Chocolate 'is good for you'
Chocolate may be better for your health than tea because it contains more of a chemical that could prevent cancer and heart disease, researchers have said.
The findings follow earlier research revealing that moderate chocolate consumption offers health benefits.
The new research measures the amount of catechins - the chemical thought to be behind the benefits - in different types of chocolate.
The substance is also found in tea - leading the researchers to recommend a cup of tea with a chocolate biscuit as one way to help maintain good health.
Chemical diet
The researchers, from Holland's National Institute of Public Health and Environment, published their findings in The Lancet medical journal.
Dr Ilja Arts and colleagues examined the chemical compounds in a range of foods and discovered that catechins are found in chocolate.
Up until now tea was thought to contain the largest amount but the new research indicates that dark chocolate has four times as many.
Catechins are believed to protect against heart disease and cancer and so eating products that contain them could have health benefits.
In the UK, where more than £3.5bn is spent on chocolate each year - the research is likely to be welcomed by those with a sweet tooth although dentists may be less pleased.
Tea and biscuits
Dark chocolate had 53.5mg of catechins per 100g, milk chocolate contained 15.9mg per 100g, and the black tea infusion contained only 13.9mg per 100ml.
In a later survey, the researchers found that in a sample of 6250 men and women, tea was the most important source of catechins, accounting for 55% of total intake.
Chocolate contributed to 20% of the total intake of catechins.
The researchers said: "Drinking a cup of tea and eating a chocolate cookie might be not only enjoyable but healthy as well."
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Grooming . 22 Tips for slim Look
HOW TO Appear Thinner? - 22 Tips
We all want to appear the best we can no matter what our size. Maybe you have a few extra pounds and want to camouflage them.You do not always have to lose weight in order to appear thinner. Here are some tips that will make you look and feel as if you have experienced weight loss.
Instructions
Step 1 - If you are heavy on the bottom, wear a solid color on your bottom half. Stay away from patterns and bright colors. Wear patterns on top to detract attention from your lower half. You will appear more balanced and look thinner without having to lose weight.
Step 2 - If you are heavy on top, reverse this. Wear bottoms that have more detail, and tops that are simple and plain. Again, this minimizes your top half, and makes you appear thinner all over.
Step 3 - To give yourself the appearance of a waist, wear longer, fitted shirts that come just below the lower belly. Wear a wide belt or scarf around your waist area. You will give the appearance of a slimmer waistline.
Step 4 - Do not wear clothes too loose. This does not camouflage, but only gives the appearance of sloppiness. Wear clothes that are form fitting to appear thinner.
Step 5 - Do not wear clothes that are too tight either. We do not to overly accentuate bumps or bulges. This will only make you appear heavier than you actually are. You will look like you have lost weight if you wear clothes that fit your body.
Step 6 - Wear heels. They make you taller and that makes you appear thinner without having to actually lose weight or diet.
Step 7 - Spanx are great for slimming you down. They are comfortable and can make you appear 3-4 sizes smaller without diet or exercise.
Step 8 - With pants wear a slightly flared leg so that you do not look thigh heavy. This will give your leg a balanced look all the way down which makes you look taller and thinner.
Step 9 - Always choose dark jeans. A cut that goes slightly above the belly button, with a light flare in the leg will be most flattering. Darker jeans are instantly slimming.
Step 10 - Pockets of pants should be high up on the rear to accentuate the buttocks. In order to appear thinner, avoid pockets that are low on the rear.
Step 11 - To hide a variety of sins wear a skirt with a slight flare. Stay away from clingy fabrics which will accentuate areas of heaviness. This will make you appear like you weigh less.
Step 12 - Wear a tank with another shirt on top for a layered effect. Tops that have a cut that tapers toward the waist give an hourglass effect which helps give you a shape.
Step 13 - Wearing pants with vertical stripes are great. This can make you look like you have lost weight without ever having done any exercise or diet.
Step 14 - Fitted suits that have vertical striping and a tapered waist are great. Make sure it fits. Wear a fitted top underneath. This is a very slimming look.
