I strongly recommend the ABC Drink – this juice prepared from apple, beetroot and carrot for consumption each morning on empty stomach. There is no strict quantity required for this juice. I take half of apple, beetroot and one whole carrot, I add two amalas, pudina and a small piece of ginger in it and let me tell you it tastes yummy!! Of course you need to remove the stems of and seeds from the fruits, wash them clean and then put them in juicer and get the juice.

This juice is terribly nutritious; full of antioxidants since apple is full of Vitamins like A, B1, B2, B6, C, E and K along with nutrients like Folate, Zinc, Magnesium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Calcium, Sodium and Iron. While carrots are known to have vitamins like A, B1, B2, B3, C, E and K along with Niacin and Pantothenic Acid supported by minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and Selenium. It is said that maximum advantage can be gained from carrots in their juice form rather than the vegetable eaten directly. Beetroot is a vegetable which is known to help the heart in prevention of any cardiovascular diseases which are full of nutrients like Vitamin A, C, B-complex, iron, copper, magnesium and potassium along with several anti-aging agents like amala (Indian gooseberry), ginger and pudina(mint leaves). It has numerous advantages for both brain and body.

It seems a research was conducted by a group of nutritionists; the pure ABC drink without any other ingredients was suggested to few patients suffering from lung cancer for 3 months continuously after which it was found that the patients were completely healed. The traces of cancer were not seen at all. This drink is not just limited to lung cancer but also is known to treat all types of cancers. This miraculous juice restricts the growth of cancerous cells. This drink is lifesaving energizer.

The ABC drink improves health of various organs like kidney, liver and pancreas saving them from various problems while also strengthening of heart and lungs. It keeps the skin glowing making you feel younger. It improves health of the entire digestive system protecting stomach from ulcers, controlling the bowel movements and relieving chronic constipation. It also helps providing brain with all the necessary nutrients which in turn increases the memory and helps in proper functioning of brain. It prevents Alzheimer’s disease.

The list of benefits is big: the ABC drink is beneficial for eyes too.  It is especially good for those who sit in front of computers for long hours. It saves eyes from drying and itching. Also it saves body from variety of allergies and in curing any sort of throat infections. This miracle drink is also known to detoxify the liver and blood purification thereby helping in increase of red blood cells production. Women suffering with too much pain during menstrual cycle can also go with this drink since it is known to relieve from any pains and cramps. It also acts as a great antidepressant.  I have experienced great benefits from this juice. It keeps mind and body highly active throughout the day.

For best results one needs to consume the drink continuously for three months minimum. Make it a daily habit for its worthiness.

We rarely treat our scalp respectfully. Below our hair lies the sensitive skin of scalp. It is very sensitive which like the rest of our body consists of layers of tissue. The lower layers are the healthiest because it consists of the newest skin produced by our body. Whereas, the outermost layer which we brush/comb consists of cells that are mostly dead tissue and ready to be shed to reveal the newer layers of skin beneath. Along with hair follicles, the skin of scalp contains sebaceous glands, which produce the oil necessary to keep the skin of scalp lubricated. A healthy scalp care routine involves regular cleansing to remove bacteria, sweat and excess oil from the skin. Taking steps to prevent over-drying and to boost the skin cell turnover process may also be necessary, depending upon your skin type and the environment in which you live.

For keeping scalp rejuvenated we need to treat it with beneficial oils; the best in my opinion is coconut oil. The moisturizing effect of coconut oil is the best. The effects can help treat dandruff and dry skin simultaneously. The scalp needs oil massage 3-4 times a week. Also try and incorporate iron, zinc, and folic acid into your diet. Zinc will help keep hair on your head and dandruff off it. Folic acid will encourage cell renewal in your scalp. Iron helps prevent thinning and discoloration of your hair. Good sources of these nutrients include oysters, peas, lentils, and prunes.

The following tips help retain your scalp healthy year-round:

Exfoliate it regularly: To help boost the skin cell turnover process, exfoliate your scalp on a regular basis. If you suffer from dry skin or psoriasis, you may need to exfoliate two or three times per week; otherwise, exfoliating once weekly is generally adequate to remove dead skin cells from the surface of your scalp. A gentle facial scrub can be used even on scalp with apricot or walnut kernels or oil beads which help a lot to promote exfoliation before you shampoo.

