9 Healthy Snacks for Dieters

Kashi Chewy Granola Bars
These are the chewiest bars going (don't confuse them with other types of Kashi bars — look for "chewy" on the label). They have 130 to 140 calories each, 4 grams of fiber, 5 g of protein, and they're made with real nuts and whole grains. And they actually taste good.

"You've got chewy, you've got sweet, and you've got a bar," Gidus says. "That's got a real snacky feel to it. The calorie range is right, and the fiber is high."

Frozen Peas and Corn


Ditching the celery sticks doesn't mean abandoning the whole food group. Frozen vegetables often taste better because they're not turning into starch, like their produce-aisle counterparts. Freezing vegetables seals in their naturally sweet flavor.

Half of a cup of peas has 55 calories and 3 g of fiber; the same amount of corn contains 72 calories with 2 g of fiber. The high-fiber and low-calorie-density combination means they're filling and satisfying, and the frozen part makes them interesting. They're firm, but not rock hard, and they melt in your mouth.

"You can use the same trick with fruit," Gidus says. "Freeze grapes or cherries, and it's a whole different experience."

Total Yogurt


Skip the usual fruit-on-the-bottom suspects — high in sugar, ho-hum in texture. Try Fage Total Greek Yogurt instead. This imported greek yogurt is strained, which makes it fluffy. It'll fool you into thinking it's fat-filled, but the "0%" on its label tells you how much fat it really contains.
The 80 calories per serving give you room to maneuver, so sweeten the pot with chopped apricots or dates. "There's evidence that dairy calcium helps you lose weight, and this also adds protein and fiber," Gidus says.

Easy Oatmeal

If you think the microwave's only contribution to snack time is popcorn, you have to try Quaker Express Oatmeal. Office-friendly, it's packaged in an individual cup. Just add water and microwave for about a minute, and you're set to snack.

"Studies have found that oatmeal is more filling than dry cereal with the same calories and fiber content," Gidus says. The Baked Apple flavor has a slight fiber edge (1 g) over the other flavors. Best of all, it won't stink up the office.

Dressed-Up Apples


A 2003 Brazilian study found that three apples a day can keep weight gain at bay — and can even help you lose. "There's no magic compound," according to Rui Hai Liu, Ph.D., an apple researcher at Cornell University.

"The best way to lose weight is to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables. That increases volume and decreases calorie density." If you've got 5 minutes and a knife, cut your apple up and mix it with some chopped walnuts and a teaspoon or two of maple syrup. Or eat it with a tablespoon of peanut butter to add about 100 calories' worth of the satiating power of nuts.

Licorice


We're not done chewing yet. Licorice, which has an active ingredient called glycyrrhetinic acid, has been shown to help reduce body fat mass. (The good news is you don't have to be able to pronounce the acid to reap its benefits.)

Decio Armanini, M.D., who did the research at Italy's University of Padua, explains that there are two ways licorice works. The first is complicated and involves blocking an enzyme that plays a role in fat accumulation. The second is simpler. "Licorice can reduce appetite," he says. "The effect is probably related to the agreeable taste of licorice, and for that reason people do not need to eat more."

We're not talking Twizzlers here; go for the real thing, preferably with licorice extract high on its ingredient list. (Look for it in grocery stores, not convenience stores.) A handful is about 150 calories and will keep you busy chewing something sweet, flavorful, and satisfying for twice the time it takes to down a bag of M&Ms.

Frozen Juice Bar
Unwrap a frozen juice bar and you can practically hear the ice cream truck rounding the corner of your cul-de-sac. "They're sweet and tangy, and anything frozen takes longer to eat," Gidus says. "They're just afew calories, and they've even got some vitamins."

Soy Chips

If edamame had a tryst with orange-dusted nachos, the result would look a lot like soy chips — a high-fiber, low-fat snack that's a significant source of soy protein. And soy protein, according to a recent study in the International Journal of Obesity, not only helps facilitate weight loss, but also helps ensure that the weight lost is fat rather than muscle. The isoflavones in soy act like estrogen and inhibit the enzyme that facilitates fat deposits, according to Paul Cooke, Ph.D., a soy researcher at the University of Illinois.

A pack of soy chips racks up as many as 7 g of soy protein in about 100 calories, which leaves room for a 1/4 cup of Guiltless Gourmet bean dip. The dip adds 60 calories and another 4 g each of fiber and protein.

Gum
Before you reach for a snack — even one on this list — ask yourself if you're really hungry. If you're not or you're not sure, reach for a stick of gum.

