Vitamin C Is Great For Removing Dark Spots

When it comes to the skin, everybody wants a beautiful, moisturized and healthy skin. This is normal when you think that the skin is the mirror of the body and if the body is healthy so is your skin.

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Looking for the Safest Cookware? Keep These 4 Tips on Your Checklist

On the lookout for the safest cookware? Keep these 4 tips on your checklist. 1. What is your cookware composed of? 2. How safely does it cook your food? 3. Does it lock steam naturally? 4.How was your pot made (the environmental aspect)?

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8 Tips To Help You Lose Fat Faster

Losing fat is not an easy goal. However, if you get advice from a professional or follow some tried-and-tested methods, the goal can be a bit easier to achieve. If you have been looking for an expert, we suggest that you follow the tips given below. The tips may help you shed the extra fat. Read on to know more.

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Different Ways To Boost Your Metabolism

If you want to get slim, you may want to burn more calories. For burning more calories, we suggest that you boost your metabolism. As a matter of fact, this will make it easier for you to shed the extra ponds and maintain your weight.

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9 Small Bites That Prove Eating With Your Fingers Is Totally Acceptable

What It Actually Looks Like to Eat the Recommended Amount of Added Sugar

Is Sunscreen Giving You Cancer or Should You Be Using More of It or What?

This Home Workout Will Prevent Low Back Pain and Open Up Your Hips

You know that moment when life starts to feel like a pain in the back? Well, that moment is probably now, considering 31 million Americans experience low back pain at any given time. The best way to avoid ever having to deal with low back pain is with exercise like this back pain prevention workout.

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This 30-minute, yoga-inspired routine will help you stretch and strengthen the muscles around your pelvis to prevent low back pain flare-ups. You'll move through a series of hip stretches, core-stability exercises, and moves that strengthen your low back. Of course, always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine. Once clear, if any of these moves cause pain, listen to your body and modify accordingly. You will need a yoga strap (or belt) and a block (or thick book) for this one.

To recap: For this class, you will need a yoga strap (or belt) and a block (or thick book).

Looking for more short and effective at-home workouts? Grokker has thousands of routines, so you’ll never get bored. Bonus: For a limited time, Greatist readers get 40 percent off Grokker Premium (just $9 per month) and the first 14 days free. Sign up now!



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Yep, Your Favorite Water Brand Can Also Protect Your Skin

5 Things You Should Definitely Know About Lactose-Free Milk

Milk is the primary source of many nutrients. People who suffer from lactose intolerance cannot consume milk or milk products as they cause many problems, and thus miss the daily nutrient dose. Milk products contain a sugar called lactose which, when consumed by people who suffer from intolerance can cause problems like vomiting, swelling, diarrhoea, etc. To counter this problem, reputed brands have come up with a variant- the lactose-free milk. Lactose-free milk basically helps lactose intolerants to consume the primary source of nutrients. the procedure of preparing this variant is such that it cuts down on the lactose content in milk. thus, if you suffer from lactose intolerance, there is no need to just ditch milk, you can still consume it if you take all the right precautions. So, here are the 5 things which you should know about the lactose-free milk.

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If You're Eating Like Wellness Influencers on Instagram, You Could Be Having Too Much Fat

Is Your Olive Oil Real? Discover How to Find Out

Is your Olive Oil Real? Some olive oils are actually blends of sub standard oils, seed oils or even soy oil. Discover how to tell if your olive oil is real!

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How to Have a Threesome Without Hurting Anyone's Feelings

WTH Is Ashwagandha, and Why Have I Been Taking It for a Month?

The first time I heard about ashwagandha was when Gwyneth Paltrow’s daily smoothie broke the internet. Spending close to $200 on ingredients made me cringe, but the thought of getting Gwyneth’s glow piqued my interest, as did the notion that this magical smoothie could help me get her toned physique too. (It didn’t.)

I skimmed the list of ingredients and nearly went cross-eyed. Coconut oil and almond butter I knew, but the dusts and exotic tinctures I did not—and I wasn’t sure I wanted to. As someone who loves drinking the wellness Kool-Aid—golden milks, probiotic tonics, collagen boosters, butter coffees, you name it—I was surprised to find myself skeptical and unenthused. Perhaps it was the media backlash from the recipe release (haters gonna hate), or perhaps it was that I was sick of investing in cure-all ingredients that did seemingly nothing aside from eat my savings account and momentarily boost my sense of self-worth.

Within minutes, I’d given up on the Goop life and forgotten all about ashwagandha. But then it started haunting me.

