BECOMING VEGAN, IS IT HEALTHY?

I'm not against anything for I believe in moderation in all things and for some people they have no option but to use soya milk in their diet. One of my own daughters developed a cows' milk sensitivity after a severe viral illness as a toddler and we had no option but to give her soya. As Dr, Nestor Demosthenous says below it is deficient in calcium and to make up for this I had to supplement her diet with sesame seeds which I might add are the richest  source of calcium but I am diversifying. As human beings we are not biologically designed to be vegans.

There might be some advantages of a vegan diet:

It may help lower cholesterol,  One study into Diabetes carried out in 2007 showed that people with Type 2 diabetes who adopted a vegan diet reduced their LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol by 21 percent 

It may help lower blood pressure:  vegetarian eating is linked with decreased risk of death from ischemic heart disease. The report also concluded that people who eat a vegetarian diet tend to have lower LDL levels and less incidence of hypertension and Type 2 diabetes in comparison to non-vegetarians. Further studies need to be carried out for Veganism.

It increases antioxidant intake: Vegan eating usually increases intake of wholesome foods such as vegetables, fruits, beans, legumes and whole grains, which are a high source of antioxidants vitamins and minerals, and of course fibre.

There are I would say more disadvantages of a vegan diet:

For eating a vegan diet is a  radical change: eating becomes complicated if you are not allowed to eat certain ingredients

There can be potential interference with existing medical conditions: If you have a condition such as osteoporosis or diabetes, it is essential to get your doctor’s advice and a registered dietitian when starting  a vegan diet.

It can be difficult when dining out: Not many restaurants offer true vegan choices and often confuse Vegans with Vegetarians

 

There is the loss of essential vitamins and minerals: There is evidence to show vegan diets do not contain vitamin B12, an essential nutrient only found in animal products. Though some vegan products do add it as a supplement

Lastly unrealistic expectations: "A person might believe that by becoming vegan they are making themselves healthier but unless you have a good basic knowledge you may be doing the opposite. At the moment there isn’t enough data to state a vegan diet is the healthiest

As with anything in life there has to be a balance to get the best out of your body you have to treat it well, eat a nutritious diet, drink plenty of water, regular exercise and of course give up smoking and avoid exposure to UV light whether it’s from the sun or a tanning bed. The two latter smoking and UV light are the worst culprits for damaging the skin

Article Below is from the DAILY MAIL

Is your soya latte ruining your FACE? Doctor reveals how a dairy-free diet can wreak havoc with your skin and bone structure

• Cosmetic doctor Dr Nestor Demosthenous highlights the pitfalls of going vegan
• Says a lack of calcium - and being exposed to added sugar - can wreak havoc with your skin and even your bone structure if you decided to cut out milk
• Some soya lattes will contain added sugar to match naturally-sweet cows' milk

By UNITY BLOTT FOR MAILONLINE

Each year more and more Brits undertake a virtuous vegan January in pursuit of healthier lifestyle.

But while dairy-free drinks might seem like a great alternative to cow's milk, is your soya latte actually doing more harm than good?

This year, as an estimated 50,000 of us try out 'Veganuary', a leading cosmetic doctor has warned that eschewing animal products can wreak havoc with your skin and even your bone structure.

Scroll down for video 

In some cases, going dairy-free can mean missing out on the regular dose of calcium that many of us get from drinking cow's milk in takeaway coffees, on cereal, and in cups of tea 

Dr Nestor Demosthenous says a lack of calcium - and being exposed to added sugars - are the main culprits.

The aesthetic doctor and specialist in non-surgical procedures, who also works from Harley Street’s PHI Clinic, ran FEMAIL through some of the potential pitfalls going vegan can have on your skin.

ADDED SUGAR 

'If you've gone dairy-free this January and are feeling suitably smug about your soya milk, consider this: soya milk is often sweetened with sugar (up to 12g of it per carton!) to match it to naturally-sweet cows' milk.'

Some soya milk will list 'evaporated cane juice’ as an ingredient which also contains sugar.

'Not only is this not ideal for your teeth or your waistline, but it can have a major effect on your face too,' explains Dr Nestor.

Going for a soya latte? Cosmetic doctor Dr Nestor Demosthenous says a lack of calcium - and being exposed to added sugars - can wreak havoc with your skin and even your bone structure

'Sugar molecules bind to proteins such as collagen in the skin, which causes a loss of firmness and the start of premature wrinkles forming.

'As collagen breaks down, skin becomes less elastic, thinner and drier. We lose our even skin tone. This all contributes to a dull, aged complexion.' 

Dr Nestor adds: 'This lack of collagen can affect the face in different areas. Losing the fullness in the cheeks and forehead is another side effect of the loss of collagen, which usually happens naturally as we age, but can be aggravated and accelerated by external factors.

