Heart-Healthy Cooking Oils

A dazzling array of cooking oils have diversified the market expanding our options into mildly confusing...so then, what factors help us to determine if a specific oil is healthy to cook with or not?
Among many others here are some of the major cooking oils on the supermarket shelves that are marketed as 'healthy'.

The first aspect to consider is:
Knowing the smoke point of an oil. Why? Because due to the chemical consistency of an oil, not all oils remain the same when heated to cook with. This is necessary to know, because when oil is heated beyond its smoke point (the temperature at which the oil gets hot/fries) it generates oxygen radicals, which are harmful cancer-causing agents producing toxic fumes into your food and becoming extremely unhealthy to consume.

Cooking oils such as canola, safflower, sunflower, soybean,corn, flax-seed, sesame and many other vegetable oils are not recommended for cooking because they are polyunsaturated oils and are very delicate in the presence of heat. Biochemically speaking, high heat, which comes from cooking and or baking, damages their chemical structures to the point that they become trans fats eventually.
Trans fats are harmful substances to ingest. Period!!!
A tip to remember:  
The more refined the oil is the higher its smoke point, or simply put, better for cooking; reason for this is because, refining removes the impurities that can cause the oil to smoke.

Most if not ALL vegetable oils also have a rather low smoke point (300° - 450°).  To some people, this may seem rather high, but not when it comes to using an oil for cooking!...because we cook/fry above those temperatures most of the time...

Another important thing to note is that any given oil's smoke point does not remain constant over time. The longer you expose an oil to heat, the lower its smoke point becomes. When you are frying food, little bits of batter or breading will drop off into the oil, and these particles accelerate the oil's breakdown, lowering its smoke point even more. So in general, fresher oil will have a higher smoke point than oil you've been cooking with for a while, or just simply in the habit of re-using oil.

Now for Olive Oil 
With all the 'health conscious' people out there, we have started purchasing Olive Oil for cooking...but Olive oil also has a rather low smoke point. Olive oil is a very healthy monounsaturated fat as long as it’s not heated above 300 degrees. Otherwise it becomes toxic just like all those other polyunsaturated oils we discussed above.

If olive oil becomes too hot, the fats change, break down and become carcinogenic!

To truly enjoy olive oil the way mother nature intended and to benefit nutritionally from this fat, it is strongly encouraged that you to use it only for salad dressings or as a dipping oil for your favorite foods.

Now you may be wondering, so then what oil is safe to cook with?

 - Coconut oil!!!

Yup, here are some of the amazing reasons why Organic Extra virgin Coconut oil is the best oil to cook with.

1. It's tthe Healthiest Oil
2. It is a Very Stable Fat
3. Suitable for All Types of Cooking
4. Has a High Melting Point
5. Helpful Oil For Anyone

The number one reason this oil is recommend is because it’s a healthy saturated fat.  All saturated fat is not bad and some are even very beneficial; Coconut oil is one of the best.

...And Best of all it is suitable for ALL Cooking Types!!!

Cooking with coconut oil that’s pure and natural is a very good decision because it is a perfect choice for any kind of food preparation that you do. Whether you want to use the stove top  bake, stir-fry, grill or fry food this oil is most beneficial. However, please do not microwave this oil. It will destroy all of its nutritive value!

Coconut oil is resistant to oxidative damage and it contains no cholesterol or trans fat. For all of you that are monitoring your cholesterol, get this...it helps support normal cholesterol levels as well as help with weight loss and heart health.

So there you have it....There are so much information regarding cooking oils of all different kinds.
Despite all the searches though, Coconut oil has proven to be the healthiest oil to cook and bake with.
All the other oils have some kind of issue with it, whereas Coconut oil has always remained the healthiest and best option . 
I really hope you make the choice to cook with this oil as often as possible and forget about those other unhealthy ones!

Here is a little video to re-enforce what you just read:

Healthiest Milk to consume!

Which Milk are you drinking?

Did you know that humans are the only mammals that continue to drink milk from another mammal even after being weaned?

Have you ever considered the health benefits behind the milk you consume daily?

