True or Falsies #6 - Wink, wink!

One of my friends always great little beauty tips for our little group of ladies, but I’m a little unsure of her most recent suggestion.....applying petroleum jelly to your eyelashes to make them grow faster. Is this true or is my friend crazy?

********** FALSE **********

Well, I’m no psychiatrist, but I think you’re friend may be a little crazy!  Applying petroleum jelly to your eyelashes to make them grow faster is just that – CRAZY! Using petroleum jelly on your eyelashes could actually plug glands on the inner rims of your eyelids that produce tears, flush out debris and fend off infections.


Do you want a nasty infection? I didn’t think so! I hate to break it to you, but it’s genetics my friends. You either have those gorgeous thick eyelashes everyone seems to want, or you don’t. Don’t feel bad though. You aren’t alone in that group. In fact, there are quite of few with this very problem...including me. So join the club lovelies!


Cheers to beauty-ful days!
Nina

The Urban Beauty Bar

SUPERFOOD HIGHWAY: Part 6

POMEGRANATES

Pomegranates are the first thing that usually comes to mind these days when talking about  antioxidants and fruits with major health benefits. Studies show that drinking pomegranate juice daily may help support the normal blood flow to the heart. It has great antioxidant properties which helps keep bad cholesterol from forming. Gotta keep that ticker in shape!


Need some help figuring out what’s fact and what’s fiction about pomegranates? Well, that’s what we are here for!

Health Benefits:

•       Fights Breast Cancer
•       Lung Cancer Prevention
•       Protects the Neonatal Brain
•       Protects the Arteries
•       Lowers Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
•       Dental Protection Against Dental Plaque
•       Slows Prostate Cancer
•       Keeps PSA Levels Stable

Phew....the list is getting longer and longer as more research done on the effects of pomegranate juice come to light. Thank goodness for those smart researchers! Pomegranates are a little tricky and time consuming to eat as you have to take all the seeds wrapped in the white membrane, but well worth it once you get it all done. Enjoy those pomegranates!

Recipe Idea:

Grilled Lamb Chops with Pomegranate-Port Reduction


•       1 lemon, zested and juiced
•       2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
•       2 cloves garlic, minced
•       salt and black pepper to taste
•       8 (3 ounce) lamb chops
•       1/2 cup fresh unsweetened pomegranate juice
•       1 cup port wine
•       2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds


Directions


1.      Whisk together the lemon zest and juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a bowl; pour into a resealable plastic bag. Add the lamb chops, coat with the marinade, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Set aside to marinate.


2.      Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grate.


3.      Bring the pomegranate juice and port wine to a simmer in a small saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, and continue simmering until the liquid has reduced to half of its original volume, about 45 minutes. Stir in the pomegranate seeds and set aside.


4.      Remove the lamb from the marinade, and shake off excess. Discard the remaining marinade. Cook the chops on the preheated grill until they start to firm, and are reddish-pink and juicy in the center, about 4 minutes per side for medium rare. Serve the chops drizzled with the pomegranate-port reduction.

Cheers to beauty-ful days!
Nina
The Urban Beauty Bar

SUPERFOOD HIGHWAY: Part 5

GUAVA

Guava is very common fruit seen in Asian countries. Even if you has yet to taste one of these mouth-watering treats, you have at least have seen or heard about it. What you might not know about them is that they are a real powerhouse of nutrients.






Health Benefits:


There are a few reasons why guava is healthy for you. First off, guava has a higher concentration of lycopene (an antioxidant that fights prostate cancer) than any other plant food. Higher than tomato, you ask? Yup. Higher than those too! It’s also rich in fibre with about 9 grams of fibre in every cup. Fibre has found to be beneficial in prevention of diabetes by slowing down the absorption of sugar in the body.


It lowers risk of cancer and diabetes. Guava contains a high vitamin C content which is known as one of the potent antioxidants which help protects cells from free radical damage. Guavas are very good sources of vitamin A, the nutrient best known for preserving and improving eyesight. How does it help your skin? Here is another reason to jump on the guava train.....


Guavas can help improve your skin texture due to the abundance of astringents in its fruits and in leaves. Your skin can benefit two ways from it. By eating the fruits, you can help tighten your muscles. You can also get its benefits by washing your skin with the decoction of its immature fruits and leaves to tone up and tighten the loosened skin.

As an added plus for your skin, guava is very rich in vitamin-A, B, C and potassium which are excellent anti oxidants and detoxifiers. Phew....that was a mouthful! Enjoy your guava!


Recipe Idea:

Guava Preserves


•       24 guavas, peeled
•       2 quarts water
•       4 cups white sugar
•       1 cup fresh orange juice
•       1 cup white sugar, or as needed
•       plantain leaves for wrapping (optional)


1.      Place the guavas in a large pot and fill with enough water to cover, about 2 quarts. Bring to a boil, and then simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes. Drain fruit and pass through a strainer or food mill to turn into pulp.

2.      Place the pulp in a stainless steel or copper pot and stir in 4 cups of sugar and orange juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture is thick enough to peel off of the bottom of the pan.

3.      Cover the surface of a 10x15 inch jellyroll pan with about half of the remaining sugar. Pour the hot guava mixture onto it and sprinkle the remaining sugar over the top. Let it cool to room temperature. When cooled, cut into squares and wrap in dried plantain leaves if you like. You could wrap in waxed paper or cellophane if the leaves are not available.


Cheers to beauty-ful days!
Nina

The Urban Beauty Bar