Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts

Wednesday, 28 February 2018

Must See 17 Health Helps of Garden Cress Seeds

Must See 17 Health Helps of Garden Cress Seeds

When it comes to size, garden cress is easily to be underestimated but when it comes to health benefits, garden cress is coming with quite long list that could beat even the bigger plants. In other words, don’t ever underestimate the tiny size of garden cress because even their seeds have amazing benefits for human health.
What Is Garden Cress and Garden Cress Seeds?
Garden cress is usually referred as simply cress. It is a fast growing edible herb that is closely related to mustard and watercress. Due to its tangy flavor, garden cress is very popular as garnish for pasta or sandwiches. However, raw garden cress could be consumed as sprouts as well to be added into salad and soup because basically they are like mini leafy vegetables. The most amazing thing about garden cress is not only its tiny size but all of the parts are edible such as the leaves, stems and the seeds. While the leaves and stems could be consumed raw, the garden cress seeds should be roasted first. Well, not only the leaves and the stems, the health benefits of garden cress seeds are also quite amazing. You must be surprised about how much benefits you could get by consuming this tiny leafy vegetables which has botanical name Lepidium sativum.
Nutritional Values of Garden Cress Seeds
Those who are currently in the way to reach healthy living goal must have been familiar with garden cress because this type of vegetable is packed with some nutritional values such as folate, iron, fiber, vitamin C benefits, vitamin A, vitamin E and protein. To learn more about its amazing benefits the list of health benefits of garden cress seeds below will tell you more.
  1. Reduces the Symptoms of Asthma
Though asthma is kind of diseases that cannot be cured completely but the symptoms of asthma could be reduced by eating garden cress seeds which contain active compound to help improving the function of lung for asthma patients.
  1. Excellent for Weight Loss
Do you want to know natural solution to weight loss? Just mix garden cress seed with water and drink it in the morning when your stomach is still empty. It is such an effective and natural way to lose some weight.
  1. Natural Solution to Constipation
One of the amazing things that you could get from consuming garden cress seeds are its ability to help you dealing with constipation. Just make sure to eat it regularly to help improving digestion and say goodbye to constipation for good.
  1. Used as Immunity Booster
All parts of garden cress are natural immunity booster, including the seeds. They will improve your immunity booster by reducing the stress level that may affect your immunity in negative way.
  1. Promotes the Production of RBC
The iron content found in garden cress seeds are quite high and one of the health benefits of iron is optimizing the production of red blood cells.
  1. Treats Anemia
As mentioned in the previous point, the iron content will help improving the production of RBCs. In other words, it is a shortcut to treat all health conditions caused by iron deficiencies and one of them is anemia.
  1. Helps in Normalizing Menstrual Cycle
Women who have problem with their menstrual cycle could consume garden cress seed because it contains a certain phytochemical which similar to estrogen to help irregular menstrual cycle becomes regular.
  1. Recommended for Mother during Breastfeeding
Some research studies have proven that consuming garden cress seeds may help improving the milk production it is due to protein and iron content found in both the green leaves and the seeds.
  1. Excellent Memory Booster
Garden cress seeds contain specific organic compound well known as linoleic acid and arachidic fatty acid. The combination of those organic compounds is excellent memory booster.
  1. Could Act as Natural Expectorant
When you are suffering from light cold, sore throat or cough. Just chewing a pinch of garden cress seeds may help you reducing the symptom because it could act as natural expectorant due to its tarty flavor.
  1. Treats Some Skin Conditions
Some condition such as sunburn is not going to be fatal but it is not easy to deal with either. Just turning the garden cress seed into paste and use it to sunburn area may help soothing the sunburn. It is applicable for dry lips.
  1. May Prevent Hair Loss
You could consume garden cress seeds or use it as hair paste to help preventing hair loss. It is due to the minerals content found in garden cress seeds such as potassium, manganese and iron.
  1. Natural Way to Treat Diarrhea
There is no such easy way of how to prevent diarrhea. Sometimes it sorts of happen and the best thing you could think of is how to treat diarrhea naturally and effectively. The paste made of the garden cress seeds are not only able to treat common diarrhea but also dysentery due to its anti-bacteria agents found.
  1. Contains Anti-Cancer Properties
The garden cress seeds contain some potent antioxidants to help fighting the worst effect of free radicals.
  1. May Help Colic in Children
Though the cause of colic in infant is still something to be discussed but crushed garden cress seeds that are mixed with water could help calming the colic infant.
  1. Excellent Source of Potent Antioxidants
Some potent antioxidants found in garden cress seeds are like vitamin A and vitamin E. They are not only able to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells but also reduce the side-effect of chemotherapy.
  1. Promotes Healthy Vision
Garden cress seeds are excellent source of vitamin A and beta-carotene. Among the health benefits of beta-carotene and vitamin A is they are great for vision.

