Betywells

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Hair straightening

Large rollers can be used to straighten curly hair
Hair straightening is a hair styling technique used since the 1890s involving the flattening and straightening of hair in order to give it a smooth, streamlined, and sleek appearance.[1] It became very popular during the 1950s among black males and females of all races. It is accomplished using a hair iron or hot comb, chemical relaxers, Japanese hair straightening,[2] Brazilian hair straightening, or roller set/blowdryer styling. In addition, some shampoos, conditioners, and hair gels can help to make hair temporarily straight.

The process is often called "rebonding" in some countries from Southeast Asia (e.g. Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines). If done often, flat irons and chemicals can be damaging to hair.[3] Excessive straightening often results in split ends.[3] However, heat protectant sprays can decrease the damage.[3]

Methods
Dominican blowout Edit
This is a temporary straightening method that originated in the Dominican Republic. The technique spread to the United States where it was popularized by Dominican stylists. The Dominican Blowout allows highly-textured and tightly-curled hair types to be straightened without the use of chemicals, and creates more movement and sleekness on tightly-curled hair types than conventional temporary straightening methods. It has become popular, particularly among African Americans as an alternative to permanent hair straightening or as a method of straightening the hair between relaxers.[11]

The Dominican Blowout includes several steps to achieve the final look of straight hair with high levels of shine, volume and movement. Typically, the first step involves shampooing the hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove all buildup. Then, hair is deep-conditioned to confer the smoothness, combability and flexibility necessary for the next steps. Stylists usually use conditioning treatments from the Dominican Republic for this process, as many Dominican manufacturers produce more concentrated formulations than conventional, Western conditioners. More concentrated formulas are necessary to protect against the intense styling used in the process and enhance the end results.

After the deep conditioner is fully rinsed out, a leave in conditioner is applied and hair is set on large magnetic rollers and placed under a hood dryer for up to 2 hours, depending on the length and density of the hair. Rollers are used to begin the straightening process and also create body and movement in the straightened style. Once the rollers are removed, concentrated silicone-based serums are applied to the hair. Oil-based products are typically avoided at this stage as they add weight and greasiness and can burn on the hair. Next, hair is blow dried straight in small sections at high heat, using a round brush to create tension and volume. A concentrator nozzle is attached to the end of the blow dryer to allow heat to be directed on the section being straightened. After blow drying, a small amount of serum is applied and hair is wrapped in a dubi or doobie, a method which wraps and pins the hair around the head, using it as a giant roller, to create additional straightening and movement. Finally, hair is taken down from the dubi and styled as desired.

The straightened Dominican Blowout look usually lasts a week, or until the next time the hair is washed. Straightness is maintained by recreating the dubi at night and covering hair with a satin scarf. Hair must not become wet or it will revert to its naturally curly state. Serum can be reapplied as needed to protect against reversion.

Afro-textured hair

NUTRITION

Maca Root for Curves: Booty-Booster or Bust?

Written by Rachael Link, MS, RD on July 2, 2019

What it is

For curves

Other benefits

Uses

The bottom line

Maca is an ingredient that has been extensively studied for its potent health-promoting properties.
It’s also a common supplement used to boost libido, mood, and energy levels.
Additionally, many people claim that maca root can help improve body composition and enhance curviness — despite limited evidence.
This article reviews whether maca root can be used to become curvier.

What is maca?

Maca, also known as Peruvian ginseng or Lepidium meyenii, is an edible plant that is native to Peru.
Classified as a cruciferous vegetable and closely related to plants like broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower, it has been well studied for its powerful medicinal properties.
The root of the plant is usually dried and ground into a fine powder, which can be added to smoothies, baked goods, and snacks.
Maca is also available in liquid or capsule form and taken as a supplement to support better health.
In particular, it has been shown to improve sexual function, male fertility, and mood (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source).

SUMMARYMaca is a cruciferous vegetable that is used as a supplement and available in powder, liquid, or capsule form.

Can maca help you become curvier?

Currently, no research supports the use of maca root for getting curves.
Nevertheless, it offers some benefits that could help you in this regard when paired with other diet and lifestyle modifications.
Here are a few of the ways that maca may help you become curvier.