James Levine, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic has measured the energy burned by chewing and found that just moving your jaw up and down can burn some 11 extra calories per hour, which is a boost of about 19 percent over your just-sitting-there level. Now, 11 calories may not sound like much, but that's about a pound a year for every hour per day that you chew. And that doesn't count the calorie savings from the snacks you're not eating.

Read more:http://www.womenshealthmag.com/

5 Surprisingly Healthy Fruits and Veggies You Aren't Eating

Purple Potatoes Even though low-carb diets are no longer the rage, potatoes still have a bad reputation for wrecking diets. Brand new research from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania comes to a different conclusion, at least about the purple variety. A study followed 18 overweight and obese people who also had high blood pressure. Participants were asked to either eat six to eight golf ball-sized purple potatoes for lunch and dinner, or stick to a potato-free diet. After a month, participants switched diet routines. Participants who ate potatoes saw a significant drop in their high blood pressure—diastolic pressure fell an average 4.3 percent while systolic blood pressure dropped an average 3.5 percent.

Lychees

This sweet white fruit is popular in Asia, but with its big health benefits, it should make its way into your cart, too. According to a 2006 study in the Journal of Nutrition, lychee has the second-highest level of heart-healthy polyphenols of 24 fruits tested. They were beat only by strawberries, and the study found they had nearly 15% more disease-preventing polyphenols than grapes. Lychee's powerful antioxidants may also help to prevent the formation of breast cancer cells, according to a recent test-tube and animal study from Sichuan University in China.

Guava

Eat just one cup of this South American fruit, and you're getting 5 times as much vitamin C as a medium orange (377 mg versus 83 mg). Like other red fruits, including tomatoes and watermelon, guava contains lycopene, which may help prevent heart disease. And according to research by microbiologists in Bangladesh, guava can even protect against foodborne pathogens such as Listeria and staph.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest released a report in June 2011 comparing the nutritional info of 50 popular fruits. They ranked them based on the percentages of certain nutrients—fiber, vitamin C, potassium, folate, iron, calcium, and antioxidant-packed pigments called carotenoids–in each serving. Guava beat out apples, bananas, and grapes to be the number one fruit.

Bok Choy

This leafy green cabbage is the number one veggie in China and boasts 10 times the recommended amount of vitamin A in just one cup. Packed with antioxidants, it's no surprise that several studies show that high intake of Brassica vegetables (a family of vegetables including kale, broccoli, and bok choy) may reduce the risk of certain cancers, including prostate cancer.

Asian Pears

Snack on one large Asian pear, and you'll get 10 g of fiber, nearly half of your daily recommended amount. So what's so great about fiber? Not only does it lower cholesterol, but it also keeps you full longer and helps to control blood sugar levels.

Read more:

http://health.yahoo.net/rodaleSlideshow/PV/5-surprisingly-healthy-fruits-and-veggies-you-aren-t-eating#0

5 Mistakes You're Making With Your Scrambled Eggs

1. "Don't be wimpy with your eggs. Whisk well and be vigorous about it--you want to add air and volume for fluffy eggs. And whisk the eggs right before adding to pan; don't whisk and let mixture sit (it deflates)." --Kay Chun, Deputy Food Editor

2. "Don't add milk, cream, or water to the eggs. People think it will keep the eggs creamy while cooking, but in fact, the eggs and added liquid will separate during the cooking process creating wet, overcooked eggs. Stir in some creme fraiche after the eggs are off the heat if you want them creamy." --Mary-Frances Heck, Associate Food Editor

3. "Don't use high heat. It's all about patience to achieve the soft curd. Whether you want small curd (stirring often) or large curd (stirring less), you need to scramble eggs over medium-low heat, pulling the pan off the heat if it gets too hot, until they set to desired doneness." --Hunter Lewis, Food Editor

4. "Don't overcook them! Take them off the heat a little while before you think they are done. The carryover heat will keep cooking them for a minute or so. Also: Use a cast-iron or a nonstick skillet. If you don't, there will be a rotten clean-up job in your future." --Janet McCracken, Deputy Food Editor

And last but not least, ditch that fork! Scramble your eggs with a heat-proof spatula, a flat-topped wooden spoon, or for the perfect curd, chopsticks.

Read more:http://shine.yahoo.com/blog/PNRPVFEO25WJEVWFWZJJS3FMZI/

Underarms are fashion's new erogenous zone

It seems there is a new - and rather more unsightly - body part slowly taking over as the most popular erogenous zone.
The fashion industry has become rather taken with underarms, showing them off at every opportunity on the cover of several high-end magazines.