Cautions of Garden Cress Seeds

As mentioned above the tiny size of garden cress is not something you should take lightly. However, luckily due to its tiny size is almost impossible for people to consume it in large amount because something too much is never good. It also applies to garden cress seeds and some cautions below may occur when you consume it in large amount.
  • Garden cress seeds are not recommended for those have problems with their urinary tract because garden cress seeds may worsen the condition due to its diuretic properties
  • Though garden cress seeds are highly recommended for mother during breastfeeding but mother during pregnancy is better avoiding this tasty leafy green leaves entirely. It is because garden cress seeds contain abortifacient properties that could increase the uterine contraction that could lead to abortion.
  • Garden cress seeds also contain goitrogenic properties that could disturb the absorption of iodine when consumed in excessive amount.

Unlike the leaves and the stems of garden cress that are best to be consumed fresh and raw, the garden cress seeds could be easily stored after they are sun-dried or roasted. From the list of health benefits of garden cress seeds mentioned above, surely you cannot just throw the garden cress seeds away.
Source : https://drhealthbenefits.com/food-bevarages/vegetables/health-benefits-garden-cress-seeds

Must See Amazing Health Profits of African Nectar Tea

Must See Amazing Health Profits of African Nectar Tea

african nectar tea
Tea is one type of drink that has many benefits. In addition, these drinks can also accompany in every atmosphere. Especially if the morning or afternoon comes, very delicious drink a glass of tea with family. One of the teas that are currently famous not because it tastes good but also good properties for the body is a health benefit of African nectar tea.
African nectar tea has the main composition of rooibos. Rooibos or red bush is one type of herbal plant originating from South Africa. This herbal drink has been consumed for over hundreds of years. The meaning of rooibos is a red shrub. This red color comes from the oxidation process during the manufacture of this drink. Because the actual color of this bush is green.
This tea is caffeine-free and is made from a mixture of tropical fruits and flowers. As we know that too much caffeine in the body can disrupt the body’s metabolism. As a result, the body will be easy up to various kinds of dangerous diseases. This herbal drink is usually used by the people of South Africa to make someone become calm and relaxed. It is suitable for those who are feeling tired after undergoing daily activities.
The ingredients in this herbal drink include rooibos organic leaves, natural flavor, organic hibiscus flowers, and also organic marigold flowers. This drink has just become popular. Therefore, the benefits are amazing for health already many people know.
How to use
To consume this herbal drink, take 2 teaspoons and boil for 5-7 minutes. Herbal drinks are ready to be enjoyed.
This herbal drink has a high antioxidant content. Antioxidants are needed by the body to be protected from the effects of free radicals. One of the effects of free radicals is the occurrence of premature aging and also the immune system is decreased. African nectar tea contains several nutrients needed by the body such as:
  • Copper in health benefits of wearing copper
  • Iron in health benefits of curry leaves
  • Magnesium in health benefits of natural calm
  • Potassium in benefits of potassium
  • Zinc in health benefits of glutinous rice flour
Other benefits that can be obtained by consuming this herbal drink is healthy bones and teeth and strong. In addition, the health benefits of African nectar tea is also used to overcome some problems related to the digestive system. These problems include nausea, constipation, and abdominal pain.
For people with kidney stones are also highly recommended to consume this herbal drink. Because African nectar tea does not contain oxalic acid. As we know, oxalic acid is one cause of kidney stones in a person.
In addition, for pregnant women, this drink is also very useful. Breastfeeding mothers will also benefit the same. This drink is very powerful to make babies become calm because of colic or cramps in the stomach. Based on a study that has been done, on this herbal drink contains anti-spasmodic properties.
Another benefit that can be obtained by consuming this herbal drink is to overcome the problems on the skin. In dry, itchy skin such as eczema, it can be relieved by applying this African nectar tea directly to the problematic skin. Then it can also be used to protect the skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. It also works for babies suffering from diaper rashes.
Eating African nectar tea regularly can also make skin smoother and healthier. This is due to the content of alpha hydroxy acid and zinc present in rooibos.
Currently, these herbal drinks are available in various flavors. From the previous without milk. This drink is a little sweet and usually added honey to add a sense of pleasure in African nectar tea. Connoisseurs of these drinks usually consume them in two forms, namely used as a hot tea or used as ice tea.
Recommendation

