Top Yoga Asanas To Reduce Belly Fat

Belly fat is a main problem for anybody who wants to lose weight or to have a strong and sculpted look for their abs. Many people find that it is easy to lose excess fat from other parts of the body and it is extremely difficult to remove the belly fat once it gets deposited. Sedentary lifestyle, eating junk foods, stressful work all these contribute to the increase in the waist size of a person. The larger the size of the abdomen the greater the health risk. People with belly fat are prone to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.

Health Risks Of Having Belly Fat

If you want to avoid the risks of fat belly and want to have a fit and healthy body you need to have a proper diet, proper rest and proper exercise.  Yoga is a highly effective form of exercise which helps people to relax their body and to achieve flexibility in their body. Practicing specific yoga asana helps to reduce belly fat and achieve stronger looking abdominal muscles. People with pot belly are more prone to back injuries as well. You can avoid many health risks with the help of yoga asanas to reduce belly fat. It has been found that yoga asanas targeting the core or abdominal area are more effective in removing belly fat than the crunches. Having belly fat will affect the overall appearance of the person and this may affect the self-confidence of the person. Whether you want to reduce belly fat for health reasons or for achieving a better looking body, you can opt for the various yoga asanas to reduce belly fat.  Here are some of the top yoga asanas to achieve flat looking belly. Both men and women can practice these yoga asanas to achieve the required result.

Starting The Yoga For Flat Abdomen

If you are new to yoga do not go too hard from the beginning. Start with simple yoga exercise poses and move on to more complex ones. Avoiding rushing or making any jerky movements while doing the asanas. It is best to start your yoga practice with the help of a trainer, however the following asanas are easy to understand and practice.  You will be able to control your body and mind in a better way when you start to practice the asanas apart from being able to reduce the fat deposits in the belly.

Best Asanas To Reduce Belly Fat

1.    Tadasana

Tadasana is one of the easy warm up pose in yoga. It makes your body ready for the other yoga poses by improving the blood circulation. The steps in this asana are as follows
  • Stand with your feet together. Make sure that your big toes are in contact with each other. Stand upright, keeping the spine erect. Place the hands close to the body on either side with palms facing your body.
  • Stretch out the palms to the front and  keep them joined
  • Inhaling deeply, raise your hands with the palms joined together above the head. Try to stretch the hands as much you can.
  • Now lift your ankles and stand on your toes. Your eyes should be facing upwards towards the ceiling. If you feel that standing on toes is difficult for you, keep the feet flat on the ground.
  • Keep your body in this position for 20 to 30 seconds. You can breathe normally during this position.
  • After 20 seconds inhale deeply and slowly start exhaling. During exhaling relax and bring the feet back to the floor and bring your hands down.
In the beginning repeat the pose for at least 10 times, gradually increases the count when the body gets adjusted. Before attempting the repetition always relax for 10 seconds.

2.    Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation)

Surya Namaskar includes a cycle of 12 yoga exercises. Each yoga position in Surya Namaskar has a special impact on the body. The stretches and bends make your muscles stronger and keep your body in shape. The deep breathing helps in bringing a good level of oxygen to the body and helps in detoxification and burning of fat deposits in the body. The bends also helps in improving the digestive power and strengthening the abdominal muscles.  They get maximum benefit from this yoga asana and practice it daily in the morning facing the sun. The steps of Surya Namaskar are as follows.
Step 1: Pranamasan (Prayer Pose)
Stand facing the sun in an erect posture, with palms joined together near the chest like doing a namaskar. Keep your feet together and breathe normally.
Step 2: Hasta Uttanasana (Raised Arm Pose)
Breathe in deeply and raise the hands upward, bend your body backward in an arched position with the face pointing towards the sky.
Step 3: Pada Hastasana (Hand To Foot Pose)
Exhale and bring the body from the arched position to bend down forward, till your head reaches your knee. Bring your hands to the floor and keep them flat on either side of the feet.
Step 4: Ashwa-Sanchalan Asana (Equestrian Pose)
Now inhale and stretch your left leg backwards and balance the leg on toes. The heels will be raised upwards and your left knee will be touching the floor. Bend the right leg and should touch your chest. Lift your head towards the sky and keep your arms on either side of the right leg with palms facing the floor.
Step 5: Parvatasana (Mountain Pose)
Exhale and with the palms pushing the floor stretch your right leg back words to make it parallel with the left leg. Your toes and hands will be touching the ground and your hip should be raised. Keep your head bent downwards.
Step 6: Ashtanga Namaskar (Salute With Eight Parts)
Inhale and lower your hips from the earlier position. Now rest your chin and chest on the floor and raise your hip a little bit. Now the eight parts of the body will be touching the floor. They are: chest, chin, two hands, two knees and feet
Step 7: Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Exhale and lift the chest from the ground and arch back by keeping your arms bent at the elbow. Bent the head in backward position and face the sky.
Step 8 Parvatasana
Exhale and repeat the movement in step 5.
Step 9: Ashwa Sanchaln- Asana
Inhale and repeat the step by keeping the right leg backwards.
Step 10: Pada Hastasana
Exhale and repeat the step 3
Step 11: Hasta Uttanansana
Inhale and perform the movement in step 2
Step 12: Pranamasan
Keep the feet together and bring back the hands in namaskar position breathing normally.
The steps are now repeated using the other leg in steps 4 to 9. So, to complete one round of Suryanamaskar you need to do 24 yoga steps.  It is ideal to perform 12 rounds to get best results. However, you need to start with 5-5 rounds and gradually increase the round over time. Sip water in between the repetitions if needed and relax for about 15 seconds between each round.

