If You Protect Your Skin But Not Your Eyes, Read This

Most of us are aware of the dangerous effects ultraviolet (UV) rays have on our skin, but not many realize the danger imposed on our eyes. However, while it may seem obvious to put on sun block, how should we care for our eyes? Be it from natural sunlight or artificial UV rays, UV radiation can cause significant damage to the eye's surface tissues as well as the cornea and lens. The rays may also burn the front surface of the eye, much like a sunburn on the skin.

What is UV radiation?  

UV radiation consists of invisible rays from the sun. There are three types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC. While UVC rays do not pose any threat (these rays are absorbed by the ozone layer) exposure to UVA and UVB can have adverse effects on your eyes and vision. Significant damage can be caused when exposed to these dangerous rays, both short- and long-term. It is also important to note that UV radiation can also be given off by artificial sources, like welding machines, tanning beds and lasers. 

 

What are the short-term effects?  

If exposed to UV rays while unprotected, you are likely to experience an effect called photokeratitis - an inflammation of the cornea caused by brief exposure to UV radiation. This usually occurs when combined with cold wind and snow. It is similar to a 'sunburn of the eye' and may be painful. Symptoms may include red eyes, a foreign body sensation or a gritty feeling in the eyes. You may also feel extreme sensitivity to light and experience excessive tearing. This is usually temporary and rarely causes permanent damage to the eyes.

What are the long-term effects? 

Long term exposure to UV rays can be more serious. Scientific studies and research have shown that exposure to small amounts of UV radiation over a period of years may increase the chance of developing a cataract which may damage the retina - the lining of the eye that is used for seeing. This damage is not reversible and may contribute to chronic eye diseases as well as increase the risk of developing skin cancer around the eyelids. Long-term exposure may also increase the risk of developing pterygium - a growth that invades the corner of the eyes and the pinguecula - a yellowish, slightly raised lesion that forms on the surface tissue of the white part of your eye. 

 

Protecting your eyes 

It is important to wear quality sunglasses that offer good protection and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors. Your sunglasses should block 99% of both UVA and UVB rays and screen out 75% to 90% of visible light. Sunglasses should also be free of distortion and imperfection and have lenses that are gray for the proper color recognition. Teenagers and children should also wear sunglasses when outdoors. Kids especially are at a greater risk for developing serious vision damage later in life without regular UV eye protection.

 

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Here is how sun damages our skin

Researchers have discovered the mechanism through which ultraviolet radiation, emitted by the sun, damages our skin.

What kind of ultraviolet radiation is the worst for our skin? And how exactly does the sun damage it? Those 2 questions are at the heart of a new study.

Ultraviolet radiation which the human eye can't perceive is broken down into 4 categories depending on wavelength and photon energy. Previous studies have documented how each type of UV radiation penerates to different depths into the skin and that prolonged exposure can lead to skin cancer, but exactly how it damages human skin in other ways has received less attention.

Researchers from cosmetics industry have debated for years whether UVA is worse than UVB for causing photo damage, which leads to the early onset of wrinkles and increases tissue fragility.

The study used samples of female breast skin, chosen because it is typically exposed only to low levels of sunlight that were subjected to various wavelengths of UV radiation. What the researchers found is that no UV range is more harmful than another, rather the damage scales with the amount of UV energy that the skin absorbs.

A more significant discovery, however, is the mechanism for how exactly UV damages skin. The study shows that UV weakens the bonds between cells in the stratum corneum, the top layer of skin by affecting proteins in corneodesmosomes that help the cells to adhere together. That's why sunburn leads to skin peeling.

Building on the findings of this study, the researchers are doing further research about how UV radiation affects deeper layers of the skin.

As those experiments continue, the researcher said the most important takeaway, for now, is that skin protection is important no matter what season of the year it is.

We're trying to push the message to use sunscreen not just for preventing skin cancer, but also to keep the integrity of your skin so you don't get infections or other problems, he said.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                       https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                     FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                   

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15 Health Benefits of Broccoli

It is only recently, I learnt to love this broccoli, green vegetable and enjoy it in a variety of dishes. I've since discovered that broccoli is not just healthy, it's 'super' healthy - and I wanted to share the good news with you today.

Interesting Broccoli Facts:
Broccoli was first cultivated in Italy back in the 6th-century B.C.E., and its name comes from the Italian broccoli meaning “the flowering crest of a cabbage”. The broccoli is a member of the cabbage family, along with the radish, turnip, mustard, and more. It was introduced to the United States by Italian immigrants in the 1920s and wasn’t wildly known until then. 77% of the world's broccoli is produced in China and India. The part of the broccoli we eat is the flower and the stem.

