Home Remedies for Migraine

 

 Home Remedies for Migraine

 

Migraine is a complex disorder caused around the brain and head involving the brain and the blood vessels. Migraine headaches are more severe and last longer than normal tension headaches. The pain that migraines bring can last for hours or even days.

Top five home remedies for treating migraines that grandmas suggest are:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar: Being a power house of nutrition, apple cider vinegar helps in reducing migraine problem. It also offers a huge range of health benefits like, detoxification, managing high blood pressure, balancing the blood sugar, reducing pain in bones and promote weight loss.

• To a glass full of water, mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.


• Add in one tablespoon of honey.


• Drink this solution daily to prevent as well as treat migraines.

During migraine attack or when you start feeling the symptoms of it, increase the intake number of tablespoons to two or three.

2. Ice Pack: The most popular and instant home remedy to get rid of tension as well as migraine is using an ice pack.

• Wrap a few ice cubes in a clean towel and place it on your forehead for 10-15 minutes.


• For better results, add lavender or essential oils to the water for the compress.

3. Cayenne Pepper: The use of cayenne pepper is a great home remedy for migraines as it stimulates circulation and improves blood flow.

• Mix one teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a cup of warm water.


• Add some drops of lemon juice and honey to improve the taste.


• Drink this as required.

4. Ginger: Research indicates that ginger may prove effective in the treatment of common migraine problem.

• Drink ginger tea a few times a day until you get relief.


• Simply chewing a piece of raw ginger root can also help treat the problem and reduce symptoms like nausea.

5. Massage: Massaging the head helps ease migraine headaches as it help in blocking the pain signals sent to the brain. It also boosts activity and stimulates certain receptors, thereby reducing the symptoms as well as frequency of migraines.

• In a circular motion gently massage the head with your first two fingers.


• Heat two tablespoon of sesame oil. Mix in half teaspoon each of cinnamon and cardamom powder. Apply this paste on forehead and massage it for better results.

Home Remedies for Migraine

Could you be Anemic and not know it?

Anemia is a symptom, not a disease it occurs when red blood cells impedes delivery of oxygen throughout the body.  And red blood cells become low haemoglobin. Anemia can be caused by a host of different problems. This type is known as iron deficiency anemia and need to increase the levels of essential minerals. While most of the people with it don’t realize and if left unchecked, anemia gets worse.

Different kinds:

• Nutritional deficiency


• Sideroblastic


• Sickle cell


• Iron deficiency

Causes:

• Anemia is caused by blood loss, decreased or faulty blood cells, and by destruction of red blood cells.


• Sufficient oxygen in the blood allows us to be physically active, and when less than normal, it causes feeling tired, weak and may feel grappled to breathe.


• If anemia is left untreated for long term, it may cause health consequences, hair loss and anxiety.

Signs of anemia are –

• Fatigue


• Pale skin


• Dizziness – feeling of light headedness


• Cold hands or feet due to poor blood circulation


• Chest pain


• Headache – anemic people’s brain gets less iron than it’s needs, it’s arteries swell and get instant headaches


• Shortness of breath


• Weakness


• Irregular heartbeat

To eat – iron rich foods to combat anemia includes red meat, fish, oysters, mussels, green leafy vegetables, and dried fruit.

Could you be Anemic and not know it?

Causes, Prevention & Treatment of Low Testosterone Levels

 

                     Testosterone

 

An important male sex hormone called testosterone plays an important role in controlling male physical features. Women also have this hormone but in smaller amounts than men. In males, it is secreted by testicles and in females, ovaries produce it. This hormone plays an important role in development of testis and prostate which are the male reproductive tissues. It also promotes the development of secondary sexual characters in males like growth of body hair, increased muscle and bone mass, and deepening of the voice at puberty. The brain and a small gland at the base of the brain called pituitary gland control the production of testosterone. The hypothalamus, located in the brain, tells the pituitary gland how much testosterone the body needs. The pituitary gland then sends the message to the testicles. Most testosterone is produced in the testicles, but small amounts come from the adrenal glands, which are located just above the kidneys.

Causes of high and low levels:

Testosterone levels change from hour to hour being highest in the morning and lowest at night. These hormone levels are highest at the age of 20 to 30 and after 30 to 35, it slowly goes down. Causes for level fluctuations are as follows:

• Low level or hypogonadism occurs due to testicle injuries, chromosomal abnormalities, ovarian failure, or chemotherapy of nearby tumors.

• Gland malformations, decreased blood flow to glands, taking anabolic steroids to enhance muscle mass, gland inflammation due to diseases or pituitary or hypothalamus associated tumors.

• Hypergonadism or high levels occur due to adrenal or testicular tumor, precocious puberty and hyperthyroidism.

• The medical conditions which are associated with the cause for excess testosterone are rare.

Prevention & Treatment of testosterone levels:

• Treatment for low levels depend upon its cause. It’s replacement therapy is done sometimes and weight loss is the best medicine at other times.

• Any form of exercise done regularly or being physically active can raise its levels.

• Getting enough sleep, managing tension and eating vitamin D rich foods can help in prevention of it’s levels getting reduced.

• Treatment of higher levels can be done by medication by getting diabetes under control, using an anti-androgen drug.

• Through diet control by eating more soy products, adding more flax seeds to your diet, avoiding refined carbohydrates, or by reducing your fat consumption can reduce the testosterone levels.

You may get yourself checked for testosterone levels by booking a test with us here

Causes, Prevention & Treatment of Low Testosterone Levels

Many Kinds of Indian Tea & it's Benefits

 

                                  Tea

 

British East India Company brought Tea to India as a recreational drink. However, today it is the second largest tea producers in the world. Assam and Darjeeling are exclusively Tea producers in India.

Every Indian household are fond of starting their day with a hot steaming cup of tea. The health benefits offered by different variety of Teas are as under:

WHITE TEA

White tea is the healthiest and purest of all teas because it is least processed of all teas. It is made from new buds and young leaves of the plant and has highest content of antioxidants .This loose leaf tea brews a light colour with subtle flavour and is best served as it is, unadulterated

White Tea is rich in antioxidants that protect the body from damage by free radicals and delays ageing. It contains Flavonoids, a class of antioxidants, which impedes the growth of cancerous cells. It lowers blood pressure and blood cholesterol, thus protects heart. It guards against the common cold and flu, and is known to accelerate metabolism, which helps in staying slimmer.

GREEN TEA

Green tea is the most popular type of tea and is a “true” tea that has undergone minimum oxidation during processing. Green tea is often scented with flowers or mixed with fruits to create scented or flavoured teas.

It contains Polyphenols like flavonoids and catechins which act like antioxidants. It is rich in caffeine which blocks an inhibitory neurotransmitter called Adenosine and increases the concentration of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine which increases brain function. It is great for those who intend to lose weight. It lowers risk of various cancers, cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease

OOLONG TEA

Oolong tea, is most commonly recognized as traditional Chinese tea and is somewhere between green and black in oxidation. It helps in reducing cholesterol, provides protection against cancer and diabetes.

