5 Amazing Homemade Skin Brightening Face Masks

Bright and radiant skin is a sign of healthy skin. If you are willing to pile layers of makeup on your skin, perhaps you will be successful in achieving that skin brightening effect in the shortest time possible. But nothing can beat the naturally bright and glowing skin that makes you stand out in a crowd!

That is why, don’t forget to try out the amazing homemade skin brightening face masks which are made out of natural ingredients that are readily available. These face masks are extremely effective for brightening the skin and since they are natural, there is no risk or side effect involved.

See more details below. 

1. Aloe vera Brightening mask

In order to prepare this face mask, you would need:

* Pure Aloe vera- 1tsp

* turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp 

* rosewater – 2tsp

Mix the ingredients into a thick paste and apply it on your face. Wait for twenty minutes. Wash off with plain water and follow up with rosewater. You may use a mild moisturizer if your skin feels dry. This face pack is great for oily skin, prone to acne. Aloe Vera helps in soothing your skin and absorbing excess oil. Turmeric, along with rosewater, is effective in imparting instant radiance to your skin.

2. Yogurt Brightening face maskTo prepare this face mask, you would require:
* Yogurt – 2tsp
* olive oil – 1tsp
* honey – 1tsp
* turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp

Mix all the ingredients and use it on your skin. Turmeric is a natural skin brightener but you must use it in moderation as excess turmeric will stain your skin with a yellowish patch. Honey is a natural humectant that keeps your skin moist. Olive oil is one of the best moisturizers nature has in store for you. yogurt cleanses your skin and makes it brighter. This pack is great for your skin and can be used daily. Try to use it at least thrice a week.

3. Papaya Brightening Face maskIn order to prepare this face pack, you need:
* Papaya – small pieces, half-a-cup
* honey – 1tsp
* yoghurt – 1tsp

The ingredients should be blended into a thick paste and then applied on cleansed skin. Wait for ten minutes and then, wash off. Papaya contains ‘papain’ which instantly brightens up your skin by exfoliating it on the surface and removing tan and dark patches. Yoghurt makes your dull skin look lighter and together they make a wonderful skin brightening pack.

4. Tomato Brightening face maskTo prepare this face mask, you need:
* Tomato paste – 1tsp
* yogurt – 2tsp

Mix yogurt and tomato paste and apply it on face. Wait for fifteen minutes. Rinse with cool water. This pack makes your skin radiant by removing dead cells, doing away with minor blemishes and absorbing toxins.  This will help brighten uneven skin tone and gently minimize the look of old acne scars and discolorations from the sun. However, exercise caution and do not use this pack if your skin is allergic to tomato.

5. Coconut Milk Brightening Face mask 
To prepare this face mask, you need:
* Coconut Milk- 2tsp
* Honey –  1tsp
* lemon juice – 1tsp

Mix all the ingredients together and massage it on face for few mins. Leave it on for fifteen minutes before you wipe it off with a warm towel. This mask instantly brightens dull skin and gives you a natural mini face lift.

10 Wonderful Health Benefits Of Tiger Nuts

Tiger nuts are one of nature’s super foods. They are high in fibre, highly nutritious and are believed to contain ingredients that can help prevent heart attacks and improve blood circulation. People in North Africa and Spain have been snacking on tiger nuts for centuries, so read on and find out ten of the amazing health benefits of tiger nuts.

1. They are very high in fibre

Tiger nuts are a very rich source of dietary fibre. Over 30% of a tiger nut is made of fibre and that’s more than oats, bran and most vegetables and fruits. We all need fibre to keep our digestive system in good working order, and it also be an aid to weight loss, by making you feel fuller for longer.

2. They help to control blood pressure

Another one of wonderful health benefits of tiger nuts is that the nuts are high in amino acids, especially one called arginine, which has been shown to be beneficial to those suffering with high blood pressure. Arginine has been clinically proven to reduce blood pressure.

3. They are a good source of magnesium

Tiger nuts are a good natural source of magnesium, which is needed by the body to help with muscle and nerve function and for the proper functioning of the immune system. Magnesium also helps to regulate the heart beat and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

4. They are a rich source of protein

Protein is a vital ingredient used in the building of muscle, skin and bone, and tiger nits provide a rich source of protein. Tiger nuts are in fact one the best, non-meat, sources of protein that there is.

5. They help regulate blood sugar levels A

nother one of great health benefits of tiger nuts is that they help regulate blood sugar levels. The insoluble fibre found in tiger nuts can be of great help to diabetics. Insoluble fibre is important to diabetics, because, unlike other carbohydrates, it does not cause peaks and troughs in the blood sugar levels.

6. Tiger nut milk can be used as a cow’s milk substitute

Tiger nut milk contains no lactose but plenty of calcium, so it makes a great alternative to cow’s milk, for people who are lactose intolerant.

7. Tiger nuts are a good source of Vitamin E

Tiger nuts are also a good source of the antioxidant, Vitamin E, which helps to protect against the damage caused by free radicals in the body. By protecting the body against free radicals, Vitamin E can help prevent both cancer and coronary diseases, as well as slow down the onset of the signs of ageing.

8. They contain the healthy fats

Another one of health benefits of tiger nuts is that they contain the healthy oils that are very similar to olive oil. The oil extracted from tiger nuts consists of around 80% unsaturated fats and only 18% of the cholesterol causing saturated fat.

9. They are a good source of vitamins

Recent studies have found that tiger nuts are brimming with vitamins and minerals. They are a superb source of Vitamins C and E and the minerals, such as potassium and phosphorus. Some yoghurt is now being made with added tiger nut milk, to boost their nutritional content.

10. Tiger nuts are so nutritious; they are being used to fight malnutrition

Tiger nuts are so packed with nutritional goodness that they are being considered as an alternative staple food in some developing countries. A study in Egypt found that tiger nuts are more nutritious and less expensive, than some other staple foods.

Stay happy and healthy!

Why You Should Never Eat Overcooked French Fries

If you like your french fries burnt to a crisp, you might want to adjust your taste preferences. 

Foods cooked at high temperatures for too long may contain higher levels of acrylamide, a chemical that's been found to cause cancer in animals.

According to FDA chemist Lauren Robin, acrylamide forms more often in plant-based foods, like potatoes, cereals and dried fruits during the frying and baking process. The chemical materializes from sugars and an amino acid that is naturally found in these kinds of foods.

It's virtually impossible to completely avoid acrylamide, since the compound is found in about 40 percent of the calories the average American eats, according to the Grocery Manufacturer's Association. But, there are some ways to cut down on the potentially cancerous substance.

First, don't store your potatoes in the refrigerator. Doing so can increase acrylamide during the cooking process, according to the American Cancer Society. 

Instead, spuds should be kept outside of the fridge in a dark, dry place. When cooking potato and plant-based items, aim for a yellow or golden brown shade rather than brown. The brown areas may contain more of the chemical. The same goes for bread: It should be toasted to a light brown color and should not be blackened.

Safe cooking!