I had been in trouble of having a normal sleeping routine and got myself a pair dark circles! So I'm here to share some tips to get rid dark circles!1. Cold compress

In the morning or evening – or better yet, in the morning AND the evening – apply a cold compress for about 10 minutes. If you have a mask you can keep in your fridge and pull out twice a day, that’s the easiest way to try this dark circle reducing method. Just make sure to keep it clean and give it a good soapy scrub a few times a week!

2. Cucumbers

We’ve all seen cucumbers used as cold compresses on television and in films – but do they really work?

In fact, cucumbers have skin-lightening and mild astringent properties, so you can use cucumber slices to fix raccoon eyes naturally.

To try this method twice a day, chop a fresh cucumber into thick slices and then refrigerate for 30 minutes. Then, leave the slices on your eyes for 10 minutes. Rinse your eye area with warm (but not hot) water after using.

3. Cucumber juice + lemon juice

If cucumber slices don’t work for you, try mixing equal parts cucumber and lemon juice and then use a cotton ball to apply to your under-eye circles. (DO NOT get lemon juice in your eye!) Leave the solution on your skin for 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water.

4. Rose Water

Rose water doesn’t just smell fantastic – it can also soothe and rejuvenate tired skin. Like cucumber, it’s a mild astringent, so it can work as a skin toner. Just soak cotton makeup remover pads in rose water for a few minutes, and then let the soaked makeup pads sit on your CLOSED eyelids. Leave them for about 15 minutes twice daily.

5. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are high in lycopene, a substance that’s excellent for your cardiovascular health, vision and your skin. Lycopene can help create softer, more supple skin, as well as decrease the appearance of dark under eye circles.

To gain the medical benefits of the lycopene found in tomatoes, mix equal parts tomato juice with lemon juice and then use a cotton ball or makeup remover pad to apply it to your under eye area. (Again, PLEASE do not get lemon juice in your eyes.) Leave the solution for 10 minutes and then rinse with warm water, twice daily.

A tasty concoction of tomato juice, lemon juice and mint leaves to drink daily will also help improve your overall health as well as your skin.

6. Cold tea bags

If you don’t have a cold compress or mask to use, substitute with tea bags. Many teas like green tea have the added benefit of antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe strained capillaries in your under eye area.

To use cold tea bags as a compress, soak a tea bag in clean water and then place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Then, place the tea bags on your eyes. Leave for 10 minutes or so twice daily before removing and rinsing the area with warm water.

7. Potatoes

Potatoes are a surprising source of lots of vitamin C, which among other things is great for the synthesis of collagen to promote healthier, younger-looking skin.

To harness the power of vitamin C to treat your under eye bags, grate some potatoes. Extract the juice from the potato and soak some cotton makeup remover pads in the juice. Place the pads on your eyes for about 10 minutes and then rinse with warm water.

8. Cold milk

Dairy products like milk are a great source of vitamin A, which contains retinoids that are great for keeping skin looking bright and young.

To gain the benefits of milk’s vitamin A, soak a cotton makeup remover pad in a bowl of cold milk for a while. Use the pad to apply the milk to your under eye bags and let it sit for about 10 minutes, twice daily. Rinse with warm water.

9. Orange juice

Since orange juice is high in both vitamin A and C content, it can help remove dark circles from under your eyes. Add a few drops of glycerin to orange juice and then soak a cotton makeup remover pad to apply to your under-eye skin. You’ll reap the benefits of orange’s vitamins as well as the natural glow glycerin gives to your skin.

10. Vitamin E oil

Vitamin E helps fight the effect of free radicals that cause signs of aging like wrinkles. Before bed at night, apply a drop of oil (a little goes a long way) to your dark under eye circles, gently massaging it into the skin. Leave this on your skin overnight and in the morning, rinse with warm water.

11. Coconut oil

As a powerful natural and gentle anti-inflammatory, coconut oil is an effective method for lightening dark under eye circles. It also moisturizes while it lightens to help prevent wrinkles and fine lines under the eyes. Use coconut oil like vitamin E oil: rub it into your under eye area, leave it on overnight and then rinse it off in the morning.

