Differences - CHIA SEED VS BASIL SEED

Basil seeds and Chia seeds have both been in the spotlight recently; largely due to the claim that they act as effective weight-loss aids, when consumed as part of a balanced diet. However, there seems to be a lot of confusion between the two; with some people even thinking they are one and the same.

CHIA SEEDS

BASIL SEEDS

The few differences between the two varieties are: 

Chia seeds are from the Salvia Hispanica plant – a relative of mint.  They have been incorporated into peoples’ diets since ancient times.  The word “chia” actually comes from the Mayan word for “strength”. Aztec warriors ate them in preparation for battle, and their messengers would fuel up with them before long distance runs. Plus, the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico ate them for energy before hunting by running their prey to exhaustion.

The Basil seed is a cousin of the chai and is often found in Asian drinks and desserts. 

The seeds actually look quite different when you compare them. Basil seeds are black, tiny and shaped almost like a minute grain of rice. Chia seeds are a little bit larger, more oval in shape, and come in a variety of colours; including grey, brown, white and black.

                  BASIL SEEDS                                                        CHIA SEEDS

Both seeds offer certain nutritional benefits, but it’s generally thought that Chia seeds are ‘better’ for you; as they contain antioxidants, fibre, calcium, protein and many other key minerals. However, Basil seeds contain plenty of iron.

This is the really significant difference. Basil seeds cannot be eaten raw. Instead, you’ll need to soak them for at least a couple of hours in water. However, Chia seeds can be consumed both raw and soaked; depending on how you want to use them.

Chia seeds help to maintain healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels in the body. Studies conducted on animals also indicate that they help lower cholesterol and promote improved cardiovascular health. Basil seeds, on the other hand, function well as a diuretic and aid digestion. The richness of the iron in basil seeds also helps to improve quality of the blood.

Basil seeds derive (unsurprisingly) from the basil plant; which is native to both the Mediterranean and India. Chia seeds, on the other hand; hail from Mexico and Guatemala.

Basil seeds are more readily available, and as a result, are generally cheaper than Chia seeds, which need to be imported all the way from Central America.

They also absorb up to 12 times their weight in water, so they expand in your stomach and make you feel full so you don’t eat too much. Hence they are also very hydrating.

When mixed with a liquid, they get a gel-like consistency, so you can drink them through a straw and swallow them whole.  You can also add them to your favourite baked goods, mix them into oatmeal, add them to parfaits, or blend them with shakes.

CHIA PUDDING

BASIL DRINKS

In my next health blog I will share some detailed benefits and uses of chia seeds. If you would like to know about any other superfood and how to use them leave it in the comments below, I would love to review it!!

NIVEA - In Shower Body Moisturiser/Conditioner

Most of us consider to use body lotion only in winters when our skin gets dry. This is wrong. Body lotion is beneficial in all seasons and is one of the most inexpensive ways to nourish our skin. It is suitable for all skin types. Even if used at-least once a day, it enhances the caliber of the skin and does wonders on a scaly, dehydrated skin that otherwise looks unattractive. 

Body Lotion replenishes, soothes and hydrates the skin. It gives a glowing and youthful skin.
And if you have SPF (should contain both UV A and UV B) in the body lotion then it is a bonus to keep the skin protected and prevents ageing.

I love body butters, lotions and oils. It is my favourite part of skincare routine. I love to slather on a good amount on to my body especially after a warm bath or shower. As when you have a warm bath it opens your pores and allows the lotion to penetrate easily and deeply. It would just literally feel like that the skin drinks it up. I also feel that my skin is hydrated , soft n supple which eventually feels very relaxing and lifts up my mood.

No matter if we have even full 24hours to ourself we are either in a hurry or lazy to skip the step. Hence the In shower body moisturiser comes into play. It is an excellent product if you are in a hurry or want to save time. 

The packaging is like any hair conditioner that you would find in the market. It has a flip open cap at the bottom and you just have to squeeze it out to get the product.
The product is a creamy gel like texture which is white in colour. The one I have been using has cocoa in it and smells like any cocoa butter would hence it is not too bad a smell. I have also used the one with pampering honey which is also very good. But the smell lingers hence it might not be good for those who are sensitive to smell.

After you have washed your body with your regular body wash and your skin is damp. You just massage the conditioner on to your skin. It gets very slimy and slippery when it comes in contact with water. You can leave it for few minutes and then rinse off in the shower. 
It claims to be non- greasy but it leaves a greasy film initially but once you have pat dry with a towel it will leave the skin feeling moisturised and hydrated. If you have very dry skin this wouldn't be enough to go on for 24 hours as it claims. But if you have normal to oily skin it will be good enough to keep the skin hydrated. 

