5 Amazing Beauty Facts About Flax Seeds

What could be better than a seed? A seed that gives birth to a new plant and then further serves the universe.

Flax is a tiny power packed seed that is full of goodness. This seed has been used since ancient times, through ancient civilizations and cultures. Archaeological evidences suggest the use of flax seeds since the times of Nefertiti in Egypt. Usually cultivated for the naturally strong fibre, flax or “Tisi” or “Alsi” as it was known in India, was used to augment the diet of the hard working villagers.

Benefits of Flax:

1. This seed hits the nutritional payload and is used as a medicinal supplement even today. Flax is known for its cholesterol reducing properties. Flax seeds warm the human body. The peculiarity of the seed is such that it needs to be eaten as a ground meal. If eaten as a whole, flax seed cannot be digested by the body. Flax seeds, if grounded and taken daily with water, provide the necessary amounts of fibre to keep your digestive system working well. Just keep your fluid intake high. How much you eat, depends on your reasons for eating flax seeds. On their own, the seeds are crunchy and tasty if they are toasted. However as ironic it sounds, what makes it more palatable, actually destroys the goodness. So, the local bakeries that are promoting flax seed topped bread as the best gift you can give to yourself, they are not being very truthful to you.

2. The best gift that a couple of spoonfuls of ground flax seed can give you, will be the short chain omega 3 fatty acids. Whatever your area of interest, or your choice of food groups, omega 3 fatty acids spell good news. Omega 3 fatty acids are generally present in fish oil. If you are like me, and eat fish only rarely and only if it is fried, you will certainly be missing out the benefits of lower cholesterol and beautiful skin.

3. Flax seeds are another way to get what nature gave pescatarians. They actually contain alpha lineoic acids, to be specific. This acid helps to reduce the inflammations that cause chronic heart ailments, arthritis, asthama, diabetes and it even helps guard your body against cancers-colon cancer to be more specific. Eaten in combination with walnuts and fish, flax seeds can be of real help.

4. The high amount of fibre in ground flax seed is responsible for the cholesterol lowering effects of flax. High fibre diets help you feel full, so you tend to eat a little less, your blood sugar is stabilized and your intestines function well.

5. Antioxidants and phytochemicals to me spell an advertisement for an anti aging cream. If all the benefits come from flax seeds at a fraction of the cost…bring it on! Flax seeds contain ligans, which work in our intestines and convert to become substances that balance out female hormones. These are proven to promote fertility, reduce the risk of breast cancer and reduce peri menopausal symptoms. All these benefits without the help of a doctor or expensive medicines and from a tiny seed. Try to locate flax seeds in the aisles of your local supermarket, or just call your roadside grocer. Gift this wonderful seed to your body today and everyday!

10 Amazing Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil is derived from the seeds of the plant called linum usitassimum. It is gaining wide spread popularity due to high concentration of Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish and chicken, thus making it ideal for vegetarians.

The major components of the flaxseed oil are:

Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids: These are unsaturated fatty acids which are very good for the heart’s health.

Lignans: They are known to contain antioxidant properties. Flaxseed contains 8000 times more anti oxidants than other plant derivatives.

Fiber: It is known for healthy bowel movement and aids digestion, flaxseed contains both soluble and insoluble fiber.

 Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil:

1. Cancer Prevention:

Studies have shown that flaxseeds provide protection against breast cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer. Flaxseeds contain Lignans, which provide protection against cancers that are sensitive to hormones.

Lignans also blocks the enzymes that are involved in hormone metabolism and inhibits the growth of the tumour cells.

2. Reduce Cholesterol Levels:

Due to the high content of the omega 3 fatty acids, flaxseed oil reduces the level of HDL (bad cholesterol) and maintains the LDL level in the blood. But one should remember that this alone cannot be effective in reducing the cholesterol. Thus a proper diet and exercise regime should also be maintained for a healthy heart and body.

3. Relieves Inflammation:

Studies have shown that regular intake of flaxseed oil reduces the inflammation in the inner lining of the intestines. Flaxseed oil works as an effective laxative and has high content of mucilage.

