Foodviki

Effective Natural home remedies for pimples on back, face & others

June 12, 2016

Lemon

As we know, lemon is a natural bleacher. But do you know lemon is also one of the most effective home remedies for pimples? Yes, you can combine or mix lemon with many other ingredients to eliminate those pimples. Here are some remedies that you can do with lemon to eliminate pimples.

Remedy 1: Lemon and groundnut oil

This combination may be the easiest home treatment for pimples. You just mix 1 tablespoon of lime juice with 1 tablespoon of groundnut oil.
Then you apply this mixture on your face.
This remedy can help in preventing blackheads which are the foundations for pimples!

Remedy 2: Lemon and rosewater

First of all, you get a mixture by mixing lime juice and rose water at an equal ratio.
Next, you apply it on your pimples.
You allow it to be on there for about 30 minutes.
Then you rinse it off with clean water.
It’s very simple to do but you should remember to apply this remedy daily during 2 to 4 weeks depending on your condition.

Remedy 3: Lemon with cinnamon and sandalwood powder

The combination of lemon with cinnamon and sandalwood powder is a great way to get rid of pimples! You just mix 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder, 1 teaspoon of sandalwood powder with some drops of lime juice to get a fine paste.
Then you apply this paste on pimples as same as you did in remedy 2.
You should apply it daily and after 2 to 4 weeks, you will see the improvements.

Remedy 4: Lemon with egg white

Applying a combination of egg whites and lime juice is beneficial for treating pimples. You just apply a little fresh lime juice on the pimples.
Then you dab a little egg white on there.
You let it be there for about 30 minutes.
Now you wash it off with clean water.
You should try this process daily to get relief from pimples on your face.

Aloe Vera for Pimples

Aloe vera gel may be combined with many other things to fight pimples. However, it is the best when using it without mixing anything. It is wonderful if you have some aloe vera plants grown in your house. Aloe vera not only helps you in soothing, it also acts as an anti-inflammatory to help in decreasing redness and swelling. Besides, it has antibacterial properties to eliminate the dead skin cells.

Ingredients:

Some aloe vera leaves

Remedy:

First of all, you wash your face with clean water and pat dry.
Next, you extract some aloe vera leaves to get its gel.
Then you use your fingertips to apply the aloe vera gel directly on your problem areas.
Keep waiting for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse off with clean water.
You should do this process daily until you have the improvement.

Garlic

Garlic is known as one of the natural remedies for pimples due to its antibacterial properties. You can either consume it, or use it topically to help in reducing the severity of your pimples and prevent them from recurring in the future. Extracting the garlic to get its juice to drink is a great way to treat pimples. However, if you cannot take its juices, you can mash it up and put it in a little water to drink.

You will need

2 or 3 cloves of garlic
A little water

Directions:

Firstly, you extract the garlic juice or you mash up 2 to 3 cloves and soak it to water for 10 minutes to get the garlic water.
Using a cotton pad and soak it to the juice of the garlic.
Then you rub the cotton to your affected area
Do it daily to get rid of pimples quickly.
If you choose to eat garlic, you should eat only 1 to 2 cloves a day.

Papaya

Papaya is a vital ingredient in many beauty products that you can find on the market nowadays. However, it is not necessary for you to go out to gain its interests? Using plain raw papaya is one of home remedies for pimples. It can help you in removing dead skin cells as well as excess lipids from your skin. Therefore, it makes your skin become soft and smooth. Moreover, papaya also has an enzyme which is called papain. This kind of enzyme can help in reducing inflammation and preventing the pus from forming.

Ingredient:

1 fresh papaya

Preparation:

Firstly, you wash your face with clean water and pat dry.
Secondly, you take the flesh of the papaya and then crush it well until it is a fine paste so that you can easily apply to your skin.
Next, you allow it to stay on your face for 15 to 20 minutes.
Finally, you wash off completely with lukewarm water. If your skin becomes dry after you clean it, you should use a suitable moisturizer cream for your skin after that.

