Christy's Healthy Living

Are you tired of been embarrassed and  humiliated in public by your breath, is it affecting your social and personal life?. Are you always afraid of speaking in public for fear of people noticing your stinking breath?.
what can be more appalling than you talking and people suffering in silence, because they don't know how to tell you that your breath stinks or just don't want to embarrass you.
if you are seriously trying to get rid of this offensive mouth odour called Bad Breath, this is a must read article for you.To get rid of of Bad Breath, you really need to know what causes it, can certain food you eat trigger this embarrassing condition,or is there an under laying health condition causing it and most importantly ways of getting rid of it.
WHAT IS BAD BREATH: Bad Breath medically known as HALITOSIS, is a health condition that affects 25% of the global population. Bad Breath is an unpleasant odour of the mouth caused by bacteria. This is not to be confused with garlic breath, a temporary unpleasant mouth odour caused by eating garlic or onions or any similar foods,or when you just wake up in the morning mouth smell. It is actually a common problem that affects people of all ages.The main culprit of bad breath is poor oral hygiene, though some health conditions can also cause it. Both old and young at certain point in their life will be affected by bad breath. Bad Breath though a common problem can actually cause psychological distress in people affected. The good news is its not a a death sentence, it can be reversed.


WHAT CAUSES BAD BREATH

 Poor Oral Hygiene:  Bad Breath occurs when food particles that is left in your mouth are broken down by bacteria, producing sulfur compounds which result in the stinky smell. When you don't brush and floss regularly, bacteria breeds on the food particles left in your mouth and the sulfur compounds released make your mouth smells awful. The main culprit of Bad Breath is poor oral hygiene. This is what you get if you have an on going big issue with your brush and toothpaste, there's no two ways about it , the end result is stinky mouth odor.

Smoking: Cigarettes is another culprit of bad breath. The Toxic Chemical in tobacco introduced into the mouth by smoking causes awful odour and encourage the growth of unpleasant smelling bacteria, that in turn results in bad breath.

Dehydration:  if you are dehydrated, their is shortage in saliva production in your mouth. which allows bacteria to grow and breeds in such condition. Saliva helps clean the mouth,which helps reduce and eliminate bad breathe. Bacterias that lives in the mouth multiplies when your mouth drys out. Drink a lot of water to get rid of dehydration and stimulate saliva flow.

Coffee:  Coffee in all its deliciousness and health benefits can actually cause bad breath.  The Caffeine in Coffee slows down the production of saliva in the mouth which causes dry moth and leads to more bacteria   breeding which causes Bad Breath. The Good news is you don't have to give up drinking Coffee for the rest of your life,you can drink water before, during and after drinking Coffee to combat the Coffee smell.You can also stop adding sugar and milk to your coffee,this two helps in breeding bacteria in your mouth.

Dental Problem:  Do you just hate going to the dentist?. Most people have real phobia for dentist this can lead to a whole lot of serious dental issues like gum infections, gingivitis,tooth decay and all this can make you have Bad Breath. its recommended to visit your dentist once in a year.



HOW TO GET RID OF BAD BREATH

Good Oral Hygiene:  Brush and floss your teeth regularly to avoid build up of plague on your teeth, which leads to bacteria breeding and eventually Bad Breath. Fall in love  afresh with your toothbrush and toothpaste.Rinse your mouth out with a good mouth wash, this also helps prevent Bad Breath.
Swish your mouth with plain water after every meal,this helps get rid of food particles that might be left in your mouth. Bacteria live on your tongue, scrape your tongue always. 80% of the bacteria that causes Bad Breath actually lives on your tongue. Gently brush your tongue anytime you are brushing your teeth, to get rid of the coating that form on the tongue, which can breed bacteria.

Stop Smoking:   Smoking is really bad for your health, apart from the fact that it causes Bad Breath. Smoking can cause cancer and other serious health issues. it can damage your gums, discolored your teeth and give you stinky breath. Stop smoking its dangerous to your health.

