In this contemporary world no one has spare time to spend some enjoyable moments with family and friends. Every one has a busy schedule which many times lead to disturbance of health. It is a fact that health needs proper care. But due to lack of time and business we fail to provide complete nutrition to our body. As we all know that our body requires proper amount of vitamins and minerals to work properly. Vitamins and minerals help in making thousands of hormones, enzymes and other chemicals which helps in proper functioning of our body. These vitamins and minerals also have another role to play in our body. They act as antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants are those which help in improving health and in addition also protect the body from several chronic diseases like cancer, HIV etc. Some of the foods which are rich in antioxidants are pomegranates, blueberries, dark chocolate, Green tea etc. Many people ask the question about how antioxidants work.
If you also want to know that how do antioxidants work, then read on this article till the end as it can give you some useful information about the question "how do antioxidants work". Antioxidants are the substances which capture the free radicals in our body thus protect our body from several diseases. Antioxidants are vital for our body as lack of antioxidants in the body can make us more prone to diseases. Before studying that how do antioxidants work, first let us learn that what free radicals are. Free radicals are basically unstable oxygen atoms which are generally produced by several natural processes of our body or by the adverse effects of several toxins like smoke of cigarette. Free radicals are very harmful for our body cells as they are very reactive but they are also being used by our immune system to fight against various harmful bacteria. Free radicals can also cause cancer in our body and can also lead to several heart diseases. So, it is very essential that we should have plenty of antioxidants in our body so that all the free radicals can be captured.
Basically there are three vitamins that can be considered as antioxidants. They include vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin A (beta-carotene). However, there are some more substances which have antioxidant properties. These substances can include flavonoids (fruits and vegetables), trace mineral etc. Antioxidants works as body's natural defense against the free radicals present inside our body. Let us learn something more about how do antioxidants work. Basically antioxidants are the enzymes that move around our body cells in search of free radicals. Whenever they find any free radical in the body, they capture it and neutralize it. In this process of neutralizing the free radicals, the antioxidants do not damage themselves. After neutralizing the free radical, the antioxidant removes the radical from the circulation.
Now you must have learned that how do antioxidants work. But the major thing which you have to keep in mind is that in order to capture all the free radicals in your body you should have plenty of antioxidants that is vitamin A, C, E and several fruits and vegetables. The reason of this is that because if your body will not have proper amount of minerals and vitamins, then your body will not be able to produce sufficient amount of antioxidants because of which you will become more prone to diseases. This will also allow the free radicals to damage your body from inside which can lead to several chronic diseases. So, it is recommended that one should take in those food stuffs which have plenty of antioxidants as it helps us in fighting various diseases and also helps us in maintaining a good health.
Now you have completely learned that how do antioxidants work. But taking in antioxidants in right amount is not enough for maintaining a proper health. You should also perform regular workouts so that you can increase your rate of metabolism which ultimately helps in keeping yourself fit. You should also avoid fatty foods as it leads to obesity. You can also take help of physiotherapist or dietitians to maintain a proper amount of antioxidants in your body.
If you still have any doubt that how do antioxidants work then you can take help of several books that can provide you a detail study about antioxidants.
Monday, January 18, 2010
How Do Antioxidants Work?
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Do 100% Organic Skin Care Products Exist?
Organic Products - The Present Scenario
"Going Organic" seems to be the new buzzword. Whether its Hollywood celebrities or The National Geographic, everyone is talking about how to go green and switch to organic products. So, while you are browsing the endless brands of lotions and creams on the supermarket shelf, you choose only the ones that say 'organic' or 'natural.' You go home in peace thinking you did your job, you choose right and you have nothing to worry about. Right? Well, we suggest, think again. Hundreds of organic skin care products are flooding the global skin care market every day. The credibility definitely becomes questionable.
The Organic Catch
Many of us become the target to the shrewd marketing gimmicks of skincare products manufacturing companies that mislead consumers by claiming to be organic, while the truth is harshly far from it. Most skin care products that declare themselves as being Organic, in reality may merely have a few organic ingredients blended with preservatives and chemical agents. Unfortunately, the loophole is in the system, since there is no rule what so ever, restricting companies from labeling their products as 'Natural' or 'Organic.'
Organic Skin Care Products - The Concept
The basic difference between an ordinary skincare product and an organic skincare product is that the organic products are made with organically grown ingredients. Therefore, unlike conventionally cultivated materials, which are exposed to harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides, organically grown materials are toxin free.
Organic Skin Care Products - Some Facts
When a skin care product is certified as 'Organic,' it generally contains 95% organic ingredients and 5% of inorganic materials, which belong to an approved National List.
When a product is certified as 'Made from Organic Ingredients,' it means it contains only 70% of organic ingredients and the other 30% contains inorganic materials from the approved National List.
