Ayurveda & Wellness: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living
Is The Best Argan oil hair shampoo the ultimate solution to all your hair concerns?
We have raved about argan oil forever! This magical ingredient has been the best member of the hair care community that has served for ages. The hype of argan oil is no longer a mystery, as the benefit of argan oil is limitless. Today, we will dive deep into everything about the best argan oil hair shampoo that will help you learn more about this beneficial ingredient. All the information will be backed up by scientific research to ensure that you only get accurate information and nothing less. Keep reading along with us to learn more about it. Benefits of argan oil hair shampoo - What does science say? You may have read plenty of benefits about argan hair oil shampoos on the internet, but how much of that info is accurate? So many people do not do adequate research about the benefits and the uses of an ingredient but start incorporating it into their everyday routine. This can be dangerous if you somehow choose the wrong ingredients for your hair, skin and body. If you wonder whether all the information you read on the internet about argan hair oil shampoo benefits are accurate or not, here's a list of the benefits backed up by scientific research and studies. Moisturizes and conditions your hair Argan oil is an excellent source of vitamin E, which is a significant moisturizing element for your hair. This ingredient is full of fatty acids such as linoleic acid and oleic acid that helps to lubricate the hair shaft and maintain adequate moisture. This fatty layer can also prevent dryness in your hair and is a boon for people suffering from dry hair type as it replenishes the nutrient content in your hair with one wash! It keeps your hair soft, supple and bouncy without weighing it down from extra moisture. Improves scalp health So many people struggle with dandruff, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, which are some of the significant scalp conditions. These are the underlying conditions contributing to hair fall and inadequate hair moisture. According to studies, argan oil has major anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that work great for keeping your scalp health in check. Prevents styling and colouring damage According to the studies, argan oil offers a nice protective layer to your hair, preventing the damage from consistently washing or styling your hair. Being rich in linoleic, oleic and palmitic acid, argan oil is great for protecting your hair from external chemicals and heat. Furthermore, the nourishing properties of argan hair oil ensure that your hair is free from any split and damaged ends. This is one of the major concerns of people who are consistently styling and heating up their hair. Another study also found out that using argan hair oil shampoo in your hair can eliminate the damage caused by hair dye, making the hair brittle and coarse. If you are looking for a fix for the heat and chemical damage to your hair, look no further as argan oil shampoo is your best buddy here! Protects hair from the sun The Moroccan argan oil shampoo has been used for ages to protect the hair and the scalp from the sun. According to a study, argan oil's antioxidant activity helps protect the scalp from the free radical damage that causes the hair to grow super unhealthy. It may also prevent damage from the sun's ultraviolet rays by adding an extra layer of protection. Do you still need to use an argan hair oil if you use the argan hair oil shampoo? Well, that's a common question so many people wonder about. Let's decode this together. The argan oil hair shampoo is mainly made of a maximum concentration of argan oil mixed with other ingredients that are excellent for your hair health. Considering the amount of argan oil content on your shampoo, you can choose to skip the part of oiling if you'd like to. However, if you're a dry hair type, oiling with argan oil can go a long way in combining with the nourishing properties of the argan oil hair shampoo. If you have an oily scalp or do not have adequate time to oil your hair regularly, it is always better to apply only the argan oil hair shampoo, which will keep your scalp nourished, clean and healthy for a longer duration effortlessly! How to pick the best argan oil hair shampoo? With so many brands on the market selling argan hair oil shampoos, getting overwhelmed is natural. Simply adding the word "natural" or "organic" doesn't necessarily prove that the product is worth purchasing. This is why you need to dig deeper and look out for the ingredients in your argan oil hair shampoo. Starting from the basics, your argan oil hair shampoo should primarily consist of argan oil as the main ingredient. Some other ingredients that can be present in your argan hair oil shampoo can be aloe vera extract, vegetable glycerin, gudhal extracts, reetha extracts, Brahmi extracts, and other essential oils. These ingredients boost the efficiency and potency of the argan oil hair shampoo and bring even better results than only oiling your hair with argan oil. Ensure that your argan oil hair shampoo ingredients do not have any SLS or parabens, even in the littlest amounts. Sure, these ingredients are primarily present to extend the shelf life of the hair care product, but it can end up damaging your hair even further. Always look out for safe and natural ingredients even if you get a shorter shelf life with your hair care products, as you need to focus more on the healthy ingredients instead of the preservatives. Conclusion There are so many more benefits to argan hair oil shampoos, but these have already been proven with robust and rigorous experiments. Argan oil hair shampoos are clinically tried and tested to ensure that it serves the purpose and keeps their word of making your hair healthy and luscious. Now that you know the scientifically backed up solutions of the best argan oil hair shampoo, include it in your hair care routine starting today and experience the fantastic results!
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Benefits of Drinking Tea
Tea is the best beverage since it can be served iced and hot. There are plenty reasons to have a drink but tea is a drink where you don’t need a beverage ever. It is a flavourful liquid with properties to boosts energy. A drink which turns out of a plant, Camellia sinensis taste best when mixed with milk.Tea is the best refreshment. Every food and drink have a its benefits and harm on our body but we tend to consume it. Tea has multiple benefits even if you consume it more. One can never avoid tea after knowing its benefits. Here are the benefits of the tea: 1. Best antioxidantYour body needs specific food intake which has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants prevent body from weakness and diseases. It helps the body to fight germs and keep it young and healthy. 2. Less caffeineTea has less amount of caffeine when compared to coffee. Herbal tea has no caffeine and traditional teas have 50 percent less caffeine than coffee. Consumption of tea is now beneficial than coffee as there are no effects on the nervous system. 3. Risk of heart healthTea has properties with fight germs and regulates blood circulation. Tea reduces the risk of heart attack by 20 perfect and heart stroke by 25 percent, at least for those who drank 3-4 cups of tea a day. Tea such as green tea reduces the risk of heart attack by 35 perfect and reduces cholesterol levels. 4. Weight lossGreen tea is a drink which works as multi-action. It is the best detoxifier for your body. Flushes out all the toxins and helps you to reduce weight. It rejuvenates your body. 5. Immune systemTea is a drink for your immunity. The immune system plays a vital role when it comes to your well-being. It reduces the risk of falling sick often. Tea helps to strengthen your immune system and fight germ causing diseases.
