Is it really good to eat insects for a source of protein?

Insects are high in protein, and are a dietary delicacy in many areas that consume insects, as a snack or main meal.  This practice is known as entomophagy.  For tens of thousands of years, insects have proven to be a safe, tasty and nutritional food source.  From biblical times, John the Baptist survived on locusts and honey.  Today, consuming insects, on a regular basis, is common practice in more than 13 countries worldwide.  They are a particularly popular food item in Africa, Asia, Australia and Central and South America.

While vacationing in Mexico City, we ordered guacamole with a twist, and that meant that it was topped with roasted chapulines (crickets).  If we didn’t know any better, they looked and tasted like smoked dried onions.  In Mexico, in addition, to crickets, caterpillars, worms and ant eggs are used in a variety of dishes.

In Thailand, fried crickets and bamboo worms are commonly served with peppers and soy sauce, and enjoyed with a beer.  People living in Brazil can enjoy Queen Ants, which are said to have a minty flavor, and can be dipped in chocolate, as a special treat.  Ghana residents ground termites, to make flour that will eventually be turned into bread.  It is common for tourists in Cambodia, to see tarantulas offered as a food item.  Wasp crackers are enjoyed by many of the elders that live in the highlands of Japan.  In Bali, you can find a food delicacy which consists of dragonflies (de-winged), that are boiled in coconut milk and combined with garlic and ginger.

In addition to being an excellent source of protein, insects contain beneficial vitamins and minerals.  According to the US News and World Report (travel section), insects are healthier to consume than animal meat.  Consider that 100 grams of beef contains 29 grams of protein, and more than 20 grams of fat; 100 grams of grasshopper may contain a little less protein (about 20 grams), but the fat content is only 6 grams; caterpillars host more than 50 grams of protein, while only 15% is fat and 17% being carbohydrates; 100 grams of ants (which is a lot of ants) will provide you with 14 grams of protein (which is more than an ordinary chicken egg), and almost 50 grams of calcium, but clocks in at less than 100 calories.  One reason, that the nutritional value of insects are so high, is that the entire bug (exoskeleton and internal organs) is consumed.

If you are disgusted about eating bugs, it is probably due to how you view these creatures, and not based on taste (since very few Americans have actually tried them).  There are more than two billion people around the world that consume insects, on a regular basis (both cooked and raw).  This is not a common practice in Western culture.

Insect protein is not recommended for individuals that are allergic to shellfish, but for anyone else, this could be a viable protein alternative.  In addition to being a quality protein source, edible insects are high in healthy fatty acids, such as omega-3 fatty acid, Vitamin B and calcium.

Beetles, for instance, have a very high protein content, and are often roasted over hot coals and enjoyed like popcorn.  Moths are a succulent source of iron and protein, and are consumed in African countries.  Bee brood (bees still in the egg) are said to taste like almonds or peanuts.  Backswimmers and water boatmen are easy to cultivate and harvest.  The eggs of backswimmers are dried and used to create Mexican caviar (which is said to have a strong fishy aroma, and tastes like shrimp).

Grasshoppers are a commonly consumed insect, because they are abundant and usually easy to catch.  The flavor is neutral, which means they will pick up the dominate flavor of the prepared dish.

Caterpillars, depending on the species, are high in calcium, zinc, potassium, iron and magnesium.  Quite often, caterpillars are ground into a flour, to be given to children suffering from malnutrition.  Although caterpillars (and other types of insects) may be used as an emergency food, they are consumed as a food delicacy in many regions around the world.

Stinkbugs are said to have the flavor of apples, which makes a great addition to sauces.  They are an excellent source of iodine, and are also known to have anesthetic properties.

There are close to 2,000 edible insects on the Earth that are chock full of protein, good fats, fiber, and important vitamins and minerals.  In addition to having an excellent nutritional value, eating bugs is also a safe, healthy and effective way to reduce a pest problem, without dangerous insecticides.   To find out more, and learn some recipes, check out the Creepy Crawly Cuisine, by Julieta Ramos-Elorduy, a biologist and author.

