Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Why Are There So Many Different Types Of Water? Which One Is The Best?

When It Comes To Water There Are So Many Choices These Days Many of Us Just Don't Know What To Buy Or Where To Start. Ads By Big Companies Keep Us Wanting The Next New Water, But What's Really The Difference In Waters On The Market Today?? Many People Wonder What Is The Best Water To Drink, Can I Use This Water In My DIY Hair Products, Or In Food, Can I Give My Newborn This Water??


 Is There Really Any Differences Or Are Consumers Being Taken Advantage Of..

Well Let's See What All The Hoopla Is About When It Comes To Water..

 Here are the differences between well, spring, purified, distilled and mineral waters.


Strictly speaking, water is water. That is to say, all water on Earth is a compound of two hydrogen and one oxygen molecule. The difference between various types of bottled waters lies mainly in where the source is located and what processes the water goes through before it is sold to consumers. Not all bottled waters are recommended for drinking, so it is important to know the difference if your health plan includes increasing water intake or avoiding certain types of beverages.
Some types of bottled water, such as well or spring, get their designation from their original source. Mineral water must contain a specified amount of trace minerals naturally before it can be sold. Distilled or purified water must be put through a filtration or mechanical process in order to remove contaminants and minerals. Some water types may actually fit into several different categories- distilled water, for example, is also purified by definition. Spring and well waters make excellent refreshments during and after exercise, but distilled water lacks trace minerals and may not have a satisfying taste. Mineral water may have a natural sparkle and refreshing taste, but a little may go a long way.
Here's a closer look at each type of water and how each one fits in an everyday world.


1. Well water:

Well water could be the source of other types of consumable bottle waters such as 'drinking' or regular tap water. The main definition of 'well water' is water that has been stored in permeable rocks and soil. If a drill is employed to find the original aquifer, then the collected water is considered 'well water'. Because it has spent time in contact with natural minerals, well water is generally an excellent drinking water. Some processing may be necessary because of possible contamination in the soil, but many private land owners have wells that last for years and the water is naturally healthy. Specific companies can market their bottled waters as 'well water' as long as they pass FDA standards and are clearly from a protected water source located underground. Some municipal waters may also come from underground sources, so ordinary tap water may also qualify as well water under the right circumstances. 


2. Spring water:

 Well water and spring water are similar in the sense that they are both produced from natural aquifers located around rockbeds and soil. Spring water, however, continues naturally to the surface. Water which comes from below and has no natural tributaries is considered to be spring water. It's also a very good water to drink during and after exercise or throughout the day. Bottlers may use some natural processes such as reverse osmosis to improve water quality, but spring water must be naturally rich in trace minerals. Some municipalities also use spring water as a source for their tap waters, but they are processed with chemicals and more advanced filtration systems. Spring water is perhaps the best overall water for health benefits and rehydration. It has a good taste and is fairly inexpensive at grocery stores. 


3. Mineral waters:

 Again, water is water and most bottled varieties will rehydrate the body effectively. Mineral water can come from a natural well or spring, but must contain a specified amount of trace minerals. These minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, are essential for good health. There is no difference between sparkling and non-sparkling mineral waters except for the concentration of carbon dioxide. Both varieties contain a higher concentration of minerals than either spring or well water. Because the water must meet specific requirements, the number of water sources that qualify is very limited. Most of the popular varieties of mineral waters are bottled in Europe and imported to the United States. This means that bottled mineral water is going to be more expensive than other types, but the benefits of the added minerals are measurable. Mineral water may be more of a treat than a daily refreshment, but it does offer some health benefits. Some may find the taste to be harsher than traditional water, but many bottlers offer flavored varieties that may be more palatable. 


4. Distilled water: 

 Distillation is a process by which water is boiled until vapor is produced. This vapor is collected and cooled until it returns to a liquid state. Because minerals are too heavy to be carried by the vapor, the resulting water is completely free of additives. A desalination plant is a perfect example of distillation- salt water is boiled, the vapor is cooled and collected, and the salt and minerals are left behind. However, distilled water is also very unpalatable in its natural state. Desalination plants must also add some minerals in order to make the water usable for general consumers.
Distilled water is perfect for applications where minerals and contaminants would cause problems. Distilled water can be used in irons for steam settings or as coolant for car engines. Because there are no minerals that can stain or build up, distilled water is mostly recommended for use in machinery and cleaning products. It is not particular good to drink distilled water, because it has a tendency to pull minerals out of the bloodstream and other areas. Distilled water is perhaps the cleanest version of bottled water available, but it is not good for human consumption. 


