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 the Cranberry

Prevents painful urinary tract infection

Did you know that modern preservatives in foods have been linked to the rise in urinary tract infections? Cranberry's anti-adhesion properties—or the proanthocyanidins minerals found in the fruit—helps to avoid such infections.

Reduces Dental Plaque
this natural beverage has nothing but good news for the teeth and gums. Experts say cranberry juice inhibits the growth of mouth bacteria that causes plaque. So, drink up!  A healthy dose of cranberry juice ensures your teeth are fresh and clean all the time.

Kidney Stone Prevention 
This is still under active medical research, but the presence of quinic acid have experts saying it is possible for cranberry juice to help prevent the development of kidney stones. It makes sense since the cranberry helps rid the body of wastes and bacteria—anything that doesn't belong there.

Deter Cancer
Cranberry juice is a good source of polyphenol antioxidants and phytochemicals, both of which are possible deterrents against cancer and disorders of the cardiovascular and immune systems. That's a lot of benefits coming from a small fruit.

Yeast Infection
What is yeast infection?  It is an overgrowth in the body of a type of naturally occurring bacteria. Yeast infection and fungi overgrowth in Americans has been estimated by the experts to be present in 85% of the population and goes largely undiagnosed, especially in men and children. Surprisingly, doctors estimate that up to 85% of men are affected. They usually suffer in the form of digestive problems and other symptoms and later in life, prostate problems.

Doctors and scientists believe that the cranberry and its juice are very effective in preventing yeast infection. Cranberry juice contains substances that render bacteria unable to cling on the walls of the mouth, intestines, and even the urinary tract. Fresh cranberry juice is effective in flushing out Candida yeasts and other excess cells and fungi from the body.

TIPS TO PREVENT KIDNEY STONES

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones form when minerals in your urine crystallize, forming a "stone." Typically, compounds in your urine inhibit these crystals from forming. Some people form stones when their urine contains more crystal-forming substances, such as calcium and uric acid, than the available fluid can dilute. This can happen when urine is highly acid or highly alkaline.

The conditions allowing kidney stones to form are created by problems in the way your body absorbs and eliminates calcium and other substances. 

So, How To Prevent Them…???

• Drink plenty of water. Loss of water through sweating - whether due to the physical activities or just the heat of summer—leads to less urine production. The more you sweat, the less you urinate, which allows for stone-causing minerals to settle and bond in the kidneys and urinary tract. Instead, drink a lot of water. One of the best ways to prevent forming kidney stones is to drink water, so you urinate a lot.

• It’s not just one & done.  Developing kidney stone is not a onetime event, indeed it carries a recurring nature if not taken correct preventive measures. Studies have shown that having even one stone greatly increases your chances of having another. One must take the right medication & diet adjustments to avoid recurring formation of kidney stones.

• Lemonade…yes it helps!! It's important to consider dietary remedies alongside prescription medications. Chronic kidney stones are often treated with potassium citrate, but studies have shown that limeade, lemonade and other fruits and juices high in natural citrate offers the same stone-preventing benefits. Take sugar-free lemonade, or make your own by mixing lime or lemon juice with water.  It is believed that citrate in the urine may prevent the calcium from binding with other constituents that lead to stones & even helps preventing them getting bigger. Please note that juices made from actual limes and lemons contain higher levels of citrate and beware of the sugar content in juices, because this can increase kidney stone risk.

• Make Sure You Get Adequate Magnesium. It plays an important role in your body's absorption and assimilation of calcium, as if you consume too much calcium without adequate magnesium, the excess calcium can actually become toxic and contribute to health conditions like kidney stones. Magnesium helps prevent calcium from combining with oxalate, which is the most common type of kidney stone. Green leafy vegetables like spinach is an excellent source of magnesium, and one of the simplest ways to make sure you're consuming enough of these is by juicing your vegetables. Vegetable juice is an excellent source of magnesium, as are some beans, nuts like almonds, and seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds.
  

• Do some exercises. One is more prone to kidney stones if you're bedridden or very sedentary for a long period of time, partly because limited activity can cause your bones to release more calcium.

Tips For Healthy Hair

• For them, a mixture of amla and lemon juice is an excellent remedy. Prepare a thick paste by mixing one tablespoon each of amla powder and lemon juice. If required, add some water to make the paste smooth. Apply it to the hair regularly for one month. Thus, your problem of hair loss will come to an end and will make your hair healthy too.

