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How these amazing benefits of Coconut - The Sup...
If you have been raised in an Indian home, there is no doubt in the fact that coconut may have been a large part of your childhood. Whether it was...
How these amazing benefits of Coconut - The Super Fruit will save your life
If you have been raised in an Indian home, there is no doubt in the fact that coconut may have been a large part of your childhood. Whether it was the quintessential coconut oil that was used to give you the most loved Sunday morning “champi” by your mother, or the ingredient in some of the tastiest dishes of Indian cuisine. There is no Indian kitchen that does not have some form of coconut in stock; whether it is in the form of grated coconut, coconut oil, coconut milk, or coconut water, it is still always there! The health benefits of coconuts for the body are plenty! It contains a high nutritional value of protein (4.57 grams) to carbohydrates (6.35 grams) per serving and has several healing properties. This is one of the most important advantages of coconut oil and one of the main reasons why people include coconut in their daily dietary plans. Especially in South India, people are exceedingly fond of coconut owing to the major health benefits of coconuts and their versatile nature. A single serving of coconut meat is enough for your skin, hair, weight management, and heart problems, and to keep you hydrated. Coconut milk is also a great supplement for people who have poor gut health and or are vegans in their dietary preferences. It has a richness of probiotics too. The primary benefit of coconut is to aid in slow digestion, thus improving insulin resistance, which in turn improves blood sugar levels, reduces stress, helps in asthma cure and maintains cholesterol levels. Advantages and health benefits of coconuts: Radiant skin As coconut oil has natural moisturizing, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, you can use it as a coconut moisturizer for dry skin to gain that radiant look. You can even use it as a DIY coconut face mask to hydrate and replenish dull or damaged skin. Coconut oil is a deeply nourishing healthy oil, which allows it to prevent the early appearance of wrinkles and retains youthful skin by opening the pores and letting the skin absorb more efficiently. Even coconut water is equally effective on acne, black spots, and blemishes, and it also minimizes skin rashes and irritations. Coconut oil also doubles as a gentle face scrub, which can be used to clean the face by rubbing the oil in a circular motion. Beauty regimen Did you know you can make your own lip gloss at home by simply mixing a little bit of your lipstick with coconut oil? Yes, you can! Coconut oil for skin care is incomparable! It can also be used as an eye cream or for removing eye makeup. Coconut oil also works magically to clean off waterproof mascara without causing any eye irritation. You can put some coconut oil on a cotton pad and gently sweep it over your eyes. The oil works extremely well for dry skin and leaves the entire area hydrated. Once you have cleaned your heavily pigmented or waterproof makeup, you can then wash your face as usual with water or with a gentle face wash if you prefer. The easiest way to utilize this ingredient is to use it as a coconut moisturizer, apply a small quantity on your face, leave it overnight, and rinse it the next morning. (Although, if you have excessively oily skin, then we would not recommend this step as it can lead to more oil secretion from the skin.) Immunity Booster If you think you have consumed every “immunity booster” since the COVID-19 Pandemic struck, but are yet to consume raw coconut, then you should start now! Coconut naturally has antibiotic and antiviral traits, which boost your immunity and give your body a healthier and fitter future. It is quick to absorb and easy to digest, which makes it wonderful to consume in moderate quantity. Healthy hair Remember those good old champi days of our childhood? Whether it was hair fall, a stressful day, dry or rough scalp, hair loss, or any other hair related problems, they all had one simple solution and that was a hot coconut oil champi. Coconut is rich in vitamins and minerals, and it prevents hair loss and hair thinning. You can also apply massage oil before washing your hair as it reduces the amount of water absorbed by the hair shaft and does not damage the wet hair. Coating your hair in oil provides nourishment aiding in hair growth, thus resulting in softer and smoother hair, making it less likely to snag or break. This day-to-day care helps in maintaining the growth