Custard Apple -Tips

Buying & storing:

Ripe custard apples have pale green skin and yield to gentle pressure. Ripen darker green fruit at room temperature. Once ripe, store in the fridge and eat within two days.

Preparation:

Cut the custard apple in half or pull apart with your hands. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh to eat.

Cooking:

Cooking Tips: Scoop out the flesh and mix with any of the following: cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon, orange, honey and vanilla. A delicious food for toddlers.

Benefits of Custard Apple Hair & Skin

Benefits of Custard Apple for Hair:

Custard apple contains vital nutrients like iron, magnesium, vitamin A and phosphorus, which can benefit the hair in multiple ways.

1. Helps To Eliminate Lice:

Unripe custard apple fruit powder can help you to get rid of lice. Mix the powder with water or coconut oil and apply it on the scalp. Wash it off after 10 minutes to treat hair lice and nits.

2. For Better Collagen Levels:

Vitamin C in custard apple contributes to the development of collagen, a protein which makes up the major portion of our hair and scalp.

3. For A Luxurious, Moisturized Hair:

Custard apple seed oil is useful for taming wavy and coarse hair. It hydrates and moisturizes the scalp, making the hair lustrous, voluminous and shiny. The high levels of vitamin A in custard apple seed oil hydrate the hair without weighing it down.

4. Prevents Premature Graying:

The high levels of copper in custard apple contribute to the formation of melanin, preventing premature hair graying. It also maintains the natural color of the hair.

5. Natural Antidote For Scalp Infections:

The vitamin C and antioxidants in custard apple regulate the sebum production in the scalp, reducing dandruff and flaky skin.

6. For Better Hair Growth:

It inhibits scalp inflammation, preventing hair fall. It also facilitates the absorption of nutrients, providing nourishment to the hair. The high amount of iron in custard apple improves blood circulation in the scalp, stimulating the follicles to promote hair growth.


Benefits of Custard Apple for Skin:

1. Good For Skin Rejuvenation:

Custard apple is not only a delicious fruit, but is excellent for the skin as well. It contains nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B, antioxidants, which are required for rejuvenating the skin’s health.

2. Naturally Heals The Skin Infections:

The paste of custard apple is used to treat ulcer, abscesses, and boils. Vitamin C in custard apple helps in the healing of wounds and forming cartilage, tendons and ligaments. Consuming custard apple juice on a regular basis stimulates the development of new cells in the layers of the skin. It also assists in healing of abrasion and cuts. The latex of custard apple tree when applied on the skin treats skin diseases like inflammation, eczema and psoriasis.

3. Delays Ageing And Keeps Skin Youthful:

Regular consumption of custard apple thickens and stimulates the collagen to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. It increases the deposition of collagen and slows its breakdown, improving the elasticity of the skin. It also improves hydration in and around the cells. Vitamin C in custard apple combats free radicals in the body, providing a healthy, flawless and glowing skin. It promotes a healthy cell membrane. The antioxidants in custard apple neutralize free radicals, hastening the process of regeneration. It helps to delay the signs of ageing like age spots and blemishes. The antioxidants fight the harsh rays of the sun, protecting from sun damage. Consumption of custard apple helps in the regeneration of skin cells and contributes in making the skin youthful.

4. Keeps Skin Cancer Away:

The acetogenin compounds in custard apple help in the eradication of pre-cancerous skin lesion, preventing skin cancer.

5. Lowers Pigmentation Problems:

Custard apple decreases the clustering of melanin granules, reducing brown spots and pigmentation. It also helps to reverse the pigmentation caused due to the free radicals.

6. Eases Rosacea Symptoms:

The high levels of iron in custard apple increase blood circulation, reducing the symptoms of rosacea.

7. Good For Pimple-Prone Skin:

Consumption of custard apple decreases sebum production, controlling acne and pimples. Mix custard apple paste with lemon juice and use it three times a week to control sebum production. The anti-inflammatory properties of custard apple fight acne and clear the pores to prevent further breakout.

