Health Benefits of Cucumber

• Keeps you hydrated. If you are too busy to drink enough water, munch on the cool cucumber, which is 96 percent water.

• Fights heat, both inside and out. Eat cucumber, and your body gets relief from heartburn. Apply cucumber on your skin, and you get relief from sunburn.

• Flushes out toxins. All that water in cucumber acts as a virtual broom, sweeping waste products out of your system. With regular use, cucumber is known to dissolve kidney stones.

• Lavishes you with vitamins. A B and C, which boost immunity, give you energy, and keep you radiant. Give it more power by juicing cucumber with carrot and spinach.

• Supplies skin-friendly minerals: magnesium, potassium, silicon. That’s why cucumber-based treatments abound in spas.

• Aids in weight loss. Enjoy cucumbers in your salads and soups.

• Revives the eyes. Placing chilled slices of cucumber on the eyes is a clichéd beauty visual, but it really helps reduce under-eye bags and puffiness.

• Cuts cancer. Cut down your risk of several cancers by including cucumber in your diet.

•  Stabilizes blood pressure. Patients of blood pressure, both high and low, often find that eating cucumber brings relief.

• Refreshes the mouth. Cucumber juice refreshes and heals diseased gums, leaving your mouth smelling good.

• Helps digestion. Chewing cucumber gives the jaws a good workout, and the fiber in it is great for digestion.

• Smooth’s hair and nails. Silica, the wonder mineral in cucumber makes your hair and nails stronger and shinier.

• Soothes muscle and joint pain. All those vitamins and minerals in cucumber make it a powerful enemy of muscle and joint pain.

• Keeps kidneys in shape. Cucumber lowers uric acid levels in your system, keeping the kidneys happy.

• Good for diabetics. Patients of diabetes can enjoy cucumber while also reaping its health benefits: cucumber contains a hormone needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin.

• Reduces cholesterol. A compound called sterols in cucumber helps reduce bad cholesterol.

Home Remedies for Low Blood Pressure

Salt Water

Salt water helps treat low blood pressure because the sodium in salt increases blood pressure. Do not overdo this remedy though, as excess salt can prove to be unhealthy. Simply mix one-half teaspoon of salt in a glass of water and drink it. You can also drink sports beverages.

Coffee

Having a cup of strong coffee, hot chocolate, cola, or any caffeinated beverage can also temporarily increase your blood pressure. If you frequently suffer from low blood pressure, drink a cup of coffee in the morning or have it along with meals, especially when dealing with orthostatic hypo-tension. But, do not make it a habit because the long-term effects of caffeine are not clear.

Raisins

Raisins are a traditional Ayurvedic remedy that is considered excellent for treating hypo-tension naturally.

Soak 30 to 40 raisins in a cup of water overnight.

Eat them in the morning, one at a time, on an empty stomach. You can also drink the water in which the raisins were soaked.

Holy Basil

Holy basil is beneficial for low blood pressure because it is rich in vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and pantothenic acid. Furthermore, it helps balance the mind and reduces stress.

Licorice Root

Licorice root is another popular home remedy for normalizing low blood pressure caused by low levels of cortisol. It blocks the enzyme that breaks down cortisol and supports healthy Adrenalin function. It is also effective in curing chronic fatigue syndrome.

Beetroot Juice

Raw beetroot juice is helpful in dealing with high as well as low blood pressure. For hypotension, drink a cup of beetroot juice twice daily for about one week. Other natural fruit juices are also considered helpful in this regard.

Rosemary

Rosemary is believed to be useful in normalizing low blood pressure because it stimulates the central nervous system and improves circulation. Take up to 10 ml of rosemary tincture per day. Having freshly prepared infusion with this herb or adding it to your foods is also useful. Furthermore, you can simply add three to four drops of rosemary essential oil in your diffuser for aromatherapy benefits.

Foods to Keep Your Uric Acid at Normal Levels

1. Water

Water flushes out toxins including excess uric acid from the body. Have at least 10- 12 glasses of water daily.

2. Cherries

Cherries have anti - inflammatory substances named anthocyanis that help reduce uric acid levels .It prevents the uric acid from crystallizing and being deposited in the joints. Cherries also neutralize the acids and help prevent inflammation and pain. 200 gms per day is very effective in bringing down uric acid.

3. Berries

Berries especially strawberries, and blueberries have anti-inflammatory properties so include them in your diet.

4. Apple

Malic acid in apple neutralizes uric acid and thus provides relief to the sufferers. You should consume one apple daily after a meal.

