What Happens When You Stop Hiding is a bold, uncompromising guide for women and marginalised people of colour who are tired of shrinking, second-guessing themselves, and carrying the emotional weight of systems never built for their thriving.
From a scholarly perspective, this book stands out because it merges psychological insight, cultural critique, and practical transformation tools, all while maintaining an accessible, compassionate voice.
From the very first pages, Shawe reframes visibility as a human right rather than a performance. She reminds us that labels—race, gender, sexuality—are social constructs created to confine rather than liberate . This human-first framing sets the tone: the reader is invited not to become someone new, but to return to the self that existed before shame, fear, and external judgment took root.
What Makes This Book So Impactful
🔥 1. It addresses the wounds no one talks about—honestly.
Each chapter tackles a form of “hiddenness” that affects women and people of colour daily:
Imposter syndrome and self-erasure (Chapter 1: “The Mask of Modesty”)
Unsafe family dynamics and childhood emotional neglect (Ch. 2–3)
Cultural and religious conditioning that punishes authenticity (Ch. 4)
Workplace tokenism and microaggressions (Ch. 8)
The silent burnout experienced by high-functioning achievers (Ch. 7)
Shawe does not shy away from the deeply personal or socially uncomfortable. The case studies—Amina the hidden tech genius, Tasha the undermined sister, Priya the overlooked community organiser—make the struggles tangible and relatable.
🔥 2. It’s not theory; it’s a blueprint.
Every chapter includes:
Reflection prompts
Practical steps to reclaim power
Behavioural patterns to recognise
Scripts, reframes, and healing exercises
Real-life stories that mirror the reader’s journey
For example, the “Are You Still Hiding?” assessment provides immediate self-diagnosis, inviting readers into awareness rather than blame .
🔥 3. It validates identities historically dismissed or silenced.
Shawe explicitly centres:
Black and Brown women
LGBTQ+ people navigating cultural and religious shame
Single mothers judged rather than supported
People navigating class, body-image, and professional bias
This inclusivity is not symbolic—it is woven into every page. The chapter on the “Silent Spiral” even explores mental health in the context of public visibility and societal expectation, capturing the emotional cost behind polished success .
🔥 4. It is written with both warmth and authority.
Shawe balances academic insight with a deeply compassionate tone. She doesn’t write at the reader; she writes with them. The text acknowledges pain without glorifying it, and offers practical liberation without minimising systemic realities.
🔥 5. It creates transformation, not just inspiration.
By the time the reader reaches the sections on rebuilding identity, creating new boundaries, detoxifying inherited beliefs, and rewriting their personal story (Ch. 16; Closing Sections) , the journey feels both emotional and actionable. This is not motivation; it is method.
⭐ Why Readers Should Buy This Book
Because it helps you stop apologising for your existence.
Because it names wounds you’ve carried quietly for years—cultural, familial, internal, spiritual—and gives you the tools to dismantle them.
Because it teaches you how to recognise emotional manipulation, systemic bias, family dynamics, and internalised fear, and then shows you how to reclaim your voice, dignity, and clarity.
Because it is a mirror and a map—a guide that reflects your hidden struggles and leads you toward a more visible, self-aligned future.
And because it speaks directly and powerfully to anyone who has ever felt undervalued, unseen, or underestimated.
Readers will walk away feeling understood, strengthened, and equipped to step into a new chapter of authenticity and empowerment.
📘 Ready to stop shrinking and start standing in your power?
Unlock your confidence, break old patterns, and reclaim your visibility with What Happens When You Stop Hiding — a transformational guide for women and marginalised people of colour.
🔥 Discover practical tools, real-life case studies, and powerful mindset shifts that help you stop apologising for your brilliance and start leading with authenticity.
When the temperature rises, the last thing anyone wants is hair sticking to their neck or frizzing out of control. The solution? Chic up-styles that not only keep you cool but also elevate your entire look. Whether you’re heading to the office, a summer wedding, or just lounging by the pool, these hairstyles are easy, stylish, and heat-proof.
1. The Sleek High Bun
A timeless favourite, the sleek high bun pulls all your hair off your face and neck. Perfect for hot, sticky days, this look can be achieved with a smoothing serum and a little hairspray. It instantly gives you a polished, model-off-duty vibe.
2. Braided Crown
Wrap your hair into a crown braid around your head to achieve a soft, feminine style that also protects your hair from the heat. It’s practical, romantic, and looks great with summer dresses.
3. Messy Top Knot
This carefree style is your best friend when you’re on the go. Twist your hair into a knot at the top of your head and let a few tendrils fall out for that effortless “I woke up like this” look.
4. Low Twisted Chignon
A chic option for evenings out, the low twisted chignon sits neatly at the nape of your neck. It’s elegant, keeps hair off your back, and pairs beautifully with statement earrings.
