Hair Growth – A Therapy Called Balayam

Balayam, is an alternative reflexology therapy for hair growth which involves rubbing identical fingernails together with some amount of force.

Though there are a number of people who believe that this technique really works, it has its own share of critics, too. So, before coming to a conclusion, let’s take a look at some facts about Balayam and also try to debunk some myths as well.

Balayam, a Yoga technique, was invented in India by ancient sages who were yoga masters and doctors of their time. These scholarly Indian ancestors who even excelled in science of Ayurveda and Human Physiology found Balayam as a simple solution to the most complex problem of baldness. According to them, Balayam or Nakhancha Vyayam is a perfect cure for many hair aliments, it works without any special medicine and lotion, it works without disturbing the natural state of a complex human body.

Balayam is a union of two Hindi words “bal” and “vyayam” where bal means hair and vyayam indicates exercise. In simple language “Balayam” means an exercise for hairs. To be more specific, Balayam is an acupressure therapy in which a person rubs his/her fingernails of both hands against each other to stimulate scalp’s activities. This stimulation if done correctly, frequently and for a longer period of time is known to boost natural hair growth and cure male baldness.

How Does Balayam Work?

Nerves below the nail bed are connected to the scalp and regular nail rubbing stimulates blood flow and oxygen to the scalp. Frequent rubbing continuously stimulate the scalp thus rejuvenating hair follicles and enhancing hair growth by controlling DHT (dihydrotestostrone) resulting denser, thicker, and stronger hairs. Balayam even stops graying of hairs. It is also known to soothe headaches and heal neurological disorders of brain.

To most people Balayam seems like a joke at first but experience says it is the most effective yoga for hairs. It is the best natural remedy to control hair fall and regain lost hairs. Balayam can be practiced by anybody irrespective of their age and gender. In many cases, it works slowly but gently, gives expected results only after a long regular practice of at least 6-7 months. To get expected results do nail rubbing exercise daily for an hour or in four sessions of 15 minutes each. People with high blood pressure should not practice balayam since it may aggravate their blood pressure.

The Scientific Side

Believers say that there are certain nerve-endings below your fingernails which are stimulated when you rub them together. It is claimed that when you rub your fingernails, you stimulate your brain to send a signal to adult stem cells to revive the dead or unproductive hair follicles. Rubbing fingernails also increases blood circulation to your scalp, which strengthens your hair follicles and in turn prevents hair fall or graying. However, no scientific research has been conducted to substantiate these positive claims of Balayam.

People with high blood pressure should not perform Balayam as it may worsen their condition. It is also believed that sometimes Balayam may lead to drowsiness, so it is not advisable to perform it during work hours or before driving a vehicle. Pregnant women too are advised not to perform it, as it may cause uterine contractions or high blood pressure.

If you are looking to combat hair loss then it will take about 3-6 months, whereas for hair growth you will need to wait for about 6-9 months, depending upon how frequently you rub your fingernails.

What Research Says?

A research made by Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology claims that hair turns gray because of a chemical reaction within our body which causes the hair to bleach on its own. This process starts when an enzyme called catalase starts decreasing in our body. Lack of catalase means that hydrogen peroxide cannot be broken down and it starts accumulating in your hair, which in turn lead to gray hair. Every person faces hair fall due to different reasons. Some of the factors which can cause hair loss include hereditary problems, hormonal imbalance especially in the case of women, prolonged illness, anemia, stress, and lifestyle and dietary habits. Balayam cannot address all these problems together and hence there is a criticism that it is ineffective.

EHC would like to add that for people with chronic hair fall or baldness, Balayam could be an option. After all, there are no side effects to rubbing of fingernails.

Meditation: A Key To Develop Psychic Powers

You must have heard of this term several times and might be practicing too. But, meditation is not of one type or one way. It has got several steps and forms as per the requirement. This meditation is for you, not for your almighty or anyone else. You can perform it your way, without following strict steps. However, there are some simple steps mentioned here for you for attaining the meditation level.

1] Wear light shade clothes, preferably white.

2] Clothes should be loose enough to make you feel comfortable from all parts of your body.

3] Sit in a silent room, preferably dark (if you are not scared of darkness).

4] There should be no tensions in your mind, like somebody is about to come and you have to open the door or your mom is ill and she can call you anytime. Just tell everyone at home not to disturb you because you want to spend some private time with yourself.