12. Turmeric

As yet another powerful, natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, turmeric minimizes dark circles. Mix some turmeric powder with pineapple juice to create a thick paste. Apply this mixture to your under eye circles and leave for about 10 minutes before using a soft, warm and damp cloth to gently remove the paste. Practice this routine once a day.

13. Eat more dark chocolate

Here’s your excuse to indulge: Flavonol-rich foods like dark chocolate protect against the harmful effects of UV radiation, thereby slowing down the aging process caused by too much time in the sun.

14. Eat more salmon

Omega 3’s can be found in foods like salmon and walnuts. These fatty acids improve blood flow to the skin, moving blood out and away from your eyes instead of allowing it to pool there and cause dark under eye circles.

15. Curb salt consumption + drink more water

If you remember studying osmosis in high school biology, then you’ll recall that water in your body moves from places with the most water to those with the least. The parts of your body that are low in sodium (salt) contain more water, while the parts of your body with more sodium contain less water. When your body doesn’t have enough water but too much salt, you can look and feel puffy and bloated. The skin around your eyes is especially thin and vulnerable to dehydration. When you eat a salty meal but don’t drink enough water, your body will literally “look” dehydrated – i.e., red, puffy eyes. So if you plan to enjoy a salty meal, counter the effects with plenty of water.

16. Curb your alcohol consumption

Salt is bad but nothing dehydrates you like alcohol. Remember your last hangover? That’s why your eyes look red and puffy the morning after. Whenever possible, keep yourself to a two-drink maximum, drink plenty of water before you go to bed, and apply a night cream or heavy moisturizer around your eyes after a night out.

Get 8 hours of sleep

Nothing keeps under eye bags away like a full 8 hours’ of sleep. Get a good night’s rest – every night – and enjoy reduced under eye circles.

19. Sleep on your back

Since sleeping on your side or stomach allows gravity to work its magic, meaning fluid can collect under your eyes, try sleeping on your back with an extra pillow under your head.

20. Exercise + meditation

Regular exercise enhances circulation, bringing blood flow to the skin to transform an aging, dull complexion into brighter, younger-looking skin – including the sensitive skin around your eyes. Moreover, the daily release of endorphins into your bloodstream keeps away depression and anxiety, keeping you happier, calmer and more balanced. Meditation – whether it’s a mindfulness exercise after a yoga practice or the peace of mind you find on a long, quiet run or swim – also keeps stress (and the wrinkles and fine lines caused by stress) at bay.

21. Allergy medicines

If your dark circles are at least in part due to allergies, taking antihistamines regularly can help reduce under eye bags and puffiness. Furthermore, allergies can also cause itchy eyes – and rubbing your eyes only makes under eye circles worse.

22. Apply moisturizers twice daily

Don’t forget the most fundamental good habit – apply moisturizer twice daily. Use a lighter moisturizer for daytime with an SPF, and be sure to use a heavier moisturizer and eye cream before going to bed every night.

23. Use retinoid eye cream

Many love to use retinoid eye creams, but it’s not for every skin type. Use sparingly – no more than twice a week – otherwise you risk causing red, flaky, dry skin.

24. Remove makeup correctly

Do not go to sleep with your makeup still on or rub your mascara and eyeliner off. Use a professional makeup removing solution – only a few dollars at your local drugstore or Sephora – to blot, not rub.

25. Wash your face correctly

Wash with warm – not hot – water. Water that’s too hot acts as an inflammatory agent and will only make your eyes redder and puffier.

26. Use a prescription-strength skin brightener

If natural vitamins and skin brighteners don’t work, visit your dermatologist. She can prescribe a cream with hydroquinone, but be aware that prescription-strength skin brightener can cause irritation, so discontinue use if you notice any.

27. Professional laser treatment

If all else fails, you could try the most expensive option: professional laser treatment. A doctor can use lasers to reduce bluish and red discoloration under the eyes. Vascular lasers, as they’re known, work by constricting visible blood vessels, thus reducing the appearance of dark under eye circles.

I will be trying one by one and will give you the review for which is the best and quickest way and had it post as soon as possible.

