Tag Archives: healthy skin

DIY – REFRESH YOUR SKIN

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I found this article 
written by Express contributor Megan Zatko
and think I might try some of these ideas out.
 
AVOCADO FOOT SCRUB
… Why It Works:  A ground avocado pit is abrasive enough to break down calluses, while the fruit’s rich flesh contains essential oils that nourish the skin.
… You’ve Been Warned:  This recipe takes time to prepare, but the results are worth it.
…What You’ll Need:
  • 2 avocados (one for pit, and one ripe one for fruit)
  • 1/4 cup cornmeal
  • 1 tbsp sea salt

…What to Do:  Dry out an avocado pit for a few days, then break it into several pieces with a hammer or cooking mallet.  In a spice mill, coffee grinder or food processor, grind down the pit to make a gritty meal.

Scoop out second avocado and place skin aside.  Mash the avocado fruit with the cornmeal, 1/4 cup of ground avocado pit and sea salt.
Gently message the mixture into your feet in a circular motion, starting with the toes and working up to the ankles.  Rinse with warm water.
Finally, take the inside of the avocado skin and rub the heel and any other callused areas.  Your skin will look green at first (don’t worry, it won’t stain).  Keep messaging for five to 10 minutes or until it no longer feels abrasive.   Do not rinse off until your next shower.
LEMON HONEY MASK
… Why It Works:  Lemon’s citric acid closes pores and keeps skin’s PH levels in check, while honey’s enzymes and nutrients add an antibacterial factor to zap zits and moisturize.
…You’ve Been Warned:  There’s a serious sticky factor, so make sure your hair is tightly pulled back.
…What You’ll Need:
  • 1 tbsp organic honey
  • 1 fresh lemon

…What to Do:  Squeeze the juice from the lemon and remove any seeds.  Mix in honey and apply to damp face.  Message into skin for several minutes, then rinse with warm water.

QUICK FIXES:
  • De-Puff Eyes:  Put two thick raw potato slices over eyes for 10 minutes.  The potato’s potassium and vitamin c should zap under-eye circles.
  • Smooth Dry Hands:  Mix 1/4 tsp of olive oil and 1/4 tsp of sugar and massage into the back of hands.  The oil will soften skin, while the sugar will slough off dead, scaly cells.
  • Body Scrub:  Mix equal parts honey and brown sugar.  Brown sugar is gentler than granulated sugar.
If you try any of these ideas, PLEASE let me know what you think!
Share your DIY beauty tips with me.

Anti-Aging: 6 Cruciferous Vegetables

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CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES

Cruciferous vegetables are from the mustard family ::

MUSTARD GREENS, CABBAGES, BROCCOLI, CAULIFLOWER, 

BRUSSELS SPROUTS, KALE


They prevent and slow down aging in the body!

They are filled with vitamins, fiber, and disease-fighting phytochemicals.

By adding these foods to your daily diet, you may be lowering your risk for cancer!

Some have shown to STOP the growth of cancer cells

for tumors in the:

  1. breast
  2. uterine lining (endometrium)
  3. lung
  4. colon
  5. liver
  6. cervix

                                        according to the American Institute for Cancer Research

These vegetables fight against the overload of 

free-radicals that cause cancer by reducing oxidative stress.


Cruciferous veggies also protect against cardiovascular disease.  Studies have shown that diets rich in these foods lower amounts of inflammation in the body!

Which cruciferous vegetables have the most vitamin A, vitamin C, and folic acid?

The answers are:

  1. Kale (vitamin A)

  2. Broccoli (vitamin C)

  3. Brussels sprouts and broccoli (tied for folic acid)

Brussels sprouts have the most vitamin E (about 9% of the Daily Value) and vitamin B-1 (15% Daily Value). And it’s broccoli and Brussels sprouts again that have the most healthy plant omega-3s: A cup of broccoli contributes about 200 milligrams, and a cup of Brussels sprouts about 260 milligrams.

Here’s a comparison table of cruciferous vegetables, including the nutrients for which they contribute at least 10% of the Daily Value. Keep in mind that about half of the fiber in cruciferous vegetables is super-healthy soluble fiber.

Per 1 cup:

Broccoli

Cauliflower

Cabbage

B. Sprouts

Bok Choy

Kale
(steamed) (frozen, cooked) (raw) (cooked) (cooked) (cooked)
Calories 44 34 22 60 20 36
Fiber 5g 5 2 4 3 3
Vitamin A 33% DV 1% 2% 16% 62% 137%
Vitamin B-2 16% 9% 3% 11% 10% 8%
Vitamin B-6 17% 12% 7% 21% 22% 14%
Vitamin C 165% 75% 38% 129% 59% 71%
Folic Acid 23% 18% 10% 23% 17% 4%
Magnesium 12% 5% 4% 10% 6% 7%
Potassium 14% 7% 6% 14% 18% 8%
Omega-3s 200 mg 140 mg 60 mg 260 mg 100 mg 100 mg

Tips for Enjoying Cruciferous Vegetables

To maximize taste and nutrition, here are some tips for buying and cooking cruciferous vegetables:

  • Don’t overcook cruciferous vegetables. They can produce a strong sulfur odor and become unappealing.

  • You can buy several types of cruciferous vegetables ready-to-go in the frozen or fresh packaged sections of your supermarket, including broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.

  • No raw veggie platter is complete without dark green broccoli or snowy white cauliflower florets.

  • Add raw broccoli or cauliflower florets to your green salad to give the nutrients a big boost.

  • Add chopped cruciferous veggies to soups, stews, and casseroles.

  • When buying fresh broccoli, look for firm florets with a purple, dark green, or bluish hue on the top. They’re likely to contain more beta-carotene and vitamin C than florets with lighter green tops. If it has yellow in it or is limp and bendable, the broccoli is old — don’t buy it.

according to WebMD

Cauliflower Tomato Soup

One of my family’s favorites from Allrecipes.com

Ingredients


  • 1/4 cup sliced leek (white portion only)


  • 1/4 cup chopped celery


  • 1 tablespoon butter or margarine


  • 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup, undiluted


  • 1 1/4 cups water


  • 1 cup fresh cauliflowerets


  • 1/2 cup frozen peas


  • 1/4 teaspoon dill weed


  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions
  1. In a saucepan, saute leek and celery in butter until tender. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 12-16 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

Brown Rice and Steamed Broccoli & Cauliflower

I use this as a side dish or a stand alone meal.

  • cook the brown rice according to the instructions

  • steam either frozen or fresh broccoli & cauliflower

  • combine them

  • drizzle Braggs Liquid Amino’s and Flax Seed Oil on top and mix

  • if you are really feeling healthy, sprinkle kelp flakes over the rice and veggies!

OK, now it’s your turn.  I want to hear from you.

PLEASE share your Cruciferous Vegetables recipes!