There actually is a healthy option to all of the dairy choices out there...I did not think so until I came across this amazing video.  Nowadays, your health is at stake, because people are getting cancer, diabetes and other illnesses at a much younger age.  Take control of your health NOW!...
Watch the video!

Get Rid of your "Toxic" Home Cleaning products.

Hi friends, how is life?

I have been thinking about starting up a youtube channel, but things in my life are just so distorted at the moment. I will as soon as I get the chance, but in the mean time, I will continue blogging and sharing the interesting information I come across every day with you, my faithful audience :)

I wanted to write on a topic that many of us seem to overlook.

Nowadays the modern home is filled with toxic substances that are commercially designed to make our cleaning life easier. The cost of these chemically based products can be rather high, but they can eventually cause long term health concerns for your family.

Because of this…there is a growing number of ‘Natural’ ‘Non-toxic’ home cleaning products.

There are many inexpensive and easy ways that you can make your very own natural alternatives for cleaning your home, with ingredients that most of us already purchase.

Here is a list of these alternatives, and below is a little bonus recipe for your own simple natural Fabric Softener ;)

• Baking Soda - cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours.

• Soap - unscented soap in liquid form, flakes, powders or bars is biodegradable and will clean just about anything. Avoid using soaps which contain petroleum distillates.

• Lemon - one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria.

• Borax - (sodium borate) cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper, painted walls and floors.

• White Vinegar - cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and wax build-up.

• Washing Soda - or SAL Soda is sodium carbonate decahydrate, a mineral. Washing soda cuts grease, removes stains, softens water, cleans wall, tiles, sinks and tubs. Use care, as washing soda can irritate mucous membranes. Do not use on aluminum.

• Isopropyl Alcohol - is an excellent disinfectant. (It has been suggested to replace this with ethanol or 100 proof alcohol in solution with water. There is some indication that isopropyl alcohol buildup contributes to illness in the body. See http://drclark.ch/g)

• Cornstarch - can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs.

• Citrus Solvent - cleans paint brushes, oil and grease, some stains. (Citrus solvent may cause skin, lung or eye irritations for people with multiple chemical sensitivities.)

According to the Allergy and Environmental Health Association, both liquid and dryer sheet fabric softeners are “the most toxic product produced for daily household use.” Most of the popular brands of fabric softeners contain many neurotoxins (substances that are toxic to the brain and nervous system) and other types of toxins.

So, if you are considering giving up that commercial expensive fabric softener but you still want soft clothes, then here is a simple solution to ensure you do.

1. Add a 1/2 cup of baking soda to the water in your washing machine and let it dissolve prior to adding your clothes. This is my preferred method since the baking soda acts as a water softener and helps makes clothes super soft.

2. Adding a cup of white distilled vinegar to the wash water can also soften clothes but this method is not as effective as the baking soda technique.

3. Try to keep synthetic fabrics out of the dryer since they are the culprits when it comes to static. Natural fibers like cotton, bamboo, hemp, and linen are best dried on their own.

4. And, of course there are still more natural fabric softeners available in most health stores. I must admit, though, that I don’t find them necessary. I try to purchase clothing made of natural fibers as much as possible and find my clothes are soft regardless whether they go through the dryer (free of fabric softeners) or are hung to dry.

As you can see, there are plenty of options when you want soft clothes and to be free of toxins.

Stay Healthy...

DIY Valentines dinner

<123RF.com Stock Photos email>

Hi my dear readers....I am finally feeling much better.

Thank you for all your kind get well wishes.  I am still recovering though but I wanted to share my thoughts on Valentines day with you all before it got too 'old' to talk about...haha

Again, I do hope everyone had a memorable Valentines day.  I for one think Valentines should be everyday.  We should treat each other with love and respect all year round.

So on Valentines day there is nothing more heartwarming and thoughtful than  receiving a personalized card, or getting chocolates and roses from your special someone...letting them know how much you appreciate them in your life. 

