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May 24, 2009

Curcumin Can Help The Body Fight Disease

Curcumin is a component of ayurvedic herb turmeric; the yellow spice derived from the roots (rhizomes) of the plant Curcuma longa. Curcuma longa is a short stemmed perennial, which grows to about 100 cm in height. It has curved leaves and oblong, ovate or cylindrical rhizomes. Curcumin from turmeric grows naturally throughout the Indian subcontinent and in tropical countries, particularly South East Asia.

A traditional remedy in “Ayurvedic medicine” and ancient Indian healing system that dates back over 5,000 years, turmeric has been used through the ages as an “herbal aspirin” and “herbal cortisone” to relieve discomfort and inflammation associated with an extraordinary spectrum of infectious and autoimmune diseases cause by systemic inflammation.

Curcumin, derived from the curry spice turmeric, has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Both oxidative damage (damage caused by oxygen) and inflammation have been implicated in nerve cell death associated with Parkinson’s disease. Now, researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have shown in a laboratory model of Parkinson’s disease that curcumin does protect cells from dying.

To test the protective effects of curcumin ext, the research team used a Parkinson’s disease cell model system. They tested curcumin on nerve like cells that make a mutant form of the protein alpha synuclein, that clumps together inside of cells to cause harmful biochemical and cellular changes that eventually kill the cells. Alpha-synuclein causes 50 percent of untreated cells to die, whereas only 19 percent of the cells treated with curcumin died. Further research showed that curcumin itself reduces oxidative damage directly.

Antioxidants such as turmeric extract hold the answer to today’s degenerative disease. Powerful antioxidants like curcumin are available over the counter at most any health food store. Quality herbal supplements come with a guarantee that potency per capsule is consistent (standardized). Look on the label and make sure the supplement you purchase has standardized ingredients to ensure you receive your moneys worth.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Anti-inflammatory herbs like curcumin are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.

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Filed under Beyond Random Ramblings by Arjuna

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Don’t Let Stretch Marks Bother You

Stretch marks are more common that you think. In fact, stretch marks are a plague to not only women, but men and children as well. The bad news is that you cannot remove stretch marks 100%, but the good news is that you can treat, cure and reduce them till they are barely visible. 

One popular way is by using stretch mark creams and lotions to reduce the appearance of lines. While this is a slower process, it is safe and affordable. Creams and lotions for stretch marks can be easily obtained at supermarkets, pharmacies or even purchased online. The Mustela stretch marks cream for example, costs only about $39 online. It actively stimulates the skin cells and favors tissue regeneration, with AHA, silicium and vitamin B5.

Products such as the Mama Mio tummy rub oil are very popular among women, especially those who are pregnant. It is a specialist product which that helps prevent the formation of stretch marks.Pregnancy is a very critical time for your body, and the chances of stretch marks forming during this period is high, even if you do not already have a history of stretch marks.

If it’s already too late to prevent them, you can also look at other methods like stretch mark vitamins, laser surgery, collagen, cocoa butter and even some traditional home remedies.

If all else fails you can still tattoo over your stretch marks and cover them up pretty nicely. Of course the tattoo doesn’t have to be permanent. It can be a temporary tattoo that is washable, perfect for special occasions where your stretch marks will be visible to everyone.Now instead of displaying ugly lines, you have a piece of art on your body which is also a great conversation starter!

So really, don’t worry about stretch marks. You’ll be glad to know that even celebrities like Kim Kardashian has stretch marks, and many others. It’s just a part of your body’s natural functions and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.

Filed under Beyond Random Ramblings by Arjuna

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Taking Beautiful Pregnancy Photos

Pregnancy lasts such a short time. Before you know it all you will care about is taking funny baby photos. Therefore, why not document the pregnancy experience to look back on for the rest of your life.

Pregnancy photos are the perfect way to capture those memories for your family. With a few simple tricks, you can take beautiful photos that your family will always treasure.

pregnancy photos
It’s important that you’re well prepared for your birth photo announcements. Get a good night’s sleep and have a nutritious, filling meal. Select your outfits well in advance and make sure that they are cleaned and pressed. Clothes that flow with your figure will look best.

Avoid anything that has tight fitting elastic that will leave impressions on your skin. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the shoot location and don’t schedule important appointments for immediately after. You don’t want to get stressed if the shoot takes longer than expected.

The appropriate hair and makeup is essential to good photographs, so you may want to hit the salon before your shoot. Use a light hand if you do your own makeup and opt for a subtle, natural look. The right foundation, powder and mascara are a must. Eyeliner, eye shadow, blush and lipstick should all be neutral.

birth photo card
Never use makeup that shimmers. It can make your pictures look oily and dated. The hot lights can make you perspire, so bring along your makeup bag for touch ups. You can ask your photographer to do a few test shots so that you can adjust your hair and makeup if necessary. You should also treat yourself to a manicure if your hands will be in the photos.

Keep jewelry to minimum. You want the focus to be on you. Enjoy this time; once your baby is born your focus will shift to birth photo card and professional baby photos.

Some moms prefer the look of informal shots and choose to take their own pictures. This is a great idea for action shots and is surprisingly easy to do. To get a wide variety of looks in your photos of pregnancy, think about backgrounds, color and framing. Read your camera’s manual so that you know what it’s capable of.

To get good photos with either a film or digital camera use a flash even when you’re outdoors, lock the focus and know the range of your flash. Forget about the “point and shoot” method of taking pictures. Get creative with settings, poses and lighting. This will give you unique and personal pictures.

new baby photos
Nothing is more exciting than the birth of a new baby. During your pregnancy there will be so many precious moments that your family will want to remember always. What was your expression like at your surprise baby shower? Did your baby bump match your husband’s soft tummy?

What about the loving looks you exchanged with him as you prepared for the birth of your baby. These are moments that will make beautiful pregnancy photos that you’ll cherish forever. Add them to your baby photo book.

Filed under Technology and Gadgets by Joshua

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