Foods that keep you Energized in Summer

Foods that keep you Energized in Summer


Mercury levels are rising and it is important to change our diet for summer.

From having watery fruits and veggies to keeping our bellies light — one should focus on what we consume during hot days. In order to stay healthy and to keep ourselves hydrated at all times, find below some of the healthy foods one must include in their diet every day...

Watermelon
Keep it cool this summer by having juicy watermelon. A bowl of watermelon works like magic on a hot day. Considering its' summer and one has to hydrate themselves on a regular basis, watery fruits like watermelon can be a substitute for water. With the fruit boasting several health benefits, you can take it in the form of juice as well.

Yoghurt
High-on protein, Yogurt is made for summer consumption. Carry one to work every day and you are sorted. It has a cooling effect on your stomach and keeps a check on your calories since it is low on fat.

Cucumber
They didn't say 'Keep it cool as a cucumber' without a reason. It is high on water content and one can have cucumber in several ways. Carry a box of cucumber sprinkled with salt and pepper, or take it in the form of juice/soup as well.

Tomato
Many people don't know that tomatoes act as a natural sunscreen protecting our skin from harsh sun rays. Include tomatoes in your everyday meal — as a salad or add it to your regular meal.

Oranges
Citrus foods work well during summer and oranges are a must during summer. They are high in fibre, vitamin C and also provides necessary sugar to your body.

Coconut Water
It keeps you cool during summer. It quenches your thirst and boasts several health benefits too.

Sugarcane Juice
In order to retain water in your body, have a glass of sugarcane juice. It also helps in cooling off body heat, which is beneficial during summer. Since it already has sugar, don't add extra sugar to the juice. This way, you can keep a check on your weight.

Ref. TOI

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10 Foods to Eat Every Day for Perfect Skin

10 Foods to Eat Every Day for Perfect Skin

Are you tired of using different expensive and ineffective beauty products? It’s time to throw away all those ineffective products and start eating foods for perfect skin. While some foods can aggravate your skin, others can enhance it. Check out a list of 10 foods to eat every day for perfect skin

1. Spinach
Spinach is a healthy and nutrient-rich food you should certainly include in your everyday diet. You may hate spinach, but it is a wonderful source of iron, folate, chlorophyll, Vitamin E, magnesium, Vitamin A, fiber, plant protein, and Vitamin C. Due to their antioxidant abilities, Vitamins C, E, and A are especially great for your skin.
Spinach contains antioxidants that fight against all types of skin problems. Add it to your everyday diet and see what happens. By eating spinach, you’re just cleaning your skin from the inside out!

