As summer arrives, it comes with various skin related problems. As heat of the sun becomes very harsh on our skin and results into many skin related issues like sunburn, sun tan, acne, pimples, spots and other skin infections. It becomes very difficult for us to protect our skin from these problems. So here we are with an ingredient that you can easily find in your kitchens, which can do wonders to your skin. Apple cider vinegar is an ingredient, which has many health as well as skin benefits. It is rich in acetic, citric, malic and amino acid and also contains vitamins, enzymes and mineral salts, which is beneficial for your skin.

Here is how you can use apple cider vinegar for flawless skin:

1. Prevents Acne And Pimples

If you are struggling from stubborn acnes and pimples, then keep an apple cider vinegar bottle handy. Due to its antibacterial and antifungal substance, apple cider vinegar helps in keeping your skin pores bacteria, oil and dust free.
How To Use:
Mix raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar with filtered water in a bowl.
Soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply it on the affected skin.
Leave it for 10 minutes and then wash it off with warm water.
Reapply a few times daily for few days to see the result.

2. Heals Sunburn

Apple cider vinegar is known to cure sunburns. It helps to soothe the pain and make the healing process fast.

How To Use:
Mix half a cup apple cider vinegar with 4 cups of water.
Douse a wash cloth with the solution and apply to sunburned skin.
Massage it for a while.
Repeat this several times daily for few days until your condition improves.

3. Soothe And Exfoliate Skin

Apple cider vinegar will soothe your skin and will leave it soft and supple. Its alpha hydroxyl acid removes the dead skin cells and reveals healthy new skin cells.

How To Use:
Pour some apple cider vinegar in a bathtub of warm water.
Be in there for 15-20 minutes.
Allow the protective acid to soak into your skin.
Follow this routine to maintain the pH levels of your skin.

4. Skin Toner

Apple cider vinegar has astringent properties, which helps in increasing the blood flow to the skin and minimise the pores, a great remedy for the ones with oily skin. It also regulates the pH level of your skin.

How To Use:
Mix apple cider vinegar with filtered water. You may add few drops of essential oil also.
Apply the solution on your skin using cotton ball.
Leave it for few minutes, and then rinse it off with cool water.
You can use it once or twice a day as per your need.

5. Remove Age Spots And Fights Wrinkles

Apple cider vinegar has alpha hydroxyl acids, which helps in removing dead skin and reveals healthy and glowing skin. Not just that, apple cider vinegar also helps in removing the age spots and minimises fine lines and wrinkles.

How To Use:
Dab a little apple cider vinegar on a cotton ball and apply it directly on the age spot and wrinkles.
Leave it for 30 minutes and then wash it off with cool water.
Follow this routine twice daily for 6 weeks and you will see the difference.

So, now you know the benefits of apple cider vinegar. Don't wait and include this magical portion to your daily beauty regime.

Disclaimer:

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Glossy red in color and round in shape, cranberries have a strong yet a delectable flavour. Cranberries are considered are as a super food and the credit goes to its healthy nutrients that are beneficial for our health. Cranberries are rich source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients, cranberries are good for our cardiovascular heath, moreover, on this juicy fruit is also known to heal stomach inflammation, prevent urinary tract infections, avoid respiratory infection, prevent scurvy, strengthen bones and teeth and aid weight loss. People enjoy eating cranberries in their raw form, plus also in the form of jam, sauce and juice. Apart from these health benefits, cranberries are quite beneficial for our skin and hair too. Here are some amazing ways to use cranberries for our skin and hair.

1. For Acne And Blemishes

If you are suffering from acne, then cranberries are perfect for you. Cranberries have an anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties that help to treat ache and blemishes. Moreover, the fruit has a rich amount of vitamin C, which helps the scars and marks to fade away.

How to use:
Take some cranberry juice.
Dab it on a cotton swab and apply directly on the acne or blemishes.
Leave it to dry and wash it off with clean water

2. To Unclog The Pores

This is for the ones with oily skin.Cranberries contain natural acids that help to prevent clogging of pores and decrease the risk of acne and boils on the face.

How to use:
Take some cranberry juice and dab it on a cotton ball.
Apply the juice on your face and leave it for some time.
Rinse it off with cold water.


3. For Hyper-pigmented Skin

Cranberries contain high amount of antioxidants and astringent properties, which help to remove pigmentation on your skin.

