20 reasons to add turmeric to our diet

Taken from:

http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/20-health-benefits-of-turmeric.html

The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Turmeric has been used for over 2500 years in India, where it was most likely first used as a dye.

The medicinal properties of this spice have been slowly revealing themselves over the centuries. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent research has revealed that turmeric is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer's disease.

Here are 20 reasons to add turmeric to your diet:

1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.

2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.

3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.

4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.

5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.

6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.

7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.

8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.

9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.

10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.

11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.

12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.

13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.

14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.

16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.

17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.

18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.

19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.

20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Turmeric can be taken in powder or pill form. It is available in pill form in most health food stores, usually in 250-500mg capsules.

Once you start using turmeric on a regular basis, it's fun to find new ways to use it in recipes. My favorite way to use it is to add a pinch of it to egg salad. It adds a nice flavor and gives the egg salad a rich yellow hue.

Contraindications: Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction. Though turmeric is often used by pregnant women, it is important to consult with a doctor before doing so as turmeric can be a uterine stimulant.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+

Product description:

Neutrogena Ultra sheer dry touch sunblock SPF 50+(PA +++) is a breakthrough in sun protection. Stabilized with Helioplex™ , it provides superior balanced broad spectrum protection against skin aging UVA and burning UVB rays and combines it with Dry Touch Technology for an ultra light, non shiny finish. This light weight sun block has a light fresh scent and is gentle enough even for sensitive skin.

(Helioplex is a formulation of broad-spectrum ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) skin protection containing avobenzone and oxybenzone made by Neutrogena. Avobenzone-containing products have decreasing efficiency after a few hours of sun exposure, but the addition of oxybenzone reduces the amount of degradation that occurs)

Price: Rs 450 for 88 ml, Rs 150 for 30 ml

My experience:
 My skin is prone to sunburns. I have been trying many Sunscreen lotions and Sunblocks. But after few hours, most are ineffective and my skin starts to burn. Then I bought this after searching the net for the most effective sunblock.  And found that I have truly hit the jackpot! I apply it in the morning after my bath. For my normal skin it works great. It is very absorbent and light, non-greasy. It gives a nice matt finish and I have said goodbye to burning skin. I am sticking with it. I apply it on my face, neck and arms. The price is bit high but well worth it. I have bought both, the big as well as small pack. One to carry always!

Difference between Sunscreen and Sunblock
Sunscreen is defined as a screen to protect against sun or a preparation applied to the skin to prevent sunburn (as by chemically absorbing ultraviolet radiation).

While sunblock is defined as a preparation applied to the skin to prevent sunburn (as by physically blocking out ultraviolet radiation). 

Sunblocks are better than sunscreens. They are physical barriers...

Lacto Calamine Classic Skinsurance

I had bought Lacto Calamine long time ago but did not use it more than once. I had to throw it away. A month ago, I read somewhere that it works great for the skin. It lightens pigments and cools the skin.

I bought a 60 ml(Rs 54) bottle and started to use it from that very day. I am prone to sun burns and pigmentation.

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It is easily available and price is very very reasonable. A Aloe Vera variant is also available but I am using the classic one.