Saturday, 3 January 2015

FRUITS FOR YOUR HEALTH

Apple - 

Apples contain antioxidants called flavonoids, which may help lower the chance of developing diabetes and asthma.
Apples are also a natural mouth freshener and clean your teeth with each crunchy bite.





Watermelon –

Watermelon is the lycopene leader among fresh fruits and vegetables. 
They are rich in Vitamin A, B and C. What’s more, they are low in calories and very nutritious. 
It is an ideal health drink because it is 92 per cent water, and does not contain any fat or cholesterol.






Orange - 

Apart from its delightful taste, oranges are also containing many essential nutrients like Vitamin A, B1, and C.
One orange supplies nearly 100% of the recommended daily dietary intake of vitamin C. 
Oranges are a good source of folate, an important vitamin for pregnant women that can help prevent neural tube defects in their infants.
They also contain a phytochemical called hesperidin, which may lower triglyceride and blood cholesterol levels.

Pineapple - 

Pineapples are loaded with vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium.
It is also rich in fiber and calories. On top of it all, this fruit is low in fat and cholesterol.
Pineapple contains a natural enzyme called bromelain, which breaks down protein and helps aid digestion.
Bromelain may also help prevent blood clots, inhibit growth of cancer cells and speed wound healing.


Pomegranate –

Pomegranates contain antioxidant tannins, which may protect the heart.
Studies show that daily consumption of pomegranate juice may promote normal blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of heart attacks.




Blackberry –

The dark blue colour ensures blackberries have one of the highest antioxidant levels of all fruits.
Antioxidants, well-known for lowering the risk of a number of cancers, are a huge bonus, but be aware the berries are best consumed in their natural state to get the full benefits.



Blueberry –

Disease-fighting factor: Blueberries rank No. 1 in antioxidant activity when compared to 60 other fresh fruits and vegetables.
Blueberries may help lower the risk of developing age-related diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.





Cherry –

Sour cherries contain more of the potent antioxidant anthocyanin than any other fruit.
Anthocyanin may help reduce inflammation and ease the pain of arthritis and gout.
Cherries are an excellent source of potassium, which helps to lower blood pressure by getting rid of the excess sodium in our body.
Eating cherries helps keep potassium and sodium in balance, and can prevent hypertension from occurring.

Fig - 

Figs are a great source of dietary fibre and make you feel satiated. So, it’s a great option for those who want to lose weight.
The fibre content is also excellent for the digestive system and helps relieve Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).




Grapefruit-

Grapefruit contains lycopene and flavonoids, which may help protect against some types of cancer.
Grapefruit also boasts an ample supply of pectin, a soluble fibre that may help lower cholesterol levels.  
It also is high in enzymes that burn fats, has high water content and has less sodium.
Combinations of these three characteristics make grapefruit a perfect food for increasing your body’s metabolism.
Try eating grapefruit every day and you will notice how quickly you lose those extra pounds.

Kiwifruit –

With more vitamin C than oranges, kiwis can help in the development and maintenance of bones, cartilage, teeth and gums.
They can also help lower blood triglyceride levels (high triglycerides increase the risk of heart disease).


Papaya - 

Being a good source of Vitamin A and Papain, this fruit helps in removing dead skin cells along with breaking down the inactive proteins.





Peach –

High in vitamin A, peaches help regulate the immune system and can help fight off infections.
One of the major health benefits of peaches is for skin care.
It’s a great source of Vitamin C which is widely used for skin care. You can get plenty of Vitamin C from a large peach.
Apart from health benefits, you can directly use peaches for skin care such dark circles and wrinkles.

Pear - 

Pears provide a very good source of fiber and are also a good source of vitamin B2, C, E, copper, and potassium.
They also contain a significant amount of pectin, which is a water soluble fiber.






Strawberry - 

Nutrient-rich and packed with antioxidants (like vitamin C), strawberries offer a wide range of health benefits.





Tomato –

Numerous studies have concluded that the more tomatoes people eat the lower their risks of certain cancers, especially lung, stomach and prostate cancers.
A substance called lycopene, which is responsible for tomatoes red color, is thought to be the reason for this cancer protective effect.






Avocado –

Avocados contain healthy monounsaturated fats that can help lower cholesterol levels when eaten instead of harmful saturated fats.
For a heart-healthy boost, replace butter with avocado on your favorite sandwich.

Avocados contain the 18 amino acids required to form complete protein that is used more efficiently by the body than are proteins found in meat.

Friday, 2 January 2015

Health Benefits of AMLA

WINTER TREAT - AMLA
Amla is the natural health supplement that the nature offers during winters to stay away from infections.
It is very rich in vitamin C & essential bioflavonoid that enhance the benefits of Vitamin C & helps to protect and strengthen cell membranes.
It contains unique nutrients that have a powerful effect on the immune system.
Indian gooseberry is known for its health benefits in Indian Ayurveda.
It was traditionally used for diarrhoea, jaundice, inflammatory and digestive disorders.
Uses of Amla ---
Enhances food absorption.
Balances stomach acid.
Strengthens the liver and flushes toxins.
Improve metabolism.
Increase urination and eliminate toxins.
Protect the brain from free radical stress.
Promote healthy blood flow to the skin and hair follicles gives relief from menstrual cramps.
Effective at stabilising blood sugar.
Lowers triglycerides.
Improves both pancreatic and liver function.
Reduce constipation
Heals mouth ulcers
Heals arthritis
Strengthen heart muscle
Promotes hair growth

Thursday, 1 January 2015

Happy New Year!!!!