How to use:
Take some cranberry juice and mix it with gram flour.
Apply the mask on your face and massage it in a circular motion for 10-15 minutes.
Rinse it off with cold water.
(Also Read -Besan for Skin: 10 Best Natural Packs for All Skin Types)

4. For Glowing Skin

Cranberries help to give you a glowing and supple skin as it is rich in antioxidants. It helps to fight free radicals that are responsible for dull, dry and saggy skin.

How to use:
Take some cranberry juice and mix it with yogurt.
Massage it for few minutes.
Wash it with cold water. Follow this routine regularly to get youthful glow.

5. For Firm Skin

People with saggy skin must include cranberries in their daily skin care routine. Cranberries are rich in vitamin C that help in boosting our collagen production that is known to improve the elasticity of the skin. Collagen production helps to carry the oxygen and nutrients to the skin that makes our skin soft, glowing and firm.

How to use:
Take some cranberry juice and mix it with orange juice.
Apply it on your face and leave it for some time.
Rinse it off with cold water.

6. For Scalp Irritation

Cranberries contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help in preventing scalp irritation. If you have scalp irritation then you must try cranberries.

How to use:
Take some cranberry juice and mix it with egg white.
Apply the mixture on your scalp and make sure you cover the tips of the hair as well.
Massage your scalp with it for some time.
Wait for few minutes and wash it off with cold water. For better result follow this remedy twice a week.
hair mask

7. For Shiny Hair

Cranberries have large amount of vitamins and proteins in it. Washing your hair with fresh.

How to use:
Take some cranberry juice and mix it with one cup of mayonnaise.
Apply this mask on your scalp and leave it for 15 minutes.
Rinse it off with cold water.
hair plopping

8. Works As A Natural Hair Color

Cranberry juice can be used as a natural hair color. Use cranberry juice to have a natural red hue to your tresses and the best part is that it does not have any side effects.

How to use:
Take some purred cranberry juice and mix it with water.
Apply the mixture on your scalp and let it dry naturally.
Then wash it with normal water.
In order to get natural red tinge on your hair repeat this routine regularly for 2-3 days.
long and strong hair

So, now you know the skin and hair benefits of eating/using cranberries. Go and grab this healthy fruit today. Also, let us know some more skin and hair treatments using cranberries in the comment section below.

Pregnancy can be a challenging time for women with all the emotional and physical changes their bodies go through. While there is excitement to welcome a newborn into the world, it's no secret that nine-months of morning sickness, midnight hunger pangs and mood swings can be pretty daunting too. It needs a lot of patience and care to look after the mother and the baby. While fruits are said to be nutrient-dense and cater to untimely hunger pangs, there are a bunch of them that could be avoided as they may affect pregnancy in some way or the other.
According to Dr. Rahul Manchanda, Gynae Endoscopic surgeon PSRI Hospital, craving is one thing that strikes every woman during pregnancy due to hormonal surge but there are some fruits that are recommended to be avoided during pregnancy. Such fruits may include papaya as it could lead to early labour or miscarriage and sometimes even grapes as they contain a compound known as resveratrol that elevates hormonal imbalance during pregnancy."



According to Dr. Sadhna Singhal, Senior Consultant Gynaecologist, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, "fruits are always healthy and nutritious to have. But there are some fruits which should not be consumed during pregnancy as they might end up causing negative impact to the womb."

Here are some fruits that pregnant women should avoid, as suggested by the experts:

1. Pineapple

Although pineapple is a super healthy fruit, it should be kept away from pregnant women. It comprises a rich amount of bromelain that may cause the softening of the cervix that may induce early labour. Moreover, eating a lot of pineapple can cause stomach problems like diarrhoea, resulting in dehydration.



2. Grapes



Grapes have heat producing properties, which can affect both the mother and the baby. It is also the presence of a compound known as resveratrol, which is known to elevate hormonal imbalance during this period.

3. Papaya



Papaya is one of the most common fruits that are forbidden in this list. Papaya is said to promote early labour and in worst case scenario, miscarriages. Papayas, usually the unripe and semi-ripe ones are believed to be rich in latex that is known to trigger uterine contractions.



4. Bitter Melon



Bitter melon is said to be an irritant to the uterus, which can lead to premature birth or miscarriage. In fact, they contain highly toxic components like quinine, saponic glycosides and morodicine. When absorbed in the body, they can cause nausea, rash, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

Notes To Remember

You must never consume fruits that are not washed properly. The presence of pesticides, mud or any residue can give rise to infections, affecting the mother and the foetus.