4. Arthritis:

Like the other healthy oils, flaxseed oil also helps to reduce the pain and the inflammation in the joints of the knees caused due to arthritis. It contains alpha- linolenic acid (AHA), which the body converts into omega 3 fatty acids and is beneficial for arthritis. It relieves pain, stiffness and improves mobility.

5. Bowel Health:

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, flaxseed oil can be used for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disorders like Crohn’s disease and colitis. Crohn’s disease is caused due to the deficiency of omega-3s, thus regular intake of flaxseed oil can cure the disease.

6. Colon Health:

Studies have proved that omega-3s prevent the replication of cancer cells especially in colon cancer. Thus the AHA content in the flaxseed oil may be beneficial for the treatment of the colon disorders like colon cancer.

7. Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases:

ALA is known to be cardio-protective i.e they prevent various cardiovascular diseases and promote the functioning of a healthy cardiovascular system.  Regular consumption of flaxseed oil reduces the probability of heart attacks. It lowers blood pressure, maintains the level of total cholesterol, promotes blood vessels health and regulates heart beat.

8. Weight Loss:

Like all other nuts and seeds, flaxseed is also rich in healthy and dietary fats, with 3g in 1tsp. So it helps in curbing your appetite by keeping you full throughout the day. It helps to build the muscle mass, which burns more calories that fat. The high fibre content aids healthy digestion and thus supplements weight loss.

9. Prevent Dry Eyes Syndrome:

Some of us suffer from dry eye syndrome in which the outer layers of our eyes lack the required lubrication. This makes the eye sting and burn. A person suffering from dry eyes must take flaxseed oil to reduce the symptoms of dry eye syndrome.

10. Healthy Hair:

Flaxseed oil is rich in fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, which give you healthy hair. Regular application of flaxseed oil promotes hair growth and prevents additional hair fall. It eliminates dandruff and flakiness on the scalp. Flaxseed oil also maintains the moisture content in the hair, keeping your hair lustrous and healthy.

Indulge in a hot oil massage or add 2 teaspoons of oil in your regular conditioner.

Advice:

• Safe daily dosage should be restricted to 1 to 2 teaspoons of flaxseed oil.
• One should consult a doctor (especially children) before consuming the oil regularly.

Emo hairstyles

1. Emo Hairstyle Look 1

This is a nice Emo cut hairstyle with a graduated cap cut bangs. This look can be achieved by colouring your hair white and ensuring that it is done in horizontal sections. Then you can straighten and pull back your tresses which will set the temporary/permanent hair colour. Apply some golden streaks in the front and leave the hair long at the back.

2. Emo Hairstyle Look 2:

This hairstyle can look stylish and you should have real guts to sport this look. This look definitely needs regular follow up and maintenance however. It has a coloured graduated bang which goes down symmetrically and straight towards the tips. The fringy, choppy and tiny bangs in the top section can be spiked out with gel.

3. Emo Hairstyle Look 3:

This is a spiky banged hairstyle. Make sure that you get this haircut from a nice salon. This hairstyle does not require too much colour addition because the haircut itself is quite punk. You may need a strong holding gel to maintain the spikes when you want to make the strands stand up. Try this cool hairstyle if you like experimenting with hairstyles.

4. Emo Hairstyle Look 4:

Do you have nice wavy hair? This hairstyle can make you look gorgeous. Colour up your hair in white and apply streaks of blue. You can use temporary hair colours also.

5. Emo Hairstyle Look 5:

No doubt, this look is a total smash hit. Play with white and black colours and flaunt this stylish look.

6. Emo Hairstyle Look 6:

Front swept banged look along with the striking red colour makes this an amazing hairstyle to sport.

7. Emo Hairstyle Look 7:

Looking for a short cropped Emo look? Try this one and get a face-lift! Orange, black and light golden colours in the front makes the hairstyle a total show.

8. Emo Hairstyle Look 8:

This choppy, fringy and spiky look can be a total emo punk look along with some blue highlighted long sections.

9. Emo Hairstyle Look 9:

This is a simple version of Emo style that you can sport without going too much over the top. It has normal streaked golden hair highlights; however, the cut makes it different. This hairstyle is graduated short cropped hair with the trademark spikes of Emo look.

