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    We Hear A Lot About Antioxidants – But What Are They, Really?

    Very simply put, antioxidants are substances or nutrients found in our food and drinks, which can prevent or slow oxidative damage to our bodies. Say what, now? First, let’s look at the role of oxygen on our bodies.
    What is Oxidative Damage?
    When our body cells use oxygen, they naturally produce by-products called free radicals, which are able to cause damage to cells and tissues in our bodies. Antioxidants act like “free radical scavengers” and so are able to prevent and repair the damage done by these free radicals.
    Research has shown that oxidative damage contributes to the development of many common health problems, like heart disease, macular degeneration, diabetes, and cancer. Studies have shown that loading up on vegetables and fruit, the main sources of antioxidants, lower our risk of developing disease.
    Antioxidants may also improve immune defences and therefore may lower the risk of cancer, infection and even dementia. Research even shows it could play a role in minimising ‘chemo-brain’ (brain fog after receiving chemotherapy).
    READ MORE: “I Tried A Vitamin IV Drip For A Health Boost — Here’s What Happened”
    What Are the Commonly Known Antioxidants?
    Obviously, we should be aiming to load up our plates with antioxidant-rich foods to combat exposure of oxidative stress. Luckily, there’s no shortage of delicious and nutritious sources.
    Vitamin A and Carotenoids in carrots, squash, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, spanspek, peaches and apricots (bright-coloured fruits and vegetables).
    Vitamin C in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons etc., green peppers, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, strawberries, tomatoes and potatoes.
    READ MORE: 4 Things To Look Out For, If You Really Want To Live Sustainably
    Vitamin E In nuts and seeds, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oils and liver oil.
    Selenium in fish and shellfish, red meat, grains, eggs, chicken and garlic. (Paella, anyone?)
    Here’s How To Make The Viral TikTok Green Goddess Salad

    Make getting enough vegetables and fruit part of your healthy daily eating plan, to get preventative power of the antioxidants in these foods – it’s vital for your health. Combining this with active living, a healthy body weight and regular health screening will drop your disease risk even further. More

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    The Kourtney Kardashian-Approved Health Hacks I Swear By

    We all have a favorite Kardashian, but whether you’re a diehard Kim fan or will fight to the death for Kris Jenner, it’s undeniable that Kourtney is the queen of wellness. From her early days of perfecting the matcha latte to experimenting with all sorts of health practices, diets, and recipes over the years, she has proven that she is willing to try anything to improve her health. And lucky for us, she shares it all on her healthy living website Poosh.
    While I can’t get on board with every wellness trend she tries (making your own aloe vera juice just wasn’t for me), I can vouch for a lot of the health hacks she uses regularly. After all, she’s the one who showed me the value of switching to natural deodorant (read on for why). So after testing out so many different health hacks over the years, I have narrowed down the list to the following seven that I swear are worth the investment and, as a bonus, Kourtney Kardashian-approved.

    1. Use a natural deodorant
    I started using a natural deodorant a couple of years back after reading up on the benefits of natural deodorants. While there is a lot of debate around whether natural deodorants are worth it, like Kourtney, I’ve always believed that what you put on your body (skincare, makeup, sunscreen, and even deodorant) makes a difference in your health. It took a lot of testing because natural deodorants don’t have the chemicals to block the body odor as well as natural deodorants do, but I eventually found a brand I like: Native. One thing to note: When you switch over to a natural deodorant, it can take a couple of weeks for it to start working as your armpits are essentially detoxing during this time.

    2. Try Pilates as a workout
    Over the past couple of years, Pilates has become all the rage, and there’s good reason: The low-impact workout targets the smallest muscles in your body and can leave you feeling the effects for many days afterward. Kourtney favors using a reformer machine for her Pilates workouts, and while I’ve never experienced this machine’s benefits, I have experienced the positive effects of doing an at-home Pilates workout. I swear by obé Fitness‘ 30-minute Pilates classes that can be done anywhere (they’re my go-to while traveling). I finish every class feeling stronger and with an endorphin boost.