Benefits of Custard Apple

Benefits of Custard Apple

1. Healthy Skin and Hair:

Thanks to the high-levels of vitamin A, custard apple is great for healthy skin, healthy hair and better eyesight. It plays a role in moisturisation and anti-aging. The creamy flesh or pulp can be used as a balm to treat boils and ulcers. The outer skin of custard apple is helpful in combating against tooth decay and gum pain.

2. Hyper-Thyroidism:

Custard apples are good for those who need to gain weight. A mixture of honey and custard apple when consumed regularly will help add on the required weight and those much required calories. All in the healthy way.

3. During Pregnancy:

Custard apple helps develop the brain, nervous system and immune system of a fetus effectively. Regular consumption of custard apple also reduces the risk of miscarriage during pregnancy and minimizes the extent of labor pain during childbirth. The pregnancy-wonder fruit also helps the expectant mother to cope with morning sickness, fight nausea, numbness and mood swings. Regular consumption during pregnancy is excellent for production of breast milk.

4. Prevents Asthma:

Custard apple is rich in vitamin B6, which help reduce the bronchial inflammation and help prevent asthmatic attacks.

5. Prevents Heart Attacks:

The magnesium content in custard apples helps defend the heart from cardiac attack and can help relax the muscles. Moreover, vitamin B6 in custard apples help prevent homocystein collection which also minimize the risk of heart diseases.

6. Aids Digestion:

Custard apple is rich in copper and dietary fibre, which helps assist digestion, help ease bowel movement and relives from constipation. Sun dried custard apple pulp can be crushed into powder and consumption of the powder with water will help heal diarrhea.

7. Excellent for Diabetics:

The abundance of dietary fiber in custard apple helps slow down the absorption of sugar and reduces the risk of developing type-2 diabetes.

8. Controls Blood Pressure:

Custard apples are good sources of potassium and magnesium which help keep the blood pressure levels in control. For those with fluctuating blood pressure levels, a custard apple a day will help keep them in control.

9. Reduces Cholesterol:

Custard apples contain high levels of niacin and dietary fiber, which help lower cholesterol levels effectively.

10. Treating Anemia:

Custard apples serve as a stimulant, coolant, expectorant and haematnic. Moreover, the rich iron source is also useful in treating anemia.

Forget counting the seeds of the fruit, instead, start counting the health benefits and relish the creamy fruit. Leave a comment below to share your views

11. Helps To Gain Weight:

Custard apple is an ideal snack and/or dessert for those who wish to put on some weight. A calorie-laden fruit, the sugars present in it make peps up the metabolic rate, thus, stimulating the appetite levels. The more your appetite is, the better the food intake will be. This, in turn, can help you gain weight.

Mint -Tips

Selection, Storage and Usage:

Selection

Fresh and dry peppermints are available throughout the year, making it easier for you to buy as and when required.

Fresh peppermint leaves are any day preferable than the dry one as they keep the flavour and nutrients intact.

Fresh peppermint leaves should be vibrant green in colour and with firm stems. It should not have any dark brown or yellow spots on it.

If you prefer dry mints, then purchase organically grown peppermint leaves as these will ensure that they are free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals.

Storage

You can refrigerate the fresh ones locked in a zip pouch or a paper towel.

Fresh peppermint leaves should be consumed within a week’s time while dried mint can be stored for a few months in an air tight container.

Usage

Peppermint should be washed thoroughly before using to remove sand, dirt and residual pesticides.


Side Effects of Peppermint:

There are as such no side effects of peppermint but people suffering from gastro-oesophageal reflex disease (GRD) should limit the consumption of peppermint as the compounds in peppermint, make the muscles in the oesophageal wall smooth and relaxed which can aggravate their reflux. Patients suffering from heartburn, acid reflux and gall stones should also avoid peppermint. It is not recommended for pregnant, lactating mother and children.

Peppermint should be strictly avoided if you are taking cyclosporine or any other medication preventing the rejection of transplant. Regulate the blood sugar level before consuming peppermint as it significantly lowers the blood sugar level in the body.

