* Beauty Benefits of Turmeric *

Being of South Asian origin, spices are very important ingredients added into the cuisines. Turmeric is one of these spices. This spice is often used for its antiseptic properties, but it is also beneficial as a beauty product. So before you head out to your cosmetic counter, check out these 6 beauty secrets of turmeric. You may... have the solution to your beauty problem right in your cupboard! 

♥ Turmeric for Acne : You can create a face mask with turmeric to help fight acne and gain a youthful glow. This traditional face mask is often used by the bride and groom the day before their wedding. It will brighten your skin tone and helps diminish unsightly blemishes overnight.
To make this, add 2 tablespoons of starch to 1 tablespoon of raw milk. Then add two drops of olive oil and a pinch of turmeric. Blend to make a paste. Apply a thin layer to your face and let it set for 20 minutes. It is best to apply the mask before you shower so you can easily rinse it off.
♥ Turmeric to Treat Wrinkles : To treat wrinkles, you can make an eye cream with turmeric and use it at least twice a week. This will help to eliminate not only wrinkles around your eyes, but also dark circles. Add a pinch of turmeric to 2 tablespoons of buttermilk. Smooth the paste around your eyes and let it set for 20 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.
♥ Turmeric to Alleviate Dry or Oily Skin : For dry skin, combine 1 egg white, 2 drops of olive oil, fresh lemon juice and rose water. Add a pinch of turmeric and mix well. Apply this to all the dry areas including face, neck, elbows and knees. Let it set until it is completely dry, and then wash off with warm water.For oily skin, add a pinch of turmeric to 2 tablespoons of sandlewood powder. Mix in 2 tablespoons of milk and 2 drops of lemon juice, then apply to your face and let it dry. Rinse off with warm water.
♥ Turmeric for Cracked Heels : For immediate relief from cracked heels, apply a mixture of 3 tablespoons of turmeric with 3 drops of coconut oil. This mix will also help prevent fungal infections that may form between the toes, also known as athlete’s foot.
♥ Turmeric for Pigmentation : If you suffer from acne scars or other types of hyperpigmentation, apply a mixture of turmeric and lemon juice to the affected area for 20 minutes. For best results, apply this mixture once a day.
♥ Turmeric for Scalp Health : Dandruff and other scalp issues can easily be treated with turmeric and olive oil. Apply a mixture to your scalp in the shower, and allow it to set for 15 minutes, until finally washing out the mixture with a natural shampoo.

Takecare
~ ♥ Shilpa

* Breakfast Rules *

Do you know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day? A good breakfast provides the nutrients that people need to start their day off right. Most people give a variety of reasons for not eating breakfast. A common reason is that they are not hungry in the morning, which is a result of eating a full meal late in the evening or late sn...acking. When they go to bed, the body is still busy digesting all that food. Digestion then goes into a slower gear during the hours of sleep and there is still food in the stomach in the morning. The stomach needs a rest too. A tired stomach does not feel like digesting a big breakfast. When you get up in the morning, your glucose or blood sugar level is at its lowest point in the day. Glucose is the basic fuel for the brain and central nervous system. A good breakfast will keep you from being tired and irritable by mid-morning. The effects of a skipped breakfast are short attention span, lack of alertness, longer reaction time, low blood sugar, decreased work productivity. Surely, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Take time to eat a large, balanced breakfast. It’s a good investment of your time. Once you get into the habit of eating breakfast, you may feel hungry in the morning.

♥ “No time?” How much time does it take to eat a bowl of cereal? Make toast and eat it on your way to work. Make your breakfast the night before. Making time for breakfast is making time to be healthy.
♥ “Not hungry?” To get started, don’t eat anything after an early supper. Finish supper by 6:30 p.m.
♥ “Might gain weight?” Eating breakfast will actually help you reach and maintain your healthy weight. Your appetite will be satisfied longer. You’ll be eating food when you can best burn the calories. You’ll feel great. Eat breakfast.
♥ You “don’t like breakfast foods?” You don’t have to eat traditional breakfast foods. You can eat leftovers, or a sandwich. Any healthy food is fine. Caffeine may mask hunger.

IDEAL FOR BREAKFAST :

♥ Milk, yougurt, bread , oats, cereals , fruits, fresh juices ,low-fat toasts, sandwhich, sprouts, low-fat muffins.
♥ Traditional tiffins which include oil should be avoided during the first hour of the day. Non-oily foods like idly are ideal.
♥ Eggs are a bit fatty, but u are OK wid it, they server u the best of food!
♥ Its a BEST habbit to drink a glass full of water soon after you brush. This helps in cleaning ur internal system and is very good in keeping skin healthy. U can also take coconut water .

Takecare,
~ ♥ Shilpa