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6 Habits if Incorporated in Daily Life Might Help with Anxious Mind
I am an introvert person. I hate social gatherings. Talking. Dancing. Worst of all, people. People scare me. It is not like I am scared of them hurting me, I am aware no one is gonna attack me (hopefully). But just thinking of them is shaking me to the core. The whole scenario makes me nervous. I start to stutter. My legs start fidgeting. God only knows how many times have I dived into the phone, pretending to text someone. I want to hide away. Welcome to the life of a person who is doomed with anxiety. Anxiety. A mental disorder that is constantly sending signals of fear down the spine. Overthinking becomes your new companion. The mind is always running, but somehow, it never wins the race. Fright, nausea, and irritability are the best friends, 4 peas in a pod. Yay! So many factors are closely knitted with our mental health. While most of these things are out of our control, as we tend to go back to have some semblance of normalcy, it's important to address the habitual things we can actually change or maybe try to add. Here are outlines of a few of the factors and easy tips to make sure you're doing what you can to protect your emotional wellness. A Good Night’s Sleep: We have always heard from our teachers, parents, and mostly, the doctors about how important sleep is. Preferably, sleeping six to eight hours a day is what every adult needs for personal wellbeing. Resting your body and getting a good downtime are very closely linked to mental health. Sleep deprivation affects your psychological state as well and according to a study by Harvard Medical School, people with mental health problems are more likely to be insomniacs or have other sleep disorders. Regular Intake of Water: I know many people need a water remaindering application to, well, remind themselves to drink water. And I totally understand it. Life is busy and fast-moving. Some days you even feel like you do not have time to breathe, you know, too busy for oxygen. Water might be the last thing on your mind. So a water reminder is actually a very smart idea. Drinking enough water is key for both physical and mental health. When you don't drink enough water, you are slithering into mild dehydration. At that time, your brain rings an alarm that you're in a life-threatening situation and starts flooding with stress hormones—especially cortisol. A spike in cortisol leads to anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. Keep Learning New Things: When you are not doing something, your brain starts to think about irrelevant things. It starts to overthink. What I tend to do is learn a new language. It not only improves my skills but also keeps my brain busy. According to a study from Central Connecticut State University, learning new things may not only increase your intelligence but also helps you come up with better ideas and solve problems. For your brain, learning to play an instrument, trying to speak a new language, or taking on a new topic you don’t know helps your keep the mind busy, while also improving your knowledge. This newfound knowledge allows you to adapt better to different situations. It is also a habit followed many millionaires follow. Get Out: Remember how Rapunzel was locked in a tower all her life that she ended up with a chameleon as her best friend? That’s why many doctors suggest getting out more. Something as simple as taking a walk around the neighborhood is also counted as self-care. In 2019, research stated that just 20 minutes outside significantly lowered stress hormone levels. Be in Contact with Friends and Family: This one is one of the most important key to keeping your mental health at bay. Maintaining relationships with friends and family is vital to your mental welfare. As mentioned before, being alone with your thoughts might take a toll on you. So, make the effort to text back, schedule video calls, and go out for movies or dinner/lunch, etc. so that you stay in touch with people. This helps in building a trustful environment where you will realize that that zone is your judgment-free zone and can reach out whenever you feel overwhelmed. Physical Activities are a Great Help: Seriously, working out in any way, be it hardcore exercise or yoga, physical activity elevates your mood like nothing else. It's crucial that you exercise as it feeds your body with the endorphins which is much needed! Prolonged exposure to stress is capable of resulting in triggering psychological issues such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, psychological distress, and anxiety, among several others. In all, what we are trying to say is maybe it gets better. The anxiety might get better with time, patience, and therapy. Talking to a friend who is ready to listen to your sudden bouts with no judgments is very hard to do, but once you do, you would feel sudden lightness on your whole body. Take deep breaths when nervous. I have learned a fact that literally, no one is gonna remember that mistake you made. It may sound bitter, but people have a lot to worry and think about, and your mistakes aren’t running through anyone’s mind. Surround yourself with people who have a good interest in their hearts for you. Anxiety gets better with kind words and kinder intentions. This way, maybe we can overcome anxiety.
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Hair Care 101: What are Parabens and What is the Debate Around them?