Oolong Tea boosts your metabolism and helps you to lose some extra kilos. It lowers cholesterol, aids digestion and stabilizes blood sugar levels. It also prevents tooth decay and promotes healthy hair growth.

BLACK TEA

Black tea is the tea most of us grew up with. It is generally stronger in flavour and contains more caffeine than the less oxidized. It is prepared by boiling black tea leaves in hot water till all the flavour of the leaves is dissolved in the water. It can be served either with freshly squeezed lemon or with sugar & milk. One can add ginger or cardamom to enhance taste.

It enhances oral health and boosts our immunity. The phyto-chemicals found in black tea help in strengthening bones and relieves stress. It contains tannins which have a therapeutic effect on gastric and intestinal tract.

HERBAL TEA

Herbal tea is the only tea that does not contain any leaves from the Camellia plant family. They are of three types-

(i) Rooibos teas – It is also Known as Red tea, and is made from a South African red bush.
(ii) Mate teas – It is made from the leaves and twigs of the yerba mate plant and is particularly popular among coffee drinkers because it tastes like coffee.
(iii) Herbal Infusions – Teas which contain extracts of pure herbs, flowers, and fruits are known as Herbal infusions.

Only limited research has been carried out on the benefits of herbal tea but it is said that their benefits are attributed to the kind of infusion used. Herbal tea, in reality contain very little amount of tea.

So next time while you are sipping your tea, be happy that you are sipping good health and longevity.

Many Kinds of Indian Tea & it's Benefits

Home remedies for hair care

There are very few of us out there, who are happy with the way our tresses are. Some of us want our locks to be thick, some crib about lack of shine, some are bugged by split ends, some are perturbed because of untimely graying and some feel OMG! The growth rate is damn slow.

So, it won’t be wrong to say that all of us want to change one thing or the other about our hair. Here are some tried and tested home remedies, and believe me that you will grow an inch taller every time somebody compliments your tresses, once you are regular with these remedies.

1.      Avocados and eggs

To add shine to your dull and damaged hair mash a ripe avocado, mix it with one egg and apply to your hair. Leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing it off, stick to this remedy at least once every week to get a lustrous mane.

2.      Olive Oil

Use warm olive oil to massage your scalp and leave the oil overnight. Shampoo as usual the next morning. It is a great remedy against dry and brittle hair as olive oil restores moisture of our hair.

3.      Onions

It might sound bit smelly and crazy, but this remedy is one of the oldest and most effective when it comes to accelerating hair growth. Peel and chop two onions, blend it and take out the juice, apply the juice for 15 minutes on your hair scalp and wash it off using a mild shampoo. Sulphur present in onion helps in collagen production and thus accelerates hair growth.

4.      Apple Cider Vinegar

Mix apple cider vinegar with water in 3:4 ratios. After you are done with washing your hair, just use a cup of this solution to rinse your hair. It cleanses the scalp and maintains perfect PH of scalp which accelerates hair growth.

5.      Coconut oil and camphor

To get rid of dandruff, add some camphor to warm coconut oil and apply to your scalp and leave overnight. Wash your hair the next day, repeat this remedy twice a week for about a month and you will be pleasantly amazed at the results.

6.      Wrap it up against split ends

The best remedy for split ends is to wrap your hair in a cotton towel to absorb excess moisture, after washing your hair.  To avoid split ends, try to naturally dry your hair rather than using blowers and dryers.

7.      Fenugreek and coconut milk

Mix one teaspoon of paste made out of fenugreek seeds with two teaspoon of coconut oil. Apply it to your scalp before washing it off after 30 minutes. This remedy helps in protecting natural hair color and also promotes hair growth.

8.      Henna and yogurt

Applying a henna pack at least once a month helps in adding luster to your dull hair and it acts as natural conditioner as well. Henna pack can be made by mixing dry henna powder with yogurt.

These remedies help you with your hair care regime making your hair the way you dream them to be. However, it is always better to compliment these remedies with a balanced protein rich diet for a healthy mane.

Home remedies for hair care

Grandma Tips for Curing Constipation

 

                    Constipation

 

Issues like constipation are natural yet embarrassing and we, more than often avoid discussing them, in our daily life.  I don’t know why we torture ourselves; by keeping such things bottled up inside, when there are number of easy home remedies for constipation. So, if you have not pooped from two days, try some of these solutions to fix up your potty woes.

1. Let the lemon work

Squeeze a lemon in a glass of warm water and sip it till the glass is empty. It helps to flush out the toxins from your colon and that stuffy poop as well, relieving you from constipation.

2. Do it with some sweetness

A tablespoon of Black-strap molasses can help you getting the much required relief from constipation. Black-strap molasses is rich in vitamins and minerals specifically, magnesium which helps in getting things moving through your colon.

3. Get your system running with some oil

It might sound weird but a spoonful of olive oil is enough to stimulate your digestive system and get the ball rolling for you.

4. Caffeine shot

A mug of steaming coffee aroma freshens up your mind as well as stomach. Caffeine is a natural stimulant for your gastrointestinal tract. However, do remember that coffee is a diuretic so if you overdo, it might dehydrate your system and aggravate your constipation.

5. Get going

Sedentary life style is one of the foes which clog your system, so, get moving if you want your stuff moving. There are specific yoga poses and exercises like squats to help you relieve constipation.

6. Do it right with Flaxseed

Take 1 table spoon of flaxseed oil with a glass of orange juice. Be patient while trying this remedy as it takes about 5 to 6 hours for your bowels to get moving.

7. Epsom salt

Epsom salt is rich in magnesium, it also draws water from your surroundings and makes your stool soft and makes passing them out easy. 2 Teaspoon Epsom salt with a glass of water helps you alleviating your constipation symptoms.

8. Prune it out

A glass of prune juice in the morning and evening helps you with your uncomfortable bouts of constipation. Prunes are known to have natural laxative properties as it contains high amounts of fiber, and sorbitol.

9. Baking soda

It is one of the most popular and effective home remedy for constipation. It is bicarbonate and it gets the air out of your system from one way or the other, it also re-alkalizes the stomach, neutralizes the acid a little bit and helps in moving the waste out of the gut.

10. Yoghurt

It works by enriching your system with healthy gut flora and prevents constipation. Having a bowl or two of yoghurt in breakfast will help good bacteria to flourish and relieve pain.

So, next time, when your system fails in pooping out, ensure that it gets moving by the above mentioned Grand-ma tips.

Grandma Tips for Curing Constipation

Home remedies for cough, common cold and fever

    Remedies for Common Cough & Cold

 

With every seasonal change, the weather takes a toll on our biological system and almost every household is bugged with ailments like fever, cold and cough.

There are some simple home remedies which effectively treat fever and colds, and even protect you from the harmful effects of popping unnatural mainstream prescription medicines. Some of them are:

1. Holy Basil

Holy Basil also known as “Tulsi” is of prime religious importance in all Hindu households. Since ages, the leaves of “Tulsi” are known for their potent anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Take about 10 to 12 leaves of this herb and boil it in half liter of water. Let the decoction cool and sip it slowly, repeat at least thrice a day to get rid of fever, flu, sore throat. It also helps in unclogging the respiratory system by clearing phlegm.