10. Emo Hairstyle Look 10:

This is a total boyish short cropped style with trimmed sides. These days, boyish look is a raging trend among girls.

Hope you liked the top 10 Emo hairstyle looks. Once you decide to try any of these top Emo hairstyles, keep in mind that colouring and excessive gel application can damage your hair; therefore, take necessary precautions.

30 Breathtaking Arabic Mehndi Designs

1. This design is short and sweet and looks non fussy. For those who shy away from large full hand designs, this one will be a welcome design. It contains simple designs and patterns that can be styled by anyone.

2. This one is ideal for the top of the hands. It is neither too full nor too less. The design beautifully gives the hands a filling effect without having too much detail and intricate designs. This is a simple and easy way to decorate the top of the hands beautifully for your wedding or for any occasion.

3. Want some out of the ordinary designs for your wedding? Then try this one. It is very pretty with the net effect and the inverted heart pattern on the hands. Though this arabic mehndi design is complex, this looks quite simple and will make any bride’s hand look beautiful.

4. Another simple yet beautiful design for the back of the hands. This will look great on occasions like Eid and weddings too. This simple design makes use of floral and simple designs to keep the design pretty.

5. This wrist mehndi design looks unique. You may use this design by itself keeping the palm free of any colour or you can also include it into any other design you like.

6. Looking for some out of the box arabic mehndi designs for hands?This design looks quite unique with the large floral patterns on it. It is a nice blend of intricate as well as simple designs. While one side of the palm and fingers are decorated with intricate large designs the other side is kept simple with occasional dots making this a choice for the modern bride as well as for the bridal season. This will let your hands stand out from the crowd easily.

7. A great look for the parties, this mehandi gives the top of the hands a great look with its wrist let designs and the small but pretty designs at the tips. On the whole, it is a great design which is simple yet fills the hand.

8. This is a pretty intricate design with small details. The use of black mehndi and very thin lines make this mehndi design look even better. There are distinctly different patterns used in the design with floral, geometrical and religious inspirations.

9. For those who want a filling yet simple mehndi designs, this will be a great choice. This design uses large motifs to cover good amounts of skin making the design look filling.

10. If you love different and unique patterns, then you may try this one. It is a lovely blend of intricate small mehandi patterns and open space making it apt for the bride for any occasion. The tips are kept open rather than being covered in mehndi. There is use of the net patters and shading too making it quite unique. All in all this design is sure to turn heads .

11. For those looking for a complex design for eid and other occasion,s this one will be a good choice as it has a great mix of patterns and shading. The fingers are also decorated with mehndi and the middle finger is given special importance with multiple patterns.

12. This one is an example of the bridal Arabic mehendi designs which is sure to take your breath away. This design is full of complex patterns and small details. The patterns are also quite unique and will surely be the talk of the crowd at your wedding. The tips are kept open for that unique touch.

13. Here is a fairly simple design with large motifs. There are mostly floral patterns without many details. This design is apt for Eid and even for the bride who wants something simple yet pretty for the feet.

14. Love intricate full hand designs? Then we have this style to show you. It’s a great way to fill up the hands with intricate designs to make them look beautiful. The tips are closed with mehndi and this pattern fills up past the wrist also making it a good choice for the bride.

15. This beautiful and intricate design is apt for the bride who likes small designs and motifs. It fills the hands and will surely draw attention to you at the wedding. With thin lines and very fine designs used, it is a sure success.

16. This design is apt for the bride’s feet. We all know that at the wedding bride is the center of attraction, so why leave your feet bare when you can use these pretty designs to fill them up and make them look pretty. This design fills the feet completely and the small leaves pattern on the toes looks super cute too.

17. For those who love simple designs for their mehndi can choose this design. It has less number of designs and a large portion of the hand is kept open. There are though a number of intricate designs making it a beautiful mehndi choice for Eid. The design on the fingers and the large flower looks great and adds beauty to the hands.

18. This is a very unique design and totally apt for the modern bride. This is a great way to clad your hands with mehndi. The unique pattern and the minimal design makes this a sure hit among the guests.

19. Now for a much simpler design for the hands. This is really apt for the brides and the festive occasions too. This design is a nice mix of uniqueness and intricate designs.