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Sources:

https://www.quora.com/How-do-I-remove-dark-circles-naturally

There are whole lot of people who like to eat dark chocolate while dark chocolate consider as a BIG NO for me, because people who preferred to eat sweet stuffs usually don't like to eat bitter foods. And here i will explain to you a little about the PROS and CONS of the dark chocolates!

PROS:

Dark chocolate is a potent source of procyanidins, a class of flavonoids. Flavonoids, in general, function as antioxidants in the body. However, the procyanidins in dark chocolate serve a far more important role than just being antioxidants. As it turns out, this class of flavonoids are capable of preventing the growth of specific breast cancer cells by down-regulating the proteins that control said process, as well as inhibiting the spread of already existing cancerous cells in the breast, according to a Georgetown University Medical Center study.

The procyanidins along with the polyphenols in dark chocolate show potential for weight management as well, as was found in a Pennsylvania State University study. As it turns out, the procyanidins and polyphenols are capable of preventing the breakdown of specific digestive enzymes, subsequently resulting in lesser free fatty acids in the blood. Eating dark chocolate, along with implementing a low-calorie diet, may then prove useful in ensuring the success of one’s weight loss and weight management pursuits.

Dark chocolate contains methylxanthines as well. And along with polyphenols, both work together to reduce the levels of glucose in the blood of obese-diabetic rats. In this same Malaysia-based study, cocoa’s ability to lessen the amount of free fatty acids in the blood as well as its antioxidant-boosting capacity, were confirmed as well.

Dark chocolate is a high-fat food, too. However, most of the fats present in this food product is monounsaturated which is considered a beneficial fat. Specifically, it contains measurable amounts of oleic acid which is crucial for a healthy immune system as well as robust brain function.

Cons:

Dark chocolate contains much higher cocoa content than its milk and white chocolate counterparts, thus the former’s characteristic bitter taste. Though this is the case, dark chocolate still contains processed sugar. For instance, a seventy-two percent cocoa bar typically has twenty-four grams of sugar per one-hundred grams of serving. In practical terms, this means that a one-hundred gram serving of this tasty treat already provides an adult female’s, and two-thirds of an adult male’s daily recommended intake for sugar.  As you probably already know, excessive intake of sugar can result in conditions like tooth decay, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Cocoa, the main ingredient of dark chocolate, has measurable amounts of caffeine. Pregnant women are advised against taking food and drinks that have caffeine as ingestion of the latter increases the risk of miscarriage. Caffeine, in large doses, also causes palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, among other symptoms.

Though most of the fats in dark chocolate is monounsaturated, it does contain some saturated, or the bad type of fat as well. The saturated fat content tend to be higher in dark chocolate brands that have milk in them so you might want to opt for dairy-free versions for this reason.

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Sources:https://superhumancoach.com/pros-and-cons-of-dark-chocolate/

Winter Solstice is here!!! Although I had been staying in Taiwan where my school canteen had a stand that sell these, but I still craved for it! (too expensive I cant afford to buy). 

Dong Zhi or Winter Solstice

Traditionally, the Dongzhi Festival is also a time for the family to get together. One activity that occurs during these get-togethers (especially in the southern parts of China and in Chinese communities overseas) is the making and eating of tangyuan (湯圓) or balls of glutinous rice, which symbolize reunion. Tangyuan are made of glutinous rice flour and sometimes brightly coloured. Each family member receives at least one large tangyuan in addition to several small ones. The flour balls may be plain or stuffed. They are cooked in a sweet soup or savory broth with both the ball and the soup/broth served in one bowl. It is also often served with a mildly alcoholic unfiltered rice wine containing whole grains of glutinous rice (and often also Sweet Osmanthus flowers), called jiuniang.

In northern China, people typically eat dumplings on Dongzhi. It is said to have originated from Zhang Zhongjing in the Han Dynasty. On one cold winter day, he saw the poor suffering from chilblains on their ears. Feeling sympathetic, he ordered his apprentices to make dumplings with lamb and other ingredients, and distribute them among the poor to keep them warm, to keep their ears from getting chilblains. Since the dumplings were shaped like ears, Zhang named the dish "qùhán jiāoěr tāng" (祛寒嬌耳湯) or dumpling soup that expels the cold. From that time on, it has been a tradition to eat dumplings on the day of Dongzhi.