Fighting Oily Skin with Solvaderm

Oil or sebum, is produced by the body to help keep the skin healthy and lubricated. Occasionally, too much of a good thing can turn bad. Too much oil production can lead to blemishes and can cause acne flare-ups. When people have oily skin, their sebaceous glands produce too much sebum and your skin can look oily as well. There are some hereditary factors that play a part in your skin. People who are born with darker hair tend to produce more oil than light-haired people1. Stress and hormone changes like pregnant women and those taking oral birth control may have oilier skin. There are some fantastic home remedies that can help reduce excess oil production and there are also products available on the market like Solvaderm’s line that can help with oily skin.

Be sure to cleanse your face twice a day. Dermatologists agree that everyone, especially people who have oily skin, should be cleansing their skin morning and night. Be sure to use gentle cleansers as cleansers with harsh chemicals can cause the skin to produce even more oil as a defense mechanism to the skin. Products formulated for acne prone skin usually contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or beta-hydroxy acids which can help reduce the amount of oil production and also keep breakouts at bay. Be sure to use a mild toner as well to neutralize the pH of the skin and can help tighten pores and reduce oil production2.

Another great way to cut oil production is to use at home treatment masks. The good news is that you can make your own oily skin masks right in the comfort of your kitchen with ingredients that are readily available. Egg-white masks are said a great way to firm and tone your skin while also soaking up excess oil. The egg-white mask is simple, mix one teaspoon of honey with an egg white, stir well and apply the mask to your face and leave on for about ten minutes. Be careful to avoid the delicate eye area and wash off with warm water.You can even add lemon juice to the mixture but only leave on for about three to five minutes as the lemon allows for the mask to work more efficiently.
You also want to make sure that you are moisturizing properly. Many people who have oily skin tend to avoid this critical step but it is important to protect the skin and skin that is moisturized will be at its best. Just choose a moisturizer that is formulated for oily skin and even moisturizers that are marketed for acne prone skin may be exactly what your skin needs.

Of course, you can always consult your dermatologist for help in selecting the right skin care regimen for your oily skin. Solvaderm has a full line of cleansers, toners, and moisturizers that will help treat oily skin. Their products are never tested on animals, are made here in the U.S. and are trusted and recommended by dermatologists and skin care professionals worldwide.

Facial Cleansing with Solvaderm

Facial cleansers are a dime a dozen. You cannot walk through your local pharmacy without seeing, at least, ten different brands of cleansers and all different types. It becomes overwhelming for most people because the choices are stacked against you. A cleanser is a skin care product designed to remove dirt, makeup, oil, and pollutants from the surface of your skin. Cleansers can help unclog your pores and help to prevent certain skin conditions. Cleansers shouldn’t be used alone and they should always be used as part of a skin care routine than includes toning, treating, and moisturizing. As mentioned, there are a ton of different cleansers on the market today, but it is important to choose the right one for your skin type and to trust a brand like Solvaderm that is recommended by dermatologists and skin care professionals worldwide.

It’s very important to choose the right cleanser for your skin type. Regardless of your skin types, it is important to choose a cleanser that is mild and that does not contain harsh chemicals. Even if you have acne prone skin, be sure to choose cleansers that are not too drying and that treat your skin delicately. Many cleansers that contain fragrances can irritate the skin so be wary of strongly scented cleanser.

You may still be wondering why you even have to cleanse your face. Imagine a day in your local city. Imagine all the pollutants and dirt that your face is exposed to in just a short amount of time. Not to mention the oil that your skin has produced as a way to fight the effects of the sun or harsh chemicals it is being exposed to like cigarette smoke and smog. Do you want to go to bed at night with all that on top of your skin? Now imagine all that with an added skin condition like acne. You really need to cleanse and remove impurities from your skin no matter what.

