Divorce is bad for health

Divorce at a younger age is more detrimental to one's health than later in life as older people can cope better with the ensuing disruption and stress.
Michigan State University sociologist Hui Liu, who led the study said "that we need more social and family support for the younger divorced groups."

"This could include divorce counselling to help people handle the stress, or offering marital therapy or prevention programs to maintain marital satisfaction," added Hui, the journal Social Science & Medicine reports.

Hui analyzed the self-reported health of 1,282 participants in Americans' Changing Lives, a long-term national survey, according to a Michigan statement.

She measured the gap in health status between those who remained married during the 15-year study period and those who transitioned from marriage to divorce, at certain ages and among different birth cohorts, or generations.

Hui found the gap was wider at younger ages. For example, among people born in the 1950s, those who got divorced between the ages of 35 and 41 reported more health problems in relation to their continuously married counterparts than those who got divorced in the 44 to 50 age range.

From a generational perspective, the negative health impact was stronger for baby boomers than it was for older generations - a finding that surprised Hui.

"I would have expected divorce to carry less stress for the younger generation, since divorce is more prevalent for them," she said.

Facebook addiction makes people depressed

While logging into Facebook account many times a day in office or at home may have turned an irresistible habit for a lot of people, particularly the young, a study has said being glued to it could actually be making people sadder.

According to the study by Utah Valley University, the more the people use the hugely popular social networking website, the more they will believe that others are much happier, the Daily Mail reported.

The study found the carefully-chosen pictures of smiling, cheerful faces which Facebook users tend to plaster over their pages cumulatively convey a debilitating message to others.

It says those who had used Facebook for longer were also 'significantly' likely to agree with the statement that 'life is unfair'.

Researchers thus suggest that a quick way to cheer oneself up could be deleting one's account from the site.

Conversely, the study - published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behaviour and Social Networking - found that people who spent more time actually socialising with friends in real life were less likely to feel they had been handed life's short straw.

Get noticed, get promoted

Some tips to cut those promotion lines and be noticed at work for good.

Forget spouting the 'right phrases' and walking the boss's dog. There are more solid ways to be noticed at work. And no, you don't have to stoop to sycophancy and late hours. If you really want to stand out at work, here are the things you should do:

Don't wait to be asked
Take the initiative and do little things that impact the team, without being asked. Preparing progress reports, putting back-ups in place or setting up reminders - it's a sure way to be noticed in a hurry. If you can see the logical conclusion of steps A and B, go ahead and do before being told to.

Don't shut up
Meetings are black holes that gulp time, attention and energy. First off, don't sit in a corner or near the door which indicates you are anxious to buzz off or remain unseen. Sit up front and pay attention. Ask questions and voice opinions - but not too much. Don't be afraid to disagree.

Jot it down
The reputation for being reliable is slowly built and start with small steps. Keep all the visiting cards you collect handy, phone numbers in a file, pens in a stand, a calendar on your desk - and you become the go-to guy for everything.

Keep books around
Sure, you can find everything on the Internet, but books give you an air of intellect. They also indicate that you keep yourself updated, cross-check your knowledge and believe in reference.

Know the staff
Be kind and respectful to the staff you don't have to 'work' with - janitors, liftman, peons and watchmen. But don't be condescending. Know their names like you would your colleagues' and address them by it. Don't forget 'please' and 'thank yous' and never raise your voice at them.

Learn to lead

In today's challenging times, learning to lead is one of the most important skills. Unnati Narang tells you three simple steps required to become a true leader

Leaders are not born, but made. In that sense, leadership is something one is honed into and not inherently blessed with. It comes with years of experience gained from working in teams, continuous self-analysis, understanding what one is good at and how those good qualities can shine through and rub into inspiring others. Such a model of charismatic leadership is not built in one night. It comes from perseverance and investment in the self.

Experience
Developing leadership skills is easier said than done. It is not a matter of two days of classroom training, or watching an inspiring leadershiprelated movie. It comes from practice, practice and practice. Leadership is an experience, or a culmination of learning through a set of experiences. Dhimant Parekh, founder, The Better India, completed his MBA (Strategy, Leadership and IT) from ISB Hyderabad in 2006. Sharing his learning experience, he says, "At ISB, the diversity is very varied. When you actually meet people from all ages and backgrounds, you quickly learn to adapt. In one year, you're thrown into diverse study groups; it just teaches you how to rally your team. When you are back at work with a fresh leadership perspective, you know how to find a common thread running through various ambitions, needs and mindsets. I worked for five years before joining ISB and could actually appreciate these complexities and possible clashes between your work objectives and the team objectives. In contrast, short-term training programmes are effective only for a short span of time."