5. Bubble Ponytail
Add some fun to your up-style with a bubble ponytail. Tie your hair in a high or mid pony, then add elastics every few inches down the length, puffing each section out slightly. Stylish, playful, and heat-proof!
6. French Twist with a Modern Edge
The French twist never goes out of style. For a modern take, leave some strands loose at the front or make it slightly undone for a more relaxed summer look.
7. Braided Bun Combo
Combine two summer favourites — braids and buns. Braid your hair first and then wrap it into a bun for a secure style that stays put all day, even in humid weather.
8. Sleek Ponytail with a Wrap
Keep it classy with a sleek ponytail, but hide the elastic by wrapping a strand of hair around it. Not only does it look refined, but it also keeps everything neat and off your face.
Tips for Summer-Proofing Your Up Styles
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Summer Up-Styles Even the most stylish up-do can quickly lose its charm if a few common mistakes are made. Here are pitfalls to watch out for: 1. Using Too Much Product Heavy gels, mousses, or hairsprays can weigh hair down, leaving it greasy or crunchy in hot weather. Opt for lightweight formulas to keep your style fresh. 2. Skipping Heat Protection If you’re curling or straightening before putting hair up, always use a heat protectant spray. Sun exposure plus styling tools can double the damage. 3. Pulling Hair Too Tight A tight bun or ponytail might look neat, but it can cause tension headaches and breakage around your hairline. Aim for secure, not strangled. 4. Forgetting to Prep Your Hair Oily or sweaty roots will make your style collapse faster. Start with clean, dry hair, or refresh with dry shampoo before styling. 5. Not Securing with the Right Tools Using cheap hair ties or pins that don’t hold properly means constant re-doing throughout the day. Invest in good grips, elastics, or scrunchies. 6. Neglecting UV Protection Just like skin, hair can get sun damage. Use a UV-protective spray or wear a hat when outdoors for long periods. 👉 Avoid these simple mistakes and your chic up-styles will last longer, feel lighter, and keep your hair healthier all summer.
• Use lightweight styling products to avoid buildup in the heat. • Keep a few stylish hairpins or scrunchies in your bag for quick touch-ups. • Dry shampoo or a little texturising spray helps maintain volume and grip. Hot weather doesn’t mean compromising on style. With these 8 chic up-dos, you can stay cool, confident, and camera-ready all summer long.
Our feet carry us through life’s journeys—whether it’s a dash to catch the morning train or a leisurely stroll through the park, they work tirelessly for us every day. Yet, how often do we show them the care and gratitude they truly deserve? If you’re longing for feet that are not only soft and elegant but also ready to shine in any season, you’re in the right place.
Dive into this relaxing ritual of five sumptuous foot soaks, each paired with a luxurious oil, and discover just how effortless it can be to give your feet the love they crave. And when you’re ready to take your routine to the next level, book a foot pedicure at needahairmakeover.com to experience pure pampering perfection.
Lavender Epsom Salt Soak & Sweet Almond Oil There’s a reason lavender has remained a staple in spas across the world—it soothes both body and mind. Begin your journey with a classic lavender Epsom salt soak. Simply fill a basin with warm water, add half a cup of Epsom salt, and sprinkle in a tablespoon of dried lavender buds or a few drops of lavender essential oil. Let your feet soak for 15-20 minutes as the gentle scent calms your senses and the salts ease away aches. After drying your feet, massage in a generous amount of sweet almond oil. This lightweight, vitamin-rich oil absorbs quickly, leaving your skin silky-smooth without any greasy residue. Regular use helps soften calluses and encourages a radiant, healthy glow—perfect for showing off your feet in stylish sandals or strappy heels.
Peppermint Tea Foot Soak & Coconut Oil For a refreshing pick-me-up, try a peppermint tea foot soak. Steep four peppermint tea bags in a bowl of hot water for ten minutes, then remove the bags and allow the water to cool to a comfortable temperature. The natural menthol in peppermint invigorates tired feet, reduces swelling, and helps banish odour. Soak your feet for 15 minutes and breathe in the energising aroma. Once your feet are dry, apply coconut oil liberally, focusing on heels and any rough patches. Coconut oil’s natural fatty acids provide deep hydration and protection against cracking. Plus, its subtle tropical scent lingers, transporting you to a mini paradise with every step.
Rose and Milk Soak & Jojoba Oil Indulge in old-world luxury with a rose and milk soak. Pour two cups of warm whole milk into a basin, add half a cup of dried rose petals (or a few drops of rosewater), and swirl gently. The lactic acid in milk exfoliates dead skin, while rose soothes and hydrates. Soak for 20 minutes, and you’ll emerge with petals-soft feet and a sense of inner calm. Follow with a gentle massage using jojoba oil. This golden liquid is structurally similar to your skin’s natural sebum, making it perfect for deep, non-irritating moisturisation. It also helps to lock in moisture and enhance elasticity, giving your feet a refined, elegant appearance.