Twilight star Ashley Greene stars on the December issue of FLARE, left, and model Aymeline Valade poss for the January cover of Vogue Japan

Models and actresses not only have to worry about complexion, hair and nails, they now have to ensure their armpits are flawless too.
But whatever they miss, the airbrush will surely catch, as the area appears unnaturally smooth in editorials for Elle, Vogue and Harper's Bazaar among others.

Most recently, Twilight star Ashley Greene posed for the cover of Flare magazine showing hers off with pride - without so much as a blemish or a shade.

Elbow room: Victoria Beckham, James Franco and Gisele show their underarms off with pride

Slowly catching on: The trend began last year with stars including Eva Mendes, Anne Hathaway and Megan Fox

Read more:http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/femail/article-2053307/Isnt-new-trend-pits-Underarms-new-erogenous-zone--seen-cover-girls-everywhere.html

Celeb Looks for Your Body Type

Whether you're petite, pear shaped or plus sized, you can rock your gorgeous body by copying one these celebs' styles

Small and petite: Nicole Richie
If you have a petite frame like Nicole Richie, "extreme lengths suit you best," Sawhill says. So either go for the long, flowy maxi dress or the short mini skirt. Just be careful, because "longer tops that hit past your hips will shorten your legs," Sawhill says. And that's the laaast thing you want to do

Small and petite: Jessica Alba
You also want your clothes to emphasize your slim, trim body. So stay away from bulky, oversized layers. Instead, wear high-waisted bottoms or a tight, short dress like Jessica Alba to make your legs look longer, Sawhill says. Oh, and heels are a petite girl's best friend. Stock up on them.

Rectangular: Cameron Diaz
If you have a rectangular body shape, you want your clothes to create the appearance of curves. Sawhill says fun shapes and patterns are a great way to break up your straight bodylines. A slim top with a full skirt nipped in at the waist also creates the illusion of hips, as Cameron Diaz proves here.

Rectangular: Hilary Duff
Hilary Duff's cinched belt, ruffled skirt and slim leggings help create curves on her straight shape. Just avoid straight body hugging looks like pencil skirts, Sawhill says. And if you do wear a skirt, the length should go no longer than the knee so you can show off the curves of your calves.

Hourglass: Kim Kardashian
If you have an hourglass figure like Kim Kardashian, you want your clothes to hug your curves and show off a defined waist. V-necks are a "great way to show off your assets and create a lengthening line, making you appear leaner, not wider," Sawhill says.

Hourglass: Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson shows that clean classic lines are good because they don't create extra bulk in the bust and hip areas. Stay away from really embellished tops and bottoms with tons of detail in the hip area. "Wrap or belted dresses that hug the lines of the body are great," Sawhill says.

Pear shaped (triangle): Jennifer Love Hewitt
If you're pear shaped like Jennifer Love Hewitt, wear boot cut pants or A-line skirts to balance out a wider hip, Sawhill says. A gorgeous neckline will show off your slim shoulders and a wide skirt will hide large thighs.

Pear shaped (triangle): Beyonce Knowles
A boat neckline and horizontal cut tops will help balance out a wider bottom as well. And it might take some getting used to, but learn to "embrace the trend of shoulder pads," Sawhill says. They widen your shoulders a bit to make you look more proportionate. Beyonce Knowles can totally pull it off (although that's not saying much, since she's Beyonce).

Apple shaped (inverted triangle): Catherine Zeta-Jones
If you're apple shaped, you want to accentuate your smaller legs and shoulders and leave it loose in the middle to hide your round mid section. Also, play up your beautiful bust like Catherine Zeta-Jones does. "Deep v-necks, halter tops, and empire tops all are great choices to enhance what you've got and create a lengthening line down the center while flowing through the mid section," Sawhill says.

Apple shaped (inverted triangle): Tyra Banks
Wearing a short dress with a deep v-neck and a belt can help create the appearance of a smaller mid section and show off your legs, like Tyra Banks does here. You can also try wearing a flowy summer top with tiny shorts, Sawhill says. Just don't wear skinny jeans or tapered pants, because that will emphasize your apple shape.

Plus-sized: Nikki Blonsky
When you're plus-sized, it's important to wear clothes that fit and accentuate your best features. "Belt it if your waist is smallest, shorten it if your legs are trimmest, and wear it strapless if your neck is long and shoulders are shapely," Sawhill says. Nikki Blonsky looks great in flowy dresses and can make them work beautifully.