Old traditions also require people with the same surname or from the same clan to gather at their ancestral temples to worship on this day. There is always a grand reunion dinner following the sacrificial ceremony.

The festive food is also a reminder that celebrators are now a year older and should behave better in the coming year. Even today, many Chinese around the world, especially the elderly, still insist that one is "a year older" right after the Dongzhi celebration instead of waiting for the lunar new year.

To Taiwanese people, the festival in winter also plays a very important role. It is also a tradition for Taiwanese to eat tangyuan on this day. They also use the festive food as an offering dish to worship the ancestors.

In an interesting twist, in accordance with ancient Taiwanese history, many people take some of the tangyuan that have been used as offerings and stick them on the back of the door or on windows and tables and chairs. These "empowered" tangyuan supposedly serve as protective talismans to keep evil spirits from coming close to children.

In addition to following some of the customs practiced on mainland China, the people of Taiwan have their own unique custom of offering nine-layer cakes as a ceremonial sacrifice to worship their ancestors. These cakes are made using glutinous rice flour in the shape of a chicken, duck, tortoise, pig, cow, or sheep, and then steamed in different layers of a pot. These animals all signify auspiciousness in Chinese tradition.

Another interesting custom in Taiwan is that many people take invigorating tonic foods during this particular winter festival. To the Taiwanese, winter is a time when most physical activities should be limited and you should eat well to nourish your body. This practice follows the habits shown by many animals which follow the law of nature and hibernate throughout winter months to rejuvenate and to preserve life. In order to fight cold temperatures, it is necessary to eat more fatty and meaty foods during winter when your body can better absorb the rich and nutritional foods at this time due to a slower metabolic rate.

Since Dongzhi is the "Extreme of Winter", Taiwanese regard it as the best time of the year to take tonic foods. Some of the most widely popular winter tonic foods enjoyed by Taiwanese to fight cold and strengthen the body's resistance are mutton hot pot and ginger duck hot pot. Other foods like chicken, pork, and abalone are also common materials used in making tonic foods with nurturing herbs such as ginseng, deer horn, and the fungus cordyceps.


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http://chinatownfoodstreet.sg/savour-emotions-chinatown-food-streets-winter-solstice-festival




Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dongzhi_Festival

What you should not ever do after eating!

I will explain some facts too!

1. Tea/Coffee

They said that we aren’t allowed to drink tea or coffee after meal! Why? It is because tea and coffee both contain substances that blocked our digestive system and not allowing our system to work efficiently. Yes it is true, but a glass of it won’t harm you a lot, so you may drink it, only a glass.

2. Bath

Rumor said that, bathing after a meal will make you fatter! This is one hundred percent not true! What work after a meal is digestive systems, while bathing only concern for your body’s hygiene. So it is totally not related.

3. Lay down/Sleeping

It is true to not lie down or sleeping after eating, I’m sure everyone knows this fact. I once used this tactic to make myself gain some weight, although it failed. And now I realized, it just ruined the digestion system collaboration.

4. Fruits

It’s a no to eat fruit after meal! Fruit should be eaten on an empty stomach; if it is eat with other foods it can cause fermentation and rot in the stomach, affecting digestion. The stiff produces digestive enzymes for protein, fat, and carbohydrates which help it digest mixed meals. So you are supposed to eat fruits an hour before meal and not after!

5. Walk

If you are eating in small amount, a small walk won’t be bad. But if you are having a large meal, then you are not supposed to have a brisk walk (walk that is quicker but it can’t be consider as running). Because your body is trying to digest large mass of food, and you walk faster, it makes your body work harder.

6. Overworked Exercises

Any acts that is using lots of energy is a no too, same as the explanation I gave on number 5.

And that’s all!

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Sources: http://positivemed.com/2013/08/20/10-things-that-should-not-be-done-after-your-meals/

https://www.quora.com/Should-we-not-eat-fruits-after-meals

http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/safe-walk-after-eating-meal-8568.html