Citrus and Sea Salt Soak & Olive Oil Brighten your mood and your feet with a zesty citrus and sea salt soak. Squeeze the juice of one lemon and one orange into a large bowl, add a handful of coarse sea salt, and fill with warm water. The natural acids from the citrus fruits gently exfoliate and lighten any dark spots, while sea salt purifies and refreshes.
After your soak, use olive oil—one of nature’s oldest beauty secrets. Warm a little oil between your hands and massage thoroughly into your feet and ankles. Olive oil is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins A and E, which nourish the skin and promote a luminous, youthful look. Finish by slipping on a pair of cotton socks for at least 30 minutes to maximise absorption.
Green Tea and Honey Soak & Argan Oil Harness the power of antioxidants with a green tea and honey soak. Brew two green tea bags in a basin of hot water, remove the bags, and stir in two tablespoons of raw honey. Let the mixture cool slightly, then soak your feet for 20 minutes. Green tea reduces inflammation and odour, while honey acts as a natural antibacterial and humectant, drawing moisture deep into the skin.
To complete this ritual, apply a few drops of luxurious argan oil. Sourced from Moroccan argan trees, this oil is packed with vitamin E and essential fatty acids, making it ideal for overnight rejuvenation. Argan oil helps to repair cracked heels and soften tough skin, leaving your feet with a flawless, elegant finish.
Aftercare Tips for Consistently Soft and Elegant Feet
• Exfoliate weekly: Use a gentle foot scrub or pumice stone to remove rough skin and keep your feet smooth. • Moisturise daily: Always apply your chosen oil or foot cream before bed to lock in hydration. • Protect your feet: Wear comfortable shoes and breathable socks to prevent chafing and dryness. • Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water supports overall skin health from the inside out. • Book professional treatments: Treat yourself to a spa pedicure regularly for a truly indulgent experience.
Ready to Step Up Your Foot Care?
While these at-home soaks and oils offer a beautiful way to pamper your feet, nothing compares to the expert touch of a professional foot pedicure. At needahairmakeover.com, you’ll find skilled specialists ready to transform your feet with gentle care, nourishing treatments, and a dash of elegance. Give your feet the attention they deserve and walk confidently—book your foot pedicure today at http://www.needahairmakeover.com! Your next step will be your most beautiful yet.
All of your arguments boil down to three questions. If all your answers are no to all three questions , there will most likely be a problem.
Conflict is difficult to resolve if viewed in as Who wins or Lose.
Most of the time, it involves both logical and illogical feelings. That thing you’re arguing about, whether at home or at work, is about what’s said and what’s not said. It is about what is visible and what is hidden.
The problem is that most of us focus on the surface and ignore what’s beneath. That is a mistake. So how can you move to resolving emotionally entangled conflict?
Oprah Winfrey is someone I admire because she is no stranger to conflict, and she is in a good position to comment on it given her background as an interviewer. She has addressed complex issues such as suicide, infidelity, mental health, sexual abuse, and others, all of which involve deep-seated conflict.
She’s interviewed nearly 30,000 people via her shows,” she says, ” they all had one thing in common.”
What exactly was it? What did everyone have in common, whether a firefighter or a PhD, a dental hygienist or a software engineer?
“They all wanted validation,” Oprah says.
She wasn’t referring to ego-stroking compliments like “You’re such an amazing wife” or “I can’t believe what an incredible boss you are.”
No, she was referring to something more fundamental, and crucial, when it comes to connecting through conflict: validating what someone is saying and validating that it is important to you.
When Oprah spoke at the Stanford Graduate School of Business about career, life, and leadership, she mentioned this. She specifically stated that all of your arguments boil down to three questions, and only three questions:
Did you hear what I said? Did you notice me? Did what I said make any sense to you or matter?
In other words, whether your partner is upset because you arrived home late yet again, or your employee is trying to convince you that they need another member on their team, what they really want is to be seen. Being heard.
They want to know if you’re really listening to them and care about what they’re trying to tell you.
This does not imply that you must grovel or strikeout, or that you must immediately change the topic or become accusational (for example, by bringing up a previous situation or disagreement).
It does, however, imply that you should begin by not defending yourself or addressing the “content” of the argument.
If you truly want to calm the person down and resolve the conflict quickly, the best thing to do first is to make them feel understood—and that what they’re saying matters to them.
“You are correct; I have been working late a lot. I know it’s inconvenient not to have me home for dinner. I want you to know how much it means to me.”
“I understand. On the team, you’ve been juggling a lot lately: managing schedules, responding to clients, and liaising between the team and the engineering department. I see and appreciate everything you’ve done.”
According to Oprah (and every other psychologist ever), when someone feels that you see and care about them, its a game changer. The nervous system of the individual relaxes. Their tone becomes softer. The problem appears to become more manageable.