Dr Nestor is an aesthetic doctor and specialist in non-surgical procedures

'The cheeks can atrophy [waste away] and fall down our face, deepening nasolabial folds and marionette lines, which gives us a sad look to the face.'

Dr Nestor suggests combating these effects by snapping up products containing ingredients like grapefruit oil (such as Ermana's Cleanse Balm) or vitamin C (like ZO Skin Health Ossential C-Bright Serum).

In severe cases, he suggests Botox and fillers as a way to lift the face and give skin a 'youthful boost'. 

LACK OF CALCIUM 

In some cases, going dairy-free can mean missing out on the regular dose of calcium (adults aged 19+ need 700mg a day according to NHS guidelines) that many of us get from drinking cow's milk - in takeaway coffees, on cereal, in that last cup of tea before bedtime.

And this lack of calcium can exacerbate the signs of ageing, according to Dr Nestor. 

'In the same way that our body loses bone density, so does our face,' he explains. 'Eye sockets expand, which makes the eyes look deep set, sunken and tired.

CELEBS GO VEGAN 

This is the fourth official year of the Veganuary campaign and, according to its organisers, it has grown from a mere 3,000 participants in 2014 to around 12,800 in 2015.

Its surge in popularity is due in part to high-profile vegans Beyoncé, Gwyeth Paltrow, Brad Pitt and Ellie Goulding, who have all raved about the benefits of an animal-free diet.

In 2013, Gwyneth famously boasted that she hadn't eaten red meat in 20 years, while Brad Pitt is an ardent animals rights activist. 

'There are two dynamics that happen in the ageing face, which can be exacerbated by dietary choices: bone expansion and bone resorption. We lose bone density in the maxilla and mandible [upper and lower jawbone respectively]. 

'This causes an appreciable reduction in facial height and a moderate increase in facial width and depth.' 

If you're concerned about keeping your jawbone defined and your face looking youthful, Dr Nestor recommends upping your calcium fix and opting for unsweetened milk - but a more extreme solution is to get fillers in the cheek, chin and under-eye area.

However if you've decided on a dairy-free diet, all is not lost: 'Calcium intake can be boosted with plentiful green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and kale, as well as almonds, figs and oranges,' says Dr Nestor. 

'For those who are cutting out major food groups, it's key to replace those lost vitamins and minerals wherever you can, for the good of your health, and of course, for the good of your skin.'

THE BENEFITS OF GOING VEGAN

There may be drawbacks but nutritionist Lily Soutter and Jane Land, the founder of Veganuary - the annual drive for people to try veganism in January - say there are plenty of benefits too.

WEIGHT LOSS

'There is ample research to suggest that vegan diets can be effective for weight loss,' says Lily.

'In one study, those following a vegan diet lost 2.52kg more weight than those following an omnivore or vegetarian diet. But the most interesting aspect of the study was that the vegan diets lead to a greater weight loss than the calorie-controlled diet, despite the vegan groups eating until they were full.

'It is likely that this effect is down to the rich fibre content of vegan diets. Fibre can delay stomach emptying, which balances blood sugar and delays feelings of hunger.'

REDUCED RISK OF CANCER

Jane says: 'Vegan diets tend to be higher in fibre, which decreases the risk of colorectal cancer. In 2015, the World Health Organisation classified the consumption of red meat as carcinogenic to humans. This association was observed mainly for colorectal cancer, but associations were also seen for pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer.'

LOWER RISK OF HEART DISEASE

'High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease,' says Jane. 'In 2012, a cross sectional study in Public Health Nutrition compared the blood pressure of non-vegetarians, semi vegetarians, pescatarians, and vegans. The results showed that vegans had the lowest risk for high blood pressure.'

REDUCED RISK OF ARTHRITIS

'Studies have shown that arthritis suffers who are following a vegan diet may experience less joint pain and swelling,' says Lily. 

LESS LIKELY TO DIE

Jane says: 'A recent study conducted by experts at the prestigious Oxford University's Oxford Martin School have found that by 2050, widespread adoption of plant-based diets would avert 8.1 million premature human deaths every year.'

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ANOTHER REASON WHY PROCESSED FOOD IS NOT GOOD FOR YOU

Aside from the saturated fats, too high salt and sugar levels and artificial flavourings and colouring, you might want to read the article below

Revealed, what’s REALLY inside your ham sandwich and chicken nuggets - and it’s enough to put you off processed food for life

• Peter Augustus, who lives in Hong Kong, photographed popular dishes alongside the real, raw part of the animal they come from
• Wanted to raise awareness of what our favourite foods are made from
• 'Few of us see anything that even closely represents the animal we are eating when we purchase it – it is always pre-packaged and neat'
• The non-vegetarian says the project has changed his own eating habits 

THIS ARTICLE IS FROM THE DAILY MAIL

As delicious as they taste, every diner knows that chicken nuggets and hotdogs aren't exactly made from prime cuts of meat.

Indeed, most of us try and push the image of trotter or carcass to the back of our minds when eating processed food.