Avoid Dehydration:     Drink plenty water daily to stimulate saliva flow in your mouth. Drinking at least 8 cups of water daily will help prevent dry mouth which can lead to Bad Breath. If you find it difficult drinking plain water, you can add juice of a lemon to it, this will make it more easier to drink.

Eat An Apple A Day:  An Apple a day keeps the doctor away and also helps prevent Bad Breath. Apples helps stimulate saliva flow in the mouth, which in turn cleans the mouth and make it difficult for bacteria to thrive.

Dental Visit:  Visit your dentist at least twice in a year for general oral examination and professional teeth cleaning. This will help get rid of any potential teeth problems that may eventually leads to Bad Breath.

Chew Spices and Cloves: Cloves is a natural breath freshener. it also contain antibacterial properties that can help get rid of unpleasant mouth odour. Make a clove tea by boiling a teaspoon of cloves in a cup of water, allow to cool down completely. Use it as mouth wash twice daily. You also can just chew a few pieces of cloves in your mouth to get rid of Bad Breath.

                                          

                                          HOME REMEDIES FOR BAD BREATH




                                                                SALT


           INGREDIENTS

•  1 teaspoon salt
•  1 cup of warm water               

           METHOD
Mix  1 teaspoon of salt with the warm water. Mix thoroughly and swish your mouth with the solution.Do this once daily and after a while every other day.




                                                          GREEN TEA




         INGREDIENTS

•  1 Green tea bag
• 1 cup hot water
• Honey

           METHOD
Steep the tea bag in th hot water for 5 mins and remove it. Add honey to taste. Drink up. You should drink at least 3 cups of green  tea daily.




                                                           CLOVES



          INGREDIENTS

• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup hot water

           METHOD
Add 1 teaspoon of cloves into the hot water, stir very well and allow to cool down. Drrink the tea or use it as mouthwash. You can do this once daily or simply chew few pieces of cloves for instant fresh breath.




                                                           LEMON JUICE


          INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 cup warm water

           METHOD
Stir in the Lemon juice inside the warm  water, mix properly. Swish your mouth with the Lemon water solution. Do this at least once every other day.




                                                                        CINNAMON

           INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 tablespoon Cinnamon powder
• 2 tablespoon honey
• 1 Lemon
• 1 cup of hot water

 

             METHOD
Add Cinnamon powder, honey and Lemon juice to the hot water. Stir to mix thoroughly. Rinse your mouth with the solution. This great combo of Cinnamon, Lemon and Honey helps get rid of harmful bacteria in your mouth.

Onions is one of the most used vegetables in the kitchen. it is not only delicious but full of many health benefits. Onions is part of the Allium family which includes garlic, chives, scallions, leeks. Onions are flavorful cooking items with plenty varieties to choose from.The most common varieties are, yellow onions, white onions, red onions, sweet onions, green onions and shallots. This kitchen item is a bundle of healthy stuffs, never mind the tears it brings to your eyes. Onions are high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Onions are good source of vitamin C, vitamin A B6,sodium,potassium,sulphuric compound, flavonoids, and phytochemicals.
Whether raw,sauteed,baked, steamed or boiled, onions is not only delicious but full of many superb health benefits that your body needs.

Health benefits of Onions:

• Prevent Cancer:  Quercetin in Onions prevent cancer cells from growing. it helps prevent cancer forming by getting rid of free radicals in the body which form cancer cells.Red Onions have the highest concentration of quercetin. Eating onions regularly may reduce your risk of stomach cancer. Studies have shown that a diet high in onions may reduce your risk of prostrate cancer by 50%. Eating between one to seven servings of Onions per week has been associated with lower risk of colorectal and ovarian cancer. Also diet that has many servings of Onions per day may help reduce the risk of oral and esophageal cancer.
• Promote Healthy Heart: Consuming onions regularly help in lowering your blood pressure thereby reducing the risk of heart attack. Quercetin in Onions help prevent plague build up in the arteries, which cut down the risk of stroke and heart attack. Onions also helps prevents the formation of blood clots, this allows blood circulate smoothly and reduce the risk of heart diseases.Onions helps lower the production of bad cholesterol thereby keeping your heart healthy.
• Boost Immunity: Onions contains loads of phytochemicals and vitamin C, which help boost your immunity level. A strong immunity level is able to ward off cold,flu and diseases naturally. Quercetin in Onions helps break down mucus in your chest ,relieving you of congestion.Onions have the ability to ward off and relieve symptoms of common flu.it helps in reducing inflammation and heal infections.
• Regulate Blood Sugar:The sulphur in Onions helps regulate blood sugar, this is good news for people that have diabetes. 
• Bone Density: Studies have shown that consuming onions regularly help improve bone density. Women who eat onions regularly have 20% lower risk of developing hip fracture, so load up on Onions Sisters!!!.
• Improve Oral Health: Chewing onions regularly help strengthen your teeth and ward off tooth decay causing bacteria. if you want to kill germs in your mouth and improve your oral health, chewing a piece of onions for 3minutes can potentially help in achieving that.
• Soothe Bee Bites: Have you been stung by a bee?,apply Onion juice to the affected area for quick and immediate relief.
• Boost Sex Drive: Do you know Onions helps promote healthy sex drive?, if you are trying to improve things in the bedroom, consuming more Onion might do the magic. one tablespoon of onion juice mix properly with a spoonful of ginger juice, taken 3 times daily might just do the trick.
• Promote Digestive Health: Onions is a good source of dietary fiber, which is essential for good digestion. if you have poor digestion problem, consuming more Onions can help with this

Benefits Of Onion For Hair

• Strengthen Hair follicles:Onions contains Antioxidants, which protects your body against free radicals.The presence of free radicals in the body, may destroy the hair follicles leading to loss of hair. Onion juice contain anti bacteria properties, which help get rid of scalp infection and strengthen your hair follicles.
• Promote Hair Regrowth: The Sulphur in Onions help provide your hair with beneficial nourishment. it can also help promote hair regrowth, it helps restore lost nutrients to your scalp.Onions increase blood circulation, which in turn help promote hair growth and minimize hair thinning and breakage.
• Prevents Graying: The many antioxidants in Onions help prevent premature graying, leaving your hair silky and shinning.
• Get rid of Dandruff: The rich anti bacteria properties in Onions help get rid of dandruff and hair lice and also help fight other scalp infections like inflamed, dry, or itchy scalp.

 Onion Juice Recipe For Hair:

• 1 Whole onion

• peel and cut into small piece

• put in a blender and add small amount of water

• Blend until very smooth

• Filter the juice using a cheesecloth or a muslin cloth

• Squeeze out all the juice

• Apply juice to scalp or hair root

• Leave for 15mins and wash your hair with your normal shampoo 

Note: To be sure you don't react to Onion juice, do a patch test before applying it to your scalp.
Apply a small amount of Onion juice to your inner elbow or back of your ear, wait a few minutes if irritation develops, it is not advisable to apply this juice to your scalp.

Benefits of Onions For Skin:

Make Your Skin Glow: Do you desire a healthy and glowing skin?, increase your consumption of onions, its that simple. Vitamins A,C and E in onions protects your skin from skin infections and premature aging, caused by the presence of free radicals in the body. Onions can rejuvenate dull complexion and get rid of skin pigmentation. Quercetin in Onions keeps your skin wrinkle free, and sulphur in Onion makes your skin soft and tender.
Anti- Acne: Are you always bombard with Acne?,worry no more, the anti- bacteria and anti- inflammatory properties in Onions protects your skin from Acne causing bacteria, leaving your skin smooth. Onions can also be used in treating pimples.
Mix one tablespoon of Onion juice with one tablespoon of Olive oil,apply on your face. Leave on for 20mins and wash off with Lukewarm water.
Note: To be sure you don't react to onion juice do a patch test first, details above.

Soft Lips: if you have dry and dark lips ,Onions can help turn this around. Take one teaspoon of Onion juice, add some Vitamin E oil, mix together and apply on your lips at night. This will help remove all dead skin cells from your lips.


