Alcohol in Skin Care Preparation May Cause Dry Skin

“99 ABC’s of Wellness” Article Credit: The original article 99 ABC’s of Wellness is by Mylene Mendoza-Dayrit, which has appeared on the Philippine Star on January 12, 1999.

Principle #8: Alcohol in Skin Care Preparation

"Alcohol in skin care preparations is drying to the skin and may cause irritations. Choose non-alcoholic preparations or non-drying alcohol varieties." (Excerpt from the original article)

The technical term for dry skin is Xeroderma. The most common sign is the visible peeling of the outer layer of the skin, itching and cracking of the skin. It usually affects the scalp, arms, hands and legs.

The surface of the knuckles of a hand with xeroderma (wikipedia)

Cold weather can contribute to this condition since the cold temperature outside the skin and the warm temperature inside cause loss of moisture. Excessive bathing or hand washing can also wash away the natural skin oils that serve as a natural skin protection, which can cause drying.

The most common treatments for dry skin are, moisturizing creams, lotions and natural oil like palm oil or olive oil. In severe conditions, you need to see a dermatologist.

In a recent study, at the "Beyond Beauty Paris" conference in France provide compelling evidence that lutein, a dietary nutrient available as a supplement and long-known for its effectiveness in promoting eye health, also provides specific skin health benefits. These include increasing the hydration, elasticity and superficial lipids of the skin, while decreasing the oxidation – a process that causes degradation – of those beneficial skin lipids. (Des Moines, Iowa, September 12, 2006 – luteininfo.com/)

This is good news to those who suffer from dry skin.

Image above courtesy of:

www.wikipedia.com

Good Benefits of Asian Cuisine

“99 ABC’s of Wellness” Article Credit: The original article 99 ABC’s of Wellness is by Mylene Mendoza-Dayrit, which has appeared on the Philippine Star on January 12, 1999.

Principle #7: Asian Cuisine

"Asian cuisine is the traditional way of eating more rice or carbohydrates with fish and vegetables. Some food experts say that it is the healthiest in the world. Only 15 percent of total calories are fat calories and meat is only used as a garnishing instead of the meal itself." (excerpt from the original article)

In food science and in many informal contexts, the term carbohydrate often means any food that is particularly rich in the complex carbohydrate starch (such as rice, cereals, bread, and pasta) or simple carbohydrates, such as sugar (found in candy, jams, and desserts) that is why many believe that they contribute to obesity and diabetes. In fact, almost all diet plans encourages cutting down on rice (or carbs).

There are two types of carbohydrates: complex carbohydrates (starch) and simple carbohydrates (sugar). They are good sources of energy and fuels metabolism although in excessive amounts, they can increase the sugar level in the blood.

Studies say that East Asian people are highly active people physically, that is why even if they have a high carbohydrate diet they do not get fat. Asian cuisine is known to be delicious and nutritious because they get carbohydrates from natural sources and not from processed flour, which is evident in western food preparations.

High carb diet is especially good for a very active lifestyle.

If you like some delectable recipes (Asian Cuisine), try this site:  

http://www.asianonlinerecipes.com/

Image above courtesy of:

http://www.truestarhealth.com/Notes/1907003.html

Some information from: Wikipedia

Benefits of Avocado

“99 ABC’s of Wellness” Article Credit: The original article 99 ABC’s of Wellness is by Mylene Mendoza-Dayrit, which has appeared on the Philippine Star on January 12, 1999.

Principle #6: Avocado

"Avocados are rich in glutathione, a very powerful antioxidant that attacks the free radicals in the body, thus helping to prevent cancer." (excerpt from the original article)

Avocados have 60 percent more potassium than bananas. They are rich in Vitamin B, E and K. It is essential to the immune system. It is not a sweet fruit, in fact it does not appeal to the taste as it is. It is usually served raw as a salad with milk, cream, and sugar. It is also good for shakes.

Indonesian Avocado Shake

Recently, the Department of Health in the Philippines has warned about the possible ill effects of injectable glutathione especially that many women use it for skin whitening. While glutathione is an antioxidant, which is good for the immune system, it is not particularly intended for skin whitening. The health department considers it as misuse. They say that with high doses, it can harm the liver and kidneys in the end.

I think, since avocados are rich with glutathione, it would be best to indulge with the fruit rather than take the risk of the injectable form. Enjoy benefits of avocado for the skin and body.

Image above courtesy of:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avocado