Benefits of a Cup of Coffee and Quick Ways on How to Make Iced Coffee

While I am writing this post, I am drinking a cup of coffee with milk chocolate. I love to call it as café latte, without the froth.

Many of my colleagues drink cups of coffee each day. We do not just drink it because it reduces our sleepiness/grogginess but coffee offers several health benefits that many people try to ignore.

In the past few decades, coffee has been studied thousands of times. Lately, more and more health benefits of this drink have been discovered. But drinking a cup of java must be balanced.

Unfortunately, there is no ideal dose of drinking coffee. Bear in mind that a cup of coffee can be different from one person to another. My “cup of coffee” is a coffee-mug size. Yours might be a small cup that people would normally use in drinking tea.

Let us not argue about what a cup of coffee must be. Instead, let me start highlighting the benefits of drinking coffee each day.

1. Reduces risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Not only that. It is also shown to reduce the risk of dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

How is this even possible?

The antioxidant content of this drink is what makes this beverage perfect for those who wish to avoid suffering from those mental health conditions.

Coffee’s antioxidants are shown, not only to boost the neurotransmitter effects in cognitive function but they are also reported to prevent brain cells damage as you grow older.

As coffee intake increases, cases of glioma, which is a form of brain cancer, are dropped.

There are also studies going on that may prove that the compounds of coffee may have the power to activate the DNA-repairing protein in a cell. Because of that ability, it may prevent DNA damage.

2. Prevents diabetes

Studies showed that those who drink up to four cups of coffee each day have lowered their risk of having type 2 diabetes. Researchers believe that coffee’s chlorogenic acid and quinides are the ones that boost your cell’s insulin sensitivity. In other words, they help in regulating blood sugar.

But those studies did not verify whether the coffee used was caffeinated or de-caffeinated.

3. Lowers risk of stroke

Some studies about the benefits of a cup of coffee showed that those who drink up to three cups of coffee a day have lowered their rates of strokes. This can be caused by the antioxidant effects of coffee that stop inflammation from causing damage to the arteries.

The compounds in coffee might activate nitric oxide, which is a substance that is known to widen blood vessels.

However, just because it can prevent heart problems does not mean you have to take more cups of it each day. There are studies showing that drinking more than five cups of coffee a day is associated with higher risk of heart disease. This goes to say that excessive caffeine intake can cancel out the antioxidant effects of coffee.

4. Prevents liver problems

I have to emphasize that the research about this health benefit is limited. Despite that, the studies showed that people who drink more coffee have lowered their risk of developing liver diseases, like cirrhosis. This can be due to the coffee’s antioxidant content that prevents liver inflammation, which inhibits the growth of cancer cells.

This benefit is essential if you drink alcohol. In 2006, a study was published about coffee’s effects on people who regularly drink a cup of coffee a day. It was shown that these people were 20% less likely to suffer from liver cirrhosis, which is an autoimmune disease as a result of excessive consumption of alcohol. This liver problem could lead to liver failure and cancer.

Furthermore, studies showed that this beverage can prevent the development of NAFLD or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, the people who participated in the study were drinking at least four cups of coffee a day.

5. Avoids depression

In a study presented by the National Institute of Health, it was shown that those who drink at least four cups of coffee were 10 percent less likely to develop depression than those who do not drink a cup of java.

The connection between depression and coffee is not caffeine. Instead, the trusty antioxidants found in coffee are the reasons of the link. Pepsi or Coke contains high amount of coffee. But this type of beverage is linked to depression.

Because it can act as a mild anti-depressant, those who drink up to four cups of coffee a day are less likely to commit suicide. The antioxidants and other contents of coffee aid in the production of various neurotransmitters that control depression.

6. Prevents gum disease

Again, the reason for this is the antioxidant content of coffee, and not caffeine. Researchers found that those who drink at least a cup of java a day reduced their risk of having gum disease. They also found a reduction in bone and teeth loss. Furthermore, they found that daily consumption of coffee does not cause adverse effects to the oral health. Instead, it provides protective effects against the development of periodontal disease.