Now, one photographer has laid bare the grisly reality of where our favourite foods come from - and it's probably enough to deter you at least temporarily, if not for life.

Grisly: Texan-born Peter Augustus has taken photos of popular dishes alongside the real, raw part of the animal they come from, in a bid to raise awareness

Sanitised: 'Most of us seldom see anything that even closely represents what kind of animal we are eating - it is always pre-packaged, nice and neat, showcased in an air-conditioned supermarket,' said Mr Augustus

Taken by Texan-born Peter Augustus, they show popular dishes alongside the real, raw part of the animal they come from.

While nuggets are chicken feet, a ham sandwich is a pig's trotter and a hot dog is an unappetising-looking piece of intestine. 

Mr Augustus says the project - inspired by his move to Hong Kong - 'is not meant to be repulsive, but to raise awareness' of where popular dishes actually come from.

He said: 'Arriving in Hong Kong for the first time, a city overloaded with visual stimulation, one of the most impactful scenes for me was the meat shops found in my neighbourhood of Sai Ying Pun. 

'As a foreigner from a major city in the West, most of us seldom see anything that even closely represents what kind of animal we are eating when we purchase it – it is always pre-packaged, nice and neat, showcased in an air-conditioned supermarket. 

'Being forced to pass by these meat shops on a daily basis with their pig heads, intestines, eyeballs and hearts hung on hooks out in the open lead me to challenge myself to view these shops as a normal place where actual food was being sourced every day, that ended up in my meal at a local restaurant.'

Mr Augustus - who is not vegetarian - says his work, 'a personal therapeutic process', explores the relationship that most Western societies have with the meat that they eat.

'It's a disconnect between what it actually is they are eating and what it was before it was prepared for consumption.'

He added: 'Shot using a white background with lighting meant to evoke an American diner or cafeteria, I take out the clean cuts and replace them with a real representation of the animal the meat comes from.

'By doing this, I hope to cause the viewer to take into account what the natural form of their food looks like.' 

x

Authentic: He hopes the project will help diners think about the natural form their food takes

Transformed: Mr Augustus admits the project has changed his eating habits. 'I now make an effort to know where and how the animal I am eating was raised - and the results do dictate if I end up eating it'

Mr Augustus believes his work 'highlights a number of important debates' - such as the longstanding debate of the quality of chicken and meat products and 'the use of unnatural fillers and hormones in the animal products we eat daily.'

The project itself was a labour of love - an involved traipsing around until he found a friendly bucher who could speak sufficient English. 

'She thought it was funny, as she could tell I was a little bit uncomfortable being surrounded all the raw meat,' he recalls.

In fact, her main focus was food handling and preparation.

'She didn't understand why a white person wanted all of these things to photograph and was very concerned if I knew how to handle it properly.

'She also told me how to cook and eat it, which I did not.'

However he admits the project has changed his eating habits. 'I now make an effort to know where and how the animal I am eating was raised - and the results do dictate if I end up eating it. 

'Not to sound preachy, but I think if more meat eaters did that, I think there would be less animosity from overly passionate vegans.'

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TRYING TO LOSE WEIGHT?

A lot of people go wrong due to portion sizes as it can be laborious having to constantly weigh food, well this article from the DAILY MAIL explains the Hand Diet

Trying to lose weight? Try the HAND DIET:  Measure food portions using just your fingers, thumbs and palm

• A portion of meat should be no bigger than the palm of your hand
• Carbs such as pasta should be no bigger than a clenched fist
• A serving of butter is the size of a fingertip, cheese less than two fingers
• Recent research found portion sizes have doubled in 20 years
• Many people eat FIVE times the recommended serving of pasta, for example

If you like to pile your plate high, then this revealing graphic is likely to depress you.  But it could also help you lose weight on the so-called 'hand diet'.
It shows exactly how much of certain foods we should be eating - and it's probably a lot less than you think.
Experts say that a lack of portion control is one of the main reasons so many of us are overweight - with many of us eating way more than we should be.

Experts say that a lack of portion control is one of the main reasons so many of us are overweight - with many of us eating way more than we should be

For instance, a portion of meat should be no bigger than the palm of your hand - and carbs no bigger than a clenched fist.
When it comes to butter, the maximum amount you should be spreading on a slice of bread is the size of a finger tip.
The information comes from the website Guard Your Health.
The American Cancer Society says that many of us regularly eat way bigger portions than we should - for example, up to five times the recommended portion size of pasta.
Research has continually shown that when bigger portions are served, we eat them, because of the 'must clear plate' mentality.

