EATING RAGI OR NACHNI IS A GREAT IDEA…

If you’re among those who are unaware about the benefits of including nachni in your diet, we give you 10 reasons why you should…

• Rich in calcium: No other cereal comes close to ragi when it comes to calcium content. Calcium is a significant factor when it comes to bone development and prevention of osteoporosis.

• Helps in weight loss: The natural fat content in ragi is lower than all other cereals. Also, this fat is in its unsaturated form. Thus, substituting it for wheat and rice is a good choice for people trying to lose weight.

• High fibre content: As compared to white rice, ragi contains higher amounts of dietary fibre. Due to this, ragi aids digestion, prevents over-eating and makes you feel full for a longer span of time. The amino acids lecithin and methionine help in decreasing the cholesterol levels of your body by getting rid of the excess fat in the liver. On the other hand, threonine hinders the formation of fat in the liver and provides overall reduction of body cholesterol.

• Regulates blood sugar levels:  The high polyphenol and fibre content has another perk. Diabetic patients can trust ragi to create a restrained build in glucose level. Diets that regularly include ragi have been known to have lower glycemic response.

• Battles anemia: Ragi is an excellent source of natural iron. Patients of anaemia and low haemoglobin levels can begin to include ragi in their diets as a domestic remedy. Vitamin C is known to aid the absorption of iron. Once ragi is allowed to sprout, the vitamin C levels increase and lead to further absorption of iron into the bloodstream. 

• Natural relaxant: The ample amount of amino acids and antioxidants in ragi help the body relax naturally. Common ailments like anxiety, insomnia, headaches and depression can be battled with ragi.

• Reduces the risk of stroke: In its early stages of growth, that is, when it is still green, ragi can help prevent high blood pressure. The cholesterol levels in blood can be regulated too, leading to less plaque formation and blockage of vessels. As a result the risk for hypertension and stroke goes down significantly.

• Gluten-free: People with celiac disease or followers of the gluten-free diet can incorporate ragi into their daily consumption as it is completely free of gluten. Not many cereals can boast of this property since gluten is a major nutrient in all cereals.

• Excellent baby food:  It is believed that ragi promotes better digestion. The high calcium and iron content is useful for the bone growth and overall development of the infant. Specially-processed ragi powders for infants are available widely to be used during weaning.

• Boosts lactation: Lactating mothers are urged to include ragi, especially when it is green as it enhances milk handling and imbibes the milk with the essential amino acids, iron and calcium required for the nutrition of the mother as well as the child. The production of milk is also affected positively. Ragi is prescribed to the mothers that wish to increase the quantity of milk produced for their baby.

Health Benefits of Sesame Seeds

Blood Pressure: The natural oils of sesame seeds have been connected to a reduction in hypertension which reduces the strain on your cardiovascular system, and helps prevent various cardiac conditions.

Cancer Prevention: With the wide range of essential vitamins and minerals contained in sesame seeds, it is no surprise that it has been linked to a reduction in the risk of cancer. Beyond the role of these more common minerals, including the powerful anti-carcinogenic effects of magnesium, sesame seeds also contain phytate, an uncommon cancer preventing compound that functions as an antioxidant and reduces the impact and effects of free radicals. Specific cancer prevention that sesame seeds have been linked to include leukemia, breast, lung, pancreatic, colon, and prostate cancers.

Diabetes Management: The components of sesame seeds, once again including the vital source of magnesium, have been connected to reducing the chances of diabetes and managing the symptoms in patients having already developed the condition. It improves this oral medication’s functionality and further regulates the insulin and glucose levels in the body, thereby helping to manage the symptoms of diabetes.

Bone Health:  The impressive levels of essential minerals like zinc, calcium, and phosphorous that is found in sesame seeds can be a major boost for your body’s bone health.

Digestion: These little seeds pack a significant amount of fiber inside of them, like many other seeds and nuts. Fiber is an important element in healthy digestion, as it bulks up bowel movements and helps them move through the digestive tract, as well as stimulating peristaltic motion as food moves through the smooth intestine. This can reduce conditions like constipation, as well as diarrhea, while simultaneously protecting the health of your colon and reducing the chances of gastrointestinal diseases and cancer.

Anti-Inflammatory Qualities: The high content of copper in sesame seeds has a number of valuable functions, including the reduction of inflammation in the joints, bones, and muscles, thereby reducing the associated pain of arthritis.

Skin and Hair Health: As mentioned, sesame seeds contain high levels of zinc, a vital component in the formation of collagen, which strengthens muscle tissue, hair, and skin. Also, sesame seed oil has been shown to reduce the appearance of burns and marks on the skin, as well as reducing the signs of premature aging.