5. Lime

The citric acid found in lime is a solvent of the uric acid .The juice of half a lime squeezed into a glass of water should be taken twice daily.

6. French Bean Juice

Another effective home remedy for gout is French beans juice. The healthy juice can be consumed twice everyday for treating gout or high uric acid.

7. Celery Seed

This is a popular home remedy to lower uric acid levels in the body. Have celery seeds extract to get best results.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar

Drink apple cider vinegar. Add 3 teaspoons of vinegar to 8 ounces of water and have it 2-3 times every day to treat uric acid.

9. Pinto Beans

A diet rich in folic acid can help lower uric acid naturally. Folic acid rich foods like pinto beans, sunflower seeds and lentils should be included in your diet.

10. Vegetable Juices

Carrot juice in combination with beet and cucumber juice is also very effective.100 ml each of beet juice and cucumber juice should be mixed with 300 ml carrot juice and taken daily.

Low fat dairy products like milk, curd help lower uric acid level.

11. Foods Rich in Vit C

Good sources of vitamin C are awla, guava, kiwi, sweet lime, oranges, capsicum, lemon, tomato and green leafy veg.

12. High-Fibre Foods

Dietary fibre may help absorb uric acid in your bloodstream, allowing it to be eliminated from your body through your kidneys. Increase the consumption of dietary soluble fibers such as Isabgol, Oats, Broccoli, apples, oranges, pears, strawberries, blueberries, cucumbers, celery, and carrots, barley.

Bananas are also beneficial in lowering uric acid

13.  Green Tea

Consume green tea on a regular basis to control hyperuricemia (high uric acid levels) and lower your risk of developing.

Healthy Food for Beautiful Nails

Fruit

Fruits are loaded with vitamins that can help build strong nails. They are also a good choice for snacks and desserts, offering a wide variety of choices. Some good fruit sources for essential vitamins are dried apricots for vitamin A, kiwi for vitamin C and bananas for B6. Blueberries, blackberries and grapes are also high in antioxidants, which promote good health.

Vegetables

Vegetables are rich in minerals and vitamins for a healthy body and strong, healthy nails. Sweet potatoes, carrots and dark green vegetables--like broccoli and asparagus--are high in vitamin A. Carrots also contain vitamin B6, while spinach and other leafy green vegetables have calcium, iron and antioxidants.

Grains

Yeast and barley are just two of the grain products that contain the B-complex vitamin biotin and protein that can lead to healthy nails.

Eggs

Eggs contain protein, a fuel for the body that can lead to healthy nails. Eggs also contain vitamins A and E, and calcium. Biotin is found in the egg yolk. This B complex vitamin may help restore brittle or dry nails.

Beans

Soybeans also contain biotin. In addition to soybeans, lentils are a good choice for vitamin B6 and sulphur amino acids.

Meat Products

Lean meat products are good for a healthy body. Liver and kidney contain iron, protein and biotin, all of which contribute to making your nails stronger.

5 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Dark Circles

1. Almond Oil

A completely natural ingredient that benefits skin around your eyes, almond oil helps lighten dark circles. Combine almond oil with vitamin E oil and your dark circles will be history. Plus, these ingredients really something that’s a staple in every household.

Usage

• Before hitting the sack, apply some almond oil over your dark circles and massage it gently into the skin.
• Leave the oil on overnight.
• Wash it off with cold water next morning.
• Repeat this every day until your dark circles are gone.

2. Cucumber

Remember those Hollywood movies where women are seen relaxing at a spa with cucumber slices on their eyes? Well, there’s a reason beyond gloss. With skin-lightening and mild astringent properties, cucumbers are completely equipped to fix those raccoon eyes. Better yet, they are soothing and refreshing too.

Usage

• Cut a fresh cucumber into thick slices and chill it for about 30 minutes.
• Place the slices on the dark circles for about 10 minutes.
• Wash the area thoroughly with water.
• Repeat this process twice a day for one week to see results.

3. Raw Potato

Potatoes contain vital natural bleaching agents and used raw, they help lighten dark circles and reduce excess puffiness around your eyes.

Usage

• Grate a couple of chilled potatoes to extract the juice.
• Soak a cotton ball in the juice and place it on your closed eyes.
• Make sure the juice covers the dark circles entirely.
• Allow the juice to sit for about 15 minutes and rinse your eyelids well with cool water.
• Repeat once or twice daily for 2 - 3 weeks to see results.