• The common pumpkin yields seeds that are rich in oil, considered a remedy for hair loss.

• Dandruff is a major hair problem. To get rid of it, soak 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water overnight. Make a paste of the soaked fenugreek and apply it on the scalp. Leave it on the scalp for about half an hour and then wash it off properly. It works wonder on dandruff.

• We all know the healing and moisturizing properties of Aloe Vera prevent hair loss. The most common recipe is to add Aloe vera with coconut milk and wheat germ oil which is then to be used as a shampoo. It is said to clean out hair follicle pores as well as maintaining the perfect pH balance, which promotes strong hair growth.

• Mix egg yolk in 1/4 cup of yogurt with a little lime skin. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and apply it to every single strand of hair. After applying keep it for 10 minutes and then wash it off. The combination of yogurt and egg is very good for your hair.

• Mix together 1 tbsp. honey, 1 egg yolk, 1/2 tsp. almond oil and 1 tbsp. yogurt. Make a frothy paste and apply it on your hair. Rinse it in 1/2 hours time. This will smooth your hair and moisturize it evenly.

Canola Oil Nutrition Facts

• Canola oil is rich in energy; 100 g of oil provides 884 calories. However, its high ratio of mono-unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids makes it one of the healthy oil for consumption.

• It is one of the cooking oils with a high smoke point; 450 °F. This property can be employed in setting oil temperature while deep-frying food items. Canola oil has very good lipid profile. It has saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated (SFA: MUFA: PUFA= 8: 61: 31) fats in healthy proportions. Cold-pressed oil is one of the stable cooking oil that has a very long shelf life.

Nutrient Composition of Canola Oil

Like most highly refined oils, canola oil is low in essential nutrients.

However, it does contain a little bit of the fat soluble vitamins E and K.

A typical fatty acid composition of canola oil is (6):

• Saturated: 7%.
• Monounsaturated: 63%.
• Polyunsaturated: 28% (with Omega-6 and Omega-3 in a 2:1 ratio).

HIGH IN GOOD FAT

Fats are made up of smaller units called fatty acids. Canola oil is rich in two fatty acids that are essential in your diet because your body can't make them:

• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)  is an essential omega-3 fatty acid. It protects against heart attacks and strokes by helping to lower bad cholesterol.

• Linoleic acid (LA) is an essential omega-6 fatty acid. It's important for the brain and for the growth and development of infants.

The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 in canola oil is 2:1, which is nutritionally ideal. Both of these fatty acids are polyunsaturated.

Canola oil also contains very high levels of heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, which lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and help control blood glucose.

Canola's heart-health claims are backed up by the US Food and Drug Administration.

LOW IN BAD FAT

Compared to all other vegetable oils the market, canola oil has the lowest levels of the fats that are "bad" for human health:

• Saturated fats raise the bad cholesterol (LDL) in your body and have been linked to coronary heart disease. Canola oil has the lowest saturated fat level of all vegetable oils. Olive oil contains twice as much saturated fat as canola oil.

• Trans fats raise bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol (HDL). While all processed oils contain very small levels of trans fatty acids, canola oil is defined as zero trans fat by government regulatory authorities in North America.

Trans fats can be increased when vegetable oils are partially hydrogenated to make them more solid. Be wise: Choose canola oil and non-hydrogenated soft margarines instead of solid fats, such as partially-hydrogenated margarine, shortening, lard and butter. High-oleic canola provides additional opportunities to choose products that are free of trans fat.

NO CHOLESTEROL

Canola is free of cholesterol - a soft, waxy substance present in all parts of your body. Too much LDL or "bad" cholesterol can clog arteries and increase risk of heart attack and stroke. OF CAN

GOOD SOURCE OF VITAMIN E

One serving of canola oil each day will deliver about a quarter of all the vitamin E you need. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects your body's fats and proteins from free radical damage. It may also help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and memory loss.

BLACK RICE- “The Forbidden Rice”

Despite being less popular than brown rice or wild rice, black rice, known as forbidden rice, is an ancient grain that has even more impressive health benefits than most other closely related rice varieties.

Not only is it the type of rice that is richest in powerful disease-fighting antioxidants, but it also contains dietary fiber, anti-inflammatory properties, and has the ability to help stop the development of diabetes, cancer, heart disease and even weight gain.