The best part of using an in shower body moisturiser is that you don't have to wait to put on your clothes unlike any other body butter or lotion where you would either have to wait for it to sink into your skin or feel slippery after putting on your jeans and that the lotion will stick to your clothes.

The product is inexpensive as it is a drugstore product. But it is like one of those quick out of the door good to go product which it is great for. Also there is a new one out which has Q10 in it and claims to firming the skin which I would be trying next.

I found another similar product which is called " RO's ARGAN" which is a product of Lush cosmetics (one of my favourite natural brand). It is also an in shower body conditioner. Would be trying it soon and will let you know if it is any better.
Let me know if you have tried any in shower body moisturiser before or if you have any suggestions for me to try any in the comments box below!! 

DIY ALOE VERA HAIR MASKS

In one of my previous post I had explained how you can extract aloe vera gel from its plant.
Refer to:  http://zainabrd.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/aloe-vera-how-to-use-it-and-benefits.html

For face masks refer to: http://zainabrd.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/diy-aloe-vera-face-masks.html

We will talk about hair masks today.

 

You can use #aloevera gel on its own by applying it directly on to the scalp. Leave it for 15-20 mins and then wash it off.

Hair Mask:

Ingredients:

Aloe Vera Gel
Grape seed Oil 
You can use any other oil like castor oil , coconut oil, olive oil which are excellent for hair growth.
If you want you can also add Honey to it.

Method:
Add Aloe Vera gel and grape seed oil in a blender. The amount of oil you add depends either you can add a little bit or as equal as the gel quantity depending on how long your hair is. Blend the ingredients and you will be left with a frothy gel like mixture. Once the bubbles subside fill it in a lotion container which has a pump and you can easily apply it to your scalp taking sections of the hair and pumping the mask on to the scalp. As it is a hair growth mask it should target the scalp. Give it a good 3-5 mins scalp massage. Leave it for 30 minutes and then wash it off . Or you can also leave it overnight and rinse off in the morning.

Benefits:

Grape seed oil is high in vitamin E, it also contains proteins, minerals and linoleic acid which helps in growing the hair long and healthy.
It also helps in blood circulation.
It penetrated well into the scalp.
It moisturises the hair.
It is hypoallergenic.

Aloe Vera contains enzymes, amino acids and proteins which are essential for hair growth and also helps strengthen your hair. Its balances the pH levels of the scalp.
It helps cure any scalp conditions like dandruff, eczema, psoriasis, itchiness in the scalp because of its antipruritic properties , it also has anti-inflammatory properties and also aids in conditioning the hair by retaining moisture.

Mask 2:
A clarifying shampoo

Ingredients:

Aloe Vera gel
Lemon
Honey
Baking Soda

Method:
You can take the proportions according to your hair type. Take 100 ml of water in a bowl. Then take half teaspoon of baking soda and dilute it in the water. Add this mixture in a blender. Then add one teaspoon of honey, a tablespoon of aloe vera gel and add one full lemon juice. Once done blend all of the ingredients. It will give you a frothy mixture. Let the bubbles subside. Apply it as you would normally apply a shampoo. Leave it for few second and then wash it off. You can finish off with applying a conditioner from mid length to the bottom length of the hair. Let it sit for 15-20 mins and wash it all off. You will be left with smooth and silky well cleaned hair which is easy to tame.

Benefits:

Aloe Vera contains enzymes, amino acids and proteins which are essential for hair growth and also helps strengthen your hair. Its balances the pH levels of the scalp and helps cleanse the scalp too.
It helps cure any scalp conditions like dandruff, eczema, psoriasis, itchiness in the scalp because of its antipruritic properties , it also has anti-inflammatory properties and also aids in conditioning the hair by retaining moisture.

Lemon removes excess oil from the scalp
It helps remove dandruff and cures itchy scalp
It helps to make your hair softer and smoother.

Baking Soda clarifies product build up on the scalp and also has natural cleaning agents

Honey helps to treat dandruff.
It has anti bacterial and anti fungal properties.
It helps tame frizz and also naturally moisturises the hair.

You can store it for later in d fridge too. If you try any of the above please let me know how it went. Hope you like reading my post. If you like me to review something specific please mention in the comments box below. Would love to hear from you!!

KONJAC SPONGE - Kind to SKin!!

What is KONJAC?

The Konjac Potato or Konnyaku is a perennial plant native to Asia, and can be found growing wild at very high altitudes. It is a totally natural food source. It has been used for 1500 years in Korea, Japan and China as medicine, food, a dieting aid and as a beauty product. 

Konjac is 97% water and is rich in mineral goodness and low in calories.

It is naturally alkaline and is pH neutral which leaves the skin perfectly balanced.

Because of its high health giving properties it is highly priced and is perfect for baby skin.