5] Sit in the most comfortable position on a couch, preferably cushioned stool of height at least 2 feet.

6] Close your eyes and start breathing slowly.

7] Take full breaths and concentrate on third eye.

8] Relax your body, forget all troubles and make your mind tension free.

9] Concentrate on the scenes coming to your eyes, no matter how beautiful or horrible are they, let them flow. After some time, everything will be fine and you will feel very light like a feather.

10] Now, you will find that your imagination is taking you to a wonderful ride that you had never expected. They might turn horrible, fight with them. If they are beautiful, cherish them. And, if you believe in God or worship a deity, find them and talk to them. During this time you can ask them for anything you want. They will bless you.

11] Practice this act regularly on each day; you will start feeling more sensitive to the unseen and unheard things.

Meditation is the art that is being practiced since years. It is basically a part of Yoga but sometimes require assistance of a practitioner to save you from the troubles arising from deep meditation.

12 Home Methods to Remove Warts!

A wart is a small, rough growth resembling a cauliflower or a solid blister. It typically occurs on human’s hands or feet, but often in other locations. They are caused by a viral infection, specifically by one of the many types of human papillomavirus (HPV). There are as many as 10 varieties of warts, the most common considered to be mostly harmless. Worse than anything, they make us feel embarrassed and unattractive.

Use one of these easy methods to remove the invader from your body:
Salicylic acid - can be bought in pharmacies both as an ointment and as soaked pads. The advantage of Salicylic acid is that it works well. Its disadvantage is that it requires daily use to work and it may take months to see the effect. In order to make it more efficient, you can gently scrape the wart with a nail file before putting it on. In any case, consult a physician. 
Adhesive tape - This may sound weird, but adhesive paper tape, wrapped tightly around the wart and replaced every day, will work. Just don't make it too tight so you don't stop the flow of blood.
Garlic - A number of studies have made the recommendation of rubbing some garlic on the wart every night and even bandage it with it. Apparently the natural anti-inflammatory and anti-viral materials help to fight the skin infection.
Freezing and needle work - Put ice on your wart and sterilize a needle. After the area of the wart feels frozen, prick it a few times from a few different directions and points. Be sure to get through all the skin layers, but maintain a steady pressure, as not to injure yourselves. This action, violent as it seems, will help introduce the blood flow to the infection and will better enable the immune system to locate and destroy the wart. This is especially helpful in cases of multiple warts, as the immune system will get wise to all of them.
Soda with Castor oil - Mix soda with castor oil to create an ointment. Smear the ointment on the wart and bandage it for the night. The acid in the Castor oil will irritate the wart and help it heal. Remove the bandage in the morning and repeat the action for a few days until the wart is gone.
Hot water - Soaking warts in hot water can help the healing. The hot water softens the wart and can kill the virus. Keep the water below 60C (140f) so you don't burn yourselves. Salt water or adding sea salt to the water is recommended, to dry the wart out.
Vitamin C and E Bandages - Crunch a pill of vitamin C, mash it to dust and mix with a little water to create an ointment. Smear it on the wart and bandage. You can do the same with Vitamin E. Remove at night to let the area breath. Repeat 3 times a day.
Citrus fruit peels - Slice a bit of a lemon peel. The piece should be a bit larger than the wart. Press the peel to the wart with medical glue.
Basil - Crush some fresh basil and bandage it directly on the wart. Repeat the action daily for a week. The anti-viral materials in the basil leaves will help kill the virus.

Toothpaste - Smear some toothpaste on the wart and bandage it. Stay with the bandage for a whole day and repeat the action until the wart disappears.
Tea Tree Oil - There are many uses for the materials in tea leaves, and so goes with warts. The oil is a concentrated essence of all these materials and smearing it on the wart will help. Smear the wart with the oil and bandage. Do this daily for 3 weeks.
Carrot and olive oil - Scrape a carrot as thin as possible and add some olive oil to create an ointment. Smear on the wart and leave for half an hour. Repeat the treatment twice a day for 2-3 weeks.

Important Health Benefits Oatmeal Provides

We all know oatmeal is good for us, but do you know how much it can really benefit you?

 Find out the whys and the hows of this incredibly healthy food by reading these 5 health benefits oatmeal provides!