Observe
So how should one go about developing leadership skills when it's largely about experiences? "Learn from observation," advises Mohammad Nibras PK, HR head and Qualitative Research head, LeadCap Knowledge Solutions and founding trustee, LeadCap Trust. "Some of the leadership lessons are best learnt from children. Look at children learning new things and it observe that they normally follow a pattern of imitation to start with.

They imitate the actions, language, emotions, etc of the people they come across on a daily basis; the initial level of following others' actions would continue till a point where they start discovering their own thought process, character and behaviour. Potential leaders can use the learning pattern of children to start their leadership journey by following the action manuals of other recognised leaders. The experiences of world leaders are easily available nowadays in the form of books, online, seminars, etc. Thus, to lead, first we need to follow the footsteps of other leaders and eventually discover our unique style of leadership in the journey."

Persevere
Individuals and organisations alike can build leadership over a sustained period of time. Dinesh V Divekar, Bangalore-based management and behavioural training consultant explains, "Leadership training for a couple of days in isolation does not work. Organisations should embark on a Leadership Development Programme (LDP) instead, that lasts for a couple one-two years. Organisations should have a demarcating structure of the various stages of leadership. As the level increases, the requirements change and training contents should vary accordingly. Follow-up by senior managers should be built in."

To develop leadership skills, it is important to first recognise and understand what these leadership skills essentially consist of. "The term leadership has been very loosely used in varying contexts. Fundamentally, a leader is someone who leads, who influences others and inspires them. It could be a Steve Jobs known for inspiring innovation and creativity or a JRD Tata known for his strong vision.

Leaders empower others, they delegate work in a way that others shoulder responsibility and have the space to grow. The first step towards building leadership skills is to be open-minded, empathetic and to know your people to work with them. A leader should also know when to be a follower and learn from others," concludes Pratyush Pundir, partner, sales and operations at Four Forty Hertz Music LLP.

Aging: What to expect as you get older

Do you expect to find a few more wrinkles and gray hairs each time you look in the mirror? These are just some of the changes you're likely to notice as you get older. You're not necessarily at the mercy of Mother Nature, however. Here's a list of common aging-related changes — and what you can do to promote good health at any age.

Your cardiovascular system

What's happening. Over time, your heart muscle becomes less efficient — working harder to pump the same amount of blood through your body. In addition, your blood vessels lose some of their elasticity and hardened fatty deposits may form on the inner walls of your arteries (atherosclerosis). These changes make your arteries stiffer, causing your heart to work even harder to pump blood through them. This can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension) and other cardiovascular problems.

What you can do about it. To promote heart health, include physical activity in your daily routine. Try walking, swimming or other physical activities. Eat a healthy diet, including plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. If you smoke, ask your doctor to help you quit. Your risk of heart disease will begin to fall almost immediately.

Your bones, joints and muscles

What's happening. With age, bones tend to shrink in size and density — which weakens them and makes them more susceptible to fracture. You might even become a bit shorter. Muscles generally lose strength and flexibility, and you may become less coordinated or have trouble balancing.

What you can do about it. Include plenty of calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Build bone density with weight-bearing activities, such as walking. Consider strength training at least twice a week, too. By stressing your bones, strength training increases bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Building muscle also protects your joints from injury and helps you maintain flexibility and balance.

Your digestive system

What's happening. Constipation is more common in older adults. Many factors can contribute to constipation, including a low-fiber diet, not drinking enough fluids and lack of exercise. Various medications, including diuretics and iron supplements, may contribute to constipation. Certain medical conditions, including diabetes and irritable bowel syndrome, may increase the risk of constipation as well.

What you can do about it. To prevent constipation, drink water and other fluids and eat a healthy diet — including plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Include physical activity in your daily routine. Don't ignore the urge to have a bowel movement. If you're taking medications that may contribute to constipation, ask your doctor about alternatives.

Your bladder and urinary tract

What's happening. Loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence) is common with aging. Health problems such as obesity, frequent constipation and chronic cough may contribute to incontinence — as can menopause, for women, and an enlarged prostate, for men.