Make a Honey and Cinnamon Mask

Honey is sticky while cinnamon is spicy. The combination of these two ingredients can help in getting rid of pimples. Cinnamon contains antimicrobial properties that can help in preventing bacteria from getting out of your hand. And honey is a natural antibiotic that is ready and waiting to clean the little buggers out.

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon of cinnamon
2 tablespoons of honey
Paper towels

Remedy:

At first, you rinse your face with clean water and pat dry.
Then you mix 2 tbsp of honey with 1 tsp of cinnamon together to get a fine paste.
Next, you apply this paste on your face or affected areas and allow it to stay on there for 10 to 15 minutes.
You wash off completely and pat the face dry. This is a sticky paste, so you have to make sure that you take some paper towels on your hand

Turmeric

As we know, turmeric contains the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties make turmeric become the most healing spice which may be used to treat pimples. Here are some home remedies for pimples using turmeric you can apply to get rid of pimple quickly.

Remedy 1:

You make a fine paste by mixing some teaspoons of turmeric powder with a little water.
Then you apply this paste on pimples.
You should allow it on your face for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Now, you wash off with lukewarm water. You may use honey to replace water for its antiseptic property.

Remedy 2:

You mix turmeric powder with sandalwood powder at an equal ratio.
Then you combine it with a little rose water to make a smooth paste.
Next, you apply this paste directly on your pimples and wait for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Finally, you wash off with lukewarm water. This process not only makes your pimples go away but also gives you a glowing skin.

Remedy 3:

You extract some coriander leaves to get the juices.
Then you grind fresh turmeric and mix it with the juice make a fine paste.
Now, you apply this paste on your pimples to eliminate them.
You rinse off with water after 15 to 20 minutes of using it
You should repeat this process daily to get the best results.

Note: Using turmeric may leave yellow spots on your face, pillow cover, your hands or any other place where you touch or sit on. Therefore, be careful when you use turmeric for healing your pimples. You do not allow turmeric to stay on your skin for a long time or you will have to be inside for a few days because the pale spots will leave on the skin! You should always rinse off turmeric with warm water to eliminate the spots.

Milk and Yogurt (Or Honey)

It seems that using milk can improve the outbreaks and your skin tone. The reason for why using milk leads to pimples is due to the extra hormones in it. However, this seems happen when you ingest milk directly. When you use it externally, it just makes your skin soothe as well as helps in toning down the redness of your skin. In another way, you can also use yogurt in order to eliminate pimples and their scars. The acids in yogurt are antibacterial that can help you to get rid of bacteria on your skin while the fat can provide moisture and make your skin healthy.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon of plain milk/yogurt.
1 tablespoon of raw honey.

Remedy:

At first, you let milk/yogurt be in room temperature (or close to) so that you do not get a chilly shock when putting it on your skin.
Then you mix 1 tablespoon of milk/yogurt thoroughly with 1 tablespoon of raw honey. Next, you soak a cotton pad to this mixture, rub and pat it on your face.
You let each of layers dry before rubbing a new layer till the mask is thick as you want.
Keep allowing this mask to stay on your face for 10 to 15 minutes.
Finally, you rinse your mask off with clean water and use a washcloth to pat dry.
You should moisturize your skin as usual whenever you finish this process.

Drink

Homemade Vitamin Waters for Detox & Weight Loss

June 11, 2016

Water is the most powerful ally when it comes to detoxification, and you can make it taste better and increase its nutritional value by adding simple ingredients rich in vitamins and minerals. We recommend you try the top 4 detox water recipes

Detox Water Ingredients

1/2 gallon water
1 grapefruit, sliced (you can also use lemon)
1 tangerine, sliced (you can also use orange)
1 large cucumber, sliced
10-20 peppermint leaves
Ice – as much as you like

Preparation

Wash well all the ingredients. Slice the cucumber, grapefruit, and tangerine. Then combine the slices and mint leaves together in a half gallon pitcher. Leave the ingredients as long as possible in order to use the maximum benefits.