Although further studies are needed to make a proper conclusion about this matter, we can start drinking at least a cup of coffee a day.

Iced coffee for summer

Summer season is here. I can drink hot coffee in the afternoon. But some of you might not like the idea of drinking hot beverage during hot season. Enter iced coffee.

Just because it is an iced coffee does not mean that it is just for the afternoon drink. You can have it in the morning as you wake up. To make the best iced coffee, you do not need the best ice cubes in your glass.

How to make iced coffee? The best one?

As mentioned earlier, it is not about how you add the ice cubes but it is about changing the brewing process. Instead, you make iced coffee fresh from the French press. It is chilled overnight. From the fridge, it will be extra-cold and ready to be diluted using ice and milk.

Processing a cold-brew French press can take a lot of time. But the extra time you put in will make the flavor more delicate and less bitter.

Ingredients

• Whole coffee beans
• Cold water
• Ice
• Milk
• Caramel, chocolate, flavored syrups and other sweeteners you would like to use. But they are optional.

Before you can start, you will need to have a coffee grinder and a French press. You can have the latter from Starbucks. It costs around PHP1,500.

Now, get your coffee grinder and grind your coffee beans. About 1/3 cup of beans is needed for the best cup of iced coffee. Make sure that the beans are coarse enough to be easily filtered by the French press. However, ensure that they are still fine enough to be infused easily.

Now, pour the ground coffee into the press. Then, add 1 ½ cups of water. Stir the coffee and the water until they are well-blended.

Place the press’ plunger in the up position. Put the French press in the fridge. Allow it to steep overnight. Make sure that the plunger is left in the up position. This will ensure that the ground beans infuse the water overnight.

In the morning, separate the coffee from the grounds by plunging the French press.

Then, get a glass and fill partway with ice cubes and milk. Pour the iced coffee to fill the rest of the glass. You may add caramel or chocolate fudge. I like adding dark chocolate in it. It still has the bitter taste of coffee with a touch of sugar from the milk. I also use soya milk. But you can use any type of milk that you have in your fridge.

How many calories are there in the iced coffee?

From the iced coffee that we discuss above, you will have 112 calories for two servings. It is still low in fat, as long as you do not add milk chocolate or vanilla. Sugar content can be 0.7 gram but it depends on the sweetener you add to it.

Now, what if you do not have coffee beans and a coffee grinder? What if you only have is an instant coffee?

It is still possible to make the best iced coffee through an instant coffee. Follow the steps below:

• Take three tablespoons of instant coffee. I would suggest using Folgers instant coffee crystals or Achiever’s instant coffee.
• Prepare the following: Cup of boiling water, sweetener, cups of cold water, milk, coffee creamer, whipped cream (optional but not advisable to those who wish to lose weight)
• Dissolve the instant coffee in boiling water. Make sure that you are using a tempered glass
• Stir
• Add the sugar or sweetener
• Stir
• Add cold water and stir
• Add milk and stir
• Place it in the fridge until it is chilled
• Transfer the cold coffee in a tall glass and pour over ice cubes
• Top it with whipped cream, if you wish. Then again, it is not advisable to those who are trying to lose weight.

Another way to make iced coffee is to blend the ice and make a cappuccino frost. Here are the steps:

1. Prepare cold water, classic roast instant coffee crystals, chilled sweetened condensed milk, ice cubes, and whipped cream.
2. Add water and coffee crystals in the blender. Make sure that all crystals are dissolved.
3. Add the chilled sweetened condensed milk. Blend.
4. Add ice cubes.
5. Blend until the mixture appears smooth and frothy.
6. Pour the mixture into a tall glass.
7. Top it with whipped cream, i.e. if you want to. But be careful with this. Bear in mind that whipped cream contains high amount of calories.