What you can do about it. Urinate more often. If you're overweight, lose excess pounds. If you smoke, ask your doctor to help you quit. Pelvic muscle exercises (Kegel exercises) might help, too. Simply tighten your pelvic muscles as if you're stopping your stream of urine. Aim for at least three sets of 10 repetitions a day. If these suggestions don't help, ask your doctor about other treatment options.

Your memory

What's happening. Memory tends to becomes less efficient with age, as the number of cells (neurons) in the brain decreases. It may take longer to learn new things or remember familiar words or names.

What you can do about it. To keep your memory sharp, include physical activity in your daily routine and eat a healthy diet. It's also helpful to stay mentally and socially active. If you're concerned about memory loss, consult your doctor.

Your eyes and ears

What's happening. With age, the eyes are less able to produce tears, the retinas thin, and the lenses gradually become less clear. Focusing on objects that are close up may become more difficult. You may become more sensitive to glare and have trouble adapting to different levels of light. Your hearing may dim somewhat as well. You may have difficulty hearing high frequencies or following a conversation in a crowded room.

What you can do about it. Schedule regular vision and hearing exams — then follow your doctor's advice about glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and other corrective devices. To prevent further damage, wear sunglasses when you're outdoors and use earplugs when you're around loud machinery or other loud noises.

Your teeth

What's happening. Your mouth may begin to feel drier and your gums may pull back (recede) from your teeth. With less saliva to wash away bacteria, your teeth and gums become slightly more vulnerable to decay and infection. Your teeth also may darken slightly and become more brittle and easier to break.

What you can do about it. Brush your teeth twice a day and clean between your teeth — using regular dental floss or an interdental cleaner — once a day. Visit your dentist or dental hygienist for regular dental checkups.

Your skin

What's happening. With age, your skin thins and becomes less elastic and more fragile. You may notice that you bruise more easily. Decreased production of natural oils may make your skin drier and more wrinkled. Age spots can occur, and small growths called skin tags are more common.

What you can do about it. Bathe in warm — not hot — water, and use mild soap and moisturizer. When you're outdoors, use sunscreen and wear protective clothing. If you smoke, ask your doctor to help you quit. Smoking contributes to skin damage, such as wrinkling.

Your weight

What's happening. Maintaining a healthy weight — or losing weight if you're overweight — is more difficult as you get older. Muscle mass tends to decrease with age, which leads to an increase in fat. Since fat tissue burns fewer calories than does muscle, you may need to reduce the number of calories in your diet or increase your physical activity simply to maintain your current weight.

What you can do about it. To prevent unwanted weight gain, include physical activity in your daily routine and eat a healthy diet. Also keep an eye on portion sizes. You might not need to eat as much as you used to.

Your sexuality

What's happening. With age, sexual needs, patterns and performance may change. Illness or medication may affect your ability to enjoy sex. For women, vaginal dryness can make sex uncomfortable. For men, impotence may become a concern. It may take longer to get an erection, and erections may not be as firm as they used to be.

What you can do about it. Share your needs and concerns with your partner. You might experiment with different positions or sexual activities. Be open with your doctor, too. He or she may offer specific treatment suggestions — such as estrogen cream for vaginal dryness or oral medication for erectile dysfunction.

Remember, it's never too late to adopt a healthy lifestyle. You can't stop the aging process, but you can minimize the impact by making healthy lifestyle choices.

Best eating habits for busy people

"I follow a super-busy lifestyle, have no time to cook, yet health is a priority for me and I want to learn a few healthy eating tricks."

If this is you and you tend to juggle work, family, cleaning, cooking, errands and what not, then maintaining a healthy lifestyle without having the luxury of time can be an uphill task. Fret not. To help you out, Dr. Simran Saini, Weight Loss Management Consultant at Fortis Hospital lists out the best eating habits for busy people. So let's get started!

The importance of cooking: A busy lifestyle is one of the most commonly heard health hurdles these days. But no matter how busy your daily schedule is, you always have those 5 minutes to cook something for yourself. It ensures that you know what you are eating, why and how much. It is also an essential tool to ensure quality food reaching your tummy and there are many for whom cooking works as a stress-buster in their hectic routines.

Setting reachable goals: Setting goals that are sensible and can be accommodated between the zillion things happening around you, is a wise thing to do. Food is comfort and it takes time to knock off old habits. So set a goal which is slow, but steady, something you will stick to for some time. This will give you your space and comfort and you will end up winning 80% of the healthy eating battles through an immediate goal-target basis.