You can see that it is really easy to prepare your favorite detox water, and the best thing about it is that you can choose any combination you like! Just take a large pitcher, or choose any other container you prefer, and fill it with fresh water.

You can Add

Fresh fruit (cut the fruit into paper-thin slices or small chunks) – Add some mint leaves for extra natural flavor
Add stevia or organic raw honey to add sweetness
Keep your detox water for 4-6 hours in the fridge and serve it on the rocks.

Detox Water Recipe Combinations

1. Green Tea, Mint & Lime

It is and amazing aid in the fat burning process and digestion, relieves headaches and congestion, and it will also freshen your breath

2. Strawberry – Kiwi

This combination improves cardiovascular health, protects the immune system, regulates blood sugar levels and stimulates digestion

3. Cucumber, Lime and Lemon

These ingredients are supportive in the water weight management, and they will also help you reduce bloating, control your appetite, hydrate your body and improve digestion

4. Lemon, Lime & Orange

It will solve any digestion problems, support the immune defense, and reduce heartburn; be sure to enjoy this Detox water at room temperature.

Source: http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/4-homemade-vitamin-waters-detox-weight-loss.html

Drink

Healthy Ginger Watermelon Detox Smoothie Recipe

June 11, 2016

Food

What Are the Health Benefits of Apricots?

June 10, 2016

Apricots are small, golden orange fruits, with velvety skin and flesh not too juicy but definitely smooth and sweet. Apricots are those beautifully orange colored fruits full of beta-carotene and fiber that are one of the first signs of summer. Their flavor is almost musky, with a faint tartness that is more pronounced when the fruit is dried. Some people think of the flavor as being somewhere between a peach and a plum, fruits to which they're closely related.

Health Benefits of Apricots

Apricots are rich in many plant antioxidants. Some of these are the vitamin antioxidants so familiar to regular users of this site. Others are more difficult to obtain from other foods, and may be responsible for specific health benefits. Overall, consider the apricot to be a great food that provides you with the protective effects of antioxidants while adding very few calories to your daily total.

Apricot has high mineral content, that makes it beneficial in cases of anemia, tuberculosis, asthma, bronchitis, and toxemia.Apricot is high in vitamin A, that is why it is very helpful in the removal of skin pimples and other skin disorderApricot contain lycopene, this substance can help prevent cancer and help to protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation, which may help prevent heart disease.It helps destroy intestinal worms.It may help remove gallstones.It is it helps in preventing cancer in organs lined by epithelial tissue, due to its high vitamin A content.

Protect Your Eyesight

Apricots are rich in the carotenoids and xanthophylls, nutrients that researchers believe may help protect eyesight from aging-related damage To give an example of how this works, one of these nutrients (lutein) appears to be able to protect the retina the part of the eye that picks up the visual image from the environment from damage caused by blue light.

Additionally, researchers have linked regular intake of fruit with less risk of vision loss with aging. This benefit is found in people who eat three or more servings of fruit each day.Three servings of fruit may sound like a lot to eat each day, but by simply snacking on an apricot, tossing a banana into your morning smoothie, and topping off a cup of yogurt or green salad with one-half cup of berries, you've reached this goal.

Protect Against Inflammation

Apricots are a strong dietary source of catechins, a broad family of flavonoid phytonutrients (you may be familiar with these phytonutrients since they are often cited for the benefits provided by green tea). A single apricot will provide you with 4-5 grams from catechins. These phytonutrients are potent anti-inflammatory nutrients and researchers have looked extensively at their health effects. Researchers have discovered that catechins can inhibit the activity of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), one of the critical steps in the process of inflammation.