Although African nectar tea has many benefits for the body. However, you should limit the amount of consumption. The best drink for health is mineral water. In addition, consuming nutritious fruits and vegetables is highly recommended for you. Consume minimal herbs are allowed but you also must keep applying a healthy lifestyle by maintaining proper diet so that the body becomes healthier and quality of life increases.
Source:  https://drhealthbenefits.com/food-bevarages/beverages/tea/health-benefits-african-nectar-tea
See 25 Health Profits of Brine Water – This Works as Beauty Hacks

See 25 Health Profits of Brine Water – This Works as Beauty Hacks

Salt water’s benefits holds an important position in terms of health and beauty, and most of the time it is mixed with other herbal ingredients. Salt water has various advantages and carries positive effects through different point of views. Thus, there are many health benefits of brine water.
Salt Water’s Advantages for Your Beauty
Salt water have been widely used for beauty across the globe with the right formula. Below are some alternatives to beauty troubles that you can use for your skin up to your whole body. Aside from salt water, rice water also brings you good for the body. Here are the benefits of rice water for skin and hair.
1. Cleanses and Brightens the Skin
Salt water helps to brighten the skin. Salt water has the properties to kill and cleanse all germs and dirt, which turns out to be handy for anyone who wants to look fresh and bright.
It’s easy to use salt water for this matter. All you need is to rinse and cleanse your face with salt water routinely, which leads to a bright yet fresh face!
2. Decreases and Gets Rid of Acne
The other health benefits of brine water for beauty is that it heals acne. Acne healing for several types of skin are found to be successful when medicated with salt water. Salt itself is a wonderful mineral for cleaning as well as getting rid of bacteria. That’s why salt water is also good to be used for defending against acne, which is caused by the presence of germs and bacteria in one’s face.
The simplest way to do it is to rinse your face using salt water, and if possible include natural ingredients, such as garlic, olive oil as well as other natural maskers. Here are other useful ways on how to get rid of acne.
3. Removes Blackheads
Blackheads are common issues of facial aesthetics. They are basically excess dirt that compiles up in one particular corner of the face. You don’t need costly facial foams to get rid of it; just by a simple rinse using salt water, blackheads disappear faster because of salt’s natural property that kills bacteria, germs plus dirt that sticks to your face.
4. Smoothen the Skin
Believe it or not, salt water has another advantage not only to your face, but to your whole body as well. Yes, salt water smoothen the skin especially when applied regularly. When bathing, try to add a pinch of salt to the bathtub, and dip yourself inside it.
Salt water in this case holds the same function to the face, which kills germs and bacteria, as well as effectively sterilizing your whole body. As a result, you can get smoother and brighter skin than usual. No more costly beauty products with potentially risky contents! 