of your hair, which is glossy and healthy. Weight loss Did you know that 61% of coconut is all fibre? When consumed raw, coconut helps in weight loss, as it rapidly burns body fat, increases energy expenditure, suppresses appetite, and is a great choice for low-carb diets. The good gut health and bowel movement that comes with it will help you retain that perfect shape. Reduces stress Based on a recent research study, it was found that “87% of Indian women feel stressed most of the time, with 82% having insufficient time to relax” (Chaudhari & Ray, 2019). With stress being so common in our lives, it is imperative to identify ways and means to reduce this constantly rising level of stress. Reducing stress will also reduce other ailments such as hypertension, anxiety, and depression, and thus reduce the consumption of drugs and medication with various side effects and dependence. Coconut is a valuable alternative to antidepressant drugs and could be used in the forms of meat, milk, and water to reduce stress. As it is a natural product, the fear of side effects is not there. Due to its antioxidant properties, coconut milk can also be used to relieve anxiety or panic. Heart disease The benefits of coconut oil extend from healthy hair to a healthy human heart too. It raises HDL, which is the ‘good' cholesterol, keeping the heart healthy and happy. Many people also believe that eating raw coconut can lower the risk of heart disease. Cooking Whether it is the fresh green coconut or the brown coconut, they are both readily available at any grocery or vegetable shop near you. Coconut and all of its forms can be used in cooking; whether it is oil, butter, sugar, water, milk, or meat, even the shell of the coconut can be used as a cup and recycled to save the environment. The leading advantage of coconut is that it is immensely healthy and delicious, so one is hard-pressed to find faults or complain about consuming it. Recently, coconut is being used in food in a greater variety and range of flavours. We have moved ahead from the humble coconut chutney to the sumptuous and fancy raw matcha coconut cream pie, lemon coconut bar, low-sugar coconut raspberry oatmeal, Thai coconut curry chicken, low-carb coconut shrimp, low-carb coconut macaroons, pancakes, omelettes, and every other Masterchef-inspired dish! You can even jazz up your most basic dishes by using coconut flakes for toppings for desserts, side dishes, or baked goods. Nutritious and Hydrating Coconut water contains lauric acid, which is considered equivalent to a mother’s milk. It is loaded with nutrition and is the best alternative to water as it is tastier and more wholesome in its nutritional value. It keeps you hydrated, replaces lost electrolytes, and improves the immune system. These were some of the ingenious ways you can add coconut and all of its forms in your daily life and enjoy the myriad benefits of coconut. Also Read: The Miracle Moisturizer For Your Baby: Shea Butter Literature Reference: Chaudhuri A, Ray M. Prevalence of stress and its relation to different precipitating factors among urban females of reproductive age group in Burdwan, India. Med J DY Patil Vidyapeeth 2019;12:495-502 FAQ's 1. What are the main benefits of coconut? Coconut promotes healthy skin, strong hair, improved digestion, hydration, and better immunity - making it a complete superfood. 2. Is coconut oil good for the face? Yes, it’s an excellent natural moisturizer and makeup remover. However, people with oily or acne-prone skin should use it sparingly. 3. Can coconut water be consumed daily? Absolutely! Coconut water is a healthy, hydrating drink rich in electrolytes - perfect for daily consumption. 4. Does coconut help in weight loss? Yes, the MCT fats in coconut oil boost metabolism and promote fat burning. 5. Can coconut oil reduce stress? Yes, both consuming and massaging coconut oil can reduce stress and improve mood through its antioxidant and calming effects. 6. Is coconut oil good for babies? Yes, coconut oil is gentle and safe for baby's skin. Products like CITTA Diaper Rash Cream Use the nourishing power of coconut to protect and soothe delicate baby skin. 7. Does coconut improve heart health? Moderate consumption of virgin coconut oil can improve HDL (“good” cholesterol) and overall heart function. 8. Can I use coconut oil daily on my hair? Yes, a light application or weekly warm oil massage helps strengthen roots, reduce hair fall, and keep your scalp healthy. Also Read: Tried All the ‘Best’ Hair Fall Control Products? Derms Say They’re Missing This One Thing
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How to prevent Allergies in Newborns.
