2014modetrends

Healthy Lifestyle May Keep You Younger by 10 Years

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Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can actually make you look 10 years younger! According to a recent study conducted at the University of Zurich, a healthy diet, staying active, and abstaining from alcohol and tobacco can have significant effects on the ageing process. It is the first time that the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle can be depicted in numbers. An individual who fails to maintain a healthy lifestyle with poor diet, alcohol and tobacco consumption has a 2.5 fold higher mortality risk than an individual with a healthy lifestyle.

The study shows that personal behavior and unhealthy lifestyle habits play a significant role in raising risk of cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory disorders and cardiovascular diseases. Brian Martin and his colleagues from the Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM) at Zurich have examined the effects of smoking, drinking, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity - both individual and combined - on life expectancy.

"A healthy lifestyle can help you stay ten years' younger," said lead author Eva Martin Diener.

For the study, researchers used data from the Swiss National Cohort (SNC). They focused on cardiovascular disorders and which cause maximum deaths in Switzerland. The researchers succeeded in correlating data on tobacco consumption, fruit consumption, physical activity and alcohol consumption from 16,721 participants aged between 16 and 90 from 1977 to 1993 with the corresponding deaths up to 2008.

"The effect of each individual factor on life expectancy is relatively high," said Martin-Diener. But smoking seems to be the most harmful. Compared with a group of non-smokers, smokers have a 57 per cent higher risk of dying prematurely. The impact of an unhealthy diet, not enough sport and alcohol abuse results in an elevated mortality risk of around 15 per cent for each factor, researchers warned.

"We were very surprised by the 2.5 fold higher risk when all four risk factors are combined," said Martin..For more information:red carpet dresses

7 Superfoods That Improve Your Workouts

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If your workouts have been suffering lately, it’s time to rethink what you’re having beforehand. Stress, poor nutrition, and a lack of sleep can all rob your energy, but luckily, there are some awesome superfoods that can improve your workouts to give you just the boost you’re looking for. I’m a big fan of functional nutrition, which basically means that you eat foods that provide your body with the exact benefits you’re looking for at any given time.

For instance, if you’re looking to sleep well, you’re certainly not going to have a cup of coffee or an energy drink. You’re likely to reach for more calming foods to help you sleep, right? Well, the same goes for your workouts. I’m sure you know the importance of an energizing meal before a workout, but sometimes, even the best bowl of oatmeal or banana with nut butter just doesn’t cut it.

But what about coffee, you ask? Well, while I love having a cup each morning myself, I don’t rely on caffeine to get me through my workout and you shouldn’t either. Caffeine can quickly tax the adrenals, dehydrate your body, and contribute to inflammation. So instead of having several cups of coffee or a Red Bull before your workout, try using some of nature’s finest raw superfoods and reap the benefits all day long:

1. Maca

Maca isn’t only an energizing superfood that will improve your workouts, but it’s also a great source of protein for your muscles. Maca contains 20 amino acids in just one tablespoon, which is usually all most people need to get results. Maca provides a long, lasting stream of energy and it also reduces stress, inflammation, muscle cramps, and physical exhaustion. You can even use it directly after your workouts to help your muscles recover more quickly. Don’t worry though- maca won’t keep you up all night if you have an evening workout planned. Unlike caffeine, maca is not a stimulant but insteadit’s an adaptogen, so it adjusts to your body’s needs to restore a sense of balance.

2. Cacao

Cacao is by far one of the top foods to have right before a workout. It’s high in magnesium, which provides your body with energy and reduces stress at the same time. Cacao is also a wonderful source of antioxidants to relieve inflammation and its theobromine content acts as a mild stimulant to give you plenty of long-lasting energy without the crash of caffeine. Cacao also gives you a brain-boosting dose of dopamine to improve your mood and motivation without any of the additives that processed chocolate contains. Use a tablespoon in a smoothie, an energy bar, or even stirred into your coffee for a rich, delicious mocha.

3. Spirulina

Spirulina is found in blue green algae and is an amazing source of iron, protein and Vitamin B12. It contains 80 percent of your daily iron requirements, 4 grams of protein, and 150 percent of your daily B12 needs in just one teaspoon. This makes it a fantastic source of nutrients for vegans and for anyone in general. Iron helps deliver oxygen to the blood stream for optimal energy levels and Vitamin B12 is needed for metabolism and energy production, healthy blood and oxygen flow, and to maintain a healthy nervous system. The protein found in spirulina is a great replacement to grains in the diet since it’s less inflammatory and the amino acids found in spirulina can help improve your lean muscle mass. Last but not least, spirulina is rich in chlorophyll so it helps reduce inflammation to improve your workouts around the clock.