5. Heals Sore Throat
Plenty of researches prove that salt water also turns out effective in reducing symptoms of sore throat. It works like usual, where salt water helps heal the area of the throat that is injured or unwell to avoid further infection.
All you need is to just drink a solution of salt water as symptoms begin to appear. You will need a dose of 100g-200g salt water solution taken twice or thrice a day.
6. Refrains You from Being Hydrated
Dehydration is the condition of lack of body fluids caused by nonstop activities. Our body is majority made up of water, in which adequate liquid consumption is essential to carry out daily activities. Dehydration leads to dysfunctional body systems, such as weak body, loss of concentration, as well as lack of energy. Here are the common symptoms of hydration.
One way to quickly restore body fluids is through the consumption of salt water. It restores body fluid after one whole day of activities. Try drinking a 200ml water mixed with a teaspoon of salt to enhance rehydration and bring back the missing body fluids after a full day of tiring activities.
7. Stabilizes Your Blood Pressure
Salt causes high blood pressure. At times this may turn out true. But then using salt at a moderate scale can also stabilize your blood pressure, particularly for those who have the potential to suffer from low blood pressure. Salt water increases blood pressure to the normal level, so you will not feel weak due to low blood pressure. Here are the ways to find out the symptoms of low blood pressure.
However, if you have high blood pressure, you must pay extra attention because excessive salt consumption leads to an abnormally high blood pressure. As long as salt is consumed at a decent dose, it will definitely help your blood pressure stability.
8. Cleanses the Digestive System
The other health benefits of brine water for your health it’s the ability to cleanse the digestive system. Of course, at times the digestive system need cleaning. Unclean digestive systems may lead to several complications such as constipation, hemorrhoid, and others.
With salt water, then the digestive system gets cleaner, works better, and other digestive problems will slowly start to disappear. 
 9. Detoxifies Your Internal Organs
Detoxification, which is the elimination of bacteria and germs inside your internal organs can also be done effectively with the help of salt water. This helps your internal organs to function optimally which further causes your overall health to improve as well.

More Health Benefits of Salt Water

Here are more health benefits of brine water:
  1. Whitens the Teeth
  2. Provides Solution for Dry Skin
  3. Kills Bacteria that Cause Body Odor
  4. Salt Water’s Advantages for Your Health
  5. Cleanses germs and bacteria all throughout your body
  6. As a Gargling Liquid
  7. Purifies Your Blood Content
  8. Fixes the Nerves
  9. Provides Relaxation
  10. Minimizes Body Pain and Ache
  11. Advantages of Salt Water for Daily Use
  12. As a Substitute for Toothpaste
  13. As Bathing Water
  14. As a Substitute for Wound Healing
  15. Fertilizes and Speeds Up Plant Growth
  16. Increases Ground Water Content


By the way, sea salts also brings positive to your own health. If you are not familiar yet, here are the health benefits of sea salt.

Source:  https://drhealthbenefits.com/food-bevarages/beverages/processed-beverages/health-benefits-of-brine-water
See 20 Wonderful Health Profit of Ghee For Skin

See 20 Wonderful Health Profit of Ghee For Skin

You might only know ghee as the healthier substitute for your butter or oils. Well indeed, this clarified butter is very healthy to be used as it only contains the healthy fats.
Therefore, using this Indian butter is considered to be safe for those with some health problems related to the high blood pressure and cholesterol level, just like coronary heart.
However, ghee is miraculously able to provide you health benefits of ghee for skin. So, keep reading up and you’ll find the reasons why you should include this clarified butter into your skin care.
Nutritional Information of Ghee
We can say that ghee consist of only the good part of the common butter. So yes, it contains only the beneficial nutrients that are able to presents the health benefits of ghee for skin and even for overall health. In each tablespoon of ghee, we can obtain the following value:
  • Calories 112
  • Carbohydrate 0 g
  • Protein 0 g
  • Fat 12.7 g
  • Fiber 0 g
  • Vitamin A 391 IU
  • Vitamin E 0.4 mg
  • Vitamin K 1.1 µg
Health Benefits of Ghee for Skin
The nutrition value contained in ghee makes it possible for us to have the health benefits of ghee for skin. By using ghee as your home skin care, you can get the following benefits:
  1. Vitamin E powerhouse
Ghee mostly consists of fats. However, it is also known for the good amount of vitamins in it. One of the vitamins with the good amount in ghee is vitamin E. As we know, viyamin E is the ultimate nutrition for our skin health. From the nutritional information, it can be inferred that the consumption of one tablespoon of ghee is able to fulfill the 2 percent of our daily value.
  1. Good moisturizer
If you suffer from severe dry skin, you should know that ghee is actually a great moisturizer. Our skin sometimes becomes very dry, especially in the frozen temperature. And you have ghee in your kitchen cupboard, you can simply take a bit of it, rub it all over your skin, and massage gently to get your skin soft and supple.
  1. Keep skin glowing
You can also employ ghee as your regular lotion. It will keep your skin glowing. There’s no more dry and dull skin by regularly applying this Indian healthy butter on your skin. In addition, it is also very safe to be used regularly.
The health benefit can also be obtained from the Health Benefits of Jojoba Oil for Skin or the Amazing Benefits of Using Coconut Oil as Body Lotion.  As we know, oils had been used as skin care to keep your skin glowing from long ago, before lotions are exist. 