...Roses...ahhh there is just something about roses that makes everything so romantic :x

Well my boyfriend and I decided to go to a restaurant this year and have a nice romantic dinner and stuff...."at least that's what we thought"

I am so never doing that again...at least not on Valentines...I had a marvelous time though, but unfortunately, business places find it cool to rip off people just because it is a special day and people will be obliged to spend the money...

Restaurants on Valentines, hide away there normal menus and bring out a "special-must-have" menu, that they hiked up the price of, and they don't even take the time to cook you nothing 'special'.

Imagine paying $475?!?! for a plate of food??? The main dish on the plate came straight from a tin....yuck...

and I don't know if it's just me, but shouldn't couples have the option to eat from one plate?...c'mon, it's Valentines people...anyway..I think if you can get a babysiter...or if you're a couple with no kids...it's best you have Valentines at home..once you can be together alone!

This special day is about drawing closer to 'each-other' not bussing your pocket so you can't pay a bill at the end of the month.... [-X

If you fell into the bracket like I did, or because of this, just didn't even bother to do anything special, here are some tips to create your very own 

DIY Valentines Stay at Home Dinner.

source: www.freestockphotos.biz

Set the table with Candle light and flowers...be creative and think romantic at the same time.

Now on to the meal...Let the meal be something simple that you know that the two of you will enjoy, and something that you know you wont spend the whole day cooking.  Remember it's just dinner. You can even order something simple if you like.

Again be creative and think romantic at the same time...Pinterest has lots of recipes to search for.

Get some non-alcoholic wine from the grocery and pull out your favorite champagne glasses ; )

Now don't forget to shower and look and smell nice for each other... : -D

Sit back and enjoy your meal...try and forget the stresses of your everyday life and try to remember the good times...the time when you all met...pull out some old albums, try to tell each other what you are thankful to them for.

If you're into purchasing gifts...get something that your partner needs...if there is nothing then book a spa day for the two of you to get a massage..or movie tickets...something you both can enjoy together.

You can end the day with some ice-cream or some delicious cookies 

Here is a recipe for these cool pink V-Day cookies:

You can watch a nice movie home together and call that a night...

...and that's it guys...That is the best way to have an awesome night at home with your hubby or bf, even your best friends...instead of going out and letting business places capitalize on your pocket, just because it is Valentines...

This is somthing couples should do either weekly or twice a month...Just to have that alone time together...
I am so doing this next year....lol

Love Candy : -*

Check you doctor before taking supplements

It's true the healthier you are, the healthier your skin and hair will be. But consuming supplements without discussing them with your doctor can do more harm than good. Why? Because mixing certain vitamins and minerals can have the opposite effect of what you're hoping happens when you take supplements. Make sure you talk to your doc before taking any pills.

source: http://huff.to/NXWK4n

Dr. Miracle Curl Care Line - Review

Hi folks,
I have been wanting to do a review on these products for a while now, but I wanted to have the most honest review, so I needed to use them a bit longer before saying anything about it.

It's the Dr. Miracle line of Hair products.

A friend who had a bit softer curl than me, had suggested that I use try the Dr. Miracle line for Curly hair.  She had great results using it, but at the time I wasn't to eager to purchase ONE product for $56 dollars!!! :-O
I battled to and fro with mousses and gels, and my hair would look good for the first day after washing and then dry the second day. :(

ps: According to Ouidad I have Curly hair (not kinky curl, not wavy curl neither tight curl)

I would find a mousse or gel that worked for me, and then my local cosmetics store would discontinue selling it.
So after much frustration, I decided I should give it a try.
After watching many reviews online, I purchased the entire "Curl Care" line and I can say that it does work well to some extent.

So here is my review on each individual product in the "Curl Care Line".

 
Re-hydrating Shampoo –
(with vitamins A, E & panthenol to rehydrate curls as it gently cleanses) This shampoo isn’t too sudsy, but still gives you some lather — (not so sure I can go lather free..lol)
There is a cool minty, peppermint-ness to this products that truly feels amazing and refreshing to me.  Some people may find it burns, but it doesn't really...it tingles.
It is not a very moisturizing shampoo, so your curly hair does not feel to soft or moisturized after.  Not too sure I would repurchase this shampoo for my curls.


