Amla - The Secret of Longevity

As per Ayurveda, the traditional Hindu system of medicine, Amla – the Indian Gooseberry, helps in maintaining a perfect equilibrium between the three Dosha of Vat (wind), Pitta (bile) and Cough (phlegm).

                        Amla

 

This fruit is loaded with Vitamin C and antioxidants and it has been proven that it sustains defense mechanism of the body. In one of the ancient Hindu scripture, Padam Purana, Lord Shiv hiself has advocated Amla as the holy fruit which prolongs life.

Secret of Longevity is now out in open and it would be naïve, if we do not exploit the great benefits of this life prolonging fruit – Amla. Some major advantages of consuming Indian Gooseberry are enlisted below:

1. Boosts Metabolism:
   
   Poor metabolism is one of the major causes of weight gain. Its intake helps in boosting protein metabolism and with a regular workout regime, it helps you in losing weight faster.


2. Prevents Ageing and promotes Longevity:
   
   Scientific research has confirmed that anti-oxidant enzyme present in it prevents ageing. It has profuse amounts of Vitamin C, about 30 times when compared to an orange which aids in rejuvenating and strengthening body organs. It keeps the diseases away by boosting the immune system.


3. Beneficial for Healthy skin:
   
   Amla inhibits pita (bile) and relieves from all skin disorders caused by its (bile’s) dominance in the body. Its continuous intake helps in acquiring a glowing skin, delays the occurrence of wrinkles, cures pimples & tightens the skin naturally.


4. Prevents Hair Loss:
   
   Amla prevents hair loss by stimulating the hair follicles and by promoting the growth of hair. It can be taken orally or can be applied to the roots of the hair. It also inhibits premature greying of hair and combats dandruff effectively thus, improving the overall hair texture .


5. Improves Eyesight:
   
   Regular intake of this wonder fruit helps in curing various eye disorders ranging from Glaucoma, Redness in Eyes, retina Pigmentation to Dried eyes. Drinking Amla water daily is known to improve eyesight drastically.


6. Regulates Blood Sugar level:
   
   Amla when consumed with bitter gourd powder and Indian blackberry (jamun) in equal quantities is known to help in controlling diabetes.

Amla is proved to be an antioxidant, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anabolic, anti-inflammatory, anti-histaminic, anti-spasmodic fruit. Hence, its regular consumption can help you live a healthy and youthful life.

Amla - The Secret of Longevity

Mango

                        Mango

 

Mango is a primeval fruit, i.e. known as “king of fruits “and debatably popular around the world.

The fruit is deliciously sweet, fresh, juicy with just the correct touch of sourness. The likely tenderizing properties craft mangos an immense constituent for marinades in support of several types of animal protein..

Benefits from Mangoes

• Mangos contain of various nutrients such as- carbohydrates, vitamins, sugar, fiber, proteins and proper calories.

• Mango is a fine source of Vitamin C that leads to healthy immune system functioning and generation of Collagen.

• Also mango is good in Vitamin A that causes bone development, strengthening of the vision sustaining mucous membrane plus skin healthy.

• It does defend the body from Mouth, Prostate, Breast, Colon as well as Lung cancer.

• It controls the blood pressure and heart rate.

• It aids in the digestion and also diminish the cholesterol which is very harmful for the body.

• It decreases the danger of and headway of age related macular degeneration.

• It reduces the hazard of obesity plus largely mortality, diabetes, diseases of the heart and encourages a healthy character and hair, amplified energy, generally lower weight.

As there are benefits, so there are harmful effects as well of Mangoes:

• Mangos are an affluent resource of sugar subsequently they become the cause of increase in the sugar levels of the blood. People suffering from diabetes are suggested not to have ripe mangoes.

• Excessive eating of mangoes leads to diarrhoea consequently overeating of this fruit must be absolutely controlled.

• The mangos skin or peel is accountable for the sensitivity or allergic reaction on many occasions.

• Artificial ripening tends to be ordinary in several countries and affects health badly.

• Mango contains a chemical known as urushiol, which causes skin burning. In thin-skinned individuals, urushiol may result in skin inflammations on contact.

• Overeating of the mangoes results in increase of weight.

Mango

Healthy routine for Summers

                  Healthy lifestyle

 

An excellent day starts from the moment you wake up. To boast a perfect start, your day should also comprise of a good healthy routine. Below are a few tips that could help you throughout the summers.

Acquire a healthy diet

Have a nutritious meal so that it provides you energy in summer, because loads of energy are exhausted in this season. So it’s very crucial to have a healthy and balanced diet. As breakfast is most vital meal of the day so it is necessary to have a proper breakfast.

Skipping of the meals can be a reason of tiredness, dim spells, shortage of concentration, unconsciousness plus poor performance levels. Taking balanced and timely meals can make us mentally as well as physically strong.