Much of this research on catechin benefits involves animal rather than human studies. But we have seen human research where diets rich in catechins not specifically from apricots but from other catechin-rich foods like tea or cocoa have led to significant beneficial changes. For instance, multiple studies have shown that catechin-rich foods can protect blood vessels from inflammation-related damage, leading to better blood pressure control.

How to Enjoy

A few quick serving ideas:

Add sliced apricots to hot or cold cereal.

The next time you make whole grain pancakes add some chopped apricots to the batter.

Give a Middle Eastern flavor to chicken or vegetable stews with the addition of dried, diced apricots.

Serve fresh apricots in your green salad when they are in season.

Food

The 7 Day Fat Fighting Menu For You

June 10, 2016

7 Breakfast Recipes

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Smoothie

In a blender, combine 3/4 cup frozen berries, 1/4 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt, 1/2 cup low-fat chocolate soy milk, and 2 tablespoons reduced-fat all-natural peanut butter. 355 calories

Egg-White Muffin Melt

Scramble 3 egg whites. Cover half of a whole-grain English muffin with 1/2 cup spinach and the other half with 1 slice reduced-fat cheddar cheese; toast until cheese is melted. Add egg and 1 slice tomato.270 calories

Berry Parfait

Top 1/2 cup low-fat Greek yogurt with 1/4 cup low-fat granola, 1 teaspoon slivered almonds, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1/2 cup berries. 303 calories

Cinnamon-Apple Oats

Prepare 1 packet plain, instant oatmeal with 1/2 cup skim milk. Microwave 3/4 of a small apple, chopped, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon brown sugar. Top oatmeal with apples and 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts. 255 calories

Mexican Egg Scramble

Scramble 3 egg whites with 1/4 cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained) and 1 ounce reduced-fat cheddar cheese. Top with 2 tablespoons salsa, or to taste. 191 calories

Peanut Buttery Bagel

Toast a whole-grain bagel and spread with 1 tablespoon reduced-fat all-natural peanut butter. Cover with slices from 1 apple. 335 calories

Berry Waffles

Top 2 whole-grain waffles with 1/4 cup low-fat plain yogurt, 1/2 cup mixed berries, and 2 teaspoons maple syrup. 246 calories

7 Lunch Recipes

Turkey-Avocado Melt

Place 2 to 3 slices roasted turkey, 2 slices avocado, and 1 slice low-fat pepper jack cheese between 2 slices whole-grain bread. Grill in skillet. 303 calories

Penne with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Toss 1/2 cup cooked whole wheat pasta with 1 cup sauteed spinach and 2 tablespoons each pine nuts and low-fat feta. Sprinkle with capers and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. 378 calories

Guacamole Burger

Cook a veggie burger according to package directions. Mash half an avocado with 1/2 cup salsa. Top burger with avocado mixture; serve on a whole-grain bun. 396 calories

Udon-Tofu Soup

Combine 1/2 cup cooked udon with 1 cup spinach and 1 1/2 cups hot vegetable broth. Add 1/2 cup cubed tofu, 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms, and 1 teaspoon soy sauce. 226 calories

Spinach Flatbread Pizza

Spread 1/3 cup tomato sauce on 1 naan. Top with 2 cups spinach, 1/4 cup low-fat mozzarella cheese, and 1 tablespoon slivered almonds. Bake at 350 degrees F. until melted. 366 calories

Zesty Black Beans

Cook 1/2 cup each black beans, chopped bell pepper, and chopped onion and 1 chopped jalapeno in a pan with 2 teaspoons olive oil for 5 minutes. Place over cooked brown rice; top with 1/4 avocado, sliced. 305 calories

Chopped Chicken Salad

Place 3 ounces chopped chicken, 2 tablespoons crumbled low-fat blue cheese, 1/2 cup chopped cucumber, and 1 tablespoon each chopped pecans and dried cranberries on 2 cups lettuce. Toss with 2 tablespoons vinaigrette. 356 calories