How to use it:

When you feel the sponge it is not very soft it is a bit hardened. Each time you want to use it, put the sponge under warm running tap water . Once it soaks water completely, the sponge will soften and expand. Either you can use it on its own or I prefer to use a gentle cleanser with it. Just dab a little cleanser on the sponge and then rub it in circular motions on to your face and then just rinse it off with water. 

Once you have used it rinse it  and don't store it in a closed container let it air outside by just hanging it as it comes with a string attached to it for the purpose.

Benefits:

It is 100% natural vegetable fibres packed with minerals and antioxidants. 

It is non toxic and free from impurities and pollutants.

It is 100% biodegradable hence it is earth friendly.

Its is cruelty free and certified vegan.

Its is free of colouring and additives.

Hence kind to Environment and excellent for skin care.

It deeply cleanses, exfoliates and detoxifies the skin for radiant complexion.

It is excellent if you have sensitive skin.

Once you have soaked it in water it becomes extremely soft hence it is excellent for sensitive skin.

It leaves the face clean, glowing and silky smooth. It exfoliates the skin naturally unlike any harsh rubbing of scrubs/ exfoliating beads on the skin. Or any glycolic peel to exfoliate which is not suitable for sensitive skin. It is so soft and gentle that it is suit baby skin too.

It deep cleanses naturally and removes water based make up too. And also balance our skins pH levels.

Konjac sponges are not only available for facial cleanse but you also get body sponges which are similarly effective too. It not only comes in several shapes and sizes but also different types which are used accordingly. for different purpose.

Types of Konjac Sponges:

1. Green Tea Konjac Puff: Konjac root powder, Green Clay, Green Tea Extract
2. Black Bamboo Charcoal Konjac Puff/Sponge: Konjac root powder, Bamboo Charcoal Extract
3. Yellow Citrus Fruit Konjac Puff: Konjac root powder, Yellow Clay, Citron Extract
4. Pink Cherry Blossom Konjac Puff/Sponge: Konjac root powder, Pink Clay, Sakura Leaves Extract
5. Blue Wild Mint Konjac Puff: Konjac root powder, Blue Clay, Blue Mica, Wild Mint Extract
6. Pure White Konjac Puff/Sponge: Konjac root only.

There are loads of different types of konjac sponges targeting different problem areas. The one which I would like to try is Turmeric. Let me know in the comments below if you have tried any and would recommend!!

ORIGINS " DRINK IT UP"

Origins products are formulated without Parabens, Phthalates, Propylene Glycol, Mineral Oil, PABA, Petrolatum, Paraffin,DEA, Animal Ingredients (except cruelty-free honey and beeswax).

I had my eye on this product for quite a long tine until a few months back in January when I got my hands on it. I have been using it two to three times a week. In love with the product.

It is an hydrating mask which you would apply at night after cleansing and toning when it is time for moisturiser you would only put this product on. You don't need a lot only two or three pea size amount. It comes out as an off white cream and when you massage it in it becomes clear so no one would know you have a mask on your face all through the night.

In terms of packaging it comes in a tube form the colour is very soothing to the eyes and the overall quality of the tube is very good and sturdy. You don't need to unscrew the cap as it has a top opening lid which flips back on.

This mask has avocado and apricot kernel oil to deeply and instantly hydrate your skin, and Japanese seaweed to repair your skin's barrier and prevent future dehydration and signs of premature ageing. It also has my favourite ingredient hyaluronic acid. If you look at the ingredient list it contains a ton of different flower waters and extracts, which are meant to be lovely for your skin.

As the name suggests it is a 'Drink Up' mask it actually sinks well into the skin and when you wake up in the morning it makes your skin feel hydrated, dewy and fresh as you had been drinking tons of water, juices and eating good stuff all through the week. If I have plans to go to an important event the next day then I would slather a bit more the night before so that my skin feels and looks extremely plumped and youthful.

It smells of apricots and has several flower extracts which is a very pleasing smell but after you have applied it the smell doesn't linger for long so it is a plus for people who are sensitive to smells.

I have been trying more product from Origins as it is all natural ingredients which is excellent for skincare. Hence I will give you an in-depth review on other products too in my next posts to come.

DIY ALOE VERA FACE MASKS

Aloe Vera Mask

In my last blog I had explained how you can extract the pulp from an aloe vera plant. This pulp is known as Aloe Vera Gel.

Mask 1:

Ingredients:
Aloe Vera Gel
Lemon

Method:
Scoop out some Aloe Vera gel in a bowl. Then squeeze a lemon in one bowl. Next mix the gel and lemon in a blender. It will create a frothy mixture which you can store in a mason jar and apply the mixture regularly on to your face.

