Jacques' Archive

Many women dream of having long and beautiful hair. The question is, can biotin (a water-soluble B-complex vitamin) help make hair grow faster and longer? Although there is a lack of research into the hair-growing properties of this B-Complex vitamin, what is known is that a deficiency of this vitamin can lead to hair loss, thin and brittle hair, and split ends. When hair is unhealthy, it becomes fragile, breaking easily, and tending to fall out. Biotin is found in nuts, egg yolks, fish, raspberries, soy, and whole-wheat bread. It may also be taken in supplement form, although the body’s gastrointestinal bacteria should produce ample amounts of this vitamin. Biotin is nevertheless generally associated with hair growth and consequently longer hair. So, what is biotin? Biotin, or vitamin B7 or vitamin H, plays an important part in cell production, particularly protein creation: hair is made of the protein keratin. Biotin reacts with cell enzymes, creating amino acids, which in turn...

Warm yellow in color, turmeric has been used as a pigment and in flavoring cooked food. It is also used as a cheaper substitute for saffron. However, this humble spice offers many health benefits. Many of these are not new, but we seem to constantly uncover more uses of this golden spice known from ancient times. Through extensive research into its pharmacological use, the wonder of turmeric is spreading for the many benefits it can provide in treating and reducing many symptoms related to various health conditions. What is so special about turmeric? Turmeric is more than merely a spice used in cooking. This spice also offers several benefits to your health: A cancer inhibitor: Turmeric is packed with antioxidants that protect cell DNA, keeping it healthy. Turmeric aids in inhibiting the growth pathways in some cancer cells. Therefore, although turmeric is no cure for cancer, it can amend the body so that it is less prone to cancer. This is because the main component of turme...

With summer approaching, who doesn’t want a beach body? However, during the winter months, you may have consumed too many sweet, filled donuts and chocolate-chip cookies. Still, you are determined to set things right and go to the gym to work off those extra inches. What, therefore, will give you the best results ─ cardio or weight training? What is the difference between cardio and weight training? Many believe that cardio exercise will burn more fat, as many calories are burnt off per training session. However, the results will be limited. Cardio exercise conditions the body to make better use of energy reserves. You may, therefore, have gained the impression that cardio is better than weight training: you are set to lose more weight than when weight training. However, the downside of cardio is that you may use some of your muscles for energy needs. By contrast, weight training assists in strengthening your muscles while toning your body. There is another aspect to weight tra...

A healthy lifestyle includes eating healthily. This may seem dull and only for fitness freaks; however, 80% of all strokes and heart diseases are preventable simply by following a healthy eating plan. We should all, therefore, pay attention to diet. A difficulty Americans have is that the guidelines of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Guide Pyramid of 1992 have been updated several times since then. Originally, the advice was to consume large amounts of carbohydrates and few proteins and fats, the value of good fats in the diet being overlooked. However, much research has been conducted over the last 40 years, with many foods having been identified as healthy for us over the long term. In America, it should also be remembered that lobby groups have been working relentlessly to protect their own interests. Research emanating from the Harvard School of Public Health and the University of Michigan seems more enlightened. What type of foods are healthy foods? Wh...

Depression, often referred to as a mental condition, can negatively change your outlook on life, leaving you lacking energy and little hope for the future. It is, however, true that most people do have odd bouts of depression. However, if this ‘down’ feeling lingers longer than just a few days, you could be suffering from depression properly. Researchers have been studying the link between mind and body, leading to insights into the condition of depression. Research has uncovered that depression is more than merely psychological ─ it involves biological and physical aspects. Depression could even be triggered by an allergic reaction to inflammation. What are the symptoms of depression? Symptoms can vary from: A loss of interest in activities once enjoyed Withdrawal from social events Pervasive sadness Lack of energy A feeling of worthlessness Increased eating or drinking Suicidal thoughts. The issue of inflammation Inflammation is not all bad; it’s the body’s ...