Now that you are ready to add this critical step to your daily skin care routine, you need to choose the right facial cleanser. Your cleanser should be strong enough to remove the day’s impurities yet mild enough to not be too drying and harsh. It is always better to be gentle than harsh when it comes to cleansers. Choose a cleanser that is formulated to help improve the surface of the skin while not stripping essential moisture. Lastly, you want to choose a cleanser that after use does not make your skin feel too tight when it dries and never ever feels irritating when using it. If this happens, then you aren’t using the right product for your skin type.

If you still feel like you need help choosing a cleanser you can visit your dermatologist or skin care professional for help. They will be able to assist you in selecting a product formulated for your skin type and within your budget like Solvaderm’s line of products. Be sure to visit their site to learn more.

Chapped And Cracked Lips? Say Good Bye To Them This Winter

As winter approaches, people are not only worrying about the cold weather but also the drying of the lips. Therefore, as they shop for heavy pullovers they also put the lip moisturizing products into consideration. It is very ugly and unpleasant for an individual to appear in a place with dry, chapped lips; this makes the victims lose their confidence before people. How somebody looks like or views him/herself determines the level of confidence that a person has. It is therefore, advisable for us to maintain the appearance that we would like to have to ensure self-esteem is kept at the required position. One of the ways that we can do is by controlling our lips from cracking to acquire the beautiful appearance that you have you always wanted. With the following precaution to your lips, say good bye to dry and chapped lips this winter;

1. Take a lot of water
During the cold season, most people forget to drink water because it is always the hot weather during summer that compels them to drink water to cool them. Most medical officers always recommend taking about seven glasses of water a day regardless of whether they are feeling thirsty or not. Apart from assisting in digestion, water keeps the skin including the lips moisturized all through. In fact, if you want to know that you are dehydrated, check if your lips dried suddenly. Therefore, taking enough water this winter even if it is warm will help prevent your lips from cracking. Remember any drink cannot replace water however, cold it may be.  For your information sugary drinks can cause dehydration.

2. Avoid licking you lips
Despite how water is really good for your lips, your saliva being watery does not help moisturize your lips. It only does it for 2 minutes and then the lips dry than it was; it is only good enough for moisturizing when you want to take an instant photo. Licking your lips washes away the natural oil from the lips leaving it dry and pale. No one is born with a disorder of licking lips hence it is just a habit that can be avoided. Another mouth habit that you should also avoid is biting your lips and pealing them.

3. Moisturize regularly
Every other part of the skin requires moisturizing after coming in contact with water and so does the lips. It is that part of the skin that ladies rarely forget to apply those beautiful lipsticks and lip balm; which is a good thing. This winter makes sure you do not neglect that simple thing of moisturizing your lips. Lip balms or petroleum jelly can serve that purpose very effectively. Avoid using the tasty lip balms to plumb your lips because they trigger licking of the lips which causes drying. On top of that plump, you lips with the best lip plumpers to ensure that they remain okay. Reviews on the best lip plumper show the tasteless lip plumpers as the review best lip bumpers.

4. Exfoliation does it
Exfoliation is the removal of the dead outer skin to pave way for the new skin. This is one of the universal treatments for most skin related problems. Just like you face requires exfoliation to become soft and young, the lips also require preventing them from getting chapped. Exfoliate your lips once in a while and be sure of ever moisturized lips this winter. Salt or sugar can make good exfoliates but there are other artificial products used to exfoliate. Always remember that overdoing something can be very dangerous and may turn the output to the opposite direction.

5. Check on your diet
Lips are part of the skin and the food required for the skin is hence the food required for better lips. Food rich in vitamins like vegetables are the ones you are required to take. Fruits also are the most suitable substances for skin nourishment. Just avoid too salty foods because they are always stimulation to licking your lips. What you take into your body is what determines your physical appearance therefore, avoid excess smoking and consumption of alcohol or do not do it at all.