2. Ginger

Drinking ginger tea or taking a teaspoon of grated ginger with honey is very effective in treating respiratory tract infections, coughs, colds and even bronchitis. It boosts immunity and its thermogenic properties protect our body from cold.

3. Honey

Honey is rich in antioxidants and its anti-microbial traits help in soothing cough and promotes undisturbed sleep. Its anti inflammatory properties also help in reducing sensitivity of the throat by coating it.

4. Garlic

Garlic contains a compound “Allicin” which makes it one of the most effective home remedies against ailments. “Allicin” imparts anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties to garlic. It clears persistent mucus, alleviates stubborn coughs and also help in subsiding viral fever. To relieve fever, cold and cough, it is best to crush 4 to 5 cloves of raw garlic and consume it.

5. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice that adds unique flavor to Asian and Mediterranean cuisines. Its thermogenic and anti-bacterial properties cure sore throat, colds and cough. Mix 1/2 table spoon of freshly ground cinnamon with some honey and take it 2-3 times a day for 3 days to get rid of stuffy as well as runny nose.

6. Turmeric

Turmeric is a famous Indian spice which forms an integral part of almost all curry dishes. It contains a compound “Curcumin” which gives powerful anti bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to Turmeric. It is an easily accessible home remedy which fights viral infections, coughs and colds. Just take 2 tea spoons of turmeric powder mixed either with a cup of warm milk or with warm water to get relief.

7. Raisins

Raisins are very effective when it comes to curing colds and fevers. They contain phytonutrients which load them with powerful antibiotic and antioxidant properties. They are natural home remedy for viral fevers, soothing cough and sore throat. Grind a handful of raisins, with 2 tea spoons of sugar and water, heat the mixture till it forms a thick paste, and consume 1 table spoon of this paste before hitting the sack at night.

The above ingredients are readily available in every household, so it is best to use them for natural healing without any side effects.

Home remedies for cough, common cold and fever

How to Lose Belly Fat

                      Excess Belly Fat

 

‘Overweight is a sign of unhealthy lifestyle’ – this is a popular disbelief that everyone considers as a gospel truth. An overweight person can be healthy whereas a normal person can also be unhealthy. The entire topic of being healthy is based on the accumulation of body fat. The reserved fat under the skin is not much of a problem as long as there is no significant chunk of fat stored in the abdominal cavity. If there is an excess amount of fat in the belly then it can pose serious problems. Everyone, even the fit person have fat. Having too much visceral fat can affect your organs.

While, there are many ways to burn the fat under the belly, most of them requires too much effort or simply cost too much for what it’s worth. Here are the few ways you can try to reduce the body fat with proven results:

• Exercising is one of the best strategies to lose some fat. However, it doesn’t mean to work out for endless hours in the gym and hoping to get into shape. There is a difference between heavy workouts and aerobic exercises. Running, Jogging or Swimming – exercises that utilize the heart to pump faster and make you sweat gives best results. Even if fit enough, you should try to schedule walking and jogging to avoid any build-up of belly fat.

• Avoiding foods containing a high content of sugar should be completely avoided. Sugar is loaded with glucose and fructose and only optimal amount of sugar is utilized by the liver for metabolism, the rest is reserved as fat. Hence, try to employ a diet that contains only minimal amount of sugar.

• Another way to cut down body fat is to eat foods containing a high proportion of protein. It is a single most important nutrient in losing the fat. Foods rich in proteins like fish, eggs, beans, etc. should be included in daily diet. Protein also prevents accumulation of fat.

• Foods such as lentils, beans, whole grain are rich in fiber content. Fibers can easily bind with water and slow down the digestion process, hence, you will always feel full for longer time. Fibers also help in regulating the body fat. However, not all fibers are friendly in losing weight.

• Always keep track of what you eat. It is important for the body to have all types of nutrients, hence, eating a balanced diet is essential. Moreover, you also have to take care of daily calorie intake. Only eat limited amount of food that body can absorb to sustain its mechanism. Anything in excess, can instigate storage of fat.

How to Lose Belly Fat

Migraines - Myths & Facts

Migraines are commonly considered as headaches, but they are more than just headaches. It is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. They occur is a form of a headache that is episodic in nature. People suffering from a it tends to experience other symptoms like nausea, vertigo, fatigue and dizziness. The pain is usually concentrated on either side of the face. While it’s exact cause is unknown, there are many conditions and disorders considered to be the triggering factor of the headaches.

Migraine headaches arise in different forms such as tension or cluster type, hence, it gets really difficult to identify the exact cause. There are many myths surrounding the it, which can severely affect the person’s life. Let’s take a look at some of the myths and facts associated with migraines.

• Fact: Migraine is caused on either side of the head

They are unilateral in nature, but it can also occur on both sides of the head. One sided migraine are pulsating and covers the entire temple area of the head. The location may shift from one side to another side of the head, depending on the type of the condition.

• Myth: Migraine affects only women

This is entirely a myth. While it is true that women are more prone to suffer from it, men too suffer from it. Many conditions specific to the women trigger a migraine in them. Women especially experience it during their menstrual cycle, due to the changes in estrogen levels.

• Fact: Medications can reduce it

It is true that some medications prescribed by the doctors can help to reduce the effects and it’s occurrences. However, medications are not a guaranteed solution to completely treat the condition. It’s treatment is not available but the person suffering from it regularly can reduce the effects by taking medications.

• Fact: it is hereditary

Parents having a history of a migraine can pass down the condition to their children. The children pose around 50% chance of suffering from a migraine if any of their parents have the history.

• Myth: It’s symptoms perish after the pain

It has a vast number of causes, hence its symptoms are also likely to be varied in nature. Since they are episodic, symptoms may prevail even after the pain subsides.

• Fact: Physical activities may trigger it

It depends on the type of physical and strenuous activities. According to the studies, people with the history of a migraine has a higher chance of recurring the condition if they are undergoing heavy exercises.

• Myth: Migraine is just another type of a headache

Possibly, one of the biggest myth associated with a migraine is that it is a type of headaches. Migraines may be the triggering factor in causing the headaches, but there are several other conditions causing migraines. It is really important to understand the exact cause of a migraine to get better treatment.

Migraines - Myths & Facts

Fitness Tips for Beginners

Staying fit has almost become an innate part of everyone’s life these days. Working out can be more of a problem than a solution if you don’t do it in the right way. Things start to get even difficult for the beginners, who are simply not aware of workout regimes. Apart from that, the fraught about you being the newest entry in the pro club can take a toll on you. Many eyes will be fixated on you on the account of whether you are exercising in the correct manner. There are many challenges arising in the staying fit and any wrong move will not bear desirable results. Let’s take a look at some of the tips for beginners that can serve as a gospel in the path of their fitness.