7 Dinner Recipes

Maple Salmon with Greens, Edamame, and Walnuts

Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons snipped fresh rosemary
4 5-ounce fresh or frozen skinless salmon fillets, about 1 inch thick
1 6-ounce package fresh baby spinach
1/2 cup cooked shelled edamame
1/2 cup red bell pepper strips
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Directions
1. In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, shallot, salt, and pepper. For dressing, in a small bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons of the maple syrup mixture and the olive oil; set aside.
2. For glaze, heat the remaining maple syrup mixture to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, about 5 minutes, or until syrupy. Remove from heat; stir in rosemary.
3. Preheat broiler. Place fish on the greased, unheated rack of a broiler pan and brush with half the glaze. Broil 6 to 7 inches from heat for 5 minutes. Turn fish over; brush with remaining glaze. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes more, or until fish begins to flake when tested with a fork.
4. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine spinach, edamame, pepper strips, and nuts. Drizzle spinach mixture with dressing; toss to coat. Spoon salad onto plates; top with fish.

Nutrition facts per serving: 460 calories, 33g protein, 18g carbohydrate, 28 g fat (5g saturated), 3g fiber

Baked Veggie Omelet

Makes: 6 servings

Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
2 tablespoons butter
3 cups bite-size bell pepper strips, sliced mushrooms, and thinly sliced zucchini
1/3 cup chopped onion (1 small)
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons tomato sauce
10 egg whites
5 eggs
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Tomato sauce, warmed (optional)

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly coat a 15-x-10-x-1-inch baking pan with cooking spray; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add vegetables, onion, and dried basil. Cook and stir 5 to 8 minutes. Add pepper and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. Remove from heat; stir in tomato sauce; keep warm.
3. In a medium bowl beat egg whites, eggs, water, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt with a whisk until combined but not frothy. Pour eggs into the baking pan. Bake, uncovered, 7 minutes, or until eggs have just set.
4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine cheeses; set aside.
5. Cut the baked eggs into six 5-inch squares. Using a spatula, lift each square from the pan and invert onto a plate. Divide warm vegetable mixture among omelets; top with cheese. Fold omelets diagonally in half, forming triangles. If desired, drizzle with additional tomato sauce.

Nutrition facts per serving: 170 calories, 14g protein, 7g carbohydrate, 10g fat (4g saturated), 2g fiber

Strawberry Chicken Salad with Warm Citrus Dressing

Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients
4 medium skinless, boneless chicken-breast halves (about 1 pound)
1 14-1/2-ounce can chicken broth
2 1/2 cups strawberries
1/3 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons salad oil
2 teaspoons finely shredded lemon peel
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 cups torn spinach, watercress and/or other greens
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Directions
1. Sprinkle the chicken-breast halves lightly with salt and pepper. Pour chicken broth into a large saucepan; add chicken. Bring broth to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until chicken is tender and no longer pink. Remove chicken from broth with a slotted spoon and cool slightly.
2. Meanwhile, in a blender or food processor, combine 1/2 cup of the strawberries, the orange juice, salad oil, lemon peel, lemon juice, sugar, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cover; blend or process until smooth. Transfer to a small saucepan. Bring just to a boil. Simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Thinly slice chicken breasts. In a large bowl, toss together salad greens, remaining strawberries, and chicken.
4. To serve, drizzle warm dressing over salad. Sprinkle with walnuts.

Nutrition facts per serving: 287 calories, 31g protein, 12g carbohydrate, 14g fat (2g saturated), 7g fiber

Whole Wheat Pasta with Ricotta and Vegetables

Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients
8 ounces dried whole wheat or whole-grain penne pasta
2 1/2 cups broccoli florets
1 1/2 cups asparagus or green beans cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup light ricotta cheese
1/4 cup snipped fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried basil, crushed
4 teaspoons snipped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
4 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 large ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

Directions
1. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting any oil or salt.
2. Add broccoli florets and asparagus or green beans during the last 3 minutes of cooking; drain.
3. In a large serving bowl, combine ricotta cheese, basil, thyme, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
4. Add cooked pasta and vegetables to ricotta mixture. Add chopped tomatoes. Toss to combine. Sprinkle each serving with grated cheese; serve immediately.

