This year has been tough on all of us and the best we can do is discover new things that make our lives better. As you are well aware that skin and hair care products have been my weakness and I love to try new brands and products, and with that thought I want to introduce you to a new brand that has caught my fancy. But mind you, this is not what you think… it is a brand with a twist…. 

I AM LOVE offers products as part of the pre-requisite daily nutrition, focused on bridging the nutritional gap. The products aim at addressing specific imbalances in the body through each exotic blend of organic mix to achieve ideal body requirements for functional health which in turn helps to arrest various skin and hair concerns. 

The scorching summer heat is at its peak, and the effect it has on our bodies and our moods requires remedial measures. The temperature keeps rising, and our skin is sucking the heat deeper into our bodies rather than helping us cool down. The worst is the occasional downpour that brings temporary relief and then layers the atmosphere with more humidity. All of this coupled with the pollution from the metro area, and going outside becomes nothing short of a living hell.

The brutal month of May, followed by scorching June and burning July, will consume us with the heat's ill effects. Don't let the temperature get you down, though. Use these simple tips to cool down like a pro.

Summers tend to reduce your body fluids quickly. Drink water or juices at regular intervals, even if you do not feel thirsty, as thirst is a sign of dehydration. Plain water should be your best friend during these months, and stored in a Keepto Water Bottle to replenish your bodily fluids instantly. The 64oz water jug has a motivational quote and time marker to remind one to stay hydrated and drink enough water throughout the day.  The bottle is BPA and toxin, odour free and healthy for daily water drinking while being eco-friendly, leak proof and reusable. 

Not only should you eat light, small, and frequent meals, but also you should add summer colours to your meals. Every meal you consume should have a rainbow of colours that are essentials for the needs of the human body. Include fruits at breakfast to help your skin cool naturally. Leafy vegetables and staple salad items are great, as they contain a significant amount of water, which also cools the body internally. Also keep that Keepto water bottle handy. 

The best and easiest way to protect your skin from the heat is to wear loose clothing made from natural fabrics that facilitate sweating. If you are going out and about, ensure that you use a sunscreen to protect the skin against the harmful rays of the sun. Also, make use of sunglasses, hats, and light gloves to keep the sun away.

A simple way to cool the body is to shower as soon as you return home. The main idea here is to cool the body, so it is advisable to keep the water either cold or mildly warm, taking care to avoid showers with really warm or hot water. Take up a water-based activity like swimming or surfing to include a bit of exercise while beating the summer heat.

Restrict going outdoors, and step out only for your essential chores, either in the early morning or late evening, while spending the afternoon indoors. When indoors, try simple ways to keep the air naturally cool and use energy-efficient cooling gadgets that are well maintained and serviced regularly.

So how do you manage to keep cool and composed every summer? Share your favourite trick with me in the comments below.

Until next time,

Kalonji or Nigella, commonly known as Black Seeds is a staple in an Indian household. The tiny seeds are an interesting spice when used for tempering dishes as it adds a beautiful aroma with a hint of flavour to the final outcome. Though it is commonly used in everyday dishes like curries, vegetables, and even in samosa, papdis and kachori, very few realise that this tiny spice offers a host of health benefits too.

Kalonji is loaded with iron, potassium, calcium, vitamins, proteins and fatty and amino acids that help keep the heart, mind and body healthy. Here, let’s take a look at Health Benefits of Kalonji:

Controls Diabetes and Cholesterol
The biggest benefit of Kalonji is that it controls the sugar problem, whether an exciting one or a borderline one. Kalonji prevents the sudden spike of sugar level in blood and minimises other symptoms of diabetes. Regular intake also decreases cholesterol levels.

Boosts Memory 
The most common benefit of Kalonji is boosting and sharpening memory thereby improving brain function. Memory loss and cognitive function inability in elderly people such as dementia, alzheimers etc. can be prevented by a regular intake of Kalonji.

Improves Vision
The unknown but very vital benefit of Kalonji is improving and enhancing vision. As Kalonji is rich in many essential vitamins, it can instantly cure eye-related problems such as redness and watering. Upon regular intake, Kalonji is known to reverse vision deterioration and prevent cataract and such.

Reduces Inflammation
The popularly known benefit of Kalonji is reducing chronic inflammation. Kalonji contains an active compound called Thymoquinone, which helps to reduce swelling and inflammation that can lead to severe health disorders.

Protects Liver
The most crucial medical benefit of Kalonji is protecting the liver. The liver is the important organ that performs tasks like removing toxins from the body, metabolising drugs and processing nutrients. Kalonji is known to protect the liver from an injury or any kind of damage while improving efficiency.

Isn’t that simply awesome for a small little seed to do?

So then why not including it in the daily lifestyle, to rake in all these benefits. The easiest way to consume it is taking a teaspoon of Nature Sure™ Kalonji Tail in a cup of black tea or pop a kalonji black seed tablet. These tablets are made with pure and natural ingredients and contain 300mg of 100% pure extract of Kalonji. According to many ancient scriptures including the ayurveda, daily intake of these tablets help strengthen the body from the inside, protect it against several health risks, provide antioxidants and purify the blood.

Apart from these benefits, Kalonji also has a host of beauty, skin and hair benefits, which I shall list out in another article.

Until next time,
~ Heena

2000’s is a good time to be a girl. You can do almost anything your heart desires. It is also a time you can talk freely about topics that were taboo a decade ago, like ‘the period’. Everyone is now not only openly talking about menstruation but also demanding reforms with regards to feminine hygiene products and services.

It is indeed revolutionary to see these changes and help each other deal with and manage ‘those days’ to live a healthier life. Women have used alternative methods of menstrual management to cope with periods, some which are easy and convenient for everyone, while some are more discreet and less wasteful. Here are 5 ways to manage your period:


Sanitary Napkins
Sanitary Napkins are the most tried, tested and used option to manage periods. Different pads are available for different absorbency needs, suitability, comfort and accessibility. Today there are numerous options available, however I recommend the everteen® Neem & Safflower Pads for heavy flow days and the everteen® Skin Thin Pads for light flow days. The cotton sanitary pads are perfect for quick absorption, ventilation, and they prevent odour and restore the vaginal pH balance.
Tampons
Tampons are the most discreet way to manage periods. Girls prefer tampons as the little plugs fit inside the intimate area absorbing the blood making them cleaner and less messy. The everteen® Applicator Tampons are perfect especially for active lifestyles, that adjust perfectly to your shape, giving superior leak protection. The best part is that you can wear clothes of your choice even during periods without any embarrassment or pad lines showing up.

Menstrual Cups
Menstrual Cups are the safest, easiest and healthiest way to manage periods. Girls prefer this more innovative, modern yet discreet and eco-friendly alternative to make life simpler while picking a sustainable and cost-effective option.

Period Sponge
Period Sponges are similar to tampons, but a more flexible way to manage periods. Girls opt for period sponges as they are not only more easier to use but also reusable for upto a year. However, sponges can get a bit messy while taking off.

Period Underwear
Period Underwear is the newest way to manage periods. Girls trial with period underwear as it is designed similar to regular underwear with a built-in blood collecting layer. There are two types of period underwear - one that can be washed like regular underwear and reused while the other is a disposable one that is perfect for one-time use.

So in a nut-shell managing your period can be a different experience for us all. Since there are multiple options available, you can better customise the solution keeping in mind what’s most important for you - convenience, comfort, price, and more. And always remember that your period is a sign your body is working healthily and just as it should.

Do let me know in the comments which according to you is the best product to manage your period.

Until next time,
~ Nithya