Metabolic Function: Sesame seeds contain high amounts of protein, which is broken down and reassembled from its component parts into usable proteins for the human body. This adds to overall strength, healthy cellular growth, mobility, energy levels and metabolic function.

Benefits of Cinnamon

Skin Benefits of Cinnamon

• Cures Acne, Pimples and Blemishes
• Soothes Dry Skin
• Complexion Enhancer
• Alleviates Fine Lines
• Prevents Skin Infections and Cures Cuts and Wounds
• Treats Rough Feet

Hair Benefits of Cinnamon

• Stimulates Hair Growth
• Scalp Cleanser
• Lightens Hair Color

Health Benefits of Cinnamon

• Reduces Cholesterol
• Cures Cold
• Prevents Arthritis
• Aids Digestion
• Promotes Weight Loss
• Menstrual Aid
• Boosts Brain Functioning
• Breath Freshener

CHOOSE WHEAT FLAKES OVER CORNFLAKES

• Cuts down the calories: One serving of bran flakes (about 1 oz. or 30g) has 91 calories while the same one serving of corn flakes has 102 calories. It might seem to be a very negligible difference of about 9 calories, but in the long run it makes a greater difference (a reduction of 9 calories per day for 30 days will be reducing your calorie intake by 270 calories in just a month!). The lesser calories you consume, the more weight you lose.
• More fiber intake: Bran flakes are a fiber rich cereal. It contains around 5 grams of fiber in one serving, which is about 20% of the daily fiber requirement of a 2,000 calorie diet. Fiber is necessary in your diet as it helps in your bowel movement. Also, insoluble fibers have the capacity to absorb water and expand, thus making you feel full even hours after your breakfast.
• Rich in minerals and vitamins: Bran flakes are a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. The mineral content includes calcium, zinc, magnesium, copper, manganese, phosphorus and iron while the vitamins include vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6, D and E. Bran flakes do not contain vitamin C.
• Helps in digestion: Bran has antibacterial properties and helps in maintaining the balance in the gastrointestinal tract. Bran reduces the adverse effects of bacteria in your digestive tract, thus improving your overall health.
• Lowers cholesterol levels: High levels of cholesterol can increase your risk of clogged arteries, which can later lead to heart attacks or strokes. Not only does bran have zero cholesterol, but also eating bran daily has been found to reduce the cholesterol levels in your body.

Wheat flakes are very much helps full in weight loss as they are loaded with fiber. Choosing it as your breakfast option is beneficial for good healthy weight loss.

Benefits:

§  Gives early satiety

§  Helps in weight loss

§  Maintains blood sugar levels in diabetes

§  Reduce cholesterol

§  Rich in other vitamins and minerals

§  Helps in constipation

§  Keeps your digestive system clean

Having benefited with these, one may anyways choose wheat flakes over cornflakes.

You can add sliced fruits, nuts, and raisins to add sweet taste and also make it more nutritious.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CARDAMOM

1 Digestion – Cardamom is related to ginger and can be used in much the same way to counteract digestive problems. Use it to combat nausea, acidity, bloating, gas, heartburn, loss of appetite, constipation, and much more.

2 Detoxify – This spice helps the body eliminate waste through the kidneys.

3 Halitosis – In India they chew cardamom after meals or whenever they need to freshen their breath.

4 Diuretic – Part of the reason cardamom is such a good detoxifier is thanks to the diuretic properties. It helps clean out the urinary tract, bladder, and kidneys, removing waste, salt, excess water, toxins, and combating infections too.

5 Depression – The science behind the antidepressant qualities of cardamom hasn’t been studied yet, but Ayurvedic medicine swears by the tea as a means to fight depression.

6 Oral Health – Apart from helping with bad breath, cardamom is used for mouth ulcers and infections of the mouth and throat.

7 Cold and Flu – This pungent spice may help prevent and relieve cold and flu symptoms. It’s also used for bronchitis and coughs.

8 Cancer – Animal studies are showing promise that cardamom protects against, inhibits growth, and even kills some cancers.

9  Blood Pressure – As a diuretic and fiber rich spice, cardamom significantly lowers blood pressure.

10 Blood Clots – Cardamom prevents dangerous blood clots by preventing platelet aggregation and the sticking to the artery walls.

11 Antioxidant – Many of the vitamins, phytonutrients, and essential oils in cardamom act as antioxidants, cleaning up free radicals and resisting cellular aging.