 
Nourishing Conditioner –
(with coconut, jojoba & vitamin E to moisturize condition and soften every curl)
Umm, this conditioner, has the same cooling effect as the Shampoo, but As far as curls and moisture is concerned, I do not find there is enough conditioning/softening agent in it.
I have used better conditioners for curly hair that made my hair feel softer and more silky.
Sadly to say, It's not a conditioner I fell in love with.







Boosting & Defining Leave-in Conditioner –
(with jojoba & proteins to strengthen & moisturize as it boosts curl.) This you use on wet hair, right after shampoo and conditioning. Again, very minty and cooling.
Now this I Loveeeee :)
This is an awesome Leave-in conditioner for curly hair.  It's light and not sticky.  It really boosts your curl and makes your hair so soft.
I would definitely recommend this.


 
Frizz Control Serum – (enriched with vitamins to fight tough humidity and frizz)

Now curly hair needs tons of moisture! It is VERY porous, so you need to seal that moisture in!
A nice lightweight frizz fighting serum does the trick before adding any other hair products.
I always use a serum before using a gel or cream or whatever I am using in my hair.
You have to play around to find good lightweight serums out there. This one is amazing :)
I like it a lot. I use it just before using the Leave-in conditioner. It's the secret to shiny smooths natural curls :)

Soft Hold Creme –
(with aloe to soften and improve elasticity as it keeps curls in place) Applied to WET hair, preferably before the weightless creme, as a post conditioner.
This made my hair very soft and bouncy beautiful curls.
It's a bit thick, but the end result is quite nice. (Also used after using the serum)

Weightless Moisturizing Creme –
(with coconut & vitamin E to nourish and soften)
This is to be applied to hair everyday or as needed.
Which would mean "Not to wet Hair"
There was no indication to apply to wet hair. So this product is mostly for second and third day hair.
I personally do not Like this product.  For a second day touch up, it is wayyy to thick and heavy. But then again, this maybe isn't for my hair type, because I have seen a lot of kinky curly haired girls do twist outs with this and love it.
But in my opinion, it doesn't work to well for the softer curls. :(

Strong Hold Gel -
Dr. Miracle's Curl Care Strong Hold Gel is a unique natural complex alcohol free styling gel that provides a strong hold on curls for up to twelve hours. 

• Adds moisture
• Conditions
• Holds curls

This is a really nice gel for curls, if you're into using gels.  It in NO WAY gives Crunchy curls, which in my opinion is a really big "Turn off" for curly hair!

You can use a serum and this and you'll have soft beautiful curls. It really is a nice gel.  It's *NEW* to the Curl care line, so it may be a bit harder to find, but all in all, its a nice gel.  I don't think I can rate another gel over this, cause all the other gels I  have used for curly hair, makes my hair in some ways crunchy.


And that concludes my review on the Dr. Miracle Curl Care Line.
In my country <Trinidad and Tobago> Each individual product sells for about $56-$60
That is extremely pricey...but after trying each individual product in this line, I came to the conclusion that Dr. Miracle made different products in the line for each different type of curl.
So we ALL as curly girls can enjoy the minty refreshing-ness...haha
All the products aren't for every type of curl. The thicker the curl, the thicker the creme you would need.
If you're into using gels, then use the serum and the gel. If you're into creams for your curls, then there are two creams for your tighter curl.
And well a looser curl, can use either the gel or the leave-in conditioner.
The Shampoo and Conditioner is up to you.  Just choose something that is MOISTURIZING all the way! :)

Toodles dearies
Hope you are having an awesome curly day

/Bye

What Do The Plastic Recycling Numbers Mean?

So have you ever thought of turning over a plastic container to read the number on the bottom, the one surrounded by the little recycling symbol...or little 'triangle'?

Well recycling programs depend on these numbers to tell you which plastics you can and can’t re-use.

If you read my last post on how important it is for you to be drinking water, then you should also know what these numbers mean, mainly because these numbers tell you which plastics are considered safe and not? 