Plus-sized: Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah's silky, flowy dress falls in vertical lines, which draws attention up and down, instead of side-to-side. "Stay away from horizontal patterns or lines across the body as well as tapered jeans and slim fitting shoes," Sawhill says. These cut off the ankles and make your feet look smaller, only making your top half look much larger. Go with looser-fitting boots over a pair of leggings like Latifah's.

Best Shoes for Your Body Type

Pick the right style, and all eyes will be on your killer legs this fall

Small and petite:If your legs are on the shorter and slimmer side, the most important thing to remember is height, height, height. This means "platforms, wedges and heels without straps," says Scott. That way, there won't be anything in the line of vision between your heel and the rest of your leg, resulting in smooth lines. The exception? Ankle-high gladiator sandals. They look really good on tiny ankles.

Also, pick a shoe with a rounded toe, as a very pointy one will make you look "witchy," says Scott. If you're more into being comfortable, you can wear ballerina flats -- but only if you're wearing them with a dress that falls above the knee. Otherwise, your legs will look even shorter. Yikes.

Short and thick:

I know how difficult it might be to find a flattering pair of shoes when your legs are a bit short. But turns out it's totally easy. "A simple heel is best," says Scott. Just be sure to choose one with a bright color or unique print, so you draw attention downwards.

Some other flattering choices are open-toed shoes with a solid heel and boots that end just below the knee, not mid-calf. Since your legs tend to be on the thicker side, stay away from gladiator flats or any other shoe style that wraps around your ankle. On that note, it's best to avoid flats as well, because they can make your legs look shorter and thicker.

Tall and thin:First of all, forget the myth that tall girls can't wear heels. Your long and slender legs would look gorgeous in a pair of killer stilettos. But if you're still looking for something else, "ballet flats work great because you already have the height," says Scott. Or if you want to play up your small calves, stretchy boots that fall mid-calf are perfect.

A pair of strappy sandals with an ankle strap will also give some edge to your feet, especially if you have thin ankles. On the other hand, try to avoid pointy shoes (whether they're a pair of heels or boots), because they will make you look too long. Also stay away from chunky heels or heavy platforms, because they will overwhelm your ankles.

Tall and muscular:

I don't know who told you otherwise, but thick, athletic legs are so super sexy. Not to mention you probably have a killer butt too. To elongate the leg, choose a super high heel -- "pointy, open-toed shoes and stilettos will make your legs look leaner," says Scott. Chunky wedge sandals are another great option, but go with a two or three inch heel to visually lift your leg.

It might be hard to wrestle your legs into a pair of calf-hugging boots, so look for a pair of soft suede boots with side zippers for easy access. It doesn't hurt to pick something with a bit of slouch, to hide any bulges you might have. Also, avoid rounded toe pumps, small squared heels and delicate styles like ballet flats or kitten heels because they can add weight to your legs and make them look heavier.

If you're looking for a universally flattering shoe:One word: stilettos. No matter what the shape of your legs, "they always make you look taller, leaner and thinner- what more could you want!" says Scott.

by Jane Kim

Read more:http://www.beautyriot.com/fashion/best-shoes-body-type-a7241

7 tricks for better slow-cooking in your crock pot

The beauty of using a slow cooker or crock pot is that it’s pretty darn simple. Prep your ingredients, add them to the slow cooker and press Start.
But there is a difference between a good slow-cooker meal and a great slow-cooker meal. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you’re using your slow cooker or crock pot:

Tip 1) Use the Right Size

Slow cookers are available in a range of sizes, from 1 quart to 8 1/2 quarts. Use the size cooker recommended in each recipe. This helps ensure that the slow cooker isn’t overflowing or underfilled, so that your meal can cook properly. Our slow-cooker recipes work best in a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.

Tip 2) Don’t Overfill Your Slow Cooker

To make sure your meal is finished in the time listed on your recipe, and to avoid potential food-safety hazards, don’t overfill your slow cooker. Most manufacturers recommend filling them no more than two-thirds full, but it differs among brands, so check your owner’s manual.

Tip 3) Keep a Lid on It

Resist the urge to take off the lid and peek at your meal. Opening the slow cooker lets heat escape and slows cooking. Only open it 30 to 45 minutes before the low end of the cooking range to check doneness.