Health Benefits of Broccoli:
1. It protects your skin from aging
Broccoli is rich in antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, which reduces and prevents the damages caused by free radicals, such as pigmentation and wrinkling. In addition, the health content of Vitamins B and E aids in giving your skin a healthy glow.


2. It protects you from UV radiation
Using broccoli extract instead of sunscreen has been shown to provide a better level of protection than sunscreen. While sunscreen absorbs UV radiation, preventing it from reaching your skin, broccoli extract gets absorbed into your skin, defending it from the inside-out. It was also shown that its effects can last up to three days while sunscreen is only good for several hours at most.

3. It’s good for pregnant women
During pregnancy, women need to consume large amounts of folate, and broccoli has it in abundance. Folate helps prevent neurological and spinal defects in the fetus.

4. It helps control diabetes 
Broccoli contains chromium, which is effective in regulating insulin levels, and thus keeping diabetes symptoms at bay.

5. It can prevent anemia
Rich in iron and folic acid, broccoli is one of the best foods for preventing and treating anemia, as well as improving your levels of hemoglobin.

6. It regulates blood pressure
The high levels of calcium, potassium, omega-3 and magnesium help improve blood flow in the circulatory system, and even reduce LDL levels (“bad cholesterol”).

7. It boosts your immunity
Your immune system needs nutrients such as trace minerals, zinc, and beta-carotene – all of which are quite common in broccoli.

8. It’s also good for your bones
The zinc, magnesium, and calcium, along with Vitamin K and phosphorus help prevent bone-related ailments and strengthens the bones.

9. It promotes eye health
Broccoli contains antioxidants such as lutein and carotenoid, which help in deterring cataracts and macular degeneration. It also contains Vitamin A, which is known to aid in improving vision in low-light conditions, as well as discerning colors.

10. It’s great for weight-loss
Broccoli is low in calories, making it ideal for dieting.

11. It is also an effective detoxifier
Your body needs to be able to get rid of waste and contaminants, and that’s where broccoli comes into play: containing rare nutrients like glucobrassicin, glucoraphanin, and gluconasturtiin, all of which are effective in eliminating toxins.

12. It makes your hair shine
The erucic acids in broccoli give your hair a lovely, natural shine.

13. It takes care of your heart
All of the amazing nutrients we’ve discussed help prevent damage to your blood vessels, reducing the risk of a stroke or heart attack.

14. It fights cancer
The glucoraphanin in broccoli can be converted in the body into a cancer-fighting chemical called sulforaphane, and the indole-3 carbinol helps reduce the risk of breast, cervical and prostate cancer.

15. It even helps your hair grow

Vitamins A and C aid in moisturizing your scalp, while the calcium in the broccoli helps strengthen your hair follicles.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/    

                                                                                                                                                     FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/  

                            FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                  https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com

Health Benefits of Broccoli:

1. It protects your skin from aging
Broccoli is rich in antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, which reduces and prevents the damages caused by free radicals, such as pigmentation and wrinkling. In addition, the health content of Vitamins B and E aids in giving your skin a healthy glow.

2. It protects you from UV radiation
Using broccoli extract instead of sunscreen has been shown to provide a better level of protection than sunscreen. While sunscreen absorbs UV radiation, preventing it from reaching your skin, broccoli extract gets absorbed into your skin, defending it from the inside-out. It was also shown that its effects can last up to three days while sunscreen is only good for several hours at most.

3. It’s good for pregnant women
During pregnancy, women need to consume large amounts of folate, and broccoli has it in abundance. Folate helps prevent neurological and spinal defects in the fetus.
4. It helps control diabetes 
Broccoli contains chromium, which is effective in regulating insulin levels, and thus keeping diabetes symptoms at bay.
5. It can prevent anemia
Rich in iron and folic acid, broccoli is one of the best foods for preventing and treating anemia, as well as improving your levels of hemoglobin.

6. It regulates blood pressure
The high levels of calcium, potassium, omega-3 and magnesium help improve blood flow in the circulatory system, and even reduce LDL levels (“bad cholesterol”).

 

7. It boosts your immunity
Your immune system needs nutrients such as trace minerals, zinc, and beta-carotene – all of which are quite common in broccoli.

8. It’s also good for your bones
The zinc, magnesium, and calcium, along with Vitamin K and phosphorus help prevent bone-related ailments and strengthens the bones.

9. It promotes eye health
Broccoli contains antioxidants such as lutein and carotenoid, which help in deterring cataracts and macular degeneration. It also contains Vitamin A, which is known to aid in improving vision in low-light conditions, as well as discerning colors.