We have come a long way from Shakespeare’s “to be or not to be” existential question. Now the question that targets our existence revolves much around the lines of, “to text or not to text”, “to watch or not to watch”, “to eat or not to eat”, and “to buy or not to buy”. We are living in times where we are incredibly aware and conscious of what we are eating. So, I guess it is fair to say that it is also the time we start watching out for the ingredients of the products that we slather up on our skin or hair! Bad and dangerous ingredients in our beauty products aren’t exactly a piece of news. Albeit, not every chemical is bad. In the world of beauty, there has been an ongoing debate regarding an ingredient: paraben. The person responsible for this stir of controversy would be Philippa Darbre. Let’s learn further about what paraben is and the reason behind this ongoing debate. What are Parabens? Coconut Oil are, basically, a class of compounds called esters used in all sorts of beauty products and are very effective at preventing bacteria, fungi, and yeast growth. So in simpler terms, they are preservatives of cosmetic products that increase their shelf life. From shampoos to moisturizers, all the products use parabens. It is present in the various forms such as methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and heptylparaben. So, What Exactly is wrong with Paraben? You might be wondering, “What is wrong with a little preservative? It is just keeping the fungus and bacteria away, isn’t it?” Well, yes it is. But, according to a report by Philippa Darbre, it is also causing deadly harm to the consumer. The story goes back to the year 2004, when a lady, named Philippa Darbre published a research paper stating that there appeared to be traces of parabens in the tissue samples of breast cancer patients. It doesn’t really help paraben’s case when its chemical structure is resembling estrogen, the female hormone that is known to cause breast cells—both normal and cancerous—to grow and divide. There isn’t enough evidence to conclude or back up the paper, but the research did prove that parabens can pass through the skin barrier and enter our bodies. “The researchers looked only for the presence of paraben in breast cancer samples. The study did not show that paraben caused or contributed to breast cancer development in these cases, it only showed that they were there.” This was quickly pointed out by the American Cancer Society. And that is how, my friends, the paraben debate began. We, nor do we believe anyone, can say for sure that parabens can cause breast cancer. It is really up to the consumer to choose for themselves. But we use the precautionary principle; if multiple research casts doubt over an ingredient’s safety to humans or the environment, we shall not use it. Our Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner helps curb dehydration of hair and tame the frizz. Being free from SLS and Paraben helps in nourishing and strengthening hair, and reducing hair-fall. And to add a cherry on top, it is cruelty-free and vegan!
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Treating Cystic Acne: 3 Ways to Treat the Stubborn Devil Zits Fast with GreenOpia Naturals
If you are tired of acne breaking out randomly, clap your hands! *clap, clap!* It has happened a lot of times, at least with me, that after a long time of clear, bumpless skin, just before some main event, would acne bumps come and pays a visit! It feels like it was waiting for me to let my guard down, and the moment I did that, here comes the devil! Oh, the vicious thing! But the thing more vicious than regular acne is cystic acne. Cystic acne is the worst of them all. It really is. Do you know why? Well, unlike other forms of acne (blackheads, whiteheads, red bumps, and the ever so infamous-never-pop-it-pus bumps), cystic acne can’t be treated with the same ointments and serums that you topically apply in other cases. That is because cystic acne is rooted deep within the skin tissue, with no direct connection to the surface. But don’t worry, I have got your back! As someone who has been a regular host for the devil acne, I have got a few tricks under my sleeves. So hold your horses, cause I am just about share ways that might help at treating them. But first, we gotta learn a thing or a few about cystic acne. You know, “know thy enemy!” What Is Cystic Acne? Most severe of all acne forms, these are deep, red, pus nodules that form on the surface of the skin. If being painful wasn’t enough, these bumps leave behind scars and brown spots that take their sweet time to go away. In short, they are just a nuisance. What Causes Cystic Acne? Blocked Pores: The pores are always creating sebum and some areas, like the T-zone, can tend to be oilier. All this sebum, when combined with dirt and dead skin cells, can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, clogged pores, and cysts. Hormones: Cysts are large pimples under the skin. As they grow, they become inflamed. However, after the inflammation is soothed, the sac of pus still remains, which can become inflamed again. They also have a knack for visiting again at the same spot. These can be hormonal due to imbalanced androgen levels. Continuously Touching Face: If you are constantly touching your face, wiping away sweat with the back of your hand, or not disinfecting your phone regularly then please, for the love of god, stop! You are basically inviting the little devils to reside in your skin by creating the perfect environment for them. Dirt on your fingers transfers bacteria and oil to the skin. Plus, touching the skin stimulates the blood flow, which causes inflammation. This promotes more blockages, resulting in breakouts. How To Get Rid Of Them? Don’t Pop It! First and foremost, no matter how appealing it may seem, DO NOT pop it. Do not even touch it. Cystic acne legit cannot be popped, as the problem is way too deep within the skin. Trying to squeeze the cyst out will only push the inflammation further. Just let it be! Cortisone Injection A cortisone injection involves a low-dose steroid that is directly injected into the zit to decrease the pain and inflammation within a few days. Cool It Down! For years, our ancestral grandmas have passed the knowledge of putting ice on your face. Ice helps in constricting the blood vessels and brings down the swelling a bit. Why is it important to bring down the swelling? Well, the reason cystic acne is painful is because of swelling and inflammation in the tissue. So, wrap up an ice cube in a clean paper towel or napkin and hold it against your stubborn acne for 1-2 minutes max.