3.    Pada Hasthasana (Standing Forward Bend, Or Hand To Foot Pose)

This is a complete exercise for your abdominal muscles. When your body bends forward in this pose, the abdomen gets compressed this helps in toning the muscles of the abdomen.  This is especially powerful in removing belly fat.
  • First, you have to stand in Tadasana with hands close to your body and feet together.
  • Keep your spine erect
  • Inhale deeply and lift the hands upwards
  • Slowly bend forward exhaling so that your body will be parallel to floor, bend completely till your head touches your knees.
  • Try to touch the floor with your palms facing the floor. Make sure that you do not bend your knees. Beginners can start with touching their ankles or toes.
  • Hold your breath and tuck the tummy in. Try to remain in this position for one minute
  • Exhale and slowly lift to body back to the original position.
You need to repeat this asana for 10 times, remember to take an interval of 10 seconds between the repetitions.

4.    Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)

This is a pose taken from Hatha yoga, which helps to stimulate the solar plexus center of the body. Apart from providing reduction of belly fat and toning of the muscles, this pose helps to stretch the hamstrings, hip and thigh muscles.  This is a good yoga posture for people suffering from digestive disorders.
  • Sit straight on the floor with your legs folded, one over the other as in Padmasana.
  • Stretch out your legs to the front. Your toes should be pointing to the ceiling.
  • Inhale deeply and raise your hands above your head without bending the elbows.
  • Exhaling, bend forward from the hip and bring your hands down to touch the toes. Your head should be bent to touch the knees. Beginners may not be able to touch the toes at first, so try touching ankles or thighs instead.
  • When you reach the toes, try to pull the toes towards you so that you will experience a stretch on the hamstrings.
  • Breathing in and keeping the tummy tucked in, continue in the position for about one minute initially. Gradually increase the time to five minutes.
  • Slowly bring your body up, exhaling and come back to the original Padmasana position or sitting position.
To get the best result, you need to repeat the asana at least 25 times. Start with 10 repetitions and slowly increase the number. Beginners can also try the simple version called the ‘Ardha Paschimottasana”. The steps are as said above and the difference is that you have to stretch one leg at a time.

5.    Pavanamuktasana (Wind Relieving Pose)

This pose is highly effective in preventing and relieving constipation and indigestion problems. In this posture, your knees will be exerting pressure on the abdomen, which triggers fat burning from the area. You need to remain in the position for at least one minute to get maximum benefit for reducing belly fat.
  • Lie down on your back with arms resting close to your body on either side.
  • Bend your knees and keep your feet close together on the floor.
  • Take a deep breath. As you exhale slowly bring the bent knees towards your chest. Your thighs will be applying pressure on your abdomen. Clasp your knees with hands to keep it in position.
  • Inhale and as you exhale lift your head slowly and bring your chin near to the knees.
  • Remain in this position for about one minute. Breathe deeply
  • Exhale slowly and allow your head to rest on the floor. Release your knees and keep your feet on the ground. Bring the hands down and keep it on the side of the body.
  • Let your body relax in Savasana.
To reduce belly fat you need to repeat the pose for at least 10 times. Take 15 second intervals between the repetitions.  The beginners can practice the above pose with a single leg at first.

6.    Naukasana (Boat Pose)

If you practice this yoga posture on a regular basis, then you can be assured of enjoying a flatter belly in due course of time. You need to hold this posture for about a minute or so to help in proper contraction of the abdominal muscles. It is a perfect asana that will help you to tone your abs and enjoy a flatter ab.
  • Lie flat on your back on the yoga mat with your toes facing the ceiling. Your palms must be resting flat on the ground on either side of your body.
  • Take a deep breath inside. You must now lift your head, chest and legs off the ground and while doing this you have to exhale.
  • Stretch your arms towards your legs so that they are parallel to the ground. Keep your fingers also stretched out like your toes.
  • You need to gaze at your feet and hold this position for about 30 seconds initially. You will feel the contraction of the abdominal muscles. You can breathe normally in this pose.
  • Once you become familiar with this pose you can extend the duration to 60 seconds or even more. Now you will have to slowly relax and come back to the original position after inhaling and exhaling deeply.
You need to start with 5 repeats of this asana initially and gradually build it up to 30 times. You can take a 15 to 20 second break after each repetition.

7.    Ushtrasana (Camel Pose)

The camel pose is a counter to the boat pose. You will need to touch your ankles by stretching your back in this pose and this will help in easily toning your abs muscles. The tension that you experience in the body after doing the Naukasana will be eased with a good back stretch in this Ushtrasana.
  • Sit in the Vajrasana position and slowly lift your body weight from the knees in such a manner that your entire weight is supported by the knees.
  • Your heels should be at right angles to the ground.
  • After inhaling and exhaling deeply one to two times, you should bend your back towards your feet. Take your hands behind your body and try to hold the ankles of your feet, one hand after the other.
  • Now take your head also backwards till you experience a stretch in your belly.
  • Hold in this position for about 20 to 30 seconds in the beginning and then try to hold this posture for a minute or even more.  You should breathe normally in this posture.
  • Now exhale deeply and relax slowly and then come back to the Vajrasana position.

8.    Marjariasana (Cat Pose Or Cow Cat Pose)

This is yet another easy asana that will help you to melt the fat in the abdomen area by forcing the abdominal muscles to contract. It will not just help in decreasing your belly size, but will also help to improve your spine’s flexibility.
  • From the Vajrasana position, you need to rise in such a way that your body is parallel to your yoga mat and the weight of your body rests on your palms and knees.
  • Make sure that your knees are beneath your hips and your palms under the shoulder in this pose. The knees have to be spaced out a wee bit so that the weight of your body is evenly distributed on both the knees. Maintain a straight head pose.
  • After a deep inhalation, lift your head in such a way that your body now takes a concave structure. For this, you need to push your back down while lifting your head.
  • Make sure that you expand your abdominal area as mush as possible. Hold your breath and maintain this pose for about 30 seconds.
  • Now exhale deeply and start to lower your head and this time your back must arch upwards. You need to tighten up your buttocks and abdomen firmly so that you experience contraction in the abdominal muscles. Your head’s position now should be between your hands.
  • Take a deep breath and hold this pose for 20 to 30 seconds initially and gradually work it up to 60 seconds.
  • Now slowly exhale ad come back to Vajrasana position and relax for 15 seconds before repeating the next set.
You need to work on this pose for 10 times initially and then slowly build it up to 30 times in a day. Take a pause of 15 seconds between each repetition.