Benefits Of Peppermint Skin & Hair

Hair Benefits Of Peppermint:

Peppermint is not just acclaimed for its skin benefits. It is equally famous for its ability of hair rejuvenation. Peppermint helps overcome hair-related issues. Some peppermint uses for hair include:

Effective Hair Tonic:

Peppermint oil acts as an effective hair tonic when mixed with other essential oils like tea tree oil, coconut oil, castor oil and even Vitamin E oil.

Promotes Hair Growth:

Peppermint oil gives a tingling sensation when massaged onto the scalp which means that the oil is working at balancing the pH levels. This helps to neutralize the effect of excessive oil production. Thus it reduces the hair greasiness. This stimulates hair follicles and increases blood circulation in the scalp, promoting hair growth.

Hydrates Hair Follicles:

Peppermint hydrates the hair follicles from within to give you smooth, shiny and soft hair. Rub a few drops of peppermint oil on your hands and smooth it through the hair. Moreover, peppermint oil is non-greasy and will leave your hair pleasantly scented. It can also be used with hair straightening tools as a hair protecting serum.



Skin Benefits of Peppermint:

1. Heals Various Skin Issues:

Peppermint is mostly used in topical creams which are used to address a variety of skin issues. Its soothing properties make it an effective treatment for rashes, poison oak and poison ivy. It gives a strong healing effect to the skin.

2. Treats Oily and Greasy Skin:

Peppermint leaves have been used widely since ages to treat oily and greasy skin. Menthol in peppermint reduces the secretion of oil from the sebaceous glands which help to get an oil-free skin naturally. To use:

Apply freshly grounded peppermint leaves on your face

Leave it for 10 minutes.

You may also add honey to the paste to get best results.

Wash it off and pat dry.

You may also combine peppermint paste with jojoba oil or aloe vera to get optimum benefits.

3. Astringent, Antiseptic and Anti Inflammatory Properties:

Peppermint is known to balance the pH levels of the skin. This helps balance the production of excessive oils in the skin, thereby reducing overall acne and breakouts. The astringent, antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties of peppermint help diminish the appearance of acne, blackheads, rashes and redness of the skin

4. Treats Athlete’s Foot:

Peppermint can also help to treat athlete’s foot. To use:

Massage the oil on your feet and leave it overnight.

Peppermint oil can also be used to reduce cellulite line by rubbing the oil on the affected areas.

Peppermint oil keeps the skin clean and prevents skin infections and blemishes.

Benefits of Mint

Health Benefits of Mint:


Mint, the well known mouth and breath freshener that is scientifically known as Mentha, has more than two dozen species and hundreds of varieties. It is an herb that has been used for hundreds of years for its remarkable medicinal properties.

The market is full of products like tooth paste, chewing gum, breath fresheners, candy and inhalers which have mint as their base element. Most of us are familiar with the refreshing application of mint, but it has far more to offer than that.

Health Benefits of Mint Leaves:

The health benefits of mint include the following:

Digestion: Mint is a great appetizer or palate cleanser, and it promotes digestion. It also soothes stomachs in cases of indigestion or inflammation. When you feel sick to your stomach, drinking a cup of mint tea can give you relief. Also, if you are someone who travels long distances via plane or boat, the menthol oil derived from mint can be very soothing for nausea and related motion sickness.

Nausea & Headache: Again, the strong and refreshing aroma of mint is a quick and effective remedy for nausea. Even just the smell of mint oil or freshly crushed mint leaves or the use of any product with mint flavor, and your stomach issues will be alleviated. In fact, many people keep menthol oil or mint-flavored products with them at all time to avoid nausea. Balms with a mint base or basic mint oil, when rubbed on the forehead and nose, gives quick relief in case of headache. Mint is a naturally soothing substance, so it can alleviate the inflammation and temperature rise that is often associated with headaches and migraines.

