic rate. And pumping iron doesn't take much -- you'll see the benefits by just training three times per week, 10 minutes at a time.

6. Eating in front of the TV

 

Watching TV makes it too easy to mindlessly eat, thus leading us to overeat. Instead, make it a family habit to eat together at the dinner table. This way, you'll also create more time to reconnect with one another over meals.

7. Putting up with secondhand smoke

 

You don't have to be a smoker for smoking to harm you. You can also have health problems from breathing in tobacco smoke from other people. Only zero exposure is safe.

How to Clean Fruits and Vegetables

Clean up. Before preparing produce, clean countertops, knives, and cutting boards. Also, give your hands a thorough cleaning with soap and water.

Stay fresh and local. To avoid having fruits and vegetables stored for a long time, buy locally grown produce and prepare it within five days.

Wash immediately before usage. Washing then storing produce can speed bacterial growth and spoilage. So wait to wash fruits and vegetables until right before using.

Rinse under running water. The best way to reduce the number of microorganisms is by washing produce under running water that’s no colder than 10 degrees cooler than the produce. Rub the produce briskly to remove dirt and surface germs. You don’t need detergent or bleach solutions or special sprays.

Be specific. Different types of produce require different kinds of cleaning. Here’s your guide for several types of popular produce:

Apples and other firm produce:

Wash and rub enough to remove any waxy preservative.

Berries and grapes:

Rinse gently under cool, running water. Don’t let berries sit in water, as that can ruin them. Sort through and remove moldy or squishy pieces to avoid spreading any microorganisms.

Herbs:

Dip and swirl in a bowl of cool water, then dry with a paper towel.

Leafy green vegetables:

If it’s a single head, cut off the base and discard dried or damaged outer leaves. Soak the remaining leaves in a bowl of cold water for a couple minutes. If you’re particularly concerned about bacterial contamination, add a half cup of distilled white vinegar per cup of water, then rinse. Dry with paper towels or a salad spinner.

Melons:

With a soft-bristled vegetable brush, thoroughly scrub melons under running water before cutting, peeling, or eating.

Mushrooms:

Use a soft-bristled brush to lightly scrub and a wet paper towel to remove dirt.

Peaches and other soft fruit:

Lightly wash under running water and dry with a paper towel.

 

Root vegetables:

After peeling root vegetables such as carrot, potatoes, and beets, clean with a medium-bristled brush under lukewarm water.