Step 15 - Do not expose too much cleavage. Tops should fit, but not be overly tight. Tight clothing can expose bulges that may make you appear heavier. In order to appear like you have lost weight, be sure your clothes are fitted correctly.
Step 16 - Do wear v-necks and oval shaped tops. These cut into the body to give a slimming effect.
Step 17 - If you wear a baggier top, wear a fitted bottom. This will give you balance and contribute to a slimmer appearance.
Step 18 - Wear half sleeves that are fitted to cover trouble spots such as heavy arms. This can make you look like you have lost 10 pounds.
Step 19 - Shorts should be fitted and slightly flared. They should extend to the knee to create a look of length.
Step 20 - A pencil skirt will work if there is a slight flare on the bottom, and the top is longer, belted and somewhat fitted, or flowy and soft.
Step 21 - Try on many different styles. Be real with yourself. Look in the mirror in the department store and really be critical. Ask yourself if you would like this on someone else of the same size. Follow the guidelines listed above to choose clothes to make you appear thinner.
Step 22 - Do not be afraid to go out of your style zone. Being up to date and stylish will detract from any perceived flaws you may have. Looking thinner without diet or weight loss is possible by using the guidelines listed above. You do not have to lose weight to appear thinner. Dressing the part can make you appear like you have lost 10 pounds overnight.
We all want to appear the best we can no matter what our size. Maybe you have a few extra pounds and want to camouflage them.You do not always have to lose weight in order to appear thinner. Here are some tips that will make you look and feel as if you have experienced weight loss.
Instructions
Step 1 - If you are heavy on the bottom, wear a solid color on your bottom half. Stay away from patterns and bright colors. Wear patterns on top to detract attention from your lower half. You will appear more balanced and look thinner without having to lose weight.
Step 2 - If you are heavy on top, reverse this. Wear bottoms that have more detail, and tops that are simple and plain. Again, this minimizes your top half, and makes you appear thinner all over.
Step 3 - To give yourself the appearance of a waist, wear longer, fitted shirts that come just below the lower belly. Wear a wide belt or scarf around your waist area. You will give the appearance of a slimmer waistline.
Step 4 - Do not wear clothes too loose. This does not camouflage, but only gives the appearance of sloppiness. Wear clothes that are form fitting to appear thinner.
Step 5 - Do not wear clothes that are too tight either. We do not to overly accentuate bumps or bulges. This will only make you appear heavier than you actually are. You will look like you have lost weight if you wear clothes that fit your body.
Step 6 - Wear heels. They make you taller and that makes you appear thinner without having to actually lose weight or diet.
Step 7 - Spanx are great for slimming you down. They are comfortable and can make you appear 3-4 sizes smaller without diet or exercise.
Step 8 - With pants wear a slightly flared leg so that you do not look thigh heavy. This will give your leg a balanced look all the way down which makes you look taller and thinner.
Step 9 - Always choose dark jeans. A cut that goes slightly above the belly button, with a light flare in the leg will be most flattering. Darker jeans are instantly slimming.
Step 10 - Pockets of pants should be high up on the rear to accentuate the buttocks. In order to appear thinner, avoid pockets that are low on the rear.
Step 11 - To hide a variety of sins wear a skirt with a slight flare. Stay away from clingy fabrics which will accentuate areas of heaviness. This will make you appear like you weigh less.
Step 12 - Wear a tank with another shirt on top for a layered effect. Tops that have a cut that tapers toward the waist give an hourglass effect which helps give you a shape.
Step 13 - Wearing pants with vertical stripes are great. This can make you look like you have lost weight without ever having done any exercise or diet.
Step 14 - Fitted suits that have vertical striping and a tapered waist are great. Make sure it fits. Wear a fitted top underneath. This is a very slimming look.
Step 15 - Do not expose too much cleavage. Tops should fit, but not be overly tight. Tight clothing can expose bulges that may make you appear heavier. In order to appear like you have lost weight, be sure your clothes are fitted correctly.