• Always warm up before beginning your exercising schedule. Most of the beginners jump on the machines to show off, but it is absolutely necessary to loosen up your muscles before actually straining the body to the intense workout schedule. An extra stress exerted on the muscles may even damage it.

• There is no short-cut to success and the same can be said about achieving fitness. Being a beginner, you should stick to the beginner’s workout schedule and not jump into the advanced exercises. Your body needs time to adapt to the weight in a progressive manner.

• The commitment will always provide fruitful results. Just because you want to get fit, don’t expect to simply workout for the sake of toning the body. One must have complete dedication towards the gym and develop a habit of going to the gym for at least 4 days a week. However, don’t overdo it as well. Your muscles need rest as well, hence giving a break every week is also important.

• Don’t just focus on the specific part of the body. Develop a cycle of toning every major muscle of the body.

• Keep yourself hydrated enough to endure the loss of water during the workouts. Also, don’t drink too much water as it can really mess up the schedule.

• Staying fit is often accompanied with dieting. Employ a proper diet plan that goes well with the schedule. Simply bench pressing and squats will not get you any results.

• Don’t get intimidated by the fact about what other experts might think of about you. Everyone has to start from the beginning and it takes the time to reach to that pro level.

• Running, walking and jogging are equally important along with heavy sets of exercises. Try to employ Yoga as well to improve the stamina and flexibility.

Fitness Tips for Beginners

How Low Testosterone Affect Health

Testosterone is a hormone associated with the growth and regulating sexual functions in the human body. The human body produces the hormone, which is more prevalent in men than women. The hormone are produced in the testicles of men, often called as androgens. Women also produce the hormone in the ovaries along with the estrogen, but their quantity is relatively low compared to estrogen. It is an important hormone for stimulating sperm production and also derives sex drive in the men. At the adolescence, testosterone are responsible for increasing muscle mass and bones.

It’s levels are linked with men’s age, hence, as the person grows in age, the levels reduces. At an older age, it’s deficiency is quite normal, however, it is a matter of concern if the levels are low at an early age. It’s average content is in the range of 300- 1000 ng/dL. Anything lower than that is prevalent of some serious health complications.

There are severe consequences of low testosterone levels easily seen with the symptoms exhibited towards the human body. Some of these are:

                 Affects of Low Testosterone

 

• Low Sex Drive:

It is a primary hormone in increasing the sex drive, which is gradually reflected in men at an increasing age. Those suffering from low testosterone suffer from the lower desire to have sexual intercourse. This is the main reason as to why people at old age are not as active in sexual activities as the younger ones.

• Erection Problems

Testosterone is known to release the signals to the brain to release nitric oxide responsible for generating an erection. Low testosterone levels simply fail to exhibit the signaling process, thereby failing to achieve an erection.

• Less semen

The hormone are produced in testicles and controls the production of semen. Naturally, lower testosterone levels will not stimulate semen production, ultimately reducing the volume of the semen.

• Fatigue and Less Stamina

When a person is suffering from such condition, one of the identifying symptoms is the fatigue and tiredness. Even when men are not exercising heavy labour work, they will have the feeling of tiredness and always drain out the stamina in doing daily chores.

• Low body mass

Testosterone are responsible for generating body mass and lower levels simply mean that body will not be able to achieve required mass, even if that person is doing workouts.

• Mood Swings

As seen, women display a severe change in their mood during their menopause phase. The same type of behaviour can be exerted by men if they are suffering from lower testosterone levels.

How Low Testosterone Affect Health

Best breakfast ideas for vegetarians

Robert A Heinlein once said,” One should not attend, even the end of the world without a good breakfast”.

You start your day with breakfast, so it should be pleasing to both your eyes as well as palate, as it is what keeps you going for most part of the day. Here are some vegan breakfast ideas to kick start your day in the best possible manner.

1. Chickpea Pancake

A pancake made out of chickpea flour with a pinch of salt, finely chopped onion, green chilli, coriander and laced with hummus and avocado is a perfect treat. It is rich in protein and fiber, tasty and healthy at the same time.

2. Green Peas Paratha

It is a best breakfast for those who usually end up skipping their lunch most of the times. Minimally Spiced mashed peas filling inside the paratha or whole wheat flat bread makes this a mouth watering breakfast and it leaves you wanting for more.

3. Steamed Dhokla’s

This is a breakfast you can hog on without thinking about calories. It is a traditional breakfast of Gujarat and is made by steaming a mixture of gram flour, turmeric, fruit salt and a pinch of sugar.

4. Toast with refried beans and Avocado

It is a perfect breakfast for kitchen phobic vegans like me. What you need to know is just the right way to toast to make this breakfast within a couple of minutes.

5. Uttapam

These thick pancakes are quite popular in south India and are prepared by fermented rice batter and black pulse. This is an amazing option for gluten allergic people.

6. Poha

This is a traditional Maharastrian breakfast which has high nutritional quotient. It is made out of iron rich flattened rice and contains vegetables like potato, chopped tomatoes, cauliflower, and peas.

7. Bajre Ka Thepla

This Guajarati delicacy is easy to make and a healthy substitute for oily parathas. It is quite relished by those who want to eat something light yet filling.

8. Oat Idlis

Gluten free oat Idlis are low in carbohydrates and are relished by all age groups. They help you in staying slim and fit.

9. Sugar-Free Baked Granola Bars

These soft chewy granola bars are perfect on-the-go breakfast for those who are health conscious and the best part is that you can store them in refrigerator for quite long.

10. Sprouts Jalfreji

You can enjoy the taste of jalfreji with moong sprouts. This is a delicious makeover of under-appreciated vegetables and is rich source of vitamin C and vitamin K.

So, next morning when you get up and head for your kitchen, do try out one of these healthy breakfasts.

Best breakfast ideas for vegetarians

High Protein Diets & How much we really Need

We can understand the significance of Protein (amino acids) by the fact that they are termed as the building blocks of our body. If we do not get ’em, in sufficient quantities, our health will obviously suffer.

Most of the authorized nutritional organizations, recommend a modest intake accounting to 0.8 to 1.3 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. However, it turns out that this amount might prevent protein deficiency but is far less for optimum health, as requirement of an individual depends on many factors including age, muscle mass, state of health and activity levels.

                      High Protein Diet

 

Defining High Protein Diet

A high protein diet may be defined as a calorie controlled diet with carbohydrate restrictions and rich in proteins and is often recommended by nutritionists to body-builders or to those who want to build muscle mass while losing weight (gained by access fats).

Purpose

High protein diets have two prime focuses, losing weight and gaining healthy muscle mass. These diets work on the impact of high proteins on energy disbursement and effects weight loss by controlling glycemic index and has other detrimental consequences. They help in building muscles, tendons, organs, skin and also act as enzymes, hormones and neurotransmitters which aid in important body functions.

Some High Protein foods

Some high Protein Foods include Greek yoghurt, cottage cheese, eggs, milk, lentils, whey, wheat germ, steak, lean beef, chicken and turkey breast, tuna, tofu, salmon, sardines, nuts, green peas and quinoa. These foods are rich in essential amino acids (proteins) that our body needs. For vegetarians, it is extremely important to monitor your diet and include essential amino acids which are not formed inside our body naturally.

