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8 superfoods that help reduce cholesterol
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8 superfoods that help reduce cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that circulates in the bloodstream. It is not inherently bad for one’s health. Good cholesterol helps in the absorption of nutrients, the building of cells, and other functions like metabolism and digestion of fat. However, excessive levels of cholesterol may lead to cardiovascular diseases or even stroke. There are some superfoods that support the functions of good cholesterol and flush out the bad cholesterol before it gets into the bloodstream. What is good and bad cholesterol? The particles that carry cholesterol from one’s bloodstream to the cells of the body are called lipoproteins. There are two types of lipoproteins. The high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is considered to be the “good cholesterol.” HDL takes up the extra cholesterol in one’s blood and transports it back to one’s liver, where it is metabolized and expelled from the body. On the other hand, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the “bad cholesterol.” LDL accumulates on the walls of one’s blood vessels and hampers the blood flow, which may lead to health complications like a heart attack or stroke. Oatmeal Oats are an ideal food to reduce one’s LDL cholesterol and blood sugar level. A versatile food, oats are rich in soluble fiber and also help beat constipation.
7 best foods to relieve constipation
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7 best foods to relieve constipation

Constipation is characterized by infrequent bowel movements or difficulty in passing stool. Signs and symptoms include passing fewer than three stools per week, having hard or lumpy stools, straining to have bowel movements, and needing help to empty the rectum. Experiencing two or more of these symptoms for over three months is called chronic constipation, although certain foods can help promote bowel movement and ease the pain caused by constipation. Some of these foods are: Prunes Dried plums or prunes are often used as a natural remedy for constipation due to high amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber. While the insoluble fiber (cellulose) increases the water content of the stool, the soluble fiber ferments in the colon to add weight to the stool. Besides, prunes also contain sorbitol and phenolic acids that promote the growth of good gut bacteria, producing a laxative effect on the body overall and improving stool frequency and consistency. Apples Apples are also a rich source of fiber. While they mostly contain insoluble fibers, they also have a soluble fiber called pectin which is fermented by the bacteria in the stomach to form short-chain fatty acids. These acids pull water into the colon, helping to soften the stool and ease constipation.
Foods to avoid for healthy eyes
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Foods to avoid for healthy eyes

Unhealthy food habits may not impact the eyes immediately, but they can give birth to various diseases that eventually affect eye health. For healthy eyes, experts recommend eating meals rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, zinc, and vitamins A, E, and C. These nutrients are found in citrus fruits, leafy greens, eggs, seeds, nuts, and fatty fish. At the same time, experts recommend avoiding specific foods like those discussed below. Sweetened drinks Sodas, sports drinks, and energy drinks are laden with artificial sweeteners. One serving of these drinks is estimated to have seven to ten tablespoons of sugar! Since the sugar is in liquid form, it gets easily absorbed into the body and the bloodstream. Such a high amount of sugar is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, age-related macular degeneration, and type 2 diabetes, all of which can affect eye health. Saturated and trans fat Pizza, donuts, fried chicken, coffee creamers, cakes, cookies, pies, and sweets are all rich in saturated and trans fats. These fats increase bad cholesterol in the blood, clogging the arteries and affecting the blood supply to the eyes. One should substitute these harmful fats for unsaturated fats like omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce the risk of eye diseases like macular degeneration.
Top foods and home remedies for flu symptoms
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Top foods and home remedies for flu symptoms

Flu is a contagious illness known to be spread by the influenza virus through the air. Some of the common flu symptoms include fever, cough, cold, runny nose, body aches, headaches, fatigue, vomiting, or even diarrhea. Certain home remedies, including some foods, can be used at home to relieve the symptoms. If symptoms do not improve in a few days, it is best to consult a doctor for a detailed diagnosis. Having elderberry Eating elderberries can help in deactivating the flu virus and also help in boosting immunity naturally. Studies have shown that consuming 15 milliliters of elderberry syrup four times a day for five days may help relieve the symptoms of the virus. If you have been experiencing sinus pain as well, then these berries can aid in reducing inflammation. Doing a salt water gargle This is an effective remedy to soothe a sore throat. Here’s what you need to do: Take a glass of warm water and mix ½ tsp of salt with it. Take a sip of this salt water and then pull this water at the back of the throat by looking up. Gargle for 20-30 seconds, allowing the water to rinse your mouth and throat.
Foods and natural remedies to get bright white teeth
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Foods and natural remedies to get bright white teeth