Sometime ago there was a big scare over BPA plastic leaching chemicals into water bottles and baby feeding bottles, after studies showed that BPA mimics estrogen and interferes with hormone levels.

Well I did some research on this, because if you're supposed to be drinking lots of water during the day...then most likely the only way to do so is to have a water bottle around you all day.  This being said we all need to be aware of which bottles we should and should not drink in.

So read on...
There are seven numbers you will find on plastic containers, reflecting seven different types of plastics available in the market. The number is a resin identification code associated with the type of plastic used in the container. Some plastics are healthier and more environmentally friendly, some less so. Some are easier to recycle or re-use as a drinking water bottle, some less.

Here’s your guide to what the numbers mean, whether they’re safe, and how easily recyclable they are:

<Note that Plastic# 1-7 are the numbers that are found under the plastic bottles>

Plastic #1: This is polyethylene terephtalate, also known as PETE or PET. Most disposable soda and water bottles are made of #1 plastic, and it’s usually clear. This plastic is considered generally safe. However, it is known to have a porous surface that allows bacteria and flavor to accumulate, so it is best not to keep reusing these bottles as makeshift containers. This plastic is picked up by most curbside recycling programs.

Plastic #2: This is high density polyethylene, or HDPE. Most milk jugs, detergent bottles, juice bottles, butter tubs, and toiletries bottles are made of this. It is usually opaque. This plastic is considered safe and has low risk of leaching. It is also picked up by most recycling programs.

Plastic #3: This is polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. It is used to make food wrap, bottles for cooking oil, and plumbing pipes. PVC is a tough plastic but it is not considered safe to cook food near it. There are phthalates in this material–softening chemicals that interfere with hormonal development. You should minimize use of #3 plastic around food as much as possible. Never cook using food wrap, especially in a microwave oven. If the wrap is listed as microwave-safe then I would still not let it touch the food while using it in the microwave. #3 plastic is rarely accepted by recycling programs.

Plastic #4: This is low density polyethylene (LDPE). It is used to make grocery bags, some food wraps, squeezable bottles, and bread bags. This plastic is considered safe, but is unfortunately not often accepted by curbside recycling programs.

Plastic #5: this is polypropylene. Yogurt cups and similar wide-necked containers are often made from it, as well as water bottles with a cloudy finish. You’ll also find it in medicine bottles, ketchup and syrup bottles, and straws. This plastic is also considered safe, and is increasingly being accepted by curbside recycling programs.

Plastic #6: this is polystyrene, or Styrofoam, from which disposable containers and packaging are made. You’ll also find it in disposable plates and cups. Evidence is increasingly suggesting that this type of plastic leaches potentially toxic chemicals, especially when heated. I suggest avoiding the use of #6 plastic as much as possible. It is difficult to recycle and most recycling programs won’t accept it.

Plastic #7: This number basically means “everything else.” It’s a mixed bag, composed of plastics which were invented after 1987. Polycarbonate falls into this category, including the dreaded BPA. So do modern plastics used in anything from iPods to computer cases. It also includes some baby bottles and food storage containers which resist staining. Use of #7 plastic is at your own risk, since you don’t know what could be in it. You should dispose of any food or drink related product, especially for children, that is known to contain BPA. I personally also view any other food or drink container made from #7 plastic with a good deal of suspicion. It is difficult to recycle #7 plastic and most curbside recycling programs won’t accept it.

So after reading all that information, You should have gathered that, plastics #2, #4 and #5 are generally considered safe. 

Plastic #1 is safe too but should not be re-used due to the risk of growing bacteria. Any other plastic should be used with extreme caution, especially around food or drink. The risk is even greater when heating food. For microwaving in particular, remember that microwave safe containers aren't necessarily healthy. They just won’t melt. In general, it’s better to avoid microwaving plastic entirely and stick to glass containers for the microwave and even for your water bottles if you think you can be careful enough.

source

Oily Skin can be a lack of water?..what??

Did you know that you probably actually have dry or combination skin and you think it's oily because you are not consuming enough water?!?!?!