20. This design is filling yet simple and makes the hands look beautiful. There is a good use of black mehndi and shadings too. The inclusion of the peacock is quite unique in an Arabic pattern as the peacock design is usually seen in Indian mehndi designs.

21. The next one is a great choice for the bride. It is a filling mehndi design for the hands which will help your hands look pretty. The designs are mostly floral and have small dotted patterns over the hands too. The fingers and also decorated using small yet pretty patterns.

22. Do you love intricate designs on the feet? Love to get one done at your wedding? Then try this one as it is full of small delicate designs as well as filling. The design will surely attract a lot of attention to your feet at the weddings.

23. This one is just apt for the bride’s hands as it is full of small details and has a very bridal feel to it. You will love how this will make your hands look beautiful with the different designs. The designs are different on both hands so you can choose any one of them or even both like in the picture above.

24. The main feature of this design is the half circle patterns in the middle of the hands and the delicate details presented in the design. There are small and minute patterns and details which make this ideal for the bride and she will truly be the center of attraction with this design on her hands.

25. Here is a very girly floral and unique design. I’m sure this will be a great hit among the guests at the wedding. It has a touch of femininity with the large flowers on the hand and the open spaces. The tips are specially emphasized using the intricately done patterns which feature only on the tips. But this style is not at all messy and looks perfect on the hands of would be brides too.

26. This one is perfect especially for important occasions and brides. The designs have lots of detail and cover up the hands beautifully. There is a predominance of floral patterns in this design and will surely be the talk of the wedding.

27. Here’s a great style for the occasion of Eid. The delicately done intricate designs are very beautiful and the concentration on the base of each finger and the array of designs used in this portion is really beautiful. The tips are kept open. We think this will also be apt for the bride.

28. Do you love glitter? Do you like it if your mehndi clad hands could shine with golden shimmer and glitter? If yes, then this one will be a sure success for you. The tubed Glitter is used to fill the designs and give a bit of glamour to them. There is also the use of colourful stones making this a great choice for the new age woman who loves glitter. Also a great choice for evening parties.

29. Here’s another intricate design for the feet we totally loved. This one is ideal for the bride’s feet and will draw the guests’ attention to it. This design has lots of small and fine details and intricately done designs to give it that rich feeling. It is a great choice for the bride.

30. This design has a very bridal air to it. It incorporates very delicate designs and minute mehandi design work to give it a unique style. The Style is unique because of a mix of Indian as well as Arabic mehndi patterns and the occasional space kept bare is also a twist to the tale. This will be a great choice for the bride who is looking for some out of the ordinary designs for her wedding day. The finger tips are kept open for the added effect.

HOW ACUPUNCTURE FACILITATES WEIGHT LOSS

In Springtime we shake off the winter sluggishness and activate our warm weather body. How best to improve our emotional and metabolic bathing suit body?? Well, everyone knows that Acupuncture is great for inflammation and joint pain. It is not widely known however, that Acupuncture enhances metabolism to burn more fat; reduces appetite, detoxifies the digestive system, reduces cravings and addictions, and improves circulation and energy.

Research supports the use of Acupuncture for weight loss: A 2003 study published in The Journal of Medical Acupuncture found that participants receiving acupuncture lost more than three times more weight than the control group.

In a study conducted by the University of Adelaide in Australia in 1998, 95 % of the participants receiving electro-stimulation on acupuncture points reported appetite suppression. The results showed that the acupuncture group was more likely to experience a reduced appetite and to lose weight than the control group.

Acupuncture addresses the internal organs that determine our weight issues. Often an imbalance in the pancreas and liver leads to fatigue, slow metabolism, water retention, loose stool, a feeling of heaviness, and the “triggers” that lead to cravings and compulsive eating.

Furthermore, in Chinese medicine, each major organ has it own related emotion in a feedback loop. Sometimes the organ is weak and starts the emotion; in other instances it’s the emotion that then causes a problem in the organ. If the lungs are weak, they can lead to sadness and likewise, excessive grief will in turn damage the lungs. A toxic liver can lead to anger or depression and then these states can damage the liver. Likewise, obsessive thinking and over eating damages the spleen and excessive fear damages the kidneys.