  1. Maintain youthful skin
As we know, ghee contains a good amount of vitamin E. we know that vitamin E is the essential vitamin for skin as it helps slower aging. This is the reason why we often find vitamin E in a high concentration in anti-aging creams or supplements.
Vitamin E is potential in aiding the cell regeneration, therefore the damaged cell will quickly replace by the new cell and it keeps your skin youthful and wrinkle free.
  1. Treat chapped lips
Not only beneficial for your body skin, ghee is also effective to bring back the natural moist of your lips. Yes, chapped lips are a big trouble especially for women, as it will contribute to your unpleasant look. You cannot even apply your favorite lipstick properly. The essential fats in ghee treat the chapped lips very well just in no time. Solving this problem, you can pleasantly apply your favorite lipstick back.
  1. Reduce dark circle
One of the Health Benefits of Ghee Butter for skin is the ability to reduce the annoying dark circle. Dar circles may be caused by some internal factors such fatigue, dehydration, and anemia. However, the treatment of dark circles can be carried externally. In his case, you can simply apply this clarified butter lightly before you go to sleep. You’ll have the amazing result in the next morning.  
  1. Treat burns
If you aware of the health benefits of ghee for skin, you might have known the ability of ghee to treat burns. Just like the Health Benefits of Local Raw Honey  in treating burns, applying ghee directly onto your burns area will help you relive the burning sensation in the wound.
Applying ghee on burn wound will also boost the recovery process as ghee reduce the inflammation in the wound and repair the cell damage effectively.
  1. Stop bleeding
In Ayurveda, ghee had been used for ages as a topical ailment to treat bleeding on scars. Sometimes, in pregnant women, their navel bleeds without any exact reason. In this case, ghee is able to present as the scar treatment to stop the bleeding and boost the healing process. In addition, this non-chemical home remedy is definitely safe for pregnancy.
  1. Healthy facial mask
As ghee come in a solid form, we can use this as the healthy facial mask. We just need to clean our face, apply the ghee all over the face skin, and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
The next, you can wash your face using the warm water. It will leave your skin soft and radiant. Another natural ingredient you can use safely as facial mask is honey. You can add lemon to boost Benefits Of Honey And Lemon Mask For Face.
  1. Remove chicken pox scars
Chicken pox is a virus many people experience it once of a lifetime. Chicken pox causes an itchy fluid filled rash all over the body. And the most annoying thing besides the itching is that it leaves scars. The more severity of the disease, the more scars you may get.
But don’t worry, in this case ghee is able to offer you the solution. Among the natural ingredients with the ability to remove scars such white tea and its Health Benefits of White Tea for Skinghee can also effectively help you flatten and further remove the scars.
  1. Nourish scalp
The ability of ghee to present the health benefits of ghee for skin are not limited to the ability to treat body and face skin. It can also be used to treat scalp. The dry scalp may lead to the unwanted dandruff come over your shoulders. But by applying ghee on your scalp, that will never happen. Ghee nourish your scalp without make it too greasy.
  1. Brighten skin
Brighten skin is one of the Health Benefits of Ghee Indian Clarified Butter for skin. By employing some milk as the combination, you can use them as a facial mask. Apply the mask regularly to have your skin brighten.
The other health benefits of ghee for skin are:
  1. Treat herpes
  2. Potential natural skin salves
  3. Treat rashes on baby
  4. Lighten dark lips
  5. Fight cellulite
  6. Reduce the effect of varicose veins
  7. Recommended for body massage oil
  8. Improve blood circulation

Recommendation in Using Ghee for Skin

You can have the health benefits of ghee for skin whether you take it orally or as topical treatment on skin. You can also use the ghee directly or by making a solution of ghee with some water so that it is easier to apply.
However, the most important thing in using ghee for its health benefits is by paying attention to the storage. It is important since the improper storage may degrade the quality and the benefits of ghee. Therefore, you have to store ghee in a perfectly closed container. Ghee may last in 2-3 months if you keep it in an air tight container.