1. Oatmeal decreases the levels of cholesterol in your blood as well as your risk of cardiac diseases

The FDA approved, in a unique move, a health label on oatmeal packages that explains how soluble fibers from oatmeal, as part of a low trans-fat diet, can decrease your chances of being afflicted with heart conditions. This was based on 30 years of research into oatmeal and its benefits.

2. Oatmeal helps digestion processes

The soluable fibers in oatmeal are taken apart in the lower intestine by resident bacteria. Those fibers that were not taken apart increase the volume of food and hasten bowel movements. This method decreases the likelihood of inflammatory diseases in the lower intestine, including hemorrhoids.  

Tip: To enjoy these benefits, drink plenty of water. Consuming these fibers without drinking can cause constipation, stomach ache and gas. 

3. Oatmeal and blood sugar levels

Again, we turn to the soluble fibers, which slow down the absorption of carbohydrates, and so prevent sharp increases in blood sugar levels. A 10 year long research was published in the American Journal of Public Health and has showed that consuming about 1 cup of cooked oatmeal a day, 2-4 times a week, will decrease the risk of type II diabetes by 16%. When you bring it up to 5-6 times a week - the risk goes down by 39%.

4. Getting thinner with oatmeal

Oatmeal adds volume to the food by absorbing the liquid around it. In addition, the fibers slow the digestion process and give us a feeling of being full for longer periods of time. 

5. Oatmeal improves quality of sleep

People who consumed oatmeal before going to bed have demonstrated better and higher quality sleep than people who didn't. Oatmeal contains the essential amino acid tryptophan (one of the protein building blocks which we only get from food). tryptophan is a source material for creating melatonin (as well as serotonin). A lack in melatonin will cause sleeping problems, while an increase in tryptophan will prolong our deep sleep.

Recommended amount per day:

The general recommendation is about 4-5 spoons a day (can make a porridge of it), so you too can start enjoying the health benefits of oatmeal (at about 25-30 grams a day).

HAPPINESS IS HEALTH

Happiness And Your Health: Which Comes First?
One of the most intriguing aspects of recent research is the fact that there is an undeniable link between your health and your level of happiness. There's always been an acknowledged link between the two -- the search for health and happiness as a combination is a popular refrain repeated by millions in all cultures. But now there is a growing body of evidence that says feeling happy actually is not just good for your health, but vital to your health.

No doubt you know intuitively that when you feel happy you feel better. Research is now proving that by making your happiness a priority, you will also be significantly improving your overall health -- both physically and emotionally.

In fact, it's not much of a stretch to say that happiness is a pre-requisite to good emotional health and to good physical health. By the same token, unhappiness is literally a poison to your ongoing health and longevity.

Consider the following.
The Link Between Happiness and Your Emotional Health

Your brain is literally hard wired to be happy first and there are numerous studies that bear that out. But let's set the studies aside for a moment. When you observe small children, what do you see? Are they generally happy and playful, or are they unhappy and sullen? They're happy of course. Why? Because they're born that way.

Studies of the concept of learned helplessness, which was first introduced as a concept in the 1970s by Martin Seligman (ironically enough through the study of animals), reveal an undeniable link between your happiness and state of mind.

Unhappy people, who believe they have no ability to control or change their circumstances rapidly lapse into emotional despair. They lack energy, experience increased stress, suffer from depression, experience a decline in their cognitive and problem-solving abilities, suffer from a lack of motivation, have more relationship and other interpersonal problems.

It's as if we can literally watch them slowly shrivel up and die.
The Link Between Happiness and Your Physical Health

The effects of unhappiness on your physical health are just as dramatic. Stress and depression result in the manufacture of harmful chemicals and toxins that are detrimental to your cellular health. Chronic unhappiness weakens your immune system and increases your frequency of illness. It results in more colds, more flus, more headaches or what have you.

Even more disturbing is the increase in the incidence of major illness such as heart attacks, strokes and cancer. On top of that, recovery time for such illnesses is markedly longer for unhappy people.

By contrast, happiness and responses associated with being happy, such as laughter, have the opposite effect. Laughter triggers a physiological response. It lowers blood pressure and increases blood flow. In addition laughter triggers the contraction of fifteen facial muscles, abdominal muscles, leg muscles, etc. It literally gives your body a physical work out. Laughter also triggers an increase in the production of T cells, the creation of antibodies, and helps to reduce excessive production of cortisol, which is harmful to the body.

Sitting is killing you !

SLEEP- S imple L eisure that E rases E very P ain.