What is Allergen-Free? Whether you are visiting a pharmacy, a cosmetics store, or browsing e-commerce websites selling skincare products, you will constantly be exposed to the term, “allergy-free products” or...
How to prevent Allergies in Newborns.
What is Allergen-Free? Whether you are visiting a pharmacy, a cosmetics store, or browsing e-commerce websites selling skincare products, you will constantly be exposed to the term, “allergy-free products” or “organic skincare”. While these tags are not novel, they have gathered a greater level of consumer attraction. Brands have taken it upon themselves to manufacture and market products, which fall under this category of adult and baby skincare essentials. However, what does this tag indicate? “Allergen-free” simply refers to a product being manufactured without using ingredients that may cause an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, in India, there is a dearth of awareness concerning allergies and even fewer detections of severe allergic tendencies. Let us first understand what “allergy” and “allergic reaction” mean. “The term ‘allergy’ was coined by Clemens von Pirquet in 1906 to call attention to the unusual propensity of some individuals to develop signs and symptoms of reactivity, or ‘hypersensitivity reactions’, when exposed to certain substances” (Galli et al., 2008). These substances referred to are called “allergens”, which cause these inflammatory reactions, which are also known to be “abnormal adaptive immune responses” (Galli et al., 2008). Allergies are usually caused by three categories of allergens: Food-based allergies Contact-based allergies Inhalation-based allergies There are 8 major food allergens that are also known as the Big-8; they are milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts. These food allergens usually cause more aggravated allergic reactions in children than they do in adults, and the most common symptoms of food-based allergies are the presentation of hives, rashes on the skin, diarrhoea, vomiting, swelling of the lips and the eyes, and in extreme cases, anaphylaxis. Contact-based allergies are caused by allergens that come in contact with the skin of an individual and cause an allergic reaction. Some of the common contact-based allergens are dyes, soaps, solvents, jewellery, polishes, solvents etc. These allergens cause visible reactions on the skin surface and present themselves as inflammation, redness, rashes, blistering, and scaling. Allergies caused by inhalation of allergens are among the most common types of allergies. These occur seasonally for most people, and the biggest culprit is pollen present in the air. Pollen is a powder-like substance released from plants, and it triggers a reaction in pollen-sensitive patients. Along with pollen, the other allergens under this category are mould, grass, fungi, pet dander and dust mites. Allergen-Free Products Based on the information shared regarding allergies, allergens and allergic reactions, it is evident that there is a need for products (both food and skincare) that do not cause any allergic reactions. A study conducted in 2015 on the Indian population found that approximately 20-30% of the total Indian population suffers from at least one allergic condition (NHP CC DC, 2015). This number is estimated to have arisen in the last 6 years, which makes it more important to develop allergen-free products for the Indian market. With respect to food, an allergen-free food should not contain the major allergens, i.e. peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, soy, fish, shellfish or wheat. It is also important to note that “organic” does not mean “allergen-free” as there are several natural products that can also cause allergic reactions. To prevent allergic reactions caused by skincare products, you should opt for products that are more natural than chemical-based, which discusses the various ingredients that are natural and least harmful to delicate skin. Apart from this, you should buy products that are free of parabens, fragrances, alcohol, sulphates and any other preservatives. Newborn Care & Allergies Everything about newborn babies is considered delicate, sensitive and vulnerable. Their internal systems are still underdeveloped and their outer bodies are susceptible to all types of harmful exposure. This makes