Oral health is an extremely important part of overall health. Keeping the teeth, tongue, and gums clean and healthy by removing harmful bacteria is essential to having strong teeth. But this requires a lot of care and attention. To make the process easier, you may try some natural remedies at home and add some foods to your nutrition regime to keep your teeth shining bright and healthy. Take a look. Strawberries These berries are not just delicious but also great for oral health. Strawberries contain malic acid, which is known to be a natural enamel whitener. They also contain citric acid, which can help enhance the white appearance of the teeth. However, citric acid is known to demineralize the teeth; so always make sure you don’t go overboard. You can try rubbing cut strawberries on your teeth and leave them on for a couple of minutes before rinsing your mouth. Carrots Plaque and tartar buildup is common on teeth and it can lead to decay faster than its normal timeline. Carrots are especially great for breaking down plaque and tartar. Because of the thick texture of these vegetables, eating carrots can help you fight against tooth decay by cleaning up the teeth.
7 soap ingredients that can trigger eczema flare-ups
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7 soap ingredients that can trigger eczema flare-ups

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a prevalent health condition that leads to itchy, inflamed, cracked, and rough skin. It can be triggered by various factors, including foods (like dairy, nuts, and eggs) and environmental stressors (pollen, fragrances, and extreme heat). Further, the added ingredients in some types of soaps are notorious for worsening the symptoms. To control eczema flares, one must work with a healthcare practitioner to identify their triggers and find alternative products. Cocamidopropyl betaine This is a surfactant or foaming agent commonly used in cleaning products like soaps. When mixed with water, it produces a thick lather to remove dirt. Although extracted from coconut oil, this surfactant can trigger symptoms of eczema around the eyes, scalp, hands, and mouth. Added fragrances Using a scented soap might seem like a brilliant idea, but it may trigger symptoms of eczema. According to the National Eczema Association (NEA), 8 to 15% of eczema patients are allergic to added fragrances. Soaps with fragrances may also contain dyes that further trigger the skin, leading to eczema flares. Although some products are labeled “unscented” or “fragrance-free,” they have certain chemical compounds to mask unpleasant natural odors from other ingredients. Experts recommend avoiding soaps with ingredients like cinnamic aldehyde, eugenol, isoeugenol, geraniol, hydroxycitronellal, oakmoss, and natural essential oils that are used for giving soap an appealing smell.
Top 4 foods that can help manage depression
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Top 4 foods that can help manage depression

Junk food is known to be delicious, but opting for it regularly may do more harm than good. Eating right is one of the most important things to do to take care of the body and mind. In fact, increasing amounts of evidence suggest that certain foods may help ease the symptoms of depression. Hence, people dealing with depression are often suggested to eat healthy foods to nourish the body and mind. Managing depression – Foods to eat Eating regular meals is one of the first steps to becoming healthy. Furthermore, picking the right foods and avoiding certain items may also help manage mental health conditions such as depression. Thus, here are some of the nutrition-rich foods one can consider adding to their meal plan. Walnuts Multiple studies have confirmed that omega-3 fatty acids support brain function and even help in the reduction of depression symptoms. As walnuts are one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids, experts suggest adding them to one’s meal plan. Some of the other omega-3-rich foods include flaxseed oil, canola oil, nuts, and fish. Avocado Usually, the brain needs healthy fat content to function smoothly. So, one can add avocados to their meal plan in the form of salads to ensure that the body and mind receive the required nutrition.
7 common bathing mistakes to avoid
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7 common bathing mistakes to avoid

Taking a bath every day seems so basic, right? It’s nothing new, and it’s an activity that requires the least effort or thought. All one needs is a steady supply of fresh water, some soap, a quality loofa, and time on hand. But surprisingly, many people unknowingly develop habits while bathing that can cause the skin to lose its natural shine and cause more harm. Bathing too long and using the wrong soap are just a few to name among the following bathing mistakes. Taking extreme hot water showers Hot water may work as an effective disinfectant, especially when used with a quality antibacterial soap. But bathing in super-hot water also strips the skin of essential lipids that lock in the oil and prevent cells from drying out. Therefore, it is advisable to mix hot and cold water to arrive at a tolerable temperature. Using a soap without moisturizer Water and soap mix to form a lather that helps clean out dead skin and dirt off the surface. But at the same time, this lather also sucks out the natural moisture. Using just soap is never enough. It’s better to switch to a moisturizing soap that helps lock in the natural oils and prevents the skin from drying out.

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