Sunday, 30 September 2012

AMLA for GOOD HAIR!



Health benefits of the Indian Gooseberry or Amla can be attributed to the high vitamin C content. Even a small single Amla fruit contains Vitamin C equivalent to that present in two oranges.
The oil extracted from Amla 
has been used for improving hair texture and preventing hair loss. Massaging oil into the head stimulates blood circulation, which helps more of the nutrients in the body reach the scalp and hair follicles. A Massage with amla oil clears away flakes on the head, softens the scalp, opens pores and encourages production of the scalp's natural oils -- this might improves or stimulate hair growth, and it helps keep the hair healthy and strong.

Studies conclude that topically applied amla has exfoliating and anti-bacterial properties and may help maintain a healthy scalp and promote hair growth. A recent research article on the Nutritional and Health benefits of Amla by Srivasuki in the Journal of Pharmacognosy says that a fixed oil obtained from the berries strengthens and promotes the growth of hair. The fruit, cut into pieces, is dried, preferably in shade and then boiled in coconut oil and the resulting oil is said to be excellent for preventing hair greying - in Ayurvedic terms, a classic sign of excess pitta dosha. The water in which dried amla pieces are soaked overnight is also said to be nourishing to the hair.

While amla oil is used in hair care products like hair oil, shampoo and conditioner. It can also benefit the hair when consumed fresh or taken internally as a dietary supplement.

Tuesday, 25 September 2012

7 Healing Foods to fight common cold.




In common cold you may hesitate what foods should be taken, what not, here is a list of foods are best for fighting common cold.

1. Hot and spicy food

why? : chillis or pepper to help ease congestion.
Take half a spoon of grinded pepper with lukewarm water and this will relieve you from runny nose. Gargling pepper in warm water also help to get rid of cold virus and germs.

2. Garlic

why: This fragrant bulb contains a flavoring agent called alliin which acts as a decongestant. Garlic is also believed to act as an antioxidant and destroy free-radicals, the active oxygen molecules that damage cells.It has antiviral and anti-bacterial properties.

3. Fluids

Why: To keep you hydrated. 

4. Vitamin C sources

why: Reach for citrus fruits to increase your vitamin C intake.It increases your immunity levels .Good sources of Vit C are citrus fruits,capsicum,
 parsley, broccoli,  strawberries,  lemon juice, papaya, cauliflower, mustard greens,  Brussels sprouts and  pineapple .They can help as your daily cold-fighting food arsenal.

5. Ginger


why: Many people find fresh ginger root helps treat the coughing and fever that often accompany colds and flu. Try making a ginger tea.
One of the best home remedy for cold is to take dry ginger powder mixed with old Jaggery. This natural remedy is to be taken twice a day to get rid of running nose and cold.

6.Turmeric powder

Taking half spoon of turmeric powder twice a day is an effective home remedy for cold and flu

7. Chicken soup

why: It’s been called nature’s penicillin and is at the top of the list for its curative powers. Hot chicken soup helps clear clogged airways,


Tuesday, 18 September 2012

Top 10 Foods for Women


10: Soy protein
Soy protein is found in products like tofu and soymilk ,soya nuts  and soya flour. Soy protein is heart healthy (helps lower "bad" cholesterol levels) and is rich in phytonutrients. It relieves menopausal symptoms.It helps improve bone health.It prevents breast cancer.

9: Whole grains
Whole grains are high in fiber and therefore help keep away from digestive problems that are so common in women and help in weight loss. They are beneficial in Diabetes and Heart diseases.Try to incorporate more whole grains like brown rice, wheat bran ,wheat flakes, whole wheat, barley and quinoa into your diet.

8: Foods rich in folate
Foods rich in folate like asparagus, oranges, fortified cereals and beans. Folate is important during pregnancy for ensuring proper neural tube development of the fetus and has been shown to be important for heart health.

7:Methi seeds
It eases digestion,fights infection,reduces inflammation(arthritis). It also lowers blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels.It is used as a galactogogue(milk producing agent) by nursing mothers to increase milk production in the breast

6 :Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fat They are a very good source of dietary fiber and manganese. They are also a good source of folate and vitamin B6 as well as the minerals magnesium, phosphorus, and copper. In addition, flax seeds are concentrated in lignan phytonutrients.It  helps in relieving menopausal hot flushes.It has anti cancer,antimicrobial activity,anti-inflammatory properties,lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

5: Nuts
Nuts are full of monounsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol levels, and polyunsaturated fats, which can help prevent heart disease. Plus, nuts are a good source of good fat, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, selenium, folate, vitamin E and vitamin A.

4: Green leafy vegetables
These vegetables provide important nutrients like Vit C ,A, calcium,Vitamin K , iron,folic acid,Magnesium  as well as fiber .It reduces the risk of cancer and heart disease .It protects your eyes and reduces risk of osteoporosis.

3: Fruits rich in vitamin C
These include citrus fruits, strawberries, green and red peppers, mustard greens, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, potatoes, kiwi, guava and parsley. It boosts immunity and accelerates the healing process.In addition to contributing to overall health, fruits rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant, have been linked to a decreased risk of coronary heart disease.