HOW NORMAL PORTION SIZES LOOK

•    1 oz. meat: size of a matchbox
•    3 oz. meat: size of a deck of cards or bar of soap -- the recommended portion for a meal

•    8 oz. meat: size of a thin paperback book

•    3 oz. fish: size of a cheque book

•    1 oz. cheese: size of 4 dice

•    Medium potato: size of a computer mouse

•    2 tbs. peanut butter: a ping pong ball

•    ½ cup pasta: size of a tennis ball

•    Average bagel: size of a hockey puck

Source: American Cancer Society

Even a decade ago, researchers at New York University's Department of Nutrition and Food Studies found that food portions were consistently larger than in previous years.

They found that cookies were as much as seven times standard portion sizes, while muffins weighed in at over three times standard portion sizes.

In their book, The Gastric Mind Band, Martin and Marion Shirran provide eye-opening examples of how portion control can make a huge difference to the waistline.
They say: 'Spread butter on your toast, but be aware that a teaspoon of ­butter (enough for a thin layer) is 37 ­calories, but a ­tablespoon (a ­generous covering) is three times as much (111 calories).
'Put dressing on your salad, but learn to weight the vinegar in favour of the oil. A teaspoon of oil may be 45 ­calories, but a tablespoon is 135. That one extra tablespoon of oil every day amounts to a stone weight gain over a year.
'Switch to sweetener in your tea or ­coffee. Cutting out two spoons of sugar in your tea three times a day creates an annual calorie deficit of 37,000 calories, which could be enough to shed more than 11lb.

Kathleen Zelman, Director of Nutrition for the health website WebMD, has drawn up another way to manage portion sizes

'Have ice cream occasionally, but just one scoop (about 150 calories) and never eat it straight from the tub. Enjoy a few nuts with a drink, but stop at one or two (a small 4oz bag will set you back 600 calories).'
Kathleen Zelman, Director of Nutrition for the health website WebMD, has drawn up another way to manage portion sizes.
For example, she says that a pancake should be no bigger than a CD, a bagel should be the size of a can of tuna and a serving of mayonnaise the size of a poker chip.
A serving of chocolate should be the size of a dental floss package, a portion of hummus the size of a golf ball and a three-cup serving of popcorn the size of three baseballs.
Late last year the British Heart Foundation (BHF) warned that Britain’s supermarkets are ‘out of control’ when it comes to portion sizes.

Bagels have increased by 24 per cent in the last 20 years, while a curry ready meal is 53 per cent bigger

Despite the deepening obesity crisis portion sizes continue to rise, and are now double the size they were in 1993.
An average chicken curry and rice ready meal is now 53 per cent larger than in 1993, and a shepherd’s pie meal is about double the size.
Crumpets and garlic bread are from 20 to 30 per cent bigger now, while an average bagel has increased in size by 24 per cent.
To gain a pound in weight, a person need only consume an additional 3,500 calories and the massive increase in portion sizes explains why so many people are unwittingly putting on excess pounds.
As well as fuelling the growing obesity problem, the BHF said that oversized food portions were also contributing to heart disease, currently the UK's single biggest killer.

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DIET COLA IS IT MAKING YOU FAT AS WELL AS DAMAGING YOUR TEETH AND SKIN?

Very interesting article I came across in the Daily Mail. It's not something I really drink much of at all as I knew the acid attacks the tooth enamel but this article has some interesting findings

Why diet cola could be making you FATTER and WRINKLIER: Low-calorie drink could be to blame for spare tyre and withered skin

Diet colas have long been regarded as the dieter's friend - but one-calorie fizzy drinks may actually be the reason you can't shift that stubborn spare tyre.
Some health experts now believe the chemicals in the drink could actually be causing your body to lay down fat deposits around your middle - dubbed 'diet cola belly' - reports Get The Gloss. 

And that's not all: some experts also believe diet cola’s mix of carbonated water, colourings and sweeteners such as aspartame and acesulfame K could also speed up the ageing process, and have disastrous health consequences.

Diet cola is NOT going to help you lose weight, say health experts - and it could even cause wrinkles

Hoards of nutritionists and scientists now claim diet cola’s image as a 'healthy' alternative to the nine-teaspoons-of sugar, regular variety of the fizzy drink is wholly misplaced.

WEIGHT
The fructose, artificial sweeteners, and sugar alcohols (another type of low-calorie sweetener) present in diet colas can all interfere with natural gut bacteria, according to Amanda Payne of Switzerland’s Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health which published a paper in the journal Obesity Reviews.

Diet cola could be causing fat deposits around your middle, say health experts 

This messes up your metabolism and disrupts the body’s way of signaling to you that you’re full and satisfied.

As a consequence, the body pumps out insulin, the hormone that controls sugar levels and fat storage, so that you lay down what Toribio-Mateas calls 'diet cola belly in the form of more fat around the midriff' - just where you wanted to shed fat.
In addition to this: 'The fake sugars in the drink are hundreds of times sweeter than sugar and trick your brain into thinking real sugar is on the way,' says Toribio-Mateas. 'When the calories don’t arrive, it triggers a cascading effect that interferes with hunger signals, blood sugar levels and satiety.'

