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Dietary Sources Of Minerals For Clear Skin

minerals for clear skinWho doesn’t want a radiant, glowing and youthful complexion? Little do we know, our skin is like the blueprint of what goes inside the body, stress levels, sleep and lifestyle in general!

Clear skin is not just determined by the lotion and creams that one applies but is predominantly influenced by the food that we eat. Health experts in this field say that minerals play an important role, so we need to feed our skin inside out. Apart from Vitamins A, C, E, K, these minerals have a tremendous power to provide clear and youthful skin. Minerals are like spark plugs which keep our engine running!

Some Important Minerals For Clear Skin 

Most of us pay attention to vitamins but neglect these minerals which are required in very minimum quantities. A few of them include:

  • Selenium: Has great antioxidant properties which help in protecting against the harsh UV rays. It supports skin elasticity and flexibility. It is also said to protect against skin cancer. Dietary sources: Fish, Brazilian Nuts, Chicken
  • Zinc: Having sufficient amounts of zinc in your diet helps in reducing the amount of oil production in the skin. Excess oil in the skin can support bacterial growth and infection and block the pores. Having 8-11 gm of zinc helps in having acne free skin. Zinc also helps in healing injuries. Dietary sources: Almonds, Cashew Nuts, Walnuts, Hazelnuts, Sunflower Seeds, Sesame Seeds.
  • Magnesium: is such an important mineral that magnesium deficiency can speed up ageing. Fast food, aerated drinks and alcohol can leech the body of magnesium. This mineral is not only good for skin but hair, teeth and the bones as well. Dietary sources: Buckwheat, Barley, Coconut, Walnuts, Beetroot Green, Spinach.
  • Calcium: Commonly known for stronger bones and teeth, it is equally essential in providing healthy skin too by aiding skin elasticity and firmness. Dietary sources: Milk and Milk products, Sesame Seeds, Oranges, Chickpeas, and Nuts.
  • Copper: is like a catalyst which speeds up the production of the protein elastin which keeps the skin flexible. It also prevents skin pigmentation. Dietary sources: Walnuts, Brazilian Nuts, Sunflower Seeds, Cashew Nuts, Mushroom and Soybeans.

We hope this article helps you get that clear skin you’ve always wanted, naturally with the right nutrition. Do let us know your thoughts in the comments below. For more skincare tips, check out Healthy Reads or ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce 

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Papaya and its health benefits

papaya

This spherical or pear-shaped fruits was called the “fruit of the angels” by Christopher Columbus because it was very delicious, sweet with musky undertones. This tropical angel fruit is none other than Papaya. Originally from the tropics of America, the Spanish and Portuguese explorers brought papayas to many other subtropical lands to which they journeyed including India, the Philippines, and parts of Africa. Packed with great health benefits, Papaya has been used since quite long for medicinal uses in day to day life.

Every part of a papaya tree, from the fruit to the leaves, contains some medicinal properties and this makes Papaya, a great fruit option to include in your diet.

Health Benefits of Papaya:

1) Lowers cholesterol – Papaya is rich in fiber, Vit C and antioxidants that help prevent cholesterol which builds up in your arteries.

2) Helps in weight loss – Being very low in calories and high in fiber content, leaves you feeling full and also clears your bowel movement, making your weight loss regime easier.

3) Boosts Immunity – A single Papaya contains ample amount of Vit C and Vit A, which helps boosting the body’s immunity and hence is very good for those who are suffering from fever, cold or flu.

4) Good for diabetes – It is low in sugar and still sweet in taste, hence popular amongst diabetic people.

5) Helps ease menstrual pain – Women, who are suffering from menstrual pain, should help themselves to several servings of papaya, as an enzyme called Papain helps in regulating and easing flow during menstrual period.

6) Anti – ageing and Papaya – The antioxidants in Papaya help in controlling premature ageing and helps you to get a younger look.

7) Good for the Skin:  Papaya can also be applied directly on the skin and can be used as a face pack to get its benefits. It helps to get rid of acne and skin infections as it helps to open clogged pores. It is also good to cure the skin infections and wounds that don’t heal quickly.

What is interesting about this fruit is that while, it finds its place in fruit salads, Papaya also works as a meat tenderizer and used in non-vegetarian cooking. One should thus consider having Papaya everyday for all the health benefits that it provides. We hope this article helps you. For further information or guidance, reach out to our certified experts by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce 

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Healthy Snacks You Must Eat While Watching Your Favourite Show!

healthy snacksIn my previous blog, I spoke about how Binge watching affects our health and how we can stay healthy while doing so! As promised, I will be sharing some recipes for super yummy healthy snacks that you can munch on while watching your favourite shows. These recipes are not only delicious but healthy as well!

Here are 3 healthy snacks you can easily make and munch on!

1. Crispy Kale Chips

All you need is 3 ingredients and 20 minutes to prepare this super healthy and yummy snack! Believe it or not, these crispy chips taste better than fried potato chips, and they are absolutely good for you!

What you will need:

  • 1 head of kale – washed and dried
  • 2 tbsp of olive oil
  • Salt to sprinkle

How to Prepare:

  1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees F.
  2. Separate kale leaves from stem and cut into 1 ½ inch pieces.
  3. Spread the leaves on a baking sheet and toss with the olive oil and salt.
  4. Bake them for 20 minutes. (Turn the side of leaves halfway to get equal baking on both sides).
  5. Serve the crispy snack in a bowl.

2. Apple Chips

I can understand your hesitation but once you try this, it will be your preferred go-to snack! These cinnamon-laced chips might take a little more time to prepare but are totally worth it!