    3. Opt for matcha instead of coffee
    If you’ve ever watched an episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, you’ve probably seen Kourtney lounging in her stunning home, drinking a matcha latte. While many people can’t get through the day without their first cup of coffee, Kourtney swears by her matcha recipe instead, and I couldn’t agree more. While I still love a coffee every once in a while, my regular routine involves a matcha latte or green tea first thing in the morning. Matcha still gives me an energy boost without the jitters that can come from coffee and– bonus–it packs major health benefits.

    4. Sleep with a silk pillowcase
    I’ll admit that my reasoning for buying a silk pillowcase wasn’t exactly health-focused (the feel of silk is just too good to pass up, especially while sleeping). But little did I know that opting for a silk pillowcase is beneficial for your skin and hair health. After all, you (should!) spend at least 7-8 hours a day asleep. That’s a long time to rest your body on something. Kourtney shared a similar sentiment with Insider, noting the difference in her hair when she made the transition, and I have to admit, I feel the same: silk pillowcases are game-changers.

    5. Use supplements can help support your immune system
    For an article in Poosh, Kourtney gave a peek inside her medicine cabinet to share all the different remedies she uses when she’s feeling under the weather, and there was one supplement in there that I also happen to love (especially during cold and flu season): the Wellness Formula supplement from Source Naturals. It has a combination of Vitamin C and over 25 different herbs, vitamins, and nutraceuticals. It’s that extra boost of vitamins your body craves when it’s working to fight off an illness. But every body is different and we all need different things. Regardless of what works for my or Kourtney’s body, talk to your doctor about how to best support your immune system. 

    6. Make sure you’re getting enough magnesium
    Magnesium is a vital mineral to the body, and many of us are not getting enough: one study found that 10 out of 11 apparently healthy women were magnesium-deficient. Kourtney shared in a blog post that she takes magnesium after every workout to help with muscle function, which is something I’m a fan of doing as well. I tend to fit my workouts in in the evenings, and after every session, I take a magnesium supplement to help with muscle recovery and ensure I get quality sleep. If there’s one supplement I make sure to never miss taking, it’s my magnesium. 

    7. Avoid dairy products for better skin
    When I first gave up dairy, it was because I had been told by my doctor I had a slight allergy to them (not just because Kourtney Kardashian doesn’t eat dairy!). All I could think about was how much I would miss cheese or ice cream, but little did I know the amazing benefits that would come from it. A couple months after giving up all dairy products, my skin became clearer and better than ever before.
    Kourtney shared a similar experience in an interview with POPSUGAR. “I keep hearing that it’s great for your skin to [give up dairy], and this new doctor who my kids and I have been seeing just said we all have allergies to it,” she said. While changing your diet is never easy, there are so many dairy alternatives today that can make the process a lot easier. If you are interested in limiting dairy, talk to your doctor to make sure you’re still getting essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and calcium in other ways. Also, if you enjoy dairy and it doesn’t make your body feel bad, enjoy it totally guilt-free! After all, the best Kourtney-approved wellness hack is to live authentically and forget the haters.

    I Tried Blake Lively’s 8 Healthy Habits To Live By—Here’s What Happened More

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    Why you should experience this luxe Italian escape in the heart of Dubai

    Lifestyle

    by Amy Sessions
    2 hours ago

    With post-vacation blues having a serious effect on us, Dubai’s Bvlgari Yacht club is here to help with some late summer lounging.
    If you’re finally ready to venture back out into the sun as summer begins to cool to more optimal temperatures, this upscale haven is the ideal day-cation location to relax, unwind and feel like you’re still in Italy.
    For a truly crafted experience, we’ve curated a guide on how to make your next visit to this nautically inspired venue a memorable one.
    The ultimate relaxation
    Bulgari’s first-ever Yacht Club overlooks a 46-boat harbour and recreates the charm of a Mediterranean atmosphere in Dubai. The poolside cabanas are the perfect location for reading as the shoreline breeze keeps you cool. Occasionally you’ll be interrupted with a homemade ice lolly to cool down. It’s the little details.