To enjoy all the health benefits of Onions, include it in your daily meal plan. If you like this post please share.

What the heck is all the noise about Green Smoothies?. Apart from the obvious facts that it's a refreshing and nourishing beverage, it's filled with so much health benefits you can even begin to imagine. If you've not given Green Smoothies a place in your diet you better do so now and do it fast no kidding. Smoothies are great ways to include more fruits or vegetables in your diets, but Green Smoothies takes it to a different level by the inclusion of dark leafy greens which are high in vitamins.

Green Smoothies are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which your body needs to function properly. They are nutrients rich and delicious beverage made from whole fruits and vegetables.
The American Cancer Society recommends we eat 5-9 daily servings of fruits and vegetables to prevent cancer and other preventable diseases. An average serving of Green Smoothies contains 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetables.

Consuming Green Smoothies regularly is one of the fastest and easier ways to eat more leafy greens. Green Smoothies are much more healthy than fruit or vegetable juice. When you extract juice, you get only the vitamins and minerals but not the fiber, Green Smoothies are made with whole fruits and vegetables, given you not only the vitamins and minerals but also the fibers which your body needs to attain and maintain optimal health.

Regularly consuming Green Smoothies help form good green eating habits. Most people end up craving more Greens after a few weeks of drinking Green Smoothies. Drinking Green Smoothies daily can help improve your overall well being.

The Health Benefits of Green Smoothies cannot be overemphasized:

• Natural Weight Loss: Consuming Green Smoothies help you lose weight naturally. They are low in calories but very filling. By replacing a meal per day with a Green Smoothies, you are lowering your calorie intake and increasing your fruit, veggies and fiber intake. Green smoothies contain a high amount of water and fibers, it will make you feel full easily, thereby helping you fight hunger and cravings while losing weight.
• Digestion: The abundance of fibers in Green Smoothies helps the digestive system function properly. it helps to deal with issues like constipation and other related digestive health problems.
• Lowers High Blood Pressure: Consuming more fruits and vegetables daily have been associated with regulated blood pressure. Taking Green Smoothies regularly helps in maintaining your blood pressure level.
• Increased Energy: Green Smoothies provides you with vitamin B and Magnesium, which helps boost energy metabolism.
• Boost Immune System: Green vegetables are loaded with lots of phytonutrients which helps strengthen the immune system warding off illness.
• Healthy Bones: Leafy Greens are high in calcium and vitamin K, which promotes healthy and strong bones.
• Healthy Heart Health: The high amount of Vitamin A and C in Green Smoothies can help to significantly lower cholesterol and decrease the risk of stroke and Heart attack.
• Glowing Skin: Green Smoothies decrease the risk of aging and hydrate your skin.
• Easy to Consume: Taking the daily required servings of fruits and vegetables might not be that easy. Green Smoothies is an easier way to include more green leafy vegetables in your daily meals, without even noticing it.
• Healthy Colon and Gut: Fiber is one of the essential element or good colon health. Green Smoothies contain whole fruits and vegetables, ensuring you get all the necessary fiber your body needs.

What is there not to like about Green Smoothies, they are fantastically delicious, highly nutritious and above all very easy to make. if you've not included this in your diet, do so quickly.

Fruits and Vegetables are important components of a healthy and balanced diets, especially for children. It Aids growth, prevent obesity, boost immunity level and Aids better digestion, but most kids are just not a big fan.Most Parents are stressed out, and highly frustrated trying to force their kids to eat more greens. So how can parents win this war between children vs fruits and vegetables?