What You Will Need:

  • 2 golden apples – thinly sliced
  • ½ teaspoon powdered cinnamon
  • 1 ½ teaspoon white sugar

How to Prepare:

  1. Preheat oven to 225 degrees F (110 degrees C).
  2. Spread the Apple slices on a metal baking sheet.
  3. Mix sugar and cinnamon powder together in a bowl; sprinkle equally over apple slices.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven till the apple slices look dried and their edges curl up, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  5. Let then cool and serve after 15 minutes.

3. Fruit Salsa & Cinnamon Chips

Could we ask for anything more? A clever fruit-based recipe that scoops a colourful mixture onto a crunchy flour tortilla (roti), baked with cinnamon and a little sugar! It not only sounds like a treat but tastes like one too!

What You Will Need:

  • 2 Kiwis and Apples – both peeled and diced
  • 1 cup raspberries and strawberries
  • 2 tbsp white sugar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 Rotis (tortilla)
  • 1 spoon butter (for greasing)
  • 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar

How to Prepare:

  1. Mix the kiwi, apples, raspberries, strawberries, white and brown sugar in a large bowl. Cover it and keep it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  3. Grease one side of each roti with butter and cut them into wedges. Spread them out on a baking tray.
  4. Sprinkle the wedges with the desired amount of cinnamon sugar and grease butter on top again.
  5. Grease one side of each roti with butter. Cut into wedges and spread them in a single layer on a baking tray. Sprinkle wedges with desired amount of cinnamon sugar. Grease butter on top again.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes.
  7. Once done, allow them to cool for approximately 15 minutes.
  8. Serve with chilled fruit mixture on the top.

Aren’t these recipes just mouthwatering? Try these healthy snacks with your current series and let me know your experience in the comments below.

For more awesome recipes, check out Healthy Reads or ask your GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce

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Benefits of Fennel Seeds (Part 2)

Benefits of Fennel Seeds 2In my previous blog, we talked about the amazing Benefits of Fennel Seed Water. In this blog, I am going to tell you about different ways of using Fennel Seeds for good digestion, eyes, hair and skin.

Fennel Seeds contain many useful, active ingredients such as:

  • Anethole: This is the main active ingredient of Fennel. It is antimicrobial (kills germs), mimics estrogen, and increases prolactin
  • Flavonoids like Quercetin and Apigenin: These are antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory
  • Phenolic compounds such as Rosmarinic Acid and Chlorogenic Acids: These are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
  • Terpenes such as Fenchone and Limonene, which improve wound healing
  • Water-soluble vitamins like Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C), Thiamine(vitamin B1), Riboflavin (vitamin b2), Niacin (vitamin B3), and Pyridoxine (vitamin B6)
  • Fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, E, and K
  • Trace minerals and other elements like Aluminum, Barium, Calcium, Cadmium, Cobalt, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Nickel, Lead, Strontium, and Zinc
  • Essential Amino Acids like Leucine, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, and Tryptophan
  • Dietary Fiber

Uses of Fennel Seeds:

a) Fennel Seeds after Meals: If you have acidity, indigestion problem, take ½ tsp of fennel seeds after meals. It helps in digesting food and reducing acidity.

b) Fennel Seeds Paste for Puffy Eyes: Make a paste by mixing Fennel Seeds Powder with cold water. Apply the paste under your eyes and wait for 5-7 minutes. Rinse with cold water and you’ll notice the difference immediately.

c) Fennel Seeds Paste for Acne: Make a paste of Fennel Seeds powder, Honey and Yoghurt. Apply the paste on the affected areas and let it sit for a good 10-15 minutes. Next, rinse with cold water.

d) Fennel Seeds Water for Hair Fall: Boil some water with a few spoons of Fennel Seeds in it. Once boiled, strain the water and let it cool down. Next, rinse your hair thoroughly with the water. Repeat this twice a week for quick results.

e) Fennel Seeds Paste to Hydrate Itchy Scalp: Make a paste of Fennel Seeds Powder with Yoghurt and apply the paste evenly on your scalp. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off.

f) Fennel Seeds & Oatmeal Anti-Aging Mask: Take 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds, 2 tablespoons of oatmeal, and 1/4 cup of boiled water and mix well. Apply this mask on your face and leave it on for 20 minutes.

g) Fennel Seeds as Mouth-Freshener: Roast Fennel Seeds with equal quantities of Fenugreek and store it in a jar. Use this mix as a mouth-freshener. This mix can be used as a replacement for your sugar cravings – extremely helpful for Diabetics.

h) Fennel Seeds Toner for Puffy Eyes: Take 2 tsp of Fennel Seeds and  ¼ cup of hot water, combine them and let the mixture steep for 10 minutes, strain and pour in an airtight container , keep refrigerated for up to one week .

i) Fennel Seeds to Improve Eyesight: Take 100gm each of Fennel Seeds, Almonds, Rock Sugar and grind them well in a mixer.  Have 10gm of this mixture every night before bedtime you will notice your eyesight getting better.

How to Store:
Store dry Fennel Seeds as you do in case of other seeds. Place whole seeds in a clean, air-seal container and store in a cool, humid-free and dark place. Ground and powdered Fennel Seeds should be stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers and should be used sooner since it loses flavor quickly due to evaporation of its essential oils.
I hope these suggestions are useful to you and will help you utilize this versatile seeds better.

How do you use Fennel Seeds? Let us know in the comments below! For further information or guidance, reach out to our certified experts by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce

From Terminal Illness To Complete Wellness! Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

As we observe World Cancer Day under the powerful theme ‘United by Unique’ (2025-2027)**, we are reminded that every individual’s journey with cancer is distinct, yet united by shared resilience, hope, and the collective fight against this disease. This theme places people at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of the […]