4. Acai Berries

All berries are fantastic for you, but I’m a fan of acai above the others. Acai is unlike any other fruit out there and is an awesome replacement for other fruits in your diet to get a highe rdose of nutrition. Acai contains omega 3 fatty acids, boosting more than salmon in just one serving. It also contains a large amount of anthocyanins that improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and protect the brain and nervous system. Plus, the fruit tastes like a mix of chocolate and blueberries yet it only contains 2 grams of sugar per serving so it won’t spike your blood sugar. You can use the powder or use the frozen packs found in the frozen food section at the grocery store to make a smoothie or adelicious acai bowl for breakfast.

5. Chia Seeds

Chia helps hold water in the body to prevent dehydration and it contains large amounts of magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, B vitamins, and calcium. All of these nutrients are prime fuel for your muscles, your heart, your brain, and your nervous system. Chia is also rich in fiber and potassium so it helps combat bloating that can make workouts uncomfortable. Just one tablespoon per serving is all you need to energize your body, ward off hunger and give you just the boost of energy you’re looking for.

6. Matcha

Matcha is one of my very favorite superfoods because it provides energy and reduces stress at the same time. (It pairs wonderfully with maca for this reason FYI.) Matcha is a form of green tea that’s less processed than most types you’ll find at the store. It’s rich in chlorophyll, more so than wheatgrass, spinach, or broccoli, and it’s a fantastic source of antioxidants. Green tea is known to be a top stress-relieving superfood due to high amounts of the amino acid L-theanine, which reduces cortisol in the body and helps the body achieve a sense of balance. When purchasing matcha, always buy pure, ceremonial grade matcha tea without additives. It should be a bright, almost lime green in color – not a ruddy greenish brown color, which indicates it is poorer in quality.

7. Camu Camu

Camu camu is slowly becoming more popular and I’m so glad because this superfood is one everyone needs more of, if you ask me. Camu camu is not only the highest source of Vitamin C on the planet, but it’s also an incredible brain-booster and energy-booster. The Vitamin C in camu camu helps reduce inflammation, combat fatigue, acts as an anti-fungal, and protects the immune system. Vitamin C is important to prevent muscle cramping, reduce soreness, and can help put that extra pep in your step you need right before a workout. It’s also virtually sugar-free so it’s awesome for your blood sugar levels as well. Plus just one teaspoon a day is all you need to get over 700 percent of your daily Vitamin C needs. Forget the oranges and try some camu camu instead!

I realize superfoods aren’t cheap, but I can’t imagine my day without them now after seeing how much they’ve improved my workouts and recovery, not to mention my mood and overall body composition. Start where you can and add two or three into your day until you get up to having all seven each day. The best part is, you only need a small serving so they last an incredibly long time once you’re able to purchase them. Superfoods are easy to add to a smoothie pre-workout or you can just blend them with some almond milk and ice for a quick energy shake. You can also mix them with dried fruit such as dates to make energy balls or use them however else you like.Also read here:cheap cocktail dresses

Go nuts over Hokey Pokey in Mumbai

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A much-loved Kiwi brand Hokey Pokey is marking its presence in city stores. Traditionally, a word for ice cream itself, the brand is known to be delicious with its small nuggets of honey toffee in vanilla ice cream and as a matter of fact is a favourite after vanilla flavour in New Zealand.

Black Forest Blend

Available across various locations in the city, one can choose from a variety of flavours that are divided into three categories — Indulge, Exotic and Gourmet. While Indulge contains traditional favourites such as Fresh Cream and Chocolate Temptation, you just might go weak in the knees when you hear of Banana Caramel Crunch in the Gourmet category.

The least heard i.e. the Exotic includes Granny Green Apple and Fruits of the Forest that just by their sheer interesting names will have you try them once. Their edge in the market is due to the fact that they have their own selection of mix-and-match flavours such as Strawberry Cheesecake NY Style (Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream with Cracker Biscuit and Strawberry Comfiture) priced at `75 for a scoop though you can create customised versions as well.

Double Chocolate Therapy

Other creations such as Manic Monkey, Brownie Break, Knight In Armour, Black Forest Blend and Double Chocolate Therapy which are the most popular with the sweet-toothed cost `110 each for a scoop.Also read here:www.sheindress.co.uk/red-carpet-celebrity-dresses

Picking Up Healthy Habits After Age 30 Could Help Reverse Heart Disease Risk

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Eliminating unhealthy habits such as losing weight and kicking the cigarette habit in your 30s and 40s could potentially reverse the natural progression of coronary artery disease, according to new research appearing in the June 30 edition of the journal Circulation.

