CHIA- Superfood and aids Weight Loss

Chia Seeds Benefits

One ounce of chia seeds provides 11 grams of fibre and 4 grams of protein, with only 129 calories and 9 grams of fat. They’re one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which quell inflammation through the body and can help you lose inches of belly fat. The seeds' rich fibre content can suppress appetite and prevent afternoon hunger and midnight snacking. Their unique balance of protein, fats and fibre give you long-lasting energy. Coolest of all: They absorb water, expanding to up to 10 times their weight in liquid, helping you feel full and fuelled. (They’re a great pre-workout food.) As chia seeds are digested, they actually release water, keeping you hydrated!

Chia Seeds have been proven to regulate and decrease abnormally high levels of insulin in the blood. They can also reduce insulin resistance to help you lose weight.

A recent UK study showed that chia seeds can lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels while increasing HDL (healthy cholesterol). The study also found that when substituting chia seeds for other fat sources, the chia seed diet was able to prevent high triglyceride levels and reduce obesity.

Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals, aging and cancer

Uses of Chia Seeds:

1. Add to your smoothies

2. Make a Chia Pudding

3. Make a Chia drink

4. Add Chia to granola bars
5. Add it to your favourite salads and fruit bowls

Ways to use CHIA SEED:

To make chia smoothies, add 2 Tbsp. chia seeds to 200 ml of water and soak for an hour or more. Then add to your favourite smoothie.

Chia seed gel can be made by soaking 2 tbsp of chia seeds in 50 ml of water overnight. Blend your favourite fruit and then add chia gel for a delicious chia pudding.

Blending chia seeds in a coffee grinder or food processor makes chia flour/mulled chia. Chia flour can be used in baking or to make a silky smooth chia pudding.

Add chia seeds to any organic juice and you can have it as a drink.

My lovely angels please let me know in the comments box below if you try any of the above or if you have any new recipe suggestions I would love to try !!

AVENE - Thermal Spring Water

Thermal Spring Water

The properties of thermal water are owed to the extensive voyage of rainwater going through rocky mountains(at a depth of up to a thousand meters) before resurfacing. During this lengthy process, the water becomes rich in minerals and carbon dioxide. Thermal water is therefore a type of mineral water that is located deep under the ground which contains healing properties and is exempt from bacteria and pollution. Naturally pure and rich in mineral salts, iodine and CO2, thermal water is recognised for its therapeutic properties, particularly those that concern the skin.

Thermal water has been used for thousands of years to heal arthritis, joint pain and burns, but its primary use is to relieve the skin of certain afflictions. Thanks to its purifying effect and antioxidant properties, thermal water is the go-to product. If you have dry or sensitive skin or if you suffer from eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis, thermal water is for you. Thanks to it’s anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, you will notice a decrease in itchiness. Your skin will become softer and smoother and rashes due to eczema, rosacea and psoriasis will become less noticeable and could possibly disappear completely.

I have been using Avene thermal spring water for the last 7 months. It is a fantastic multi- purpose product. It comes in a spray bottle. I like the packaging as it is very well made and its clean white with orange writing. Very simple looking but the product inside is amazing. 

When you spray the product the mist is very fine which is what I love.

It can not only used on the face but can also be used on other parts of the body. To use it on your face there are two ways:

Just after you have cleansed your face in the morning, spray it on your face and I like to pat my palm slowly on to the face so that it can absorb well. And then follow your normal skin care routine.

The other way to use it is to spray it on to your makeup as a setting spray to freshen and hydrate the skin to make it look plumed and youthful. It is also very refreshing and also balance the pH level of the skin. 

I have also been using it for my new born daughter as a nappy rash preventing. It keeps her skin hydrated and prevent nappy rashes too.

You can also use it anywhere on your body where you have any itchiness or drying. It really helps calm and soothes the skin. As it is very gentle and natural.

I love this product it has become my holy grail and my makeup bag staple. I have repurchased it several times. It also comes in a travel size of 50ml which is always there in my travel make up bag. Fantastic product to have at all times. 

Again it is a unisex product hence it can be used by men after shave it prevents rashes and soothes the skin. My hubby uses it after gym just to refresh after a sweaty workout

Have you tried it my lovely angels? what do you think ? Let me know in the comments below.There are several other brands too.. Will try them to see if it is better hence will keep you posted!!

DRY SHAMPOO - HOW TO & CO LAB Dry Shampoo Review!!

Washing your hair everyday is quite damaging to your hair. You should only wash your hair thrice a week if your hair tends to get oily. If you don't have an oily scalp you can get away with washing your hair twice a week. 

When you are in a hurry or have a busy schedule dry shampoo comes to the rescue. If you want to prevent washing your hair too often you should use dry shampoo. Dry shampoo is an excellent solution when you have a sudden plan to go to a date, an important event or a quick meetup with friends.

How to use a dry shampoo:

Dry shampoo usually comes in a spray or powder form. You either spray the product on to your roots massage it in for a few seconds and then brush your hair as normal. If it is a powder you can either directly put it on to your scalp or you can put it in your fingers and rub it in on to your scalp. Massage it in and then brush and style it as you please.

What dry shampoo does:

It soaks up oil from the scalp leaving it feeling clean and fresh. It also makes the hair smelling good and fresh because of the scent present in the dry shampoo. 

The bonus is that dry shampoo also gives a boost of volume to the hair.

There are several dry shampoos in the market (Like Aveda, Dove, Kardashians, Tresemme, Lo'real Elvive clay, schwarzkopf, Klorane, Ojan, Paul Mitchell, Garnier, Fudge Urban etc )but all don't do the job well some leave the hair feeling more greasy, Some make it feel very drying and rough, and some leave a white cast which is not a good look.

I personally used Batiste dry shampoo. It has a very wide range but the one I used was for brunettes/ dark and deep brown. It has a bit of colour too which prevents white cast. and also does its job well.

But since I have switched to Co Lab Sheer+Invisible Dry shampoo I have not looked back. It is extremely effective, It doesn't leave any residue it makes the hair feel non-greasy, clean and fresh. It comes in various lovely fragrances. And It is also quite long lasting.

It has a version called Co Lab volume extreme Dry shampoo which gives a good volume and saves me the time of using a volumizing product. But it is not invisible as the original dry shampoo it gives a white cast when you spray it but once you brush through your hair it goes away. It also works as a setting spray as it hardens the hair too to set it.

There is also a new addition to the collection which is the Co Lab Luxe shine. I haven't tried it yet but will keep you updated if I do. As the name suggests makes the hair look shiny and lustrous. Making the hair look youthful and healthy. Hence "runway ready".

 

There is a new one coming out soon called the Co Lab Active.

In terms of the price it is a drugstore product hence it is very inexpensive and excellent product. I would say it is better than a lot of high end dry shampoos out there. It is easily available in Superdrug or Boots UK.

Dry Shampoo a product associated with women but my hubby loves using it too on second day hair when he is in a hurry and it smells good too. And I don't see why not is does the job well ...In terms of fragrance he uses the Co Lab London - classic fragrance which is quite neutral and also my favourite fragrance too. It comes in smaller sizes hence it is very travel friendly.

You can also make dry shampoo at home it is very easy and in expensive. I will tell you in my next coming posts. If you would like me to review any specific dry shampoo or may be a powder formula please let me know in the comments below my lovely angels!! 

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!!