Enhances physical performance

Exercise is a key component when it comes to building muscle and getting curves.
Some research suggests that maca may boost physical performance and enhance your exercise routine, which could promote curviness.
For example, a small study in 8 people found that supplementing with maca extract for 14 days improved cycling time compared with a placebo (4Trusted Source).
Similarly, one study showed that administering maca extract to mice for 3 weeks improved endurance and increased the amount of time to exhaustion in a swimming test by up to 41% (5).

May support energy levels

In addition to improving endurance and stamina, maca may boost your energy levels to give your workout routine an upgrade.
A 12-week study in 175 people found that taking 3 grams of maca daily led to significant improvements in both mood and energy levels (6Trusted Source).
A study in mice also showed that maca extract helped fight fatigue during a swimming test (7Trusted Source).
Another study even observed that concentrated maca extract relieved fatigue in mice by decreasing several markers of muscle damage during exercise (8Trusted Source).

Should be paired with exercise

The above studies demonstrate that maca may help enhance physical performance and fight off fatigue.
This may increase muscle-building, which can help you become curvier.
However, maca alone is unlikely to have any effect on your body composition or curviness unless it’s paired with regular exercise.
Therefore, it’s important to combine your maca supplement with a healthy diet and fitness routine to maximize its possible benefits.

SUMMARYMaca may boost physical performance and energy levels, which could help you get curvier when paired with regular exercise.

Other benefits of maca

Maca has been linked to a number of health benefits, including:

Improves sexual function. One review of four studies found that maca may increase sexual desire in both men and women when used for at least six weeks (1Trusted Source).

Supports male fertility. Several studies show that maca may increase several markers of fertility in men, including semen quality and s***m concentration and motility (2Trusted Source, 9Trusted Source).

Decreases anxiety and depression. A small study in 14 postmenopausal women noted that taking 3.5 grams of maca per day for 6 weeks reduced psychological symptoms like anxiety and depression (10Trusted Source).

Enhances memory. Though research in humans is limited, multiple studies in mice indicate that maca may improve learning and memory (11Trusted Source, 12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source).

SUMMARYMaca may improve sexual function, male fertility, and memory. It may also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

How to use maca

Maca can be found at a variety of online retailers, natural pharmacies, and health food shops.
Available in powder, liquid, or capsule form, it’s very easy to add to your diet.
Maca root has an earthy, slightly nutty taste and can be included in many recipes. Try adding it to smoothies or mixing it into hot beverages for a quick and convenient way to get your fix.
You can also incorporate it into your favorite baked goods or sprinkle it over oatmeal or yogurt for an added dose of nutrition and health benefits.
Though there’s no official recommended dosage, most studies indicate that 3–5 grams per day are most effective.

Side effects to consider

Maca is generally considered safe and can be consumed with minimal risk of adverse effects (6Trusted Source).
However, those with thyroid issues should exercise caution when using maca, as it contains goitrogens, which are compounds that could disrupt the production of thyroid hormones in those with thyroid conditions (14Trusted Source).
Additionally, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to their healthcare practitioner before taking maca, as evidence to support its safety in these populations is insufficient.

SUMMARYMaca is available in powder, liquid, or capsule form and can be added to many foods and drinks. Though it’s generally safe, those with thyroid issues and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should exercise caution.

The bottom line

Maca is a powerful ingredient that has been linked to various potential health benefits.
Though research to support its use for becoming curvier is lacking, maca root has been shown to increase energy levels and physical performance, which could promote muscle-building and curviness.
Still, it should be paired with regular exercise and a nutritious diet to maximize its potential.

Written by Arlene Semeco, MS, RD

Sometimes we just need to cleanse from the inside to get that beautiful glowing skin

Powerful Turmeric Detox Tea To Cleanse Your Liver & Lose Weight Fast

Ingredients:

Half tbsp. Turmeric

Half inch grated ginger

2 tbsp Lemon juice

Half a glass water

Preparation:
Boil the water and add turmeric followed by the ginger and let it cool, mix in the lemon juice and stir it well before drinking it. We recommend you drink this remedy as soon as you wake up in the morning or at least 1 hour before breakfast.
You will also need to consume it once more before you go to sleep. This drink needs to be consumed for at least 2 weeks to see real results. We also recommend that you follow a low-calorie diet while on this drink plus at least 30 minutes of exercise daily for best results.
Note: If you are on and high blood pressure medications, please consult your doctor before beginning this weight loss & liver cleanse drink.