Water is so amazing!!

God gave us something that is free and that is so essential and helpful to our everyday lives!!!

Proper water consumption affects many different aspects of health and wellness, including how well the body can maintain and regulate oil production in the skin.

Water is a vital part in keeping the body's organs and systems functioning properly. Since the skin is actually an organ, this includes the skin itself!

When your skin is dehydrated, the skin can become sallow, dry and cracked. The oil glands in the skin will start to overproduce oils and sebum to compensate for the lack of hydration, which leads to oily skin and acne.
To rectify the overproduction of oil in the skin, it is important to consume enough water throughout the day.

As a rule of thumb we should Drink between 64 and 80 oz. of water every day, which will effectively moisten and hydrate the entire body, inside and out. 

Once the skin is properly hydrated, the oil glands will receive signals from the brain that excess oil is no longer needed, and will consequently slow down the oil production in the skin. This results in a normalization of skin oils and a reduction in acne breakouts.

Drinking water throughout the day can be challenging, especially if you have a busy schedule. One way to ensure that you are consuming the right amount of water every day is to carry a water bottle with you, which you can sip throughout the day. If plain water is not palatable for you, add in a quarter of a lemon, which adds a bit of flavor and vitamin C that can make the water taste more refreshing and delicious.

<source: http://bit.ly/pjnZai>

Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark Circle Eye Roller REVIEW

Appearance:

Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark Circle Eye Roller comes in a neat stand up hard cream plastic tube. There is a small twist off cap. Underneath the cap you have a metal rolling ball, which is used for easier application.

Garnier Promises:

This 2-in-1 solution combines anti-dark-circle care plus instant blend-able coverage in a gentle, easy-to-apply roller applicator. 

Skin renew anti-dark-circle roller is right for you if you want to instantly correct the appearance of dark circles and brighten the skin around your eyes. 

How is it different? Garnier nutritioniste skin renew anti-dark-circle roller is our 1st eye product that uses a unique combination of "skin-nutrients" plus concealing mineral pigments in a cooling, roll-on applicator to instantly correct dark circles. It's ideal for a gentle, hygienic application in the sensitive eye area and the non-messy roll-on applicator is convenient for use on-the-go. 

"skin-nutrient" facts - skin renew with caffeine gel + roller ball energizes and stimulates micro-circulation; lemon essence brightens; mineral pigments instantly corrects dark circles. Results - instantly dark circles are corrected and shadows appear diminished. In 1 week eyes look bright. Ingredient complexes developed exclusively by garnier to work on skin's outer layer. 

My Use:

First I will say that the metal roller ball is my only favorite feature about this product. When I rolled the metal ball across the surface of my skin it immediately gave off this comforting cooling sensation that I really liked.

The serum comes through the metal ball and allows you to have complete control over where it is applied. No messes here!

Instant Results ?

I wouldn't say so. Even though it was promised I'd have instant renewed and refreshed eyes, that was far from the truth. I applied and massaged in with the roller ball a decent amount of the serum, and saw nothing different.

The serum itself is a lightish color, can maybe be used as a highlighter for some. It is oil free, and absorbs really quickly, it didn't do anything magical in an instant..so you can scratch off that promise.

After a week of using Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark Circle Eye Roller, nothing really happened.  I think maybe someone with a really fair skin tone might appreciate this better.  (because I saw reviews on YouTube with fairer people using it and liked it)  I do not think this can cover dark circles like a concealer would, because it is very sheer in coverage.

I certainly am not going to re-purchase.  This just sits among the other products I wish I never purchased…I am sure there are other better under eye dark circle correctors you can find.

Overall:

Although I am not thrilled with the product.  I am not saying to not purchase, because everyone is different and the online reviews for this vary from good to bad…what works for some, doesn’t work for all…

But, hey this is my personal take on this…

Hope it was helpful :)

Here is a review from a YouTuber on her review (ps: she is fair in skin tone and she liked it)

Folic Acid...For hair GROWTH?!?!?!...

