NUTRITION FOR YOUR BRAIN

Our brains need proper nutrition in order to help us get the most out of life. A healthy body, mind and spirit is necessary for having a positive outlook  and being succesful in everything we do. Whether you are a student, or a senior citizen,or any age in between, every activity requires the brain to function at optimum levels.
So, what foods can one consume on a regular basis to keep the brain well oiled?
Fruits, vegetables on a daily basis provide the much needed antioxidants. Including green leafy vegetables provide the iron. Eggs, lean fish, poultry and beans should be incorporated into the diet apart from keeping oneself well hydrated and exercising regularly. And never forget your beauty sleep.

Tips to Boost Your Brain Power

TIPS TO GET MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IN YOUR DIET

Nature's goodness is found aplenty in vegetables and fruits. The more brightly coloured are rich in antioxidants. Essential vitamins and minerals are provided to one's body when we include atleast cups of veggies and fruits in our daily diet. Always choose fresh vegetables that are in season. Make sure you use them in a variety of ways including salads,soups,and mix and match textures to add interest. Below are a few tips on how you can experiment with veggies and fruits in order to include them in your diet on a daily basis.
Suggested Reading: Healthy salads
Why You Should Eat More Vegetables And Fruits

LEAD IN YOUR LIPSTICK

Women love their lipsticks and do not go anywhere without them.Some love reapplying right through the day to look and feel beautiful all day. How safe is it really? It is common knowledge that small amounts are ingested. Is this toxic? Detrimental to health?
The majority of lipsticks available in the market have a small percentage of lead that over time can show significant levels in one's bloodstream. Yes,even those that are manufactured by cosmetic giants such as L'Oreal,Dior Addict and Cover Girl to name a few. Studies show that since lead is a neuro toxin,i.e., it affects the nervous system,it can be the cause of infertility and miscarriage in pregnant women.Young children and young girls are more susceptible to this lead exposure.
Toxicologists also note that the redder one's lipstick, the more toxic it is because of the increased lead content.
Suggested Reading: The Dangers Of Using Red Lipstick

FUNCTIONAL FOODS

Foods that are rich in certain substances that are more nutritionally beneficial than others are called functional foods. Nutritional value is provided by all foods but these functional foods may contain essential minerals,such as calcium or iron and vitamins such as A,E,B,C. An excellent example is that of the tomato which contains a substance called lycopene that is thought to prevent cancer and is necessary for improving prostate health. All colourful vegetables and fruits come under this category of functional foods as they contain antioxidants which are essential for the proper functioning of all body systems and preventing disease. Yoghurt contains probiotics and salmon contains omega 3 fatty acids.
The super market shelves are filled with processed foods that are fortified with certain vitamins or minerals that are also examples of functional foods. It certainly pays to choose your food wisely and get more nutrition into your daily diet.
Recommended Reading: Vitamin And Mineral Supplements
Is Knowing Nutrition Facts Helpful?

FAST FOODS-HEALTHIER OPTIONS

Fast foods are tasty,addictive and make us obese because of their high calorie content. Yes,awareness programs have made people wiser,yet sometimes we have to make a choice concerning what to order when in a fast food joint. Most of the fast food restaurants give you the calorie content to their offerings on their websites.
Whether you are dining at KFC,Mac's,Macdonald's, or any other such giant chain of fast food restaurants,choose healthier options instead of just going for the regular items.

1. Go for the whole grain breads or buns
2. Opt for no cheese
3. Ask for the grilled meat rather than the fried
4. Give the French fries the go by
5. Order a salad without rich dressing
6. Choose plain water or a low calorie drink
7. Skip the dessert and last but most importantly,
8. Never Super size me!

Recommended Reading: 12 Food Additives To Be Subtracted From Your Diet
India's No.1 Junk Food Consumer
What Does A Bad Snack Do?
Indian Fast Foods
Sluggish After Lunch?

10 SUPER FOODS FOR HEALTHY HAIR

Healthy hair is often the most coveted because of the various styles one can wear it and also gives a great frame to the face. It is often seen that those on a weight loss diet tend to lose hair as their low calorie diets do not provide the right nutrition and in the right amounts. It is therefore advisable to eat wisely in order to get optimum nutrition from commonly available foods rather than supplements. Washing and taking care of the hair is also as important,but when the care is from within the body, it is beneficial. Tresses are to be conditioned naturally by the oil glands while keeping the scalp healthy.
Researchers have come up with the list of foods that must be included in one's diet for healthy hair. The most important nutrients for healthy hair are omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, iron and vitamin A. A well-balanced diet of lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fatty fish like salmon and low-fat dairy are essential.