Conclusion
Everyone likes looking beautiful but with cracked chapped lips the beautiful appearance is compromised. Proper care of your lips is what is required of you in order to have that beautiful appearance. Proper diet, exfoliation, moisturizing, drinking water and changing your licking habit are the simple things that one has to do to say goodbye to dry chapped lips. It is therefore, your responsibility to make yourself what you want to be. Above elaboration is everything you need and now it is a matter of choice.

Solvaderm's Protective Protocols For Your Skin

When people hear the term protection in relation to the skin, they tend to think it relates to sunscreen but protecting the skin means more than simply blocking out harmful UV rays. Protection involves treating the skin to keep it in top condition; nourishing it by night as well as covering it by day. Solvaderm have developed a range of treatments that are designed to protect skin by maintaining its current condition and ensuring it stays that way for the future.

Dermaxsol
Containing a broad spectrum SPF of 30, this hydrating day cream is the perfect daily protection to shield you from harmful UV rays, both UVB the kind which cause the skin to burn and more importantly, UVA, the kind you can't see doing damage. Boosted with sunflower and safflower oils, it provides an excellent base for makeup and is nongreasy. Like all Solvaderm products, Dermaxsol is paraben and perfume free so that skin is kept as pure and as clean as possible. Waterproof, it will ensure that whether you get caught in sunshine and showers that your skin will remain protected all day long.

Rejuvoderm
This clarifying cleanser has been developed to keep oily skin clear without stripping it of its natural moisture. With alpha hydroxy acids to exfoliate the surface of the skin, it removes dead skin cells while cleaning deep into the pores without the need for harmful rubbing. Ideal for those prone to breakouts, it also contains salicylic acid to help dissolve excess oil on the surface of the skin that can block pores. It also contains lavender, which is a moisturizing essential oil with antibacterial properties and ideal for keeping skin soft and supple while preventing dirt or bacteria from getting into pores.

Stemuderm
Designed to address the visible signs of aging, Stemuderm contains ingredients that work to relax facial muscles, reducing the depth and intensity of wrinkles. Using a range of different peptides from Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, which repairs the skin and restores elasticity to Acetyl Hexapeptide 8 which is nature's Botox, this concentrated solution is backed by clinical research. With rich moisture provided by squalane, apricot kernel and jojoba seed oil and containing the plant based stem cells MalusDomestica which helps the regeneration of skin cells, Stemuderm is at the cutting edge of skincare treatments which protect the skin.

Suvoderm
To keep your skin protected at night Solvaderm have created Suvoderm, a cream moisturizer enriched with retinol to aid the synthesis of collagen. Working to repair skin cells while you sleep, this water-based formula contains vitamins with antioxidant properties and noncomedogenic natural oils to provide moisture. It also contains carnitine to balance the skin's oil production, making it a suitable night cream for those who suffer from acne. With Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and copper peptides included, all signs of oxidative stress are catered for, providing overnight protection to allow skin to thrive.

Whether it's advanced stem cell technology or enriched nutrient serums, this arsenal of scientifically researched products will protect your skin in all conditions.

What’s the Secret - Solvaderm

What's the Secret to aging gracefully - Solvaderm! We have all been there, a moment in our life when you catch yourself staring at your dentist, dermatologist, hairdresser, and even your doctor, and think to yourself, how do they stay so young?

What are the clandestine if aging gracefully with a pore-free complexion and barely lines on the hands or face? The answer is Solvaderm providing one with a naturally ageless look. We all are searching for the fountain of youth and unfortunately, no one has found it!

However, there are some other tricks and simple solutions to stop aging and with some daily care, one can take care of the age-old problem. Some are ordinary solutions while others are part of the rejuvoderm natural beauty product range.