Hi lovelies,

My sincerest apologies for not posting as often...my time is quite limited lately, but I am trying :)

I was going through one of the awesome groups I am a part of on Facebook and I came across a mom asking about why her baby's hair was growing so slowly...and one particular comment just jumped right out at me...
Someone commented and said that "Folic Acid" aids in hair growth...and that mothers should be taking it before and during pregnancy etc etc... and that she used it and her hair grew some length...

I was sooo shocked -_-
I mean seriously?!?! The things that we do not know out here....I did my research and apparently it CAN grow your hair ...perhaps maybe even better than 'Hair, Skin and Nails' ...

So as of Sunday I started taking my 'Folic Acid' tablets...they are really tiny so no need to worry.  I got mine at a pharmacy (Superpharm)
Please note though that people refer to this tablet's strength by <mcg> and sometimes if we are unaware you may think that "Wow 1000 mcg is strong, I should take that.'  But in reality 1000mcg is actually only 1mg, so that's VERY weak.
I asked the pharmacist for something higher and she gave me 5mg.  I only took a 60 day supply, so I am monitoring my hair growth.
My hair is like 2" past my bust when I pull it out straight.

I am looking forward to some results in hair growth with this tablet :) I want my hair longggg :D

Remember if you decide to try this as well, you must be drinking lots of water and its only ONE tablet a day, preferably after a meal. (ps: try eating a bit healthier, it would help also)

----------------------------------------------------------
Here is a little insight to the research I did on Folic Acid.  The reason its really good for hair growth is because it renews your blood cells, which benefits you health in so many other ways.

Read on....

Like the rest of our body, hair also relies on adequate amounts of nutrients for maintaining their health and growth. And these nutrients reach the hair follicles from a healthy and well balanced diet. Whenever there is a discussion about necessary vitamins about hair growth, it is impossible to ignore the benefits of Folic acid, or vitamin B-9.

Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin which is very important for healthy hair growth. However, folic acid does not promote new hair growth on its own; its benefits can be enjoyed along with the other forms of B vitamins to encourage health hair growth. A deficiency of this vitamin can lead to change in hair color. Apart from helping in hair growth, folic acid also helps in the formation of red blood cells, maintaining the central nervous system, and for the overall normal growth and development of human body. 

Why Folic Acid is important for hair growth?

This B complex vitamin promotes hair growth. It plays a key run in turning the food we eat into energy and aids it in processing and using these nutrients. When nutrients reach our hair, it enjoys proper growth, extra glow and shine. Also the problem of hair fall can be solved. Another role of folic acid is that it helps in cell division, including the cells found in our hair follicles. Since hair growth depends on regular cell regeneration in the follicle, a steady supply of folic acid encourages healthy hair growth. Any kind of hair problem caused due to deficiency in folic acid can be corrected by eating more and more foods enriched with folic acid. 

Cures premature hair graying: 

It has been found that a deficiency of folic acid often causes premature hair graying. During this time red blood cells grow larger than normal, causing a condition known as megaloblastic anemia. With folic acid the formation of red blood cells will return to normal. So, when you notice premature hair graying, make sure your body is getting the required amount of folic acid. 

Promotes healthy hair growth: 

Folic acid helps to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and protein that are available in your body. So, when our body is getting the required folic acid on daily basis it helps in reducing symptoms of various hair disorders, including alopecia, male pattern baldness, hair shaft disorders and hirsutism, or excessive hair in the body of women where hair does not usually grow.

What happens with folic acid deficiency?

Folic acid is an important vitamin that our body needs for various functions. A deficiency of folic acid in the body can cause hair loss and even premature graying of hair. Also girls and women of childbearing age can protect and promote their reproductive health by taking adequate supply of folic acid as required by the body. 

Too much folic acid can be harmful:

It is important to keep a track on how much folic acid you are taking as both less and more than the required amount can be harmful. When you take folic acid more than the required amount it may affect the absorption capacity of the antibiotic tetracycline, reducing its effectiveness. Excess amount of folic acid may also cause hair fall and other health related problems. 
This vitamin can be taken as a supplement or naturally by including the various foods enriched with folic acid. Food products such as green, leafy vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts and cereal products are good source of folic acid. But if you wish to take any supplement it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking one.