According to lead investigator Bonnie Spring, a professor of preventive medicine at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and her colleagues, deciding to embrace healthy lifestyle changes can control and perhaps even undo damage to a person’s heart. However, the opposite was also found to be true: picking up unhealthy habits as they grow older can have a measurable adverse impact on the coronary arteries.

“It’s not too late. You’re not doomed if you’ve hit young adulthood and acquired some bad habits. You can still make a change and it will have a benefit for your heart,” Spring said in a statement Tuesday. Likewise, if you fail to maintain a healthy lifestyle after the age of 30, “you’ll see the evidence in terms of your risk of heart disease,” she added.

The study authors looked at 5,000 patients who were enrolled in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. They examined five different types of healthy behaviors – not being overweight or obese, consuming low amounts of alcohol, maintaining a healthy diet, being physically active and being a non-smoker – in each, as well as coronary artery calcification and thickening among each of the participants.

Each subject was assessed at baseline, when they were between the ages of 18 and 30, and again 20 years later. At the beginning of the study, less than 10 percent of CARDIA participants said they engaged in all five healthy lifestyle behaviors. Two decades later, about 25 percent of them had added at least one additional healthy behavior.

Every additional healthy lifestyle factor was linked to reduced odds of two major markers that can predict future cardiovascular events – detectable coronary artery calcification and lower intima-media thickness. Spring said that the findings were important because they helped to debunk a pair of commonly held health-care myths.

“The first is that it’s nearly impossible to change patients’ behaviors. Yet, we found that 25 percent of adults made healthy lifestyle changes on their own,” she explained. “The second myth is that the damage has already been done – adulthood is too late for healthy lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing coronary artery disease. Clearly, that’s incorrect. Adulthood is not too late for healthy behavior changes to help the heart.”

On the flip side, 40 percent of the study participants lost healthy lifestyle factors, acquiring more bad habits as they grew older. Spring said that this had “a measurable negative impact on their coronary arteries,” increasing their risk of detectable coronary artery calcification and higher intima-media thickness.

The researchers said that their findings demonstrate that healthy changes made by people in their 30s and 40s, such as maintaining a healthy body weight, cutting back on sodium and regularly participating in moderate physical activity, must be sustained. As Spring explained, “Adulthood isn’t a ‘safe period’ when one can abandon healthy habits without doing damage to the heart. A healthy lifestyle requires upkeep to be maintained.”Also read here:blue prom dresses

A flowery footwear collection

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Nothing spells feminine and fabulous than timeless, delicate florals. FitFlop brings every woman’s wildest flower fantasy blossom into life with its latest footwear collection, the limited edition Keiko Nishiyama FitFlop.

A fusion that combined meticulous Japanese artistry with top-caliber European technology, the design collaboration features two exclusive fantasy floral prints of budding fashion superstar Keiko Nishiyama beautifully reinterpreted in three iconic FitFlop shoes—the Keiko Skinny toe-thong, Keiko Shuv clog, and Keiko Bon sandal.

The Tokyo-born Nishiyama, one of the international fashion scene’s highly promising design superstars, is known for her signature botanical textile designs that are inspired by English gardens and flower cultivation. This unique artistic design philosophy earned her a rousing ovation among respectable critics at London Fashion Week 2013.

What comes next is an awe-inspiring floral tapestry of Nishiyama’s stunning “hybrid” blooms – a design technique that called for hand-drawn new flowers that are combined to create two unique prints which are then specially engineered to work on a 3D shoe shape.

A fresh, flower-strewn take on the classic-two bar, the limited edition Keiko Bon sandals mesmerize the feet with a curvy back strap and designer buckles. They also pretty up almost any outfit, and are so unbelievably comfortable.

Brighten up your day with a “hidden” abstract of multi-colored petals by donning Keiko Shuv, a super-glossy, limited edition clog that reveals a delightful “secret” if you peek inside —a stunningly beautiful floral-print lining.

Feminine and refreshing to the eyes, Keiko Skinny is one modest pair that every lady should have. Embellished with designer buckles, these super-svelte toe-thongs are super flattering on one’s dainty and perfectly pedicured toes.

Apart from the spectacular bed of blooms, all the Keiko limited styles feature FitFlop’s patent-pending, pressure-diffusing, super-cush Microwobbleboard midsoles for unbelievable foot comfort.

Exclusively distributed in the country by Primer Group of Companies, the limited edition FitFlop Keiko Nishiyama designs are now available at FitFlop oulets in SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM Southmall, SM North Edsa Annex, Greenbelt 3, SM Pampanga, SM Baguio, SM Cebu and Rustan’s.Also read here:evening dresses uk online