How protein rich diet helps in losing weight

Protein intake boosts our metabolism rate and spontaneously reduces appetite as it is more satiating. Therefore, it reduces overall calorie intake which helps us in losing weight. High protein diet helps in preserving strength and building muscle mass.

How much Protein do we need

Physically active people need more quantities in comparison to their sedentary counterparts. Physically active people like athletes, or those in physically demanding jobs need about 1.2 to 1.4 grams per kg of their body weight. Elderly people also need almost similar quantities and it prevents osteoporosis (you can get yourself checked for symptoms of Osteoporosis here) and sarcopenia i.e. reduction in muscle mass. People who are recuperating from injuries also require higher quantities of protein.

For body builders, for gaining muscle 2.2 grams of protein per kg of body weight is recommended.

Does Protein negatively impact our health

High amino acid diet does not adversely affect a healthy individual. But its restrictions help people who are suffering from pre-existing kidney diseases and osteoporosis.

However, it has never been proved scientifically that high protein diet has harmful effect on kidney function. On the contrary, it lowers the blood pressure and helps in combating diabetes, which poses great risk for kidney diseases.

Therefore, the bottom line is to include protein rich foods in your diet, but do remember to balance your diet with other nutrients as well, to lead a healthy life.

High Protein Diets & How much we really Need

Hangover Myths

Somebody said somewhere, “Don’t trust a man, if he cannot survive being under the weather.” And believe me, it’s pretty difficult to overcome hangover and that too when there are lots of myths surrounding it. Heavy drinking impedes brain’s activity leading to headache, dizziness and nausea and leaves you dehydrated which is termed as Hangover. Let’s bust some of the alleged Hangover myths to manage our drinking habits.

                        Hangover Myths

 

MYTH: Red wine is good for health and the gentlest choice.

FACT: Wine is always touted as a healthy drink which lowers heart disease Alzheimer’s, and osteoporosis. But what is less known is the fact that it contains compounds like tannins which trigger headaches in susceptible people and accentuates the hangover. Clear spirits like vodka, gin and beer are way gentler than wines.

MYTH: Binge drinkers get hangovers

FACT:  They are a result of dehydration caused by alcoholic drinks. Binge drinking does bring it quicker but even a peg or two can cause a hangover with headache, as it depends on your body’s reaction to the beverage. Keeping yourself hydrated with having a glass of water between each drink can reduce the extent of drunkenness.

MYTH: It is safe to have Diet cocktails

FACT: Diet drinks might be lower on calories but they do nothing good if you are trying to avoid being under the weather. People believe that diet cocktails can help overcome hangover however there is no truth to it.

MYTH: Alcohol alleviates insomnia

FACT: Alcohol might help you in dozing off quickly but it interrupts sleep, by challenging sleep quality, and you tend to wake up too soon. A drunkenness might thump up in the later part of the night and might deprive you of slumber completely.

MYTH: Popping acetaminophen before hitting the sack makes morning easier

FACT: When you are heavily drunk, your liver is busy metabolising alcohol, popping an acetaminophen can aggravate your issues due to bad timing of this drug. When drunk, liver processes the painkiller in a separate alleyway where it is converted into toxic compounds resulting in liver inflammation and permanent damage. However, doctor’s advice that ibuprofen works against hangover and takes about an hour to show its relieving affect.

MYTH: Eating before bedtime prevents drunkenness

FACT: It is not helpful because to avoid hangover, food has to be in your stomach before you hit the bar. It is best to drink in moderation and preferably with a snack to avoid hangover.

So next time when you gang up in the bar, ensure to keep the above mentioned myths in mind to combat that nasty hangover.

Hangover Myths

Organic Food

                              Organic Food

 

While strolling through a super market you often come across certain products labelled as ‘Organic’. Have you ever wondered what it means?

In simple, layman language Organic products are ones which are grown in natural form without using pesticides, chemical fertilizers and are not derived from genetically modified hybrids. When it comes to organic animal products like meat, eggs and dairy products, they are derivates of animals who are not injected with antibiotics or growth hormones.

Organic foods are produced by employing standards of organic farming which strive to encourage ecological balance and sustainable development.

Manufacturers, farmers and consumers of organic food consider that organic food has the following benefits compared to non-organic food.  There are copious opinions aligned with the multitude of organic food being expensive, however, benefits of organic food cannot be rebuffed.

1 Antioxidant Capacity

Studies have proved that antioxidants are likely to have more impact when they come from organic foods. This might be attributed to the fact that chemical fertilizers and pesticides do not harmfully interact with the nutrients of the organic food. Recent research, recommends the usage of organic food as it increases intake of nutritionally required antioxidants and reduces our exposure to noxious heavy metals.

2 Pesticide Reduction

In order to increase production, farmers use chemical pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides to prevent crop damage from pests. They contain chemicals like organo-phosphorus which is linked with numerous developmental problems, including autism and ADHD. Hence, organic food is a healthy choice especially during developmental years of children.

3 Immune System

Genetically modified hybrids might solve world hunger issues, but it might have long-term effects on human health. In animal testing studies GM food showed a considerable reduction in immunity and increased birth mortality with certain sexual dysfunctions, cancers, and sensitivity to allergens. No doubt that there are pretty good things about genetically modified as well, but organic food is still a better option.

4 Antibiotic Resistance

Use of antibiotics on livestock and feed houses has caused antibiotic magnification and it might actually be weakening our immune system to a point wherein eventually it will be unable to defend itself. Organic food farmers and dairy farmers do not use antibiotics in their processes thus, help us in combating this issue of developing antibiotic resistance.

5 Environmental Safety

Organic farming does not use harmful chemical pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides. Therefore, it minimizes soil pollution as well as air and water pollution; thus is a big step towards a safer and healthier environment for future generations to live in.

Organic food is becoming popular with time and it is definitely a better and healthier choice.

Organic Food

Best Fruits & Vegetables for Weight Loss

Almost every dietician will tell you that fruits and vegetables are an important source of healthy diet. These food items are extremely low in calories and contains all types of nutrients essential for the body. Losing weight requires an immense amount of dedication and giving up on a regular diet. Fruits and Vegetables can be an ideal alternative to weight loss program and that too with a huge number of benefits. The amount of nutrients you get from such food is enough to provide sufficient energy to the body and also assist in losing the body fats. Let’s take a look at some of the best fruits and vegetables that can quickly burn down the weight and even taste equally delicious.

          Best Fruits & Vegetables

 

• Watermelon

Watermelon is probably the most recognized fruit in losing weight. Its high water content and rich amino acids assist in burning the fats. Having 90% water content, it keeps you hydrated and leaves you satisfied. The calorie content is extremely low so it’s a great way to fill the belly without storing any extra fat in the body.