Make sure you wash them thoroughly under running water, especially fruits that need cutting or peeling.

Cut away the bruised or damaged areas, as bacteria thrive in these spots, which make the mother and baby susceptible to infections.

As an added precaution, use a vegetable brush to remove surface dirt from the fruits.

Make sure you are not using detergents, soaps or bleach solutions to clean your fruits.

The refreshing aroma of the lemon has a significant role to play in ensuring the health of people than just merely being used as food flavoring. Known to be loaded with potassium, antioxidants, calcium, Vitamin B, and various other nutrients, simply placing them in the bedroom can both mentally and physically improve one’s health. Below are some of the outstanding health benefits of this habit.

Reduces stress: The failure of the activation of the receptors like adenosine A or 2A on the cell membranes is known to cause anxiety, insomnia and impaired transmission of dopamine. However, it is the citrus smell present in the lemons that help in soothing the mind and the body and relaxing the brain by activating the receptors present on the cell membrane.

Improves air quality: A poor air quality inside the house not only makes the environment of the house an unhealthy one but also gives rise of airborne bacteria and germs. Keeping few sliced lemons near your bed not only freshens the air with its sweet citrus smell; but also absorbs the harmful bacteria present in the air, rendering fresh and clean air.

Improves breathing: When it comes to getting rid of the stuffy nose that makes one restless and sleepless in his or her bed at night, keeping sliced lemons near the bed can do wonders. The gentle citrus smell of the lemons improves one’s breathing by soothing the nostrils. The inhaling of the smell of this anti-oxidizing and anti-bacterial fruit helps in keeping the nasal way clear. The essential oil limonene that this fruit contains helps in alleviating other breathing-related issues such as common cold or asthma as well.

Great insect repellant: Without having to use any harmful chemicals that may cause skin and respiratory issues or damage the endocrine system, putting lemon slices near one's bed can serve as a great natural insect replant. Placing this little yellow fruit on the other side of one's bed room keeps all sorts of insects at bay. It is the strong citrus smell of this natural repellent that repels the insects.

Lowers the blood pressure: The sweet aroma of lemons also has a role to play in reducing the blood pressure or maintaining it. Due to the calming effects that this fruit possesses, smelling lemons that are kept near the bed, helps to relax the body as well as reducing the blood pressure.

A lemon functions way beyond as a kitchen fruit or a simple flavoring agent. Based on the considerable numbers of therapeutic properties, a lemon should be there in the house, especially in the bed rooms, if you want to reap the magical benefits of this little citrus fruit.

It is the tropical fruit found in South America. It is also known by the name of Pine cones mostly cultivated in South along with Central America by Mayas. It has a unique flavor which balances the taste of sweet along with sour. It is regarded as one of the healthiest foods in the world available in all seasons. It offers many benefits that are good for the body.

Benefits of Pineapple

Good for digestion: This fruit is good for digestion as it contains fiber which will help you to overcome from the problem of constipation.

Prevents cancer: It helps you to prevent cancer as it contains anti-oxidants along with Vitamin C which will help you in fighting against cancer.
Boosts immune system: It will help you in boosting the immune system where your body will be able to fight with many diseases.

Cough- It is the best natural remedy for cough, as this fruit includes anti-inflammatory agents which will help the body in fighting infections and kill bacteria. It will help in removing the problem of cough fast without taking any medicine for the same.

Oral and Bone Health- This fruit is good in maintaining oral and bone health. This fruit contains special properties which will help a person to strengthen the gums. It will also help you to fight against oral cancer. It also strengthens your bones, and helps in the overall growth of the body.
Circulation of blood- This fruit also contains copper which is good for the body in building red blood cells which are important for the body in providing oxygen to different organs along with providing cognitive benefits.

Health of tissues: Tissue health is also maintained with the help of this fruit as it helps in the production of Collagen which helps the body in healing and fight against infections in the body.
Arthritis and blood pressure problem: Problem of blood pressure is also taken care of by its regular consumption. A person who eats pineapple regularly can take care of his or her arthritis problem in a better way.

Conclusion

Thus, you have come across many health benefits of pineapple which protect you from different infections and help your body in building muscles along with bones. It is better you consult a medical practitioner to know more about the benefits of this fruit as some people may be asked to consume it less because of some other medical condition.