If you want to make almond frost, you can just add almond extract. For vanilla frost, you can add vanilla extract, instead of almond extract. I have tried adding both and the result is still good. You can even add pumpkin spice creamer to make it more flavorful.

A recipe I have not tried yet is the orange with mocha smoothie. It will still be iced coffee but it will have scoops of orange sherbet and a slice of fresh orange. What you will need to gather are chilled chocolate milk, roasted concentrated coffee, milk, whipped cream, orange slice, and scoops of orange sherbet.

To make a mocha orange smoothie, you just need to chill a glass in the freezer. Get your blender and put in the chocolate milk and the instant coffee. Blend them well until the coffee crystals are dissolved. Add the sherbet. Blend until you achieve the desired consistency. Pour the mixture into the chilled glass. Top it with whipped cream. Garnish the beverage with orange slice. Drink it with straw.

Conclusion

No matter what brand of coffee you would like to drink, the benefits of coffee will remain. Some people would love to drink their cup of coffee hot while others love it cold. For me, I love both. But I try not to make iced coffee often as I am usually tempted to add more sweeteners and whipped cream. Coffee may have several health benefits but the added ingredients may cancel them out.

I still need to master how to brew the ideal way. I do not have a coffee grinder so I purchase ground coffee with the right consistency. According to my research, having a coffee grinder is essential in getting the ideal brewing. Coffee experts recommend brewing fresh ground coffee. But this is unattainable for people who do not have coffee grinders.

On how to make iced coffee, the instructions we have discussed will help you make the iced coffee more flavorful. But if you are like my mother who does not want complicated procedure, she just adds her instant coffee to a glass of cold water. Mix and drink. She loves it. I, on the other hand, want the iced brewed coffee and not the instant one.

Holistic Treatment for Arthritis – 4 Natural Remedies

If you’re an arthritis sufferer, then you’ll be glad to know that holistic treatment for arthritis is now available. Well, it’s been obtainable for thousands of years. The only problem is that most sufferers use synthetic medicines to alleviate their signs and symptoms.

More and more people are now turning into the natural approach in relieving the pain and swelling associated with arthritis. On this post, you’ll find some of the best natural remedies for arthritis. They’re known to have anti-inflammatory properties. That said, they can be of great use in treating your RA or rheumatoid arthritis.

Aloe vera

It’s a useful holistic treatment for arthritis that offers several healing properties. Although it’s known for its skin benefits, aloe vera can be used in soothing or relieving the pain caused by this condition.

You may choose to obtain aloe vera in liquid form or in gel form, it doesn’t matter. Each form offers some great relief to your pain.

Cat’s claw

In the Philippines, you can easily find it anywhere. From farm to schools to a lawn, cat’s claw is easy to obtain.

This has anti-inflammatory properties that may be useful in reducing the swelling caused by arthritis. It comes from a tropical vine. The benefits of cat’s claw have been noted since Inca civilizations.

Before, its benefits were focused on boosting immune system. However, in recent years, researchers found its ability to reduce swelling in patients with arthritis. In fact, in a study conducted at the University of Maryland Medical Center, it showed that this herb could treat the pain and swelling of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t have scientific proof if it could prevent further damage to the joints affected.

Ginger

This, too, is easy to find. In fact, you may have one in your kitchen right now. In various alternative medicines, ginger becomes a staple. Thanks to its many healing properties.

The compounds that make this herb to have stronger flavor are the same compounds that make this herb a wonderful holistic treatment for arthritis. Studies about ginger in alleviating arthritis pain are still ongoing. However, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine says that the results of the studies are promising.

Green tea

This is another reason you should go for green tea, rather than soda if you have arthritis. It turns out. Green tea isn’t only effective in helping you lose weight but it’s also very useful in reducing inflammation caused by arthritis. Hence, it’s a great holistic treatment for arthritis that you can try.