Recommended Dose of Folic Acid:

The recommended daily allowance of folic acid for adults over the age of 19 is 400 micrograms daily. It should be not more than 1,000 micrograms per day for both men and women. Those who are pregnant, planning to conceive, or lactating should include 600 to 800 micrograms of folic acid in their diet daily. 

Major Sources of Folic Acid:

There are many regular food items that are rich in folic acid. Some of such food items are cooked dried beans, peas, lentils, spinach, asparagus, romaine lettuce, beets, broccoli, corn, peas, tomato juice, vegetable juice cocktail, Brussels sprouts, orange juice, canned pineapple juice, cantaloupe, melon, hemp, soybean, honeydew, potato, canned grapefruit juice, bananas, raspberries, lean meat, grapefruit, strawberries, whole wheat flour, coffee beans, enriched grain pasta, whole grain breads, whole grain bread, peanut butter, sunflower seeds, milk, soya items and nut products especially walnuts. Including these food itmes in your diet will surely make your hair grow faster.

Folic Acid Supplements:


Taking folic acid supplements is definitely a good idea for proper hair growth. Rare allergic reactions to folic acid have been observed that include skin rashes, itching and difficulty breathing. So, it is always better to consult a physician before taking any new vitamin supplement including folic acid.
To conclude, it is true that folic acid helps in hair growth. But for hair growth, correct amount of folic acid must be consumed regularly otherwise it can have negative impacts. Along with folic acid one must also follows other important tips such as healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, less use of chemicals on hair, keeping the scalp clean, regular oil massaging and so on to make their hair grow faster.

some information sourced from howtomakeyourhairgrowfast.net

Happy 2013!

Hello my lovelies! Happy New Year to everyone of you! Hope y'all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year's celebration!

I hope you're excited for 2013 just as much as I am! Of course I'd like to thank all of you for crossing-over with me to 2013 and hope that you will continue to join me in many more happy years of blogging and sharing my ideas and thoughts with you all in every aspect of life.

Please note that my break from blogging was unintentional and I hope to be blogging more this year.

I am just a bit busy...but I need to make more time <3

I signed up for my Cosmetology school today so I am am really excited to get started ...

Well I do hope everyone is having an awesome start to this New Year 2013 :)
Love you all

Happy New Year 2013  <3

Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse? Yay? or Nay?

Hi everyone :)

Are you in the Christmas spirit as yet?  I changed my bedroom curtains yesterday and I feel so Christmassy …lol

So as promised here is my review on the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation.  I purchased this product about 3 months ago and I used it over the span of 2 months.  

Now if you read my blog you would have gathered that I have oily skin…It is advertised that this product is “Ideal for Normal to Oily skin”

…I detest that….I was really excited to try this product, but I sadly have to say that I was not impressed.

 

Pros:

It is very easy to apply and slides on smoothly to your skin. 

It is maybe better and easier applied with your fingers.

It’s very matte as in its name…

It sometimes has a tendency to give you a bit of dewy glowiness.

Cons:

It has NO staying power whatsoever! – It comes off on your scarf’s, shirt collars, other people clothes EVERYTHING!!!

I mean seriously? Who wants a foundation that comes off on your clothes or when you lean on someone you smear foundation all over their shirt? …ughhh I hated that the most about this foundation.

This foundation is the absolute worst for oily skin!!!  (my opinion) The whipped smooth mousse mixture is way to light and sheer and GREASYYY for oily skinned gals like us!!  It has a tendency to oxidize on your face pretty quickly.

That’s all really, I could work with the packaging, that’s minor.  But I would not be re-purchasing.  I might recommend on someone who has drier skin, it should work.

Well lovelies, that’s all for today…

My next review is on the ‘Garnier Anti-dark circle roller’

So stay tuned ;)

PS:
Here is a little review from a friend who has dry skin (no problem with a greasy face) and says that the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation works great for her!!!