• Take the Lead: Children look up to their parents for everything. They see them as their role model, and  god. if you lead by example, and eat more fruits and veggies yourself, it will be easier for them to emulate this. Avoid junk foods during meal times, pile your plates with veggies and fruits and your kids will be on their way to consuming more greens in no time.
• Take them Shopping: Trips to the Markets and grocery stores is a great and fun way to introduce children to different types of healthy foods.Let them help in choosing different types of grains, veggies,spices, fruits and herbs.This will encourage them, to want to eat out of it when its done.
• Let them be involved in cooking: Allow children help in prepping, and cooking the meals( with Adult supervision). They are more likely to be interested in meals that they help cook themselves.
• Make Smoothies: Smoothies are delicious and nutritious drinks, consisting of different blends of fruits ,vegetables or combination of fruits and vegetables. This is an easier way, to get kids to consume more fruits and vegetables.  Blend different kinds of fruits and vegetables to make a nutritious drink that is pack full of healthy and nutritious fibers.
• Make a Popsicle: Children love Popsicle, this is one frozen dessert that children just adore. This could be a way to get them, to consume more greens. Wipe up a healthy combo of different fruits and vegetables, to make a delicious and nutritious Popsicle that children cannot resist.

Above all be consistent, if you try and fail, try  again. Consistency is the way, to get kids more interested in eating more fruits and vegetables.

Dancing has been defined as the rhythmical movement of one's body to a particular music. Dancing is not only a recreational activities, but it has a wide range of physical and mental qualities, that can uplift your health. Dancing is a fun way for the young and old to get fit and stay in shape. Dancing is the most enjoyable way to be physically active and keep fit at the same time.Not only is dancing fun but it has lots of positive health benefits.

• Great workout:Dancing can be an amazing cardiovascular workout that could be done anywhere without going to the gym or worrying about lifting any equipment. Workouts is good and necessary to keep fit and in shape and most times we give different excuses why we don't exercise. Dancing is an easy alternative to heavy weight lighting at the gym. You keep fit while enjoying yourself. Dancing is  good for your heart, and also makes you stronger. Dancing is a great workout that provides both aerobic and anaerobic movements which the body needs to achieve optimal health. Dancing is a great workout for your whole body, helps strengthen your heart, tone your muscles and increase stamina and coordination.
• Weight Loss: if you are looking to loss weight in a fun way, dancing is the way to go.Losing weight is always a difficult process and could be mentally draining,lots of diets to follow religiously, which make sticking to it difficult and most people give up half way, but dancing could be a fun and enjoyable exercise, easy to do and stick to and in the process you begin to burn calories and loss weight gradually in a fun way.
• Form of Relaxation: Dancing helps your body and mind relax and unwind and take away all stress, anxiety and frustrations of the day.Dancing can provide physical and mental relaxation that you need.Dancing provides an enjoyable escape from your normal daily routine activities. it helps relaxes and relieves you of stress.
• Boost Memory:Dancing may help boost your memory and prevent you from developing dementia.Regular dancing has been known to reduce the risk of developing dementia by 76%.As you age Hippocampus the part of the brain that controls memory naturally shrinks, which results in memory loss. Dancing can help prevent you from developing dementia as you grow older.
• Eliminate Depression: Dancing can be a great way to get rid of depression.Dance therapy has been used for ages to improve individuals mental and physical state.Dancing is a fantastic way to improve your mood,it will also uplift your spirit and lift your mood.Dancing has been known to provide emotional release from pent up and repressed feelings which can lead to depression.Dancing not only provide daily healthy physical activities but also keeps the mind sharp and helps ward off  depression.

Papaya is known to be deliciously sweet and mostly enjoyed all year round.Papaya is not only sweet but have a wide variety of health benefits. its packed with various vitamins and antioxidants which helps the body fight diseases and stay strong and healthy.This fruit is filled with health benefits and consuming it will help your overall health.
Papaya is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Flavonoids,Carotene,Folates,Potassium and Magnesium.it is also a very good source of fiber. The following are health benefits of eating Papaya :