Consult your physician

Even though these holistic treatments for arthritis can offer better results than conventional medicines, it’s still essential that you consult your case with your physician. These days, more and more doctors are willing to look into the benefits of alternative remedies, rather than forcing their patients to take synthetic medicines.

You also have to talk to your doctor about these herbs because some of them may interact with your current medicine. It’s important to remember that natural remedies can still cause serious negative effects. 

Acid Reflux – 4 Natural Remedies for Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is one of the symptoms of gall bladder stone. But, just because you have it, doesn’t mean you have cholelithiasis.

This condition feels like there’s burning inside your chest all the way to your neck. I experience this, too, after having a heavy meal, like roasted pig.

There are medications available to help in calming the burning. To save you from going to a pharmacy, you can just try natural remedies for acid reflux. Let’s take a look at some of them and find out whether or not they truly work.

Melatonin supplement

It’s a natural supplement that’s mainly used as a sleeping aid. However, there have been some studies showing that it can help in relieving acid reflux. Unfortunately, these studies are non-conclusive. But there are people who could swear its effectiveness.

Hence, before you take it, make sure that you check with your doctor.

Milk

Drinking a glass of milk, whether hot or cold, may help relieve the condition. However, doctors believe that it may produce more acid, thereby, worsening your heartburn. Although it can temporarily provide a buffer, it’s not advisable.

Despite that, you should not get rid of milk from your diet as it’s rich in calcium. But don’t overdo it. Doctors recommend drinking not more than 8 ounces of it at a time.

Gum

This one does wonder to your acid reflux. By chewing gum, production of more saliva is stimulated, thereby, providing acid buffer.

And as you chew gum, you’re swallowing more, pushing the acids back to the esophagus and to your stomach.

When you use this home remedy, however, make sure that you’re chewing sugar-free. It’s not because it can trigger heartburn but this option protects your teeth while alleviating your condition.

Baking soda

I’ve tried this home remedy once. It worked because baking soda is a sodium bicarbonate that neutralizes acid.

To use, simply add a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water. (I used warm water.) Stir. Make sure that it’s well-mixed before you drink the concoction.

Here are some strategies to soothe the burn

>Don’t eat foods that can trigger this condition. These foods will include caffeine, citrus fruits, chocolate, and high-fat foods. Instead, focus on eating more fiber to help digest what you’re eating and move it to your stomach a lot easier.

>Don’t eat heavy meals or 3 big ones. Instead, you should trying eating 6 meals a day. Eating one big meal can trigger heartburn.

>Eat at least 3 hours before bedtime. In this way, your stomach will have enough time to empty the content before lying down.

>Lose weight by following a healthy diet. It’s also recommended that you exercise so you’ll lose weight fast.

>Quit smoking. The act of smoking affects the muscle that makes sure the acids will stay in the stomach.

>Avoid wearing tight clothes. They’re cool but they can put a lot of pressure to your abdomen, which may lead to acid reflux.

On the other hand, if your acid reflux persists, you need to consult your physician. As I previously mentioned, it could be a symptom of gall stones.

Simple Yet Effective Natural Home Remedies And OTC Products For Acne

There are no cures for acne but there are natural home remedies that you can try to alleviate it. Because there is no sign yet of a cure, it is up to you to find a solution that can help you deal with the outbreaks. Although you can easily purchase over-the-counter products, there are simple natural home remedies that can be as effective as OTC treatments.

But before discussing the popular home remedies available, here is a list of OTC products available on the market.

1. Keratolytic acids

When applied topically to the affected areas, they can break down the oils that have been blocking the hair follicles. They can also slough off dead skin cells on the surface. Examples of OTC products that contain keratolytic acids will include:

·         Clearasil Medicated Wipes

·         DermaVeen Acne Cleansing Bar

·         Clearasil Acne Treatment Cream

2. Retinoids

This is one of the most effective remedies for this skin condition. Unfortunately, it can cause irritation. You can apply it topically or take it by mouth. You can also find prescription drugs that contain this ingredient.