12 Anti-inflammatory – Like ginger and turmeric, its relatives, cardamom has some anti-inflammatory properties that limit pain and swelling, especially in mucus membranes, the mouth, and throat.

13 Hiccups – Cardamom is an anti-spasmodic that can help get rid of hiccups. This also applies to other involuntary muscle spasms, like stomach and intestinal cramps

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the main structural and most abundant protein found in animal connective tissue. It is made up of amino acids and contains specific amino acids like glycine , praline, hydroxyproline and arginine.

Functions of Collagen for Skin

1. Aging is a natural process and its outward projection is the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

2. Collagen is one of the most important proteins that makes our skin elastic, supple and youthful.

3. Collagen occurs throughout the body and 29 types of collagen have been identified by researchers. Type 1 collagen which is made up of amino collagen C and Hyaluronic acid plays pivotal role in skin supplements.

4. It reduces signs of aging and provides our skin strength and elasticity.

10 Best Foods that Improve Collagen in Skin Naturally

• RED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
• BEANS
• CARROTS
• FLAXSEEDS AND WALNUTS
• GREEN AND BLACK OLIVES
• LEMON AND ORANGES
• AVOCADO OIL
• SOYA PRODUCTS
• CABBAGE

Home Remedy for Acidity

#1: Bananas

Eat a ripe banana for some relief. You could also eat an overripe banana to beat an especially bad bout of acidity, as they tend to contain more potassium which makes it the perfect antidote. Here are eight foods that can help you detox naturally and aid digestion.

#2: Tulsi

Chewing on five to six tulsi leaves when you suffer from acidity is a great way to beat the discomfort you feel.

#3: Cold milk 

It is essential that you have the milk cold and without any additives like sugar. You could even mix it with a spoon of ghee to make the remedy even more effective.

#4: Saunf or aniseed

While simply chewing on a few saunf seeds can help reduce the symptoms of acidity, as a long term remedy, boil a few seeds in water and leave overnight, drink this water during the day when you feel uneasy.

#5: Jeera

You can chew a few seeds of jeera to relieve acidity or boil it in water and drink the solution when it has cooled down.

#6: Clove

In case you’re suffering from acidity, bite a clove once so that the juice is released and then keep it in the mouth. The slowly released juice will immediately lower acid reflux and give you some relief. Cloves can also help relieve a sore throat, here’s how.

#7: Elaichi 

To relieve acidity crush two pods of cardamom (with or without the skin), boil the powder in water and drink the cooled juice for instant relief.

#8: Mint leaves or pudina

If you feel an attack coming on chop some mint leaves, add them to a pot of boiling water and drink this water after it cools. You could also try mint to calm indigestion

#9: Ginger

For relief from acidity, chew a small piece of ginger. If you find that too pungent, try boiling it in water and drinking the decoction. Another remedy is to crush ginger, mix it with a small piece of jaggery and keeping sucking on it allowing the juice to slowly reach the stomach.

#10: Amla

Have one teaspoon of amla powder twice a day to help keep acidity at bay. So the next time you feel like you might suffer from a bout of acidity, ditch that bottle of antacid, and try some effective home remedies instead, after all they’ve been around for centuries.

Home Remedies For Gastric Problem

Generally gas is formed in the stomach due to numerous reasons such as

·       Excessive alcohol intake.

·       Consuming very spicy food.

·       Chewing the food improperly.

·       Too much of anxiety and stress.

·       Intestinal malfunction.

·       Eating sauces and condiments frequently and in large quantities.

·       Digestive disorders.

REMEDIES:

Turmeric leaves

Turmeric leaves are one of the best remedies for gas. Drink chopped turmeric leaves mixed with a one cup of milk daily for better results

Guava leaves

Take guava leaves and boil them in water. Once they come to a boil strain the leaves and drink the water. This is a simple remedy for gastric problems

Potato juice

Another best cure for stomach gas is potato juice. Take potato juice and drink about ½ cup of it before your meal. Repeat this three times a day for best results

Ginger

Ginger tea can be made by mixing one tablespoon of grinded ginger with water and boiling it for few minutes. Now drinking this tea 2 – 3 daily will help you get rid of gas. You can even use ginger externally by adding a few drops of ginger essential oil to any carrier oil and massage it on your stomach.

Baking soda

Ø Baking soda gives instant relief from gas. Drink 1/4 tsp of baking soda mixed with a glass of water. This water solution is one of the most conventional remedies for stomach gas. It can be used as an efficient antacid.