First it came up at a dinner with health-minded friends, then at a yoga workshop, then in my Instagram feed, and then I got this text: “Do you like ashwagandha? It’s so disgusting, but I’m obsessed with it.” Upon reading it, my face wrinkled up in equal parts concern and alarm—and, to be honest, a bit of disgust too. What the heck was it about this ashwa-what?

WTH Is Ashwagandha?

Someone wise once said, “Don’t knock it till you try it.” So I decided to give ashwagandha a chance and do some digging (a.k.a. research). Here’s the need-to-know:

  • Ashwaghanda is an herb believed to offer rejuvenating properties that promote physical and emotional well-being and longevity (maybe why it’s commonly referred to as “Indian ginseng”).
  • It means "horse smell"—literally. It’s a combination of the Sanskrit words ashva (meaning "horse") and gandha (meaning "smell"). So yes, it’s named for its horse-like smell (yummy) but also for the strength of the herb, which is akin to a stallion.
  • Don’t worry: Despite the name, you don’t have to swallow horse-size pills. Instead, it’s often taken in powder form, which looks like cinnamon. If only it tasted like cinnamon...
  • It’s an adaptogen. A what? If you had to guess, you’d probably assume the word is related to adapt. Bingo. An adaptogen is believed to help the body adapt to stress and to exert a normalizing effect on bodily processes. To put it simply: If something feels out of whack, adaptogens might help. Evidence-based efficacy of adaptogens in fatigue, and molecular mechanisms related to their stress-protective activity. Panossian A, Wikman G. Current clinical pharmacology, 2009, Sep.;4(3):2212-3938.
  • While, yes, it is super trendy, it’s hardly new. The herb has been used for thousands of years to treat stress, increase energy, and improve focus. Steroidal lactones from Withania somnifera, an ancient plant for novel medicine. Mirjalili MH, Moyano E, Bonfill M. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 2009, Jul.;14(7):1420-3049.

Why Do People Take It?

When I asked my friend why she loved ashwagandha, she didn’t respond. A few hours later she sent me a link that claims it’s “an excellent tonic for immune health, sexual vitality, and harmonized mood.” When I asked if it worked, she said yes. When I asked how long she’d been taking it, she said she’d only tried it once. Hrmph.

Unsatisfied, I took my search elsewhere. I asked everyone who seemed remotely interested in health and even strangers I met at smoothie shops. The response from most was the same: They didn’t really know! But they heard it was awesome.

I wish I was surprised, but more often than not, health trends explode with the majority of consumers knowing little to nothing about what they’re imbibing—except that it’s “awesome.” And I’m no different. My cupboard contains several untouched superfoods and supertonics. I can tell you what I think they’re good for, but the honest truth is I don’t really know and can’t remember why I bought them in the first place.

Fortunately, I have a trusted advisor who's always there to help when I’m in need: the internet. A quick search for “the benefits of ashwagandha” will lead you into a treasure trove of supposed benefits. It boosts immunity, improves stamina, promotes mental clarity, prevents aging, treats fertility, lowers cholesterol… the list goes on and on and on some more. I’m honestly surprised that when you Google “miracle pill” and “secret to world peace," ashwagandha isn’t the first result. Because according to said internet, it can even treat cancer.

But wait one second before throwing horse powder into your daily routine. Because as much as I love me some internet, health fads are often just that: fads. Let’s talk science.

The Benefits, According to Science

Unlike many trendy herbs and tinctures, ashwagandha (known as Withania somnifera in the science world) seems to actually live up to the hype. Here are some of its purported powers:

  • Let it go, let it go: It may help the body cope with stress, boost immunity, and improve focus and mental clarity.
  • Bye bye bye: Studies show ashwaghanda may help reduce the signs of aging.
  • He's going the distance: When scientists tested the swimming performance of adult rats, the rats who were given ashwagandha swam twice as long as those who weren’t, proving the herb may help increase stamina.
  • Ooo baby baby: Ashwagandha is used to treat fertility problems in men and to increase sexual desire in women—and may help balance hormones overall.
  • Beat it: It may help treat adrenal fatigue and fight diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer’s, Huntington's, arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension.
  • Hit me with your best shot: Some even use it topically to heal wounds, backaches, and paralysis, while others claim it can reduce depression and brain cell degeneration, stabilize blood sugar, decrease inflammation, lower cholesterol, and help prevent and treat cancer.

The Takeaway

I’m not going to tell you how to live your life. And I’m definitely not going to tell you to start guzzling horse tonics and trust in a single herb. But I am saying I was wrong: Ashwagandha is pretty darn awesome—and might just live up to its reputation. Since taking it, I’ve been sleeping like a champ (even with a hyperactive puppy in the bed), my menstrual cramps have subsided (glory hallelujah), and I’ve reconnected with the laid-back California vibe I came to New York with (so long, stress case).

