What Are The Top 5 Benefits Of Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil?

With all the hoopla about all-natural skin and body care products, people want to know exactly what the supposed benefits are of these new products they are being introduced to. One ingredient that continually appears in my personal favorite skincare products is Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, which is extracted from rice. This ingredient has found its way into my all natural moisturizers, lip balms, cleansing oils, soaps and even body sprays. What does this really mean? What are the benefits of using rice bran oil in skin and body care products?

After much research, I discovered five key benefits of Rice Bran Oil.

1) Rich in Anti-oxidants such as tocotrienols, which can help protect against heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses.
2) Rich in essential fatty acids which are essential for good health because our body needs them but is unable to naturally produce them. Essential fatty acids have been linked to the reduction in rates of depression.
3) An effective substitute for the skin-irritant lanolin, which is used as a skin ointment, and can help reduce inflammation and itching.
4) Excellent source of Vitamin E, which helps to protect dry, scaling and chapping of skin.
5) Paraben Free with no artificial color or fragrance. This is a biggie. Rice Bran Oil is all natural which means that by using products that have Oryza Sativa as a base, we are protecting ourselves from the many toxic carcinogens that permeate skincare products.

Both Environment Canada and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Assessment have approved Oryza Sativa as a safe ingredient for skincare products. Moreover, in Japan, where the product has been used for centuries, it has been approved for the treatment of various problems, and is commonly found in skin care products.

I decided to really put these benefits to the test. For the last six months, I have been using a Rice Extract Moisturizing Cream and, not surprisingly considering the research, I have experienced a major shift in the feelings and patterns of my skin. My normally dry skin has soothed out incredibly. I feel protected, moistened and nourished. I began using the cream in the dead of the Canadian winter, and it saved me from the dry skin I have struggled with all my life. Now with the hot climate of summer, it has been essential in balancing out my skin and ensuring protection against free radicals.

Both the research and product testing has confirmed that that hard to pronounce ingredient Oryza Sativa I keep finding in my skin and body care products is definitely keeping my skin strong and beautiful.

by Ashley McEachern

What are the best sources of Antioxidants?

Although the primary source of antioxidant is unquestionably through daily intake of fruits and vegetables, clinical studies have shown that the topical application of antioxidants through all natural skin care and all natural body care products is an excellent way to introduce more of this beloved nutrient into your body.

Antioxidants are the equivalent of body armour that protects your skin and body from the rough pollutants that damage skin cells and weaken immune systems. They are, in essence, nutrients that can prevent or slow down damage to the bodies’ cells and are essential to the maintenance of health and beauty. Antioxidants come in the form of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Zinc, Polyphenolic antioxidants (found in red wine, soy and tea) and caretonoids (found in fruits and vegetables).

The benefits of antioxidants cannot be understated. First and foremost, they protect against oxygen radicals that Health Canada has linked to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, neurological disorders (ex. Parkinson's disease), cataracts, and arthritis

Antioxidants can be best absorbed through daily intake, this includes foods such as fruits and vegetables, nuts, meats, eggs, grain cereals. Fruits and vegetables, along with green tea, are among the top sources of antioxidants and it is therefore suggested that everyone consume 8-10 servings per day to help protect against heart disease. While antioxidants are primarily absorbed through fresh, non-processed foods, all natural skin care and all natural body care products are another great way to increase your intake of antioxidants.

The use of antioxidants in all natural skin care and all natural body care is the key to anti-aging, and it has been suggested that everyone’s skin care regimes should include all natural skin care and all natural body care products based in antioxidants. Through the application of antioxidants in all natural skin care and all natural body care products to the body, people can protect themselves from the mass of free radicals they are exposed to on a daily basis. Free radicals include the pollutants people constantly come in contact with, including sun damage, poor diet choices and cigarette smoke. Not only will topical antioxidant application protect against aging and heal sun spots, fine lines, wrinkles (it increases collagen levels thus firming the skin) and damaged skin, it is also the most natural and gentle way to provide this protection, unlike the many harmful chemical products on the market.

Ultimately, antioxidants are a miracle source of health and beauty that can be absorbed through skincare products based in shiso, perilla, green tea extract, olive leaf extract and zinc.

by Ashley McEachern

Lets look younger

It seems that everyone wants to look years younger, regardless of how old they, or their skin, actually looks and feels. In fact, a recent Health Canada study shows that 71% of Canadians depend on natural health products, such as vitamins, minerals, herbal products, homeopathic medicines and all natural skin care.