9.    Uttanpadasana (Raised Foot Posture)

This is another yoga posture that will help in easily shedding off excess fat accumulated in your belly area, thighs and hips.
  • Lie on your back on the yoga mat with stretched out legs and heels touching each other.
  • Hands have to be placed on either side of the body with the palms resting on the ground.
  • Take a deep breath and then exhale out slowly. Now tilt your back side slowly while moving your head backwards so that it touches the floor. Make sure that your palms are in its original position.
  • Now take a deep breath in and raise your legs from the floor at a 45 degree angle from the floor. Hold this pose for about 30 seconds. Breathe normally during this pose.
  • Now, after 30 seconds, exhale deeply and lift your legs further up so that it is at right angles to the floor. Now hold this pose for 30 seconds and breathe normally.
  • Inhale deeply and bring your legs back to the initial position that is resting it back on the floor mat.
Repeat this posture for 10 times initially and as soon as you come to terms with this pose, you can extend it to 30 times a day with a 15 second pause after each repetition.

10.    Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)

This is a pose that helps in giving a good stretch to your back, thighs, abdomen, arms as well as chest muscles. It will also help in improving your posture.
  • Lie down on your chest or in a prone position on the yoga mat. Make sure that your legs are together and your feet are placed on the ground. Rest your hands on either side of the body with your palms facing the ground.
  • After a deep exhalation, lift your leg backwards so that you’re your knees are in a position to touch your buttocks.
  • You need to also lift your head and move it backwards.
  • Now take your hand backwards and try to hold your ankles with your hands.
  • Your body weight ahs to be supported by your abdomen. Take a deep breath in and try to lift your knees even higher.
  • Hold this posture for about 15 to 20 seconds. Work on it gradually so that you can extend to hold on this posture for about 90 seconds.
  • You should be breathing normally while holding this pose. Exhale out and then relax your body by bringing it to the original position.
Repeat this posture for 10 times a day during the initial stages and gradually build it up to 30 times a day with a 15 second break between each repetition.

11.    Bhujangasana (Cobra Posture)

This asana will help in giving your abdomen a very good stretch. It is an asana that will help in strengthening your back muscles if it is done on a regular basis.
  • Lie down with your chest hitting the yoga mat and with your legs slightly spaced out and your toes touching the floor.
  • Keep the palms touching the floor and make sure that your hands are on either side of the body.
  • Now move your palms so that it is beneath your shoulders.
  • Now breathe in and lift your head and your chest from the mat and make sure that you are looking at the ceiling. Hold your buttocks firm and push your pubis towards the navel.
  • Hold on to this pose for about 20 to 30 seconds and breathe normally during the pose.
  • Now take a deep breath and now lift your body from the waist upward while bending backwards as much as possible.
  • Now hold this pose for 30 to 60 seconds while breathing normally.
  • Exhale air and then bring your body back to the prone position.
Repeat this posture for 10 times in the beginning and then try to work it up to 30 times a day. You need to relax for 15 seconds after each repetition.

12.    Relaxation Pose Shavasana (Corpse Pose)

This is the final pose that you should do after completing your yoga workout routine. It is an ideal pose that will help to relax your body after a strenuous workout.
  • Lie with your back resting on the yoga mat.
  • Keep your feet completely stretched out and place your hands on both sides of your body with your palms facing the ground.
  • With closed eyes, breathe in and breathe out deeply while allowing your body to relax completely.
  • You should lie down in this position as long as possible until your breathing returns to normal and your body is completely relaxed.
You should compliment these yogasanas with a healthy diet in order to achieve your goal of losing belly fat effectively and quickly. It is also important for you to make sure that your body is getting the adequate hours of rest and sleep for these yogasanas to be making a huge impact on your body fat. There is no doubt that practicing the above yoga poses everyday for a minimum of 5 to 6 days a week will help you to see a visible difference in your waistline within a few weeks.  So, start practicing these yoga postures from today and easily shed off the excess fat baggage that you are carrying around your abdomen area.

Amazing Benefits Of Black Tea

One of the widely consumed tea is black tea. Such a tea is obtained from the leaves of the shrub known as Camellia sinesis and it is more oxidized than the green, white and the oolong tea varieties. It has a stronger flavor than other varieties of tea.
Black tea is produced by methods that are different from other tea varieties. They are first plucked and then set out to be withered in order to remove the moisture from them. After they have lost out maximum moisture content, the leaves are rolled manually or with the help of machines. This is done by exposing them to high temperature. After the leaves have been fully oxidized, they are sorted as per the size.
Black tea is a name given to it due to the dark color of the tea’s liquor. If one notices carefully, it is usually orange or dark amber in color. Chinese are known to refer to it as red tea. The caffeine content in the tea is a concerning factor.  Cup of black tea is known to contain half the amount of caffeine found in a cup of coffee.