• Leafy Green Vegetables

These might not be the best option to light up the taste buds, but it is certainly the one to keep you healthy. Spinach, Cabbage, Broccoli, etc. are low in calories and high in fiber. Apart from facilitating in weight loss, it also keeps the digestive system intact.

• Onions

Onions contain fibers and a very important antioxidant called quercetin. This chemical helps in weight loss by using more energy and burning the fat. Onions can be eaten raw or cooked owing to its great taste. Almost everyone includes onions in their meal.

• Apple

Having apples on the list is no surprise. It is recommended to be one of the most balanced fruits of all. It doesn’t contain any fat, which is a perfect ingredient for weight loss. It also helps in fighting constipation and boosts the immune system of the body.

• Guava

It is a fruit with a huge number of health benefits. Guavas are low in calories and high in fiber. It also has a very low glycemic index, meaning that it can be eaten by everyone.

• Pear

Pears are a great alternative to a delicious diet. Packed with high fiber and rich vitamin C content, it burns the excess cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart disease.

Most of the fruits and vegetables are low in calories and rich in nutrients, hence, having them in the diet is a perfect way to shed weight from the body.

Best Fruits & Vegetables for Weight Loss

Weight Loss - Do's & Dont's

                     Do’s & Dont’s

 

Obesity is surely a worldwide growing concern. Having an excess weight over your body is a clear invitation to all types of problems and conditions. People employ different kinds of weight loss programs like workouts and diets, but do they guarantee the results as expected? While many may have witnessed results by spending hours in the gym but time is not a luxury that everyone has. Dieting is the best possible solution to cut some fat from the body. It doesn’t mean to go completely on a hunger strike, rather focus on taking a balanced diet that facilitates the weight loss. Let’s take a look at some of the do’s and dont’s while following the diet plan.

Dos

• Always eat at regular intervals. Providing the body with right amount of nutrients aids in weight loss. Care should be taken on strictly taking vegetables, fruits, low-fat ingredients, etc.


• A small walk after lunch can burn the food and assist in digestion. Try to regularly walk every hour so that your body keeps itself active and restrict from forming any fat.


• While going out for grocery, only pick the ingredients that are good for your health. Sugar and Excess Fat products are the biggest enemies to your weight so drop them from the shopping list.


• Try to get the right amount of food portion at the time of eating. Limiting yourself to optimal amount of diet does not allow to store any fat in the body.


• Set the goals of eating. Whether it is working out or dieting, always try to put the goals in order to achieve the weight loss.


• Keeping the record of the food can help a lot in determining the number of calory intake throughout the day. Try to use a diary or a log book and note down the food intake every day.

Dont’s

• Perhaps, the biggest mistake that everyone makes in weight loss regime is solely relying on cutting down the food intake. Don’t get too obsessed with the calories. Once in a while, it is better to have savoury food to give a bit of motivation, but care should be taken that it shouldn’t affect your weight loss.


• Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and people simply ignore it to lose some weight. It is a bad idea to miss the breakfast.

Don’t get fooled by unnecessary low-fat products and ingredients in the market. It is going to do more harm than good to your body. Never opt for such item that is too expensive and useless.

Weight Loss - Do's & Dont's

Foods for healthy hair

           Food for Healthy Hairs

 

Every now and then you watch glossy commercials featuring products which promise to turn that dog tail tresses of yours into a soft, shiny, black locks. You are fed up of spending in these products but those curls of yours have not improved much. It is because; your locks need nutrition from inside. Here, is a list of some foods which will add shine to your tresses and much needed peace to your mind.

1 Lentils

Lentils have high content of iron rich proteins which accelerate cell growth including hair cells. Hair structure is attributed to keratin protein and without enough of this protein, hairs become weak and in addition to it, their growth is hampered.

2 Yoghurt

It is rich in Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) and proteins which form the building blocks for our hairs. Pantothenic acid is one of the major ingredients listed on the label of hair products and also helps against hair loss.

3 Salmon and sardines

Fishes like salmon, sardines, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which our body can’t make. These fatty acids aid in hair growth and give the much desired shine to your locks.

4 Fortified cereal

Fortified cereal is rich in iron and it prevents hair loss. It also helps in faster growth of new hair strands.

5 Spinach and Kale

Spinach and Kale have loads of vitamin A, iron, beta carotene, vitamin C and folate which collectively work in keeping your hair moisturised. It helps in achieving a healthy scalp and thick mane.

6 Eggs accelerate growth

Eggs from time immemorial are known to replenish your protein and iron requirements. Biotin or Vitamin B is one of the major components in eggs which prevent hair loss.

7 Guava prevents Breakage

Guava is one tropical fruit loaded with high contents of vitamin C. It prevents breaking and thus hair loss.

8 Bell Peppers

Delectable bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, which as mentioned earlier is necessary for health of hairs. Trivial vitamin C deficiencies result in dry hair with split ends.

9 Sweet Potatoes to fight dry and dull Locks

Sweet potatoes contain antioxidant called beta carotene which is converted to vitamin A inside the body. Is prevents dry, dull hair and stimulate scalp to make sebum that keeps hair from drying out.

10 Cinnamon for Circulation

Cinnamon helps in blood circulation which provides oxygen and nutrients to your hair follicles. Thus, making our hairs thick and bouncing with health.

Other than the above mentioned foods, Oysters , beef, crab and lobster are rich in zinc, which assist the cells that make hair.

Include the above foods to get healthy hair and garner envy among your girl gang for your tresses.

Foods for healthy hair

7 Signs of Why Teens are so Stressed?

 

  Causes of Stress in Teens

 

Whenever we come across the word ‘Stress’, all negative emotions and feelings bombard us with full force. However, we need to know the fact that every stress is not bad or negative. At optimum levels, it motivates us to perform and is good in channelizing our strengths and energy. But, when there is too much of it, it  poses its own challenges, makes us anxious and if not managed at right time can lead to depression.

Today’s modern lifestyle has exposed the teens to uncalled stress. If you are a parent or a guardian of a teenager then keep your eyes and ears open to pick up the early signs in your ward and take proper precautionary steps to minimize or eliminate it.

Causes:

In adolescence, certain factors which contribute to increased stress are listed below:

1. Due to academics:

Academic stress tops the chart when it comes to Teens. They are under constant scrutiny by parents and have to constantly deal with peer pressure to perform well academically. Even academically strong teens, are under pressure to maintain their grades. Unhealthy competition in academics or on sports field adds to your teens woes. All these aspirations and expectations subject them to high levels of stress.

2. Due to Social surroundings:

On reaching adolescence, teens realize the worth of gaining social acceptance. They are expected to follow a code of conduct within the family, with relatives, friends, and peers. Adolescents tend to form groups of like-minded teens and then there is group behaviour code of conduct. Their actions and behavior is socially scanned and it invites stress.

3. Financial Stress:

If there is any financial crunch in the family, it might affect your teenager as he/ she is well aware about the worth of money and his dependency on you regarding fiscal requirements. This negatively impacts the teenagers and inculcates a feeling of helplessness giving rise to financial stress.