3. Benzoyl peroxide

Panoxyl is one of the most popular acne treatments that contains benzoyl peroxide. What it does is that it encourages removal of dead cells on the skin’s surface while it suppresses bacteria-causing acne.

4. Topical antibiotic

This can also be used to control breakouts. But antibiotics are only available with prescription.

Since these OTC products can cause irritation, you might want to consider these natural home remedies that are as effective as those OTC treatments.

1. Ice cube

This can ease the inflammation as long as you apply it at the first sign of a pimple. You must apply it twice a day, 5 minutes at a time.

2. Tea tree oil

A drop of this oil can remove blemishes as it discourages and infection and speeds up the healing process. Five percent of this oil is considered to be as effective as five percent benzoyl peroxide solution.

3. Aloe vera

This is one of the most popular natural home remedies for acne. In one study conducted, participants who used aloe vera gel for their acne problems have reported that their skin has been completely healed after applying such within five days. You may purchase a product that contains aloe vera, like Herbalife Herbal Aloe. Or, if you have aloe vera in your home, you can squeeze its gel and apply it to your skin.

4. Vinegar or lemon juice

With the use of a cotton wool ball, apply this natural remedy to the affected areas. The acids found in these products can flush out the elements that block the hair follicle.

5. Spice and honey

A mixture of spice and honey can also heal pimples. Simply mix one teaspoon of powdered nutmeg and one teaspoon of honey. Then, apply the mixture to the skin.

6. Natural yogurt

If you can find natural, live yogurt, then that would be great as it can also be an effective natural home remedy for acne. It can soothe and heal the skin. To maximize its benefits, you must use it after taking a chamomile steam bath.

How often should you clean your face?

When dealing with acne, you must keep your skin as clean as possible, but not overly clean. Keep in mind that overcleansing can exacerbate the condition as it stimulates sebaceous glands to produce more oil thereby causing your skin to be oiler.

When cleaning your face, you must avoid granulated cleansers or a face washer. These two may harbor bacteria-causing acne.

Can you make a natural skin cleanser?

By mixing one teaspoon of Epsom salts and three drops of iodine to 125 mL, you can create a natural skin cleanser, which is effective in treating acne.

Should you visit a dermatologist?

Acne is not a life-threatening condition. It is not a major issue if you have pimples every now and then. However, if you do not respond to OTC products or natural home remedies within three months of using them, then you must consider consulting a dermatologist.

You should also consider talking to a skin doctor if your face is always red even without the presence of acne as you may have a condition known as rosacea.

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Acne Remedy   

Popular Natural Allergy Remedies That You Must Know To Counter Symptoms Of Allergies

Itching, runny nose, and sneezing are common symptoms of allergies. To alleviate them, you can take medication. But you must take it before the attack to get the best results.

Or you may try the natural remedies for common allergies listed below. Each of them contains natural anti-histamines that can tackle the symptoms.

1. Ginkgo biloba

You may know this herb as a memory-boosting plant but it is also known to herbalists as an effective natural allergy remedy. Be sure to find a supplement that includes ginkgo flavones as active ingredient. And you must take it as directed.

What makes it effective? It contains ginkgolides that can inhibit the activity of allergy-triggering chemicals.

2. Nettle

Freeze-dried leaves from this plant are available in capsule form. You can purchase it from most health food shops. You must take it as directed by the manufacturer.

What makes it an effective natural allergy remedy? It has certain substance that acts as natural anti-histamine.

3. Quercetin

It is the pigment that gives grapes their purple color. It also makes green tea green.

How does it help? This pigment has an ability to prevent the release of histamine during the attack.

Warning: You must not take it if you are already taking nettle as the latter contains quercetin.

4. Vitamin C

It can be easily purchased from supermarkets, grocery stores and pharmacies.

Can it be an effective natural remedy for common allergies? According to studies, this vitamin has natural anti-histamine that can control the symptoms of hay fever.