Be careful on the storage place, since the dark place or the place with indirect sun light is better to store ghee. This way, you will be able to obtain the miraculous health benefits of ghee for skin or for your overall health.

Source:  https://drhealthbenefits.com/food-bevarages/processed-food/health-benefits-ghee-skin
See 15 Top Health Profits of Black Aztec Corn

See 15 Top Health Profits of Black Aztec Corn


In general, the most widely known corn is a corn that has a slightly yellow orange color. However, in 2012 comes the corn with another color, namely black corn.
The black color in corn is due to the antioxidant content of flavonoids in it.This black maize was first developed in Peru and Chile.
Despite the color of corn is black, black corn flavor is no different from corn in general. Usually black corn is processed into pudding.Black corn contains many nutrients in it that have health benefits.

Nutrition Facts of Black Aztec Corn

Calories64Sodium0 mg
Total Fat0 gPotassium0 mg
Saturated0 gTotal Carbs12 g
Polyunsaturated0 gDietary Fiber1 g
Monounsaturated0 gSugars2 g
Trans0 gProtein4 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Vitamin A0%Calcium4%
Vitamin C0%Iron0%
*Percent Daily Values based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be lower or higher depends on your calorie needs. It has much nutrients as Health Benefits of Corn
Health Benefits of black corn
Some of the health benefits of black Aztec Corn:
1. Cure Diabetes
Eating black corn regularly can help balance blood sugar levels in the body so it can overcome diabetes problems. Black corn has a low glycemic index that does not have high blood sugar levels. Another way of black corn in lowering blood sugar levels by losing weight. Having a body that is too fat or obese can affect blood sugar levels in the body. Insulin in the body will be smooth if the body has an ideal body.
Unhealthy lifestyles such as the consumption of unhealthy foods and patterns of activity that is too heavy and forced the body into one of the factors causing the emergence of type 2 diabetes. Black can be used as one solution to overcome type 2 diabetes because it has anthocyanin which is anti diabetes. Facts About Popcorn and Diabetes
2. Reduce the Risk of Colon Cancer
Anthocyanin substances contained in black corn not only serves to overcome diabetes but also can prevent the occurrence of colon cancer. Nutrition contained in vegetables, seeds, or fruit is shown from the color. From scientific testing that has been done, black color on corn and some other plants have nutrients that can prevent cancer and have substances to prevent premature aging. As good as Health Benefits of Cornflakes For Breakfast

3. Improve the Immune System
Black corn has a mineral content such as iron and zinc which are very high. Iron can produce red blood cells and zinc can boost the immune system. In addition, other contents that exist in black corn that can increase the body’s immune system such as calcium, elenium, potassium, folic acid, niacin and several other elements. Just like Health Benefits of Eating Corn Rice
4. Rich Protein Content
There are many health benefits of black Aztec Corn. Black corn has a protein content of more than 20% compared with yellow corn. In addition to more protein, black corn also contains triptophan and lysine and has a higher amino acid content than the yellow corn.
5. Rich in Antioxidants
The content of antioxidants present in black corn is very high, and serves as a nutritional supplement that can inhibit aging, prevent and overcome the problem of inflammation experienced by many people. Black corn also can overcome various health problems on various parts of the body. As good as Health Benefits of Baby Corn

More Advantages of Black Aztec Corn for Body

Some other health problems that can be overcome by consuming black corn are:
  1. Overcoming cataract vision problem
  2. Overcoming brain glaucoma
  3. Boost immunity
  4. Helps lower blood pressure, blood fats and cholesterol
  5. It has anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties
  6. Serves to improve liver function
  7. Overcoming constipation and hemorrhoids
  8. Reduces varicose veins, allergies and lowers fever
  9. Reduces inflammation of the respiratory tract in people with Alzheimer’s