Amazing Health Benefits of Black Tea:

It is good to have black tea as part of one’s diet as it offers many health benefits which are part of its nutritional profile. The increased oxidation of the tea leaves makes them more flavorful and higher in caffeine content than the other varieties of tea. The flavor of black tea is retained for a longer time than in other forms of tea. The different health benefits of black tea are given below.
  1. Benefits for the cardiovascular system – Research has shown that consuming black tea helps to prevent the onset of cardiovascular problems. There are antioxidants present such as flavonoids which help to prevent the LDL cholesterol from being oxidized. Damage to blood stream and artery walls is reduced and the risk of heart diseases is also lowered. Consuming black tea can help reverse coronary artery diseases which come on due to endothelial vasomotor dysfunction. The flavonoids are also effective in reducing blood clots and coronary vasodilation. Manganese and polyphenols also help to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by keeping the heart muscles healthy.
  2. Preventing cancer – antioxidants like polyphenols found in black tea help to prevent the formation of potential carcinogens in the body which results in preventing cancers like that of the colorectal, prostate, ovarian, lung and bladder. Black tea can help to prevent breast, prostate and stomach cancer. The compound known as TF-2 contained in tea promotes death of cancer cells and allows normal cells to remain unaffected. Black tea can also reduce the risk of oral cancer in those who smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products. Black tea prevents the growth and formation of malignant tumors.
  3. Free radical elimination – free radicals can cause a lot of harm to the body such as cancer, atherosclerosis and blood clot formation. When one consumes unhealthy food the number of free radicals in the body increases. There are antioxidants present in black tea which help to remove such free radicals and protect the body from the onset of different ailments. Black tea is a good choice for such prevention.
  4. Boosting the immune system – it is necessary to strengthen the immune system in order to fight different viruses and bacteria that can cause illnesses. Substances known as tannin contained in black tea has the ability to fight viruses like influenza, cold, flu, dysentery, hepatitis and others. One type of tannin called catechin is known to help in suppressing tumors. Alkylamine antigens present in black tea helps to boost the immune responses. One should opt to drink 3 to 4 cups of black tea per day in order to reduce inflammations as well as harmful pathogens.
  5. Maintaining oral health – the catechin antioxidants present in black tea help in reducing oral cancers. Tannin and polyphenols contain antibiotics which inhibit bacteria which can cause tooth decay. Black tea also contains fluoride that fights bad breath as well as eradicates harmful bacteria from the oral cavity. Two cups of black tea provide good amount of fluorides for oral health.
  6. Brain and nervous system stimulation – the low levels of caffeine content in black tea helps to promote blood flow to the brain without the jittery feelings brought on by high caffeine in coffee or stimulating the heart beyond the safe limits. Amino acid L-theanine present in black tea helps one to relax and concentrate on tasks at hand. If one consumes black tea four cups daily for one month they will find their stress levels going down caused by the cortisol hormone. The caffeine helps to boost the memory and mental alertness. It even protects against Parkinson’s disease.
  7. Benefits for digestion – tannin present in black tea is beneficial for digestion. It can combat different kinds of intestinal and gastric illnesses and has a therapeutic effect. There is an anti-diarrhea effect as well which helps in the intestinal activity. Polyphenols present in tea helps to lower intestinal inflammation which cause irritable bowel syndrome.
  8. Bones and tissue health – there are powerful phytochemicals present in black tea which can help to strengthen bones as well as connective tissue. Black tea drinkers have been found to possess healthier bones.
  9. Higher energy levels – black tea drinkers have found it to be an energizing drink. The moderate levels of caffeine in it act as a stimulant to increase alertness and brain function. Caffeine in black tea is more beneficial than the caffeine content in coffee or cola like beverages. The theophylline compound found in tea helps to stimulate the kidneys, heart and the respiratory system. Such compounds can help maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.
  10. Helping weight loss – as black tea is low in fat, calories and sodium; it is beneficial for those who wish to lose weight. It can act as a substitute for unhealthy drinks like the carbonated beverages and prevent the addition of calories. It also helps to boost the metabolic activities and thus helps in weight loss.
  11. Lowering of Cholesterol – black tea helps to reduce the level of triglycerides. Bad cholesterol or LDL levels are reduced which in turn reduces the risk of heart diseases. The functioning of arteries is improved as well.
  12. Other beneficial effects – the antioxidants called catechins help to strengthen the blood vessels and tannin helps to increase the resistance of the body. Tumor growth is retarded, allergic responses are reduced and onset of diabetes is also averted.

Amazing Benefits Of Black Tea For Skin

The benefits of black tea for the skin and hair are several. It is considered to be good for the skin as it contains vitamins like C, E and B2. There are minerals present like zinc, potassium and magnesium as well as tannin and polyphenols. The drink has several nutritional benefits for the skin.
  1. The high caffeine content in black tea helps to kill oral viruses and prevents skin infection. It helps to keep the skin blemish free.
  2. Tea bags in moist and warm condition placed over the eye will help to reduce puffiness.
  3. Black tea helps to reduce premature wrinkles and pimple formation. If one is suffering from skin problems they can try and consume one or two cups of black tea everyday to see the benefits.
  4. The antioxidants that are present in black tea can ward off skin cancer.
  5. Extracts of tea can act as sun blocking agent if applied on the skin.
  6. Tannins and polyphenols present in back tea helps to accelerate the skin regeneration process.
  7. One can have glowing and blemish free skin by drinking black tea. The tannins protect the skin from the harmful effects of the environment. It also helps to improve the blood circulation and fight bacteria in the body.

Amazing Benefits Of Black Tea For Hair

The caffeine and antioxidants preset in black tea makes it beneficial for hair as well. It helps to develop hair that is strong and damage free. The benefits of black tea for hair are listed below.
  1. Caffeine which is present in black tea helps to decrease DHT hormone which can cause hair loss.
  2. Caffeine taken in moderation can help to stimulate hair growth while excessive caffeine can stunt growth of hair.
  3. Black tea rinses as part of hair care regime can help to add shine, natural darkness and luster. For this, one needs to add three tea bags to 6 cups of water. After the water is boiled with the tea bags, it should be kept and brought down to room temperature. Then it can be poured on the head and the hair wrapped in a towel. After that the hair can be washed off.
  4. Black tea acts a natural dyeing agent. It is suitable for women who have dark brown or black hair and wish to get rid of grey hair. Black tea rinse will help to bring out natural highlights in the hair.