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Understanding Your Skin: Differentiating Skin Type from Skin Condition with GreenOpia Naturals
Your skin is just as unique as you are. It is the largest organ in your body, and also your very first and foremost protection from outer elements. Thus giving it love and nourishment takes patience and maybe a lot of trial and error methods. To avoid experiencing trial and error, you must learn to understand your skin better. When you distinguish what your skin needs, it gets easier to decide accurately which products are most beneficial for you. Often people can’t distinguish between skin type and skin condition. So the very first thing to learn is to differentiate the two. SKIN TYPE V/S SKIN CONDITION Though the terms may seem similar, they cannot be any more different. The most basic point of difference between the two is the fact that while not everyone has a skin condition, everyone does have skin type, which by the way, is determined by genetics. Skin types may keep changing seeing the environmental and climate changes, but it is most likely to stay for a prolonged time, if not forever, while skin conditions with correct measures, may not remain permanent. Skin conditions can be caused by various factors, such as hormonal changes, sun exposure, stress, lifestyle, and diet. Sometimes skin conditions are easily treated, but it often requires the assistance of a dermatologist. Learning more about the different skin types and various skin conditions can help you learn about your skin and how to care for it. SKIN TYPE There are 4 types of skin: normal, oily, dry, and combination. Normal Skin: Normal skin is typically smooth in appearance, has pink overtones, and barely noticeable pores. Dry Skin: Dry skin is thin, lacks brightness, can have fine wrinkles, is rough, and isn't flexible. It is caused due to underproduction of sebum. Stress, fatigue, hormones, cold weather and inadequate cosmetics are contributing factors to dry skin. Oily Skin: Oily skin appears to be shiny, mostly in the T-Zone of the face, thick and firm. Skin pores are very much visible. This skin type causes acne and pimples. Many people have oily skin during their teenage years. Hormones, stress, lifestyle and inadequate cosmetics are contributing factors. Combination Skin: This type of skin is a combination of oily and dry skin. In this case, most of the time, the skin is dry on the cheeks and oily on the T-Zone. SKIN CONDITION A skin condition is a specific problem that you are having with your skin. Though many are easily managed, it is advisable to do so with the assistance of a dermatologist. Acne: The most common of all skin conditions is acne. Not just reserved for the teen year, acnes are caused when pores are clogged due to oil and dead skin cells, which causes breakouts. Dehydrated Skin: This skin condition is not limited just to dry skin. Dehydrated skin is caused due to lack of water, while dry skin is the result of lack of oil. This condition leaves a thin skin that is more prone to fine lines and squamous skin. Pigmentation: There are many types of skin pigmentation conditions: some are hormonal, some hereditary, and some are due to the lifestyle. Depending on the type some go away on their own, some can be treated in the salon and with skincare and other types may need to be assisted by a dermatologist. Rosacea: Rosacea can be easily misunderstood as several other skin conditions, such as acne or sensitive skin. It is characterized by sustained inflammation, flushing, and redness. The cause of the condition is unknown, but if left unattended, it might get worse with time.
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Be Festive Ready with GreenOpia Naturals: 6 Ways to Lose Weight
Having a flatter belly is something that many people will struggle with at some point in their life. As the festive season approaches, it is hard to resist the temptation to indulge in all of the delicious junk foods that are around. But, luckily there are many ways to lose stomach fat! There are even different ways that can help you get rid of belly fat. You can take small steps every day to get your body back on track. Here are some tips for how you can look great this upcoming festive season. EXERCISE YOUR WAY THROUGH: One of the best ways to lose belly fat, and burn away any extra calories, is through exercise. Exercising is a good way to tone your abdominal muscles, and can help you reduce the risk of heart diseases and type 2 diabetes. The best form of exercise for burning calories quickly is through cardio. Cardio exercises such as running, biking, and swimming will help you burn more calories and fat. If you don’t like working out, you can try to take walks, or go for jogs in the mornings. It is important to stay active every day, even if it is just for like 60 minutes. That will help you burn those extra calories and get toned! DITCH DIET SODA: As much as we love to add the word ‘Diet’ to something just to rid ourselves of our guilty conscious, it really isn’t any help. Diet sodas are full of artificial sweeteners. According to research, these sweeteners trick your brain into thinking it is sugar, thus, making the body consume it in the same manner. A study suggests that people who consumed two or more diet sodas per day were six times more likely to gain weight around the belly than non-drinkers. BECOME BESTIES WITH WATER: Drinking water may help you lose weight by decreasing your appetite, increasing your metabolism, and helping you burn excess fat. A study observed that when participants drank water before a meal, they ate less food than they would if they didn't drink water before their meals. This is because water passes through the body faster and helps fill up the stomach to some extent. Lipolysis is the process where your body burns fat naturally and converts it to energy. Water is very important for this process. The first step in this process is called hydrolysis, which is a process where your body adds water to fat to help break it down. Thus increasing your water intake leads to increased metabolism, which results in weight loss. SPRINKLE BLACK PEPPER ON YOUR FOOD Indian spices have amazing health benefits apart from adding amazing flavor and taste to dishes. Among those spices is the black pepper. It can be considered a star ingredient that can not only just help you get clear skin, it can help achieve strong and healthy hair, and also help lose weight. Black pepper contains piperine, a compound that helps to enhance metabolic performance and prevents fat accumulation in the body. The spice also increases the concentration of good cholesterol. PUT A HOLD ON BEFORE-BED OR MIDNIGHT SNACKS Be it chips or a whole pizza, we all have had midnight cravings and have had food right before going to bed, or in bed. Munching on something at night can throw off your calorie-burning momentum. When you are sleeping, the burning of fats is at its peak. Recent medical studies have shown that eating between the hours of 11 p.m.-5 a.m. resulted in higher levels of blood glucose, insulin, and cholesterol. SLEEP TO LOSE WEIGHT No, you did not read it wrong. We solemnly swear that sleeping really aids in weight loss. Short sleep, usually defined as fewer than 7 hours, has been repeatedly linked to a higher body mass index (BMI) and weight gain. A study found short sleep duration to be significantly associated with greater waist circumference, which is an indicator of the accumulation of belly fat.