Undoubtedly one of the greatest pleasures in the world that is available absolutely free is SLEEP . Roughly one third of our life is spent sleeping and that is the time we actually forget all our worries, get complete relaxation and possibly enjoy the most. The beauty of sleep is in the realty that we can indulge in it at anytime, it helps us recharge ourselves and it is an antidote for any and all worry. SLEEP is therefore S imple L eisure that E rases E very P ain. The beauty of sleep is best experienced when one is really tired and exhausted for then rest is what one craves for. A good sleep not only relaxes us but refreshes and rejuvenates us thereby preparing us to continue our quest with renewed vigor and passion. Â When we are disturbed and stressed, what we really should do is free our minds of the worries plaguing us. This is near impossible because when we are awake our mind is constantly juggling various thoughts and ideas most of it centering around the problem we are trying to forget. If we manage to get a sound sleep despite our anxieties, occasionally with the aid of a sleeping pill, it still helps us gather our wits and calm our nerves. Relief from pain is best experienced when asleep and that accounts for the prescription of sleeping pills for those in pain and for those who are sleep deprived or who are prone to panic attacks and depression. Not getting a good sleep can be symptomatic of many ills. Some could be bodily ills manifesting itself in pain and discomfort that prevents one from having a good sleep. Sleeplessness could often be a very significant indicator of worry. When we are tense, anxious and confused sleep eludes us and occasionally when we do drift off to sleep, we have a disturbed sleep which really does not give us the rest and comfort we normally enjoy in a good sleep. Ironically sleep often gives us the space and time to delve into our subconscious mind and thereby often wake up getting innovative solutions to some of our problems, answers to some vexing issues and recoups our mental faculties and charges us up to renew our tryst with ordeal that we may have been challenged by. It is ideally suggested that each one of us must enjoy 8 hours of sound sleep. This varies from person to person but anyone who manages 8 hours of sound sleep can feel truly blessed. It is essential that we do not feel guilty of enjoying our sleep at night particularly when told that many successful people can do with much less sleep. The quality of sleep one gets matters much more than the quantity of sleep. Catnaps is a technique of enjoying sound sleep for a limited time ( normally during the afternoon after lunch) which is the equivalent of putting a mobile to charge up for then we too can be fully recharged after a catnap. However the compulsions of modern work ethics do not really permit many to have this luxury. However, those who can indulge can experiment with it to check out its efficacy and suitability for your individual needs. What is essential to remember is that SLEEP is Simple L eisure E rases E very P ain, be it physical pain or physiological pain.

10 Tips to Avoid Becoming Depressed

Is it possible to avoid depression? What is the secret of cultivating happiness and avoiding periods of unhappiness? To a large extent, we determine our own frame of mind; we shouldn’t feel that we are a helpless victim to depression. Depression is something that we can avoid by cultivating the opposite – happiness.

Here are some tips for avoiding depression

1. Offer goodwill to Others.

If we seek to make others miserable how can we expect to be happy ourselves? If we offer goodwill to other people this creates a powerful positive energy. Focusing on other people’s good qualities can definitely help improve our own state of mind. There is a principle that what we give out, we get back. Therefore, by offering positive energy to, at some time, we will also be the recipient.

2. Learn to Detach from Thoughts

Thoughts play a very significant role in determining our state of mind. If we pursue negative thoughts then we give them greater power and influence over our state of being. However, it is possible to decide which thoughts to allow and which to reject. We have to learn to be vigilant and prevent negative thoughts from taking hold. As soon as we become aware of negative thoughts we should let go of them. We can imagine that we are throwing them out of our mind into a cosmic dustbin.

3. Keep Busy.

If we struggle to detach from negative thoughts we should just throw ourselves into other activities. When we get involved in other activities that we enjoy it takes us out of ourselves. Activity forces us to do something constructive, and does not allow us to dwell on our depressed state of mind.

4. Avoid Feelings of guilt.

If we have made a mistake, harbouring feelings of guilt will not help alleviate the situation. In particular, we are seeking to avoid feelings of guilty for minor events of no significance. Often we have done nothing wrong, but, others seek to make us feel guilty for their bad fortune. Instead of feeling guilty we should seek to concentrate on doing the right thing.

5. Live a Balanced Life.

In life we need to make room for different aspects. If we focus all our time and energy on work then we will have no time for relaxation and cultivating other aspects of our life. If we pursue an unbalanced life unhappiness is more likely to occur.