Nutritional Values:

Black tea is known to contain caffeine, carbohydrates, potassium, minerals, fluoride, manganese and polyphenols. It also contains tannin, guanine, xanthine, purine, catechins and gallic esters. Polyphenol as an antioxidant is associated with many health benefits. The nutritional value of black tea can be summarized as follows:
  • Low in calories and sodium – black tea being low in calories as well as sodium is advantageous for people who wish to have a healthy substitute for the unhealthy colas and soft drinks.
  • Antioxidants – black tea is known to contain complex flavonoids such as polyphenols which plays an important role for preventing diseases and consuming antioxidants. A cup of black tea will provide 200 mg of flavonoids. Theaflavins, thearuigins are powerful antioxidants. Drinking three cups of black tea can help to increase the concentration of flavonoids in the blood stream.
Thus, black tea has many beneficial properties for health as well as hair and skin. Consumed in moderation it will provide good effects but in large doses it can cause digestive problems, varicose veins, acidity, palpitation, insomnia and others. If you have any other information regarding black tea feel free to share here.

Morning Mistakes That Slow Down Metabolism

Morning is the best time to affect one’s metabolism process. Metabolism is the rate of burning of sugar and release of energy. The rate at which the energy provided by the food in our system is used up is determined by our metabolic rate. If the metabolic rate is sluggish it leads to accumulation of fats and sugars in the system which in turn leads to weight gain. If you have a high metabolic rate, you will be able to burn off calories faster and be able to ward off the extra weight. Metabolic rate is influenced by different factors such as genetics, weight and age. Even though these factors are out of our control, there are many ways we can influence our metabolism levels. The right choices will lead to the metabolism rate firing up or fizzling down. If you are targeting weight loss, there are certain mistakes which you might be making resulting in slowing down of the metabolism rate.

Eating Too Late

This is a mistake that many people make. Most people do not have time to have breakfast when they rushing off to work or to drop the kids off to school. However, it has been seen that skipping breakfast can be worse for your health. It makes the metabolism rate slow down for the day. As the body is not provided adequate amount of food, the brain signals to the body to conserve energy. Accordingly the fats are stored up instead of getting burnt off. It is imperative that one eats within an hour of waking up. That sparks off the metabolic process called thermogenesis. This turns the food that is eaten into energy. That also makes it ideal to opt for high protein and even calorie laden food items during breakfast rather having it for lunch or dinner. If you feel like having a donut after having an omelet of egg whites, you might as well pack it in with an early breakfast so that you will burn it off during the day.

Not Exercising

Research has shown that one keeps burning calories even after 24 hours after workout, especially when one does resistance training form of exercises. Research also has proven that exercising in the morning leads to more calories being brunt than exercising at any other time of the day. Thus, if you wish to get an effective exercise without going at it for hours, plan a short and quick workout early in the morning. You could get up and go for a run or a walk as suits your physical activity need and preference. When you do high intensity cardio interval training you challenge the fat burning genes more. As a result, the post workout calorie burn is much more. Doing cardio vascular exercises early in the morning on an empty stomach will prove most effective in reducing fat and weight.

Not Doing Resistance Training

Most people think that resistance training is not for them. They feel that cardio vascular exercises are enough to keep them fit. While that is true in most regard, if you wish to develop lean muscles and want to keep the fat burning process going even after you have stopped exercising. It would be wiser to start doing strength training. Strength training involves working with weights but one can even do other forms of resistance training such as high intensity interval training. That leads to similar effects as weight lifting exercises. These kinds of exercises work on the muscle groups and lead to wear and tear. As the muscles start to recover and rebuild themselves, they burn the fat cells in order to get energy. During the time when you rest, the muscles are repairing themselves and burning calories at the same time. Thus, a metabolism boosting workout even for ten minutes included in one’s morning exercise routine will keep the calories burning through the day.
These are some of the great ways one can boost their metabolism. If you are not doing these activities, you are missing out on stepping up your metabolic rate.

Is weight gain weighing you down? Does it not seem to help no matter what measures you take? You need to understand the natural processes within your body with respect to fat burning. The kind of food that helps to burn fat, increase the metabolic rate more need to be known in order to affect weight loss. Again, eating the right food at the right time as well as doing the right amount of physical activity will keep the metabolism active. Even if you are born with a sluggish metabolism, you could do many things to step it up and make it work to your advantage in order to help you lose the fat and keep off the extra weight.

Way To Reducing Lung Cancer Risk For Smokers

If you have the bad habit of smoking, the principal way that one can help themselves is to give up on smoking. Continuing to smoke and seeing other ways to reduce the risks of lung cancer is a half hearted approach. Smoking is known to harm not only the lungs but can also cause other associated problems. By increasing the levels of toxin in the blood stream, you compromise your immune system greatly. All kinds of ailments take on a graver appearance when one continues to smoke. The following steps can be taken to reduce the risks of lunch cancer in smokers.

Do Not Smoke

  • Do Not Take Up The Habit – The main step towards reducing the risk of developing lung cancer is to stop smoking. Tobacco use is attributed as the major cause of lung cancer in people afflicted with such a disease across the world. It has been seen that in US alone eighty percent women and ninety percent men have smoked for which they have contracted lung cancer and finally died in the process. Thus, the main step towards reducing the risk of cancer is to not take up such a habit.
  • Quit The Habit – If you are a smoker, you need to quit the habit which will help to lower the risk of lung cancer. You could try electronic cigarettes to reduce your tenacity to smoke. One should remember that, even if you quit, you need to take steps towards a healthy diet and lifestyle in order to reduce the chances of contracting such a disease.
  • Seek Help – If you are a smoker and are unable to give up the habit, you need to lower the risk of lung cancer by seeking help. There are support groups where one can join to discuss their problems of not being able to quit. Such support groups allow one to express their feelings and be able to come to terms with their situation. One could also seek counseling and support to quit smoking.