10. It’s great for weight-loss
Broccoli is low in calories, making it ideal for dieting.

11. It is also an effective detoxifier
Your body needs to be able to get rid of waste and contaminants, and that’s where broccoli comes into play: containing rare nutrients like glucobrassicin, glucoraphanin, and gluconasturtiin, all of which are effective in eliminating toxins.

12. It makes your hair shine
The erucic acids in broccoli give your hair a lovely, natural shine.

13. It takes care of your heart
All of the amazing nutrients we’ve discussed help prevent damage to your blood vessels, reducing the risk of a stroke or heart attack.

14. It fights cancer
The glucoraphanin in broccoli can be converted in the body into a cancer-fighting chemical called sulforaphane, and the indole-3 carbinol helps reduce the risk of breast, cervical and prostate cancer.

15. It even helps your hair grow
Vitamins A and C aid in moisturizing your scalp, while the calcium in the broccoli helps strengthen your hair follicles.

 this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   
https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations 
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement    

6 Foods That Will Protect Your Skin

These 6 foods each contribute something to the fight between your skin and the harmful UV rays of the sun. Learn about the foods that protect your skin and fight against damage and the formation of cancer.

1. Strawberries vs. wrinkles Strawberries have one of the largest concentration of vitamin C and have the power to hold off wrinkles as well as help prevent the loss of skin elasticity that comes with the years. These are the findings of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The power of vitamin C to hold off wrinkles comes from its ability to get rid of those free radicals created by the sun's ultra violet rays as well as its role in manufacturing collagen, the material most responsible for the health and vitality of our skin. You can find lots of vitamin C in red peppers, broccoli and citrus fruit as well.

2. Coffee vs. Skin Cancer A study published at a European Journal of Cancer discovered that a cup of coffee once a day can decrease the risk of skin cancer. The study checked 93 thousand women and discovered that a daily dose of coffee significantly reduced the risk of skin cancer. The caffeine, also existing to a lesser degree in tea, helps kill off pre-cancer cells and damaged skin cells by blocking the protein they need to make fast replications (which lead to cancer).

3. Tomatoes vs. Sun damage The red color of the tomato is its secret weapon for protection from the sun's harmful rays. It is a pigment, a carotenoid called lycophen that filters the radiation of the sun and prevents the tomato from being damaged. This same effect works for the human body as well, as proven by a study that examined how an addition of tomato sauce to your daily diet affects the skin's resiliency.   The study discovered that 2.5 table spoons of tomato sauce a day were enough to significantly decrease the damage our skin took from the sun. This same effect can be achieved by drinking 1 and 2/3 of a glass of carrot juice every day. Carrots also contain carotenoid pigments. In fact, all red-orange foods will give this result, such as pumpkins, certain yams etc.

4. Soy beans vs. Flabby skin Soy is rich in a group of chemcial compounds called Isoflavones. A recent American study found that these compounds help prevent wrinkles that occur as a result of ultra violet radiation. The isoflavones prevent the deconstruction of collagen, the material that keeps our skin tight and flexible. This compound exists in all soy products, such as soy milk, tofu etc.

5. Corn vs. Sun Damage Corn has a yellow pigment called Lutein which is quite similar to the pigment found in tomatoes. Like the tomatoes, this is a chemical mechanism humans can benefit from, and the pigment supplies the skin with the protection it needs against the sun's rays. Lutein can also be found in egg yolk and spinach, and it not only helps the skin, but also the eyes, keeping them safer from macular damage.

6. Salmon Vs. Pre-Cancer cells The omega-3 fatty acid found in salmon has many health properties. One of the most important one if protecting our cells form free radicals caused by UV light. Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition kept track of 1,100 Australians, who get a lot of sun exposure, for 5 years, checking their eating habits. Findings showed a whopping decrease of 30% in the formation of pre-cancer cells for those living on a diet rich in fish with high omega-3 levels, such as salmon, tuna and sardines. In addition, omega-3 helps the body keep its collagen levels.       THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES. PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG- HTTP:GSEASYRECIPES.BLOGSPOT.COM/ FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG- HTTP://KNEE REPLACEMENT-STICK CLUB.BLOGSPOT.COM/ FOR CROCHET DESIGNS HTTP://MY CROCHET CREATIONS.BLOGSPOT.COM

Important Information About Vitamin D!

Vitamin D prevents osteoporosis, depression, prostate cancer, breast cancer,and even affects diabetes and obesity. 

Vitamin D is perhaps the single most underrated nutrient in the world of nutrition. That's probably because it's free: your body makes it when sunlight touches your skin. 