When a patient has extended depression, anxiety or other emotional stress, this damages the spirits and eventually destroys the balanced relationships of the five-organ system. The emotional obstruction results in overeating from stress and further disables the transformation and transportation of food essence. Then obesity occurs. In my practice, I have seen patients restore their previous normal metabolism, lose their aches and pains that are produced by out-of-control fat cells, and regain their good energy and good sleep.

From a Western perspective, acupuncture and herbal formulas have been shown to balance the nervous, endocrine, and digestive systems, food cravings, and metabolism. In turn this helps to energize the body, maximize nutrient absorption, normalize elimination, control overeating, suppress the appetite, and reduce anxiety. Most patients report a marked decline in appetite and cravings with acupuncture alone but herbs, healing foods, and exercises can definitely enhance the efficacy of the treatments.

I always seek to work on the deepest levels of mind and body to really enhance the patient in all aspect of life and life style--for a long term effect. The patient then feels 'fed' by so many more energizing energies other than only Food!

Allergies: The 1-Day Solution

The trees are budding, the temperature is rising (at least in the East), and--

Ahh-choo!

Seasonal allergies have arrived. But I'm here today to tell you it is entirely possible to tackle spring's irritants head-on--and feel much more comfortable this season.

You really can put severe congestion, fatigue, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes in the past if you take it one baby step at a time. The key to managing a significant change is to adopt just one new idea each day. Ready to pick one? Here are my top 5 quick fixes for navigating allergies.

Fix 1: Your Indoor Air

How much time do you spend in your bedroom? Hopefully, you are sleeping at least 7 hours a night. That's a lot of hours to be breathing in dust, mold, and pollens. Invest in a HEPA air filter for your room. With clean air, your sleep will improve, and the allergy load you are placing on your body will substantially decrease. Can't afford it today? Then vacuum your room well and often. Mission accomplished.

Fix 2: Your Pillows

Keeping dust mites away will quickly minimize aggravation of your symptoms. If you can't remember the last time you replaced your pillows, you're probably way overdue. Also, what are you covering them with? Allergy prevention pillowcases, I hope.

Fix 3: Alternative Medicine

Naturally! As a board-certified, licensed acupuncturist, I am understandably prejudiced toward acupuncture. This ancient practice helps reduce inflammation and boost the body's immunity, fighting off those offending airborne invaders. Recent studies have pointed to the effectiveness of regular acupuncture treatments for allergy relief.

Other natural options for relief include herbal and nutritional supplements (think stinging nettle, quercetin, vitamin C, and bromelain, among others) and natural desensitization techniques, such as NAET (Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Technique ).

Fix 4: Your Eating

I always encourage mindful, healthful eating choices, but I am especially adamant about it during allergy season. Here's why: Sugar increases the risk of inflammation and infection while colorful fruits and vegetables supply antioxidants that strengthen your body's defenses. Sounds like an easy switch to me! Eat across the rainbow, and you'll be naturally providing your body with ammunition for its battle against irritants.

Fix 5: Irrigation

A neti pot and a gentle saline solution is the classic way to literally rinse away irritants from your nasal passages. Are you one of the many who just can't warm up to the idea? No worries...there are options besides the neti pot. Check your local drugstore for a plastic squeeze irrigator (they even come with ready-to-use saline packets) or natural saline nasal sprays. These methods are all safe and effective to use throughout the allergy season. That was easy.

Did you choose a technique yet? Please do--not tomorrow, not later today, but right now. There! Your one allergy-busting measure may not seem like much at first, but it's so significant. Not only are you making a step toward relief of symptoms; you're doing something wonderful for your wellbeing, too. Simply making that decision--taking control--generates a tremendous positive difference in your energy and overall health.

Easy Steps to reduce Neck Pain

Some pains in the neck are unavoidable- traffic, home repairs, mosquitoes in the wetland. Neck pain, an annoying, immobilizing, and/or excruciating sensation, is a pain in the neck that can be avoided or treated. Finding the time to take care of oneself can cause more stress, indeed one of the very causes of the pain! Here are a few tips that can keep you moving along without reservation.