2: Iron-rich foods
Due to their monthly cycles, premenopausal women need more iron. Good sources of iron are green leafy veg , meat and fish,raisins ,garden cress seeds ,dried apricots

1: Calcium-rich foods
Calcium helps keep bones strong and along with regular weight-bearing exercise, helps to stave off osteoporosis. Good choices are low-fat milk and milk  products, dark green leafy vegetables ,sesame seeds , fishes maily salmon and sardines .

Thursday, 13 September 2012

Cooking tips: Ways to preserve Vitamins





Ø  Cooking at high temperature leads to destruction of nutrients and formation of harmful substances

Ø  Steaming, pressure cooking,baking,stir frying,roasting,grilling is better than frying

Ø  Do not soak the cut vegetables in water for long time

Ø  Do not discard the excess water left over after cooking

Ø  Cook food in vessels covered with lids

Ø  Avoid aluminum vessels and use iron tavas as it increases iron content in food.

Ø  Do not heat the left over oil repeatedly as it leads to formation of toxic substances.

Ø  One must refrigerate fruits and vegetables until they are to be used. Enzymes in food start destroying the vitamins once the fruit or vegetable is picked. Chilling slows this process.

Ø   Avoid cutting fruits and vegetables into very small pieces. The greater the surface area, the more is the destruction of vitamins due to its exposure to air and surroundings.

Ø  It is a common practice to throw outer leaves of lettuce and other greens. They should be preserved if they are not damaged and decayed. This is because these are higher in vitamins and minerals than the inner tender leaves or stems. The skins of potatoes and carrots are also higher in vitamins and minerals than their central part. So, one must scrub, or peel them thinly at best.

Ø  The lesser the contact with water and shorter the cooking time, the more nutrients are retained. Whenever possible, use a pressure cooker as it helps to shorten the cooking time, thereby preserving more nutrients.

Ø  It’s a myth that throwing away the water from rice after cooking helps in weight management rather this results in losing most of the vitamin B. Choose parboiled rice or brown rice over polished rice.

Ø  Do not add baking soda to vegetables while cooking to enhance green color. The alkalinity destroys vitamin C, Vit B and other vitamins.

Ø  Keep milk cold, covered, and away from strong light. Vit B 3 is lost when exposed to ultraviolet light.

Ø  Nuts, seeds and oils should be stored in cool and dark containers to avoid rancidity and loss of vitamins.

Monday, 10 September 2012

7 dont's after a meal


*    Don't smoke- 
      Experiment from experts proves that smoking a 
cigarette after meal is comparable to smoking 10 cigarettes (risk
of cancer is higher).

*    Don't eat fruits immediately – 
      Immediately eating fruits after 
meals will cause stomach to be bloated with air. Therefore take 
fruit 1-2 hr after meal or 1hr before meal.
                        
*    Don't drink tea – 
     Because tea leaves contain a high content of 
acid. This substance will cause the Protein content in the food we 
consume to be hardened thus difficult to digest and also tannins in tea inhibit absorption of iron and other nutrients.         

*    Don't loosen your belt – 
      Loosening the belt after a meal will 
easily cause the intestine to be twisted & blocked.   

*    Don't bathe – 
      Bathing will cause the increase of blood flow to 
the hands, legs & body thus the amount of blood around the stomach 
will therefore decrease.  This will weaken the digestive system in 
our stomach.               

*    Don't walk about – 
      People always say that after a meal walk a 
hundred steps and you will live till 99. In actual fact this is not 
true. Walking will cause the digestive system to be unable to absorb 
the nutrition from the food we intake.       

*    Don't sleep immediately – 
      The food we intake will not be able 
to digest properly. Thus will lead to gastric & infection in our 
intestine.

Saturday, 8 September 2012

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Thursday, 6 September 2012

Stroke Identification






You can Save someone's life

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Remember the '3' steps, STR . Read and Learn!
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster.
The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions :

S * Ask the individual to SMILE ..
T * = TALK. Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (eg 'It is sunny out today').
R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS .

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call the ambulance and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

NOTE : Another 'sign' of a stroke is
1. Ask the person to 'stick' out their tongue.
2. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke.

10 top side effects of Tea




  1. It causes a rise in blood pressure which in turn can result in a heart stroke and an increase in eye pressure worsening glaucoma.

  1. It increases the frequency of urination.

  1. Caffeine disturbs sleep patterns and causes insomnia.

  1.  Two cups of tea provide around 200 mg of caffeine, more than this amount is not advisable for pregnant women as it can lead to miscarriages.

  1.  Similarly, lactating women should avoid too much tea of their little ones will experience bowel irritability.

  1. It is interesting to know that adding milk to tea negates all the health effects of the beverage. This is because casein in the milk binds with the beneficial EGCG and prevents it from exercising a relaxing effect on arteries.

  1. Conditions linked with prolonged or excessive consumption of black tea include ovarian cancer, uterine cancer.

  1. It can also lead to irritable bowel syndrome and anemia.

  1. Tea leaves contain fluoride, older mature leaves contain more of the chemical that is known to cause osteofluorosis .In this disorder the risk of developing fracture of bone increases.

  1. Tea contains some amount of Aluminium so if it’s intake is high it can initiate Alzheimer’s disease.