4. Family issues:

Sometimes the family environment is not conducive; differences between parents, issues with siblings or sibling rivalry or lack of attention highly distresses a teen.

5. Physical and Physiological Changes:

While in Teen he/she undergoes a lot of physical and physiological changes owing to hormonal secretions. He/she discovers new way to look at himself/herself. The changes are sometimes too difficult to handle and fuels stress.

6. Low Self Esteem:

If your teen fails in anything and has no emotional support, a feeling of self-doubt plagues them which can in turn create low self-esteem. This induces stress and if not attended to might turn him into a victim of depression.

7. Romantic Relationships:

With hormonal influx teens feel the need to be loved and desires create havoc inside them. Love interests, attraction to opposite sex, affairs, break-ups, denials etc. dominate their life. These instances result in traumatic stress.

We all have walked the same lane and as a parent, it is our moral responsibility to understand the turmoil of emotions stirring in our teenager. Guide them, support them through thick and thin and above all, prevent them from drowning in stress, by extending your loving hand.

7 Signs of Why Teens are so Stressed?

Ways to Reduce Wrinkles

      Ways to reduce Wrinkles

 

Are the fine lines near your eyes and mouth giving you sleepless nights? You are in mid forties, young at heart still the appearance of wrinkles are weighing your confidence down? Do you feel helpless and old as you are losing the battle against wrinkles? If the answer is yes to any of these, first thing you need is to take a deep breath and go through this article.

I am sure that the below listed ways will help you manage the appearance of those fine lines with grace.

1. Evade the sun

Researchers have proved that sun exposure plays a dominant role when it comes to appearance of signa of ageing in form of wrinkles. So limit your sun exposure and ensure to protect your skin by liberally applying sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you step in sun, with your eyes well protected by sunglasses.

2. Quit Smoking

More and more scientific studies have confirmed the fact that cigarette smoke impacts the skin by releasing certain enzyme which is responsible for the breakdown of collagen and elastin.

3. Proper sleep

Follow the golden rule, – ‘early to bed, early to rise ‘. In conditions of sleep deprivation, body produces cortisol, a hormone that breaks down skin cells and triggers appearance of wrinkles.

4. Sleeping posture

The American Academy of Dermatology advises, to sleep on your back in order to delay wrinkles. It advocates that certain sleeping positions result in sleep lines that in long run get engraved into skin as wrinkles. Sleeping on your side increases wrinkles on cheeks and chin, while sleeping face-down results in creased brow.

5. Get Fishy

No, don’t get suspicious; just include fish in your diet. Salmon and other fresh water fishes are loaded with essential fatty acid known as omega-3; this nourishes and nurtures the skin, making it supple by reducing wrinkles.

6. Load your plate with fresh fruits

Eat more fresh fruits as the antioxidants present in them fight damage causing free radicals, thus improving your skin texture.

7. Sip Cocoa rather than coffee

Cocoa is rich in dietary flavanols which guard skin from sun’s damage and even enhances blood circulation to skin. So, trade your coffee for cocoa.

8. Supplement your diet with soy products

Soy protects the skin from photo ageing damage caused by sun and it also improves firmness of the skin.

9. Hydrate your skin

Moisturiser acts as a hydrating agent for skin. Opt for natural or herbal moisturisers like Aloe Vera as it helps in restoring natural moisture of the skin.

10. Don’t over wash

Over washing your face, washes away the natural oils of the skin that protects it from appearance of fine lines. Opting for soap free, face wash also aids in restoring natural oils of the skin.

Other than the above mentioned ways, with the advent of cosmetic and surgical science, procedures like Botox, laser resurfacing, wrinkle lifts, wrinkle fillers, chemical peels and dermabrasions are also extensively used for an even textured skin. But, such procedures are expensive and have their own side effects.

Ways to Reduce Wrinkles

Health Problems That Show-up on Your Skin

Skin is the window to all that is bubbling up inside our body. Changes visible on it point to an underlying health issue; they can be a mere indication of sleep deprivation or can indicate something more sinister, which you ought to know.

Here is a small guide to decode the language of your skin:

1. If you are in your teens or in early twenties and of late you are troubled with those raised red patches then you might be harbouring Psoriasis. It is an imbalance of immune cells causing leaching or inflammation underneath the skin and is visible in form of patchy red skin. It can also be diagnosed at 50’s and 60’s.


2. If you are suffering from severely dry, itchy skin and it is not subsiding despite layering it up with moisturisers and drinking plentiful of water then it is a cause of deeper concern. If your symptoms are accompanied by weight loss and fatigue then your skin is vocalizing about an underlying Thyroid or renal disease.


3. You have healthy eating habits and still get those pesky acne’s. It symbolizes stress, because every anxiety spree of yours releases cortisol in your body leading to ugly breakouts of acne. That is the reason that doctor often prescribes a birth control pill to manage them or some meditating techniques of yoga to calm your anxious mind.


4. Yellow bumps or dark velvety patches are an indication of high triglyceride levels. Get yourself screened for diabetes.


5. Stubborn acne accompanied with extreme loss of bodily and facial hair in teenage signal towards poly-cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).


6. It is very rare but if you see a orange yellow tone specifically around eyes then do not delay an appointment with your health practitioner. It indicates chronic liver disease leading to liver failure.


7. Tripe palms distinguished by thick, velvety white skin of your palms with pronounced folds point to lung or stomach cancer.


8. Brown discolouration and indentation in arms and lower legs which later changes to give wood like appearance is linked to nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.

So, keep a watch on what your skin wants to convey, it is always better to arrest a disease (if any) in its preliminary stage.

Health Problems That Show-up on Your Skin

15 Ways to Lower Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by our liver and it plays a vital role in many cell functions. It is both our friend and a foe and is also found in certain foods naturally. It is carried by the blood in the form of lipo-proteins and is of two types, LDL or bad and HDL or good cholesterol. Higher levels of LDL lead to coronary and circulatory diseases.

 

                                     Cholesterol

 

To stay healthy, one should control its levels within optimum range. Here are few tips to lower LDL or bad cholesterol:

1. Increase your magnesium intake, as it limits the production of cholesterol. Some foods loaded with high content of magnesium are wheat bran, wheat germ, almonds, cashews, molasses, buckwheat, Brazil nuts, peanuts, wheat grain, millet, pecans, English walnuts, rye, tofu etc.

2. Citrus fruits and fruits with higher fiber content are helpful in reducing cholesterol. So trade your oily snacks with fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, apples, berries and pomegranates etc.

3. Researchers at Loma Linda University found that including little more than 2 ounce of nuts in your daily diet increases HDL to LDL ration in blood by 8.3%, thus improving your health. Therefore, ensure to increase your intake of walnuts, peanuts, peacons, almonds, pistachios etc.

4. A bowl of oats in breakfast will help you in lowering LDL. So next time you have one more reason to sneak on that oatmeal snack.

5. Add some vitamin K2 to your diet by including goose liver pate, chicken liver, egg yolk and soft cheese. Vitamin K2 lowers serum cholesterol and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.