Setting a diet journal: Setting a diet journal is like placing a mirror in front of yourself. Yes, it shows you when was the umpteenth time you repeated those cookies and added calories to your diet. It tells you that you are putting on weight, when you are eating too much, although you would like to say to yourself that you 'didn't really eat much food today.' You record details of daily food intake and this makes you think and organise yourself. Maintain a diet journal and stop that hand of yours from reaching out for extra cookies.

Making healthy eating a family effort: Things always work better when you do them together as a family. It always helps to overcome temptation and place yourself in a right perspective, when you see other people doing the right thing too. And it is depressing at times when people around you eat pizza and you are busy chomping on cabbage leaves. So, eat and enjoy healthy food as a family to ensure that no one falls off the healthy eating bandwagon.

Being calorie concious: A meal is a combination of different food groups. If we stick to the right proportions of ingredients used and limit the portion as we need it, it would solve most of our problems. Taking care of not using too much oil, restraining salt and excess sugar, adding more of the vegetables or fiber and keeping processed food to a minimum, makes sure your meal is calorie balanced. This calorie balanced meal is your daily tool for maintaining the right weight.

Avoid pre-packaged and processed meals: Chips, cookies and other fast foods that come from a box or bag count at pre-packaged foods that usually contain preservatives. At times even more of salt or sugar may be added to prolong the life of pre-packaged food, which may not be very healthy for everyone. The only way for you to stay away from pre-packaged food is to remind yourself about the calorie content of the food. Also, consider carefully if you can substitute the craving with a healthy alternative.

Top 5 on-the-go dishes for healthy eaters:
- A fruit yogurt such as strawberry yogurt or pomegranate yogurt
- A healthy sandwich (use hung curd or mustard sauce, instead of store-bought mayo)
- Fruit chaat
- Soy patties
- Dry fruit, vegetable and lean protein salad

Understanding Male Hypogonadism

Male hypogonadism is a condition in which the body doesn't produce enough testosterone, the hormone that plays a key role in masculine growth and development during puberty.

You may be born with male hypogonadism, or it can develop later in life from injury or infection. The effects — and what you can do about them — depend on the cause and at what point in your life male hypogonadism occurs. Some types of male hypogonadism can be treated with testosterone replacement therapy.

Hypogonadism can begin during fetal development, before puberty or during adulthood. Signs and symptoms depend on when the condition develops.

Fetal development
If the body doesn't produce enough testosterone during fetal development, the result may be impaired growth of the external sex organs. Depending on when hypogonadism develops, and how much testosterone is present, a child who is genetically male may be born with:

·         Female genitals

·         Ambiguous genitals — genitals that are neither clearly male nor clearly female

·         Underdeveloped male genitals

Puberty
Male hypogonadism may delay puberty or cause incomplete or lack of normal development. It can cause:

·         Decreased development of muscle mass

·         Lack of deepening of the voice

·         Impaired growth of body hair

·         Impaired growth of the penis and testicles

·         Excessive growth of the arms and legs in relation to the trunk of the body

·         Development of breast tissue (gynecomastia)

Adulthood
In adult males, hypogonadism may alter certain masculine physical characteristics and impair normal reproductive function. Signs and symptoms may include:

·         Erectile dysfunction

·         Infertility

·         Decrease in beard and body hair growth

·         Decrease in muscle mass

·         Development of breast tissue (gynecomastia)

·         Loss of bone mass (osteoporosis)

Hypogonadism can also cause mental and emotional changes. As testosterone decreases, some men may experience symptoms similar to those of menopause in women. These may include:

·         Fatigue

·         Decreased sex drive

·         Difficulty concentrating

·         Hot flashes

When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have any symptoms of male hypogonadism. Establishing the cause of hypogonadism is an important first step to getting appropriate treatment.

Causes

Male hypogonadism means the testicles don't produce enough of the male sex hormone testosterone. There are two basic types of hypogonadism:

·         Primary. This type of hypogonadism — also known as primary testicular failure — originates from a problem in the testicles.

·         Secondary. This type of hypogonadism indicates a problem in the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland — parts of the brain that signal the testicles to produce testosterone. The hypothalamus produces gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which signals the pituitary gland to make follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone. Luteinizing hormone then signals the testes to produce testosterone.