You can most likely relate. If you dig deep enough, almost always, when you have a problem with someone, it’s because you didn’t feel seen or heard.
It’s not just that your previous partner use to ignore; you felt overlooked, unimportant, frustratingly angry or powerless.
When you feel like the other person is seeing you and listening to you (deeply listening, not just saying they’re listening) when you share your distress, you begin to feel different.
You no longer feel alone; you feel as if they’re on your side.
You are feeling supported.
Try it with your children, your husband, your wife, your boss, and your friends, as Oprah suggests. Verify them.
I notice you. I understand. And what you say is important to me.
Diane Shawe, founder of Need a Hair Makeover Hair Extensions and Hairloss Specialist Salon has sourced a range of natural products designed specifically for thin, falling, balding or damaged hair. The Great News is that most of these treatments can be done at home and we can send the products on the post to you.
” Every year, more and more people are suffering from hair loss caused by illness, medication, stress, chemical treatments, damaged hair. We help treat and / or disguise thin, short, bald patches, damaged or sensitive scalp on all hair types, gender or age, ” states Diane.
Introducing a sample of our products
1. Dry shampoo with hair growth minerals, great for hair extensions, greasy limp hair, fine hair, cornrows and plaits,
2. Hair conditions bar hand made with natural ingredients, rub bar over hair after leave for 10 minutes, wash off. Great for natural hair, coloured, or damaged hair.
3. Real Grow scalp spray, great for thin edges, thin hair, or balding patches, all from natural ingredients that work! None greasy. Spray on do not wash off.
4. Pure vitamins C serum, to rebond and strengthens weak hair. Leave on scalp and hair for 1 hour, then rinse off.
5. Black Castor Oil has long been known for its properties for stimulating hair growth. Often, it is added to other ingredients to prop up other hair growth products. Now, you can purchase it in its purest form. Best to use at night.
6. Zinc tablets. We are all now understanding that difficiencies in the body can affect our hair, nails and skin. Another underestimated supplement is zinc. We now stock easy to swallow strong zinc tablets to help stimulate hair growth
This is just six from our new range and we can post out to you. We offer a variety of effective at home treatments at competitive prices which are normally used at salons. bit.ly/3KFT5HX
Need a Hair Makeover the world’s first Hair Extensions and Hairloss Specialist Salon Franchise has one key aim. To deliver the highest quality, the most innovative hair extensions techniques, hairloss treatments.
To disguise hair challenges using non invasive techniques, supply specialist hair care products and services to the maximum amount of people around the globe in a convenient, affordable, classy, accessible and professional manner
Promoting a local business opportunity isn’t easy these days.
Whether it’s because of oversaturation or complicated search engine algorithms, it’s all too easy to feel like no one will find your business in the local or national search results.
Luckily, there’s an easy way to improve your local SEO. All you have to do is list your business in online business directories such as Yellow Pages, Manta, and more. This is called building citations, and it’s a critical piece of a local marketing strategy.
What is a business directory?
A business directory is an online list of businesses within a particular niche, location, or category. One way local businesses can get found by online searchers is through inclusion in business directories.
Why you need to get listed in multiple relevant business directory?
Today, Google is inserting itself between consumer and local business websites much more often. For proof, you need to look no further than Google My Business, Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP), featured snippets, and most importantly, local packs.
By building citations, you can make sure that you appear in these local packs when people look for businesses like yours in their area. Business directories may seem like a thing of the past, but they’re a great way to grow your presence online.
You can improve visibility by listing your local business’ NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) on directories, online business listing sites, and citation sites. Aside from improving your local SEO, these can also improve your rankings on search engines because the listings usually link back to your site.
Make sure your company listing has the following information once you add it to a directory:
• Consistent NAP. If you add or update your business on multiple business listing sites, make sure you’re providing the same company information across each directory.
• A link to your website. Backlinks — also known as inbound links — are crucial to your company website’s Domain Rating. Consider adding a tracking link at the end of this URL as well, so you can see how much traffic your website specifically gets from the business directories that are linking to it.
• A company description. Make sure you have a detailed description of your business that reflects your organization’s mission, culture, and values.
• Multimedia. Give company searchers a visual taste of your business with a picture or video of your office, your employees, or your daily business operations.
There are plenty of location-specific and industry-specific business listing sites where you can submit your data. To start promoting your local business, however, you should start with the big sites and work your way toward the more niche directories.
First, let’s go over the top free business directories.
• Dun & Bradstreet Business Directory (Domain Rating = 80)
• Local.com (Domain Rating = 79)
• Hotfrog (Domain Rating = 79)
• ChamberofCommerce.com (Domain Rating = 79)
• 2FindLocal (Domain Rating = 46)
• EZlocal (Domain Rating = 78)
• Brownbook.net (Domain Rating = 77)
About NAHM
Would you like to own your own Hair Extensions & Hair loss Business? Then you’ll find a massive opportunity here at Need A Hair Makeover & Hair loss Specialist Salon Franchise! You can make a comprehensive difference in someone’ life
Well we all found out at the same time that he has a Son living in Queens! How and when did that happen?
by Diane Shawe M.Ed
We all loved the original story line in Coming to America when a young Prince from Zumunda Africa crossed the seas to Queens USA to find his true Love, Wife and future Queen.