    The fine-dining experience
    Whether you opt for indoor with chic leather seating in warm caramel leathers or outside overlooking the marina – dining for lunch or after hours under the stars feels just as special. The team here is the perfect combination of attentive yet not intrusive, a balance that brings ease to your dining experience in the peace that everything is taken care of.
    The hero dish
    As Primi Piatti you really can’t go wrong with Tagliatelle fatte in casa con ragu di vitello (homemade tagliatelle with veal ragu). If you’re gluten-free they will cook penne for you to al dente perfection so you can still indulge. Secondi wise–opt for one of their specialty fish dishes, we loved Orata alla Palermitana (Seabream Palermitana style).
    What to pack
    To ensure you’re styled to perfection for your next visit, we’ve compiled a sophisticated edit of what to pack from head to toe.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Instagram @bulgarihotels More

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    Sheikha Mahra Al Maktoum & Balqees Fathi appear at huge Dubai showcase together

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    60 mins ago

    Her Highness Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated a huge Dubai showcase alongside Emirati singer Balqees Fathi earlier this week.
    The daughter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, made an appearance at The Gulf Bride exhibition in Dubai on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, where Fathi was also showcasing her popular beauty brand, BEX Beauty.
    The Emirati singer shared a snippet of the event in a short video on Instagram where she’s seen trying on the beauty products at the brand’s booth in her stunning white ensemble.
    “I was honoured by Sheikha Mahra, daughter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and all the beautiful attendants who were present there,” she said of the event.

    Having amassed a big following, the Emirati superstar with over 13.9 million followers made a noteworthy impression in a white monochrome one-shoulder jumpsuit from Genny with a bright red lipstick from her brand to complement the look as she posed for the camera.
    Meanwhile, Her Highness wore a bright bink abaya, complemented by her signature bronzed makeup look with a nude lip and her hair in soft waves.
    Take a look at Her Highness’ recent appearance at The Gulf Bride exhibition alongside the popular Emirati singer below.

    This isn’t the first time Sheikha Mahra and the singer were spotted at an event together this month. The pair were photographed together at the Forever Unique event earlier this month, one of the largest businesswomen’s forums organised by the CEO of Address Group, Noof Al Yafei.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @hhshmahra, Supplied by Genny More

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    Emirates unveils its enhanced flight network with ‘historic agreement’

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    18 mins ago

    Dubai carrier Emirates has unveiled an enhanced flight network after signing a “historical commercial agreement” with US-based airline United.
    In a statement released via the Dubai Media Office, the two airlines announced a codeshare and interline agreement to enhance each airline’s network.
    “Emirates and United announced a historic commercial agreement today that will enhance each airline’s network and give their customers easier access to hundreds of new destinations within the United States and around the world,” the statement read.
    From November, Emirates customers flying into Chicago, San Francisco, and Houston – three of the biggest business hubs in the U.S – will be able to easily connect to United flights to and from nearly 200 cities across the Americas on a single ticket.
    From November, Emirates customers flying into Chicago, San Francisco, and Houston will be able to connect onto United flights to and from nearly 200 cities across the Americas on a single ticket, a statement said. At other US airports served by Emirates, namely Boston, Dallas, LA, Miami, JFK, Orlando, Seattle and Washington DC – both airlines will have an interline arrangement in place.