• Helps Diabetics:Although Papaya is a sweet fruit, it is actually low in sugar content and this makes it a perfect fruit for people suffering from diabetes. Consuming Papaya on a regular basis can help maintain the blood sugar level, and the cholesterol level because of its rich fiber contents, thereby keeping diabetes in check.
• Aids Digestion: Papaya is known to helps the digestive system because of the presence of  papain enzymes in Papaya, which helps breakdown proteins and improve digestive health.
• Prevent Cancer and Heart Diseases:Papaya is rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and phytonutrients, which helps prevents the occurrence of free radicals, which destroys the cells and cause Cancer and other Heart related diseases.
• Boost immunity: Do you know papaya fruit has more Vitamin C than orange?. Papaya helps boost your immune system which acts as a shield against various infections and diseases that can make you sick.Build a stronger immune system by consuming papaya regularly.
• Helps with Arthritis:People suffering from Arthritis and osteoporosis,should consume Papaya regularly. Papaya has anti-inflammatory effects because of the presence of papain and high Vitamin C contents in it , which helps in reducing pain and inflammation associated with Arthritis.
• Helps with menstrual pain: Are you always suffering from excruciating menstrual pains and cramps?. Stop suffering in silence and consume more Papaya to ease your pain. The papain enzyme in Papaya helps women that suffers from menstrual pains and cramps every month, and also helps regulate the flow.
• Helps with weight loss: If you are planning to loss weight, do not forget to include Papaya in your menu. Papaya is packed with high dietary fiber, which helps in  weight loss by controlling cravings and creating a feeling of fullness.

So you've just finish having this fantastic,sumptuous full meal and all you just want to do is lay down to watch your favorite movies, or go for a smoke, take a bath or actually head straight to bed for a nap?,these are really bad for your health.Food are important to our overall health,but so also are the things we do after eating.There are several things you should never do right after eating, in order to achieve optimal health.

Taking a Bath: Do not take a bath or shower immediately after eating,this can lead to digestive problems.Bathing increases the blood flow to the body, hand and legs,instead of helping with digestion.
Digestion requires a good amount of blood flow towards the stomach,but bathing diverts the blood flow away from the stomach to other parts of the body instead. If you must take a bath at all, wait at least 30-45 minutes after a meal before doing that.
Eating Fruits: Fruits are healthy, nutritious and necessary for optimal health,but eating it at the right time is the key.Eating fruits right after a meal might end up doing you more harm than good.its best to eat fruits first before a meal,because they take little time to digest and when you eat them right after a meal they get stuck with all the other food and not getting to the intestine on time, can make it rot in the gut, causing heartburn, indigestion.
Sleeping: Do not lay down or go for a nap after eating this is a bad idea, except of course if you're in the mood for a party with indigestion, heartburn, or burning throat.Laying down after a meal causes acid reflux symptoms that causes chest discomfort,heartburn and burning throat.Remember to eat at least two hours before bedtime, in order to avoid digestion issues.Eating close to bedtime especially foods high in fat, will result in bloating.Sleeping right after meal can increase the risk of stroke, so try and avoid that.
Smoking: Smoking is really bad for the health no matter how you look at it.Smoking increase the chance of lung cancer and other related health issues.Smoking one cigarettes after eating, is actually like smoking ten cigarettes,and that is like increasing the risk of lung cancer and other related health issues ten times.This is detrimental to your overall health.
Drinking Tea: Drinking tea right after a meal should be avoided. The acidity in the tea can make it difficult to digest food. Tannin acids in tea harden protein, and make them harder to digest, and keep your body from properly absorbing iron.if you need to drink tea after your meal, wait at least one hour after eating before doing so.

Oranges are one of the worlds healthiest fruits to eat. They are not just juicy and sweet, but very good for smooth functioning, of the human body. Oranges are highly rich in Vitamins C and A, flavonoids,calcium, antioxidants,magnesium,potassium, and dietary fibers. There are loads of reasons why eating an orange daily, is the perfect idea for your health.They are not only low in calories, but full of nutrients that is needed for good health.