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Weight Losing with GreenOpia Naturals: Gut Health is one of the Easiest Ways to a Healthy Lifestyle
Every day, we come across at least one article that suggests various ways of losing weight. “6 easiest ways to lose weight” or “5 food that will aid in weight loss”, and so on. One of the highly overlooked game changers in losing weight is the health of your gut. Most people who are looking to lose body fat, focus mainly on cutting calories and exercising, which is fine. But it is not the only picture in the scrapbook. If you’re not also increasing the good bacteria in your gut, then your hard work and hunt to get a flat stomach will go in vain. The bacteria in our guts, the microbiomes, alter the way we respond to our hunger, the way our body stores fat, and how we balance our blood glucose levels. Here are a few of the easiest ways to improve the health of your gut microbiome to make it easier for you to lose weight! How are Weight Loss and Gut Health Related? This might be a question wandering in your mind. So basically, our bodies are literally covered with bacteria. But worry not! This is a good thing! More than the population of humans on earth, there are bacteria and microorganisms living on our skin and in our bodies. Out of which, the majority live in our large intestines. While, of course, a few bacteria in our intestines do carry disease, most of these bacteria aim at keeping us healthy. The more diverse the bacteria in the gut, the better for health. The less diversity and balance of good and bad bacteria in your guts can set you up for obesity and diabetes. Gut bacteria affect how your food is digested, may play an important role in inflammation, and plays a crucial role in your appetite. All of these play a major role in body fat. How to Improve Gut Health? Hold Back on Artificial Sweeteners Remember that bread and jam you had this very morning? You might want to put a hold on that jam after reading this. Researchers have found that artificial sweeteners affect gut bacteria negatively. They raise blood sugar levels and stimulate body fat production. Artificial sweeteners are added to so many products and you may not even be aware that you’re consuming them. They’re added to soft drinks, powdered drink mixes and other beverages, baked goods, candy, jams, and dairy products. Fermented foods are a Key Good bacteria, also known as probiotics, grow rapidly during the fermentation process. These good bacteria help in outnumbering the harmful bacteria that naturally exist in your digestive tract. Probiotics boost immunity and promote healthy digestion and a healthy weight. Fermented foods also help to reduce inflammation in the body. Thinking about how inflammation is related to weight loss? Well, inflammation makes losing weight more difficult. And researches suggest that obese individuals have higher levels of inflammation than their normal-weight counterparts. Eat more prebiotic-rich foods. Prebiotics are types of fiber that feed the friendly bacteria in the digestive system and help them to thrive; they’re a power player when it comes to keeping the count of “good” bacteria more than the “bad” bacteria. Prebiotics are known for boosting immunity, improving digestion, preventing constipation and bloating, and stopping bad bacteria from growing. In short, they keep your digestive tract healthy, making it easier to lose weight. Prebiotics also can reduce insulin, triglycerides (fat in the blood), and cholesterol (metabolic syndrome) in obese. It’s important to note that while all prebiotics is fiber, not all types of fibers are prebiotics. This means that even if your diet consists of rich fiber, you may not be getting enough prebiotic fiber. Good sources of prebiotic fiber include: Garlic Onions Oats Green Bananas Beans Apple Include Fruits and Veggies in your Diet Remember when our mothers used to run after us to finish our veggies? Oh, the good old days. Well, risking sounding like a mother, please include them in your daily diet. Fruits and vegetables are your best sources of fiber. Fiber is responsible to stimulate the growth of bacteria in the gut. The more variety of plant fibers you can get, the better. Chewing these fibers well is also very much important. Proper breaking of food enhances digestion so the gut can make the most out of these fibers.
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Is Reverse Hair Washing Worth a Try?
Ever been through those days when even after washing your hair, it would still feel oily? If yes, welcome to my world, it’s Christmas here (please take a notice of the sarcasm and my pain)! Shampoo after shampoo. Conditioners after conditioner. Repeated runs to drugstores had become my life routine at that point. It also didn’t help that my hair is thinner than paper. So, in all, my hair would always seem oily, dull, and flat. Ew, the nightmare. At last, after seeing my struggles, my mother decided to take me to an expert. Of course, Mother knows the best! The hair expert suggested trying out a technique. It seemed and sounded so weird, so obviously, I hesitated. But then I thought that I am already going through terror, why not just give this a try, and guess what? Best. Decision. Ever. I can not stress how this technique made me happy. So now I am gonna share with everyone what this was, and spread happiness! Guess Christmas did come early this year! Reverse hair washing is the reason for my good hair. What is Reverse Hair Washing? Wet the hair, pour on the shampoo, massage it all over from the scalp to the tips, rinse it off, repeat it once more, conditioner, and rinse it. And you are done! That’s how we wash our hair, don’t we? Okay, so reverse washing is, well, reverse of the original process. When you shampoo first and then condition, along with the dirt, grease, sweat, and pollutants, the shampoo also washes away the natural sebum in the hair. Most of us try to compensate by conditioning afterward but the damage is done. The result is dry, dull, and flaccid hair. Reverse washing will preserve the hair ends and nourish the hair cuticles. The logic behind this method is that if you let the conditioner soak into the strands first, it will make the cuticles more nourished, hydrated, and soft. It is then followed by a shampoo that will cleanse away all the dirt and the residue left by the conditioner, which might be the reason behind your oily scalp and greasy strands. This technique ensures that the hair is still going to get all the moisturizing benefits of using conditioner but you're not left with that horrible, weighted, almost-greasy feeling that sometimes happens. How to Correctly Do It? First, begin by wetting your hair. Apply the conditioner to the wet strands, focusing on the ends and mid-lengths. Avoid the roots and the scalp. Ensure your hair is soaked thoroughly, as using conditioner on dry strands will make it difficult to distribute. After leaving it on for 5-10 minutes, wash your hair again. Use shampoo to rinse it all off. If this method suits your hair type, you can use this every time you wash your hair. Who Could Use it for Best Results? The reverse hair washing is perfect for anyone with thin or fine hair or who struggles with oily strands. This method swells up the hair cuticles as shampoos have higher pH to cleanse the grit, and in turn, end up opening the cuticle and making them appear more volumized and dense. This will prevent your strands from looking flat and weak. In other words, it will help mask hair thinning.However, it is not suited for all hair types. For example, anyone with frizzy or very thick strands won’t see the same benefits. For even better results, you should check for the ingredients in the shampoo and conditioner before buying it. Some ingredients can be very harsh on your hair, like SLS and Parabens. GreenOpia Naturals coconut oil are not only made from natural ingredients but are free from vile chemicals. If that’s not enough, it is also vegan and cruelty-free.