them easy targets for allergic reactions. The aforementioned three categories of allergens affect babies and sometimes leave parents wondering how harmless substances like milk or soap can trigger such worrisome reactions. Contact-based allergies in babies present themselves as skin conditions, such as eczema, urticaria, or hives and can be seen on any part of the body (Pietro, 2018; MedicalNewsToday). Food-based allergies in babies are fairly common and can cause intestinal and digestive reactions, respiratory distress, or skin irritation and inflammation. When a parent is introducing their first foods to their babies, it is crucial to introduce only one new food at a time. This process helps a parent easily and definitively identify which food causes an allergic reaction in the baby. Usually, allergic conditions tend to run in families, so a baby may be more likely to develop an allergy to certain foods if either of the parents or a sibling has been diagnosed with an allergy caused by the same or similar allergen. Allergy Prevention in Babies While no commercially purchased product can be 100% chemical or preservative-free, creating allergy awareness is the need of the hour. As parents, we need to have the right information and scientific facts about what causes allergic reactions and how we can create an allergy-safe environment for our babies. A few simple tips parents can follow are: Breastfeed your baby for as long as you can. “WHO also recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months of age with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to 2 years of age or longer” (www.CDC.gov). Breastfeeding helps babies receive adequate and complete nourishment; it also builds their immunity, thus keeping them safe from all external infections. Always clean foods with water well before preparing them as complementary foods. Maintain personal and space hygiene at home, and keep all baby areas clean and dry. Clean bedsheets and blankets often with allergy-safe detergents to prevent any airborne allergens from coming in contact with a baby’s delicate skin while sleeping. Always wash your baby’s soft clothes with baby-safe and allergy-safe detergents. If your child shows any signs of preliminary allergic reactions such as rashes or redness or any breathing difficulties, always consult your medical caregiver at the earliest. If you are sensitive and prone to any allergic reactions, there may be a possibility that your child will present with the same hypersensitivity and thus an allergic response. Discuss this family history with your doctor, so that any preventive steps can be taken. Also Read: How To Choose A Massage Oil For A Strong Baby And Healthy Skin FAQ's 1. How do I know if my baby has an allergy? Look for signs like redness, itching, rashes, or digestive issues. Always consult a pediatrician for confirmation. 2. Can baby lotions cause allergies? Yes, if they contain artificial fragrances or preservatives. Always use allergen-free baby lotions. 3. What foods commonly trigger allergies in babies? Milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, and wheat are among the most common culprits. 4. How can I prevent diaper rash in babies with sensitive skin? Use a gentle, fragrance-free rash cream like CITTA Diaper Rash Cream after every diaper change to prevent irritation. 5. Should I avoid all organic products? Not necessarily. Choose products that are both organic and allergen-free, as natural ingredients can sometimes trigger reactions. 6. Is it normal for newborns to have skin rashes? Mild rashes are common due to sensitive skin. If persistent, consult your pediatrician. 7. Are allergies hereditary? Yes, allergies can run in families. Inform your doctor if either parent has allergies. 8. Can detergents cause allergies in babies? Yes, adult detergents often contain harsh chemicals. Use baby-safe, hypoallergenic detergents for all baby clothing and linens. Also Read: You don't know these 10 common skin conditions among infants
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If you’ve just had a baby you are DEFINITELY go...
Any individual who is becoming a parent for the first time will attest to the fact that whoever you come in contact with in the first few months, categorically appoints...
If you’ve just had a baby you are DEFINITELY going through this!