Either type of hypogonadism may be caused by an inherited (congenital) trait or something that happens later in life (acquired), such as an injury or an infection.

Primary hypogonadism
Common causes of primary hypogonadism include:

·         Klinefelter syndrome. This condition results from a congenital abnormality of the sex chromosomes, X and Y. A male normally has one X and one Y chromosome. In Klinefelter syndrome, two or more X chromosomes are present in addition to one Y chromosome. The Y chromosome contains the genetic material that determines the sex of a child and related development. The extra X chromosome that occurs in Klinefelter syndrome causes abnormal development of the testicles, which in turn results in underproduction of testosterone.

·         Undescended testicles. Before birth, the testicles develop inside the abdomen and normally move down into their permanent place in the scrotum. Sometimes one or both of the testicles may not be descended at birth. This condition often corrects itself within the first few years of life without treatment. If not corrected in early childhood, it may lead to malfunction of the testicles and reduced production of testosterone.

·         Mumps orchitis. If a mumps infection involving the testicles in addition to the salivary glands (mumps orchitis) occurs during adolescence or adulthood, long-term testicular damage may occur. This may affect normal testicular function and testosterone production.

·         Hemochromatosis. Too much iron in the blood can cause testicular failure or pituitary gland dysfunction affecting testosterone production.

·         Injury to the testicles. Because they're situated outside the abdomen, the testicles are prone to injury. Damage to normally developed testicles can cause hypogonadism. Damage to one testicle may not impair total testosterone production.

·         Cancer treatment. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer can interfere with testosterone and sperm production. The effects of both treatments often are temporary, but permanent infertility may occur. Although many men regain their fertility within a few months after treatment ends, preserving sperm before starting cancer therapy is an option that many men consider.

Secondary hypogonadism
In secondary hypogonadism, the testicles are normal but function improperly due to a problem with the pituitary or hypothalamus. A number of conditions can cause secondary hypogonadism, including:

·         Kallmann syndrome. Abnormal development of the hypothalamus — the area of the brain that controls the secretion of pituitary hormones — can cause hypogonadism. This abnormality is also associated with impaired development of the ability to smell (anosmia) and red-green color blindness.

·         Pituitary disorders. An abnormality in the pituitary gland can impair the release of hormones from the pituitary gland to the testicles, affecting normal testosterone production. A pituitary tumor or other type of brain tumor located near the pituitary gland may cause testosterone or other hormone deficiencies. Also, the treatment for a brain tumor, such as surgery or radiation therapy, may impair pituitary function and cause hypogonadism.

·         Inflammatory disease. Certain inflammatory diseases, such as sarcoidosis, histiocytosis and tuberculosis, involve the hypothalamus and pituitary gland and can affect testosterone production, causing hypogonadism.

·         HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS can cause low levels of testosterone by affecting the hypothalamus, the pituitary and the testes.

·         Medications. The use of certain drugs, such as opiate pain medications and some hormones, can affect testosterone production.

·         Obesity. Being significantly overweight at any age may be linked to hypogonadism.

·         Normal aging. Older men generally have lower testosterone levels than younger men do. As men age, there's a slow and continuous decrease in testosterone production. The rate at which testosterone declines varies greatly among men. As many as 30 percent of men older than 75 have a testosterone level that's below normal, according to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. Whether treatment is necessary remains a matter of debate.

Complications

The complications of untreated hypogonadism differ depending on what age it first develops — during fetal development, puberty or adulthood.

Fetal development
A baby may be born with:

·         Ambiguous genitalia

·         Abnormal genitalia

Puberty
Pubertal development can be delayed or incomplete, resulting in:

·         Diminished or lack of beard and body hair

·         Impaired penis and testicle growth

·         Unproportional growth, usually increased length, of arms and legs compared with the trunk

·         Enlarged male breasts (gynecomastia)

Adulthood
Complications may include:

·         Infertility

·         Erectile dysfunction

·         Decreased sex drive

·         Fatigue

·         Muscle loss or weakness

·         Enlarged male breasts (gynecomastia)

·         Decreased beard and body hair growth

·         Osteoporosis

Spices to Warm Up Your Winter

Spices are a treasure trove of health benefits. Many boast of properties that can keep a host of ailments at bay, and it’s been backed by research! So, better brush up your knowledge on our Indian spices to keep yourself safe from the morning and evening chills.