Fifteen facts that are important to know about vitamin D and sunlight exposure:

 

1. Vitamin D is produced by your skin in response to exposure to ultraviolet radiation from natural sunlight. 

 

2. The healing rays of natural sunlight (that generate vitamin D in your skin) cannot penetrate glass. So you don't generate vitamin D when sitting in your car or home. 

3. It is nearly impossible to get adequate amounts of vitamin D from your diet. Sunlight exposure is the only reliable way to generate vitamin D in your own body. 

 

4. A person would have to drink ten tall glasses of vitamin D fortified milk each day just to get minimum levels of vitamin D into their diet. 

5. The further you live from the equator, the longer exposure you need to the sun in order to generate vitamin D. Canada, the UK and most U.S. States are far from the equator. 

6. People with dark skin pigmentation may need 20 - 30 times as much exposure to sunlight as fair-skinned people to generate the same amount of vitamin D. That's why prostate cancer is epidemic among black men - it's a simple, but widespread, sunlight deficiency. 

 

7. Sufficient levels of vitamin D are crucial for calcium absorption in your intestines. Without sufficient vitamin D, your body cannot absorb calcium,rendering calcium supplements useless. 

8. Chronic vitamin D deficiency cannot be reversed overnight: it takes months of vitamin D supplementation and sunlight exposure to rebuild the body's bones and nervous system. 

9. Even weak sunscreens (SPF=8) block your body's ability to generate vitamin D by 95%. This is how sunscreen products actually cause disease -by creating a critical vitamin deficiency in the body.

 

10. It is impossible to generate too much vitamin D in your body from sunlight exposure: your body will self-regulate and only generate what it needs. 

11. If it hurts to press firmly on your sternum, you may be suffering from chronic vitamin D deficiency right now. 

 

12. Vitamin D is "activated" in your body by your kidneys and liver before it can be used. 

13. Having kidney disease or liver damage can greatly impair your body's ability to activate circulating vitamin D. 

14. The sunscreen industry doesn't want you to know that your body actually needs sunlight exposure because that realization would mean lower sales of sunscreen products. 

 

15. Even though vitamin D is one of the most powerful healing chemicals in your body, your body makes it absolutely free. No prescription required. 

On the issue of sunlight exposure, by the way, it turns out that super antioxidants greatly boost your body's ability to handle sunlight without burning. Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful "internal sunscreens" and can allow you to stay under the sun twice as long without burning. 

Other powerful antioxidants with this ability include the super fruits like Acai, Pomegranates (POM Wonderful juice), blueberries, etc. 

 

Diseases and conditions cause by vitamin D deficiency:

* Osteoporosis is commonly caused by a lack of vitamin D, which greatly impairs calcium absorption. 

* Sufficient vitamin D prevents prostate cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, depression, colon cancer and schizophrenia. 

* "Rickets" is the name of a bone-wasting disease caused by vitamin D deficiency. 

* Vitamin D deficiency may exacerbate type 2 diabetes and impair insulin production in the pancreas.

* Obesity impairs vitamin D utilization in the body, meaning obese people need twice as much vitamin D. 

* Vitamin D is used around the world to treat Psoriasis.

* Vitamin D deficiency can cause schizophrenia. 

* Seasonal Affective Disorder is caused by a melatonin imbalance initiated by lack of exposure to sunlight. 

* Chronic vitamin D deficiency is often misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia because its symptoms are so similar: muscle weakness, aches and pains. 

* Your risk of developing serious diseases like diabetes and cancer is reduced 50% - 80% through simple, sensible exposure to natural sunlight 2-3 times each week. 

* Infants who receive vitamin D supplementation (2000 units daily) have an 80% reduced risk of developing type 1 diabetes over the next twenty years. 

Shocking Vitamin D deficiency statistics:

* 32% of doctors and med school students are vitamin D deficient. 

 

* 40% of the U.S. population is vitamin D deficient. 

 

* 42% of African American women of childbearing age are deficient in vitamin D. 

 

* 48% of young girls (9-11 years old) are vitamin D deficient. 

 

* Up to 60% of all hospital patients are vitamin D deficient. 

 

* 76% of pregnant mothers are severely vitamin D deficient, causing widespread vitamin D deficiencies in their unborn children, which predisposes them to type 1 diabetes, arthritis, multiple sclerosis and schizophrenia later in life. 81% of the children born to these mothers were deficient. 

 

* Up to 80% of nursing home patients are vitamin D deficient. 

PS- THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.

PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG-

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FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-

HTTP://KNEE REPLACEMENT-STICK CLUB.BLOGSPOT.COM/

FOR CROCHET DESIGNS

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