Any individual who is becoming a parent for the first time will attest to the fact that whoever you come in contact with in the first few months, categorically appoints themselves as an advisor. The irony here is, you never really asked for it. Sometimes advice is great and sharing your concerns and experiences with others might actually lead to a healthy discussion about parenthood. However, more often than not, the well-meaning ‘help’ that others offer can become suffocating and create a lot of confusion. Becoming a parent, either for the first time or otherwise is a time of great joy, however, it can also be overwhelming and stressful. Added to the unsolicited advice by everyone who is not your doctor, parents can end up feeling anxious and overly burdened. Here are a few instructions that you shall definitely hear often and should decide for yourself whether they work for you or not Sleep When The Baby Sleeps This a great idea in theory, but this might not work for some moms. While you have a new baby and need to get enough rest, there is also laundry piling up, dinner to prepare and a hundred other chores that can only be done when the baby is fast asleep. Also, sometimes it just helps to watch an uninterrupted episode of Bridgeton to keep your mind off things while the baby sleeps. You Only Need A Handful Of Outfits For The Baby, maybe 4-5- This is by far the funniest piece of advice anyone can give you. Considering how often you'll be changing, burping and feeding your baby, there is a high chance you'll need five pairs of clothes in a DAY. Also Read: You don't know these 10 common skin conditions among infants Don’t Pick Your Child Up When He Wakes At Night – Let Hem Cry It Out There is absolutely nothing healthy about letting your child cry for hours on end. In the beginning, babies require a lot of attention and comfort from their parents and this does mean 3 am wake-up calls and sleepless nights However letting your newborn ‘cry it out’ as a sleep training tactic is not a recommended practice. If your baby has been crying incessantly for hours it’s okay to put them down for a few minutes to give yourself a break, however as a sleep tactic it could have adverse effects. Get a babysitter This is a choice that each parent makes and cannot be a blanket rule. While some prefer to have full-time help to clean, cook and help with the chores, others choose to hire a babysitter about 8-9 months in. Family and close friends will have many opportunities to babysit and have that special time when the baby is older. But spend as much time as you can with your newborn, because they sure grow up really fast. Therefore, new/expecting parents- keep your cool. There are dependable resources today that help you do the right research for your baby and while some advice does work, it's imperative that you find your own groove. Becoming a parent is beyond special and you want the best for your child. Make informed decisions, and navigate through this complicated phase in your own unique and beautiful way. Add to cart Also Read: 5 Baby Care Products to Stock Up on for Monsoon Skincare FAQ's Q1. How can I deal with too much parenting advice? Politely thank people for their input, but remember, you know your baby best. Follow what feels right and ignore what doesn’t. Q2. How can I calm my baby when they cry at night? Check if your baby is hungry, wet, or uncomfortable. Gentle rocking, soothing sounds, or skin-to-skin contact often helps them feel secure. Q3. Do I need to bathe my baby every day? Not necessarily. For newborns, 2–3 baths a week are enough. Always use a gentle, pH-balanced baby wash to avoid dryness. Q4. What type of baby skincare products should I use? Choose products made with natural, non-toxic ingredients. Look for gentle baby lotions, diaper rash creams, and baby massage oils that protect and hydrate without irritation.
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“I'm not lazy, I'm just a Mom” - a skincare rou...
The moms of our generation are doing a good job at being working women and supporting their families side by side. Now, as we know, it's hard to take out...
“I'm not lazy, I'm just a Mom” - a skincare routine that takes only 5 minutes
The moms of our generation are doing a good job at being working women and supporting their families side by side. Now, as we know, it's hard to take out time for your beauty regime after a busy and tiring day because you would be way too exhausted to spend much time on your beauty other than going to bed for a good sleep to soothe your body and mind. And who wants to do a long beauty skin routine after a tiring day? No one. Well, here are some tips that can come in handy. Remove makeup: Now it is very important to remove makeup before going to bed as it can cause extensive damage to our skin during the night. The skin renews itself while we sleep, and when we leave makeup on, we prevent that. It does the opposite to benefit one's skin. As most make most makeup is made of oily substances, when it stays on for the next day, it clogs your pores and leads to the appearance of more acne and blackhead breakouts. Makeup residue and the substances that make your makeup can also cause many skin imperfections when left for hours on end during the night. That’s why it is important to use a makeup remover before going to bed, and then moisturize your