That said, it also lives up to its flavor reputation—and a rather unpleasant one at that. To make it a bit tastier, try adding a teaspoon to morning matchas, coffees, or smoothies or nighttime golden milks and teas. If you’re feeling extra bold and are already on the apple cider vinegar train, try mixing a few droplets of liquid ashwagandha with two tablespoons of ACV and 8 ounces of water. Chug; don’t sip. It may not go down smoothly at first, but if it’s really a medicinal miracle like some of these studies claim, then it may be worth adapting to its funky flavor.



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11 Lightweight Tank Tops That Help You Beat the Heat

That Day I Learnt a Great Thing About House Call Doctors and That's How It Started

Getting immediate services from the doctor at your home might not seem really possible, but with the services of house call doctors it really is. House call doctors provide undaunted and undisputed services to the patients at all times, almost being there every time it is required. You can call a house call doctor for general health checkups as well as for the treatment of chronic ailments and acute illnesses.

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I Found Plus-Size Sports Bras That Don't Suck

I’ve always been busty, but thanks to some recent weight gain, my boobs have nearly tripled in size. This means all the bras I own have been rendered useless, which, in turn, means "not owning an adequate bra" has recently shot to the top of my list of excuses to avoid working out. Let’s be honest: Exercise can be no fun, and it’s even less fun when you can’t find a sports bra to exercise in because you have tig ol’ bitties.

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But I’ve decided to embark on a wellness journey that will require low- to high-impact activity, and that means I need a sports bra that fits. It’s no secret the fitness industry isn’t exactly inclusive of bustier babes—let alone fat bodies—so despite some companies making an effort to accommodate bigger breasts, finding a sports bra that can effectively minimize bounce is more stressful than it should be for women with bigger boobs.

So I set out in search of the perfect activewear. There were times I wanted to give up the hunt and justify staying firmly secured to my couch—it would be easier than the task at hand, after all. But in the end, I found several brands that actually work and knew I had to share.

Target

The first, and perhaps most obvious, answer to the question, "Where do I find a bra that fits my gigantic bosom?!" is Target. The answer is nearly always Target. But sizing at Target is weird.

The store has some flimsier sports bras that include built-in cup sizes, and these suck because the cups aren't made to fit everyone. The label indicated the bra was in my size, but the pseudo cups made for an awkward fit (when I tried one on, I ended up spilling out the sides).

Online shoppers, beware: These bras are medium-impact with an elastic underboob band, and while they look sturdy on the site, they're made from thin fabric and have very little support.

On the other hand, this bra is the truth. It’s extremely sturdy and ranges from sizes 1x to 3x (for women who may not know their exact cup size and just rely on measurements for online ordering). It also runs true to size, which is a godsend for a curvy girl, since most bras I looked at ran small. Relying on measurements and sizing charts is a major key.

Torrid

The second stop came from an unlikely source. I asked around in a message board for plus-size women who work out, and the answer was unanimous: Torrid. The online shop sells plus-size clothing, but its cup sizes also go up to triple DDD.

Its selection is unique because some of the sports bras not only have a built-in underwire but also have additional fabric on the top to provide coverage, preventing any kind of nip slip. As an aspiring yogi, inversions can be super uncomfortable when I’m being smothered by my own boobs.

Inversions can be super uncomfortable when I’m being smothered by my own boobs.

Torrid does offer more stylish bras in line with the let’s-see-each-other’s-underwear workout fashion trend, but those bras tend to function more as fashion statements than bras to work out in. There’s a super adorable galaxy-print sports bra with a mesh upper neckline and cute print, but it doesn’t do much for support and my boobs wouldn’t stay in place. I wouldn't say these suck; they’re just more for aesthetics than actual exercise.

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The bra that fit best was full price, but it's totally worth every single penny not to have to worry about distracting jiggling while I jog. It comes in an array of different colors with a price point of $55, which feels kind of steep for a sports bra, but it’s a great investment and made of quality fabric that won’t fall apart after one wash.

Glamorise

I also came across the Glamorise brand. This bra goes all the way up to cup size H, and although it's without an underwire, it has soft straps and a thick band under the breast to offer much-needed support. I can attest that Glamorise makes a sturdy piece of activewear.

However, the brand is also very hit or miss. You need to know your bra size and go up one or two sizes from that. I learned this the hard way when I used the size chart and my exact measurements to purchase the brand from Amazon. When the bra arrived, it barely covered my areola. It was super tiny and very sad.

The second time, however, I was much more successful. This one is made of a thick material, provides full coverage, and has an underwire and sturdier straps, earning it the name "no-bounce cami sports bra."