One serving of black or forbidden rice contains only around 160 calories, but offers a very high amount of flavanoid phytonutrients, a good source of important fiber, substantial mineral content including iron and copper, and even a good source of plant based protein. Just the outside hull of the grain has one of the highest levels of anthocyanin antioxidants of any food.
A one-half cup serving of cooked black rice, or about ¼ cup uncooked, contains approximately (in daily recommended values):

·         160 calories

·         1.5 grams of fat

·         34 grams of carbohydrates

·         2 grams of fiber

·         5 grams of protein

·         4% DV for iron

When we compare an 100gm serving of each kind,

·         Polished white rice – contains 6.8 protein, 1.2 iron, 0.6 fiber.

·         Brown rice: 7.9 protein, 2.2 iron, and 2.8 fiber.

·         Red rice: 7.0 protein, 5.5 iron, and 2.0 fiber.

·         Black rice: 8.5 protein, 3.5 iron, 4.9 fiber, and the highest amount of antioxidants of any rice variety.

Black rice is also a good source of iron, which can be hard to get for plant based eaters who rely on grains and legumes for protein.

Health Benefits of Black Rice

1. Full of Antioxidants

The bran hull of black rice, which is the outermost layer of the rice grain, contains one of the highest levels of the antioxidant anthocyanin found in any known food.

Black rice has a deep black or purple color, which is an indication of its high antioxidant properties, similarly to how deeply colored antioxidant berries like blueberries, raspberries, and cranberries appear.

A few sources show that the anthocyanin content of black rice is higher than any other grain, including brown rice, red rice, red quinoa, or other colored whole grain varieties. Anthocyanin antioxidants have been correlated with: helping to prevent cardiovascular disease, protecting against cancer that can be caused by free radical damage, improving brain function, reducing inflammation and more.

While whole grain brown rice and red rice also contain beneficial antioxidants, but only black rice contains anthocyanin. Additionally, black rice also contains important antioxidant Vitamin E, which is useful in maintaining eye, skin, and immune health in addition to other important functions.

2. Protects heart health

Studies have shown that black rice decreases dangerous atherosclerotic plaque formation in the arteries, which is very important for keeping arteries clear and preventing heart attacks and stroke.

The specific anthocyanins phytochemicals found in black rice help to maintain healthy cholesterol levels by reducing total cholesterol, LDL “bad” cholesterol, and total triacylglycerol concentrations.

3. Can help detoxify the body

Studies have also demonstrated that consuming black rice can help to detox the body and cleanse the liver of harmful toxic build-up thanks to the rice’s high antioxidant content. The phytonutrients found in black rice help the body to reduce inflammation and to cleanse the body of harmful substances that can contribute to a wide range of conditions.

4. Good source of fiber which improves digestive health

Black rice and other whole grain rice varieties- like wild, red, or brown rices- have a similar amount of fiber, with about 2-3 grams per half cup serving. The fiber in black rice helps to prevent constipation, bloating, and other unwanted digestive symptoms. Fiber binds to waste and toxins within the digestive tract, helping to pull them out and to contribute to regular bowel function.

The dietary fiber found in black rice can also importantly help you to feel full after eating and to stay satisfied for a longer period of time between meals, potentially aiding in weight loss.

Studies have found that a diet high in dietary fiber from whole grain rice varieties is protective against obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) .Black rice can also help prevent or cure cases of diarrhea, since fiber adds bulk to your stool.

5. A naturally gluten free grain

Like other rice varieties, black rice naturally contains no gluten, the protein found in all wheat, rye, and barley products

 Consuming black rice in place of not only refined grains and processed flour products, but also all wheat, barley, and rye containing foods- even those that are whole grain- can help eliminate digestive problems associated with eating gluten for many people.

6. Helps slow down absorption of sugar in the blood, helping to prevent diabetes

Studies have shown that when it comes to the risk of developing diabetes and even obesity, consuming whole grains is much more beneficial and preventative than consuming refined carbohydrates.

Compared to eating processed carbohydrates which are stripped of their fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients that help to slow down the absorption of sugar in the blood stream, black rice is a much healthier option.

Black rice contains the entire bran of the grain where the fiber is stored, and fiber is able to help glucose (sugar) from the grain to be absorbed by the body over a longer period of time.

7. Better at preventing obesity than refined grains

It is very important for those with pre-diabetes, diabetes, or other forms of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance to consume 100% whole grains, as opposed to processed “white” types that lack fiber.

The same can be said for those who struggle with losing weight, since the fiber and nutrients in whole grain rice helps to shut off hunger signals and prevents overeating.