Respiratory Disorders and Coughs: The strong aroma of mint is very effective in clearing up congestion of the nose, throat, bronchi and lungs, which gives relief for respiratory disorders that often result from asthma and the common cold. As mint cools and soothes the throat, nose and other respiratory channels, it relieves the irritation which causes chronic coughing. This is the main reason why so many balms are based on mint. Unlike the inhalers that are based on aerosols, those with mint as the fundamental component tend to be more effective and eco-friendly as well.

Asthma: Regular use of mint is very beneficial for asthma patients, as it is a good relaxant and relieves congestion. That being said, using too much mint in this way can also irritate the nose and throat.

Breast Feeding: For many women, breastfeeding is a beautiful part of raising a child, but it can seriously damage your breasts and nipples. Studies have shown that mint oil can reduce the nipple cracks and nipple pain that so often accompany breastfeeding.

Depression and Fatigue: Mint is a natural stimulant, and the smell alone can be enough to charge your batteries and get your brain functioning on a high level again. If you are feeling sluggish, anxious, depressed, or simply exhausted, mint and its derivative essential oils can help. It can be ingested, applied topically in a salve form, or inhaled as a vapor, and all of those techniques can give you a much-needed boost! A popular way to get good results in an easy manner is to put a few drops of mint essential oil or menthol oil on your pillow at night and let it work on your body and mind while you sleep.



Skin Care and Pimples: While mint oil is a good antiseptic and anti-pruritic material, mint juice is an excellent skin cleanser. It soothes skin, and helps to cure infections and itchiness, as well as being a good way to reduce pimples, and it can even relieve some of the symptoms of acne. Its anti-pruritic properties can be used for treating insect bites like those of mosquitoes, honeybees, hornets, wasps, and gnats. The cooling sensation will relieve you of the irritating sensation to scratch, and the anti-inflammatory nature of mint will bring down swelling! In that same vein, mint oil is often a basic component of bug repellent products like citronella candles, because the strong aroma is unappealing to most insects.

Memory Loss: A recent study explored the effects that mint has on alertness, retention, and cognitive function. It found that people who frequently use chewing gum, whose major active ingredient is mint, had higher levels of memory retention and mental alertness than those who did not. The stimulant qualities of mint, once again, have shown yet another reason to pop that stick of gum in your mouth, or chew some leaves when you’re feeling less than brilliant!

Weight Loss: Aside from all the other health benefits of mint, it also can help in your efforts to lose weight in a healthy way! Mint is a stimulant, as we’ve already mentioned, but it also stimulates the digestive enzymes that absorb nutrients from food and consume fat and turn it into usable energy. Therefore, by adding mint to your diet, you are increasing the amount of fat that is being consumed and put to use, rather than being stored and contributing to your weight gain!

Female Sterility: There are mixed opinions regarding the role of mint in treating this condition. Some argue that prolonged use of menthol may cause sterility, reducing a woman’s ability to conceive by interfering with the production of ova and killing these gametes. This is due to the germicidal and insecticidal properties of mint, which are beneficial for so many other health concerns. Other research has claimed that men who smoke menthol cigarettes are more likely to suffer from impotency than those who smoke normal cigarettes. It is not certain whether this is due to the tobacco alone or if the mentholated aspect has anything do with it. Another group or researchers suggest that mint may actually be used to treat sterility in females. Suffice to say, a great deal of further research must be done on the effects of mint in both male impotency and female sterility.

Allergies and Hay Fever: Season allergies and hay fever (also known as rhinitis) affect millions of people around the world at certain times of the year. Extracts from mint leaves have been shown to inhibit the release of histamines, which often spur on the severe nasal symptoms that are associated with hay fever and seasonal allergies.

Cancer: Current research shows that certain enzymes that can be found in mint may help prevent and treat cancer.

Headaches: Peppermint oil may help relieve tension headache pain. For headache pain, try dabbing a few drops on your wrist or sprinkling a few drops on a cloth, then inhaling the aroma. You can also massage the oil directly onto your temples and forehead.

Hair and Skin: Try blending peppermint oil into your massage oil, shampoo, bodywash or body lotion. It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that can help cool your skin and remove dandruff (and lice) from your scalp.