You must take up to 500 mg each day while you are still suffering from the symptoms of such condition. You can take more than 500 mg only if prescribed by your doctor.

5. Omega-3 fatty acids

They are found in sardines, trout, salmon and fresh tuna. You may also take supplements that contain such element. But make sure that such supplement has 1000mg of combined eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids.

You may also try flaxseed oil or linseed oil. These, too, contain omega-3 fatty acids. Take 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil each day. You can add it to your glass of fresh juice, salad dressings or smoothie. But you must avoid heating it as its nutrients may be dissolved.

How they become effective natural remedies for common allergies? They can assist in countering inflammatory responses in the body.

Here are is a list of natural home remedies for common allergies that you can also try:

1. Cool water

Simply soothe your swollen eyes with cool water using a clean face washer. Place it over the affected areas as often as you want. Make sure that the washer is clean to avoid infection to your eyes.

2. Hot compress

To drain the mucus and relieve the pain, you may apply a hot compress to your inflamed sinuses.

3. Eucalyptus, tea-tree and peppermint

These are essential oils that can clear congestion because of their anti-viral and anti-septic properties. Simply add two to five drops of the oil of your choice into a container of boiling or steaming hot water. Then, tent your head with a clean towel and start inhaling the vapor.

Now, that you know some of the effective natural home remedies for common allergies, you might wonder why you experience those symptoms.

These symptoms are indications that your immune system is reacting to harmless substances. In normal situation, IS ignores pollen, dust, and other triggers and simply focuses on protecting your body against viruses and bacteria.

However, if you have an allergy, your IS can no longer distinguish harmless from harmful substances. Unfortunately, common allergies can be inherited. But do not worry. Just use some of those remedies mentioned above to help you deal with the symptoms. 

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Natural Remedies For Anxiety

If you feel threatened to something that is vague or not known, then you are suffering from anxiety. You always feel worried but you are not sure of its reason. When it attacks, you experience a number of symptoms, such as shivering, poor concentration, sweating, irritability and shallow breathing, among others.

Good thing is that there are natural remedies for this condition. You may use herbs and essential oils each time you take a warm bath. You can also add them to your teas and comfort foods to help you calm yourself.

CALM YOUR SENSES

• By taking a warm bath, you can soothe your nerves. Some lavender can be added to maximize its benefits. For over 2,000 years, Lavender has been used to soothe and relax nerves.
• Alternately, you may dab a little of lavender oil on your forehead and sit somewhere quietly for several minutes.

SIP

WARM MILK

• Sipping a glass of warm milk is not only an effective natural remedy for insomnia but it is also an effective remedy for anxiety. It always works and you can drink it any time of the day.
• Milk has tryptophan that enhances your feeling of wellbeing. Tryptophan is an amino acid being used by your body to produce brain chemical serotonin. You may also try bananas and turkey as they, too, contain such amino acid.

HOPS

• They are used as a sedative for many years now. Farmers who harvested this herb used to suffer from drowsiness and sleepiness.
• To use it as a natural remedy for anxiety, you just add 2 teaspoons of this herb in your cup of hot water and drink it. You must drink this anti-anxiety tea three times a day to maximize its benefits.
• Hops, by the way, are herbs used to give beer a distinctive flavor.

RELAXING TEA

• By mixing lavender, lime tree and Seville orange blossom, you can make a relaxing tea that can surely resolve your anxiety. This tea encourages sleep so it must only be taken at bedtime.
• You may also use passionflower to relieve your anxiety. It is a sedative herb that can soothe your nerves and should be taken at bedtime.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

• Performing aerobic exercise can also relieve anxiety. By taking a brisk walk 30 minutes a day can trigger the release of endorphin, which are chemicals that can improve mood while blocking any pain that you feel.
• Meditation will also help. Perform meditative activity, like praying or watching your fish in your aquarium for 15 minutes a day can also do the trick.