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Instagram Trends with GreenOpia Naturals: All You Need to Know About the 'Trending' Cryotherapy
Do you all remember Captain America? Or mainly, how he hadn’t aged for nearly 70 years while he was a human popsicle under the water. How would you feel if you could fight the aging, and lock your beautiful skin? We all know aging is inevitable. You can’t run away or hide from it, no matter how much you wish for a miracle. However, you can prolong its arrival. Yes, you can actually elongate it by “freezing” the signs of aging. Now now, we aren’t suggesting jumping in the Arctic Ocean like Mr. Captain America. No, cause that would be stupid and deadly. You can simply use some tools that are easily available at any drugstore or online store. This “freezing” of aging is called Cryotherapy. What Is Cryotherapy? Cryotherapy is a treatment that involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures. This stimulates various bodily systems and provides many benefits, such as enhancing sports recovery and boosting the immune system. Commonly known as cold therapy, Cryotherapy has been used for years within the medical field to reduce swelling, encourage circulation, and promote healing. Good news for you, it works similarly when it comes to anti-aging skincare for the face as well! From harsh weather and UV rays to dirt and pollution in the air, the skin on your face goes through a lot, day after day. And it’s not just the environment either. Chemicals in the food and water we consume and various toiletries we use can also affect our skin. All of the above just triggers the aging, giving it a head start with a booster. Cryo facial (short for cryotherapy facial) is a professional treatment in which a technician blows a stream of colder-than-ice air over the face and neck, all in the name of youth and beauty! Beauty queens such as Kate Moss (who, even at 40, has supermodel skin) and our all-time favorite Bella Hadid swear by this facial routine. This cold therapy involves a very quick and controlled cooling of tissue. The device uses temperatures ranging from -110º C to -130º C for around three minutes per area. So, your skin cools between 0 and 4°C in seconds, but cryotherapy also cools down the subcutaneous tissue, which is when the magic happens. “Why would people want to freeze their faces”, one would ask. Well, this thermal turbulence on your skin sends a survival signal to your brain. When you are exposed to cold weather, your body’s circulatory system results in “vasoconstriction”, which is basically constriction of the excess flow of blood to keep you warm. The colder the temperature, the more your blood vessels narrow. After 2-3 minutes, the technician stops the cooling, and the area warms up. This causes the blood vessels to widen, which results in the rushing of a lot of blood and fresh cellular nutrients to the area. Because the brain thinks you are getting frosted, it releases feel-good endorphins, stimulates new cell activity to accelerate recovery, produces anti-inflammatory proteins, and pumps in tons of oxygen and nutrients to restore, rejuvenate and heal the tissues. Cool Benefits of Cryotherapy (That pun was definitely intended!) Improves Blood Circulation: As we already know how cryotherapy stimulates vasoconstriction. Once the technician stops, the constricted blood vessels open up, flooding the face with nutrient-rich blood. It is very similar to when you place a leg on a hose, constricting it, and when you move the leg, the water comes out with a force. This pressure is so strong that it takes away all the waste. This whole process stimulates blood circulation. Boosts Collagen Production: Collagen is a protein that’s responsible for keeping your skin strong, supple, and elastic. When there is a dip in collagen production, fine lines and wrinkles are more likely to form. Sudden exposure to cold air tricks your body into thinking it is freezing. In response, it signals your blood to rush to maintain body heat. The brain releases adrenaline to stimulate the organs. This floods the face and extremities with fresh, nutrient-rich blood to repair skin. Reduces Puffiness and Swelling: RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) has been used for many years in case of swelling and puffiness. Cold therapy is widely known for alleviating or preventing edema (swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in tissue), making it very effective on soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains, and reducing puffiness and swelling! Boosts your Mood: When your brain is in its “fixing mode” when it thinks that the tissue is wounded, it releases loads of chemicals like endorphins, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. These are anti-stress hormones. Their main function is to make you feel happier, more positive, and even more energetic. Thus elevating your mood. Oh and let’s not forget, when you are happy, your skin glows as well! This is the perfect solution if your skin looks tired or dull. So basically, it is two birds with one stone! Tightens the Pores: We all know that heat expands and cold contracts. Well, your pores are no exception to this rule. We commonly use steam and heat to loosen up and soften the sebum. But, to keep them trim and taut in the first place, nothing beats the cold. In a cold facial, the skin's surface cools for immediate vasoconstriction or tightening of the blood vessels. As the blood vessels tighten, so do those pores! It leads to firmer, glassier-looking skin with reduced pore size. The best part about this cold therapy is that it doesn’t necessarily need to be performed at a professional’s office. You can do it at home, all by yourself. There are several tools and devices that you can use to enjoy the benefits of a cryo facial from the comfort of your own home. You can always use the Ice Rollers, Ice Globes, or even just frozen spoons or Jade Roller. To get the biggest bang for your buck, stow any facial roller in the freezer for at least an hour or two. Once it’s super-cold, massage your face using gentle pressure. To maximize the lifting and firming benefits, rub in an upward motion to avoid tugging and dragging down on the skin. Roll downwards on your neck to help with lymphatic drainage, and visibly improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while also sharpening your jawline and minimizing any puffiness or swelling. You can also keep your sheet mask in the refrigerator for a while and then put it on. The best trick, used by both the beauty queens above mentioned, is to fill a sink or a bowl, big enough to sink your face in it, with ice cubes, cold water, and slices of cucumber and hold your face in it for as long as you can.
