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Keeping those dreaded lines away can be quite simple. Wrinkles are one of the most unwelcome signs of ageing. Delicate creases and sagging is caused over time as the skin loses its elasticity, suppleness and smoothness. But though unavoidable completely, they can be prevented from making an early appearance, say health experts. “A lot of people in their 40s come to us seeking treatment for wrinkles. But the fact is that by then it’s already too late and the treatment can only reduce this sign of ageing by 20 to 30 per cent, but not completely cure them. The key lies is taking care of your skin right from your early 20s,” says dermatologist Dr Nina Madnani. CAUSES OF AGEING Ageing of skin is dependant on two things — genes and the external environmental factors. Explains Dr Madnani. “While genes are not under our control, we can keep the external factors under check,” she says. EXTERNAL FACTORS Ultraviolet light: Over-exposure to the sun causes premature ageing in skin. UV rad...

Stay fit, not thin... Do you make it a point to count calories as you skim through the menu card before ordering a plate of your favorite yummies? Do you starve yourself silly even as you dream of double-cheese dripping sandwiches and triple chocolate mousse? Well, then maybe it’s time you realized that size zero is out. Right from Kareena Kapoor to Priety Zinta, people have started shoving their size zero frames out the window, opting for a fuller and more voluptuous look. Says artist and socialite Asha Menon, “Five per cent of our country’s population is either overweight or obese. While those with so-called perfect figures and chiseled Greek God bodies hogged the limelight, those on the healthier side got used to being ignored. But slowly, people are waking up to the fact that round is a shape too!” ON THE DAY Talking about International No Diet Day (INDD), nutritionist Geetha Desikachari says, “About 18 years ago, Mary Young, a feminist, addressed the media on the dangers of ...

READ ON TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE BEST SUMMER DIET OPTIONS Though summer may bring to mind picnics, chips and delicious chocolate desserts, dietician believe that it is easiest to ‘eat healthy’ during this time. During summer, there is an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables and the opportunity to grill and roast are aplenty and way healthier too. Along with healthy meals and proper exercise you are sure to shed all the unwanted weight you carry around. DRINK WATER TO QUENCH YOUR THIRST: We tend to consume more aerated drinks during the summer, but water is a smarter choice. It keeps the body cool, prevents dehydration and it also helps avoid unnecessary calories. Fresh lime water and coconut water are also great thirstquenchers, specially during the summer. ADD AT LEAST TWO SERVINGS EACH OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES TO YOUR DAILY TO YOUR DIET: Summer has a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, so make the most of them. Fruit smoothies and milkshakes are easy to make, just t...

EXPERTS HAVE SOME TIPS FOR POSITIVE THINKING Admit it – we live in a hostile world in which all of us have a constant need to be accepted, loved and admired. Our fears, dislikes and outbursts are mostly mere manifestations of our negative thoughts. When you send out negative thoughts, you’re most likely to attract more negativity in your life. People often underestimate the power of positive thinking. We think, ‘How can I affect the outcome of my actions by just thinking in a particular way?’ But have you ever thought about the fact that there isn’t a single moment when you aren’t thinking and that everything that happens, begins with a thought? One positive thought can change your attitude towards a task, which in turn changes the outcome. Experts say that if you want to live longer, be happy, healthy and successful, thinking positive plays a big role. Easier said than done, here’s how you can start... Recognize negative thoughts as they arise and bury them before they take root. ...

Here are a few foods that help delay the signs of ageing. Anti-ageing foods are those essential foods that supply basic nutrients needed for a healthy body. In fact, when you include food in your diet that are high in antioxidants, you can delay the effects of ageing. Antioxidants are found in fruits and vegetables like prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, spinach and raspberries and are known to be great for health. Here’s what else you can include in your diet... GREEN, LEAFY VEGETABLES Vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, turnip, Brussels sprouts and radishes are rich in vitamin C. They are believed to contain anti-cancer substances too. They’re also known to help prevent cataracts and eye problems. TOMATOES This vegetable is extremely rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that protects one against coronary heart disease and cancer of the lung, stomach, mouth, colon, rectum and prostate gland. GARLIC Garlic is a powerful antioxidant that is known to...

This summer, learn to eat and drink right as Dr Dharini Krishnan, National President, Indian Dietetics Association, tells Lakshmi Krupa how to keep it cool. Do not drink ice cold water right out of the refrigerator every time you feel thirsty. Cold water doesn't quench thirst. It's psychological. Drink water that is lukewarm or in room temperature. Buttermilk is a good option. Drink tender coconut water. Cold aerated drinks contain sugar and will add to your calorie-intake without actually quenching your thirst. Even indulging in ice creams does not work because it is frozen.You will feel thirsty even after eating a large scoop of ice cream. Fresh fruit juices are also a great option but if you are diabetic, eat fruits like watermelon or orange instead of drinking juices. Even fruit juices must be had without sugar. Don't opt for juices in tetra packs.They may also contain extra sugar. It might tip the sugar levels in the wrong direction for potential diabetics....

To improve eyesight, have amla juice mixed with honey. Amla juice also helps people who have cataract. Amla or gooseberry, as it’s also known, is rich in chromium, which makes it very beneficial for diabetics. It is known to stimulate the isolated group of cells that secrete the hormone insulin. Amla decreases blood sugar. Want to have a healthy heart? Have plenty of gooseberries. They’re known to strengthen heart muscles, which in turn pump more blood in your body and make you healthy. Since amla is rich in antibacterial qualities, it helps the body fight infection. It builds up immunity, which makes people more resistant to diseases. Studies say that having amla powder mixed with honey and butter before a meal will improve appetite. Suffering from an upset stomach? Opt for the amla. With its powerful laxative qualities, amla is great for curing diarrhea and dysentery. It is a commonly used ingredient in several hair tonics because it is known to curb hair loss, stimulate growth and s...

Mango the king of fruits has several benefits. Here are few of them... Not only do they taste great, but mangoes are also loaded with several qualities that can benefit you. They are rich in powerful antioxidants that are known to neutralise free radicals that cause damage to cells and lead to health problems like heart diseases, premature ageing and cancer among other things. Here’s why you should consume mangoes... With its high iron content, mangoes are excellent for pregnant women and those who suffer from anaemia. Constantly complaining about clogged pores? Place mango slices on your skin and then wash off after 10 minutes. If you suffer from indigestion problems, nothing will help you as much as a mango. They’re known to give relief from acidity and aid proper digestion since they contain digestive enzymes that help break down proteins. Rich in potassium, mangoes reduce high blood pressure. They also contain pectin, a soluble dietary fibre, that is known to lower blood cholestero...