6. Don’t Base your Happiness solely on other people.

If we expect to gain happiness from another person, at some time, we are bound to be disappointed. If bad relationships end, we should see it as an opportunity to move on. It is no use dwelling on what might have been. It is also a mistake to feel that we can change somebody to match our preferences. If we seek to change a person fundamentally we will just feel frustrated when we fail.

7. Share Problems

Good friendships can offer tremendous help. Especially, if we can have 1 or 2 friends who are able and willing to listen to our problems. Our friends will not be able to solve our problems. However, simply having someone to talk to and share difficulties is a tremendous help in being able to work through our own problems.

8. Cultivate Happiness.

To avoid depression we have to focus on the alternative which is happiness. The problem is that when we are depressed, the idea of happiness seems a million miles away. But, sometimes if we can force a smile or try to be insincerely happy, we can trick the mind and force happiness to descend; and after a while we start to achieve real happiness.

Happiness

Will follow you

If your heart remains

Undisturbed by trifles.

- Sri Chinmoy

9. Have Low Expectations.

Depression often occurs because our desires remain unfulfilled. The more desires we have, the more likely we are to be disappointed. After disappointment comes a sense of frustration and depression. If we minimise our desires then we will not be prone to disappointment. This does not mean we cannot strive for excellence and achieve things. We definitely should strive to achieve various accomplishments. However, we should try to have an attitude of detachment to the outcome. Nor should we expect people to behave in a certain way.

10. Don’t Dwell On the Negative.

This is the key to avoiding depression. If we focus always on negative things this will eventually filter through into our state of mind. Negativity can be, miserable people, depressing situations and our own negative thoughts. If we want to cultivate happiness, we should seek to avoid depressing situations and depressing people.

BENEFITS OF DRINKING WATER ON EMPTY STOMACH

It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven its value. We publish below a description of use of water for our readers. For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases: 

Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear, nose and throat diseases.

METHOD OF TREATMENT: 

1. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water 

2. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minute 

3. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal. 

4. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours 

5. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.

The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.

The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/reduce main diseases: 

1. High Blood Pressure (30 days) 

2. Gastric (10 days) 

3. Diabetes (30 days) 

4. Constipation (10 days) 

5. Cancer (180 days) 

6. TB (90 days) 

7. Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwards daily. 

This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times.It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life. Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.

This makes sense The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals not cold water. Maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain...

For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. 

It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. H owever, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion.

Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. 

Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

LIVER FACTS - MUST READ

Liver plays a major role in metabolism and has a number of functions in the body, including glycogen storage, decomposition of red blood cells, plasma protein synthesis, hormone production, and detoxification. It lies below the diaphragm in the abdominal-pelvic region of the abdomen.

Facts about liver

Contact Lenses - Important Information

A 21 year old guy had worn a pair of contact lenses during a barbecue party.(An event or meal at which food is cooked outdoors over an open grill or fire) While barbecuing he stared at the fire charcoals continuously for 2-3 minutes. After a few minutes, he started to scream for help and moved rapidly, jumping up and down. No one in the party knew why he was doing this?

Then he admitted into the Hospital, the doctor said he'll be blind permanently because of the contact lenses that he had worn.

Contact lenses are made by plastics, and the heat from the charcoal melted his contact lenses.

DO NOT WEAR CONTACT LENSES WHERE OVERHEATING AND FLAMES ARE CONCERNED.... OR WHILE COOKING...!

8 Foods for your Skin...............................

When it comes to glowing flawless skin, you may think only creams and lotions can do the trick.

We showcase some foods that literally feed your skin from within, making it healthier and more beautiful.

Oranges

What they do: They are loaded with Vitamin C, which protects your skin from damage from environmental factors like ultraviolet rays.

Vitamin C keeps your gums healthy and helps your skin to make collagen, which is necessary to keep it tight and wrinkle free.

How to consume: You need 200 mg of Vitamin C per day. There's enough in one orange for your entire day's needs.

It's better to consume the whole fruit than just have the juice.

Smoking is a no-no as it decreases the absorption of Vitamin C into the system.

Conditions it helps:

~ Bleeding, tender gums.

~ Healing wounds.

~ Prevents skin from looking dull due exposure to  

   the sun.

Papayas :

What they do: This delicious, low-calorie fruit is not just a dieter's delight; it comes packed with carotenoids that release Vitamin A.