It was lovely to see most of the original characters like James Earl Jones the King and new ones like Wesley Snipes as General Izzi, funny, intimidating with an over done swagger, Morgan Freeman, En Vogue to Gladys Knight.
Almost distinct to the sequel Coming 2 America we were able to see a lot more of Zamunda, the richness of the costumes, ornate jewellery and the mixed media of metals, shells, furs and silk unconventional placed throughout the movie. Even the royal announcer was back with his strained singing and you could almost smell the rose petals.
The film had a very distinct feel to the original unique masterpieces the back story plot worked almost effortlessly in todays timeline with a flashback clearing up the mystery of this Prince.
The Sequel movie had lots of mixed reviews, this is natural as viewers had 30 years to totally fall in love with the love story a bit like ‘Pretty Women’, no one wants to see a sequel to the Happy Ever After fairy-tale. It’s hard not to compare the two after a 30 years gap!
If you want to take a trip down memory lane, laughter with a bit of ‘tongue and cheek’ script then grab some popcorn, something nice to drink because entertainment is back in town.
Since the spread of Covid 19 around the world I like many others have been looking for natural herbs to help stay healthy. Of course there are lots of herbal remedies being touted on YouTube and some herbal distributors injecting hashtags relating to a virus to help push there product up the search engine.
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I usually buy my spices from the local Delhi Shop mainly because of the wide range and competitive prices. A few weeks ago I noticed that one of the boxes was empty, this is rare I thought, not just one box but five! The label read CARDAMOM. Is there a secret we don’t know about? Well I didn’t have time to do a search but I took a photo of the label to remind me to go investigate later.
To my amazement later on that day I found this some info on the 10 Health Benefits of Cardamom, Backed by Science! So what is Cardamom? It is a spice with an intense, slightly sweet flavor that some people compare to mint. It originated in India but is available worldwide today and used in both sweet and savory recipes. The seeds, oils and extracts of cardamom are thought to have impressive medicinal properties and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries (1, 2).
Here are 10 health benefits of cardamom, backed by science.
1. Antioxidant and Diuretic Properties May Lower Blood Pressure Cardamom may be helpful for people with high blood pressure. In one study, researchers gave three grams of cardamom powder a day to 20 adults who were newly diagnosed with high blood pressure. After 12 weeks, blood pressure levels had significantly decreased to the normal range (3Trusted Source).
The promising results of this study may be related to the high levels of antioxidants in cardamom. In fact, the participants’ antioxidant status had increased by 90% by the end of the study. Antioxidants have been linked to lower blood pressure (3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source). Researchers also suspect that the spice may lower blood pressure due to its diuretic effect, meaning it can promote urination to remove water that builds up in your body, for example around your heart.
Cardamom extract has been shown to increase urination and decrease blood pressure in rats (5Trusted Source).
SUMMARY
Cardamom may help lower blood pressure, most likely due to its antioxidant and diuretic properties.
2. May Contain Cancer-Fighting Compounds The compounds in cardamom may help fight cancer cells. Studies in mice have shown that cardamom powder can increase the activity of certain enzymes that help fight cancer (6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).
The spice may also enhance the ability of natural killer cells to attack tumors (8Trusted Source).
In one study, researchers exposed two groups of mice to a compound that causes skin cancer and fed one group 500 mg of ground cardamom per kg (227 mg per pound) of weight per day (7 Trusted Source).
After 12 weeks, only 29% of the group who ate the cardamom developed cancer, compared to over 90% of the control group (7Trusted Source).
Research on human cancer cells and cardamom indicate similar results. One study showed that a certain compound in the spice stopped oral cancer cells in test tubes from multiplying (9Trusted Source).
Even though the results are promising, these studies have only been conducted on mice or in test tubes. Human research is needed before stronger claims can be made.
SUMMARY
Certain compounds in cardamom may fight cancer and stop the growth of tumors in mice and test tubes. Human research is needed to validate if these results apply to humans as well.
3. May Protect from Chronic Diseases Thanks to Anti-Inflammatory Effects Cardamom is rich in compounds that may fight inflammation. Inflammation occurs when your body is exposed to foreign substances. Acute inflammation is necessary and beneficial, but long-term inflammation can lead to chronic diseases (10Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source, 12).
Antioxidants, found in abundance in cardamom, protect cells from damage and stop inflammation from occurring (13Trusted Source). One study found that cardamom extract in doses of 50–100 mg per kg (23–46 mg per pound) of body weight was effective in inhibiting at least four different inflammatory compounds in rats (14Trusted Source). Another study in rats showed that eating cardamom powder decreased liver inflammation induced by eating a diet high in carbs and fat (15Trusted Source).