Organic Purchase - The Pre-requisites
Taking into consideration all the facts it can be said that 100% pure organic products may not really exist. Still, we can definitely find the next best things for us. A few things to keep in mind before buying any organic products:
Read the Ingredients Carefully - If you cannot even pronounce a chemical's name, it maybe that it should not be there. If you are unsure about the ingredients, browse through the internet to find more information on them. Fact sheets on most chemicals can be found easily, online.
No Additives - True organic products should not contain any artificial colors, synthetic dyes, artificial fragrances, or preservatives.
Check Certification - Check for USDA (United States Departments of Agriculture) seal or ACO (Australian Certified Organic) logo on the products.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
How to Service Your Window Air Conditioner Needs
Among the various types of air conditioning units available in the market these days, window air conditioners are used the most. Window Air conditioners are commonly found in houses and offices. Summers are really very hot, and people require some effective modes of cooling. Thus, the demand of A/C in summers is the most. In order to install a window air conditioner in a room, there is a need to sacrifice one of the windows of the rooms for the fitting of the AC.
After the air conditioning system is installed, the individual gets immense relief from the heat and the humidity in summers. But, does one get the same cooling throughout the life? Window air conditioner is electrical equipment, and all electric equipments require some repair at any point of time to make them working for a long time and to increase the life duration of them.
So, in case your window air conditioner does not give proper cooling, it implies that there is a need to do provide proper servicing to the air conditioner. The ways to clean the window AC have been discussed below:
The front grill of the air conditioner is removed with the help of a puffy knife. Such a technique is applied if the grill is held with the help of clips. However, in case the grill has been screwed, a screwdriver is used to remove the grill.
Now the air conditioner is unplugged and taken out of the window and kept on a strong table. Take the help of someone else as the air conditioner is heavy.
The mesh filter is removed and washed.
The grill is washed in warm and soapy water. The grill is bleached to remove any kind of mold. Now shake the excess water out. The filter and the grill are set in the dish drain for letting them dry completely.
Take a vacuum having the brush attachment, and run it through the evaporator coils in a thorough manner.
Take a plastic scrub brush to remove any kind of firm dust.
Now, have a look at the fins on the coils. In case of any flattened or bent fins, run a fin comb to straighten the fins. The fin comb can be bought from any appliance store. Make sure to be very gentle with the fins, as the fins are very delicate.
The air conditioner is now turned around. Make sure that back of the air conditioner faces you. Here, the condenser coils are located.
The same process of running a vacuum brush and the plastic scrub brush to remove any kind of dirt is carried on these coils.
Here also the fins are viewed and straightened with the help of the fin comb.
Now just inspect the air conditioner from inside and get rid of any kind of dirt and dust with the help of the vacuum brush and the crevice attachment.
The blades of the fan should also be cleaned properly with the help of the vacuum and the brush attachment. .
The cleaning process is now complete and the air conditioner is now placed back into the cabinet of the window.
The filter and the grill are re-installed.
The air conditioner is now plugged in.
Now, the air conditioner is again ready to provide effective cooling. After performing the above listed steps of servicing of the window air conditioner, an individual would definitely feel an improvement in the cooling effect. It is actually very easy to service the window AC, and can be done at home only. Servicing the air conditioner at home saves a lot of money, thus ensuring proper cleaning. In order to ensure the effective functioning of the window air conditioner, it is advised to clean the filter of the AC monthly, while in working stage.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Would it be okay to go to a tanning salon when having stretch marks?
For this the answer is a very simple 'Yes', 'No', 'Maybe'. We may not sound firm, but that is because the exercise of 'erasing' the stretch marks by tanning is a total trial and error choice. So if you have the intent of visiting a tanning salon with the question 'is it okay to go in with stretch marks?', our answer too remains vaguely firm on the intent, but a very firm 'no' on the ultimate outcome. To site our conviction, let us state that neither lying in the hot sun or in a covered tanning salon will help in covering the scars, and let us not be mistaken about stretch marks not being scars.
Let us be clear that the stretch mark will be less prone to catching the tan, whether from the open sunlight or from a monitored UV Ray exposure. The end result would be that your overall skin would become a shade darker, with the possibility that the stretch marks would even stand out further. The alternate is that the stretch marks would grab some of the tan, not as much as the normal skin, so technically we would be back to square one on the end objective. Sometimes, the marks do get a tanned blend but for a limited time, and when the skin does away with the tan, the stretch marks are not able to shrug-off the tan, and hence appear even darker.