To avoid chronic pain from recurring, EXERCISE. Once the pain has lodged in your neck for a while, it is often hard to do this, so try to keep up a decent regimen at all times. Some general suggestions are stretching and walking with a tall posture. When stretching, remember to breathe and allow gentle, freeing movements with your neck. YouTube has many videos to show you, if you don’t have other instruction. Try a few to see what works for you.

To walk with a tall posture means that as you walk, make sure you are erect yet fluid. Imagine a rope holding you up from the tiptop of your head that will fall straight down to the ground. Often, people will lean forward, so look in a passing window as you walk to check your lean. The lower part of your back supports the neck, so that means you should be aware of any over-curvature or tightness in your lower back. Also, some exercises that strengthen your abdominal muscles (lower belly muscles that swing around to your back) will definitely help hold up your neck in a proper posture.

I have found that the ancient practice of QI GONG (pronounced Chee Gung) can be smooth, easy, flowing and extremely beneficial to neck pain. It is best to take a series of classes to understand just how to do it. Then once you know the exercises, you can simply do them anywhere on your own. There are a lot of arm rotations in various directions that very gently, yet quite effectively, reduce neck pain. Certainly worth seeking out.

Then there is YOGA. Ah, yoga. Whenever my neck starts to tinge with that impending feeling, I know that yoga will help ME. I do stress ‘me’ because some people have cervical disc (neck bones) problems where they really do need to be careful about trying to keep up with a fast paced yoga class. I suggest gentle yoga, if you don’t know what you’re doing, or even chair yoga. There are a few poses- you will find which ones- that you can do at home to get some quick relief.

OK, so the moment you have all been waiting for from the acupuncturist: ACUPRESSURE! 3 points I like for neck pain can be done at your desk, on a walk, on the train, in a bus, in a car, on a plane! (My homage to Dr. Seuss) My #1 point is called si3. I like to pinch it for best effect. The location of si3 (small intestine meridian, though no connection to the small intestine in this case) is on the side of your hand, just below the pinky knuckle- it is not on the finger, but on the hand. Grab that little muscle! Press and pull a little for best effect.

#2 point is called sj5 or san jiao 5. To locate it, put your pointer, middle finger, and ring finger together (scouts honor!). Lay them on your other arm, on the hairy side, so that the ring finger is lined up with your wrist. You can lift that hand a little to exemplify where the wrist really is. Now, on the far side of the pointer finger, there is a ditch between 2 forearm bones. That (whew!) is sj5. Press very hard here, even using your nail to give more direct pressure. This relieves neck pain.

#3 point you can try is LI4 or large intestine meridian point 4, the big pain management point. It is also considered a good ‘releasing’ point. You will find it in the fleshy area between your forefinger and thumb. Feel around until you are at the belly of that little muscle. That is where you press hard!

Also, while doing this acupressure, be mindful of your neck lengthening- you can envision small breathing spaces between your neck bones. This exaggerates the healing process.

A few more little quickie mentions that do need mentioning are as follows. Adjust your pillow properly for neck support- try a few ways, and usually what feels right is right, though the best way may seem awkward for a short time. Consider getting a new pillow or a special neck support pillow. Also consider your mattress- is it too old, too soggy, not supporting your lower back (see above for that connection)?

One of the biggest reasons for a pain in the neck is repetitive motions and repetitive postures such as at a desk. Adjust your chair. Adjust your computer screen. By all mean adjust your keyboard so your arms are level or slightly tilted downward. If your boss can accommodate you, great! If not, consider that what investment you may have to make will save you money and time in the long run.

Now that you have done all or most of the above, and you still are suffering, I highly recommend acupuncture for neck pain. Also helpful are chiropractic treatments andmassage therapy. These can of course be utilized simultaneously with all your personal efforts.

Reduce your stress. Oh, yes, that little thing. Well, do the best you can, as it will help you on a number of fronts. In the case of neck pain, stress is often a precipitating factor or an integral factor.

As a final note, I want to point out: the sooner the better! Like most ailments, if your neck pain goes on for a long time untreated, then it will take a long time to heal. If you catch it right away, making changes as mentioned, you will find a much swifter road to recovery. Because, really, who wants a big pain in the neck around anyway?