4. Rose Water

There’s a reason mothers always advise their children to rinse their eyes with Rose Water when they’re sore. It not only rejuvenates skin and reduces dark circles but also has a soothing effect on tired eyes. Due to its mild astringent properties, it also works well as a skin toner.

Usage

• Soak cotton eye pads in rose water for a few minutes.
• Place the soaked pads on your closed eyelids.
• Leave them on for about 15 minutes.
• Follow this remedy twice daily for 2 - 3 weeks to see results.

5. Tomato

Tomato, the fruit that’s used like a vegetable, is known to naturally possess powerful bleaching properties that can lighten skin very effectively.

Usage

• Mix one teaspoon of tomato juice with one and a half teaspoon of lemon juice.
• Gently apply this mixture on your dark circles and allow it to sit for 10 minutes.
• Rinse it off well with cool water.
• Follow this remedy twice a day for 2 - 3 weeks to see results.

Health Benefits of Mint

Allergies: Mint plants contain an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent called rosmarinic acid which is used  in relieving seasonal allergy symptoms, revealing a promising natural treatment.

Breast feeding: Although breastfeeding can offer significant benefits for both infant and parent, it can cause pain and damage to nipple. Peppermint water is effective in preventing nipple cracks and nipple pain in first-time mothers who are breastfeeding.

Common Cold: Mint contains menthol, a natural aromatic decongestant that helps to break up phlegm and mucus, making it easier to expel.

Indigestion and Gas: Mint is a calming and soothing herb that has been used for thousands of years to aid with upset stomach or indigestion. Mint is thought to increase bile secretion and encourage bile flow, which helps to speed and ease digestion (and which may also support healthy cholesterol levels).Peppermint is also thought to relieve pain and discomfort from gas and bloating. Peppermint tea is a common home remedy for flatulence.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): The use of peppermint oil has been found to be an effective and safe treatment for those suffering from abdominal pain.

Gastric Ulcers:  menthol was found to help protect the lining of the stomach from the negative effects of indomethacin and ethanol, giving it a potential role in preventing gastric ulcers associated with alcohol consumption and regular use of painkillers. 

Pain Relief: Applying peppermint extract externally has been found to increase pain threshold in humans.

Skin: When applied topically in oil, ointment or lotion, mint has the effect of calming and cooling skin affected by insect bites, rash or other reactions.

Oral Health: Mint is a natural anti-microbial agent and breath freshener.

hair Care Tips in Monsoon

Use a Mild Shampoo

Keeping your hair and scalp clean and clear during monsoon is necessary. Due to increased humidity, dandruff, hair fall and oily skin may occur. Since we sweat a lot due to humidity, hair becomes sticky and dirty. So you need to wash your hair regularly with a mild shampoo that is completely free of all the chemicals the strong shampoos usually have. Regular shampooing is also necessary because your hair has the chance of becoming limp during monsoon and shampooing is the only way to restore volume to the hair.

Use a Good Conditioner

The increased humidity level in the air can make your hair dry, rough and frizzy. A good conditioner will help to keep your hair soft, smooth and get rid of frizzy hair.

Hair Air-dry

Artificial mode of hair drying technique like blow dryer and hot rollers can make your hair dry and lifeless. Allow your hair to dry on its own. If you can’t wait, make sure to use dyer from a distance. Also try to keep your hair dry. Wet hair leads to hair fall and dandruff.

Stay Away From Hair-styling Products

Refrain from using hair styling products during the monsoon. These chemical based products tend to turn your hair oily and greasy due to excess humidity in the air. The gum and gel used in these products can cause dandruff.

Wooden Comb

Use a wooden comb with wide tooth instead of plastic comb to untangle your hair. During rainy season, hair often becomes frizzy and unmanageable due to humidity. With wooden comb, you will be able to untangle your hair easily without any breakage.

Oil your Hair

Oiling your hair is necessary throughout the year to prevent them from drying. But during monsoon, hair becomes dull and dry due high humidity level. So, it is all the more necessary to nourish your hair with oil during this time. It will keep your hair soft, frizz-free and untangled.

Take Care of your Diet

A healthy balanced diet is crucial for healthy hair. Protein is essential for strengthening the root of the hair. If you want to keep your hair soft and silky, you must eat foods which are good sources of protein and iron, like eggs, fish like salmon and mackerel which contains protein and omega-3 fatty acids and walnuts which are high in vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids. Besides these, whole grains, green vegetables, nuts, and yogurt are good for your hair. Also drink plenty of water to hydrate your scalp. Dehydrated scalp can weaken your hair and encourage hair fall.