                               Health Benefits Of Oranges:

•  Relieves constipation: if you suffer from constipation, include orange in your diet. The high dietary fiber in oranges, makes it one of the best fruits for digestive system. Consuming oranges on a regular basis, makes constipation a thing of the past.
• Regulates blood pressure: The presence of Hesperidin,a flavonoid in oranges ,helps to regulate high blood pressure and the abundance of magnesium in oranges maintain the blood pressure.
• Cancer prevention:High concentration of Vitamin C in oranges, helps prevents the occurrence of free radicals that damage the cells, and cause cancer. Consuming oranges regularly, helps in reducing the risk of Breast,skin, oral, lung and colon cancer.
• Boost immunity: The high Vitamin C contents in oranges, helps the body to maintain strong and fundamental immune system.Oranges helps reduce the risk of chronic health conditions, and helps in reducing the occurrence of everyday virus and infections like common cold.
• Fights viral infections: Polyphenols in oranges, helps to protect the internal system from attacks from infections
• Improve vision quality: Consuming oranges helps in improving your eyesight. The vitamin A in oranges helps your eyes absorbs light, and improve night vision. Vitamin C in oranges also helps reduce the risk of cataracts.
• Purifies the blood: Oranges are high in iron and vitamin B6 which helps in the production of hemoglobin, and also purifies the blood.
• Strong and health Bones: if you want strong bones and teeth, include oranges in your daily diet. Calcium in oranges helps keep your bones and teeth strong and healthy.
• Cholesterol level: Consuming oranges regularly helps cut down the bad cholesterol level in the body. This reduces the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and other related health issues.
• Heart Health: Oranges are full of potassium, making it the number one requirement for improving heart health. Potassium is required in maintaining the balance of the heart and its beat. The lack of adequate potassium in the body, can creates severe heart issues. The abundance of potassium in oranges helps in maintaining good heart health.

Banana, juicy and one of the most popular fruits eaten by both young and old. This fruit is filled with loads of nutrients and vitamins that your body needs.
Do you know that the peels of this banana fruits is also filled with lots and lots of nutrients and vitamins?.Are you in the habits of throwing away the peels after you finish eating the banana?, please stop,yeah seriously stop ,you are throwing away essential nutrients that is good for you.
Banana peels contain high amount of vitamin B6 and B12, Magnesium and also Potassium. It also contain some fiber and protein. Let look at the health benefits and uses for Banana peels.

Health Benefits of Banana Peels:

• Whitening Teeth: if you what a sparkling and brighter teeth, instead of spending loads of money on teeth whiten products, you might want to consider Banana peels . You heard me right, Banana peels helps in whitening the teeth. Brush your teeth normally with toothbrush and paste,rub in banana peel in circular motion on your teeth for about two minutes,rinse normally. you can do this twice daily.
• Relieves Pain: Banana peel is a good pain reliever,mix some vegetable oil with Banana peel, apply the mixture on the affected area, leave to rest for about 3o minutes, the pain will subsides.
• Remove Warts:one of the simplest uses of Banana peels for the skin is in removing warts. simply clean the affected area with soap and water, rub the Banana peel on the affected area or you might leave small banana peel piece round the wart, apply adhesive bandage over it and leave overnight.
• Relieves Mosquitoes and Bug bites: Banana peels gives relieves from pain and itches from mosquitoes and Bug bites. Apply directly on the bites, and in a short while it no longer itches.
• Wrinkles: Banana peels helps in eliminating wrinkles. Banana peels helps keep your skin hydrated. Mix one egg yolk with mashed banana peels, apply this on your face for five minutes and wash it off after five minutes.
• Pimples: To cure Pimples, gently massage mash banana peels on your face for five minutes, rinse off with lukewarm water. Do this daily till the pimples clear off.
• Headaches: Are you always having headaches? banana peels might be the answer.Mash the Banana peels very well and place it on  your forehead to prevent painful headaches.

The juice you make yourself at home is more nutritious and healthy than store bought ones. You are in total control of whatever goes in and what you decide to leave out like too much sugar and any kind of preservatives.
Be  it fruits or vegetables, whichever is your personal preference, the following homemade juice recipes  are not only fantastically delicious but also nutritious.


LEMON LIME JUICE: Lemon and Lime are great source of vitamin C, B6, Folate, Potassium and Limonini which contain anti cancer properties.They both help neutralize excess acid waste in the body which causes cellular damage and inflammation. They both help fight cold, flu and other infections.This Lemon Lime juice is not only delicious but full of health benefits.