    Meanwhile, United will launch a new direct flight between Newark and Dubai, starting March 2023. From Dubai, passengers will be able to travel on Emirates or flydubai to more than 100 cities.
    The airlines said that tickets for United’s new Dubai flight are now on sale. However, codeshare activities and United’s new flight to the emirate are subject to government approvals.
    Customers of both airlines will soon be able to book connecting flights on a single ticket, easing check-in and luggage transfer. The agreement will also grant loyalty programme members of both airlines additional reward opportunities.
    Emirates Skywards members can soon earn miles when they travel on United-operated flights, and United Mileage Plus members flying on United’s New York/Newark to Dubai flight will be able to earn and redeem miles when connecting beyond on Emirates and flydubai, the statement added. Eligible customers travelling on codeshare flights will also be able to enjoy access to Emirates and United lounges.
    Sir Tim Clark, president of Emirates Airline, said: “Two of the biggest, and best-known airlines in the world are joining hands to fly people better to more places, at a time when travel demand is rebounding with a vengeance. It’s a significant partnership that will unlock tremendous consumer benefits and bring the United Arab Emirates and the United States even closer.
    “We welcome United’s return to Dubai next year, where our hub Dubai essentially becomes a gateway for United to reach Asia, Africa and the Middle East via the combined network of Emirates and flydubai.”
    “This agreement unites two iconic, flag carrier airlines who share a common commitment to creating the best customer experience in the skies,” added Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines. “United’s new flight to Dubai and our complementary networks will make global travel easier for millions of our customers, helping boost local economies and strengthen cultural ties.”
    Both airlines have recently announced significant investments to enhance their fleet and bolster customer service. Emirates will retrofit more than 120 aircraft as part of a $2bn overhaul.
    The Dubai-based carrier also announced recently that is investing over $350m to equip its 50-strong fleet of A350s with next-generation inflight entertainment solutions.
    Meanwhile, United will add 500 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft to its fleet with a focus on a new signature interior, the carrier added.
    This article was originally published on Gulf Business and has been repurposed here with permission.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram, Feature Image: Sara Shakeel Instagram More

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    Lebanese dance group wins America’s Got Talent with Dhs3.7 million prize

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    4 hours ago

    Lebanese dance group Mayyas has made their country proud by winning season 17 of America’s Got Talent.
    The female-led dance group took a $1 million (Dhs3.7 million) grand prize, with a host of congratulatory messages being shared on social media from the likes of celebrities such as Lebanese singer Maya Diab, Egyptian superstar Sherihan and more.

    With immaculate synchronisation, the team managed to effortlessly pull off a seamless dance performance as 30 women “danced as one”, in the words of the actress and judge, Sophia Vergara.
    All four judges including Vergara, Simon Cowell Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel gave the dancers a standing ovation to congratulate them for their award-winning finale performance.
    They wowed the judges and audience during the finale as each element was carefully considered including the sparkling globes of light and white feathered outfits.
    Even Cowell’s critique-driven nature translated into a positive remark after the performance ended as it was beyond “astonishing” for him.

    The performance ended on a joyous note with the audience holding up the Lebanese flag as they cheered for the crew.
    After delivering a series of back-to-back breathtaking performances, the group showcased various dance styles including a hypnotic dance routine.
    With a passion for dance, the group assembled approximately four years ago and after months of hard work and practice the Mayyas has put their name on the international dance scene with strong backing from their fans back home.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images & Feature Image: Instagram @mayyasofficial More

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    4 major changes on you’ll see on your iPhone after the launch of iOS 16

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    3 hours ago

    Following the official launch of the iPhone 14, Apple has unveiled iOS 16 which is available for owners of the iPhone 8 and onwards.
    The tech giant has claimed the latest iOS version offers “all-new personalisation features, deeper intelligence, and more seamless ways to communicate and share”.
    However, with a whole host of changes available on the new software including notification changes to message edit options, Emirates Woman breaks down some of the most prominent updates in this new version of iOS.
    Changes to your notifications
    Perhaps the biggest change with the latest Apple update is the notifications tabs. With iOS 16, notifications now roll in from the bottom of your lock screen, aiming to make them easy to see at a glance as they roll in.  Apple users can also choose to view notifications in an expanded list view, stacked view or count view.
    Message edits
    We’re all guilty of it – sending a text message with a typo. However, in the latest iOS update, users can edit a message up to 15 minutes after sending. You canalso undo send on a message for up to two minutes, and a conversation can be marked as unread at any time so you remember to come back to it later.
    Go hands-free
    For those who prefer to dictate their messages rather than type, the new update has made this experience a whole lot easier. According to Apple, the “new Dictation experience which allows users to fluidly move between voice and touch, automatically inserts punctuation marks and even adds emoji from voice description”.
    Personalise your lock screen
    One of the biggest takeaways from the iOS 16 update is the ability to personalise your iPhone, particularly with the lock screen. Users are now able to “add a photo to your Lock Screen and it will be artfully displayed around the date and time, you can set photos to shuffle throughout the day on your Lock Screen, or you can even choose a unique combination of emoji and colours to use as  wallpaper”, Apple explains.
    iOS 16 is now available to download on all iPhone 8 models and onwards. 
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Clare Rose Instagram More

