Skin Benefits for Plum:

Eating highly pigmented fruits are believed to make you more attractive, thus eating plums can
make you look more attractive:
17. The vitamin E and beta carotene, an antioxidant in plums, protect fatty acids and cell
membranes from attack of free radicals (19) which allows the body to fight the signs of ageing
skin such as loss of elasticity and wrinkles. Plum contains high amount of antioxidants and high
anti inflammatory properties which increases circulation and cell metabolism reducing
inflammation. This in turn promotes elasticity of the skin and keeps acne and wrinkle at bay.
18. Drinking plum juice can also help to even out the skin tone and firm the skin by improving
skin health and rejuvenating its appearance (20). Collagen deficiency often makes the skin dull
and lifeless. Plum contains high amount of vitamin C which is required for the production of
hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine, which are needed to bind the molecules that produce
collagen. This rejuvenates the skin from the roots and reduces wrinkles and other signs of ageing.
19. Plum can also reduce the appearance of scar tissue by increasing the blood flow to scar
tissue, minimizing the look of the scar and blending in the development of new skin.
20. Plum has high amount of antioxidants (21) which provides effective shield against the sun
rays and reduces sun damage. Sun damage can make the skin rough and wrinkly but plum
encourages the growth of new cells and makes the skin younger.
21. It also helps to replace damaged tissue and helps to heal the wounds at faster pace. It
improves skin elasticity and creates scar tissue and ligaments for quick recovery.
22. Applying plum pulp on the face lightens dark spots (22) and treats skin discoloration,
freckles and age spots to give you a younger looking and healthy skin.

Plum Benefits For Hair:

Plum can help to maintain the hair follicles, connective tissue or collagen of the scalp and
protects the cells both in the follicles and in the blood vessels of the scalp, promoting hair
growth.
23. Free radicals often make our hair weak, brittle and thin. These conditions often hinder proper
hair growth. Vitamin E in plum strengthens the cell membranes and prevents free radicals from
attacking the follicles of the scalp. Thus people who eat plum and prunes regularly have healthy,
strong and thick hair (23).
24. Vitamin C in plum can also help you to get rid of dandruff. The hair follicles often get
clogged due to dandruff and flaky skin. This damages the follicles and inhabits the hair growth if

not treated in time. Plum can help to fight the bacteria on the scalp and soothes the skin to ward
off the dandruff. This will get rid of the follicles debris and encourage new hair growth.
25. Plum can also help to reverse Adrenal gland fatigue (24). This is very crucial for stopping
hair loss and encourages more hair growth since adrenal glands are very important for
maintaining proper hormonal imbalance.
26. The high iron content in this fruit improves blood circulation and repairs capillaries to
promote stronger and thicker hair.
27. Plum can also help to treat a damaged hair and aids in the treatment of a variety of hair
disorder which can damage the follicles and prevent proper hair growth. It also helps to combat
alopecia, male baldness in men.
28. Plum is a highly pigmented fruit that not just combats hair loss problem but also retains the
natural colour of the hair. It also prevents premature greying.

Preparation and Storage:

Plums are available throughout the year mainly between May to September. Look for plums that
are rich in colour and have a slight whitish bloom which indicates that they have not been over
handled. Avoid buy in those that are overtly soft or with cuts and dents. Plums, which are
slightly unripe, can be kept at the room temperature for a day or two until it ripens completely.
Ripe ones should be immediately placed in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for a long time.
Dry plums, which are called prunes, can be kept at room temperature for a few days. Plums
should be washed thoroughly under tap water before eating. They can be safely eaten with skin.
These fruits are majorly used in the preparation of jams, pies, desserts and jellies. It can also be
used in a variety of recipe, either baked or poached. Prunes are also added to muffins, cakes, and
ice creams. It is possible to freeze plum by blanching, removing the skin, coating the slices in
lemon juice and then combining the slices in a bowl of fruit juice syrup.

Side effects of Plum:

Plums contain oxalic acid, a naturally occurring substance which can crystallise as oxalate stones
in urinary tract if eaten in high amounts. Therefore, people who have oxalate stones in urinary
tract should avoid eating plums

28 Amazing Benefits Of Papaya For Skin, Hair And Health

April 20, 2015

Christopher Columbus had titled Papaya as The Fruit of the Angels because it is loved by all
and is quite famous for its luscious taste and rich texture as well as health benefits.
Papaya is available throughout the year. It has a delicious sweet taste with a soft butter like
consistency. This pear-shaped fruit is usually 7 inches long. The inside flesh is rich orange in
colour with a slight shade of pink or yellow. Papaya has a lot of hidden benefits for skin, health
and hair. Not just the fruit itself, but other parts of papaya also are very beneficial. Like Papain
commonly known as papaya enzyme is helpful in digesting proteins. It is extracted from the tree
and the fruit to make dietary supplements, and is also used as a major ingredient in some
chewing gums.
Papayas were originally found in Central America, while the explorers from Spain and Portugal
helped bring this fruit to many other subtropical lands, which then journeyed to places like
Philippines, some parts of Africa and India. Today, the US, Mexico and Puerto Rico are said to
be the largest commercial producers of papaya in the world. Apart from Papains, papaya is also a
rich source of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids; the B vitamins,
folate and pantothenic acid; and the minerals, potassium and magnesium; and fiber. The pulp of
this fruit is also a basic component of many facial creams, and shampoos.
Skin Benefits Of Papaya:

Papaya, which is rich in so many healthy components, is best for skin care as it promises and
works to provide you with healthy and glowing skin.
1. Being a good source of Vitamin A and Papain, this fruit helps in removing dead skin cells
along with breaking down the inactive proteins.
2. The best feature of papaya is its Low Sodium Quality, thus resulting in very little retention of
water. In simple words it means, it helps you keep your skin hydrated.
3. Papaya is actually a wholesome fruit as it contains more Carotene when compared to other
fruits like apple, custard apple, guava and plantains. Not being an expensive fruit, papaya is a
common mans fruit which is beneficial in many ways.
4. The application of finely grounded paste of raw papaya on the face for 25 minutes helps
reduce those unwanted pimples and other embarrassing blemishes on the face.
5. Both, direct application and eating will help you achieve smooth, supple and soft skin.
6. Regular consumption or application of papaya also provides shine to the skin, which comes
from within and is long lasting.

7. The mashed papaya can be used for treating the sore and cracked heels.
8. Papaya also acts as a natural skin exfoliator.
9. Application of papaya also helps in removing skin discoloration.
10. The peel of papaya can not only be used on the face, but it can also be used for whitening the
legs.
11. The use of raw papaya helps you treating the ringworms as well. You just need to rub some
slices of raw papaya on the ringworm patches and see reduced inflammation.
12. Papaya helps the skin by reducing the aging signs on the face.
How to Use:

The papaya peel helps in reducing and treating the signs of aging. Just rub
the peel on the face after eating the papaya. Let it stay for 5 minutes and
then wash it off with cold water. Regular use offers visible results. The most
coveted ingredient, AHAs or Alfa-Hydroxy Acid, are found in abundance in
papaya to offer anti-aging properties, but this is the only reason which makes
papaya an acidic fruit. So, do not apply it for more time as it may cause
dryness and irritation to sensitive skin.

Papaya is also fruitful for treating the dark spots. The application of mashed
and uneaten papaya with or without milk on your face can help in removing
the dark spots and evens out the skin tone which results into a fairer and
glowing skin.

For getting hydrated skin, mix mashed papaya with honey and apply on your
face.

Papaya is also effective for treating dry skin. All you need to do is to mash a
small section of papaya and mix it one tbsp of malai or milk cream. Apply on
your face for 20 minutes and then wash it off.

A very simple method for moisturizing the skin is applying papaya on it. Take
a ripe papaya, clean it and blend it into a fine paste. Now apply this paste on
your face for 15 minutes. Wash it off using a wash cloth and pat dry to get
great results.

For skin tightening, apply mashed papaya mixed with honey and rice-flour for
20 minutes, three times a week.

Papaya is also suitable for using as a body scrub. It can be made by mashing
raw papaya and mixing it with honey, salt spa and olive oil.

For curing the skin tans and brightening the complexion, the simple face pack
can be made. Just follow the steps mentioned below:

Make a paste of pulpy papaya

Add yogurt, honey, lemon juice and egg white into it

Mix all ingredients till the mixture becomes thick which can be applied
on the face

Wash your face thoroughly so that it becomes clean and dirt free

Apply this facial mask on your face and leave it for 15 20 minutes

Wash off with the lukewarm water and pat dry

Papaya benefits for skin are truly endless. We will now proceed to the benefits of papaya on hair.
Hair Benefits Of Papaya:

Apart from amazing skin care benefits, papaya is also useful when it comes to hair care.
According to hair care professionals, the benefits of papaya for hair can be gained by eating the
fruit regularly or by the regular use of hair care products containing papaya as its major
ingredients. Papaya can also help in creating the volume by nourishing the hair shaft. Other
papaya benefits for hair are listed below:
1. Rich in nutrients, papaya may help prevent balding, thus helping boost growth and strength of
the hair.
2. Papaya is also used for controlling dandruff.
3. Add papaya to your daily diet to help reduce hair thinning. Although no scientific evidence has
been derived with this theory, but still many people have tried and found it worthy. Results may
vary from individual to individual.
4. Papaya being rich in minerals, vitamins and enzymes also helps in removing the dirt, oil and
chemical build up from the hair in a very safe way.
5. Papaya leaf extracts can be used as a conditioner for adding shine to dull, unruly and lifeless
hair.
6. Using of papaya hair mask can result into thick, strong, shiny and healthy hair.
How to Use:
This papaya hair mask will help you add thickness, strength and shine to your hair.