Reduce Exposure To Second Hand Smoke

It is said that passive smoking is as bad as being exposed to smoke first hand. Thus, one needs to find ways to reduce chances of inhaling second hand smoke at home or in workplaces.
  • Make your home smoke free – if you live with other members who smoke, try and discourage them from smoking. Even if they cannot give up the habit, they should be asked to smoke outside the close spaces where the air gets polluted easily.
  • Ensure that your workplace does not make you a passive smoker – you have every right to a smoke free space in your workplace. If others are smoking close to your office workstation and subjecting you to second hand smoke, you can speak up and voice your complaint.
  • Use public transport that does not allow smoking. Nowadays most public transport systems, public waiting areas do not allow people to smoke openly. One can always speak up if others are found smoking.

Reduce Exposure To Dangerous Fumes

Lung cancer can be caused not only by being exposed to tobacco fumes or smoke but also by exposure to other forms of toxic fumes and pollutants.

Reduce Use Of Chemical Household Cleaners

– We do not realize that many of our actions involve working with chemicals that release fumes which can be toxic to our lungs. When you are using household cleaners, it is best to resort to herbal or non toxic household cleaning agents. These will not release harmful fumes which can affect the lungs and increase the chances of lung cancer.

Workplace Dangers

– Do you work in a factory where you are subjected to inhaling dangerous fumes? If so, find out the norms of workplace safety rules and whether your office is abiding by them. Seek medical help if you have been exposed to an unhealthy level of such toxic fumes. Consider changing such a workplace if the risks are great.

Living Areas

– Do you live in an industrial setting? Do you have plants and factories next to you which emit fumes all day? Such pollutants in the air will affect the residents nearby. Find out more about the factories located close to your home and whether you are at risk of contracting lung diseases like lung cancer due to constant exposure to such polluted air. You might need to consider moving t a safer and greener par of town in order to reduce such risks to your health.
Have you quit smoking to reduce the chances of lung cancer? Do you wish to be free of such risks? Get a medical checkup done and follow the preventive measures mentioned above. Awareness and prevention are the important steps to prevent the onset of such a disease.

How To Get Rid Of Blackheads Fast?

Blackheads are a very common and annoying problem for both men and women. It occurs when the skin pores get clogged due to the excess secretion of sebum and also due to dry dead skin. This oil is made by the sebaceous glands to make your skin supple. Women tend to be really upset by the sight of blackheads on their nose than men. Nowadays, we see both sexes looking for various methods to get rid of the blackheads on nose.
Blackheads are not caused by dirt and scrubbing your face with scrubbing agents will not help in getting rid of blackheads. They are nothing buy pimples without skin over them. It is caused due to the oxidization of the sebum or the skin cells when it comes in contact with air. This happens only when your skin pores open. The oxidization will make the skin turn black. So, excess scrubbing of the skin will only make the matters worse and will make your skin on your face get drier than before. This will result in more oil being created to make up for the loss of oil and maters get even worse. Hence, it is suggested that you follow the given remedies only for two to three times maximum in a week and this way you will be able to make your skin look better. You just need to clean out the pores to get rid of blackheads.
The following are the home remedies that will provide you with a solution on how to get rid of blackheads fast.

1.    Milk and Honey Pore Strips

Honey and milk are always good for your skin. The lactic acid in the milk will help in keeping your skin soft and smooth and honey is loaded with antibacterial properties. The main goal here is to mix honey and milk in such a way that it forms an adhesive.

How to Apply?

  • Take one tablespoon of organic and pure honey in a small microwave safe bowl.
  • Add a teaspoon of cold milk to the honey and mix it well.
  • Now microwave the contents in the bowl for a minute. Now mix the contents once again.
  • Allow it to reach room temperature and then apply a thin layer of this mixture over the blackheads on nose.
  • Now take a strip of dry and clean cotton cloth and pat it gently on the thin layer of honey and milk mixture.
  • Make sure that it sticks firmly on the mixture. Allow it to dry and wait for about 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Now carefully peel this trip away and rinse your nose with cold water. Apply moisturizer on it.
  • Repeat this process three times a week and you can get rid of blackheads on nose in a month’s time.

2.    Patting with Honey

Honey has excellent antibacterial properties and will help in easy blackhead removal from your face and neck. It is important for you to use raw organic honey that is thick to get the maximum benefit. Honey will provide the perfect balancing act for your skin and works well on oily skin as well as blackheads.
  • All you need to do is to apply pure honey on the area where you spot blackheads. Allow it to rest for about 10 minutes.
  • Wash it off with lukewarm water and repeat this process three times a week to see effective results.

3.    Steam Treatment

The steam will help in greatly reducing the appearance of the blackheads on nose and face, though it does not open your pores. It will help in softening the sebum that fills your pores and causes blackheads to appear. This is a relaxing and easy way of how to get rid of blackheads naturally.

Directions

  • Take a large bowl and pour boiling water into it. Allow the water to cool a bit.
  • Now, cover your head with a big towel and lean over the bowl for about 10 minutes.
  • The towel has to be covered in such a way that the steam does not have any opening to escape out.
  • Be careful not to get very close to the boiling water as it can burn your skin.
  • Once done, rinse your face with warm water and then pat your face dry with a clean towel.
  • Do not forget to moisturize your skin after the steam treatment. Repeat this process for several weeks to easily get rid of blackheads naturally and to enjoy glowing skin.

4.    Clay Mask

One of the easiest solutions on how to get rid of blackheads fast is to use bentonite clay on your face. It has rich healing properties that are used to treat a variety of skin ailments. It has been in use for centuries. It does a very good job on the skin as it will remove out all impurities and the oils on your skin pores. A clay mask will make sure that your skin will get all the essential minerals to improve blood circulation and to tone your skin. It is a face mask that will make you feel like your skin is tightening as it dries.

How To Apply?

  • Add Bentonite clay or cosmetic clay in enough quantity of water or apple cider vinegar to make a thick paste that can be easily applied to your skin.
  • You can use your fingertips to apply a thin layer this mask all over your face.
  • Let it sit on your face for 20 to 25 minutes or until it dries out completely.
  • Rinse the face off with lukewarm water and then pat it dry. Now apply moisturizer on your face.
  • Repeat this process two times a week for three to four weeks to see visible results.