Prevent Dandruff

To keep your hair dandruff-free mix egg white in almond oil and apply on the hair. Allow it to dry and then wash off. Another way to prevent is add some lemon juice to coconut oil and massage your hair and scalp. Cover your hair with a towel immersed in hot water to get steam therapy. After 15-20 minutes, wash your hair with a mild shampoo. This treatment will keep your hair not only healthy but dandruff free also.

BE HAPPY EVEN IF THINGS AREN’T PERFECT NOW

• Enjoying the present moment is a habit that takes practice.

• Finding reasons to be happy now can benefit your future.

• Tuning into joy can improve your health, something that affords you many possibilities in life.

• Consistent, long-term happiness depends on your ability to notice and appreciate the details; you can hone that skill right now.

• Every day is a new opportunity to be better than yesterday; that pursuit can increase your self-esteem and, accordingly, your happiness.

• You can be who you want to be right now, no matter what your situation looks like.

• Finding joy in the present moment, no matter how inadequate it may seem, makes difference in other people’s lives.

HOW TO PREVENT PILES

• Increase crude fiber in your diet: This will help to soften your stool to relieve pain and mend piles.

• Eat less spicy food

• Consume a bowl of yogurt every day:- Grind some black mustard and add it inside the yogurt and eat it followed by a glass of buttermilk to ease piles

• Combine one tablespoon of roasted cumin seeds with a tablespoon of normal cumin seeds:- These should be finally mixed in a glass of water and you will have one good home remedy for hemorrhoids to cure piles. Drink the mixture once every day.

• Take some figs and leave them in water for a night:- Next day, eat the half of the figs and drink half the water they were soaked in on an empty stomach in the morning. Do the same in evening to cure piles.

• Make a juice of bitter gourd:- Take it with buttermilk for hemorrhoid treatment.

• Grind ripe mangoes dried seeds:- Take 2mg of powder twice daily with honey

• Eat dates rather than taking laxatives:- Dates are natural laxatives which won't put you on risk for dependence. They will help when you have constipation.

FOODS TO IMPROVE CHOLESTEROL

1. Beans and lentils

Beans, lentils and peas are good source of soluble fibre which helps lower cholesterol levels. Beans and pulses are high in fibre, high in protein and low in fat. Beans also contain lecithin, a nutrient that also helps in lowering it.

2. Monounsaturated fats

Avocados, Peanut butter, Hazelnuts, Almonds and Pecans contain heart-healthy MUFA, which helps lower Cholesterol levels. Olive and Peanut oils are also rich in monounsaturated.

3. Grains and Oats

Soluble fiber found in oats and oat bran, barley, brown rice, helps lower Cholesterol. Soluble fiber binds to bile acids and cholesterol an helps their excretion. Beans, apples, carrots also contain soluble fiber.

4. Nuts

Nuts contain plant sterols and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which lower the LDL (bad) cholesterol. Nuts (Almonds, Walnuts, Pistachio, Pecans) are rich in heart healthy - fiber, Vitamin E and Selenium.

5. Fibre in fruits

Apples, Pears, Oranges and Grapefruit contain soluble fibre, which helps lower cholesterol. Include other soluble fibre rich foods such as barley, apples, pears, kidney beans...

6. Garlic

Eating garlic regularly reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol and raises HDL (good) level.

7.Avocado 

Avocados are rich in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that helps lower cholesterol.

CHOOSE WISE AND EAT RIGHT

              

Some Healthy Tips for Diabetes Patient

1. The ideal meal: Aim for half vegetables/salad, quarter lean protein and quarter low GI carbohydrate.

• Vegetables/salad – aim to eat at least five serves of vegetables every day preferably with three or more different colours.
• Protein – good sources include lean meat, skinless chicken, fish, seafood, eggs, milk, yoghurt, cheese, legumes or tofu.
• Lower GI carbs – low GI white rice, instead have oats, whole wheat, barley, etc.

2. Go grainy: Choose grainy breads (where you can actually see the grains) over white bread.

3. Get a good start: Replace highly processed breakfast cereals with natural muesli, traditional porridge oats or cereals that carry the GI Symbol.

4. Love legumes! Include legumes like beans, lentils and chickpeas in your meals two or three times a week, or more often if you are a vegetarian.

5. It’s all about combinations: You don’t need to completely cut out high GI options – the trick is to combine them with low GI options to achieve a moderate GI.