Though there are not as many studies on the anti-inflammatory effects of cardamom in humans, research shows that supplements may increase antioxidant status by up to 90% (3Trusted Source).
SUMMARY
The antioxidant compounds in cardamom may help protect cells from damage and slow down and prevent inflammation in your body.
4. May Help with Digestive Problems, Including Ulcers Cardamom has been used for thousands of years to help with digestion.
It’s often mixed with other medicinal spices to relieve discomfort, nausea and vomiting (1). The most researched property of cardamom, as it pertains to relieving stomach issues, is its possible ability to heal ulcers.
In one study, rats were fed extracts of cardamom, turmeric and sembung leaf in hot water before being exposed to high doses of aspirin to induce stomach ulcers. These rats developed fewer ulcers compared to rats that only received aspirin (16Trusted Source). A similar study in rats found that cardamom extract alone could completely prevent or reduce the size of gastric ulcers by at least 50%.
In fact, at doses of 12.5 mg per kg (5.7 mg per pound) of body weight, cardamom extract was more effective than a common anti-ulcer medication (17Trusted Source). Test-tube research also suggests that cardamom may protect against Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria linked to the development of most stomach ulcer issues (18Trusted Source). More research is needed to know if the spice would have the same effect against ulcers in humans.
SUMMARY Cardamom may protect against digestive issues and has been shown to reduce the number and size of stomach ulcers in rats.
5. May Treat Bad Breath and Prevent Cavities The use of cardamom to treat bad breath and improve oral health is an ancient remedy. In some cultures, it’s common to freshen your breath by eating entire cardamom pods after a meal (1). Even the chewing gum manufacturer Wrigley uses the spice in one of its products.
The reason why cardamom can lead to minty fresh breath may have to do with its ability to fight common mouth bacteria (19Trusted Source). One study found that cardamom extracts were effective in fighting five bacteria that can cause dental cavities. In some test-tube cases, the extracts prevented the growth of the bacteria by up to 0.82 inches (2.08 cm) (20). Additional research shows that cardamom extract can reduce the number of bacteria in saliva samples by 54% (21). However, all of these studies have been conducted in test tubes, making it unclear how the results may apply to humans.
SUMMARY Cardamom is often used to treat bad breath and is a component of some chewing gums. This is because cardamom might be able to kill common mouth bacteria and prevent cavities.
6. May Have Antibacterial Effects and Treat Infections Cardamom also has antibacterial effects outside of the mouth and may treat infections. Research shows that cardamom extracts and essential oils have compounds that fight several common strains of bacteria (22Trusted Source, 23Trusted Source, 24Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source).
One test-tube study examined the impact of these extracts on drug-resistant strains of Candida, a yeastthat can cause fungal infections. The extracts were able to inhibit the growth of some strains by 0.39–0.59 inches (0.99–1.49 cm) (26Trusted Source).
Additional test-tube research found that essential oils and extracts of cardamom were just as, and sometimes more effective than standard drugs against E. coli and Staphylococcus, bacteria that can cause food poisoning (23Trusted Source). Test-tube studies have also shown that cardamom essential oils fight the bacteria Salmonella that leads to food poisoning and Campylobacter that contributes to stomach inflammation (24Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source).
Existing studies on the antibacterial effects of cardamom have only looked at isolated strains of bacteria in labs. Therefore, the evidence is currently not strong enough to make claims that the spice would have the same effect in humans.
SUMMARY The essential oils and extracts of cardamom may be effective against a variety of bacterial strains that contribute to fungal infections, food poisoning and stomach issues. However, research has only been conducted in test tubes and not in humans.
7. May Improve Breathing and Oxygen Use Compounds in cardamom may help increase airflow to your lungs and improve breathing. When used in aromatherapy, cardamom can provide an invigorating odor that enhances your body’s ability to use oxygen during exercise (27).
One study asked a group of participants to inhale cardamom essential oil for one minute before walking on a treadmill for 15-minute intervals. This group had a significantly higher oxygen uptake compared to the control group (27). Another way that cardamom may improve breathing and oxygen use is by relaxing your airway. This may be particularly helpful for treating asthma. A study in rats and rabbits found that injections of cardamom extract could relax the throat air passage. If the extract has a similar effect in people with asthma, it may prevent their inflamed airways from restricting and improve their breathing (28).
SUMMARY Cardamom may improve breathing by stimulating better oxygen uptake and relaxing air passage to the lungs in humans and animals. . May Lower Blood Sugar Levels When taken in powder form, cardamom may lower blood sugar.
One study found that feeding rats a high-fat, high-carb (HFHC) diet caused their blood sugar levels to remain elevated longer than if they were fed a normal diet (15Trusted Source).
