sia's blog

I write about Herbs and Spices
so here's some basic information about basil....

Basil, (also known as Ocimum basilicum) is a very popular herb, that is very useful in the kitchen. It is quite aromatic, with a strong flavour.
Culinary Uses: Basil leaves can be used in pasta sauces, soups, salads, with vegetables and in meat and poultry stuffing.

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The following are superfoods that will help to boost your skin's natural sun protection from within..(after you have applied a good quality, high factor suncream on your skin).

POMEGRANATE - A study by dermatologists indicated that pomegranate extract can boost your natural SPF (sun protection factor) by up to 23%.

AVACADO and RYE BREAD - Contains ferulic acid, which protects against UV (ultra-violet) rays.

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Cucumber.....
This is very good for tightening and toning the skin. It also helps to sooth and cool. Place cucumber slices over the eyes, to relax and refresh tired eyes. To apply to the face, grate a fresh cucumber and apply over face. Leave for 20 minutes, and wash off.
Carrot.....
Carrots are widely used in creams for dry skins. They make a very good cleanser, and are rich in vitamin A. To make a quick, softening and cleansing face mask - grate a raw carrot and apply to the face. Leave on for 20 minutes, and wash off.

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Sometimes it's difficult to know which fats are good for you, and which ones are bad. Saturated fats (which are mainly animal fats) and trans fats (mainly hydrogenated oils - found in cakes, biscuits etc), are those that are very bad for the body. Omega 3 fats, on the other hand, help to lower cholesterol and support the heart. They are found in sardines, pilchards, salmon, herring and cod liver oil tablets. These fats also good for the brain - they promote new brain cells to grow, and in babies they help brain develpoment. A Norwegian study also claims they may be helpful in fighting depression.

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Long-term exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun can damage the skin. The number of cases of skin cancer reported every year, are increasing. To prevent and minimize the damage from the sun, follow these guidelines….
-Try and stay out of the sun between 11am and 4pm, as the rays of the sun are the strongest between these hours.
-Wear a hat that shades your face, neck and ears effectively. Protect your eyes with a good pair of sunglasses. Wear a long sleeved top and long trousers, that are made from a tightly woven fabric.

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Here are some more foods that can be found in the kitchen and can be used to promote healthy skin...

BARLEY

Barley is rich in vitamin A, and makes a great body scrub. Mix with one egg, and enough milk until it looks like a paste. Use as a scrub in the shower, and wash off.

BANANA

This softens and nourishes the skin. Used regularly, it helps to bring about a natural, healthy glow. It is suitable for all types of skin, and aids in cleansing and tightening the pores. The best way to prepare a face mask is by mashing a banana and adding the juice of half a lemon. You can put this mixture in the fridge for 10 minutes if you wish, then apply to the face and leave for about 20 minutes. Wash off gently, and pat the skin dry.

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To keep skin looking and feeling supple, fresh and wrinkle-free, try the following foods :

- Red Peppers, which have a lot of vitamin C (more than oranges) which helps with the production of collagen, that is needed by the skin for good structue. They also contain beta-carotene, useful for uv-protection (from the sun) that will help anti-ageing.

- Oily fish, which helps dry skin and infammation. Fish to include are salmon, sardines, mackerel and herring.

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If you have never tried the papaya (also called paw paw), then here are a few facts about it- It is a very good source of vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium. It's a tropical fruit that looks a bit like a large mango. The skin turns from yellow to green as the fruit starts to ripen. Inside it has orange coloured flesh, with black seeds (these are edible but taste quite peppery). The interesting thing is that papaya has an enzyme called papain that can tenderise meat, so papaya flesh is good for adding to marinades.

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Using natural ingredients for skin care, prevents the harmful effects of chemicals and synthetic additives that are used in skin care creams nowadays.
But which common natural ingredients are beneficial for certain conditions?
Here are some basic properties of natural foods that can be used for skin care….

APPLES – These are quite good for fair or sensitive skins. They can be used freshly mashed with honey and glycerine to make a moisturising mask for dry and sensitive skins. Spreading this mixture on elbows, heels and knees will help to soften these areas. Applying fresh apple juice on the face (with cotton wool) will have a toning and astringent action.

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To produce a successful herb garden, it is important to consider such things as: the condition of the site, the amount of time you can dedicate to gardening, the results that you are aiming to achieve and the resources that are available.

If you are planning a completely new herb garden, it is essential that you think about its size and location. Next, consider whether you would like it to contain scented herbs, culinary herbs, medicinal herbs, or a variety.

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Our bodies are made up of over two-thirds water, and it can be difficult to remember how important fluids are to our health and wellbeing. Although our bodies warn us when we need a drink - by feeling thirsty, as we get older this sense may become dulled. So, it may be good idea to get into the habit of having a drink of water at regular intervals.

If we have not drunk enough, we may become dehydrated. As well as feeling thirsty, other signs of dehydration are : dry mouth, constipation, nausea, headaches and darker coloured urine (normal urine is pale yellow)

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Acne is a skin condition that is caused by the over production of an oily substance (called sebum) in the skin. The pores of the skin become blocked, and cause pimples, leading to acne. This is quite common among teenagers (adolescents) due to hormonal changes, which then affect the production of sebum.

If you want to try foods that will help acne, and help to support the skin, try the following :

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The brain, like any other organ in the body, can start degenerating as we get older. The best way to slow down this aging and keep your memory sharp, is by excercising your mind and making sure your brain is adequately nourished. Some good methods for excercising the brain and memory are crosswords, puzzles, logic problems and anything that requires a good use of thinking and memory. Oxygen is also required for good memory, which can be achieved by deep breathing and yoga breathing excercises. The vitamins, minerals and supplements that help to support and improve the memory are:

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A healthy and nutritious diet should include all the necessary vitamins, minerals and nutrients that are required to help the body function effectively. The body needs to be strong enough to fight infections, to grow and repair, to provide energy and prevent degeneration.

Vitamins and minerals can be found in all types of food that we eat. In order to follow a healthy diet, it is important that we try to consume a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables every day.

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I live in London, and there are so many places here that I love! I will try and tell you a bit about my favourite places in London..(so you can visit them too!). Of course there are many places that I don't even know about, and some that I may have forgotten, but i'll do my best!!
One place I really like is a place called Covent Garden. It is located just a few miniutes walk from the (London Underground Tube) Station which is also called Covent Garden.

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