But why are we posing the question 'would it be okay to go to a tanning salon having stretch marks?' presuming that a woman would want to go only with the sole intent of covering them with a balanced tan. If the stretch marks are an embarrassment and need to be 'disguised', then by all means use a self-tanning lotion or spray, or you could visit a 'spray tan' salon where the tan is air-brushed by a trained professional for a more even coverage. This can give you the summery tanned look, but only temporarily. However, the procedure is quite safe, and workable. A woman with stretch marks can visit a tanning salon with the intention of obtaining a glowing tan in the visible areas of the body, and exercise some precaution of covering the scarred area with a towel. After all, when you visit a tanning salon with stretch marks, the idea and purpose is for the benefit of coming out with a glowing look, minus any complication in the hidden areas.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Is There Ultra Violet (UV) Sun Rays Free Tranning
Ultra Violet (UV) Rays are reportedly the leading cause of skin cancer and the biggest source of annoyance for the tan lovers. For people who want that glamorous tan through cosmetic or medical purposes involving prolonged exposure to the UV rays, indoor tanning solutions are the best options. The good news is that these indoor UV free tanning agents, available as creams, sprays, or lotions, produce very similar results as sun tanning, without subjecting your skin to the harmful UV rays of the sun. In addition, these agents achieve the results in much lesser time than the traditional means. Following are the main types of UV free tanning products:
Products with DHA
Dihydroxyacetone or DHA is an active tanning agent, which is used in a broad range of products these days. It is considered a safe ingredient, as it functions by chemically reacting with the amino acids of the 'dead' cells in the epidermal layer of the skin. This also explains why such kind of tanning diminishes with time. The 'tanned' dead cells of the Epidermis are shed off and are replaced by new cells over a period.
Canthaxanthin products
Canthaxanthin finds key use as a synthetic food color, although, now a days it is being used as an oral tanning agent as well. FDA has not approved its latter use, since for tanning purposes, much larger quantity of Canthaxanthin is required than that in its use as a coloring additive in edibles. Moreover, this substance deposits itself below the epidermal layer and is linked to serious medical conditions, such as hepatitis, adverse effect on digestive system, and skin damage.
Melanotan products
A synthetic form of Melanotan hormone has also been found effective in creating a tanned look without exposure to UV rays. The hormone is taken as an injection. The use of Melanotan hormone is still in the stage of clinical trials and is not available commercially.
Bronzers
These are considered the safest tanning option, as they produce an effect, which is totally superficial and washable. However, they suffer from similar disadvantages as cosmetic makeup. Bronzers should be applied very carefully and in an optimum quality, as they carry a risk of being smudged onto the clothing. It is always advisable to test for possible staining before putting on your clothes.
UV free tanning can be done in a spa, tanning booth, or at home. If you are trying the products at home, you need to follow these steps for effective tanning:
Take a bath.
Exfoliate your skin.
Shave for a smoother tan.
Dry your skin completely.
Choose a place, which is cool so that you do not sweat during your tanning session.
Use a convenient form like lotion or spray.
Take someone else help if needed, especially for the hard to reach areas.
Do not take a bath or shower immediately after tanning. Depending upon the type of product, you may have to wait anywhere between 2 hours and 8 hours.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
How Does Organic Food Affect Your Body
Present day health conscious people are attracted more towards natural living fundamental, which includes organic foods as well. But, why do people prefer organic foods instead of conventional foods? How does organic ingredients affect your body? Organic products actually are specially grown food products, rich in organic ingredients, inculcated deliberately. Diets rich in organic health items give natural and fresh dose to the body, as compared to the pesticide inflicted non-organic foods, generally available in the market. Sometimes, conventional foods contain genetically modified organisms (GMO).
Problems associated with non-organic foods The following problems are commonly associated with non-organic products:
Low energy Levels
Low libido
Low motivation levels
Low metabolism Benefits of organic foods for the body Organic items provide not only mental and emotional benefits, but also the physical ones. Therefore, organic foods are fulfilling mentally, physically, and psychologically. Organic products do not contain toxins such as pesticides, antibiotics, additives, and nitrates that are mostly present in non-organic foods. According to an article in the Journal of Applied Nutrition, organic foods are nearly the best ones in the terms of nutritional quality.
Nutrients content of organic foods
Haves: Some of the rich nutrients, largely available in organic health items are:
Chromium - A micro-nutrient, found less in conventional food. Its deficiency may cause diabetes and atherosclerosis in adults.
Selenium - An antioxidant micro-nutrient, which protects from cancer, heart disease, and environmental chemical
Calcium - A mineral required for strong bones and teethes
Boron - This trace element prevents osteoporosis
Lithium - Good for the treatment of certain level of depression
Magnesium - Decreases the death rate, caused due to heart attacks and eases the symptoms of PMS
Vitamins - They are necessary for the body in limited supply for its proper functions and its protection against toxins. Vitamins A, B, C (antioxidant), and beta carotene (immunity booster & prevents lung cancer) are found well in organic foods
Have Nots: According to the researchers, organic foods contain less level of minerals, especially the following heavy metals:
Aluminum - Is responsible for the development of Alzheimer's disease
Lead - Has mental implications and can adversely affect children's IQ
Mercury - It causes neurological damage
Therefore, consuming organic produce is certainly a good idea and promise for good health and long lives, provided you follow the right diet patterns coupled with regular exercising! Organic products have health benefits for you and for the environment that makes long term differences.
Natures Organic Market offers discount prices on organic baby clothes, organic coffee, and more.