2. Carrots

Carrots are good not only for your eyes, but also for your skin. They are especially good for clearing up breakouts. Carrots are rich in vitamin A and they help prevent the overproduction of cells in the outer layer of the skin. That’s where excess sebum combines with dead cells and clogs pores.
Another great reason to snack on some carrots is because Vitamin A reduces the development of skin-cancer cells. So make sure you nibble on a half-cup of baby carrots every day for perfect skin. Also carrort make a great snack.
3. Papaya
Papaya is a wonderful fruit which has a rich history and numerous nutritional benefits. It is very low in calories (only 39 calories per 100 g!) and also contains no cholesterol. So if you are trying to lose weight, consider eating papaya every day to maximize its health benefits.
A great beauty food, papaya is low in fructose and is excellent for digestion! The antioxidant nutrients found in it, including Vitamins C and E and beta-carotene, are great at reducing inflammation and acne. Moreover, Vitamin C may also protect your skin against sun damage.
4. Red bell peppers
Red bell peppers are a tasty vegetable that can be enjoyed either cooked or raw. One red bell pepper contains more than 100% of your daily vitamin C needs. It also contains significant amounts of dietary fiber and vitamin B6. Moreover, it is rich in carotenoids that can help prevent wrinkles and increase blood circulation to your skin, helping it look more youthful. Due to their carotenoids, red bell peppers are also great to fight acne.
A red bell pepper is a perfect, low calorie snack that contains about 30 calories and has a really satisfying crunchy bite. Keep slices of red bell peppers in the fridge, so you will always have something healthy and tasty to reach for when you are having a snack attack. The fiber that a bell pepper contains will help you to feel full longer with very little calories. Plus, you will have a flawless skin!
5. Salmon (Fish)
Salmon is an excellent food to fight stress, anxiety, and depression. Salmon also provides most of your daily vitamin D needs. And as you may already know, Vitamin D is responsible for keeping your heart, bones, colon and brain healthy. It also helps prevent colon cancer, anxiety, depression, heart disease and bone disease.
Salmon is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are excellent for fighting inflammation, wrinkles and acne. Its high omega-3 content also helps hydrate your skin from the inside out. Moreover, eating salmon keeps your scalp hydrated and promotes strong, healthy hair.
6. Green Tea
Drink green tea every day because it is a great source of antioxidants and a unique amino acid, L-theanine that helps relax your body and lower stress.
When the tea is hot, the bionic brew releases catechins, a kind of antioxidant with proven anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea may also reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure. Drink 3 or more cups of tea every day for better results.
7. Dark Chocolate
This will be one of the favorite foods to eat every day for perfect skin! Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids and flavanols that promote glowing skin. The antioxidants in dark chocolate will help reduce roughness in your skin and protect it against sun damage. Moreover, cocoa relaxes arteries, increasing blood circulation that leads to healthier skin.
Usually buy cocoa powder or raw cacao for less fat. And if you like dark chocolate, eat your ounce of dark chocolate every day and make sure you choose at least 80% cacao content in order to avoid milk and added sugars found in a traditional chocolate bar.
8. Seeds
Chia seeds, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and flax seeds are all great for your skin. Pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are both rich in selenium, Vitamin E, magnesium and protein. Selenium and protein keep all wrinkles away, Vitamin E enhances moisture in your skin and magnesium lowers your stress levels. The healthy Omega 3 fatty acids in flax, chia and hemp seeds are perfect for fighting wrinkles and acne. Plus, these seeds are rich in protein.
Just sprinkle seeds right on top of your salad or oatmeal and enjoy the great taste as well as perfect skin. You can add seeds to a fruit yogurt. And what are your favorite seeds? How do you eat them?
9. Pumpkins
Their orange color comes from carotenoids, a wrinkle-fighting plant pigment, which helps neutralize free radicals in your skin and thus keeps them from damaging the cells that quickly lead to aging. Pumpkin is filled with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as powerful enzymes that help to cleanse the skin as explain dermatologists. Plus, pumpkin has hydrating properties, they add. Although its seeds make a great snack filled with fiber, you will get the skin beneficial antioxidants from the pulp. In a blender or food processor, combine two cups canned pumpkin, four tbsp low-fat vanilla yogurt, four tbsp honey, and a tsp pumpkin pie spice. Apply on your face; leave on for ten minutes and then rinse. It is good for softening and hydrating skin.

10. Almond -Nuts 
Almonds, is enormous antioxidant activity. Vitamin E fights against skin aging free radicals, protecting skin especially from sun damage due to UV -generated free radicals. Vitamin E also seems to help skin hold in moisture; making skin look younger and relieving dryness. Consuming vitamin E with selenium can enhance its antioxidant abilities, so go ahead and add some almonds into the cottage cheese, which is a great source of selenium, for revitalizing your skin. Almonds, walnuts and pistachios also provide a good supply of omega-3 fatty acids, one more great skin nutrient.

You don’t have to eat all these foods every day, but even some of them would be great! Be sure to avoid junk foods, too much sugar, trans fats and refined carbs for the best skin possible. Which of these foods do you eat every day? Share your thoughts, please, and thanks for reading!

--- Issued in Public Interest by NGO ASHA
   Farakka ASHA (Amateur Society for Human Aid)  
   a Non-Profit Philanthropic Organization

SEC 80G Tax Benfits
Your Contributions are eligible for Tax benefit under Sec 80G of IT Act
http://ngoasha.blogspot.com/2012/09/donate-asha.html