Could vinegar be a natural fat fighter?

According to a Japanese study, vinegar is a natural fat fighter and may prevent the build up of fat, and therefore weight gain. Another article in the Japan Times from July 2005 revealed that many who drink the fruit-flavored vinegars find them refreshing and good stress relievers.

Known as o-su in Japan, vinegar has long been an important ingredient in Japanese cuisine. Nearly 70% of Japanese drink vinegar for its health benefits, particularly for improving circulation and countering fatigue (tired body). Now more and more Malaysians are seeking the benefits of vinegar, more fueled by reports that vinegar is effective in promoting weight loss. So does consuming vinegar make sense for your health?

Vinegar is a product of fermentation. It is a process in which sugars in food (rice or fruit) are broken down by bacteria and yeast. At first stage of fermentation, the sugars are turned into alcohol. Then as the alcohol gets fermented further, vinegar is formed.

Scientific evidence of vinegar benefits

Diabetes. The effect of vinegar on blood sugar levels is perhaps the best-researched and the most promising of vinegar’s possible benefits. Studies found that vinegar may help lower glucose level. For instance, one study of 11 people with type-2 diabetes found that taking two tablespoons of vinegar before bed lowered glucose levels in the morning.

High cholesterol. A 2007 study showed evidence that vinegar could lower cholesterol. However, the study was done in rats.

Blood pressure. Another study in rats found that vinegar could lower high blood pressure. A large observational study also found that people who ate oil and vinegar dressing on salads 5 to 6 times a week had lower rates of heart disease than people who didn’t.

Weight loss. For thousands of years, vinegar has been used for weight loss. Vinegar has been found to speed up metabolism, which leads to greater calorie burnt.

How to drink vinegar?

Some may think that they will rip more benefits from drinking vinegar neat. In fact, that is not recommended as it is rather a strong acid. The ideal way to drink vinegar is o dilute about 30ml with 3 to 4 parts of water, or mixed with fruit juices or honey.

Note:

Japanese vinegars are different from other vinegars; they are made from fermented rice, rather than fruit.

Saika Vinegar Drinks from Japan. 300ml RM 46.00

This product is available at Just Health. http://www.justhealthsandakan.com/

Wonders of Aromatherapy

What is aromatherapy and how essential is aromatherapy?

Many have a pre-conception that aromatherapy is just some ‘smell good stuffs’. In fact, it’s way beyond that.

So what is aromatherapy? It is a technique that uses the body’s sense of smell to help boost your mood, relieve stress, energize and encourage better health for body and skin. It is also widely used to treat certain emotional and physical conditions.

Did you know that pure essential oils are the main ingredients in true aromatherapy? Synthetic or chemically produced scents (or widely known as fragrance) DO NOT carry the health benefits of essential oils.

For example, peppermint and eucalyptus essentials are mentally stimulating. They can help you to maintain a clear focus. Try mixing this combination in hot water and gently inhale over the steam. You’ll love the tingly sensation throughout your body!

Lavendar and chamomile have the opposite effect. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, these 2 soothing scents will help you relax. For example, an evening massage with this combination and you’re off to dreamland … zzz

Need help with weight loss? There are some studies that suggest that essential oils from grapefruit and juniper berries stimulate calorie burning and reduce cravings for sweets.

Simply put, essential oils are the ‘essence’ of aromatherapy. They are highly concentrated and volatile. Essential oils are composed of tiny compounds that make the oil feel thin to the touch. If you gently rub the oil between your fingers, it will seem to disappear quickly and not leave an oily residue. Do not rub or massage with pure essential oil. They are volatile and may lose their therapeutic properties when rubbed too harshly.

The therapeutic properties of essential oils work via 2 mechanisms:

(1) Inhalation

(2) Application onto our skin

Keep in mind that essential oil should never be applied to your skin it its pure undiluted form. They are highly concentrated and should always be diluted with a carrier.

If you aren’t pro in the mixing, go for high quality pre-blended aromatherapy designed for either face or body. They are researched and developed by qualified chemists or aromatherapist.

Go organic when buying essential oils. Organic essential oils tend to reflect the highest quality aromatherapy oil.

Find out more about Eve Taylor Aromatherapy and Skin Care line that is natural, organic and paraben free.

‘Dry Body Brushing’ smoothes your skin and brushes away the cellulite!

Dry body brushing, or also known as dry skin brushing, was recommended by the Finnish Dr. Paavo Airola for his patients over 30 years ago and is still popular in European spas and many cancer treatment centres today. Dry brushing is recommended to prevent dry skin and the ideal way to exfoliate the skin, thus stimulating skin renewal that is super soft to the touch, but there are many other benefits, including:

1. Reduces cellulite appearance

2. Stimulates lymph flow and toxins removal from the body

3. Removes dead skin layers

4. Strengthens the immune system

5. Stabilizes hormonal and oil-producing glands

6. Tightens skin

7. Stimulates circulation

Most importantly, it is easy, inexpensive and invigorating!

What do you need to dry brush?

To dry brush, you’ll need a soft natural fibre brush, like jute fibre, which are soft and are suitable for use on sensitive skin. Most nylon and synthetic fibre brushes are too harsh and may damage our delicate skin.

• Dry brush your dry and naked body before you shower.

• Start from the bottom of your feet upwards, and from the hand towards the shoulder, and on the torso in an upward direction helps drain the lymph back to your heart. Give each section about 20 brushes.

• Use light pressures on areas where the skin is thin and delicate and firmer pressure onto areas like the soles of the feet.

• Perform skin brushing once a day, preferably first thing in the morning.

• For areas with visible cellulite appearance, you may gently dry brush for 5 minutes twice a day.

• Avoid brushing on areas where the skin is injured, such as skin rashes, wounds, cuts, acne and infections.

• Finish off with your regular shower and ending with 3 hot and cold cycles. This will further invigorate the skin and stimulate blood circulation, bring more blood to the outer layers of the skin, revealing a radiant skin.

Brush Maintenance

Clean your brush using natural soap and water once a week. After rinsing, dry your body brush in an open, airy space to prevent mildew.

Read more about it at http://www.emmagem.com/2009/10/11/beauty-101-dry-body-brushing/

Jute fibre brushes are available for sale at Just Health, Sandakan.
Prices from RM 49. Email us for further enquiry.