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Garlic is one of those ingredients that I always have on hand: there’s a bulb on my kitchen counter and a jar of minced garlic in my fridge. I love it because not only does garlic add flavor and aroma to any dish, but it offers health benefits too. Studies show garlic may lower breast, colon, stomach, throat and skin cancer risks. It’s heart-healthy, too, as it’s been shown to prevent clotting. The secret to all these health benefits? Sulfides.
(Cooks take note: the way garlic is treated in the kitchen can affect its health benefits. Those beneficial sulfides aren’t released unless the garlic is crushed or chopped and left to sit for at least 10 to 15 minutes before eating or cooking. Garlic purchased already chopped offers the same benefits, but whole roasted garlic, while delicious, may not yield such perks.)
Unfortunately, those same good-for-you sulfide compounds leave you with dragon-breath aftereffects that can last days. If you’re that person who saves the parsley garnish to chew on after a garlicky meal, good for you—because new research (reported by Amy Paturel in EatingWell’s November issue) suggests certain foods may offer a remedy.
Apples, spinach, basil, parsley: Studies show these and other phenolic-rich foods help kick garlic breath. The polyphenols (compounds that act like antioxidants) break down the smelly sulfur compounds in garlic. “But only when they’re mixed with garlic,” says Sheryl Barringer, Ph.D., professor of food science and technology at Ohio State. For the biggest benefit, combine garlic and one of these foods in the same dish; eating them in different dishes at the same meal might help too.
Milk: A new study suggests that milk is perhaps even more effective at banishing garlic breath—particularly if you drink it before or during a garlicky meal. Researchers found that milk offered greater odor-reducing effects for garlic breath than other foods previously tested—prunes, basil, burdock, eggplant and mushrooms. “The water [in milk] rinses the mouth,” says Barringer, “but it’s not just the water; it’s the fat.” That’s why whole milk was more effective than skim.
Green tea: Can’t stomach the idea of milk with your Asian stir-fry? Drinking green tea before or during a meal may also mitigate garlic breath, as the polyphenols reduce volatile sulfur compounds.
source: shine.yahoo.com
reBLOG: 7 Genius Lipstick Tricks
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Find Your Perfect Pink
Unsure of which pink is best for you? Just smile; your perfect shade is about the same color as your gums—no lighter.
Make Lipstick Last
To keep your color in place, fill the entire lip with neutral pencil before applying lipstick. If necessary, roll the tip in the palm of your hand to warm it up and prevent hard lines.
Create a Custom Shade
Turn any lip color into a shimmery new shade: Swipe sheer golden gloss over lipstick—it instantly warms up every color.
Shape Lips Sans Liner
Give the illusion of two perfect peaks without lining lips: Just dab concealer in the groove at the center of your upper lip and blend well.
Use Powder for the Perfect Nude Lip
Start with a pale pink shade, then dust translucent powder on top for a matte effect. “I call it a powdered lip look,” says makeup artist Robin Fredriksz, who has used the technique on Drew Barrymore.
Photo by: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic.com, Time Inc. Digital Studio
Prime Lips for Spot-On Color
If you really like the way a lipstick color looks in the tube, prime lips with a touch of foundation before applying; that way, you start with a blank canvas. The result will be similar to what you see in the package.
Make Your Own Stain
Turn any lipstick into a durable stain by blotting, reapplying, then blotting again to remove excess oils. Blot with lint-free blotting paper rather than tissue for a more natural, long-lasting look.
reBLOG: 9 Beauty Substitutes You Already Have
White Sugar:
According to Dr. Patricia Wexler, exfoliating is one of the most important things we can do for the health of our skin. Best-selling author and makeup artist Carmindy reveals that plain old white sugar is one of the best exfoliators around. Keep a jar of it in your shower. Take a handful and gently massage your entire body with it, using a soft washcloth. Rinse and the sugar crystals simply melt away down the drain. So much better than eating it!
Photo by: © ShutterstockOlive Oil:
The ancient Romans knew what they were doing when they slathered olive oil on every part of their bodies, saving a little for their hair. Keep a plastic ketchup bottle (the kind you see in old diners) filled with olive oil in your bathroom. Add a few drops of lavender oil (or whatever fragrance you prefer). After exfoliating, pat your skin until it’s almost dry, then massage a small amount of oil all over your body. Result? Skin like velvet. After your hair is dry, massage a few drops of oil in your palms and, bending over, scrunch a bit of it into the ends.
Photo by: © ShutterstockHoney:
Who knew that honey is equally effective for treating colds and improving your looks? Applying honey all over your face is beneficial, since it contains vitamins and moisturizes. It's also a natural antibiotic that can kill bacteria. Add a little white sugar and exfoliate with it in the shower, too.
Photo by: © ShutterstockLemon Juice:
There are so many things you can do with lemon juice (preferably freshly squeezed). Soak your nails in them (without polish) to reduce yellowing, and brush your teeth with a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice for whiter teeth. And best of all, take a tablespoon or two of freshly squeezed lemon juice and mix into a tall glass of warm water. Drink it before ingesting anything else, first thing in the morning. It’s a great way to hydrate and jump-start your system.
Photo by: © ShutterstockCrisco (or some other vegetable shortening):
Crisco is a surprisingly effective makeup remover, and it’s also highly effective in treating eczema. Apply the shortening to infected areas, and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse, and apply a little olive oil.
Photo by: CC Flickr/Elaine AshtonYogurt:
Yogurt is a highly effective treatment for the common skin condition rosacea. It has the ability to soften the skin while calming the redness — especially after eating something spicy or enjoying a little too much heart-healthy red wine. Simply apply it as a mask, and leave on for about 15 minutes. Rinse, and apply a light layer of olive oil.
Photo by: © ShutterstockParsley and Mint:
Bad breath is common, and usually avoidable. Steer clear of the store-bought mouth rinses and gargles, as they tend to make matters worse. Simply brush your tongue when you brush your teeth, drink lots of water to keep your mouth hydrated and chew on a few sprigs of parsley or mint, since studies have shown that these freshen breath instantly. Keep a plastic bag filled with the sprigs in your purse at all times.
Photo by: © ShutterstockGreen Tea Bags:
Green tea is one of the best things you can drink (along with lots of water, and red wine in moderation). For a great de-puffing eye treatment, try soaking a few bags in water and sticking them in the freezer. Place on your eyes, lower the lights and ... relax.
Photo by: © ShutterstockApple Cider Vinegar:
Exfoliating is one of the best things we can do for our skin. Chemical peels done at your dermatologist's office are highly effective, though often expensive. But a simple application of apple cider vinegar works, too. Soak a cotton ball in it and apply all over the face, keeping away from the eyes; leave on for at least 45 minutes. After you rinse, follow with a light application of olive oil.
Photo by: © Shutterstocksource: shine.yahoo
bentezinco
Yesterday I decided to buy this book even though I don't like to read. Maybe because I'm curious. Why curious? Something to do with 25. :)
If you are looking for something to read,you can check this list.
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