face to help your skin breathe right. Now since we are talking about lazy moms, makeup remover wipes are a good option on the table. They are easy to use, do not require much work and are cost-effective too. Washing face with a facewash If we're talking about beauty routine then skin hygiene is primary. So, washing the face to get rid of dirt and well many cleansers can't take off concealer or foundation completely, especially around the eyes and nose. You probably aren’t even aware that you touch your face all day long, making it one of the dirtiest parts of your body. And with all of that bacteria on your skin, you may be more susceptible to developing acne; washing away the grime before bed will remove troublesome bacteria and oil, making you less susceptible to clogged pores and breakouts. We’re exposed to free radicals in the environment all day, and makeup tends to hold onto them. They can cause healthy collagen breakdown, eventually leading to fine lines and wrinkles. If you don’t wash your face before bed, your skin will have to fend off those free radicals all night long. Hence, washing the face with a gentle cleanser after removing makeup can be pretty helpful for the skin. Add to cart Apply a sheet face mask So one of the easiest and yet skin-friendly hack for lazy people out there are sheet masks. You just have to apply it, and it does all the work for your skin without you having to do much. Sheet masking before bed is the ultimate way to make sure all the moisture from the sheet masks is getting put to good use. Usually, if you sheet mask during the day all the excess product from the sheet mask might go to waste if you plan on putting on makeup right after. A great way to use all that excess moisture is to go to bed right after sheet masking. A great sheet mask will give you hydration and anti-ageing benefits. Just apply it for 15-25 minutes before you go to sleep and let your skin absorb the serum and your skin feels rejuvenated after a long tiring day. Apply moisturizer A lot of women may not know this but always exposed to the elements, our hands probably give away our age more than any other body part. So you got to take some extra care of your hands while you're at it and applying moisturizer and keeping the skin hydrated can be a good start. And night is an essential time to renew your mind and your skin. Adding a lotion before bed creates softer, more hydrated, and better-looking skin the next day. It also helps seal moisture and repair the skin barrier skincare compromised by dry air and harsh cleansers. Think ahead and use products with targeted ingredients that can help slow down the signs of ageing. So while we're talking about the skincare routine might as well invest this time in our skin care beforehand, before our hands start giving away our ages. Now adding a lotion before bed creates softer, more hydrated, and better-looking skin the next day. It also helps seal moisture and repair the skin barrier compromised by dry air and harsh body cleansers. Use silk pillowcases We know a lot of people might have already heard about this really common phrase “beauty sleep”. Because our skin apparently renews and repairs itself while we take rest and give our bodies a break. So what if I tell you that you can be your own sleeping beauty? You can sleep and get beauty benefits with minimum effort. You just have to use a silk pillowcase and voilà! Without a doubt, this one is my favourite one out of all five, and it is the easiest one. So, silk pillowcases can improve skin and hair hydration, prevent fine lines and wrinkles, and result in smoother, frizz-free hair every morning. The slick texture of silk may be better for your skin, especially if you battle acne. Benefits of silk pillowcases Less friction on skin or hair prevents irritation or damage A cleaner sleep surface Less drying for skin and hair. The hair is referred to as a crown for a woman's head. And obviously, the crown should be taken care of in the best way possible. So here is the most efficient and easiest way to take care of your crown. Now you can say bonjour to your frizzy hair and bon voyage to you from us on your journey to healthy skin and hair. Also Read: Why CITTA’s Products Are the Best Gifts for Newborn Parents FAQs 1. Can I skip cleansing if I don’t wear makeup? No. Dirt, oil, and pollution still build up. Always cleanse once before bed. 2. What’s the best time to use a sheet mask? Nighttime! Your skin repairs itself while you sleep, so it absorbs nutrients better. 3. How often should I use a sheet mask? Two to three times a week is enough for busy moms. 4. Can I use baby skincare products for myself? Absolutely! Products like CITTA’s Diaper Rash Cream, CITTA Natural Baby Moisturizer Balm are formulated with ultra-gentle, safe ingredients suitable for sensitive adult skin, too. 5. How important is moisturizing? Crucial. Skipping it can lead to dryness, fine lines, and dullness. 6. Why are silk pillowcases recommended? They reduce friction, prevent wrinkles, and keep your hair smooth. 7. What’s the quickest skincare hack for mornings? Just cleanse, apply Vitamin C serum, and follow up with sunscreen. That’s it! 8. Are makeup wipes enough to remove makeup completely? They’re good for lazy nights, but pair with a gentle cleanser for thorough removal.
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