5.    Honey and Cinnamon Paste

Honey has antibacterial properties that will help in keeping the bacteria away as well as will act as an adhesive that can pull out anything in the pores of your skin. Cinnamon is a natural healer that will help in improving the blood circulation to make skin look smooth and healthy as well as glowing. Cinnamon and honey together make a delicious candy. They are equally good on your skin and will work effectively in giving you the solution to blackhead problems.

Directions

  • In a small bowl, mix one part of cinnamon powder with one part of raw and pure organic honey. You should be having enough paste so that it covers all the affected area.
  • Apply a thin layer of the cinnamon and honey paste on the blackheads and then fix a small strip of clean and dry cloth over this paste. Pat it and ensure that it sticks onto the paste firmly.
  • Allow the mixture to rest on the blackheads for five minutes. Now remove the strip carefully and wash your face with lukewarm water.
  • Never forget to moisturize your skin. Repeat this process two to three times a week to see a reduction in the blackheads on nose.

6.    Egg White Mask

Egg whites are loaded with nutrients needed for the skin and will do a very good job in temporarily tightening the skin pores. It can be used as an effective face mask to reduce the chances of developing further blackheads as well as to remove the existing blackheads on your face and nose.

How To Apply?

  • You just need to use the egg white and hence first you will need to separate the yolk and the white of the egg.
  • Pat your face dry with a clean towel and then apply a thin layer of the egg white on your face.
  • You can use a facial tissue or a toilet paper over the applied egg white layer and press it gently on your face.
  • Now allow the first layer to dry completely.
  • Apply another layer of egg white on the facial tissue.  You must ensure that the tissue does not fall off. You can now place another facial tissue over this new egg white layer.
  • After the second egg white layer has dried out, you can once again apply a third layer of egg white on the tissue appear.
  • Allow the layers to completely dry. You will feel tightness when the mask dries. Once done, peel off the tissue paper and wash your face gently with lukewarm water. Pat it dry and apply moisturizer.
  • Repeat this process two times a week for 1 to 2 months to completely get rid of blackheads on nose and face.

7.    Lemon Juice

The opening of the skin pores and the clogging is what makes the blackheads to appear on your nose and face. If you are able to shrink the pores on your skin, then you can do away with the blackhead problems that are disturbing you. Lemon juice is a substance that will work wonders on your skin to temporarily lighten the skin and to close the pores. If you have sensitive skin, then you can use diluted lemon juice on your face.

Directions

  • Wash your face clean and then pat it dry. In a small bowl, squeeze one or two lemons to extract its juice.
  • Apply this lemon juice on the target areas on your nose and face using a cotton ball. You need to apply this juice on the affected area at bedtime.
  • Rinse your face with lukewarm water the next day morning and then pat it dry. Apply moisturizer.
  • You need to repeat this process 3 to 4 times in a week to find a solution on how to remove blackheads from nose.

8.    Apple Cider Vinegar and Mint

You can make a very good skin toner by mixing apple cider vinegar and mint leaves. The apple cider vinegar will help in eliminating the stuff that causes the blackheads on nose and face and the mint will provide the soothing and cooling effect to the skin. The menthol in the mint can help in reducing the inflammation around the blackheads.

How to Apply?

  • Take apple cider vinegar in a bottle and add mint leaves in it. Keep the bottle as it is for about a week in a cool dark place.
  • Now, strain the liquid and then add a cup of water to it.
  • Store this liquid mixture in refrigerator for 6 days.
  • Apply this mixture on your blackheads after cleaning your face with water and then patting it dry. You can apply this mixture on the blackhead on the nose and face with the help of clean cotton balls.
  • Leave to liquid on your blackheads overnight and rinse it off the first thing in the morning. Then do not forget to apply the moisturizer.
  • Apply this mixture every night to see the effective blackhead removal in three to four weeks time.

9.    Baking Soda

Baking soda is a home remedy you can think of to find an easy solution on how to get rid of blackheads fast. It is also effective in treating acne. Baking soda is very good in removing the dirt and the dust particles that get attached to your skin and will also help in clearing the pores. It must not be overused as it has salt content that can cause your skin to go dry.

Directions

  • In a small bowl, take two to three teaspoons of baking soda and mix it with water to make a thick paste. Make sure that the paste is spreadable.
  • Take some paste on your fingertips and massage it in a circular motion over the blackheads on your nose and face.
  • Let it dry for a few minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
  • Repeat this remedy twice a week to remove blackheads on nose.

10.    Green Tea

Green tea is found to be very effective in treating blackheads.
  • Put a teaspoon or two of dried green tea leaves in a small bowl of water.
  • Grind this into a coarse paste. Using your fingertips, apply this paste on the blackheads generously.
  • Now scrub the paste on the blackheads for about two to three minutes. This will help in cleansing your oily skin as well as clear all dirt from your skin pores.
  • Let it dry for a few minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
  • Repeat this process three times a week to find a solution to your problem of how to remove blackheads from your skin.

11.    Sugar Scrub

Exfoliating your skin is a very good thing as it will help in easily removing dead skin cells. Hence, you need to exfoliate your skin occasionally. This has to be followed by moisturizing. The dead skin cells are those that will clog your skin pores and will lead to creation of blackheads and acne. Exfoliating with sugar and jojoba oil will help in improving the blood circulation in your face. It will help in giving a healthy glow to your skin.

Directions

  • Add one cup of sugar in a deep bottom bowl and mix it with 4 tablespoons of jojoba oil. Add a few drops of fragrance to give a good smell to this mixture.
  • Mix these ingredients well. You can now store this mixture in a glass jar and this will stay fresh for one and half months.
  • Wet your face and apply a generous amount of this sugar scrub mixture on your face. Use your fingertips to scrub the mixture and massage it over your face in a circular motion for five minutes.
  • Rinse it off with water and then pat dry. Apply moisturizer to your face.
  • Repeat this process for two to three times only in a week. This will help in easy blackhead removal.