Tip 4) Plan Your Meals Ahead

If you want to turn your slow cooker on first thing in the morning, a little planning goes a long way.
• The night before: Cut and trim any meat, chop any vegetables, measure out dry ingredients and prepare any sauce; refrigerate the components in separate containers. (Do not refrigerate components in the slow-cooker insert; a cold insert takes too long to heat up and affects cooking time and food safety.)
• In the morning: Add ingredients to the cooker according to the recipe; reheat any sauce to a simmer before adding. If you won’t be home close to the end of the cooking time, make sure you have a slow cooker that can switch to the Warm setting when cooking is done.

Tip 5) Maximize Flavor

If you’re in a hurry or really prefer to just dump your ingredients in the cooker and go, then you can skip this tip—it’s by no means necessary. But when I have a little extra time, I like to brown my meat and/or vegetables in a skillet before I add it to the cooker. Then I “deglaze” the pan with my liquid to get all the brown, caramelized bits from the sauté pan into the cooker. You’ll end up with a richer flavor that can’t be achieved by slow-cooking alone.

Tip 6) Keep Temperature in Mind

A slow cooker is certainly convenient, but if not used correctly there is the potential for food-safety hazards. Temperatures between 40° and 140°F fall into the so-called “Danger Zone,” since bacteria thrive in these temperatures. When using a slow cooker be sure to take precautions that keep food from being in the Danger Zone for too long. To avoid the Danger Zone, never add frozen ingredients to your cooker, refrigerate any ingredients you’ve prepped ahead in separate storage containers and bring liquids to a simmer if you’re cooking on Low before adding them to your cooker to give the heating process a jump-start. Never attempt to cook a whole chicken or roast in your slow cooker: large hunks of meat won’t cook thoroughly enough in the slow cooker. So when cooking with meat, make sure it’s cut into smaller pieces that will cook throughout.

Tip 7) Make Sure You Have the Best crock pot

You may have a 20-year-old slow cooker that still works great, but it’s probably a basic cooker for which you need to time your cooking manually and then be there to turn it off. A programmable slow cooker cooks your meal for a predetermined time and then switches to a setting that keeps the food at a safe temperature until you’re ready to eat. Our favorite is the crock pot 5.5 Quart Smart-Pot (you can get one for around $50). Its digital touchpad allows the user to control the heat settings and time the cooking in increments of 30 minutes up to 20 hours. Find one at crockpot.com.

By Hilary Meyer



EatingWell Associate Food Editor Hilary Meyer spends much of her time in the EatingWell Test Kitchen, testing and developing healthy recipes. She is a graduate of New England Culinary Institute.

10 Easy Ways to Stand Out

Have a sense of humor
Someone who laughs a lot (or makes other people laugh) gives off a good indication that they're fun to be around. So loosen up, be yourself and soon you'll be surrounded by people who are genuinely interested in what you'll say next. Just don't say anything too negative or mean. Nobody likes a Debbie Downer.

Wear a bright color
While everyone else dons black to that party, wear something bright instead, like sexy red, neon or even a retro print. Trust us, you'll be glad you did when you overhear people commenting on how good you look. (You: 1, LBD: 0.)

Rock pretty nails
Bright, colorful nail art will make you look like the trendsetter everyone wishes they knew. So get creative, swipe on that polish and wait for the compliments to come flowing in. If you want more ideas, check out these celebrities who rocked the nail art trend.

Perfect your pout
Ever notice how people tend to stare at your mouth and not your eyes while you're talking? It's because lips naturally draw people's attention when you talk to them. Whether you love having bright, glossy lips or you usually leave them in the nude, you'll want to make them soft and kissable-looking. Exfoliate with a toothbrush (or even a body scrub, as long as you don't lick your lips before washing it off). Then apply a moisturizing lip balm before putting on your usual lip makeup.

Stand next to the punch bowl
Next time you're at a party, station yourself next to the best spot in the room, like by the food or drinks. It'll make you the life of the party, since people will definitely be hitting up "your spot." You'll get a ton of attention all night, and everyone will probably talk to you at least once.

Wear an interesting accessory
It can be anything -- a chunky vintage necklace you picked out of an antique store, or feathered drop earrings you made yourself. Just wear something out of the ordinary, and wait for the heads to start turning. Someone is bound to stop you and ask, "Where did you get that?"

Have high-volume hair
Sure, it's gutsy, but it's also got the power to attract the attention of every person you pass. To get stare-worthy hair, use a teasing comb to tease the top layer of your hair. Style it the way you want, and mist with extra-hold hairspray to keep it from falling flat.