Benefits:
Aloe gel acts as a good moisturiser and keeps the skin soft and supple.
Lemon is a natural astringent which helps brightening the skin and reducing dark spots.



Mask 2: 

Ingredients:
Aloe Vera Gel
Walnuts
Honey

Method:
Scoop out some Aloe Vera gel in a bowl. Add some walnuts and mix it in a blender. Scoop out the mixture and then add some honey to it. Store in a mason jar and apply the mixture regularly on to your face.

Benefits:
Aloe gel acts as a good moisturiser and keeps the skin soft and supple and gives it a gel like consistency. It is rich in vitamins and enzymes.
Walnuts acts as a good exfoliant to remove dead skin and gunk from the face.
Honey has anti- bacterial properties which prevents acne and is a natural moisturiser too.

 Mask 3:

Ingredients:
Aloe Vera Gel
Honey
Turmeric
Fuller's Earth Clay (Multani Mitti) or can be replaced with Gram Flour (Besan)
Lemon

Method:
Mix all the ingredients into a bowl. Use a clean face brush to apply it all over your face. Leave it for 15-20 minutes and then rinse off for a glowing, moisturised and even skintone.

Benefits:
Aloe gel is rich in vitamins and enzymes. It acts as a cooling moisturiser.
Honey has anti- bacterial properties which prevents acne and is a natural moisturiser too.
Turmeric gives you and even and glowing skintone.

Fuller's Earth Clay is used to treat acne to give a fair complexion and remove blemishes and mainly removes excess oils and impurities. You can pick this up from most Indian grocery stores or just order online. One pack will last you a long time and it’s so cheap! 

To the western world its known as Fullers Earth and is composed of mainly bentonite which is the basis of the clay. Its rich in magnesium chloride, zinc, calcium and many other minerals.

These all help absorb the excess oil, balance the skins pH, get rid of dead skin cells and impurities and increases blood circulation, to really give you glowing healthy skin.

Lemon is a natural astringent which helps brightening the skin and reducing dark spots.

Mask 4:

Ingredients:
Aloe Vera Gel
Cabbage

Method:

Take some cabbage and blend it with water to make a paste. Mix all the ingredients well and apply to your face.Leave for 15-20 minutes and then rinse with cool water. 

Benefits:
Aloe gel is rich in vitamins and acts as a cooling moisturiser.

Cabbage Juice removes dark spots, black spots, prevents the reoccurrence of pimples and thus gives you a clear and flawless skin.

Next post will update about hair masks!!

EVE LOM Cleanser - Is it worth the hype??

Eve Lom Cleanser

Eve Lom was one of the first ones to get this kind of balm cleanser which revolutionised the beauty world. And Vogue Magazine stated it to be the best cleanser in the world. Hence it sounded very promising and I was excited to try it.

Initially people were afraid of using oils especially those who had oily skin and thought they would breakout more but to their surprise research and reviews have proven that oils balances the natural oils produced by our skin. And also keeps the skin nourishes. It is mainly pollution and dust that settles on the skin which leads to breakouts on the skin.
Cleansers are one of the most important part of a good skin care routine. It deep cleans the skin and using a cleanser with oils will help keep the skin soft, supple and balanced.

Eve Lom cleanser contains Mineral Oils. Mineral Oil is basically a very inexpensive by-product of the distillation of petroleum. It is a transparent, colourless oil related to petroleum jelly (Vaseline). The version that you find in skincare is highly refined and purified, but has a bad reputation, because it is known to clog pores and break people out.
It also contains flower, leaf and seed oils too.

I got to try the Eve Lom cleanser in the #lookfantastic Christmas box which is a subscription box service. Hence I got a 50ml content in a tube packaging. The 100ml content pot ranges around £55 - £85 depending on where you buy it from. I prefer the tube packaging rather than a pot as you don't have to dip your fingers in the same pot rather the tube allows it to keep it hygienic. 

To use the content from the tube you have to swirl the cap it makes a click sound then you press the lower part of the tube to get the product out. The packaging is quality can be felt from the outer material.

In terms of the actual product the instant I start to use the product I noticed the smell. Personally I hate such a herbal medicinal smell. It has the weirdest smell and is not pleasing at all.

It comes out as a off-white cream which melts into the skin as a thick oil as you rub it into your palms and then apply it to your face. It is very greasy as you work it on to your skin. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes. The best way to wash of a cleanser is to soak a muslin cloth in running hot water and then wipe your face with it to clean off the cleanser from your face. It removes stubborn makeup which is what it justifies itself. Otherwise it leaves my skin feeling soft but the unpleasant smell lingers. Overall I would say it is a good cleanser if they improve the smell a bit. In terms of the price I don't thing it justifies itself as it contains mineral oil which is very inexpensive.