Discover the activities which you enjoy

In summers you can try out various activities that will be leisurely for you and also make you fit too.

You can attempt new activities in this season for instance swimming, skating, bowling, paddle boarding and so forth. Try something that you always longed to do. This not only switches up the routine of yours, but also augments your entertainment level.

Proper intake of Liquids

It’s quite essential to have the fluids in this season. Because the human body requires a handsome amount of liquid intake.

Fluids like coconut water, curd, milk, juices, shakes and good amount of water must be taken to remain hydrated in summers. Also fruits and vegetables such as watermelons, musk-melons, grapes, onions, cucumber etc. must be consumed.

Going for a walk

Going outside for a morning walk, otherwise an evening walk, will improve your health and your body will stay active at the same time. Simply walking and jogging reduces the tiredness and creates vigour.

Sleep for the proper time period

Make certain that you take at least 7-8 hours of the sleep, as a result, you will encompass an adequate amount of energy to sustain throughout the day. Spending hours over the computer and the phone must be avoided. Keeping entire electronics away from the bed may assist you in getting further serene sleep. But as the saying goes, excess of everything is bad, and so is the sleep too. Too much of sleep will make you feel tired as well as lazy. So sleep only so much as it is necessary for a healthy lifestyle.

Healthy routine for Summers

Advantages & Disadvantages of eating bananas

                          Bananas

 

There is an old saying “Eat good, feel good”, probably the quote was written by someone who was enjoying a ripe yellow Banana. Yes, it is one fruit which is known to naturally elevate your mood. Banana is loaded with micro and macro nutrients and is rich in potassium, magnesium, and vitamins. In addition to it, ironically, Bananas are known to contain high sugar content and we all know that sugar in any form is never good for health. So, what should we do, munch on that banana next time or not?

Here is a quick solution to your woes and weal’s of Banana eating.

Advantages of eating Bananas:

1. Maintains Gastrointestinal health: Bananas contain certain enzymes which help in cleansing and keeping the gut healthy. These enzymes are also known to boost the metabolic rate of the body. Eventually, this result in better absorption of nutrients from the food one consumes.


2. Enhanced Digestion: One Six inch Banana is loaded with 2.5 grams of dietary fibre and this insoluble fibre sweeps and pushes out the waste, while travelling through the digestive tract. They act as probiotics when it comes to digestive system. Hence, banana is filling, delicious and helps in promoting better digestion.


3. Coronary Health: Bananas are known for containing high amount of mineral electrolyte – Potassium; it gets directly absorbed by the intestinal walls. This potassium travels to cells all over the body and keeps electricity flowing which aids in maintaining proper heart beat. We need about 4,700 milligrams of potassium per day and one single banana provides more than 360 milligrams.


4. Healthy Eyes: Bananas contain fat soluble vitamin A which is required for healthy eyes. They prevent eyes against macular degeneration and restore strong vision.


5. Regulates Blood Pressure: Potassium present in bananas help in vasodilation and hence regulates blood pressure. A high potassium intake is allied with a 20% decreased danger of dying from cancer.

In addition to the above listed benefits, Bananas are known to boost memory; it is used for treating diarrhoea, it preserves bone muscle density, decreases risk of kidney stones and on top of it they are good to taste.

Disadvantages of eating Bananas:

1. Boosts Blood sugar level: If you are already combating with irregular blood sugar levels or are diabetic then you are recommended to deprive your taste buds from banana. They contain high levels of fructose, glucose and sucrose which contribute to high glycemic index and is harmful when taken in more than prescribed limits. However, it works wonder for people suffering from low sugar levels.


2. Cause of Cavities: Eating a banana leaves a lot of sticky fructose rich debris in between your teeth and this increases risk of cavities. Ensure to cleanse your mouth after eating sweet fruits like banana to impede bacterial growth and to give you a better oral hygiene.


3. Caloric Value: One large banana contains about 120 calories which is more than 3 cups of spinach salad without dressing. Extra calories manifest extra pounds and intake of banana with diet, in the long run causes weight gain.

After, going through the above pros and cons of eating banana and knowing its array of benefits, I will only say banana is not just for monkeys.

Advantages & Disadvantages of eating bananas

TOP 10 Ways to Beat the Summer Heat

  Ways to beat the Summer heat

 

Some of the best ways to beat the summer heat are: 

• Stay Hydrated: Having plenty of water during the entire daytime is necessary for the body. Fluids such as buttermilk, coconut water, juice are as well healthy to be taken in this season. Various packaged juices in addition to the high calories cold drinks must be avoided. Milk plus dairy products must be had to stay hydrated.