Conclusion

Now you know about this Powerful Turmeric Detox Tea To Cleanse Your Liver & Lose Weight Fast at home. If you liked this post, please share it with your friends and also watch out for more helpful weight loss tips and remedies.

Stay blessed

WEIGHT LOSS

The Zero Carb Diet May Be a Simple Way to Lose Weight—But Is It Safe?

There are digestive side effects, for starters.

By Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD

July 08, 2019

Low carb diets have been popular for years. But lately I’ve been hearing about a zero carb diet, and it has me worried. Depending on what you choose to eat, a no carb diet may be even more restrictive than a keto diet. While there’s no precise limit to the grams allowed per day, this approach essentially involves eliminating as much carbohydrate as possible. Considering that vegetables typically contain 3 to 4 grams of net carb (that's grams of total carb minus grams of fiber) per cup, and an ounce of nuts provides about the same, a truly zero carb goal eliminates more health-protective foods than any other diet.

This approach reminds me of the fat free fad I encountered when I first became a dietitian, in that it pushes a trending philosophy to the extreme. Several years ago, when fat was vilified, I saw clients who became obsessed with avoiding fat at all costs. If something contained even half a gram of fat per serving, they would banish it, fearing that those half grams would add up to too many full grams by the end of the day. This mentality led to filling the fat void with carbs and sugar, which ultimately led to weight gain and a host of fat deficiency side effects, from dry skin to hormone imbalances.

As with fat, the focus with carbohydrates should be quality and balance, not banishment. It’s absolutely true that there are some bad carbs, such as processed grains and refined sugar; but that’s just part of the carb story. Here’s an analogy I use with my clients: Some types of workouts can lead to injury. But that being true, it doesn’t mean you should avoid working out completely. The goal with exercise is to engage in the right type and amount in order to gain benefits. And the same is true for carbs.

Losing and maintaining a healthy weight and preventing diseases like diabetes doesn’t require such extreme carb limits. In fact, the side effects of attempting to eliminate all carbs are very impactful for both quality of life and health. Here are four to consider.

You could miss important nutrients

Slashing carbs severely reduces the intake of many key nutrients found in foods that are shunned or limited, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and prebiotics(more on this below), and even healthful fats. There is no multivitamin or powdered supplement capable of replacing the myriad health-protective nutrients that stop showing up for work in the body. This shortfall can potentially affect immune function, cognitive health, and up the risk of chronic illnesses, including heart disease and Alzheimer’s. In fact, in Blue Zones—areas in the world where people live the longest, healthiest lives—diets are predominantly plant-based and relatively high in carbs.

RELATED: What Is the Isagenix Cleanse—and Can It Help You Lose Weight?

Carb avoidance could lead to poor digestive health

The daily recommended target for fiber is at least 25 grams per day. And this important nutrient is only found in foods that contain carbohydrates. A high fiber diet is linked to a significantly lower risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and some digestive diseases. Certain types of fiber also act as prebiotics, which serve as food for the beneficial gut bacteria that support immunity, anti-inflammation, and mentalhealth. Fiber supplements are available, but research shows that they don’t offer the same benefits as fiber derived from whole foods.

You could experience low carb flu

You’ve probably heard about the keto flu. It happens when someone first adopts a keto diet, with symptoms that may include headaches, brain fog, irritability, dizziness, nausea, and muscle soreness. This occurs as your brain, which typically uses up to 60% of all the carbs you eat, must adapt to a different fuel source. But just because your body can adapt doesn’t mean it’s ideal. The same is true of renouncing carbs. Again, it’s not necessary for weight loss or optimal health, so why put yourself through the torture?

RELATED: 7 Dangers of Going Keto

There may be social and psychological side effects

Any extreme diet makes social eating a challenge. I’ve heard many stories from clients about how their strict diet led to avoiding get togethers with friends and family or caused them to become obsessive or fearful about food. Others who are unable to maintain the restrictions, and thus fall off the wagon, often experience extreme guilt and even depression. Going on and off strict diets is a pattern that can morph into seriously disordered eating and crush people’s quality of life and mental health. In addition, a systematic review of 11 studies concluded that plant-based diets that include healthful carbs are associated with significant improvements in emotional well-being, including depression.