Step 16 - Do wear v-necks and oval shaped tops. These cut into the body to give a slimming effect.
Step 17 - If you wear a baggier top, wear a fitted bottom. This will give you balance and contribute to a slimmer appearance.
Step 18 - Wear half sleeves that are fitted to cover trouble spots such as heavy arms. This can make you look like you have lost 10 pounds.
Step 19 - Shorts should be fitted and slightly flared. They should extend to the knee to create a look of length.
Step 20 - A pencil skirt will work if there is a slight flare on the bottom, and the top is longer, belted and somewhat fitted, or flowy and soft.
Step 21 - Try on many different styles. Be real with yourself. Look in the mirror in the department store and really be critical. Ask yourself if you would like this on someone else of the same size. Follow the guidelines listed above to choose clothes to make you appear thinner.
Step 22 - Do not be afraid to go out of your style zone. Being up to date and stylish will detract from any perceived flaws you may have. Looking thinner without diet or weight loss is possible by using the guidelines listed above. You do not have to lose weight to appear thinner. Dressing the part can make you appear like you have lost 10 pounds overnight.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Controlling Temper... Good Explanation.. Must Read !
A nice story forwarded by a friend, read it once, its short and really nice :)
There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His Father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence..
The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next
few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.
Finally the ! day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.
The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence He said, "You
have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out.
It won't matter how many times you say "I'm sorry", the wound is still there. A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.
Friends are very rare jewels, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to us.
YOU ALL ARE MY FRIENDS AND I AM DEEPLY HONOURED!
There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His Father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence..
The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next
few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.
Finally the ! day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.
The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence He said, "You
have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out.
It won't matter how many times you say "I'm sorry", the wound is still there. A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.
Friends are very rare jewels, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to us.
YOU ALL ARE MY FRIENDS AND I AM DEEPLY HONOURED!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Learn what Banana can do to your health!
Friendly forward am putting here, but its an awesome article. Would change the way people think about bananas as fruit.
They are good for you!!
After Reading THIS, you'll NEVER look at a banana in the same way again!
Bananas Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS:
Forget the pills -- eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anemia:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
Blood Pressure:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect way to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power:
200 students at a Twickenham school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Overweight and at work?
Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.
Ulcers:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control:
Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.
Smoking:
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.
Stress:
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack
Strokes:
According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine," eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrates, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"
They are good for you!!
After Reading THIS, you'll NEVER look at a banana in the same way again!
Bananas Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS:
Forget the pills -- eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anemia:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
Blood Pressure:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect way to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power:
200 students at a Twickenham school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Overweight and at work?
Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.
Ulcers:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control:
Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.
Smoking:
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.
Stress:
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack
Strokes:
According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine," eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrates, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Six Biggest Skin-Care Mistakes !
A Friend forwarded me this for putting it here on site, Awesome tips for healthy skin. Try them, they are neat.
1. Using a cleanser with harsh detergents:
Many people assume that the suds of their vigorously foaming cleanser are a good sign -- surely they'll leave skin extra clean. Unfortunately, copious suds are generally a sign that your cleanser contains a harsh detergent, like lauryl sulfate, that strips skin of vital lipids. (And don't get me started on bar soap -- that is always a no-no.) Instead, look for cleansers that contain fatty acids and will actually fortify your skin, like Dove's ProAge products, or even simple cold cream. If you have particularly dry skin, I recommend cleansing oils, which remove dirt and makeup without disturbing your skin's natural protective barrier.
2. Not using a retinoid:
Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is the only topical ingredient proven not only to prevent lines and wrinkles but to minimize the ones you already have. Past the age of 30, I recommend seeing a dermatologist for a higher-concentration prescription retinoid (like Retin-A, Differin, or Tazorac, for example), but there are also many great over-the-counter creams that contain lower concentrations of retinol. I like Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, Neutrogena Healthy Skin Night Cream, and SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0.
