A New York City Health and Beauty Blog

Five Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee that You May Not Be Aware Of

With all the news coverage about the various foods and drinks that are bad for your health and what you need to cut out from your diet, sometimes it can feel as though it’s a no-win situation, and no matter what you pick, it will be “bad”. For all those coffee drinkers out there, who are used to hearing why you need to cut back on caffeine, it may come as a pleasant surprise to hear that coffee actually has a number of health benefits. That’s right, sometimes that dose of steaming hot coffee can actually be good for you. Let’s take a closer look.

A Source of Fiber
Are you having a hard time getting enough fiber in your diet? If so, coffee can help supplement and close the gaps. Did you know that one cup of brewed coffee contains 1.8 grams of fiber? The typical adult should intake between 20-38 grams of fiber per day.


Cut Back on Your Risk of Heart Disease
Another interesting health benefit is that researchers in a Korean study have shown that coffee can help reduce a person’s risk of developing heart disease. A similar study was also done in Brazil with the same type of results.
There is a Link Between Depression, Suicide Risk, and Coffee Drinking
Studies have also shown that for those who drink four or more cups of coffee per day, they are 20% less likely to suffer from depression, and the risk of suicide.


Fight the Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes is a very serious disease, so any way to combat it should be taken seriously. With that said, coffee seems to be providing some health benefits in this area as well. A study conducted at Harvard University showed that each cup of coffee a person drinks reduces their risk of developing the disease by 9%. Even decaf coffee helps, as each cup reduces the risk by 6%.


Decrease Your Risk of Developing Colorectal Cancer
There are plenty of foods and drinks that help to fight the development of cancer, and now you can look at coffee as one of them. Drinking coffee can help to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by up to 26%, even if you are just a moderate coffee drinker.


It’s All Within Reason
Now that we’ve covered some of the health benefits, it’s important to note that you still don’t want to go overboard in your coffee drinking. The key is moderation. Also, you want to be sure you’re drinking good quality coffee like that you can make from the Lavazza coffee machine compatible pods or grinds. Lavazza also feature espresso varieties, which will give you that intense flavor and jolt.
So, if you’ve been feeling bad about having those couple of cups of coffee per day, it’s time to erase those feelings and remind yourself coffee has its own list of impressive health benefits, and could just be exactly what the doctor ordered.

Don’t throw it away! Surprising beauty uses of banana peel you must know

Don’t throw it away! Surprising beauty uses of banana peel you must know

Bananas are known to be one of the best power packed fruits for health benefits. But did you know its peel was as beneficial in getting healthy, glowing and flawless skin?

Yes, it’s true! From treating pimples to helping you get rid of blemishes to adding a natural glow to your skin; banana peel comes packed with hundreds of beauty benefits. Rich in antioxidants, potassium and zinc, its inclusion in your everyday beauty regime can reap you great benefits over a period of time and make your skin appear healthy and radiant without the use of expensive beauty products.

Here are few beauty tips and home remedies that include the use of banana peel for beautiful and problem free skin. 

  1. Banana Peel Face Pack For Acne:

One of the best beauty tips for those with oily skin type is to increase the use of banana peel in their everyday home beauty regime.  It helps control production of sebum, cleanses the pores from deep inside and clear dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.

Method:

  • Take a banana peel and gently rub on the face for 15 minutes
  • Now, let the peel dry on the face for another 10 minutes
  • Thereafter, wash the face off with cold water
  • Pat dry and apply a mild moisturizing lotion to prevent the skin from drying
  • Repeat at least 3 times a week for fresh, healthy and clear looking skin

2. Banana Peel & Oatmeal Face Pack For Skin Lightening:

Wondering how to get fair skin using natural ingredients? Try this amazing face pack that is rich in potassium and will help get rid of any blemishes or dead skin cells. As a result, what you’ll get is fairer and radiant skin.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp oatmeal
  • ½ banana peel
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tbsp Dabur Gulabari Rose Water

Method:

  • In a blender, put all the ingredients together and make a smooth paste
  • Apply the paste all over the face and leave it to dry for 15-20 minutes
  • Scrub it off the face using cold water
  • Repeat twice a week for lighter and brighter complexion                            

3. Banana Peel Remedy For Blemish Free Skin:

Need home remedies for glowing skin? Try this amazing banana peel & lemon juice remedy. It will not only add natural radiance to your face but also help you get rid of any blemishes or marks on the face.

Ingredients:

  • 1 banana peel
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

Method:

  • Blend banana peel with lemon juice in a blender
  • Apply the paste on the face and leave it to dry for 10-15 minutes
  • Wash it off with normal tap water
  • Repeat the process daily to get rid of the blemishes and scar marks over a period of time

4. Banana Peel Face Pack For Oily Skin:

Need to get rid of oily skin? Start applying this amazing banana peel and baking soda face pack at least twice a week. It will help control production of excess sebum on the face and give you healthy and beautiful looking skin.