• Eat light: Heavy and spicy meals are not suggested in summers as it would cause acidity and digestion system issues. Consume small, fluid and regular meals, especially throughout the summer.


• Take in salads into your diet plan: Consuming the leafy lettuce, cucumbers, beet-root, tomatoes, beans, corn, in the salads are yummy ways to reside cool. These hold a significant quantity of water in addition to can in fact slight the blood, that makes a cooling consequence. Onions as well are good in summers, as of their aptitude to thrash the heat, moreover give relief over the summer disorders.


• Cook smart: The cooking appliances produce the heat in indoors. An oven could easily hoist the temperature up to 10 degrees also. Save cooking among heat pro cooler hours in the daytime, or cook in the outdoors on the grill.


• Block out the bright side windows: The best way is to cover or swathe up the windows which are in the sunny face of the house otherwise the sunny rays will convey immense heat in your home. The thick covering would be better; it will keep the home cool.


• Put on light Clothes: Light clothes are advisable to be worn as they don’t absorb the summer heat. On the other part, the dark clothes do soak up the heat. So wearing of the light cotton attire is comfortable in summers.


• Control and switch off the light bulbs: Even a single bulb could generate a major sum of heat. To maintain the temperature of the home, it’s good to slow down or shut off the lights, as the lights emit heat and would make it uncomfortable in the house. Switching off the lights in daytime would make the residence calm and cool.


• Normal workout: Summer doesn’t act as an attractive period for the workouts. But the normal workout and exercise, maintain the stamina. Doing an indoor workout is recommended as outdoor workout may be done over the early morning or evenings.


• Cold showers: Take cold water showers several times a day. It will significantly lower down the body temperature and would also get you rid of sweat and skin itching.


• Avoid tremendous cold foods, plus drinks: Most of people normally devour extreme chilled foods and drinks to beat the summer heat and they interfere amid digestion, as well as sweating, thus interfering through the body’s normal cooling mechanisms. So these things must be avoided as it would lead to further sickness.

TOP 10 Ways to Beat the Summer Heat

Sunburn

Summers are fun in the west. Getting tanned, sun exposure is fun but sunburns are not that good. It is necessary to enjoy the sun exposure without getting burned.

Best means to prevent sunburn is to avoid sun exposure.  The ultraviolet exposure is less if your shadow is longer than you and if it is shorter than you than the ultraviolet exposure is high.

Tips to avoid the sunburn:

• During the peak hours stay away from the sun relief. Generally, 10 am to 3 pm must be spent indoors if possible. The times might differ slightly as per the season and the continent you live in.


• Treatment for sunburn Cover up yourself when out in the sun. Large umbrellas and wide-brimmed hat would work out best but the beach cover-ups will be better. If you are going cycling or walking then wear long-sleeved cotton shirts. There are clothes that would cover-up as well as allow breathing. Use shades to protect your eyes.


• Sunburn on face use sunscreen at the exposed areas. It is recommended to use SPF 45+ as it allows even the fairest skinned people to stay out in the sun for few hours before they could reapply the sunscreen is the best sunburn treatment. Use ChapStick or Vaseline for the lips. Check the instructions mentioned on the sunscreen and apply according to it for results. Reapply if your skin comes in contact with water even a bit as it will be washed off.


• Cover back of your neck, back of your knees, elbows and ears. Do not ignore your feet especially if you are wearing a flip-flop, sandals or going barefoot. These places can hurt a lot.


• Do not get too much tan and lie in the sun. It will damage your skin also, might burn your skin if you get the tan first few times in the beginning of the summer. If you want to tan, get it gradually and in a sensible manner with short exposure.


• To avoid burning your scalp use oil or apply a small amount of sunburn creams to your hair. There are some shampoos and conditioner consisting SPF protection. Cover it with the hat.

Sunburn

Tips while consuming Antibiotics

Antibiotics

 

Antibiotics are medicines intended to treat infections and prevent serious complications caused by bacteria. These drugs prevent the growth of bacteria by destroying it. These are basically antibacterial drugs that target the cell wall of bacteria and parasites to render them ineffective and prevent infections. Antibiotics can be taken orally or intravenously. While normal infections can be treated using oral antibiotics, serious cases require direct administration in the body.

They are like a double edged sword, where it is inherently required to treat infections, but at the same time, excessive dosage may cause an imbalance in the immune system of the body. Weakened immune system means that body is more susceptible to infections and illness. These are available as over the counter drug or through doctor’s prescription. Since these are necessary for the certain class of infections, there are still some points that needs to be considered while taking the drug in order to avail its full potency and minimize any kind of side effects.

• Make sure to follow complete course of antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor. The infection may be reduced after administering initial doses, but it is advisable to complete the course in order to negate any chance of re-occurrence.


• Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria and parasites. The drugs are ineffective against any kind of viral disease.