Try a sparkly eye look
There's something about flirty eye makeup. It just really gets you noticed in a way we can't understand. Apply shimmer eyeshadow on your top lid, and also dab it in the inner corner of your eyes. Line your lower lashes with metallic eyeliner, and smudge it along your lash line. Finally, sweep on a warm highlighter right beneath your brow bone. What you get: Bright, gorgeous, "look-at-me" eyes instantly.

Make your skin glow
Pretty skin is one of the first things any guy (and every girl) notices. It says you eat right, exercise often and take good care of your skin. But in case you don't do those things, you can fake healthy-looking skin. Use a tinted moisturizer to even out your skin tone, and then dust bronzer on your forehead, cheeks and chin to add radiance.

Fake confidence
Seriously, this works every time. When you walk into a room, straighten your posture, have a natural smile and make direct eye contact with the people you talk to. Your assertive and confident nature (even though you might be quaking on the inside) will make everyone look at you and wonder, "Who is that?"

11 Table Manners That Still Matter

by Reader's Digest Magazine, on Wed Oct 19, 2011 6:36am PDT

If you think people don’t care about etiquette at the table as much as they used to, think again. One soup slurp or tooth pick is all it takes to turn some people off. So to stay on your toes, here is a quick—and necessary—table manners refresher course from Louise Fox of the Etiquette Ladies, Canada’s Etiquette Experts:

If you are the recipient of a toast, keep your glass at arm’s length—never drink from it. Instead, simply nod your head and graciously say, “Thank you.”

Never take your cocktail to the dinner table.

Allow your food to cool on its own—never blow on anything.

If you wear lipstick, keep it off your plate and napkin by blotting it as soon as you apply it.

Your napkin is there for you to dab your mouth only. Do not use it to wipe off lipstick or (God forbid) blow your nose.

Keep your elbows off the table at all times.

Don’t put your purse, keys, sunglasses, or eyeglasses on the table.

Take food out of your mouth the way it went in. If a piece of steak fat went into your mouth with a fork, spit it out onto the fork.

Remove an olive pit with your thumb and index finger.

Taste everything on your plate before you add salt or pepper.

Leave your plate where it is when you are finished with your meal—don’t push it away from you.
You’ll find even more good-behavior tips at http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=AnDhZXy_p1TpdoiqPYL9bPakfqU5/SIG=12c3hoj32/EXP=1320721154/**http%3A//www.etiquetteladies.com/etiquette_ladies_home.php.

Sweets For Your Skin?

Cocoa's Skin Benefits

Scientists have already found that cocoa can contain more antioxidants per cup than red wine or green tea do. The latest good news about chocolate, from the Journal of Nutrition, is that ingesting certain compounds in cocoa can smooth the skin and decrease its sensitivity to the sun. In a double-blind study in Germany, women who drank a cocoa beverage high in antioxidants called flavonols daily experienced reduced skin redness in response to UV-light exposure—15 percent less than usual after six weeks and 25 percent less at 12 weeks—while a group given a low-flavonol cocoa drink had no change. The women also showed significant improvements in their skins' texture and hydration, which the investigators believe were attributable to measurably improved blood flow to the skin. The low-calorie, high-flavonol cocoa powder, made by the candy manufacturer Mars, is not currently available, but flavonols are abundant in dark chocolate.


Mint's Skin Benefits
What makes mint a beneficial ingredient for skin care is its ability to act as an anti-pruritic agent. That means that its juice can soothe and calm skin that's itchy or infected. You can even use it to help heal bites from mosquitoes, wasps and bees. Because mint contains vitamin A, it may strengthen skin tissue and help reduce oily skin. What makes mint helpful in treating inflammations such as acne is its high content of salicylic acid. This acid, which is found naturally in mint, is an active ingredient used in many skin care products. The acid loosens up dead skin cells, allowing them to shed easier. That has the potential to prevent your pores from clogging up, resulting in fewer pimples and clearer skin.


Licorice's Skin Benefits
The galbridin compound in licorice is what gives it its strong hyperpigmentation fading properties. It actually works by inhibiting the tyosinase activity of melanocoytes, melanin and produces a whitening of the skin. Galbridin is a non-toxic agent and has little risk of permanent discoloration.
Licorice is really a multifunctional skin care ingredient. Skin whitening is just one of its beneficial properties. It has also been shown to protect skin from externals such as bacteria. While it also helps to shields the skin from the suns harmful rays thus helping to keep skin looking younger and hyperpigmentation from reoccurring. It works great in odds spots and sensitive spots such as armpit.