Nutrition facts per serving: 361 calories, 16g protein, 55g carbohydrates, 9g fat (2g saturated), 7g fiber

Southwestern Black Bean Cakes with Guacamole

Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients
1/2 medium avocado, seeded and peeled
1 tablespoon lime juice
Salt
Ground black pepper
2 slices whole wheat bread, torn
3 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
2 garlic cloves
1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
1-2 teaspoons adobo sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 egg, beaten
1 small plum tomato, chopped

Directions
1. Mash the avocado in a small bowl. Stir in lime juice; season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
2. Place torn bread in a food processor. Cover and process until bread turns into coarse crumbs. Transfer to a large bowl; set aside.
3. Place cilantro and garlic in the food processor. Cover and process until finely chopped. Add the beans, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, and cumin. Cover and process until beans are coarsely chopped and mixture begins to pull away from the side of the bowl or container.
4. Add mixture to bread crumbs. Add egg, combine, and shape into four 1/2-inch-thick patties.
5. Lightly grease the rack of a grill pan. Place patties on the rack. Cook over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes, or until patties are heated through, turning once.
6. To serve, top patties with guacamole and tomato.

Nutrition facts per serving: 178 calories, 11g protein, 25g carbohydrate, 7g fat (1g saturated), 9g fiber

Thai Chicken-Broccoli Wraps

Makes: 6 servings

Ingredients
12 ounces skinless, boneless chicken-breast strips
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Nonstick cooking spray
2 cups packaged broccoli slaw
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
3 10-inch whole wheat tortillas, warmed

Directions
1. Sprinkle chicken strips with garlic salt and pepper. Coat a skillet with cooking spray. Add chicken; cook over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or until no longer pink. Remove from pan; keep warm. Add broccoli and 1/4 teaspoon of the ground ginger to skillet. Cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes, or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
2. In a saucepan, combine peanut butter, 2 tablespoons water, soy sauce, minced garlic, and the remaining ginger. Heat over low heat until smooth, whisking constantly.
3. To assemble, spread tortillas with peanut sauce. Top with chicken strips and vegetable mixture. Roll up each tortilla, securing with a toothpick. Cut in half; serve immediately.

Nutrition facts per serving: 191 calories, 18g protein, 16g carbohydrate, 6g fat (1g saturated), 2g fiber

Greek Quinoa and Avocados

Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients
1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
1 cup water
2 Roma (plum) tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped
1/2 cup shredded fresh spinach
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
Spinach leaves
2 avocados, pitted, peeled, and sliced
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions
1. Bring quinoa and water to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together quinoa, tomatoes, spinach, and onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, oil, and salt. Mix with quinoa.
4. Place spinach on plates with avocado slices and quinoa. Sprinkle with feta.

Nutrition facts per serving: 332 calories, 7g protein, 27g carbohydrate, 24g fat (5g saturated), 8g fiber

7 Fat-Fighting Snacks

4 whole-grain crackers and 1 ounce reduced-fat cheddar 103 calories

1 banana dipped in 1/2 ounce melted dark chocolate 176 calories

Low-fat pudding cup topped with 2/3 cup berries146 calories

2 tablespoons hummus with 4 baby carrots 66 calories

10 tortilla chips with 2 tablespoons spicy black bean dip 135 calories

1/2 cup low-fat ricotta cheese with 1 cup sliced berries and 2 teaspoons honey 209 calories

1 slice toasted cinnamon raisin bread with 1/2 ounce melted dark chocolate and 1/2 sliced banana 223 calories

1 cup frozen strawberries blended with 1 tablespoon lime juice and 1 teaspoon honey topped with 1 tablespoon coconut 137 calories

1/3 cup dried apricots dipped in 1/2 ounce melted dark chocolate and 1/4 ounce chopped pistachios 210 calories

1/2 cup fat-free berry sorbet 120 calories

2 cups popcorn topped with 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese 84 calories

2 hard-boiled eggs with 4 whole-grain crackers 178 calories

1 flour tortilla topped with 2 chopped slices avocado and 3 tablespoons black beans 197 calories

1/2 cup blueberries mixed with 1 tablespoon honey and 1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt 182 calories

Beauty

How Does Lemon Juice Work On Dark Spots?