12.    Treating With Water

One of the natural home remedies that you can do daily to get solution on how to get rid of blackheads is to use water treatment on your face so that you prevent your skin from drying too much. Water treatment is nothing but washing your face with clean water for a couple of minutes and then patting it dry with a clean towel. This will help in removing excess sebum and also flushing out dead skin on your face. This way you can prevent he development of blackheads on your face.
  • Wash your face with plain water at least five to six times a day.
  • Pat it dry after a good wash and then apply moisturizer to keep the skin fresh.

13.    Oatmeal and Yoghurt Mixture

Oatmeal and yoghurt mixture are found to be very effective in treating blackheads on the skin. It will help in rejuvenating your skin.
  • Add two tablespoons of oatmeal in a bowl and then mix it well with three tablespoons of plain yoghurt.
  • Add a few drops of lemon juice as well as a teaspoon or two of olive oil. Mix well.
  • Apply this face on the blackheads affected area. Leave it there for a few minutes to dry.
  • Rinse it off with water and then pat dry.
  • Repeat this procedure for three times a week to get rid of blackheads fast.

14.    Turmeric

Turmeric has very good antiseptic properties and works well for minor burns. It is also very effective in treating blackheads.
  • In a bowl, add a teaspoon of turmeric powder with two tablespoons of fresh mint juice. Mix it well.
  • Apply this mixture on the affected areas of your face. Allow it to dry for a few minutes.
  • Wash it off with water and pat your face dry.
  • You can also mix turmeric powder, sandalwood powder and milk and make it into a smooth paste. Apply this mixture on your face and rest it for about 5 minutes. Wash it off with water to reduce blackheads in three to four weeks time.

15.    Fenugreek

One of the easiest effective remedies that you can use to find solutions on how to remove blackheads from nose is to use fenugreek paste. It will help in clearing the clogging of the pores.
  • Take fresh fenugreek leaves and add water to it. Grind this mixture to make a thick paste.
  • Apply it on the blackhead areas on your face and nose and allow it to dry for about 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Rinse it off with lukewarm water and then pat dry.
  • You can use this home remedy everyday to reduce blackheads and to prevent it from reappearing.

16.    Cornmeal

The cornmeal will help in removing the dirt and the dust that blocks the pores of your skin. It will help the skin to breathe easily.
  • Use steam to open your skin pores. Now mix a tablespoon of powdered cornmeal with any of your regular homemade facial cleanser.
  • Apply this mixture on the affected areas with your fingertips in a circular motion.
  • Leave it to dry for a few minutes and then rinse the mixture off with cold water.
  • Repeat this three times a week and this will help in closing the skin pores and thereby prevent blackheads.

17.    Tomato Juice

Tomatoes have antiseptic properties which will help in easily removing the clogging of the pores.
  • Mash a few tomatoes and use its juice as well as its peel to treat your face.
  • You will have to apply a generous amount of tomato juice on the nose and the face where blackheads appear.
  • Apply it and leave it on the skin overnight. This will help in drying up your blackheads.
  • Repeat this process three to four times a week to remove the blackheads from nose naturally.

18.    Lemon and Olive Oil

Lemon juice is known to be very good at cleansing the skin. Olive oil is also a very good for your skin that will make it soft and smooth. Lemon will help in de-clogging the skin pores.
  • Mix equal parts of lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil in a small bowl.
  • Apply this toner on your face and other areas where you spot blackheads.
  • Use a cotton ball to apply this mixture on your face. Concentrate more on the nose area as this is where blackheads normally appear.
  • Leave it for a few minutes or even overnight.
  • Wash it off with lukewarm water and pat dry. Repeat this process four times a week to get rid of blackheads naturally.

19.    Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is also known for its antiseptic properties and it will help in easily removing the dirt and blemishes from your skin.
  • Apply generous amount of tea tree oil on your face everyday. Pay more attention to your nose area.
  • Allow it to rest on your face for 10 to 15 minutes or even overnight.
  • Wash it off with lukewarm water and pat dry. Apply moisturizer on skin.
  • Using this regularly on your skin will help in not just removing blackheads, but also prevents the occurrence of blackheads.

20.    Toothpaste

The toothpaste that you use to brush your teeth could be your answer on how to get rid of blackheads on nose fast.
  • Wash your face with lukewarm water. Now take a small quantity of toothpaste on a new soft bristle toothbrush.
  • Rub this on the blackheads affected areas of your skin for about five minutes. You should be very slow in rubbing the paste on your skin.
  • Wash the face with cold water and this therapy will help in closing your skin pores.
  • You can do this blackhead removal treatment on your nose and face every day if you do not feel any irritation. If irritation occurs, wash it off immediately and try some other home made remedy to treat blackheads.

Additional Tips to Prevent Blackheads

The following are the tips that you should follow to prevent blackheads on nose and get answers to how to remove blackheads from nose.
  1. It is vital for you to keep your face as clean as possible. This is the most obvious method you need to follow to keep your skin free from blackheads. Regular washing and cleansing with natural facial cleansers will do a perfect job.
  2. Exfoliating your skin once in three to four days will help in removing the impurities and dust on your skin pores and thereby prevent blackheads.
  3. Detoxifying your body to remove impurities and toxins will also help in keeping your skin hydrated. It will make the skin smoother, softer as well as cleaner. Drinking more water will help in a great way.
  4. Remove your makeup when you hit the bed as it will clog the pores and do not give enough space for your skin to breathe.
  5. Change your pillow covers once in a week. There may be dead skin cells, dust and dirt attached to the pillow covers which can easily make the blackheads reappear.
  6. It is always better to check out the ingredients of facial products before buying it. It is better to go for natural facial products to prevent the appearance of blackheads on nose and skin.
  7. Do not pop or pick the blackheads on your face and nose as it might add more bacteria on the skin.
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