• If you are visiting a doctor, inform them about the other medications you are undertaking so that they can adjust the dose of medicines.


• Do not take over the counter medicines if it is not required as longer usage can lead to resistance.


• Always try to settle for one doctor and follow their prescriptions before opting for a new one.


• Don’t expect oral antibiotics to treat every type of infection. Sometimes, you may require the intravenous administration to cure more serious infections.


• Do not take drugs intended to treat previous infections. Infections can often be assumed of similar nature, hence, wrong administration can further worsen the condition.


• Always inform the practitioner about any type of allergies towards a specific type of drugs to avoid further complications.


• Consult the doctor for right kind of prescription before using it.


• Get a complete information with the doctor about the timings and the frequency at which antibiotics are required to be consumed.


• Never try to perform self-medication even if you are familiar with the infection.


• Stop using over the counter antibiotics if the infection is not reducing and consult a doctor

Tips while consuming Antibiotics

Benefits of Chyawanprash

                           Chyawanprash

 

I grew up in a household whose head; my grandfather was a prolific Ayurveda Practitioner. Besides many others like Triphla, har etc. I often saw him using of Chyawanprash regularly. As a kid, I was forced to have it every night though back then I never liked its taste. Now, I am giving it regularly to my son before he leaves for school with milk. It was a time when Chyawanprash was available only in traditional flavor, however, now Indian markets are flooded with various flavors of Chyawanprash ranging from mango to mixed fruit to chocolate.

“Chyawanprash” is an Ayurvedic preparation named after a sage – Chyawan, who was the first person to prepare this tonic. The main ingredients used to prepare this brown concoction are Indian gooseberry (Amla), Ayurvedic herbs like ashwagandha, vidarikand, long pepper, white sandalwood, cardamom, tulsi, brahmi, arjun, jatamansi, neem, honey and clarified butter. Out of the numerous benefits of Chyawanprash the most significant ones are listed below:

• It is known to boost immunity by protecting the body from bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.


• It is known to be very effective in maintaining a healthy respiratory system. It is an ideal remedy for people suffering from chronic respiratory diseases like asthma.


• It helps in proper digestion of food and in effective absorption of nutrients by the body. It also provides relief against constipation and reduces flatulence.


• It plays a significant role in toning cardiac health and is also known to energize brain, thus helps in improving memory.


• Its potent antioxidant and rejuvenating herbs are known to delay aging of cells by providing proper nutrition to them. It promotes youthfulness and longevity.


• It tones reproductive system and supports optimal urinary health.


• It is also known to increase muscle mass and is therefore quite popular among body builders.

Chyawanprash is just a small step towards healthy lifestyle which needs to be followed with proper workout regime and a balanced diet.

Benefits of Chyawanprash

Benefits of Garlic in our Diet

Garlic

 

Garlic is a popular seasoning ingredient that flavors our food with an aromatic and strong taste. It can be taken raw, in the form of flakes or dried powder and also as a cooking constituent in a number of dishes. Recent research has proved that garlic comes with several health benefits along with its culinary uses. To understand these amazing and beneficial aspects of garlic, let us scroll down to the points below:

Health Benefits of Garlic

• Daily intake of raw garlic reduces the chances of lung and prostrate cancer. It also contains an organo suplhur compound which renders it effective against a certain type of fatal brain tumour- gliobastoma.


• Allium in it prevents the occurance of osteoporosis – a common bone ailment in aging women.


• Diallyl sulfide – another compound in it acts as a powerful antibiotic in treating some forms of intestinal infections.


• Another ingredient in this clove is diallyl trysulfide, which protects the body from cardiac arrests and other heart related diseases.


• Cardiomyopathy is a common cause of death for diabetic patients. Recent studies have demonstrated that it’s oil can combat this up to a considerable extent.


• It supplements aid in maintaining the lipid quantities in blood, regulate blood pressure and cut down cholesterol levels.


• Its extracts also cure alcohol induced liver diseases and reduce the chances of pre-term delivery.


• Another therapeutic use is to minimize the frequency of common cold in both adults and children.


• Antioxidants in garlic protect the body from cell damage and thus decrease chances of disorders like – Alzheimers Disease and Dementia.


• Allicin – the sulphur compound of garlic helps in treating acne and blemishes. Sulfenic acid, which is released after decomposing allicin works against microbes and free radicals, thus making it efficient for healing various allergies, skin infections and pimples.


• It’s sulphur component contains keratin, which promotes hair growth and fortification.

In a nutshell, it has now been scientifically proven as a natural medication for several ailments. You can take two to three raw cloves daily or use it as an ingredient in your recipes. However, excess consumption can result in adverse health effects; so never consume more than the recommended dosage.

Benefits of Garlic in our Diet