AGEING
Amanda Griggs, director of health and nutrition at the Balance Clinic in London, says: 'phosphoric acid, the ingredient that gives diet cola its appealing tangy taste and the tingle you get when it is swallowed, can cause a host of problems'. 

According to one, study, published in a 2010 issue of the FASEB Journal, it can even accelerate the ageing process. 

It found that the excessive phosphate levels found in sodas caused lab rats to die a full five weeks earlier than the rats whose diets had more normal phosphate levels.

The excessive phosphate levels found in sodas caused lab rats to die a full five weeks earlier than the rats whose diets had more normal phosphate levels

Phosphoric acid has also been linked to lower bone density in some studies, including a discussion in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

In experiments at Harvard University, the mineral was found to make skin and muscles wither and to damage the heart and kidneys over time. 

However, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a consumer watchdog group not affiliated with the food industry, only a small fraction of the phosphate in diets comes from additives in soft drinks. Most comes from meat and dairy products. 

TEETH

The phosphoric acid in cola drinks erodes away tooth enamel, and the coloring makes the root go dark brown

Sian Porter, spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association says diet colas may lack sugar, but the acidic nature of artificially sweetened fizzy varieties means they still attack tooth enamel. 

'It’s not just the sugary drinks that are causing teeth problems,' says Porter. 'Sugar raises the risk of decay, but diet drinks are equally acidic and can cause erosion in the same way.'

HEALTH
It has also been shown to raise the risk of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure by some researchers. To add to the dire news for diet cola fans, results of a ten-year study found a link with cardiovascular disease among those who drank it every day; cola drinkers were found to be 43 per cent more likely to suffer a stroke or heart attack during a ten-year period than those who abstained.

Other studies have shown that the phosphorus released from phosphoric acid in just two fizzy drinks a week can cause calcium to be leached from bones, raising the risk of osteoporosis.

Cola (both diet and regular varieties) seems particularly damaging to the skeleton. Typically, a can of diet cola contains 44-62mg of phosphoric acid - more than in many other soft drinks - and researchers at Tufts University in Boston showed that women who regularly drank three or more cans a day had four per cent lower bone mineral density in their hips compared to those who preferred other soft drinks.

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DO FACELIFTS MAKE MUCH DIFFERENCE?

An article I came across in the DAILY MAIL today below. I have come across a few people who have had facelifts and to be honest unless they have admitted it, I wouldn't have known. I feel many people have over expectations of the results and would agree with the article below all they seem to do is achieve a less tired, more refreshed look. Which leads me to the whole purpose of my website here how to make the best of yourself. If you feel good inside it honestly will reflect that on the outside. So before considering the knife just try the holistic way of life, having a good balanced diet, exercise, plenty of water, shade your face from the sun, give up smoking and work on your stress levels and I guarantee six months of this regime will make a difference.

How facelifts make us look younger by just three years: Study discovers how we perceive the success of plastic surgery

• New study into the effects of facelifts finds people look no more attractive
• Roughly £10,000 would be needed to look 10 years younger
• Fifty raters were shown before and after pictures of patients

Slim pickings: A study has found on average people look just three years younger

Having a facelift makes you look just three years younger - and doesn’t improve your attractiveness, claim doctors.
A unique study found plastic surgery results in a more youthful appearance, but the improvements are remarkably small.
Overall, the number of years ‘saved’ by having a full facelift or other procedures such as eyelid surgery is around three.
The more work that’s done, the younger the look, according to US and Canadian specialists.
But they failed to find any significant change in attractiveness ratings afterwards - and in Britain the cost of a clutch of cosmetic surgery procedures could top £10,000.
Dr Joshua Zimm, of the Lenox Hill Hospital and Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Institute of North Shore-LIJ Health System, New York, who led the latest study, said plastic surgeons often don’t tell prospective patients they will look younger or more attractive because of the lack of objective research.
Instead patients are told they will look ‘more refreshed’ and ‘less tired’.
But, he said, there is no doubt the explosion in facial surgery has been driven by expectations that patients will look younger, better and even have a competitive edge in the rat race at work.
However, the new study shows ‘limitations’ in what patients should expect.
‘Our data demonstrate that ageing face surgery is effective in reducing the apparent age of patients but doesn’t consistently improve a patient’s attractiveness’ he said.
The latest study, published in the journal JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery (must credit), is the first to investigate ratings of attractiveness post-surgery as well as enhanced youthfulness.

Expectations: One doctor claims the explosion in people having plastic surgery was driven by a belief they would look younger, but it comes at a huge financial cost

The study involved an assessment by 50 independent raters who examined preoperative and postoperative photographs of 49 patients, including 12 men, who underwent plastic surgery.
The patients had surgery between July 2006 and July 2010 at a private practice in Toronto, Canada, run by surgeon Peter Adamson, who took part in the study.
Patients in the study ranged in age from 42 to 73 years at the time of surgery with an average age of 57 years.
On average, the raters estimated their patients’ ages to be about 2.1 years younger than their chronological age before surgery and 5.2 years younger than their chronological age after surgery.