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Grow Your Hair Faster with just 6 Easy Tips by GreenOpia Naturals
The struggle is real. Yes. While Kourtney K is slaying the short bob and her sister Khloe, the Parisian Bob, one cannot deny their love for long, Rapunzel-esque hair. We cannot romanticize the cliché flowing of hair in the wind (like Pocahontas) enough. The long hair has a princess-like quality that's unique, in its elegance and sophistication. Whether you are looking for longer locks of hair or if you are in need of speedy growth, waiting can feel like a painful billion years. We have all searched for a potion or a miracle cure of sorts for fast-paced hair growth. When speaking in the words of experts, hair typically grows a quarter inch or, at max, half an inch in a month. This seems agonizingly slow. Oh, and not to forget, damage and breakage can interrupt this process. So if your hair is dry, overly heat-styled, or simply subject to wear and tear from brushing and other activities, you're likely to see less growth than this. BUT! Fortunately, we did quite some research and have made a small list of things that you should do (definitely do) and things that you should not (like absolutely no) to speed up the hair growing process, i.e. more than 6 inched a year. Chop Off The Ends: Yes, we are well aware of the age-old beauty debate about hair trimming and faster growth. There are a few experts who are divided on the concept of trimming makes the hair grow faster, and if you are questioning it too, we don’t blame you at all. But keeping that argument aside, trimming ensures healthy-looking hair. When your hair is sprawled with split ends, it is prone to damage the hair beyond repair and will slow down the growing process. Chopping those ends off will fasten the speed of hair growth. Avoid the Heating Tools: Girl, we understand how hair styling just makes you feel confident, like you can face the world easily (been on that ship). But you need to stay away from heat tools. They damage your hair and strip away the natural oils, making them dry. Let your hair dry naturally after every wash and always use a heat protectant when using heat. Also, you got to start loving the natural texture of your hair. Be it straight, curly, wavy, or even the combination of all three. Become Besties with Silk: Sleeping on silk is not only an incredibly grandiose power move, but it comes with actual hair benefits, as well. This is because silk is both smoother and less absorbent than cotton (sucks all the moisture out of the hair and creates friction). A silk pillowcase will prevent frizz and tangles while keeping all your hair’s beneficial natural oils where they belong. While this of course won’t directly have any effect on the growth rate of your hair, it will keep it in the best condition while you sleep, leading to fewer knots and breakage in the long run. Switch to SLS Free Shampoo and Conditioner: The debates are everywhere. There are so many contradictive thoughts surrounding the ideal shampoo routine: some say every day is important, whereas others repel at the mere thought of anything more frequent than a once-weekly wash. But that’s an argument for another day. What we do need to discuss is one of the revolting ingredients that goes by the name of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). It is the ingredient that ensures the leather that forms on your head when you shampoo. This ingredient is harsh on your hair, making it dry and more prone to damage. So, always go for SLS-free shampoo and conditioner. Keep a Check on your Diet: Faster hair growth doesn't only depend on correct hair care, but also on a proper nutritional diet. Apart from the products you use on hair, it is also about what you put in your body. To provide nutrition for hair growth, you gotta increase your protein intake. This can be done with the correct foods like meat, fish, pulses, nuts, eggs, and whole grains. Calcium is also necessary for faster hair growth, so include lots of eggs, milk, and milk products in your diet. Experts advise those who maintain a vegetarian diet to aim for a protein-rich diet for good quality hair. It’s also important to get in vitamins A, C, and E, minerals like zinc and iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. Say Bye-Bye to Bleach: Oh how lovely would it be to rock those amazing platinum-shaded colors and balayage highlights that just make your eyes go hearty-heart! We are so sorry, but you would want to avoid the bleach. The problem with bleach is that it opens up the cuticle of the hair strands, causing some serious damage, especially to Indian hair, which is naturally dark. Hair that’s been colored or chemically treated is more likely to break, which will require more trims and less length for you.
