So let's talk armpits! Specifically, let's talk about something you probably put on your armpits every morning: deodorants and antiperspirants. These B.O. blasters come in almost every scent imaginable, in forms from roll-ons to clear gels. Your supermarket aisle probably stocks two dozen varieties and almost every one will have this in common: aluminum chlorohdrate or aluminum zirconium. Most people have by now heard of the dangers of using anti-perspirant sprays/sticks that are laden with chemicals. Most antiperspirant worries center on this aluminum-based compound that temporarily plugs the sweat ducts and prevents you from perspiring. We just want to highlight that the following information is relevant for both men and women. Even though the focus below is on breast cancer, please be aware that the side effects of using anti-perspirants and blocking sweat ducts affect both genders equally. 

A few studies in recent years have theorized that aluminum-based antiperspirants may increase the risk for breast cancer. According to the authors of these studies, most breast cancers develop in the upper outer part of the breast, the area closest to the armpit, which is where antiperspirants are applied. The studies suggest that chemicals in antiperspirants, including aluminum, are absorbed into the skin, particularly when the skin is nicked during shaving. These studies claim that those chemicals may then interact with DNA and lead to cancerous changes in cells, or interfere with the action of the female hormone estrogen, which is known to influence the growth of breast cancer cells. In addition, one common antiperspirant component, a group of chemicals called parabens, has been said to have estrogen-like qualities and linked to breast cancer. 

There are so many theories flying around and many of us don't know what to believe anymore! To me, it makes complete sense that sweat glands should be left to do their detoxification work. It cannot be good for us to block our sweat glands, period. If, like me,  you're concerned about the possible risk factors of commercial deodorants, you're someone with skin sensitivities or perhaps you're just looking to reduce the chemical exposure in your life, you'll be happy to know that there are much better alternatives out there. I personally use a crystal deodorant stick made of a natural mineral salt. The aluminum in crystal deodorant stones is a different type of compound known as potassium alum, also known as potassium aluminum sulfate. 
Did you know that the smell that comes with sweating is actually caused by bacteria that forms on your skin? Potassium Alum is a natural mineral salt made up of large molecules that form a protective layer on your skin and inhibit the growth of the odor-causing bacteria. The molecules are too large to be absorbed into the skin and therefore only form a protective layer on the surface. These deodorants are recommended by many cancer treatment centers as a much better and natural alternative to most antiperspirants and deodorants on the market. For the purpose of general knowledge, I just want to mention that they are not completely 100% aluminum-free, but they are by far the better choice. 
It is best to use them after you shower while your arm pit is still wet, simply rub it on and voila! Alternatively wet the stick and rub under one arm, then wet again and rub under the other arm. I purchased mine at the Organic Food and Cafe Dubai but you should be able to find these crystal sticks in most health stores or supermarkets.

Good news for your skin! Raw Cacao, not to be confused with highly processed chocolate sold these days, is one of the richest sources of anti-oxidants out there! It is jam packed with minerals and is especially rich in iron, zinc and magnesium. This chocolate-avocado face mask combines lots of great healing ingredients together and is great for tiered skin that needs instant rejuvenation:  

- Avocado oil is famous for its anti-aging properties that create youthful, glowing skin. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation and is a potent moisturizer. Avocados increase the elasticity of the skin.
- Honey is a great anti-bacterial agent, will open up the pores, and will deeply cleanse and detoxify the skin. It will also make the mask sticky.
- Green tea is consistently being hailed as a powerful antioxidant, and is one of the people of Okinawa Japan's secrets for longevity and vibrant health. Putting it on directly on the skin is equally potent.
- Oatmeal naturally exfoliates the skin to remove dead skin cells, leaving it soft and smooth.Oatmeal is also well known for its healing properties.

To make this chocolate avocado face mask, you will need:
1/3 of ripe avocado, well mashed
1 tablespoon unprocessed raw cocoa powder
2 teaspoons oatmeal
1 teaspoon Honey
Splash of cooled green tea

Mix all the ingredients together well and add a splash of cooled green tea to the mixture to make it into a paste. Apply to your face and leave on for about 10/15 minutes while you relax. Rinse well, gently massaging the creamy chocolate and avocado paste into the skin while rinsing. Pat your face dry and finish with your usual creams. As with any products that are applied to the skin, rinse off straight away if you feel a burning sensation or your skin becomes itchy.

Have you always wondered what supplements you should be taking? Here are the basic staples that in my opinion everyone should be taking daily: Omega 3’s (brain & heart health), Vitamin D (bone health & immune system support), Probiotics (digestive system & immune system support (approximately 60 percent of your immune system lives in your gut!) and finally, if you are Vegetarian or Vegan, Vitamin B12 (nervous system support). I would add a good multi-vitamin & Mineral supplement too. 
Remember that supplements should be considered as medication and you need to be properly informed before you take them. Some vitamins are stored in the body so you may be at risk of toxicity if you take too much, some may harm in pregnancy whilst others may interfere with certain medications. Always check with your doctor to make sure that you are doing the right thing! Watch this video for some great supplement advice from Dr. Kenneth Boch:

Mix one mashed avocado, 3 tablespoons of raw cocoa powder or cocoa powder, 2 dessert spoons of raw honey or honey, and 2 tablespoons of oatmeal flakes. Infuse green tea in a small cup of hot water and let it cool. Add a splash to the mixture, or enough to make it into a paste:
Raw cacao in its purest form has the highest amount of cancer fighting, disease busting, antioxidants on the planet.
Avocado oil is used in many products for its anti-aging properties. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are anti-inflammatory and increase the elasticity of the skin. 
Green tea is consistently being hailed as a powerful antioxidant, and is one of the people of Okinawa Japan's secrets for longevity and vibrant health. Putting it on directly on the skin is equally potent. Honey is a great anti-bacterial agent, will open up the pores, and will deeply cleanse and detoxify the skin leaving the skin baby smooth. Raw honey in its purest form is incredibly antiseptic, antibiotic and anti-fungal. In many cultures it is used to treat ulcers and burns. It is an astounding natural preservative.
Unprocessed honey found in ancient tombs was determined to be used to preserve bodies. It keeps foods fresh and moist longer and prevents spoilage. It is great for the consistency of the mask will make it sticky and smooth.
Oatmeal naturally exfoliates the skin to remove dead skin cells, leaving it soft and smooth. Oats are a good source of many nutrients including vitamin E, zinc, selenium, copper, iron, manganese and magnesium. Oats are also a good source of protein. Oatmeal is also well known for its healing properties. In many cultures it is used topically to treat psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema.
Mix all the ingredients and apply the mask onto the face, gently massaging it so that the oatmeal can start exfoliating the dead skin cell layer. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and rinse off with luke warm water. Repeat once a week for beautiful skin.
Source: Narural News

Eating more vitamin C-rich foods, such as Strawberries and Papaya, may help to ward off wrinkles and age-related dryness, suggests research from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Vitamin C’s skin-smoothing effects may be due to its ability to mop up free radicals produced from ultraviolet rays and also its role in collagen synthesis. Collagen is fibrous protein that keeps skin firm and vitamin C is essential for collagen production—and research suggests that vitamin C may help protect skin cells against sun damage by promoting the repair of DNA that’s been harmed by UV rays. UV rays break the chemical bonds of skin cells, killing them and damaging their DNA, which may eventually cause cancerous growth. You can find vitamin C in a multitude of cosmetics but why not go straight to the source for a tasty boost of vitamin C! 
Try this great Strawberry, Melon and Avocado Salad for an extra boost of Vitamin C.

Good, strong health is not about what you eat or drink occasionally. Your body forgives those disgressions (good and bad).
​Optimum health is determined by what you eat and drink and think on a daily basis. That's why its so important to approach health as a lifelong practise.
Don't strive for perfection, strive for CONSISTENCY.

What you put ON your body everyday is as important as what you put in your body.
Research shows that many of the chemicals in perfume are the same chemicals found in cigarette smoke, yet there's no regulation for the fragrance industry. 
The ingredients are kept under wraps (have you ever seen a proper ingredients list on your perfume?) because of a loophole in the FDA, originally created so that people couldn't copy the most coveted designer scents. More and more people are developing allergies to perfumes (yours truly included!) as there is poor regulation on what can go into a scent.
A great alternative is to create your own scent with a combination of essential oils. Its lots of fun and will be unique to you! The possibilities are endless from mandarin and lemon for more citrus scents to Tuberose and jasmine and even coconut. Not only will you smell great but essential oils also have great health benefits. Always insure that the oil is pure and suitable for using on your skin and mix it with a carrier oil. Click on this LINK to find out how you can create your perfume in 5 easy steps.

The Chia Seed brings huge numbers of unsurpassed nutrition along with amazing health benefits. 
With over 27 key nutrients, it contains six times more calcium than milk does. It also comes with 100% more Omega-3 nutrients than salmon as well as 41% of your overall daily fiber needs, and at only forty-one calories in a single serving of Chia seeds. 
The benefits include increased energy levels, improved digestion, and better complexion. It can also tone your muscles, boost your mental sharpness, and allow you to sleep better at night. It is a fantastic source of cholesterol-free protein and is packed with complete vegetable proteins. 
The organic chia seeds also contain a great deal of fiber, with two tablespoons giving you 42% of the amount of fiber you need to consume daily. 
I buy mine at the Organic Food Café in Dubai and have it religiously with my oats every morning. The seeds are practically flavourless so they will not alter the taste of your foods. They turn into a jelly texture when you mix them with liquids. My kids Sprinkle them on their porridge or cereal in the morning and they love them! You can sprinkle Chia seeds on salads, throw them in stews, mix them with yoghurt or juice, and bake them in pastries. Your imagination is the limit as you can serve them in seconds. They also have an impressive shelf life so you can store them as long as you want to. They are best kept in the fridge.
Here is Dr Perricone giving his view on Chia Seeds:

I Wanted to share a wonderful website with all of you out there!http://www.doyogawithme.comoffers free meditation and yoga classes online. It's great for all you busy bodies who don't seem to make it down to the gym! I've tried it myself and love the classes and flexibility to do it in my own time. Enjoy! 

Skin is the body's largest organ. It makes sense, then, that what's good for your whole body is also good for your skin …and as far as food goes, it doesn't get much better than vegetables. 
Green vegetables are the most important of all vegetables. They are high in fiber, low in fat, rich in folic acid, vitamin C, iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium. They also contain a host of phytochemicals like lutein, beta-cryptoxanthin that contribute to a healthy immune system and can then help the performance of your body and promote hair growth and clear skin. There are many green vegetables and they include Brussels sprouts, lettuce, spinach, broccoli, peas, green beans, cucumbers, green peppers, asparagus, lima beans and celery.

You also want to look out for for red-orange-yellow vegetables that are full of beta-carotene and carotenoids. Our bodies convert beta-carotene into vitamin A, which acts as an antioxidant, preventing cell damage and premature aging. In the case of vitamin A, you also get anti-acne benefits -- vitamin A has been used in acne medications (think Retin-A) for many years.

Vitamin A helps your skin produce more fresh new cells and get rid of the old ones, reducing dryness and keeping your face looking bright and young. It's best to get this vitamin A from food and not from supplements since too much can cause health problems.