When rats on the HFHC diet were given cardamom powder, their blood sugar did not stay elevated for longer than the blood sugar of rats on a normal diet (15Trusted Source).
However, the powder may not have the same effect in humans with type 2 diabetes. In a study in over 200 adults with this condition, participants were divided into groups that took only black tea or black tea with three grams of either cinnamon, cardamom or ginger every day for eight weeks (29Trusted Source).
The results showed that cinnamon, but not cardamom or ginger, improved blood sugar control (29Trusted Source). In order to better understand the effect of cardamom on blood sugar in humans, more studies are needed.
SUMMARY A study on rats suggests that cardamom may help decrease high blood sugar levels, but more high-quality human studies are needed.
Now is agreat time to take a look at the quality of your food
9. Other Potential Health Benefits of Cardamom In addition to the aforementioned health benefits, cardamom may be good for your health in other ways as well. Studies in rats have found that the high antioxidant levels in the spice may prevent both liver enlargement, anxiety and even aid weight loss:
Liver protection: Cardamom extract may decrease elevated liver enzymes, triglyceride and cholesterol levels. They may also prevent liver enlargement and liver weight, which reduces the risk of fatty liver disease (30, 31Trusted Source, 32Trusted Source, 33Trusted Source).
Anxiety: One rat study suggests that cardamom extract may prevent anxious behaviors. This may be because low blood levels of antioxidants have been linked to the development of anxiety and other mood disorders (34Trusted Source, 35Trusted Source, 36Trusted Source).
Weight loss: A study in 80 overweight and obese prediabetic women found a link between cardamom and slightly reduced waist circumference. However, rat studies on weight loss and the spice have not found significant results (15Trusted Source, 37Trusted Source) The number of studies on the link between cardamom and these potential benefits is limited and mostly done on animals.
Furthermore, the reasons why the spice may help improve liver health, anxiety and weight are unclear.
SUMMARY: A limited number of studies suggests that cardamom supplements may decrease waist circumference and prevent anxious behaviors and fatty liver. The reasons behind these effects are unclear but may have to do with the spice’s high antioxidant content.
10. Safe for Most People and Widely Available Cardamom is generally safe for most people. The most common way to use cardamom is in cooking or baking. It’s very versatile and often added to Indian curries and stews, as well as gingerbread cookies, bread and other baked goods.
The use of cardamom supplements, extracts and essential oils is likely to become more common in light of the promising results of research on its medicinal uses. However, there is currently no recommended dose for the spice since most studies have been on animals. The use of supplements should be monitored by a health professional. Furthermore, cardamom supplements may not be suitable for children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Most supplements recommend 500 mg of cardamom powder or extract once or twice a day. The FDA does not regulate supplements, so be sure to choose brands that have been tested by a third party if you’re encouraged to try cardamom supplements by a healthcare provider. If you’re interested in trying cardamom, remember that adding the spice to your foods may be the safest way.
SUMMARY Using cardamom in cooking is safe for most people. Cardamom supplements and extracts have not been thoroughly researched and should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
The Bottom Line Cardamom is an ancient remedy that may have many medicinal properties. It may lower blood pressure, improve breathing and aid weight loss.
What’s more, animal and test-tube studies show that cardamom may help fight tumors, improve anxiety, fight bacteria and protect your liver, though the evidence in these cases is less strong. However, little or no human research exists for a number of the health claims associated with the spice. More studies are needed to show if or how the results of preliminary research apply to humans.
Nevertheless, adding cardamom to your cooking may be a safe and effective way to improve your health. Cardamom extracts and supplements may also provide benefits but should be taken with caution and under the supervision of a doctor.
Even though we have all had more time on our hands to effectively rest during lockdown, it would appear that more and more people are actually stressed! Why is this? Stressed if we have no time and stressed if we have to much time. If this is the case then perhaps we’re needed to take a closer look at stress, examine what causes it and holds we can manage it daily.
Stress Man. Businessman suffers from a headache
Stess is created by worrying about things in the future or things that have already happened, both of which you cannot change at the very moment you are worrying about it. Before you read any further do this little test. ‘At this very very moment Whist you are reading this is there a problem affecting you reading this article at this moment in time
Everything seems much faster, urgent and possibly unfilling! Everyone snoops around asking or trying to create a new moment resolution that they all know they won’t keep for the whole twelve days let alone a year.
Living too much into the future or reliving the past are both causes of fear and pain. These are often the questions one is faced with:
• How can you stop the pain?
• How can you switch your mind off,
• how can you stop worrying?
• How can you relax?
• How can I be happy?
30 minutes coffee break ebook available on Amazon and Google Books
Well two words’acceptance‘ and ‘surrender‘ is a good place to start. Become fully present so that the past and future can ceases to have any power over you causing stress, worry and unhappiness.