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    Getting A Mammogram: What To Know, Even If You’re Young

    When thinking about getting a mammogram, you might sit on either side of the fence.
    You could be freaking out about your now-supple breast tissue and wondering if that firmness might be a lump (what does a bunch of grapes feel like, anyway?) or you could be completely blasé and assume that you’ll never have to worry about it until you’re frail as a raisin.
    In fact, new research now shows that you should get your first mammogram when you turn 40, a marked jump up from the earlier guidelines stating 50 is the age.
    There’s a caveat, says Dr Salomine Theron, branch manager at SCP Radiology’s new Tygervalley Mammography Centre. If there’s a family history of breast cancer, or you’re aware that the BRCA 1 or 2 genetic mutations run in your genetics, you should get tested earlier to rule it out.
    READ MORE: What General Health Checks You Should Be having, According to Your Age
    The good news is that innovations in the breast cancer space make this disease a little less scary. For one, we now have a “better understanding of the different types of breast cancer and women are now treated according to the type of breast cancer they have,” says Dr Lizanne Langenhoven, oncologist. “There are four different subtypes at the moment, but this is likely to change as our understanding of breast cancer improves.”
    In fact, if your breast cancer is caught early, you could avoid chemotherapy completely (Langehoven says chemotherapy use has declined as much as 50% over the last five years.). In some cases, says Langehoven, injections or withdrawal tablets can be used. There’s also a nifty machine called the Mammaprint, which tests the genes to determine whether or not chemotherapy will be necessary or if it would improve chances of recovery. “I think it is important to know that the cure rate for early breast cancer is more than 90%!” says Langehoven. “Breast cancer once might have been a death sentence, but it certainly no longer is.”
    READ MORE: 3 Random Things That Can Totally Mess With Your Mammogram Results
    That being said, early detection remains the Holy Grail. The sooner a tumour is found, the better the chances of it being nixed, experts agree. This means conducting self-examinations regularly. And, it’s not so much about knowing the “correct” firmness of a breast, so much as it is about keeping track of any changes in the tissue, says Theron. When you turn 40, make sure you have your breasts checked out – medical aids pay for mammograms every second year.
    Below, we’ve put a few myths and had Theron bust them.
    Is it true that taking a punch in the breast will give you breast cancer? 
    “FICTION. Breast trauma can sometimes alert you to an abnormality/lump that was there all along.”
    Using talcum powder is bad for you and will give you breast cancer. 
    “FICTION.  Talcum powder can however create artefacts on a mammogram, patients should refrain from using it the day of the mammogram.”
    If you sleep with a bra on, you’ll develop breast cancer and saggy boobs. 
    FICTION.
    Do breast implants raise your risk of developing breast cancer? 
    FICTION.
    READ MORE: This Is What It REALLY Feels Like To Have A Mammogram
    If you take The Pill or other hormonal contraception, your risk for breast cancer goes up.
    “FACT, any hormonal contraception does increase your risk of developing breast cancer.”
    How can you tell if your breast feels like a bowl of oats and not a firm bunch of grapes?
    When you examine your breasts you should look out for any changes or lumps.  Breast cancer often presents as a pea-sized, painless lump. More