Ø Add a pinch of baking soda to fresh lemon juice in a glass, which is a fizzing drink. Now add some more baking soda and one cup of water to it stir well until the baking soda dissolves. This solution acts as antacid and gives to instant relief from gas. You can also try drinking a glass of water mixed with a small amount of baking soda on empty stomach.

Cinnamon

It is another common remedy that gives instant relief from stomach gas. Boil cinnamon in some water and allow the cinnamon solution to cool in room temperature and drink it. This helps you prevent the formation of gas. You can even take 1/2 a teaspoon of cinnamon powder mixed with one glass of warm milk or add some honey to cinnamon powder stir properly and drink it.

Cinnamon tea can provide you relief from stomach gas. To make it, you have to add some cinnamon power to boiling water and leave it to rest for a few minutes and before drinking it. This home remedy will prevent further formation of gas and soothes your stomach as well.

Asafoetida / Hing

Take a generous pinch of asafoetida mixed into a glass of warm water. Now mix it properly before drinking it. To get more relief drink it at least 2 – 3 times every day. To use it externally, make a paste of asafoetida by adding a little water. Apply this asafoetida paste on the stomach and leave it to dry for a couple of minutes. This helps you get rid of stomach gas problem. If you do not want to take it directly you can insert a little amount of asafoetida into a ripe banana and consume it two times a day.

Garlic

Garlic provides great relief from gas. The pungent odor and heating quality of garlic will help you in stimulating the gastric fire, which helps in proper digestion and offers relief from gas. If you are suffering from gas then you have to try some garlic soup. Use fresh garlic for better results. Take 2 – 3 garlic cloves and roast them on fire directly and consume it after peeling it. Else you can make a solution by taking some freshly ground garlic and add some water, black pepper and cumin seeds and boil them for some minutes. Strain all the ingredients and allow it cool in room temperature. Drink this garlic solution at least twice or thrice daily for better results.

Onion

Onion juice will help you get rid of stomach gas, but avoid eating any vegetables that cause gas

Brandy

Two teaspoons of brandy mixed to a glass of warm water will help you get relief from gas. Drink this solution daily before going to sleep.

Top Foods To Help You Reduce Belly Fat

If you find that you have excess belly fat, then you should immediately cut down on consumption of carbohydrate rich food and start to take foods that are rich in fibers. The following are the super foods that will help you to reduce your waistline.

·     Apples: They are super foods that you can take three to four times a day as a substitute to carb-rich foods.

·     Almonds: Rich in Vitamin E and has high fiber content that will make you feel full and reduce your hunger.

·     Green Leafy Vegetables: They are rich in fiber and very low in calories. They will help in preventing water retention.

·     Avocado: They are rich in high fiber and have high monounsaturated fatty acids that help in reducing belly fat.

·     Cucumber: Cucumber is a vegetable that has high water content and is very low in calories.

·     Watermelon: It is a fruit that has 80% water content in it and very few calories. They help in easily attaining desired waistline.

·     Beans: This vegetable helps in improving digestion, as well as strengthening muscles. It will help in toning the belly by reducing hunger and prevent you from overeating.

How Fenugreek Seeds Affect Diabetes?

Fenugreek seeds (trigonella foenum graecum) are high in soluble fibre, which helps lower blood sugar by slowing down digestion and absorption of carbohydrates this suggests they may be effective in treating people with diabetes.

Fenugreek seeds can improve most metabolic symptoms associated with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes in humans by lowering blood glucose levels and improving glucose tolerance.

In one study, researchers in India found that adding 100 grams of defatted fenugreek seed powder to the daily diet of patients with insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetes significantly reduced their fasting blood glucose levels, improved glucose tolerance and also lowered total cholesterol, LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol and triglycerides.

In another controlled trial, incorporating 15 grams of powdered fenugreek seed into a meal eaten by people with type 2 diabetes reduced the rise in post-meal blood glucose, while a separate study found that taking 2.5 grams of fenugreek twice a day for three months lowered blood sugar levels in people with mild, but not severe, type 2 diabetes.

Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which help protect the body’s cells from damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals.

For centuries they have been (and are still) used by nursing mothers to help stimulate the production of breast milk during pregnancy and following childbirth. Due to their powerful antiviral properties, they are also commonly used as an herbal remedy for colds and sore throats.

In addition, researchers believe fenugreek seeds may be effective in the treatment of arthritis, high cholesterol, skin problems (wounds, rashes and boils), bronchitis, abscesses, hair loss, constipation, upset stomach, kidney ailments, heartburn, male impotence and other types of sexual dysfunction.