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Hair Care 101 with GreenOpia Naturals: Learning A to Z about Split Ends
Everyone who plans on growing their hair out, are aware of this one nightmare that forces you to get a haircut. The nightmare namely split ends, can ruin even the best of hairdos, be it a ponytail or a bun. From brushing hair too vigorously to not applying heat protection, the causes for split ends are right in your hair routine. Read on to understand what split ends are, what causes them, and how to get rid of them and keep them gone. WHAT ARE SPLIT ENDS? Split ends occur when the ends of your hair become dry and damaged beyond repair. Split ends, as the name suggests, are when the ends of your hair split into two, or more. You can often see a splintering effect towards the bottom of your tresses, which, if left untreated, can cause breakage that leaves some strands shorter than the rest. Split ends are caused by wear and tear from natural, environmental and mechanical factors. Excessive usage of heating products, too frequent brushing of hair, chemical processes such as hair coloring, and extreme climatic changes are a few of the major causes of split ends. TYPES OF SPLIT ENDS From a traditional split to a feather split, there are a whopping 7 different types of split ends! Traditional Split: Hair splits in two and resembles a ‘Y’ shape. Baby Split: This has all of the makings of a soon-to-be split end, but the hair shaft hasn’t completely separated yet. Fork Split: Hair separating into three pieces, resembling the shape of a fork. Double Y Split: Hair splits in two which further splits again from one of the branches. Partial Split: Unlike the double split, partial splits are a sign that your hair is dry and damaged. Tree Split: Just like the name for it, this is where you’ll see many different pieces of the shaft coming apart, resembling a tree and its branches. Feather Split: Resembling a feather in appearance, many different splits comes along one side of the hair shaft. MENDING THOSE ENDS Start Moisturizing: Split ends are a result of dry hair. So, the only way to overcome dryness is to moisturize. Oiling not only moisturizes your hair but smoothens it, too, especially coconut oil. Make it a rule to oil at least once a week. For everyday use, you can opt for a leave-in conditioner that focuses on the ends. Lastly, if you want to a take step further, you can always use hair masks on towel-dried hair. Hair masks have proven to be the best solution to dryness and split ends. Stop Picking: We can all agree to this guilty pleasure, but you gotta avoid picking on your split ends. When you pull apart a strand into two, it damages the outer layer, called the cuticle. It further slows down hair growth since your hair becomes weak and brittle. Picking your ends also causes harm to the roots. All this leads to an overall decrease in your hair's natural strength. The more you pick on your split ends, the more likely you are to get stuck in a cruel cycle of unhealthy hair. Build a Time Bridge between Treatments: We understand you love coloring your hair or getting it permed every month. But you have to keep a limit if you want to avoid split ends and further damage. We are not telling you to stop treatments completely but keep a gap of at least 8 to 10 weeks. This way your hair will have ample time to recover from damage. Get your hair trimmed at regular intervals so that your split ends can be removed as soon as they start developing. Be Gentle: You must treat them real good after every wash and every hair treatment as the hair is very vulnerable at that time and prone to breakage. Instead of rubbing them vigorously to dry them out, you can use a clean towel to dry them. Rather than using hot water, use lukewarm water for washing your hair. After washing, wait for the hair to dry before brushing it. You must detangle your hair so that your comb can easily move across the strands while grooming. Be careful not to brush too much though. Argan is a great ingredient to treat split ends, primarily because it is highly nourishing for damaged hair. Cut Them Off: The easiest way to get rid of these ends is to simply cut them off, which either means a quick trip to the salon. You can do that by either getting a trim or giving a try to hair dusting. Hair dusting is a cutting technique that maintains the length of your hair while removing flyaway split ends. It's a way to keep your hair looking healthy while you're trying to grow it out.
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Skin Basics with GreenOpia Naturals: Learner's Guide to Hyaluronic Acid
Hy-al-uronic acid. The harder the pronunciation, the easier it is on the skin. With growing popularity, hyaluronic acid is the name that’s on everyone’s lips. And it should be! It offers innumerable benefits to the skin. It plumps! It hydrates! It is anti-aging! It reduces scars! Seems like a boon, doesn’t it? It is a holy grain that once you use, you just don’t want to stop. It is known for its hydrating properties, which lift the skin, hold in moisture, and leaves the cells plumped and healthy. But as it is always said, a coin has two faces. Even with an ingredient, this loved, too much can be, well, too much. Wrong usage may result in disastrous ways! Don’t worry, we are right here to list out all the pros and cons! HOW DOES HYALURONIC ACID REALLY WORK? In recent times, we have heard of Hyaluronic acid (HA) as MVP of skincare. It is one of the most powerful hydrating ingredients used in skincare. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies that helps keep our skin looking young and healthy. The collagen in our dermis, the thick layer of living tissue below the epidermis which forms the true skin, forms the structure of the skin. Hyaluronic acid is bound to collagen on one side and links to water molecules on the other, giving skin its plumpness. CAN TOPICAL APPLICATION OF HYALURONIC ACID BE HARMFUL? No longer just an “it” ingredient, hyaluronic acid is now a trendier ingredient that is available to everyone. It is the “white t-shirt” of the skincare regime. The trouble is, that it needs moisture to work in the first place so when applied to dry skin in a dry climate, it can backfire. You might come across so many articles and blogs in which people have mentioned why they have stopped using Hyaluronic acid or why they believe Hyaluronic acid is problematic. Hyaluronic acid will draw moisture from wherever it can find it to hydrate the surface of your face, including the deeper layers of your skin if there is no humidity in the air, where it then evaporates and leaves skin drier than it was in the first place. But if you take proper care of the concentration level at which you use the said acid, you might be able to avoid the dehydration of the skin. Choose wisely which concentration works the best for you, and voila, you have hydrated skin that would look so plump and soft. Another reason to love Hyaluronic acid is that it has the unique ability to enhance the power of any and every product you layer on top of it, which means it’s not only safe to use with all your other products and ingredients, like your vitamin C, retinol, moisturizer, it will increase their effectiveness, making it one of the best additions you could make to your skincare routine. If you are looking for a serum with Hyaluronic acid content that your skin will enjoy, you may want to give GreenOpia Naturals' Vitamin C serum with Hyaluronic Acid a try. It contains the goodness of natural ingredients, such as Witch Hazel and Orange Oil. The thing that makes it different is that it is made vegan and free from cruelty against animals in all of its production. Also, it is free of all the nasty chemicals that might make your skin unhappy.
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