The diversity of plant varieties will affect its benefits to human health and needs. The more varied types of plants such as the emergence of black corn, will also be various benefits and health problems that can be overcome. Also read about Health Benefits of Peppercorns

Source:  https://drhealthbenefits.com/food-bevarages/vegetables/health-benefits-of-black-aztec-corn

Tuesday, 6 June 2017

See The Top 8 Foods That Quickly & Surprisingly Impact Sleep Fast

See The Top 8 Foods That Quickly & Surprisingly Impact Sleep Fast


We all know that drinking coffee before bed will make it hard to fall asleep, and that drinking warm milk will help us fall asleep faster —  at least according to our mothers. But did you know that there are plenty of other foods that can impact our slumber? By making a few small changes in your diet, you may not be cured of your insomnia, sure, but you’ll be much better off for it. Check out some of the best — and worst — foods for a good night’s rest.

1. Good: Walnuts & Almonds
Almonds contain hefty doses of magnesium, tryptophan and melatonin, a trifecta of ideal sleep-promoting aids. Try eating a handful an hour or so before bed.


2. Bad: Grapefruit.
There’s nothing like heartburn for keeping you up all night, and grapefruit increases your stomach’s acidity. If you’d like to avoid heartburn, stay away from grapefruit and other citrus fruits and juices before hitting the sack.


3. Good: Oatmeal.
Most of us only eat the stuff in the morning, but the benefits of eating oatmeal before bed might change your habits. Oatmeal is full of plenty of sleep-promoting nutrients, like magnesium, potassium calcium and phosphorous.


4. Bad: Celery.
No, really! Celery is certainly a healthy veggie, but it’s not best to eat it before bed. Why? Well, celery is a natural diuretic, and, unless you want to disrupt your slumber with a middle of the night bathroom run, it’s best to avoid it.
Other Natural Diuretics to Avoid Before Bed: Ginger, Parsley.


5. Good: Raspberries & Tart Cherries.
Melatonin is a popular supplement for sleep aid, and there are a few, though not many, natural sources of the stuff. Your best bets are raspberries and tart cherries.


6. Bad: Greasy & Fried Foods.
People who eat fatty, greasy and fried foods in the evening tend to get less productive sleep than those who don’t. Your stomach is working extra hard to digest the stuff, and can lead to indigestion and heart burn. It’s fine to indulge in calorie-rich foods every once in a while, but try to do so at least 3 hours before you go to sleep.

7. Good: Bananas.
With plenty of potassium and magnesium, bananas are an excellent late night snack and natural muscle relaxer. It also contains tryptophan, the same amino acid that gives turkey its famous sleep-inducing reputation.


8. Bad: Spicy Foods.
Spicy foods will certainly take a toll on your gut, but they also may impact your sleep. It’s best to avoid spicy meals right before hitting the sack.
Check Out These Diet Swaps To Glow Your Skin

Check Out These Diet Swaps To Glow Your Skin



Food. It's the giver of life, the bread to your literal butter. You need it. But just in the same way that certain foods can ruin your figure, some foods will ruin your skin -- and, conversely, adopting a healthy skin diet can make all the difference in the world.

Skip to see the best and worst foods for healthy skin now.

Turns out it's most likely what's on your plate that dictates how healthy your skin is, how young you look, and whether or not you have acne.

Sure genetics and other lifestyle and environmental factors play a part (ahem, the sun), but you'd be hard-pressed to find any esthetician, nutritionist or dermatologist that wouldn't consider food a major factor in deciding whether you have a clear, youthful-looking complexion.

Basically, whether you like it or not, what you feed your body dictates whether you have healthy skin or "problem" skin, so it's time to watch what you eat. Being food-conscious is officially not just important for helping you fit into your jeans. "Your skin is an eliminative organ," says celebrity aesthetician Susan Ciminelli (she's beautified the skin of Kristen Bell, Tina Fey and Jennifer Lopez). "Garbage in, garbage out."

With that in mind, there are proven ingredients that clear up even the worst of problem skin and ones that can help prevent your cells from aging prematurely. With the right foods, you can stop looking for the fountain of youth in a fancy face cream or cleanser and instead finally start to put the items that will really help in your grocery basket.

Now, see the foods you need for healthy skin.