The average overall years saved (true age minus guessed age) following surgery was 3.1 years, with more years saved as more procedures were carried out.
To minimise bias by the raters, none was shown before and after pictures of the same patient.
Raters were also asked to rate the patient’s attractiveness on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the most unattractive and 10 being the most attractive.
There was a small, but statistically insignificant increase in attractiveness scores in post-op photographs.
Three-quarters of patients scored within the range 4-7, and the scores did not change with surgery even after allowing for patient age and procedure.
Dr Zimm said the study found a person’s perceived age conferred a certain level of attractiveness - with younger people generally gauged as being more attractive.
‘From this study, it seems the attractiveness level will remain the same, regardless of age’ he said.
‘The age reduction is more substantial when the number of surgical procedures is increased, but this did not significantly improve overall attractiveness’ he added.
Rajiv Grover, president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons who practises at the King Edward VII Hospital in London, said the attractiveness ratings fell short using strict statistical criteria, but market research techniques would probably have found a substantial change.
He said most UK plastic surgeons would believe the study underestimated the amount of benefit gained by many patients.
He said ‘The key here is good selection. I turn away 40 to 45 per cent of potential patients because I tell them honestly I don’t think they’re going to get the results they’re after and they’ll be wasting their money.
‘If you select patients well, and they’re in the hands of a competent, experienced surgeon I would expect them to look seven, eight, even nine years younger afterwards’ he added.

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IF YOU WANT A BRAINY BABY!

A FEW FACTS ABOUT BREAST MILK


Most baby formulas are derived from cow's milk (although dairy-free formulas are also available). When milk — from the breast or from a cow — is digested, it breaks down into two byproducts: curds and whey. The curd is white and rubbery, and the whey is liquid.

When cow's milk breaks down, the curd that forms is hard for human babies to digest. Breast milk, on the other hand, forms more whey than curd, and the curd is softer and more easily digested. Because the baby can digest breast milk more easily than cow's milk, he's less likely to throw up on your favorite sweater. Cow's milk is designed for baby cows after all.

One of the amazing things about breast milk is that your milk is specially formulated to have the right composition for your baby, and to contain exactly the right amounts of nutrients. Bottle-fed babies receive the exact same nutrients every time they eat. Breast milk, on the other hand, continually changes in composition so that your baby gets what he or she needs at any age.

The first liquid the breasts produce (starting a few months before the baby is born) actually doesn't even look like milk. Colostrum, which is yellow and thicker than breast milk, is a great example of how your body custom-makes the right nutrition for your baby. Here are some of its benefits:

Colostrum has a high concentration of antibodies, especially IgA, an antibody that helps protect the lungs, throat, and intestines.
Colostrum helps "seal" the permeable newborn intestines to prevent harmful substances from penetrating the gut.
Colostrum is very high in concentrated nutrition.
Colostrum has a laxative effect, which helps the baby pass the first bowel movements (and prevents newborn jaundice).
Colostrum is low in fat, high in proteins and carbohydrates, and very easy to digest.

Within a few days after delivery, your body begins to produce mature milk that takes over the work of giving your baby the necessary ingredients for healthy growth. Colostrum is still present for around two weeks; the milk produced during this time is called transitional milk.

Breast milk contains more than 100 ingredients that the formula industry simply can't duplicate. For example, breast milk is full of antibodies that protect babies from illness and help them develop their own immune systems. Some other key differences between the ingredients in breast milk and formula include the following:
Formula has a higher protein content than human milk. However, the protein in breast milk is more easily and completely digested by babies.

Breast milk has a higher carbohydrate content than formula and has large amounts of lactose, a sugar found in lower amounts in cow's milk. Research shows that animals whose milk contains higher amounts of lactose experience larger brain development.

Minerals such as iron are present in lower quantities in breast milk than in formula. However, the minerals in breast milk are more completely absorbed by the baby. In formula-fed babies, the unabsorbed portions of minerals can change the balance of bacteria in the gut, which gives harmful bacteria a chance to grow. This is one reason why bottle-fed babies generally have harder and more odorous stools than breastfed babies.

Of course I appreciate sometimes it's not possible to breast feed sometimes due to various problems however I do believe every new mother should try and persevere if there are no contra indications to breast feeding as not only does it benefit the baby but it helps the mother regain her figure much quicker, even if the mother does so for three months the benefits to mother and baby are enormous.

ARTICLE BELOW FROM THE DAILY MAIL

Breast really is best if you want a brainy baby: Just THREE months of breastfeeding boosts development by 30%

• Babies only fed breast milk have 30% extra growth in key parts of the brain
• They have better development in areas which control language and emotion
• Those fed breast milk have more white matter which is used for learning
• Those only fed formula milk have the least white matter

Breast milk boosts brain development in babies by up to 30 per cent, according to a new study.
Children exclusively fed breast milk for at least three months have up to 30 per cent extra growth in the key parts of the brain which control language, emotion, and understanding, say scientists.
The study of under-fours showed children who have breast milk as part of their diet have a clear advantage when it comes to brain development.