Preserve moisture in scalp: Most common scalp problems arise due to dryness of skin or are infuriated by dehydrated tissue. When you shower and bathe, avoid exposing your scalp to hot water. Instead, use lukewarm water for rinsing, which allows more of the natural sebum necessary for moisturizing the tissue to remain on your scalp. As far as possible, skip blow-drying and allow your hair to naturally air dry to give the skin on your scalp.

Regularly massage: Beneath the skin on your scalp is an intricate network of blood vessels that carry oxygen and vital nutrients to the tissue. Give a gentle massage in circular motion going in your scalp by massaging the skin when you lather in the bath or shower. Then, at least once per week, spend 5 to 10 minutes massaging your scalp, using gentle circular motions. If possible, get a professional scalp massage.

Limit chemical treatments: Limit hair perm, straightening or hair coloring treatment; the chemicals used in these treatments can dry out and irritate your scalp.

Use a gentle shampoo for regular use:  For many people, washing hair once per day is ideal, though if you suffer from some scalp problems or damaged hair, you may need to wash less frequently. Cleansing is one of the most important parts of scalp care, but what you shampoo with is just as important as how often you do it. It’s advised to use a shampoo that has basis in natural ingredients or those geared toward your specific scalp problems.

Protect your scalp from the sun: When you plan to be in the sun for long periods of time, wear a hat or a scarf to protect your scalp. The ultra violet rays and harsh sun burns are not good for the scalp.

Eat right: Please remember that a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables will help supply the skin of the scalp with the raw materials necessary to produce new, healthy cells. Consume two to four servings of fruits and three to five servings of vegetables per day. In addition, include servings of meat, poultry, fish, eggs and nuts to ensure that your body has an adequate supply of protein, which is necessary both for scalp care and a healthy head of hair.

Some common scalp problems include dandruff, scalp eczema, scalp psoriasis, impetigo, follicultis etc. Skin that is too dry or too oily is more likely to develop these problems. A healthy immune system can protect most scalp problems.  A healthy scalp is the key to lush, shiny hair! Treat it with lots of love.

Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

If you are stressed out and don’t have time for a facial massage, or visit to a spa –here’s what you can do: cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that will reduce stress in your face, It works great on wrinkles too!!

Recline on the sofa with a slice of ice-cold cucumber over each eye. The cooling sensation helps sooth red and tired eyes; while the high water content works to reduce puffiness and can even eliminate dark circles. Just do it today.

Another use of the cucumber’s amazing attributes is that it acts as a diuretic. The next time you feel bloated – wash, but don’t peel and slice a cucumber. Add the slices to a jug of ice water and drink it down. You can easily shed with this your water weight. Try it; it’s simply amazing.

If you have just finished a business lunch and realize you don’t have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth, hold it with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

Cucumber is a natural astringent, so a cucumber facial is cleansing and soothing. Puree half a cucumber in your food processor or blender; add a few mint leaves to it, a tablespoon of lemon juice and an egg white. Mix them all together and then apply it onto your clean face. Leave for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water. Follow with a splash of cool water to close skin pores.

Recently the New York Times published loads of information and praises for cucumber as part of their “Spotlight on the Home” series highlighting maximum usage of it in our daily life. I give here under one raita recipe which is delicious and appetizing, very easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
•  Small portion of chopped fresh dhaniya (coriander leaves)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 chopped green chili
• 2 medium cucumbers peeled and diced
• Salt & sugar for taste

Whisk yogurt, add diced cucumber, limejuice, chopped green chili in a small bowl. Stir it by adding salt and sugar for taste. Garnish it with chopped coriander leaves and grounded cumin seed powder. Season it with half table spoon tempered oil and mustard seeds. It tastes amazing!

Because cucumbers are mostly water, they are low in calories. Even, a large cucumber contains less than 100 calories. You will not find any other natural element loaded with such immense nutritional value. Store cucumbers in your fridge always, and consume them regularly.