5. Purified water. 

Purified water denotes a process by which contaminants and/or minerals have been removed from any water source. It could be tap water which has been forced through a charcoal filter or water treated with ultraviolet light at the grocery store. The designation 'purified' can be applied rather broadly, so a consumer should not be swayed by its use on a label alone. Distilled water is by definition purified, but it is not a good water for drinking. Spring and well waters may have been filtered or deionized or ozonated, which would make them pure by a looser definition.
There is some controversy surrounding the benefits of 'purified water'. Because the water may have been distilled for purity, it can leech out essential minerals as it travels through the body. Many soft drinks are made with purified water- a fact which disturbs many dieticians and health experts. Because of this natural tendency to pull minerals from the system, purified water is only recommended as part of an overall cleanse with a definite ending point, not as a daily rehydrator or replacement for other sources of water.


"Drinking water is quite a large industry. You’ve got your filters (and the chemical companies that make the filters), reverse osmosis, bottled water, delivered bottled water, pitcher filters (such as PUR and BRITA), distilled water, clustered water, alkaline water, oxygenated water, spring water, mineral water, smart water, funky magic water, happy water, water that’s blessed by naked monks in the remote regions of Katmandu (Ok, I’m making some of these up), and the list goes on…and on… and on."


On one hand, I say more power to these companies. I love capitalism and competition. If there is a demand, then fill that demand. But I have a more fundamental question; why is there demand for all of these different types of water?
My observation is that there are a few reasons for this…


MISINFORMATION: The general population is shockingly misinformed about water purity. From countless companies trying to spin their message, to governments trying to cover their butts and environmental groups trying to get their way, it’s no wonder that people don’t know which way is up. This cacophony of misinformation makes it easy for companies to tell half-truths and outright lies.

TRADITION: Tradition is not so much of a factor in the USA, but it’s a huge factor in Europe. The Europeans have grown up with spring water and mineral water. They have been sold, for generations, that mineral water and spring water is the best choice (and for centuries it was). It’s hard to overcome tradition.


A DESIRE TO BELIEVE: Another undeniable reason for the numerous scams regarding the “magic” waters is simply people’s desire to believe. Some people just want to believe that there is something that will magically cure them and undo years of bad habits and unhealthy living. I’m not going to say that they shouldn’t have these beliefs, we are each free to believe what we want to believe....

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Tuesday, December 4, 2012

"Carrot Cake Cleansing Cream Recipe"

"Originally, I wanted to create a duplicate of Burt’s Bees Poppy Seed Cleansing Cream, but the recipe got tastier and tastier, so I ended up with something delicious enough to put on top of a muffin."




INGREDIENTS
1/2 ounce organic semolina
1/3 ounce muscovado (fine brown) sugar
1 ounce organic orange water
1/2 ounce coconut oil
1/3 ounce vegetable glycerin
1/3 ounce unrefined beeswax
10 drops rosemary leaf extract
5 drops carrot seed extract
3 drops vitamin E oil (pure tocopherol acetate)


METHOD
1. Lightly grind the semolina and muscovado sugar in a mortar.
2.   Carefully heat the orange water in a stainless steel saucepan and set aside.
3. Using a double-boiler method, ,melt coconut oil, glycerin and beeswax until liquid.
To melt ingredients using double-boiler method, place them in a clean stainless-steel saucepan with a wooden handle (for the easier handling) and set it over a bigger saucepan filled with very hot but not boiling water. Make sure the water is not boiling, as droplets of water may fall into your melting ingredients and make clumps. For the same reason do not cover the top saucepan with the lid because droplets of water may condense under the lid and drip into the melting mass. Place the large pan on very low heat. As the ingredients begin to melt, stir them carefully with a wooden spatula. When the ingredients are liquid and mixed well, remove the bowl from the heat.
4. Remove from the heat and now melt the beeswax to the same temperature as the oil.
5. Pour the hot orange water into the melted oils, beating in the vegetable glyceriningredients with a fork until fluffy and uniform. Blend in the sugar and semolina mix, carefully adding the rosemary leaf and carrot seed extracts and vitamin E.
6. Mix thoroughly, transfer into a jar, and resist the urge to eat. Instead, apply daily as your morning cleanser, especially in winter. This blend can be stored up to two weeks in a cool dry place or refrigerator.

Thanks Green Beauty Guide For This Great Recipe And Tutorial!!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

What Is Glyceryl Stearate???

Glyceryl Stearate is found in many cosmetic products from hair products, to lotions, to skin creams and its one of those ingredients that is always questionable. Well here is some info on Glyceryl Stearate which is derived from palm kernel, vegetable or soy oil and is also found naturally in the human body. It acts as a lubricant on the skin’s surface, which gives the skin a soft and smooth appearance (Source). It easily penetrates the skin and slows the loss of water from the skin by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface. It has been shown to protect skin from free-radical damage as well.