6. Trade your afternoon tea with a cup of green tea which solely concentrates on lowering LDL.

7. Tuna, salmon and sardines contain high level of omega 3 which increase the amount of HDL and helps in controlling LDL.

8. Raw onions are rich in antioxidants and make the blood less sticky thus, onions prevent its levels spiking after a fatty meal.

9. In Japan, researchers have proved that exercising daily for just 20 minutes increase the good cholesterol or HDL by 2.5 points and hence, manages bad cholesterol. So, no more excuses go ahead and hit the gym daily.

10. Pack your meal with a bit of raw garlic punch as it is known to reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

11. Quit smoking and ban the entry of that harmful trans fat found in processed food to help lower your cholesterol level.

12. Celery is rich in antioxidants and reduces the levels of bad cholesterol. So add the in-distinctive flavour of celery to whatever you like and fight LDL away.

13. The high fiber in brown rice helps lower LDL. Hence trading your white rice with healthy brown rice is a tasty way to reduce it.

14. Include soy products in your diet as they are great when it comes to lowering LDL.

15. Flax Seeds like nuts are rich in omega 3 and are known to lower LDL and boost your overall health.

Rather than panicking on your cholesterol levels make efforts to lower it by modifying your diet and lifestyle.

15 Ways to Lower Cholesterol

Benefits of Consuming Chillies

                        Chillies

 

In India chillies were introduced in 1498 and since then they form an integral part of Ayurvedic medicines. Chillies not only ward of many diseases but also stimulate digestive system and are known to burn extra calories, thus, helping you in slimming down.

Chili peppers are the fruits of Capsicum pepper plants and are naturally available in wide varieties ranging from cayenne to jalapenos. Capsaicin is the chief bio-active compound which imparts distinctive heady taste and the antioxidants content in them wash out the radical bodies thus imparting many health benefits.

Chillies are loaded with vitamin A; B, C and E, potassium, thiamin, molybdenum etc. and are mainly used as spices or as trivial ingredients in various dishes, spice blends and sauces.

1. Detoxifying properties: Chillies are rich in antioxidants and they act as detoxifiers by ensuring the removal of toxins and waste from our body. They also aid in proper digestion and increase in supply of nutrients to the body.

2. Antibiotic: They assist in supplying blood to site of infection and this fresh blood containing WBC’s and leukocytes fights infection.

3. Analgesic: They act as stimulant to release endorphins that are natural pain killers. It helps in relieving pain caused by shingles, muscles spasm, bursitis, arthritic pains etc.

4. Cancer: Vitamin C, beta – carotene folic acid found in chili reduces the risk of prostrate and colon cancer. Caratonoid lycopene in chillies act as antioxidants which shield the body against free radical damage enhancing natural immunity towards cancer and ageing.

5. Heart disease: High homocysteine level which damages blood vessels which increase risk of heart attack and stroke. Chillies reduce high homocysteine level and lower cholesterol level thus making the heart and arteries healthy.

6. Lung disease: They keep lung diseases at bay by relieving nasal congestion, chronic congestion, by reducing lung inflammation and by dilating airway of lungs.

They have zero calories, so, having spicy food can actually provide some great health benefits.

Benefits of Consuming Chillies

Grand Ma Tips for reducing Tooth Decay Pain

Acid which builds up on our teeth produced from plaque causes tooth decay. Tooth decay further leads to dental caries if the plaque is allowed to build up further. It can cause either occasional or continuous sharp pain keeping us awake. If not treated, it can cause infection and finally tooth loss. There are many tips given by our grandma that can be followed to ease tooth decay pain. These are basically home remedies tried and tested by our grand mothers since ages. You can treat early stages of tooth decay as soon as possible by applying some of the following suggestions:

Remedies to reduce pain:-

• Keep the ice packs on the cheek having the tooth pain approximately for five minutes and the pain will decline gradually.

• Keep a half clove of garlic on the tooth area and try to bite it. It will burn like hell but keep for as long as you can. It will make the affected area numb.

• Gargle with a solution of hot water with two tablespoons of salt periodically. Pain gets reduced to much extent as it reduces swelling and also fights the bacteria causing infection.

• You can also make a solution by adding few drops of clove oil and one to two tablespoons of salt in hot but not boiling water. Do gargling with this solution and you will see the ease in pain.

• Brush with little salt and turmeric powder mixture twice a day. It relieves pain and stops further decay.

• Another way to ease tooth decay pain is oil pulling. It is swishing of organic sesame seed oil for 10 to 15 minutes.

• Salt and pepper have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. You can use them in equal amounts along with few drops of water. Apply the paste on the affected tooth for few minutes.

• Another useful remedy is chewing of guava leaves or raw spinach leaves. Its juice starts working on the affected area.

Prevention of tooth decay

It is better to follow some of the tips to prevent tooth decay and to ease the tooth decay pain:-

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

• Avoid high sugar foods and sticky foods as longer the sugar remains in contact, more damage it causes to the teeth.

• Before bedtime don’t eat snack because food left overnight on the teeth may cause cavities.

• And lastly go to dentist once or twice a year for check-ups.

Grand Ma Tips for reducing Tooth Decay Pain

Nutrition & Good Oral Health

                              Oral Health

 

The most important cause of good oral health is because of the nutrients which are frequently consumed. The nutritional advice offered in relation to oral health are based on the reduction of sugar content in foods and drinks. Frequent consuming of sugar containing foods and drinks is the most important cause of tooth decay. A healthy diet is promoted as a part of general nutrition advice for good oral health. Adding some raw, crunchy fruits and vegetables in every day diet will help to gain whole nutrition.

Ways to protect good oral health:

• Brush teeth at least twice a day


• Floss daily


• Eat a healthy diet


• Limit between meal and snacks


• Replace toothbrush every three to four months


• Schedule regular dental checkups


• Avoid smoking

List of nutrients:

Mostly eat whole foods with lots of lean protein and fresh vegetables. For good oral health keep in mind to choose the correct nutrients:

• Drink plenty of water

• Whole grains

• Fruits

• Low fat and fat free dairy foods

Foods that are eaten as a part of meal causes less harm to the teeth when compared to eating lots of snacks throughout a day. Saliva helps to wash foods from mouth and lessens the effect of acids which causes cavities. Avoid most processed foods especially which are high in simple sugars.

Few nutrients and supplements:

Some of the nutrients and supplements that help to maintain good oral heath are:

• Probiotics – helps to decrease gingivitis and plaque. Bacteria present in the fermented food suppresses the growth of the pathogens in the oral cavity. In a similar way probiotics from any source can be helpful.


• Foods rich in anthocyanins – cranberries, red cabbage, blue berries eggplant peel, raspberries and black rice may restrain the attachment and colonization of pathogens on the host tissues. Cranberry extracts infused in mouthwash improves oral health.


• Green tea – possibly the most well-known tooth strengthener as the tea tends to be rich in fluoride.


• Chewing gum – gum made with pine bark or sap are known to decrease plaque and bleeding gums.

Nutrition & Good Oral Health