June 09, 2016

Lemon juice has the same bleaching properties that OTC products contain. Its natural acidity works as an organic bleaching agent, which, on prolonged use, can slowly reduce dark brown spots. It helps break down the melanin pigmentation and also curbs the over-production of melanin that causes the darkening of the skin. Thanks to the exfoliating properties of lemon juice, even the most stubborn brown spots will begin to fade away.

Like you all know, lemon juice contains Vitamin C that is scientifically proven to bring down the production of melanin in the body. Citric acid is also one of the 5 Alpha Hydroxy acids that are effective and essential for skin exfoliation. However, studies suggest that one should not use lemon juice on the skin and walk out in the sun immediately, as this may cause the skin to burn.

Below are a few home remedies using lemon juice that you can try if you are tormented by dark spots that refuse to go:

Fresh Lemon and Parsley

For this, you will require the following

Fresh lemons
Water
Pot
Fresh parsley
Spray bottle

Method

Cleanse the face using warm water and a gentle cleanser to remove all the dirt and makeup from the skin.
Rinse well with water.
Exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells by gently blotting the skin with a soft towel and a good quality moisturizer. Exfoliating on a regular basis is a must for removing the dead cellular debris.
Add 1 cup of freshly chopped parsley in a teapot with 2 cups of water. Boil for 15 minutes.
Strain the infusion of parsley and add a few drops of lemon juice to it.
Let the liquid cool and then apply it on the dark spots using a cotton ball.
Let it stay for around 30 minutes and then rinse with plain water.
Refrigerate the leftover parsley and lemon juice infusion and spray it daily on your face to lighten the brown or dark spots.

Applying Lemon Juice Directly

You can also apply lemon juice directly on the spots, especially on the elbows and kneecaps, where the skin is a little rough. However, do not apply the lemon juice on the facial skin without diluting it, or your skin may become drier due to pH imbalance.

Hummus and Lemon Juice

Does lemon juice lighten dark spots? The mask of hummus and lemon juice effectively lightens the dark spots. You can use prepared hummus for the pack or prepare it on your own.

Mash 1cup of garbanzo beans with ½ a cup of tahini in a food processor and make a smooth paste.
Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of lemon juice to the paste and mix well.
Apply the mixture on the dark spots and let the mask stay for around 30 minutes or until it has dried completely.
Rinse off with lukewarm water.
For faster results, repeat daily.

Other Remedies

For lightening the dark spots, combine 1 tablespoon of honey with 5 drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice and apply on the affected areas.
Make a paste of lemon juice and turmeric to lighten the dark spots.
For a cooling effect on the darkened spots, combine cucumber juice with lemon juice and apply.

Lastly, for a better effect, avoid using bottled lemon juice to remove dark spots. Always squeeze fresh lemon juice every time before application. The citric acid in lemon juice can make your skin sensitive to UV rays. So, you must avoid going directly in the sun immediately after applying the lemon juice pack or juice.

Have you ever tried lemon juice for dark spots removal? How has it helped you? Do give us your feedback by commenting in the box below.

Effective Natural home remedies for pimples on back, face & others

Homemade Vitamin Waters for Detox & Weight Loss

Healthy Ginger Watermelon Detox Smoothie Recipe

What Are the Health Benefits of Apricots?

The 7 Day Fat Fighting Menu For You

How Does Lemon Juice Work On Dark Spots?

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