Genie

Lastly, I tried the Genie bra, which was all about comfort and ease. It’s kind of low budget but perfect for low-impact workouts such as light yoga or other low-impact workouts—or for when the restriction of a sports bra feels too heavy. A friend of mine with double-D implants recommended this one, and although I was very skeptical because this brand has an "As Seen on TV" label, I was pleasantly surprised. Although it’s not built for too much bounce, it also provides enough coverage in case there is any movement. The fabric is also super soft.

In the end, the search for the perfect bra was pretty imperfect, but I was extremely determined to not get discouraged about wanting to perform physical activity as a bigger body. It feels like the assumption is fat people have very little interest in exercise or wellness, so we are forgotten about when it come to sports bra design. Getting involved with fitness shouldn't be such a struggle. I hope this guide helps those who want to work out but don't feel supported (pun intended).

Jagger Blaec is a freelance professional journalist located in Portland, Oregon. You can keep up with her on Twitter @basicblaecgirl.



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19 Delicious Ways to Get More Gut-Healthy Kimchi in Your Diet

If You're Taking Fish Oil for Your Heart, Stop

Everyone wants a healthier heart, and for a while now, we've been told that fish oil pills are the way to get it. But there's a problem with that. Actually, there are many problems with that. In this episode of What's Good, Greatist's founder Derek Flanzraich explains why fish oil pills aren't all they're cracked up to be and why you should stop taking them right now. (We know you secretly hate swallowing them anyway, so consider this good news.)

Sources:

Derek Flanzraich is Greatist's founder and CEO. What's Good is his take on the news, trends, and issues worth talking about in health and wellness. Sign up and get his column (plus puppy GIFs and other funsies) delivered every Sunday.



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9 Super-Garlicky Recipes to Make for Friends (So Everyone's in It Together)

11 Exercises That Will Help You Eliminate Low Back Pain for Good

The Way You're Thinking About Goals May Be Holding You Back

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Chiropractor - A Health Care Invention

A chiropractor is defined as a health care device with a professional touch for the diagnosis and intensive treatment of neuromuscular disorders. Their emphasis is on neuromuscular disorders, especially spine. Most of the chiropractors are used as a pain reliever for the patients.

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Tips To Remove Makeup

Makeup is so important to women since it can make us more beautiful and confident. Some girls won't even leave their houses without applying makeup. But not many of them know that removing makeup is as important as applying it. If you don't remove your makeup appropriately, your skin will be damaged by makeup pigmentation, rough pores and acne. If you don't have many ideas about this field, don't worry, follow a few tips and you can protect your skin effectively.

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How to Be Honest About What Will Honestly Make You Happy

8 Effective Weight Loss Tips

You may have read some common weight loss tips, such as taking in fewer calories, burning more calories and avoiding junk food. However, the sad truth is that the majority of fast weight loss plans and diets don't work. If you are struggling to shed a few pounds, you may want to try the following tips.

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How Hypnosis Could Drastically Cut the Costs of Canada's Medicare

Hypnosis could save Canada's Medicare program from its population and financial crisis. A simple solution to how Medicare could continue to serve its aging citizens. All that would be necessary would be to train medical personnel in self-hypnosis for themselves and hypnotherapy for the patients.

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Sitting Is Not the New Smoking

This Fitness Instagrammer Shows Us Her Favorite 14-Minute Workout

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23 Miso Recipes So You Can Finally Use That Entire Jar (and Not Just for Soup)

Rosacea - Signs, Symptoms and Foods to Avoid

Rosacea is a fairly common skin issue that affects nearly 5% of the entire population. It can affect people aging 20 to 40. Normally, it begins in the early teens and then you have to deal with it for the rest of your life unless you make a dramatic lifestyle change or go for a professional Rosacea Treatment. There are many over the counter medicines which claim to treat Rosacea but many doctors suggest that these medicines don't work.

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10 Golden Rules for Losing Weight Without Losing Your Mind

Want to lose weight? Looking for ways to minimize unexpected gains? Read on to find the 10 most essential tips that eventually matter in the long run.

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The 5 Reasons Why Your Abs Aren't Showing

Want rock hard abs? Wondering what you can do to get your abs to show? Discover what you can do today to get you abs to show and look great

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72 Hours Urgent Skincare After Sunburn

As long as you are exposed to sunlight in outdoors for a long time, no matter your skin is peeled or not, complete skin repairing care in the following 72 hours prime time is essential. This article is going to suggest the steps to repair your skin after sunburn.

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Are You Fat?

Diets alone are not the solution to being overweight. Dealing with the underlying reasons you are fat is a large part of the real solution. Hypnotherapy offers you not only that discovery but can also help with motivation and self-esteem.

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