5 scents that can calm you down

While yoga, relaxing music and calming foods may relieve stress, certain scents can also help you unwind and soothe your nerves. Here's looking at these relaxing smells.

Lavender: 

A popular ingredient in most spa massages, the aroma of lavender is known to help one relax and also sleep better. Opt for a bedtime lotion or spray with this scent for a beauty sleep.

Mint: 

Besides including mint in your diet, applying a mint-based fragrance can have a soothing and purifying effect on your mind.

Citrus fruits: 

Citrus fruits are not only good for your skin and health, but also great mood lifters. Inhaling lemon zest can help soothe stress, grapefruit smell is known to curb depression and enhance memory, and smelling oranges including the rind can make you feel more energetic. Soak up in a bath with an orange-scented candle by your side.

Roses: 

According to a recent study, the sweet fragrance of rose is popular because the flower is associated with happiness, love, and joy — all emotions that help relieve stress. Use a rose-scented soap or body oil in your shower.

Green apple: 

Is the summer heat giving you a headache? Sniff a green apple. According to research, smelling a green apple can actually help alleviate headaches.

Women who exercise also enjoy sex

Are you a regular gym-goer or hit the jogging track daily? Keep it up as women who frequently exercise become aroused more quickly and are able to orgasm faster and more intensely, a fascinating research reveals.

"Being physically active seems to be a potent aphrodisiac for women," Tina M. Penhollow, an associate professor of health promotion at Florida Atlantic University, was quoted as saying.

During a single strength workout, a woman's body produces higher levels of growth hormone and testosterone that play a pivotal role in sex drive.

According to another research by University of Texas at Austin, female study participants were 169 percent more aroused (as indicated by blood flow in genital tissue) while watching a short porn flick after 20 minutes of vigorous cycling than when they watched it without riding beforehand.

Hitting the weight room regularly keeps levels of growth hormone and testosterone higher, said a Jamaica Gleaner report.

"That, along with the stress-busting benefits of pumping iron, can stoke greater sexual desire," said Kim Chronister, author of 'The Psychology Behind Fitness Motivation' was quoted as saying.

Women who exercise frequently and report higher levels of personal fitness are more likely to rate their desirability and sexual performance high above average, the report added.

Don’t throw those watermelon seeds away

While the sweet and juicy watermelon is full of nutrition, did you know that the seeds of this fruit are also beneficial? 

A rich source of iron, potassium, and vitamins, these seeds are great for your health, skin and hair. So, chew on the watermelon seeds or use their oil, the next time you gorge on this fruit.

Good for your heart: 

A rich source of magnesium, the seeds help in maintaining normal heart functioning, blood pressure and support metabolic processes. They can also treat cardiovascular diseases and hypertension.

Control diabetes: 

Boiling a handful of watermelon seeds in water and drinking this liquid every day like tea is said to control your blood sugar levels.

Moisturise skin: 

Containing unsaturated fatty acids, the seeds help keeping your skin moisturised. 

 

Delay ageing: 

Due to their antioxidant properties, eating these seeds can make your skin look younger and healthier. 

Clear acne: 

Take a swab of cotton and apply watermelon seed oil on your face to remove the dirt and sebum from your skin as well as clean the pores. Suitable for all skin types, this oil also helps treat skin infections.

Strengthen your hair: 

Due to a high content of protein and essential amino acids, eating watermelon seeds can strengthen your hair. Also, having roasted watermelon seeds can add shine to your hair as they contain copper that produces melanin, a pigment that provides colour to your hair.

 

Treat itchy scalp: 

Since watermelon seed oil is light in texture, it gets absorbed easily without clogging the pores of your scalp. It acts as a moisturiser for your dry and flaky scalp.

Prevent hair breakage:

Providing your hair with essential fatty acids, consuming the seeds regularly can help prevent breakage.