Alternative Therapies and Health News

The anti-ageing property of red wine makes it an elixir of life. Research has shown that drinking red wine can slow down ageing process. The purple colored grape skin is used for preparing red wine. According to the scientists, melatonin present in the grape skin protects the cell from getting damaged. According to the scientists, if women took a daily supplement of melatonin from the age of 35, they could delay the ageing process. Other food items containing melatonin are onions, bananas, rice and cherries. A family of enzymes called the sirtuins found in red wine has shown to increase the lifespan of organisms like yeast, worms and flies. It is also considered to be effective in people suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Grapes are rich in antioxidants. The antioxidant Resveratrol present in grape is known to have excellent health benefits. Researchers at the Litwin-Zucker Research Center for the Study of Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders in Manhasset, New York discovered that resveratrol present in red wine lowers the level of amyloid-beta peptide that is responsible for Alzheimer’s disease.

The antioxidant resveratrol also aids in slowing down the aging process. In a typical diet, resveratrol is present only in a very limited amount. Its benefits were tested on several life forms like the yeast cells, fruit flies, nematode worms and mice. Study conducted at the Harvard University showed that resveratrol present in wine reduces the negative effects of high calorie, thereby extending the lifespan. It reduces the risk of liver damage, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and blood sugar. Recent studies and experiments on animals show that the anti-oxidants present in red wine inhibits the growth of certain cancerous cells.

As you age, weakening of bones and degradation of tissues follow. Especially, after age fifty, everyone suffers from some form of joint ache. For some, this age line may extend to sixty.

We all know that it is calcium deficiency that weakens your bones. But, recent research attributes magnesium deficiency as another important factor for degradation of bones and tissues.

After a certain age, this problem becomes visible. But the roots of this problem germinate in your body since childhood if your body lacks proper nourishment.

Here are some important facts about magnesium and your bones.

• The researchers regard magnesium as a superfood and a must-have nutrient. The men need to take it in a slightly higher amount than the women. It is obvious because the bone density in men is higher than that of women. Men in their sixties should take 420 mg of magnesium per day, whereas women of the same age group need 320 mg.
• Magnesium a key nutrient to keep the skeletal structure of your body strong i.e. keeping your bones fit.
• Magnesium plays a bigger role maintaining your immune system and shaping your muscles. Even magnesium is necessary for proper functioning of the heart and nervous system.
• Take magnesium in a natural way, instead of medicinal pills. Add more green leafy vegetables like nuts, beans, legumes and peas in your daily diet. Especially the wheat contains a larger quantity of magnesium.
• Take vegetables and fruits in their pure and fresh form. Also, drink milk or any type of dairy product.

The secret of a healthy, glowing skin is to eat a diet that is balanced, and rich in protective nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre.

Chocolates, fatty foods, refined sugars and starches can sometimes cause acne in some people. Consume adequate amounts of milk, yoghurt, fish and eggs, nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables if you want to have a flawless skin. If you are over weight or tend to put on weight easily, then drink skimmed or low-fat milk instead of whole milk. Drink lots of water to flush out the toxins from your body.

Important Vitamins for a Glowing Skin:

Vitamin A: Vitamin A is very good for your skin and eyes. Eats foods rich in vitamin A such as dairy products, green leafy vegetables, carrot, papaya, mango etc.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C maintains the elasticity and suppleness of your skin. Foods rich in Vitamin C are orange, lemon, and all citrus fruits.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E rich foods include seafood, poultry, seeds and nuts.

Apart from your diet, be careful about the kind of products you use on your skin and hair. Use branded products on the skin that suit you. Cheap products harm your skin. Similarly, if you are coloring your hair, use a good branded color, that does not damage your hair.

Exercise regularly to improve the supply of blood and oxygen to your skin. Exercise makes your skin more vibrant and glowing. And get a good night’s Sleep of 8 hours.

When you age, you tend to get wrinkles and fine lines on your face. Here are some methods to remove those ugly wrinkles:

• Apply the leftover egg whites in the bottom of the shell to the lines under your eyes and around your mouth.
• Apply almond oil under the eyes and massage with light stokes using a finger. You can also use odorless castor oil under the eyes or on the neck.
• Prick 3 capsules of vitamin E and pour the contents into a small bowl. Add 2 tsp’s plain yogurt, 1/2 tsp honey and 1/2 tsp. lemon juice to it. Apply to face with a cotton ball. Leave on skin for about 10 minutes. And then rinse with water.
• Or make a solution using the follwing ingredients: ¼ cup comfrey infusion, ¼ cup witch hazel, 10 drops patchouli essential oil. Mix well and store in a clean bottle. Apply to effected areas with a cotton ball.
• Apply coconut oil on the face and neck where wrinkles set in and gently massage every night at bedtime.
• Regular facial is very effective to control wrinkles. Gentle massage increases blood circulation, which results in tightening of the muscles and tissues, thus providing a younger look.
• Apply curd to your face and wash off after half an hour.
• Blemishes and age spots can become lighter by applying lemon juice mixed with rose water a few times a day.
• Apply a paste of turmeric powder mixed with sugarcane juice to remove wrinkles and to prevent skin ageing.
• Cut some grapes in half and gently crush on your face at wrinkle lines. Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water. Wrinkles will disappear.
• Rub the core of pineapple on the face for a few minutes and leave for 10-15 minutes. This is excellent for fine wrinkles.
• Apply the juice of green pineapples and apples on the face daily and leave for 10-15 minutes. This is excellent for fine wrinkles and cracked skin.
• Use a good moisturiser daily. There are a number of good products available in the market that help to resore your skin’s vitality.