Additionally, certain acids help to lower the GI of certain foods. Try vinegars on salads, yoghurt with cereal and lemon juice on vegetables.

6. Smart Snacking: When it comes to snacking, go for fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts and yoghurt. Avoid refined flour products like cookies, crackers and biscuits.

7. Wonderful Water: Make water your first choice. Avoid sugary drinks.

Benefits of Sugarcane Juice

1. Sugarcane juice is a diuretic which means that it helps treat urinary tract infections, kidney stones and ensure proper functioning of the kidneys

2. According to Ayurveda, sugarcane juice helps strengthen your liver and is thus suggested as a remedy for jaundice. Jaundice is a condition where you find yellow pigmentation of the skin and membrane due to elevated levels of a substance known as bilirubin in the bodily fluids and is triggered by poor functioning liver. What sugarcane juice does is replenish your body with proteins lost and nutrients that it needs to recover quickly.

3. Sugarcane juice is rich in the good kind of carbohydrates, protein, iron, potassium and other essential nutrients that make it the ideal energy drinks. Especially in the summer months, a glass of cold sugarcane juice and really life both your health and your depleting levels of energy. It builds up plasma and body fluids and helps counter dryness and fatigue.

4. Ayurveda also suggests that 'sugarcane juice exhibits laxative properties thereby improving bowel movement and relieving constipation' (Source: ayurhelp.com). Sugarcane juice also has alkaline properties which means it's good for treating acidity and stomachburns.

5. It has a low glycemic index (GI) so it comes highly recommended for diabetics. A study showed that drinking sugarcane juice did not alter the blood glucose levels of diabetics drastically but you should check with your doctor before you start to drink some of this yourself.

WAYS TO CURE SORE THROAT

• Gargle With Warm Salt Water

• Mix up an ACV drink

• Suck on Garlic

• Steam It Out

• Get Your Rest & Fluids

• Make a few gargles to help reduce swelling and relieve discomfort

• Use nonprescription throat lozenges for relief.

• Use throat sprays for relief

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water

• Take vitamin C

DIET IN PCOD

FOODS TO INCLUDE:

GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES:

Green, leafy vegetables have the most nutrients per calorie than any other food. They are rich in iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, as well as vitamins K, C, E, and many of the B vitamins.

Vitamin B in particular plays a vital role in managing PCOS symptoms.. Here are just some of the things that Vitamin B is responsible for: sugar and fat metabolism, thyroid function and hormone balance, amongst others. It plays a vital role in the management of PCOS.

FRUIT:

Fruit is a rich source of fibre, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients and should be enjoyed as part of a PCOS diet. Many women with PCOS are reluctant to eat fruit or avoid fruit as it can cause a spike in blood sugar levels and therefore insulin.

However, fruit still plays an important role in providing the nutrients we need to combat PCOS. So, try to eat fruit that has a lower GI and have a handful of seeds or nuts with your fruit as protein helps to regulate the sugar spike resulting from fruit.

ORGANIC, PASTURE-FED MEAT

This may be expensive but it is important that you eat good quality, lean meat if you do eat meat. Grass-fed meat tends to be leaner and contain less hormones than standard meat. Grass-fed is also important because livestock is often fed grain and feed that has been genetically modified or contains pesticides which are unhelpful for hormone balance and PCOS.

HEALTHY FATS:

Not all fat is bad and healthy fats are essential for your PCOS diet.

Essential fatty acids are really important for maintaining the cell wall, which allows nutrients in, and toxins out. They are also vital for hormone balance, weight management and fertility.

These healthy fats are found in nuts and seeds, oily fish, avocado and olive oil so be sure to incorporate those into your diet.

SUPPLEMENTS:

Following the diet described above will give you a good chance to get all of the vitamins and minerals you need but many women with PCOS are still lacking in some nutrients.

So, make sure that you take a good multivitamin and mineral supplement. It should contain the following Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin A, D, E, C, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, folic acid, magnesium, iron, zinc, chromium, selenium and manganese.

This should provide you with a good supplemental basis. Many women with PCOS also take a Vitamin B complex, chromium and Essential Fatty Acids.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES:

lifestyle changes that will help to overcome PCOS and its symptoms.

• Exercise regularly
• Manage stress levels
• Share the burden and get good support from your family and friends.
• Look after yourself and pamper yourself. We need to reclaim our womanhood and femininity so a little bit of TLC is definitely in order.