Bottom line: a zero carb diet is not necessary or recommended for either long-term weight loss or optimal health. In fact, recent research shows that a plant-based diet that includes whole, fiber-rich foods; monounsaturated fats, like avocado, olive oil and nuts; and plant-based proteins, like lentils and beans, plays a major role in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes. Plant-based diets, which are moderate to high in carbohydrates, have been shown to generate weight loss, improve insulin resistance, support a healthy gut microbiome, and reduce the formation of advanced glycation end products, or AGEs, compounds associated with aging.

RELATED: How to Keep the Carbs and Still Lose the Pounds

How to include carbs in your diet

Wiping out an entire macro—meaning no carb at all; only fat and protein—may be an easier way to lose weight because it’s simple, but it’s not better. And for most, it’s not sustainable. Instead, up your intake of a wide variety of non-starchy veggies, making them the core of your eating pattern. Include portions of fruit, whole grains, and starchy veggies that are in line with your body’s fuel needs, based on your age, gender, ideal weight, and activity level. In other words, a petite, 40-year-old woman with a desk job and 20 pounds to lose shouldn’t be eating the same amount of carbs as a tall, 25-year-old, lean male athlete.

Also include anti-inflammatory, satiety-inducing fats that are good for circulation, like avocado and avocado oil; extra virgin olive oil and olives; nuts; seeds; and nut/seed butters. And eat more meatless meals that include lentils, beans, and chickpeas as the protein source. This pattern provides a much broader spectrum of the nutrients needed for wellness, and it’s an approach you can stick with long term, which is one of the most important factors for not only shedding pounds but keeping them off for good.
Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD, is Health's contributing nutrition editor, a New York Times best-selling author, and a nutrition consultant for the New York Yankees.
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Next week...

We're releasing a fantastic article all about the high performance botanical ingredients available to the budding natural & organic skincare formulator.

We mentioned some of these in our article How to Incorporate Herbs and Oils into your Skincare but next week, we'll go into more detail. So be sure to check that out!

The week after...

We'll be releasing an article about the science, art and practice of formulating skincare products with essential oils. You see, many people get confused about essential oils and don't really know where to begin. And then there are many people who just stick the same essential oils each time they formulate.

In this article we'll be explaining how to become an expert at formulating with essential oils. This is a game changer! Make sure you check your inbox in a couple of weeks for that.

Best Regards.

Betywells

The Push Towards Simplified Skincare

There is a movement right now in the natural and organic beauty industry towards simpler products, fewer ingredients, and greater transparency. Connected to the broader social movements of simplicity and even minimalism to some degree, this push for simplicity in skincare reflects a wider change in consumer values and awareness.

Because of this change, brands are positioning themselves in a variety of ways:

There are brands that are building their entire product range on a few specific ingredients.
There are brands that take one ingredient—an extract, a butter, a carrier oil, or a fragrance—and make it their focus.
There are brands who are calling for greater transparency of labels so people know what’s in them, in plain English.
…and these are all amazing goals!

Tied with this shift is the idea that everything that is natural is, by its very definition, pure, gentle, and safe. And while we love and advocate natural and organic products, it’s important to say that this isn’t necessarily the case.

This week we wanted to take a look at...

What simplicity in natural products really means
How to define your own natural standard, and
How to empower yourself to create safe, simple, nature-inspired products without compromising your values

So we created an awesome article with all of this in it, plus loads more! We know you'll like this one - even if you're an experienced formulator!

When it comes to skincare, there are many times where the simplest solutions are the best.

As you begin formulating your first products, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the abundance of available ingredients! Keeping it simple to start with means you can build skill upon skill, and still create dynamic, powerful products without needing to make a sizable investment.

(If you’re just starting out on your natural product making journey, you’ll be amazed at what two- and three-ingredient products you can make!)

But keeping it simple has benefits that extend beyond your first few products. The philosophy of simplicity is about stripping back what’s unnecessary to get at the core of what’s effective.

How to Find Cutting-Edge Foundations
Now that you’ve answered these three important questions, you’re far closer to finding the perfect foundation for your skin. The next step is to try out different brands of foundation until you find the one best suited for you, in different shades and coverage levels.

It also helps to know what others say and share about different foundations. Before picking on your final foundation, there’s one more step to take: read up on the latest news and foundation options by searching online. You can search for specific brands, by your skin tone or under tone, and even by the special requirements you’d like in a foundation. From beauty bloggers’ suggestions to the latest foundation products from the biggest brands to real customer reviews, you can search, compare, and find the right foundation with a little research.

Interested in finding your perfect foundation?
Kindly inbox me with your message and phone number.