SHOULD YOU VISIT YOUR DOCTOR

• Anxiety can take a serious toll on your health. This is especially if the condition has been going on for so long. You must seek immediate help if you are always anxious.
• The symptoms of anxiety mimic the symptoms of other serious conditions, like hypoglycemia, heart attack and hyperthyroidism. Thus, talking to your doctor is a must.
• Taking of prescription drugs may also cause anxiety or panic attacks. Discuss them with your doctor to find resolution. Your doctor may even advise you to look at those natural home remedies for anxiety discussed above to relieve your condition. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Janey Danes started her career as a part-time article writer, editor and proofreader in 2008. She specializes in topics related to health, travel, technology, family, and spiritual life. Janey is a licensed medical technologist and she holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology.     

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The Different Natural Home Remedies To Remove Liver Spots Or Age Spots

Age spots or liver spots are brown pigmentation found on the back of the hands. Although they are called as “age” spots, they are not caused by age. Instead, they are the result of excess pigmentation from years of being exposed to the sunlight. Keep in mind that the side effects of sun exposure will not be visible until later in life. But this pigmentation can develop on your 20s or 30s.

If you take drugs for diabetes and high blood pressure, then you are more prone to develop age spots. Diuretics and tetracycline will also make you more sensitive to the heat of the sun making you more likely to suffer from this type of pigmentation.

What are the natural age spot removal remedies available?

1. Lemon

The juice of a lemon is one of the effective liver spots remover methods that you can use. Its mild acidity is strong enough to peel off the outer layer of the skin to remove the age spots.

How to use it as liver spots remover? Apply the juice to the affected areas twice a day, until the pigmentation disappears.

2. Aloe vera gel

This plant has chemicals that take off dead cells while they encourage growth of healthy ones.

How to use it to remove those dark spots? You need to cut the leaf of the plant. Then, gently squeeze it to extract its gel. Apply the gel directly to the pigmentation once or twice a day.

3. Buttermilk

It contains lactic acid that can exfoliate the skin that has been damaged by the sun, including those pigmented areas.

How to use it as an age spot removal? Simply wipe those pigmented areas with this milk once or twice a day.

4. Strawberries

They are great for fading age spots. They are also ideal in lightening your freckles.

How to use it as a natural home remedy for this issue? Obtain one to two fresh strawberries from your backyard or from the supermarket. Mash them properly. Then, mix them with two teaspoons of any cream. Make sure that the mixture looks like a sloppy paste.

After that, apply it to the affected areas. Leave it there for about 15 minutes before removing it with warm, damp face washer. Do not forget to pat it dry.

5. Honey and yogurt

These two ingredients contain bleaching properties that can lighten your age spots.

How to use it? Simply mix one teaspoon of plain yogurt and a teaspoon of honey in a clean container. Then, apply the mixture to the affected areas. Let it dry for 30 minutes before rinsing it. You must do this once a day.

Prevention tips

However, if you do not have age spots yet, you might want to consider knowing how to prevent them from having them.

Here is a list of natural home prevention methods that you can use:

1. Apply sunscreen protection

Each time you go out, you must apply sunscreen to your face and back of your hands, 30 minutes before you go out. You must use a product with SPF 15 or higher. Choose a product that contains zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.

If you need to be outside for longer hours, you must reapply sunscreen every two hours or as needed.

2. Wear a hat

Make sure that the hat has a wide brim of 10 cm. This sunhat keeps the sun’s rays off your face and neck, thereby, preventing age spots or liver spots from developing.

Do not choose a hat made of woven straw as it does not provide enough protection.

3. Apply vitamin E oil

This type of vitamin contains anti-oxidant that can prevent age spots from occurring. It neutralizes the damaging effects of the free radicals.

4. Avoid the sun

As much as possible, you must avoid going under the heat of the sun to avoid age spots. Specifically, you must avoid going out during peak hours, i.e from 10 am to 4 pm, if you live in hot climates. 

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