1. Salmon - rich source of omega 3 fatty acids,high quality protein,vitamin B 12 ,iron. If you are vegetarian, ground flaxseed (1-2 tbsp) can be included in the daily diet.
2. Dark green leafy vegetables - Spinach is known to have iron,calcium,vitamins A and C which are great for hair.
3. Beans - Kidney beans and lentils provide plentiful protein to promote hair growth, and also ample iron, zinc, and biotin. 3 or more cups of beans every week is a must for great hair.
   
   
4. Nuts - Omega 3 fatty acids and zinc present in nuts such as walnuts and cashes are important.Selenium which is present in Brazil nuts is very beneficial.
5. Poultry - Chicken and turkey provide high quality protein and iron which is necessary for good hair. A deficiency of quality protein results in loss of hair colour.
6. Eggs - Biotin, vitamin B 12 and of course, proteins are made available to the body.
7. Whole Grains - Zinc, iron, and B vitamins found in whole grains are essential for hair beauty and restoration.
8. Oysters - The powerful antioxidant,zinc is found in oysters which is a known aphrodisiac and also great for hair growth. Oysters can be substituted with beef,lamb,whole grains and nuts.
9. Low Fat Dairy - Skim milk and yoghurt are excellent calcium sources that is necessary for hair growth. High quality protein is also provided.
10. Carrots - An excellent source of vitamin A that is good for a healthy scalp in addition to good vision.

WEIGHT LOSS PRODUCTS RECALLED

Weight loss is what most people are wanting to achieve and they are willing to pay whatever it costs to sport the slim figure. They are easily taken in by the marketing tactics used by companies that manufacture weight loss products,without even verifying whether what it contains is approved by the FDA. Obese or not, the desire to appear thinner overnight has taken some people to do what they must not do,....take drugs or products that promise to help lose weight in no time,while continuing to eat what they normally do,or in some cases not eat certain foods.
Universal ABC Beauty Supply International Inc. of Brooklyn, N.Y., is recalling 34 of their weight loss products as they contain a substance called sibutramine which is an active ingredient in Meridia. And this is an appetite repress ant. FDA does not approve of the following 34 weight loss products manufactured by the said company as their labels do not show the presence of sibutramine. Sibutramine causes increase in hypertension,heart ailments,stroke in certain patients.
1. ProSlim Plus, 60 capsules, bottle in box
2. 3 DAYS fit, 60 capsules, bottle in box
3. EIGHT FACTOR DIET, 60 capsules, 3 pouches/box
4. 24hours Diet, 60 capsules
5. Slim 3in1 M-18 ROYAL DIET, 90 capsules, 3 pouches/box
6. 3X SLIMMING POWER, 60 capsules, bottle in box
7. Extrim Plus 24 Hours RE-BURN Formula, 60 capsules
8. Slim 3in1 EXTRA SLIM FORMULA, 90 capsules, 3 pouches/box
9. Slim 3in1 EXTRA SLIM WAIST FORMULA, 90 capsules, 3 pouches/box
10. SLIM EXPRESS 360º C
11. SLIM EXPRESS 4in1, 60 capsules, bottle in box
12. ROYAL SLIMMING FORMULA, 60 capsules, bottle/box
13. BODY CREATOR, 90 capsules, 3 pouches/box
14. Slim Waistline (labeling written in Chinese)
15. BODY SHAPING, 90 capsules, 3 pouches/box
16. PERFECT SLIM, 90 capsules, 3 pouches/box
17. Perfect Slim 100% Natural Herbal Essence
18. IMELDA Perfect Slim
19. Slim Waist Formula, 32 capsules, 2 pouches/box
20. Super Slimming, 60 capsules, bottle in box
21. 2 DAY DIET
22. Powerful Slim
23. BODY SHAPING
24. SUPER FAT BURNER, 60 capsules, bottle in box
25. SLIMMING FORMULA
26. SLIM FAST 2, 32 capsules, 2 pouches/box
27. SLIM FAST, 60 capsules, 3 pouches/box
28. Slim up, 120 capsules, bottle in box
29. 7 DAYS DIET, 60 capsules, 3 pouches/box
30. Perfect Slim Up, 60 capsules, bottle in box
31. JM Fat Reducer
32. SlimBurn
33. 21 Double SLIM
34. TRIM PLUS 2

There are several products available in the market which give tall claims of weight loss. So, which ones are good for you?
The best answer is to keep yourself fit and healthy by eating 3-4 small meals a day,packed with nutrition,do not snack in between,drink plenty of water,exercise atleast 45 minutes atleast 4 times a week,and have a positive outlook.