For those of us who proudly follow all natural skin care regimes, it can be a challenge trusting anti-aging face creams to give us back our adolescent glow. First, we must teach ourselves about all-natural anti-aging face creams. What are the key ingredients? What are the functions of those ingredients? How effective are they? How often should anti-aging face creams be used?
Ultimately, the purpose of an all-natural anti-aging face cream is to provide a comprehensive skin treatment, smoothing out lines, wrinkles and sunspots. Moreover, the goal is to restore elastin and collagen to tighten the skin. Not only do anti-aging face creams seek to restore mature skin, but they provide nourishment to protect against daily pollutants such as heat and UV rays.

The most important ingredient in all natural anti-aging face creams is antioxidants as they drastically reduce the impact of free radicals on your skin. Look for ingredients such as Perilla ocymoides (Shiso), which provide the skin with the much-needed nurturing from antioxidants.
Other common ingredients in anti-aging face creams include different essential oil extracts such as black tea extract, which plays a primary role in preserving your skins’ elasticity. Jojoba Seed Oil is another common ingredient in all natural anti-aging face creams because of its powerful antimicrobial, antifungal and nourishing properties. The presence of Vitamin E, B-complex and zinc makes this one of the more popular elements of all natural anti-aging face cream. Unique proteins are used such as hydrolyzed rice protein and soy protein to stimulate collagen, and keep the skin purified by protecting it against sun damage.

It is clear from the benefits of these ingredients that all natural anti-aging face creams can provide boundless opportunities for our skin to reclaim its youthful vitality. All natural anti-aging face creams can be pivotal in reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, blemishes, dark circles, age spots and puffiness under the eyes. However, it is important to ensure that you are choosing all natural anti-aging skin care products that do not include any parabens or toxic chemicals.

While all natural anti-aging skin care will definitely improve the look and feel of your skin, always remember to balance this by drinking loads of water, eating your brightest fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly. With this balance of diet, hydration, physical activity and all natural skincare, there is no doubt that you will be radiating any day now.

by Ashley McEachern

Vital Liquids, Life-Force Healing Energy

The use of essential oils is one of the oldest and most potent forms of plant medicine, treasured by the ancient people and still appreciated today. Those who thoroughly use essential oils, swear by them. However, it seems as though most people still may underestimate their magical powers. They are so much more than just a pretty scent! If used on a regular basis, their power to improve mood, decrease stress, fight infections and counteract the aging process is truly amazing. Lets take a closer look to observe the interaction between these vital liquid oils and our bodies.

First, it’s important to understand what roles essential oils play in nature. An oil is "essential" in the sense that it carries the distinctive pure scent, or essence, of the plant. Created by photosynthesis, the aromatic vital liquid enables the plant to shield itself against predators as well harsh environmental conditions while strengthening its immune system and repairing damages made to the plant. The fact that essential oils have the ability to help us as well shows our distinctive bond with plants. Once inhaled through the nose, the oils stimulate the olfactory organs which are linked to the areas of the brain that control emotions. The chemical composition and aroma of essential oils can provide valuable psychological and physical therapeutic benefits. These benefits are usually achieved through methods including inhalation and application of the diluted oil to the skin.

They work systematically on an energetic level (vibrational frequency) and a physical (chemical) level in the body. Essential oils contain light molecules giving the ability to evaporate easily into the air. These are considered “volatile” organic molecules. Each drop of essential oil contains oxygen as well as thousands of various molecules and chemical constituents. These volatile molecules can be beneficial for the lungs and the body in general. The molecules are picked up into the bloodstream and travel very easily to the rest of the body. Essential oils are fat-soluble liquids which enable them to travel very fast and very effectively through the fatty membranes of every single cell the body, making their way through the body’s microcosm and improving the functioning of the organs. These precious molecules and the cells within our bodies speak the same language. Very high quality aromatherapy oils have the balanced chemical profile which exactly matches nerve receptors in a human body, making it possible for the body to beneficially use the information contained in the molecules. Many essential oils are known antibacterial and antiviral agents. They support the immune system while they destroy bad bacteria, viruses and pathogens. They also fight free radicals, promoting youthfulness. It’s also interesting to know that bacteria and viruses do not become resistant to essential oils. Because they are not processed and chemically altered like a drug, each batch of a natural essential oil will be unique, preventing bacteria and viruses from developing resistance.