3. Spending too much on skin care:
Splurging on the beautiful packaging and luxurious scents of pricey boutique skin care lines can feel wonderfully pampering -- provided you know that it's absolutely not necessary for great skin. In fact, many of my favorite products are made by drugstore brands, because those companies have the large budgets for top-notch research and development. If you have to choose, put your money toward that prescription retinoid, and buy the rest of your regimen at the drugstore.
4. Getting facials:
Yes, that's right -- you can strike facials from your skin-care budget and actually be doing your skin a favor! Studies show that as many as 80% of people break out after a facial. Aestheticians often don't know which products are right for the skin of each client, and may use ingredients that can worsen acne, or essential oils that tend to irritate sensitive skin. Even if you don't break out, there are really no long-term benefits to facials.
5. Washing your face at the wrong time:
Always wash your face after you rinse out your hair products and conditioner in the shower, never before. Many conditioners contain pore-clogging isopropyl myristate and other hair products often contain coconut oil -- both are common acne-causing ingredients that you don't want to leave on your skin.
6. Not using sunscreen every day:
Not just for your trip to the beach. Not just during the long summer days. Every day. Yes, it's important to be even more vigilant if you plan to spend lots of time in direct sunlight. But incidental sun exposure typically accounts for more of our lifetime exposure to ultraviolet rays than those days at the beach. Walking to and from your car, dashing out of the office for a sandwich, or sitting outside for a few minutes adds up -- make sure you're covered with at least SPF 15, every day. Drink daily 8 Glass water.
1. Using a cleanser with harsh detergents:
Many people assume that the suds of their vigorously foaming cleanser are a good sign -- surely they'll leave skin extra clean. Unfortunately, copious suds are generally a sign that your cleanser contains a harsh detergent, like lauryl sulfate, that strips skin of vital lipids. (And don't get me started on bar soap -- that is always a no-no.) Instead, look for cleansers that contain fatty acids and will actually fortify your skin, like Dove's ProAge products, or even simple cold cream. If you have particularly dry skin, I recommend cleansing oils, which remove dirt and makeup without disturbing your skin's natural protective barrier.
2. Not using a retinoid:
Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is the only topical ingredient proven not only to prevent lines and wrinkles but to minimize the ones you already have. Past the age of 30, I recommend seeing a dermatologist for a higher-concentration prescription retinoid (like Retin-A, Differin, or Tazorac, for example), but there are also many great over-the-counter creams that contain lower concentrations of retinol. I like Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, Neutrogena Healthy Skin Night Cream, and SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0.
3. Spending too much on skin care:
Splurging on the beautiful packaging and luxurious scents of pricey boutique skin care lines can feel wonderfully pampering -- provided you know that it's absolutely not necessary for great skin. In fact, many of my favorite products are made by drugstore brands, because those companies have the large budgets for top-notch research and development. If you have to choose, put your money toward that prescription retinoid, and buy the rest of your regimen at the drugstore.
4. Getting facials:
Yes, that's right -- you can strike facials from your skin-care budget and actually be doing your skin a favor! Studies show that as many as 80% of people break out after a facial. Aestheticians often don't know which products are right for the skin of each client, and may use ingredients that can worsen acne, or essential oils that tend to irritate sensitive skin. Even if you don't break out, there are really no long-term benefits to facials.
5. Washing your face at the wrong time:
Always wash your face after you rinse out your hair products and conditioner in the shower, never before. Many conditioners contain pore-clogging isopropyl myristate and other hair products often contain coconut oil -- both are common acne-causing ingredients that you don't want to leave on your skin.
6. Not using sunscreen every day:
Not just for your trip to the beach. Not just during the long summer days. Every day. Yes, it's important to be even more vigilant if you plan to spend lots of time in direct sunlight. But incidental sun exposure typically accounts for more of our lifetime exposure to ultraviolet rays than those days at the beach. Walking to and from your car, dashing out of the office for a sandwich, or sitting outside for a few minutes adds up -- make sure you're covered with at least SPF 15, every day. Drink daily 8 Glass water.
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