Muscle Pain: Peppermint may help to relieve muscle spasms and pain. Try massaging its essential oil onto sore muscles or adding it to your bath water for muscle pain relief.

Benefits of Grapes Skin & Hair

Hair Benefits of Grapes:

Grapes make your hair long and thick. Dandruff, split ends, premature graying, hair loss, and a number of other hair problems can be easily solved by using grapes.

Aromatherapy:

Grape seed oil is light and non-greasy, and does not leave any residue over the scalp. It has good emollient properties, which suit all skin types. As such, it is apt for use in aromatherapy.

Dandruff:

Apply grape seed oil on a daily basis to control dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis is an itchy scalp condition, which affects adults. Infants are affected by cradle cap. These issues are solved by using grape seed oil. The oil moisturizes your scalp, removes dry flakes, and even improves the circulation of blood.

Grapes good for Hair Growth:

The natural antioxidants in grapes increase the circulation of blood and encourage hair growth. Grape seed oil is extracted form the seeds of grapes. It is green, odorless, non-greasy and has a light texture. Your hair is made soft, manageable, and shiny.

Grapes seed oil for Hair Loss:

Loss of hair is controlled by grapes. Grapeseed oil contains Vitamin E and linoleic acid, which make your hair healthy and strong. Brittleness, hair breakage, and even split ends are treated by using this oil. The hair follicles are strengthened to treat hair loss and aid in better hair growth.

Skin Benefits of Grapes:

Grapes are considered to be one of the best remedies for overall skincare. They are loaded with phytochemicals and phytonutrients which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Grapes are also rich in vitamin C which is vital for good health of the skin. Grapes offer the following benefits in the context of skin:

 Protection Against Sunburns:

The fleshy part of grapes as well as the extract of its seeds contains proanthocyanidins and resveratrol which are powerful antioxidants. Application of grape seed extract on the skin provides protection against harmful ultraviolet radiation. It acts as a sunscreen, by reducing the redness caused due to sunburn and also minimizes the damage borne by the skin cells. It is due to this feature that grape seed extracts and resveratrol are often used as ingredients in sunscreen lotions.

Anti-Ageing Benefits:

Free radicals are the main cause of premature ageing which is characterized by the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. The antioxidants present in grapes, along with vitamin C, protect the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals, and reverse the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots. Grapes also help in toning the skin. If practiced regularly, rubbing the pulp of a few seedless grapes on the face in a circular motion and rinsing it after 20 minutes will help in reducing the formation of wrinkles

Skin Softener:

Grape seed extract is rich in vitamin E which retains the moisture of the skin. This extract also acts as an exfoliant. Scrubbing the skin with it results in the removal of the top layer of dead cells, thus making skin healthier and smoother than before. Grape seed oil is gentle on the skin and can be an excellent moisturizer. A massage with this oil is known to hydrate the skin.

Rejuvenates the Skin:

Certain organic acids that are present in grapes facilitate the rejuvenation of skin cells. Grapes contain vitamin C which is necessary for collagen formation. Collagen forms up to 70% of the dry weight of human skin and is vital for the growth of cells and blood vessels and for providing strength and firmness to the skin. Moreover, grapes make the skin free from diseases by removing toxins from the body. Resveratrol present in grapevines protects the skin against harsh weather. It also rejuvenates the skin and reduces discolouration.

Cures Uneven Skin Tone:

Green grapes are very effective in curing uneven skin tones. Squeeze out the juice of green grapes and apply it on the skin. Let it dry. Rinse the juice off after some time. This will help in toning the skin.

Lightens Scars:

Green grapes help in lightening the scars that are caused due to acne. Vitamin C in grapes encourages the formation of scar tissues and ligaments and helps to repair the skin. Dust a bunch of green grapes with 1 tablespoon of alum and 1 tablespoon of salt. Keep them wrapped in a foil and bake them for quarter of an hour. Apply the juice of these grapes on your face, leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water. This is sure to visibly lighten the scars.

Youthful Appearance:

Green grapes speed up metabolism and induce perspiration, thus giving skin a youthful and radiant appearance.