Vitamin A has an antioxidant effect; it protects your skin from damage and keeps it young. It is also known to decrease the risk of cancer.

How to consume: About 200 gm (a big bowlful) is adequate. The part near the seeds is the richest in nutrients, so it should not be discarded. Instead, just lightly flake off the seeds with a fork.

Conditions it helps:

Dry skin and dry mucosa (the lining of your mouth and eyes).

Whole grains :

What they do: These are full of vitamins of the B group; these vitamins are essential for normal skin functioning, growth of new cells to replace dead ones and to maintain the skin's strength against infections and stress.

Niacin in whole grains also helps skin cells to absorb nutrients from the blood and break them to release energy.

How to consume: Select breads, biscuits and pastas that mention 'whole grain' instead of just wheat flour in the ingredients.

Try to eat unpolished rice (brown rice). You could also add wheat bran (husk of wheat) to your chappatti dough.

Conditions it helps:

~ Peeling, cracked skin

~ Rough hands and feet.

~ Mouth ulcers, sore tongue, rawness at the angles of your mouth.

~ A disease called pellagra, where skin becomes dark, flaky and burnt.

Sunflower seeds

What they do: These light, crisp, nutritious morsels are filled with the goodness of essential fatty acids.

They help your skin secrete natural oils that lubricate it and prevent water loss, keeping your skin soft.

They improve hair texture and decrease blackheads.

How to consume: A few teaspoons once or twice a week is enough. Alternately, use sunflower oil for cooking.

Conditions it helps:

~ Diseases like psoriasis, where you get pink, scaly patches on your skin and cracked soles.

~ Diseases like atopic dermatitis, where skin is excessively dry and sensitive and keeps breaking into rashes.

~ Some forms of acne.

Green tea

What it does: Green tea is loaded with flavinoids and antioxidants. Drinking it is the best gift you could give your skin.Sunlight, UV rays and free radical (chemicals) in the atmosphere can damage your skin cell's structure and leave it incapable of repairing itself, making you look older and wrinkled before your years. It may also cause skin cancer.Antioxidants in green tea battle these agents, helping your skin stay younger.How to consume: Soak a tea bag or a teaspoon of tea leaves in a cup of hot water for at least three minutes to get the full extract. This is available at any pharmacy. Adding milk neutralises the antioxidants, so it is best to have it black.Conditions it helps:~ Wrinkled, aged looking skin and sunburns. ~ Rashes due to sun exposure.~ Pigmentation due to menopause or pregnancy.

Pulses

What they do: Pulses are not just a rich source of protein that helps your skin cells grow, they also contain a nutrient called biotin, which helps decrease dandruff and is effective in controlling hair fall. Regular intake keeps your nails stay strong as well.

How to consume: Pulses must be cooked well to break the outer protective coats and release the vitamins inside.

Whole pulses are better than the de-husked variety. Whole moong or urad dal are the best.

Body builders beware; eating raw eggs prevents absorption of nutrients like biotin, causing its deficiency.

Conditions they help:

~ Dull lifeless skin gets a glow with a high protein pulses-rich diet.

~ Stops hair loss, decreases dandruff.

~ Helps brittle, dry nails.

Aloe Vera

What it does: This miracle plant's products have no end to their virtues. Drinking aloe juice is beneficial for patchy, irritated skin, preventing and treating acne and preventing pigmentation.

How to consume: About 30 ml daily is enough. Buy packaged juice only, which is available with chemists. Don't try to eat the plant jelly directly as you could take in harmful inedible substances from the leaf surface.

Conditions it helps:

Acne, pigmentation, skin rashes, heat rashes and allergic reactions.

Nuts

What they do: These may be high in calories but they are also rich in zinc, which is needed for skin cells to grow, multiply and protect themselves from free radicals.

It is also helpful in maintaining immunity (capability to fight infection) of the skin and helping in normal hair growth.

They also contain essential fatty acids that prevent dryness of skin and hair.

How to consume: A fistful of groundnuts, walnuts, almonds and cashew nuts once or twice a week will give you all health benefits, without shaking the foundations of your calorie count chart. Do remove the skins if you like, but have whole.

Avoid coffee and tea as they decrease absorption of these nutrients from nuts.

Conditions they help:

~ Children with sensitive skin or skin allergies.

~ Hair loss and rough, unruly hair.