Emma : Some Healthy Nutritional Tips

Hello hello awesome girls! it's been a while since my last post..but I'm back with a little something to share :)
and yes I promise, it's beneficial (did I mention 'very'?). A few days ago, I stumbled upon this MSN site which had an article titled "First aid beauty foods".

To summarize, they listed the items which can be used to replace all the health remedies out there that can cost us a fortune! What's more interesting is that these items can be found in our k.i.t.c.h.e.n!! How superbly awesome is that?? Ok ok... So I've read the article and I've summarized it for your convenience. Enjoy!

1)     For irritated complexion : Mushrooms with Almond Oil

 With a high sodium and potassium content, mushrooms are extremely beneficial for broken capillaries and thread veins,' says Helen Ambrosen, arts and science co-ordinator for Lush.

'They are also packed with zinc, another helpful healing agent to reduce inflammation in skin while their antioxidants fight free radicals to protect against further damage.'

TRY IT: Especially kind to sensitive skin, liquidise mushrooms with almond oil to make a vitamin-packed treatment to soothe an irritated complexion. Rinse off after 10 minutes.

2)     For skin repairment : Parsleys

Stand up to angry spots with this fragrant herb which is packed with vitamins, minerals plus impressive anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties.

'It not only stimulates circulation to flush away toxic debris from the affected area but helps to repair and strengthen the skin too,' says holistic skincare expert, Bharti Vyas.

TRY IT: Grind a handful of parsley into a pulp and apply to the affected areas. Leave on for a few minutes then wash off with warm water and moisturise as normal.

3)     For puffiness around eyes : Chamomile

'As well as its reliable skin-soothing properties, chamomile also has an impressive anti-inflammatory purpose which can reduce puffiness,' says Susan Curtis, medicines director at Neal's Yard Remedies.

'Used teabags are a handy ready-made mask and because skin under the eyes is extremely thin, the healing herbs can penetrate quickly for fast results.'

TRY IT: Place a used, cooled teabag over each eye and rest for 10 minutes. Or, intensify the effects and refrigerate them first - a chilled compress helps further constrict blood vessels to minimise shadows and calm puffiness.

4)     For a natural facelift: Egg whites

Before the days of botox, Hollywood starlets swore-by the skin-toning properties of this retro remedy, says celebrity facialist Sarah Chapman.

'Whisked egg whites are well-known in the industry as a natural facelift,' she says. 'As they dry on skin, their water content evaporates which causes a temporary tightening action after they've been washed off,' Sarah explains. 'As egg whites also contain an enzyme which breaks-down bacteria, they can be used to relieve acne and minimise pores too.'

TRY IT: Whisk an egg white until fluffy and paint all over face and backs of hands with a mask brush. Leave to dry then wash-off with warm water

5)     For dehydrated skin & eczema: Oats

Calming, cleansing and softening, oats are used as a key ingredient in many best-selling products to treat dehydrated skin and eczema.

'The starchy nature of oats helps skin absorb and retain moisture. Oat milk moisturiser can also prevent anything from penetrating the skin that could cause further irritation,' says Helen Ambrosen. 'They also gently exfoliate which is still necessary for dry skin conditions to buff away dead cells so skin can breathe,' she adds.

TRY IT: Soak a handful of oats in cold water, after 30 minutes squeeze and sieve the oats to create oat milk. Apply straight away to skin with cotton wool for immediate relief.

6)     For healthy cuticles: Olive oil

This Mediterranean superfood is a nutritional powerhouse with inbuilt antioxidants to nurture nails back to health. 'When essential moisture has been lost from the nail plate, bonds between the layers break allowing water to penetrate and cause peeling,' says manicure guru Marian Newman.

'Olive oil essentially waterproofs nails as it is absorbed easily to safeguard against moisture loss.'

TRY IT: Gently file the edge of nails every week and massage a small amount of oil onto nails and the surrounding skin daily to top up moisture levels and nourish cuticles for healthy growth.

7)     For brittle hair: Avocado

'Avocado is an excellent beauty food for brittle hair as its oil can penetrate deep into the hair cuticle. It also acts like a moisture magnet which locks-in long lasting hydration to revive condition,' says celebrity tricologist Philip Kingsley.

'Avocado's combination of proteins, essential acids and vitamins A, D and E are all essential agents for healthy hair and manageability.'

TRY IT: Philip is famous for his deep conditioning treatments, so try making your own budget version. Mash half an avocado with two eggs plus a little olive oil and water. Work the emulsion into damp hair with your fingertips and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off thoroughly then shampoo and condition.

8)     For discoloured nails: Lemons

As well as making you look old, discoloured nails are a serious fashion no-no,' says Marian Newman.

 'Lemon juice is a stain devil for nasty looking nails - its natural fruit acids work like a mild bleach to help remove impurities and stains almost instantly for healthy-looking hands,' she says.

TRY IT: Press affected nails into a fresh slice of lemon or lime for a few seconds. Leave the juice on for a few minutes before washing off then follow with an intensive hand cream if necessary.

-end of article-

P/S: None of the above information and pictures are mine. Pictures were results from Google Image search engine. As for the reference for the information, here's the link: http://lifestyle.malaysia.msn.com/Beauty/photoviewer.aspx?cp-documentid=5771814#image=1

Hope you all find this post beneficial (not forgetting, convenient too).

that'll be all from me today. til next time, stay tuned!

Emma <3.