Ingredients:

  • 1 banana peel (blended into a paste)
  • 1 tsp baking powder/soda
  • 2-3 tbsp water

Method:

  • Make a smooth paste using the three ingredients 
  • Apply all over the face and leave it to dry for 10-15 minutes
  • Wash it off with cold water
  • Baking powder will absorb the excess oil from the skin leaving it feeling soft and radiant 

5. Banana Peel Face Pack For Prevention Of Wrinkles:

Want to keep your skin looking younger for long? Don’t forget to apply banana peel on it. It will keep your skin hydrated and prolong the appearance of wrinkles.

Ingredients:

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 banana peel (mashed)

Method:

  • Mix the two and make a smooth paste
  • Apply and leave it to dry for 15 minutes
  • Wash off with cold water
  • Repeat twice a week for fresh & younger looking skin

Need more beauty tips on how to use banana peel for beautiful, healthy & radiant skin? Also, Keep following our blog to read more on how to remove tan and how to remove tan from hands and legs.

Beauty Food: Tea

Alvita Green Tea

Tea is a popular healthy food and has been so for many centuries. Personally I’m an avid tea drinker because a hot cup of team is very relaxing and soothing. I drink tea year-long not just because it tastes great but it’s also a wonderful beauty food. There are many types of teas that are healthful, here are a few of my favorites:

  • Chamomile – One of the most popular herbal teas today, Chamomile has been traditionally used for calming and relaxation.
  • Passionflower – Used for more than 200 years by Native Americans, Passionflower is traditionally used for easing occasional nervous tension and supporting restful sleep.
  • Green Tea – green tea has numerous beneficial properties and is often consumed to promote energy and general well-being.
  • Raspberry – Native to North America, Raspberry leaves are highly valued because of their unique astringent properties. The tea remains popular among midwives and herbalists today.

Green tea is full of antioxidants that have been used for many beauty treatments including soothing tired eyes and as an astringent. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition green tea can help to speed up the metabolic rate and speed up fat oxidation to support weight loss. Green tea is also known to simulate hair growth and keep hair shiny and soft. Just steep three tea bags in a liter of water and rinse your hair with it after you’ve conditioned it. One of my favorite brands of tea is Alvita because their tea is fantastic – its organic and their tea boxes are 100% recycled paperboard.

What is your favorite kind of tea?

Beauty Food: Lemons

 

Beauty Food: Lemons

Lemons are universally celebrated for their many uses in the world of beauty. See below for tips to look ones best, despite the harsh winter weather.

1.  Heal that dry skin. Cold winter winds can wreak havoc on your skin! Mix equal amounts of lemon juice and honey and apply on your face and neck. After 10 minutes rinse off with cold water. Lemon contains hydroxyl acid which is highly valued in many beauty products.

2.  Lemons work wonders on chapped lips. As with the dry skin, chapped lips are hard to avoid in the colder months. Mix a teaspoon each of cream, lemon juice and honey and rub it on your lips. Use for a week and see your chapped lips disappear – naturally!

3.  Revitalize dull or damaged hair. Combine ¾ cup olive oil, ½ cup raw honey, and 3 tbsp of lemon juice. Set aside. After shampooing your hair, towel dry and work the lemon juice mixture into your hair by combing it evenly throughout. Cover your hair with a plastic cap for ½ hour. Shampoo and rinse hair thoroughly.

4.  Keep your breath nice and fresh. Squeeze a few drops of lemon juice onto your tongue and swish it around in your mouth, swallowing the juice after a few swishes. This can lower the pH level inside your mouth and kill the bacteria that cause bad breath.

5.  De-bloat with lemon and cucumber. Take 1 cucumber, 3 stalks of celery, ½ a lemon, 1 kale leaf and 1 green apple and blend in a juicer. This simple, natural juice helps to fight unsightly bloating (and ease abdominal discomfort in the process).

For more wonderful tips to get the most out of every lemon, visit www.limoneira.com.

Herbs for Beauty

champs de lavande

Oh yeah, for those of you who are into natural beauty, look no further than your backyard. If you’ve got the green thumb, then you should start adding these beauty superstar in your thriving garden:

1. Lavender: Used in many beauty products, widely known for calming scent, this purple joy possess properties that makes it an antiseptic (prevents infection) and pain relieving. Add them into your homemade lotion, your cleaning products and yes, even in your cookies!

2. Marigold (aka calendula in your beauty products): It has a high level of flavonoids (yes also found in wine) that protects the body from damaging free radicals and also treats inflammations. Talk about an anti-aging superstar!

3. Holy Basil: Holy indeed! It is a rich source of vitamin A, C and K and also hosts of important minerals like calcium and magnesium. This herbs is usually found in your anti-dandruff and lice shampoo and also in acne-free products.

4. Rosemary: Oh yes, not only is it great with your pork and potatoes, its also anti-fungal and antidiabetic. Great use for those of you who have digestive problems (which affects overall health of your skin!) and treats alopecia!

5. Chamomile: My favorite tea,and also a soothing herb for those of you who suffer from sensitive skin. It possess hydrating and nourishing qualities that allows your skin to recover from a hard day of work.

Hopefully this post allows you to rethink and appreciate the magic of these herbs!