Ingredients:

1 cup diced ripe papaya

1 cup diced ripe banana

1 tbsp molasses

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 cup yogurt

Directions:

Blend all the ingredients together thoroughly. Take care that no chunks
remain after blending

Apply to damp hair

Cover with a plastic cap or shower cap

Allow it to stand for half an hour

Now wrap a towel around your cap to generate heat

Again leave it for another half an hour

Now wash your hair in your regular way

It is optional to add your favorite deep conditioner to this recipe to get super
soft hairs

Now that we have seen how Papaya is beneficial for the hair, lets discuss about the medicinal
uses and how it helps cure many problems.
Health Benefits Of Papaya:

Papaya benefits are not just limited to skin and hair care. Several researches conducted on
papaya also showed a lot of its medicinal properties. Many scientists have successfully
concluded that papaya is beneficial for health related problems and some diseases too. Lets find
out what else papaya can do other than benefiting skin and hair.
1. Papaya acts as an antidote for hypertension. This is one of the most popular health benefits of
papaya. The rich amount of potassium in papaya helps keeping the blood pressure in check along
with improving the mental alertness.

2. Another of the most important papaya health benefit is that can help improve eyesight.
Consuming 3 or more servings per day may keep your eyesight normal, along with improving
and lowering the primary cause of vision loss in older adults.
3. Papaya also helps in boosting the immunity system of our body. The presence of Beta-carotene
in papaya is required for the proper functioning and boosting of the immune system.
4. Papaya also prevents the body from recurrent ear infections, cold and flu.
5. Papaya also provides protection against heart diseases. As it is rich in nutrients too, it helps in
preventing the oxidation of cholesterol, which helps preventing the cause of heart attacks or
strokes.
6. Papaya can also heal external wounds. The pulp of this fruit can be applied directly on the
wounds.
7. Papaya is also able to cure chronic ulcers on skins. All you need to do is to take papaya juice
and mix some butter in it. Apply it on the affected area for quick drying and healing of long
standing ulcers.
8. If one suffers from respiratory disorders like cough, bronchitis and breathlessness, then papaya
can be helpful as it contains latex which is useful in the respiratory disorders.
9. Papaya despite being sweet in taste is also good for diabetic patients.
10. Papaya can also help you from cancer. Papayas fiber is able to bind to cancer-causing toxins
in the colon, thus keeping them from harming healthy colon cells.
So we saw how papaya is good for health too. Till now we were talking about the papaya fruit,
ripe papaya, mashed papaya and papaya peels. Now we will discuss about the benefits of its juice
and also find out how it is helpful to us.
These are the numerous skin, hair and health benefits provided by papaya and its juice. Though
the results are not instant, once they are achieved, they are permanent. Papaya indeed is a fruit of
the angels, as it protects every possible body part and provides positive visible results.The uses
of papaya are simple outstanding in number and efficacy!
Principle

Nutrient Value

Percentage of RDA

Energy

39 Kcal

2%

Carbohydrates

9.81 g

7.5%

Protein

0.61 g

1%

Total Fat

0.14 g

0.5%

0 mg

0%

1.80 g

4.5%

Folates

38 g

9.5%

Niacin

0.338 mg

2%

Pantothenic acid

0.218 mg

4%

Pyridoxine

0.019 mg

1.5%

Riboflavin

0.032 mg

2.5%

Thiamin

0.027 mg

2%

Vitamin A

1094 IU

36%

Vitamin C

61.8 mg

103%

Vitamin E

0.73 mg

5%

Vitamin K

2.6 g

2%

3 mg

0%

257 mg

5%

24 mg

2.5%

0.10 mg

1%

Magnesium

10 mg

2.5%

Phosphorus

5 mg

1%

0.07 mg

0.5%

Carotene-

276 g

Crypto-xanthin-

761 g

Cholesterol
Dietary Fiber

Vitamins

Electrolytes
Sodium
Potassium

Minerals
Calcium
Iron

Zinc

Phyto-nutrients

Lutein-zeaxanthin

75 g

35 Wonderful Benefits Of Aloe Vera Juice

May 11, 2015

The scientific epithet Vera means true or genuine. This makes aloe vera the most genuine and
versatile panacea to all your health woes. You must have seen an aloe vera plant in a kitchen
garden and must have wondered how this ornamental plant can help to improve your health.
Well, that is natures most jealously guarded secret!
Many of us must have also used facial creams and shampoos enriched with Aloe juice.The sap
derived from the stems of this succulent plant is used to make the aloe vera juice. With so many
benefits to offer, no wonder why Aloe Vera was considered the plant of immortality by the
Egyptians. Aloe vera has been used since time immemorial for its soothing and curing properties.
But do you know why this short cacti plant is known as the miracle plant? To know the
miraculous properties of aloe vera juice, you have to know how to make aloe vera juice at home.
Always use organic aloe vera juice to reap maximum benefits.
Aloe vera is succulent plant species that has thick fleshy stems with spiny leaves. The fleshy
stem contains the aloe juice which is being used for various purposes since the beginning of the
first century as an excellent home remedy. The juice and the gel are used in numerous medicinal,
cosmetic and health treatments.