Women should be Happy & Healthy!

I thought I should share with you all interesting tips on how to stay healthy that I got from an e-newsletter!

- http://www.mydailymoment.com

10 nutrients women need

I think it is really important considering we tend to have to multi task a lot; taking care of our family and doing household chores and on top of that: WORK

NOT FORGETTING

We DO explode because shit happens, either caused by hubby/boyfriends (face it, this happens often to the majority. Congrats to the minority though.... lol)

Children driving you nuts, and OF course (who else????) YOUR boss. Maybe mother-in-laws even... zzzZZZ

WEll well WELL....................

OOOooooOOOoooooooHHHHhhhhhh

Women are indeed noble!

And so, in order to continue to uphold the best interests of all things we hold dear, we must keep our wonderful brains clear and working in good order to deal with all things 'chaotic' in this highly urbanised society!!


Nutrient number 1:

Folic acid or folate

This a type of B vitamin, which creates new cells and good DNA.

I guess you would have noticed the reason why advertisements always emphasize the goodness of folic acid in milk powder for pregnant ladies.. For healthy babies!

Folate decreases the level of an amino acid that has been linked to stroke, heart attack and dementia.

Folate can stabilize mood swings associated with menopause and perimenopause.

Found in foods like: nuts, legumes, spinach, dark leafy greens, enriched breads, pastas and grains, and is also usually in multivitamins.

I take vitamin B complex supplements!


Nutrient number 2:

Calcium
Calcium provides the building blocks for bones and teeth, and studies suggest it helps prevent breast cancer and reduces the severity of premenstrual syndrome.

PMS can affect some females badly. For me I drink Anlene milk powder for my daily calcium intake. :)

Found in foods: milk, cheese, ice cream, almonds, broccoli

For younger women, 1000mg. For post-menopausal women, 1,200 milligrams per day is required to prevent osteoporosis associated with aging.


Nutrient number 3

Iron

Iron is important for oxygen to get to cells. Women often lose a lot fo iron during menstration. When our iron level is low, we will tire easily.

Iron rich foods: beef, pork, poultry and fish, which all contain heme iron (easily absorbed)
vegetable iron: non-heme iron and include beans and dark greens (not easily absorbed and best to take with vitamin C)


Nutrient number 4

Omega-3 Acids

These are fats that our body cannot synthesize.

They can reduce stroke risk for women by more than half, and they also reduce blood triglycerides, lower blood pressure and increase levels of healthy HDL-cholesterol.
Omega-3s can also reduce inflammation linked with cardiovascular disease and arthritis.

Found in foods: salmon, anchovies


Nutrient number 5

Vitamin D

This is easy! Just go under the sun! A bit of sun does indeed do us good.

Vitamin D works to help in calcium absorption, reducing risk of osteoporosis


Nutrient number 6

Magnesium

Responsible for metabolism, maintaining a healthy heart and blood pressure.
People with kidney failure should not be taking magnesium supplements.

Found in foods: vegetables, seafood, meats, nuts, dairy products



Nutrient number 7

Vitamin C

Helps to repair cell damage caused by free radicals. (free radicals are 'monster' cells in our body that does us no good. - in layman's terms)

It's good for the production of collagen for healthy skin, gums, teeth, blood vessels, ligaments and bones.
Besides this, it seems like Vitamin C can help to prevent a lot of ailments! So, just be good and take our daily required dosage (90mg) of C to keep the doctor away!!


Nutrient number 8

Selenium

An antioxidant to prevent damage to DNA.
NOTE: it helps to maintain healthy skin, hair, eyes and liver.

Found in foods: seafood, meats


Nutrient number 9

Vitamin E

Antioxidant. Slows down aging process!

Found in foods: nuts, seeds, avocados and vegetable oils like olive, sunflower, safflower and canola.


Nutrient number 10

Potassium

Potassium increases bone density and helps prevent osteoporosis.
It also reduces salt sensitivity, lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of kidney stones.

Found in foods: bananas, baked potatoes, prune juice, oranges

Doses of more than 18 grams can be toxic, especially for individuals with unhealthy kidney function


So now we know what are the essentials to a healthy body. Start maintaining now!

Truths to Hair Myths

Here's some truth to bust some myths...

Myth 1: Cutting hair makes it stronger/grows faster

Hair grows from the scalp.

What it actually means is that, our hair naturally has different lengths and the hair ends are of a smaller diameter.
So, when it is cut short, it appears to be thicker. If you are trying to grow out your hair, the uncut ends will have been months or even years old, exposed constantly to the weather and physical conditions. These hair ends are prone to breakage without proper care. So, when cut off, it seems that your hair is healthier. When there's less breakage, you may find your hair seems longer too!

A healthy diet plays a part in healthy hair. Include sufficient vitamin B and protein in your diet for better hair growth.

Myth 2. You can repair split ends

Split ends can never be repaired unless u cut them off.
Products used on already split hair only temporarily 'glue' the ends together until the hair is washed or combed.
So in order to prevent this, constant care must be given before the hair is split too much and you need to cut a chunk off!
After every chemical process, it's always advisable to do the accompanied treatment to replenish the moisture.

Myth 3. Frequent shampooing dries my hair.

In this hot and humid climate its best to wash your hair once a day! Complete with conditioning for ladies! Or males with longer hair...when your hair is clean, you get lesser scalp problems or the yikey stinky smell..the key is to choose the right shampoo and products for your hair to replenish moisture not 'oil'.

Myth 4. Frequent shampooing makes my hair fall out more

We are often put off by the amount of hair that comes out during shampooing. But in actual fact, shampooing only removes the loose hair already detached from the scalp.
Shampooing has a stimulative effect on the hair so those who don't wash your hair often, do so now!

Myth 5. Brushing your hair 100 strokes is good for it.

I know this is just an excuse to skive!
When your boss asks you what the hell you are doing, brushing your hair when you are supposed to be working?!

You reply,"Boss, brushing your hair a 100 times a day is good for your scalp! (Boss happens to be balding) Now I'm into 34 times, 35, 36.......39, 40....

Being the workaholics nowadays, what better time to do so in the office. Nah! Having to brush your hair 100 times before going to bed is exhausting!

Anyway, this is bad for your hair! Try brushing your pet 100 times a day and see if you'll wear a hole on it..

Myth 6. Pull out one grey hair and two will grow..

I ll start pulling all my hairs out now! It's not true and it damages the hair follicles.

Myth 7. Dandruff is the cause of a dry scalp.

It is an OILY scalp that causes dandruff. So please do not try to oil your scalp thinking it's dry. You might worsen the condition.
Use an anti dandruff shampoo for 2 weeks or so.

How to use it correctly: shampoo your hair first in the bath after doing the proper lathering and massage, leave the foam on for a while before rinsing off. i.e: proceed to soap your body after and rinse everything off to save time.
when the dandruff is cleared, usually after 2 weeks or so or when you don't see flakes, revert back to your normal shampoo.

Myth 8. Colouring hair makes it fall out

There is no scientific evidence to support this. Contrarily, colouring hair to make you look good boosts your morale greatly!


Adapted from: The Hair Bible by Philip Kingsley