Turmeric 
This Indian spice is considered a natural antibiotic. A host of medical studies claim its anti-inflammatory action is sometimes better than cortisone and phenylbutazone treatment. Thankfully, Indian cuisine uses turmeric in most of its cooking. We suggest you bring home this season the wet version of turmeric abundantly available. Ground it using a pestle and add it to your food while cooking. Or simply chop and drop a few pieces into milk, boil. Have it to keep cough at bay.

Cardamom
Tea infused with cloves and cardamom is helpful in preventing coughs and cold during this weather. A common grandmother’s remedy is to boil two-three cardamoms in a cup of water and add a teaspoon of honey, and drink it just before going to bed. It’s said to clear nose and chest congestions. Its aroma is known to uplift spirits and veer away depres I- sion, perfect for I this gloomy I weather.

Ginger 
Indian homes often prepare ginger-garlic paste and use it in most of their cooking. Soups are perfect for winters. Add fresh ginger pieces to chicken soups and relish with garlic bread. It has anti-inflammatory capacities, thus it helps fight throat and chest infections.

Cinnamon 
One of the oldest known spices, knowledge about cinnamon has been increasing every day. It’s said to stimulate blood circulation, thus inducing some warmth. It’s the perfect spice for this cold-hot-cold climate in the city, as it helps strengthen the immune system. A pinch of ground cinnamon and a teaspoon of honey in warm water in the morning will keep you protected. Sometimes, it’s also teamed with ginger to tackle common colds.

Cloves 
Ayurvedic medication relies on cloves to treat respiratory issues. Add two or three to soups, tea, dal and curries to keep cough at bay. Chewing a clove is said to help ease irritations in the throat, and chewing a burnt one is said to tackle cough.

Merry Christmas

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5 Fruits for a glowing skin

That fruits are the best medicine is a wellknown fact.

We also know that a cup of fruit juice a day is sure to guarantee a clear complexion. How about a massage with a fruit pulp or a fruit facial? Fruit facials have been there for at least a decade now. But with people getting more wary of effect of chemicals on the skin, a majority of them are now resorting to using something from their own kitchen. What better way to pamper your skin than with pure stuff which is free of toxins and not harmful to your skin?

Besides the fact that they hydrate and rejuvenate your skin, the very smell of a fruit on your face is quite de-stressing. Unlike the chemical beauty treatments, fruits are cost-effective, natural and also bring a visible difference. Here are a few fruits and their properties, choose what suits you best!

Banana: This is one fruit that's abundantly available in India all through the year. We know it's a good source of iron, magnesium and potassium and helps reduce menstrual cramps. The effect of banana on skin too is not something that can be ignored. Bananas are rich in vitamin A, B and E and hence works as an anti-aging agent. A fresh mashed banana facial can do wonders for your skin.

Lemon: Lemon juice is an important ingredient in most Indian recipes. This is also a fruit of all seasons and almost always finds place on your kitchen shelf or refrigerator. With its vitamin C content, its juice will keep your skin beautiful. A glass of warm water with a tsp of honey and a dash of lemon juice on an empty stomach every morning is a great skin cleanser. With its astringent properties, it can be used to lighten the skin tone and also diminish acne scars. Rub the inside of a lemon peel on your elbow remove dark spots. Mix lemon and honey and use it as a natural bleach on your skin.Apple: An apple a day keeps the doctor away is cliched, but its health benefits are undisputable. Apple's antioxidant property prevents cell and tissue damage. Studies by nutritionists have shown that apples contain abundant amounts of elastin and collagen that help keep the skin young. Applying a mixture of mashed apple, honey, rose water and oatmeal can act as a great exfoliating mask on your skin.

Orange: Rich in vitamin C that improves skin texture. Like apple, orange too contains collagen that slows skin aging process. Rub the insides of orange on your skin to tighten the skin. Oranges can be dried and powdered and used as a natural scrub. Like lemon, oranges too help clear skin blemishes.

Papaya: The benefits of this fruit on skin have perhaps been talked about since the time of our ancestors. Papaya is rich in antioxidants and contain a special enzyme called papain that can kill dead cells and cure skin impurities. A glass of papaya milk or just applying the flesh of papaya on your skin can do wonders to your skin.

Mango: Rightly called the king of fruits for not just its taste but also for health benefits. The soft pulpy fruit has an amazing effect on skin too. Rich in vitamin-A and rich antioxidants, it fights against skin aging, regenerates skin cells and restores the elasticity of skin.

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