Start the day fresh

Have you ever heard of organic sesame oil? No, this can be bought at your health-food store. Start your day fresh by working this organic oil all over your body and jump into the shower. Not only does the oil cleanse away dead skin cells naturally, it helps to wake you up but gets your blood circulating. It helps to hydrate the skin, providing it with a healthy glow.

Follow it up with a good face cleanser and moisturizer

Once freshen-up, take a good face cleanser to back-up your skin cleansing. If possible, avoid using soap - it can dries-up your skin. Try Solvaderm's Dermpura an all-in-one balance and repairing cleanser. A natural beauty product that helps eliminate impurities found in skin. One can use this product in the morning or at night before going to bed to remove your makeup and other environmental contaminants.

Partner it up with a great toner like Maxatone to help penetrate the pores and purge out oil and dirt left behind after your night's sleep. This helps to tighten and shrink enlarged pores.

Then, blow off that base foundation, as it settles into wrinkles and makes them look more noticeable. Start with some Eyevage it helps to moisturize and banish wrinkles and fine lines beneath the eyes.

To complete your regimen, use a great moisturizer. Solvaderm's Dermaxsol provides a good face protection, keeping it hydrated against all elements outside, follow up with your normal makeup, and remember to leave out that base.

After the long day, pamper yourself

After an exhausting day, it is time to relax and have a long bath. Free your skin from dust and make-up worn the whole day with Dermpura. Rest with Suvoderm with absorbing blend of natural ingredients to help repair your skin overnight. It consists of collagen boosting formulations that help augment skin firming and restores important proteins in the skin for a youthful appearance.

Rest and take back your youth with Solvaderm!

How Revivatone is the Best Neck Treatment with Solvaderm?

As with delicate skin on areas of the face, the skin on the neck and chest needs extra care and attention. Regular exposure to environmental damage caused by the sun, pollution and other factors can have a marked effect on the appearance of the skin on the décolletage area around the neck and upper chest. In some cases, regular moisturizing and protection with a broad spectrum SPF may be sufficient to slow the visible signs of ageing, however damage can easily occur with even a small amount of unprotected exposure to the sun. To combat this, Solvaderm have developed Revivatone, an intensive neck and chest repair complex to specifically deal with the skin on this area of the body.

Like the face, not the body

The skin on the neck and décolletage is delicate and more exposed than other parts of the body. It is thinner, stretched over a larger area and has less collagen. It is also less exposed to daylight than the face, meaning less melanin is produced and making it more susceptible to UVA and UVB damage. Yet we tend to treat it like the skin on the body, moisturizing but not applying an SPF, or worse, by using a moisturizing creme for the body. These tend to lack ingredients such as antioxidants, retinoids and those used to help maintain the skin's elasticity, so that while they provide moisture they do little else in the way of supporting and protecting the décolletage.

Photoaging

One protective measure that should be taken regardless of age, and whether or not there appears to be any damage to the skin, is by wearing sunscreen on the area. UVA rays are always present during daylight hours: sunny or cloudy, winter or summer. Unlike UVB rays which cause the skin to burn, they cannot be felt by the presence of heat and as a result can cause, as much, if not more damage in the long term to unprotected skin. Known as 'photoaging', damage by ultraviolet light can cause medical problems related to the skin and it is always recommended that any damage is seen by a dermatologist. In order to prevent photoaging, it is recommended that a broad spectrum SPF of no less than 30 be worn on the face to protect against UVA and UVB and this should be extended to the neck and décolletage.

Revivatone

If cosmetic damage has been caused, Solvaderm recommend the use of Revivatone which has been developed especially to deal with this. Containing anti-ageing peptides which help restore the skin's vitality, it also contains Hyaluronic acid to help restore firmness and Squalane which minimizes the appearance of fine lines like those that can appear on the neck. Solvaderm's customers have given this product rave reviews and it's not hard to see why. Results, which can be seen in as little as two weeks, reveal skin that looks smooth, firm and toned. When it comes to reviving the skin on the neck, Revivatone is just the tonic!