Chemically, Glyceryl Stearate is used to stabilize products, decrease water evaporation, make products freeze-resistant, and keep them from forming surface crusts. Glyceryl Stearate reduces the greasiness of oils used in certain cosmetics and personal care products, according to CosmeticsInfo.org.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Are Your Hair Products Fresh??



Have you ever opened a bottle of shampoo and noticed an odd odor? Or has it turned an odd color or consistency?
Even the highest quality hair products have a shelf life. And depending on the ingredients, that shelf life can vary dramatically.
Most large companies put enough preservatives in their products to last roughly four years. These preservatives, such as methylparaben, quaternium-15, methylisothiazolinone and propylparaben, help prevent the products from becoming contaminated by mold and bacteria.
If you use preservative-free, all-natural products, remember that they will not stay fresh as long as commercial products.
The most effective all-natural preservative is a citrus extract, such as grapefruit seed, combined with antiseptic essential oils, such as chamomile, rosemary and echinacea. Antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, also are natural preservatives.
But most of these natural preservatives can only protect shampoos and conditioners from bacteria, staph, mold and fungus for 120 days, according to Tim Schaeffer, spokesman for Avalon Natural Products.
These companies constantly test the products using a challenge test. The product is baked in special ovens, with one month equivalent to one year. Each month, they inject several bacteria to test how effective the preservatives perform.
But even with preservatives, precautions should be taken to protect the product’s quality. Products should never stand in direct sunlight for a prolonged period of time. Be cautious of products sitting in a window display.
If you have a choice of buying your favorite hair product in a tube or a jar, opt for the tube. Jars must be opened to dispense the product. When you dip your fingers into the product, it may be exposed to germs that can contaminate it.
For this reason, many cosmetic and hair care companies are moving toward pump dispensers. Pumps offer the advantage of measured doses while being more sanitary.
Some say the shelf life issue would be solved if shampoos and conditioners were refrigerated, or if they had expiration dates. But most products don’t have sell-by dates, and most products are kept on shelves at room temperature.
Because of this, make sure you open the cap and smell the product before you buy. (CurlMart‘s inventory is kept small and turns over quickly, so it is always fresh.)
For products in your bathroom, regularly check the smell and the consistency. If the product has separated, it’s probably time to throw it away.
Christo of Christo Fifth Avenue recommends discarding products you’ve had for two years or longer. The potency of some of the ingredients will be lost through regular exposure to oxygen and light, making it less effective.

The Best Ways to Maximize Shelf Life

  1. Keep products in a cool, dry, dark place away from sunlight, humidity and heat. (That means out of your bathroom.)
  2. If your product comes in a large jar, you can sterilize several smaller containers and put the cream into the smaller containers.
  3. Try not to travel with too many products. Changes in heat and humidity can change the consistency of products.

Protecting Preservative-Free Formulations

  1. Be sure your hands are sterile.
  2. Store products in dark containers or opaque packaging to keep them away from the harmful effects of sunlight.
  3. Make sure packaging is airtight. Natural products can oxidize and go rancid when exposed to air.
  4. Heat can damage natural products. Store products in a cupboard or other cool place.
  5. Because fingers can carry bacteria, avoid dipping fingers into jars and bottles. Instead, use a clean spoon, popsicle stick or other appropriate utensil. Pumps are good at dispensing more liquid-y products.
Written By Michelle From Naturally Curly.Com

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

The Essentials Of Winter Skin For Women Of Color


Most of us notice an improvement in our skin during the summer months we look more radiant and the skin is supple, but as the leaves begin to fall so does our radiance. Winter is extremely harsh on our skin, that’s subjected to cold winds, dry air and smoggy rains. This black woman’s essential guide to winter skin care is going to walk you though the necessities for great skin all throughout winter.


Extra Moisture 
As it gets colder the air gets dryer and robs the skin of moisture. It is important to switch to richer moisturizer during winter and increase the frequency of application whenever possible. Moisturizers vary largely in price  and studies have often shown that the pricier products are usually not much better than those of high street brands.

Cool Showers
Long, hot showers in winter feel heavenly but the high water temperature only serves to dry the skin. It’s best to shower in luke warm water, reduce the temperature gradually if you really can’t imagine parting with steaming hot showers.

Gentle Body Wash 
Choose a body wash or soap that will not strip the skin of all its moisture, here is an article detailing ingredients to be avoided in beauty products.  Alternatively if you don’t have the time to hunt out the best product find the baby section of the super market and purchase baby care as it contain a lot less chemicals, is gentle and less drying for the skin.

Go Natural 
Go all out for natural ingredients – Black skin is quite sensitive so don’t let harsh ingredients touch it. Green tea, grape seed, citrus fruits, jojoba, sage, rosemary, aloe vera, virgin coconut oil and olive oil are just some of the safe ingredients to use.


Click Here To Read Full Article On All Black Woman.Com

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