Isess99 Health and Fitness

Archive for the ‘Fruits’ Category

Aging is said to arise when free radicals (substances formed in the course of normal biochemical processes) accumulate in the body, damaging our tissues and DNA. This damage brings about chronic inflammation and irreversible DNA damage, which eventually lead to age-related conditions such as cancer and heart disease. 

While a person’s genes naturally affect life expectancy, health specialists estimate that they account for only about 30% of the difference in longevity rates. Diet, lifestyle, improved health care, and other factors are believed to play a more telling role. Studies show that we can now take steps to slow down aging. A study of overweight people found that those who reduced their calorie intake by 25% for 6 months recorded lower fasting insulin levels and lower body core temperature, both of which are markers of longevity. Here are some tips to slow down aging to live  longer life:

Have a meaningful physical activity. Staying active keeps body fat levels down and activates the brain. Studies show that those who are active tended to retain their cognitive function better and longer than those who are sedentary.

Eat right. Loads of fruits and vegetables are rich sources of antioxidants and bioflavonoids known to help neutralize free radicals. Stick to moderate serving sizes and offset your calorie intake by being active.

De-stress. Take time to relax, it maybe meditation, yoga, religion, a cup of tea, or a simple walk in the garden.

Sleep well. Lack of slee increases the risk of obesity and can affect metabolism and hormone production. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep a night.

Glowing and clear skin requires a healthy diet, lots of water, exercise and plenty of rest. Skin crises on the other hand, are caused by a number of things. First, stress triggers skin breakouts and rashes. Exposure to excessive dirt can cause blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. It is important to wash your face with a mild cleanser at least twice a day. Alcohol and smoking also cause wrinkles, lines, and discoloration so avoid them if you can.

For facial care, avoid using regular soaps as they can leave considerable amounts of residue that aggravate clogging and infection. Rinse thoroughly and refresh your face further after cleansing using a toner to remove any excess cleanser and to help the skin return to a normal ph balance. Exfoliate dead skin cells using a product with alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA), then moisturize (optional if you have oily skin) and finish off with a sunscreen.

Take care of the skin on the neck and chest as well as they are the first to show the telltale signs of aging. Use a facial cleansing cream to hydrate these areas and finish with a facial moisture cream.

Apply a moisturizer for the rest of your body especially the hands, and put on sun block with a high sun protection factor (SPF) when going outdoors or before hitting the beach.

Another great tip to achieve great skin is to load up with fresh tomatoes. The fruit is especially beneficial when cooked as more of the carotenoid lycopene makes it into the skin, where it can limit UV damage to lower skin-cancer risk. Proper care and tomatoes are indeed a great combination to great skin this summer.

Youthfulness and beauty seem to go hand in hand together. As you get older, some beauty spoilers start appearing so it is best to take preventive measures early on to preserve your young and glowing look. Here are wonderful tips that work:

• Get defensive on your skin with a daily SPF. This helps prevent wrinkles, blotches, and protects skin from cancer and other diseases.

• Avoid foods that have anything with a dark pigment like wine, soy sauce and coffee as these may cause yellowish teeth. You may chop on apples, carrots and cucumbers instead that naturally cleanse the teeth.

• Drink green tea to boost the skin’s elastic tissue.

• Do a 20-minute cardiovascular exercise 4 or 5 times a week to beat the bulges.

• Add saltwater fish in your diet that contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which help regulate skin’s glow and luster.

• Maintain your healthy hair by using a hot oil treatment weekly and massage a deep conditioner unto your scalp.

Your body needs fuel for exercise, but eating a large meal right before working out can cause discomfort. Exercising muscles draws blood away from the stomach, slowing digestion and causing stomach upset. To avoid this, wait 1 hour to 4 hours after a meal before exercising. The larger the meal, the longer you should wait.

If you haven’t eaten in several hours, however, your fuel tank will be on empty. A small snack (such as yogurt , half a bagel, or a piece of fruit) eaten 30 minutes to 60 minutes exercise will boost flagging blood sugar levels without causing you nausea or indigestion.

Carbohydrate is your body’s preferred fuel, so include whole grains starchy vegetables, fruit, or non-fat or low-fat dairy products in meals and snacks eaten before workout. Liquid meals, such as milk and fruit smoothies, are also an option. Avoid high-fat foods, because they slow digestion. It’s important to drink enough water during exercise.