More and more studies are proving that mental stress is a leading cause for illness and depression. A rich healthy diet of natural whole foods and methods using essential oils should never be underestimated or overlooked as a preventative daily method in order to maintain good health. In addition to all their benefits, essential oils promote calm deep breathing. Something that most people forget to do! Shallow inconsistent breathing slowly starves the organs of fresh oxygen. The incredible scents also help us slow down our thoughts, relieving everyday stress. Keeping essential oils on your desk at work, purifying the air using oil burners, infusing your hot bath and using products made with pure essential oils are some of the ways you can benefit from the wonders they offer. Essential oils shouldn’t necessarily be restricted to the home. Keeping a practical sized pot pouri in the cup holder in the car may have a surprising effect on reducing impatience and road rage while driving. Burning oils while studying or working helps ease mind, increase concentration and fight mental fatigue. To say the least, essential oils are by far the most beautiful and gratifying way to help maintain life-long optimum health and joy.

Free Radicals and Anti Oxidants

Free Radical damage has come to be the primary cause of aging in humans. What are free radicals? They are simply oxygen molecules that have lost an electron and become unstable and reactive. The main contributors of free radicals are cooked oils, pesticides, cigarette smoke, air pollution, and excessive sun exposure. How does this relate to our skin? Free radicals inhibit the production of collagen; a natural protein molecule that gives our skin a youthful, supple appearance.

Antioxidants are considered to be nutrients that prevent and reverse free radical damage. They come in the form of essential fatty acids, vitamins A, C and E, and tocotrienols. The best way to prevent skin damage and slow the aging process is to apply skin care and ingest foods that are rich in antioxidants. The skin- our bodies largest organ, will absorb nutrients faster than if we were to ingest them. Therefore using skin care that is rich in antioxidants is our best defence against aging.

What are parabens?

Health conscious people today are starting to educate themselves more and more about beauty products that are hazardous to our health and well being.
Parabens are the most widely used preservatives in cosmetic products. However, these common yet harsh and potentially harmful additives are increasingly known as something to strongly steer clear of. Mainstream cosmetic companies still use these harsh preservatives to facilitate their production as they are cheap, mass produced and easily accessible. The most common parabens used in cosmetic products are methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. Typically, more than one paraben is used in a product, and they are often used in combination with other types of preservatives to provide preservation against a broad range of microorganisms. Cosmetics that may contain parabens include makeup, moisturizers, hair care products, and shaving products, among many others.

In the last few years, the FDA&C Act (Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act) has received many inquiries on the safety of parabens as used in cosmetics. As a result, a number of studies have been put into effect to assess the risks of continuous exposure to parabens. One study, in 2004 detected parabens in breast tumors. They have been shown to act in similar ways to estrogen and cause imbalances in the body.
At the present time, it has been concluded that the studies cannot prove a direct danger in consuming products containing parabens. This is mainly due to the very low levels (between 0.01% to 0.3%) that are added to the cosmetics and also, unfortunately, the studies left several questions unanswered.

Common sense can also play a strong role. Given the fact that the average women uses numerous products on a daily basis and additives like parabens are esily absorbed through the skin every day for many years, they can be accumulated in the body over time and therefore are very likely to slowly deteriorate our health. The type of lotion you put on your skin should be as important as the food you put in your belly. Both are absorbed into your body and bloodstream. Therefore, the products we choose to use on our hair and skin should be selected just as consciously as the food we choose to eat. There are alternatives!

Sun Protection

Exposure to the sun has a terrible damaging effect on the skin, and the face is one of the most exposed areas of the body. In order to protect the skin, you need to use a commercially produced sunblock with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Use a waterproof sunblock, or reapply after swimming.

To soothe mild sunburn, gently spread one of the following over the affected area: mashed cucumber, plain yogurt, grated raw potato, cotton balls soaked n milk or 1 egg white beaten with 10ml witch hazel and 10ml honey, then rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry. Take care not to rub the skin when drying it. Gently apply rich moisturizing cream to the burnt area.