INGREDIENTS                 Total Time:25 mins                Yields: 10 cups

1/2 cup Lime juice
1 cup Lemon juice
1 cup sugar
1 lemon sliced
11 lime sliced

METHOD

Put 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar in a large saucepan on medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, take off heat and allow to cool. In a large jug add the Lime and Lemon juice ,Add the sugar syrup and stir. fill with 8 cups of water and stir properly.Add the Lime and Lemon slices.



WATERMELON LEMONADE: This watermelon Lemonade is delicious, nutritious and highly refreshing.

Ingredients                          Total Time: 15 mins                   Yields: 12 servings

1 cup sugar
8 cups seeded watermelon
4 cups water
1/2 cup Lemons

METHOD
place the watermelon and 1 cup of water in a blender, blend on medium speed. puree and strain out the juice through a sieve mesh.
In a large saucepan, put 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a saucepan , put it on medium heat. whisk it slowly until the sugar dissolves, allow to cool.stir in 3 cups of water, 1/2 cup of Lemon juice inside the sugar syrup. Stir very well and top up with ice.



ORANGEADE:I love orange juice there is nothing refreshing than gulping down a chilled cup of orange juice but to even take it to the next level adding a splash of lemon juice is out of this world.


INGREDIENTS                                   Total Time    15 mins                           Total Yield     8 cups

6 Oranges
1/2 cup Lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice

METHOD

Make simple sugar syrup by boiling 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water over a medium heat. Squeeze the oranges, and the Lemon juice and the sugar syrup. mix thoroughly and serve over ice.




CUCUMBER LIMEADE:This is a classic and  refreshing drink for any warm day.


INGREDIENTS                Total Time    10 mins                      Total  Yield          5 cups
1 English Cucumber peeled and diced
1/2 cup lime juice
1/2 cup sugar
4 cups water

METHOD
Blend together 2 cups of water, lime juice, sugar together in a blender. Pour through a fine mesh and add the remaining water. stir very well and pour over ice


PINEAPPLE JUICE; Who doesn't like the delicious taste of fresh homemade pineapple juice,easy to make, refreshing, and healthy tropical juice. pineapple juice is not only delicious but fill with all the essential vitamins and nutrients that your body needs for optimal health.


INGREDIENTS                                Total Time 15 mins                                Total Yields    8cups
3 Cups pineapple chunks
4 cups of water
1/2 cup of sugar
1 Lime juice

METHOD
Put the pineapple chunks and 1 cup of water in a blender, sugar, and the lime juice. Blend on medium speed. strain over a fine mesh. serve over ice.

Many people are not a big fan of plain water( i know am not), i find it extremely difficult to drink plain water. We all know water is very essential to our health, it helps with hydration, prevents constipation,and most importantly helps flush out harmful toxins from our body.Despite all these health benefits ,drinking plain water could be a very difficult and torturous task, which have discourage many people from drinking the required daily amount of water.if you are part of this group, help is on the way. Below are  ways that you can make your water taste better.


FRESH FRUIT WATER:Adding fresh fruits like cucumber, oranges, limes, lemons, strawberries,to your water not only make it enjoyable, but tasty and highly nutritious. Fresh fruit water also known as fruit infused water is the combination of any types of fruits in cold water.Drinking fruit infused water can help to detox the body and lose weight.

3 ingredients fruit infused water: This recipe helps with digestion and is great for the immune system.

Ingredients:
cucumber- 1/3 thinly sliced
1 lemon - squeezed
1 lime - squeezed

method:
Fill a large jug with water
put the cucumber,lemon and lime inside
refrigerate overnight

CUBE JUICE: make cube juice out of sugar free juice, add it to your water.

ingredients:
200ml of any fruit juice of your choice

method:
pour fruit juice into each of the ice cube tray compartment
put into freezer until completely frozen
add to your water




ADD MINT LEAVE: Add fresh mints leaves to your water and leave to steep in the water before drinking.