If only out life was like typing when we can simply undo, delete or Hyperlink to a quick useful reference but alas, lots of things are unavoidable in life. Never before has it become more important to find ways to decrease and prevent stressful incidents and decrease negative reactions to stress, especially as they can lead to short or long term illnesses.
Here are some of the things that can be done instantly by just remembering to be conscious of them.
Managing time
Time management skills can allow you more time with your family and friends and possibly increase your performance and productivity. This will help reduce your stress.
To improve your time management:
• Save time by focusing and concentrating, delegating, and scheduling time for yourself.
• Keep a record of how you spend your time, including work, family, and leisure time.
• Prioritise your time by rating tasks by importance and urgency.
• Redirect your time to those activities that are important and meaningful to you.
• Manage your commitments by not over- or undercommitting. Don’t commit to what is not important to you.
• Deal with procrastination by using a day planner, breaking large projects into smaller ones, and setting short-term deadlines.
• Examine your beliefs to reduce conflict between what you believe and what your life is like.
• Build healthy coping strategies
It is important that you identify your coping strategies. One way to do this is by recording the stressful event, your reaction, and how you cope in a stress journal. With this information, you can work to change unhealthy coping strategies into healthy ones-those that help you focus on the positive and what you can change or control in your life.
Plan how you are going to reduce Stress and Conflict
Lifestyle
Some behaviors and lifestyle choices affect your stress level. They may not cause stress directly, but they can interfere with the ways your body seeks relief from stress. Try to:
• Balance personal, work, and family needs and obligations.
• Have a sense of purpose in life.
• Get enough sleep, since your body recovers from the stresses of the day while you are sleeping.
• Eat a balanced diet for a nutritional defense against stress.
• Get moderate exercise throughout the week.
• Limit your consumption of alcohol.
• Don’t smoke.
Social support
Social support is a major factor in how we experience stress. Social support is the positive support you receive from family, friends, and the community. It is the knowledge that you are cared for, loved, esteemed, and valued. More and more research indicates a strong relationship between social support and better mental and physical health.
Changing your thinking can help change everyone’s mood
Changing thinking
When an event triggers negative thoughts, you may experience fear, insecurity, anxiety, depression, rage, guilt, and a sense of worthlessness or powerlessness. These emotions trigger the body’s stress, just as an actual threat does. Dealing with your negative thoughts and how you see things can help reduce stress.
• Thought-catching helps you stop a negative thought to help eliminate stress.
• Disproving irrational thoughts helps you to avoid exaggerating the negative thought, anticipating the worst, and interpreting an event incorrectly.
• Problem solving helps you identify all aspects of a stressful event and find ways to deal with it.
• Changing your communication style helps you communicate in a way that makes your views known without making others feel put down, hostile, or intimidated.
This reduces the stress that comes from poor communication. Use the assertiveness ladder to improve your communication style.
Courses available now
Continued Personal Development
Life long learning it’s important to you’re continued growth and smiley to core with lives every changing environment, circumstances and economical . Everyday life can often present challenges and like any thing in life if you don’t equip yourself with the right tools trying to fix the problem with the wrong tools can itself be the greater
In this post I’ll show you how to get some top quality back links (a hyper link from one site to another) from a variety of different sources, each source is completely unique and I hope to give you a little insight into some of the methods you can use to create back links . When linking to your website you should always try to focus the links using your keywords in the anchor text of the link if it’s possible.
The big G allows you to create your very own profile page on Google.com, use the link and create your own profile page, add a picture and some text about yourself and then add a few links to your websites. Save the page and your done.
Msn is updated everyday with news and articles on just about every subject you can think of, to get a backlink you just need to comment on an article leaving behind your thoughts, name & website link. I created a video on the process to see it use this linkUsing MSN for free traffic & backlinks
Yahoo answers takes a little bit of work initially before you can get your links on their site but once you have done this first bit of work your ready to reap the rewards. Just create a yahoo account, help others by answering questions, once you have answered about 10-20 questions you will be able to add link in your responses. You can see a more detailed article onhow to use yahoo answers here
I’m sure you’ve heard of GoDaddy ? but I bet you didn’t know you can use the website to get backlinks to your website. All you need to do is visit the site and watch at least one of Bob Parsons videos. At the end of the video you can leave a creative comment and include a link to your website. Once again a more detailed on how to do this can be found here ->How to get back links from Godaddy
You can get a back link from this very page and lots of other too. All you need to do is leave a comment at the end of the article where it says comments.
Note:- I’ll allow most comments but please don’t blatantly leave a spammy comment or three words of text if you I’ll just hit the trash button. Please leave a creative, constructive comment or even a criticism. Just write what you think.I’ve also created a article where you can promote your website without having to spam just go andget a free backlink here
Big Backlink List) Credit goes toideaprofor creating the original list.
Hope you like the list, I’m sure it will help in your back linking efforts.
Leave your comment below or share your favorite backlink sources
To improve your time management:
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