Children exclusively fed breast milk for at least three months have up to 30 per cent extra growth in the key parts of the brain. Image shows how white matter develops with age

Research carried out at Brown University, in the U.S., found that by the time the babies had reached their second birthday a discernible difference could be seen in their brain structure.
Dr Sean Deoni, an engineering professor and lead author, said: ‘We're finding the difference [in white matter growth] is in the order of 20 to 30 per cent, comparing the breastfed and the non-breastfed kids.’
Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) brain scans were taken of the babies who had been fed a diet of breast milk in the earliest stages of their development, and of those who had been fed formula milk.
The scans showed that babies fed breast milk alone had the fastest growth in myelinated white matter - tissue packed full of long nerve fibres that link different parts of the brain that are used for learning.
The babies who were weaned on a diet of formula were found to have the least white matter.
Dr Deoni's team carried out the study to see how early the changes in brain development took place.
‘We show that they're there almost right off the bat,’ he said.

Scans show that babies fed breast milk alone have the fastest growth in myelinated white matter - tissue packed full of long nerve fibres that link different parts of the brain that are used for learning

Researchers looked at the brains of 133 babies who were born on time and came from similar families.
By comparing the myelin in older and younger children they were able to calculate how breast milk influenced the development of white matter.
The researchers backed up the results of the scans with a set of basic cognitive tests that showed language performance, visual reception and motor control were all better in the breastfed children.
The team found that the longer the babies were fed with breast milk the more developed their brains were, especially in the areas of the brain associated with movement and coordination.
While the Brown study published in the journal NeuroImage is not the first to link breastfeeding with improved development in the young, Dr Deoni claimed it is the first time MRI scans have been used to compare the brains in breastfed and non-breastfed children.
Dr Deoni said: ‘I think it's astounding that you could have that much difference so early. I think I would argue that combined with all the other evidence, it seems like breastfeeding is absolutely beneficial.’

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HALLELUJAH FINALLY IT'S SINKING IN WHAT AGES A WOMAN'S SKIN

Hallelujah haven't I been saying this for years.


THIS ISN'T A CONVENTIONAL BEAUTY BLOG SO I AM NOT GOING INTO PRODUCTS OR EVEN ROUTINES BUT RATHER TACKLING THE INNER CORE AND DEALING WITH THE REAL CAUSES OF SKIN DAMAGE

THE BASICS: UNDERSTANDING HOW THE ENVIRONMENT AND STRESS AFFECTS THE SKIN

Under the 'Stress section' I talked about how stress hormones such as Adrenalin and Cortisone affect the skin, if you recall Adrenalin reduces the nourishment delivered by the blood stream by directing the blood flow away from the extremities to the heart, lungs and muscles, so the skin and hair wont be so well nourished. Cortisone damages the fibrocytes, these are specialised cells within the Dermis that produce collagen and elastin and it is collagen and elastin that provides support and elasticity within the skin, akin to the foam and springs in a mattress. When we are young our skin is plump and elastic but through use from normal facial movements, the downward pull of gravity, the collagen and elastin tends to bunch together just like the stuffing in a well used mattress. Now if we undergo stress for a considerable period as these fibrocytes become damaged due to the action of Cortisol so the skin will loose its support structure, its elasticity will suffer and it wont spring back to shape like it used to, like spent elastic. Cell renewal will suffer due to the reduced blood supply there wont be adequate nourishment and the skin will take on a greyer pallor and it will loose its healthy rosy glow.

Now there is another aspect to this equation, the action of Ultra Violet Light from the sun and of course sunbeds. The sun produces three types of UV Light UVA UVB and UVC. The Earth's ozone layer blocks 97-99% of this UV radiation from penetrating through the atmosphere. Of the ultraviolet radiation that reaches the Earth's surface, 98.7% is UVA (UVC and more energetic radiation is responsible for the generation of the ozone layer, and formation of the ozone there). Now I don't want to get to technical here and want to focus on UVA and UVB. UVB can only penetrate down through the skin to the dermis and is responsible for burning but UVA is able to penetrate down through the dermis and like Cortisol damages the Fibrocytes, those little cells that plump up our skin and give it elasticity.

One of the best places on our bodies to see the affects of gravity and demishing collagen and elastin especially on women is on the thighs often referred to as 'Cellulite'.

Because we are composed of 70% water, water is an important component of the skin, therefore it important we drink adequate water to keep ourselves hydrated. Don't wait until you feel thirsty before you reach for that drink, it is much better to sip water at regular intervals as we are constantly loosing water through bodily processes.


THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL, SMOKING AND DRUGS ON THE SKIN



TYPICAL SMOKERS SKIN (NOTE THE PURSE LINES)

Everything in moderation is something to bear in mind when it comes to food and drink and that includes alcohol, but alcohol is a toxin and the liver has to work hard to break it down. The occasional drink is not going to have too much effect on the skin but it does cause the peripheral circulation to dilate and one of the characteristic signs of too much alcohol is the appearance of broken capillaries across the face, There are other causes of broken capillaries, sometimes, it's hereditary but often caused by sudden changes in temperature i.e. going from very warm central heated homes to going outdoors without protecting the skin or driving in cars with the heater blasting against the face. Squeezing spots is another cause. Too much alcohol is a depressant too, so you may feel rather jolly at the time but you are sure to come back down to earth with a bump.

Many common prescribed drugs have an effect on the skin its something to be aware of many drugs such as diuretics will cause a loss of moisture so forewarned you take extra care to apply a good moisturiser to help counteract this effect.

Recreational drugs obviously will have an effect on the skin too with many of them toxic to the body and anything that diverts the body to spend time detoxifying obviously takes energy away from repairing and maintaining the body. This is not a blog that discusses drugs I am sure readers will already know the dangers of such substances.



HEALTHY LUNGS


Smoking is one of the worst abuses you can do to your body, firstly because of its direct effect affect on the lungs, it impairs the uptake and absorption of oxygen and of course all cells in the body require oxygen in order to function normally. The nicotine as well as being addictive is a powerful vasoconstrictor therefore it reduces blood flow to the peripheral circulation so the skin and hair are going to suffer. So as well as impairing oxygen uptake and reducing blood flow to the skin, the body is also having to use its resources dealing with all the toxins also inhaled. Poorly nourished skin means it cannot repair itself adequately. Smoking also leads to more wrinkling, those little purse string lines around the mouth and crows feet caused by the smoke further research has proven that smoking causes the skin to age ten years.


ARTICLE FROM THE DAILY MAIL BELOW

How sunbeds, smoking and not eating enough fruit can age a woman's skin by TEN YEARS

• 'Lifestyle choices' account for 33 per cent of how old a woman looks
• Researchers carried out study on 585 woman in UK, China and Spain
• Team asked women a series of questions about their lifestyles

A new study has found lifestyle choices can account for as much as 33 per cent of how old a woman looks

Living an unhealthy lifestyle can age a woman’s skin by over ten years, an in-depth international study has revealed.
The true damage caused by sun beds, smoking and a lack of fruit and moisturisation in accelerating the ageing process emerged following research on 585 women in the UK, China and Spain.
The study, published yesterday, showed the factors influencing their skin were the same even taking into account the backgrounds and skin type of the women involved.
It also emerged 'lifestyle choices' often account for as much as 33 per cent of how old a woman looks.
Dr Andrew Mayes, who led the study for Simple skincare, said: 'We already knew genetics accounted for about 50 per cent of how old people look, but we didn’t know how much would be accounted for by their lifestyles.
'Even we were surprised by just how much it was; both in terms of the number of years and the percentage.'
The study which was carried out over the last eight years involved women aged 45 to 75 in the UK, 30 to 70 in Spain and 25 to 70 in China.
Study sites with controlled laboratory conditions were established in Bedford in the UK, Madrid in Spain and Shanghai in China.
Those who took part were asked a string of questions about their lifestyles including whether or not they liked to sun tan and if they were smokers or non-smokers.
Other questions included how often the women moisturised, whether they eat fruit and veg, whether they brush their teeth and if they have all their own teeth.
The research team also took digital images of the women which were then assessed for how old they looked to identify their perceived age and whether they looked younger or older than their actual age.

The study, which was carried out over the last eight years, asked women questions about their lifestyle, including whether or not they smoked

Those taking part in the research were also asked whether or not they liked to sun tan and how often they moisturised

The research team, led by Dr Mayes, then compared the perceived ages of those with good versus bad lifestyles.
They concluded the difference was 10.4 years.

'We already knew genetics accounted for about 50 per cent of how old people look, but we didn’t know how much would be accounted for by their lifestyles'
- Dr Andrew Mayes

Dr Mayes added: 'The number of years' difference was most staggering - we had just seen some data out of a group of plastic surgeons in the US and Canada suggesting that a face and neck lift (together with eyelid and forehead modifications) could take an average of about 8.5 years off your facial age.
'Then we got our data through demonstrating a saving of over 10 years. It’s fair to say at first we couldn’t quite believe it.
'But the evidence was there in front of us - women with a healthy lifestyle looked much younger than those with an unhealthy lifestyle.
'Simply put; good skin health is about more than fancy creams and lotions - it’s about how we live our lives and how we treat our bodies and the steps we need to take do not need to be extreme.
'They can be small and steady and the effects will be seen over time without the need for plastic surgery.'

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