Happy New Year!!!!

Have you been thinking about dieting this New Year? Weight loss is the number one New Year’s resolution but sadly very few actually follow through with their resolutions past January
Here, we tell you how you can lose weight this coming year with the right weight loss goals.
Stick to a realistic diet plan.
Add good foods to your diet (eg: green tea, almonds) and get some exercise.
Let’s first target a weight loss of 4 kgs per month. This is the healthy rate for weight loss. For each month, target this weight loss, and track it.
  • Eat 1-2 fruits per day: Fruits are one of the best sources of carbohydrates for the body, along with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They taste great, and have a low glycemic index.
  • Start by targeting to eat 2 fruits per day.
  • Eat breakfast: Eat a healthy breakfast. Have eggs, milk, fruits, and multigrain bread.
  • Studies have shown that eating breakfast helps you avoid weight gain, than skipping it.
  • Drink less alcohol: Excessive consumption of alcohol leads to hormonal imbalance and side effects. Eliminating alcohol completely is hard, so stick to only 2-3 drinks per week.
  • Get protein: Indian diets are very high on starchy carbohydrates.
  • Replace some of those carbs with protein, to help you build muscle and increase your metabolic rate. Here are some great sources of protein: whey protein, chicken, fish, eggs & vegetarian protein sources.
  • Workout:   Start with a walk. Jogging is better than walking .
  • Desserts: Skip it, or share if you can’t skip
  • Reduce processed foods:  Eat less processed foods. Avoid white bread, biscuits, juices, chips, etc … the list can go on.
  •  Easy to say, hard to do. So, to start, pick one processed food in your diet and eliminate that.
  • Remember how important your goal is, and remember why you want to achieve it.
  • Of course, your reward doesn't need to be clothing or other material goods; it can also be an experience such as going on a vacation or weekend get-away or even out to a special restaurant when you reach your goal. Make it something that you really want, and that really motivates you.

JOWAR AND VEGETABLE PORRIDGE

JOWAR AND VEGETABLE PORRIDGE


If you're bored of the regular breakfast dishes, try this new healthy recipe made using jowar.
Jowar is a nutritious cereal with plenty of protein, iron and fibre.
The vegetables improve its vitamin A, fibre, folic acid and iron.
This vegetable porridge accompanied by a fruit is sure to keep you satiated till lunch and prevent you from bingeing on unhealthy mid-morning snacks like biscuits, nuts, chips etc.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup coarsely powdered jowar
Salt to taste
1 tsp oil
1 cup chopped mixed vegetables (french beans, carrot, cabbage, capsicum and cauliflower)
1/2 tsp mustard seeds (rai / sarson)
A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
For The Topping
2 tbsp finely chopped tomatoes
2 tbsp finely chopped onions
2 tbsp finely chopped coriander (dhania)

METHOD

  • Combine the powdered jowar (grind ½ cup of jowar in a mixer to a coarse powder) and salt with 3 cups of water in a pressure cooker, mix well and pressure cook for 4 whistles.
  • Allow the steam to escape before opening the lid.
  • Heat the oil in a deep pan and add the mustard seeds and hing.
  • When the mustard seeds crackle, add the mixed vegetables and sauté on a medium flame for 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Add the cooked jowar mixture, 1½ cups of water and salt, mix well and simmer for 6 to 7 minutes, while stirring occasionally.
  • Top with the tomato, onion and coriander and serve immediately.



Friday, 26 December 2014

BENEFITS OF AMLA







WINTER TREAT -  AMLA
Amla is the natural health supplement that the nature offers during winters to stay away from infections.

It  is very rich in vitamin C & essential bioflavonoids that enhance the benefits of Vitamin C & helps to protect and strengthen cell membranes.
It  contains unique nutrients that have a powerful effect on the immune system.
Indian gooseberry is known for its health benefits in Indian Ayurveda.
 It was traditionally used for diarrhea, jaundice, inflammatory and digestive disorders.
Uses of Amla ---
Enhances food absorption
 Balances stomach acid
Strengthens the liver and flushes toxins
Improve metabolism
Increase urination and eliminate toxins
 Protect the brain from free radical stress
Promote healthy blood flow to the skin and hair follicles gives relief from menstrual cramps.
Effective at stabilizing blood sugar
Lowers triglycerides
 Improves  both pancreatic and liver function.
Reduce constipation
Heals mouth ulcers
Heals arthritis
Strengthen heart muscle
Promotes hair growth





Saturday, 20 December 2014

Facts about Dates


  • Dates are the fruit of the date palm tree and are grown primarily in dry, arid regions, such as the middle east and parts of California.
  • Though dates are often used as an ingredient in sweets and other recipes, they offer several nutritional benefits when eaten fresh and pitted.
  • Won't raise blood sugar.
  • One of the main reasons people avoid eating dates is the belief that they will raise their blood sugar levels.
  • But study shows that while dates contain high amounts of natural sugars.
  • They are actually a low-glycemic index food and did not significantly raise blood sugar levels after they were eaten.
  • If you are diabetic, speak to your doctor before adding dates to your diet so that you can monitor your blood sugar levels and determine how dates affect you personally.

Saturday, 6 December 2014

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar


  • Reduce sinus infections and sore throats
  • Balance high cholesterol
  • Cure skin conditions such as acne
  • Protect against food poisoning
  • Fight allergies in both humans and animals
  • Prevent muscle fatigue after exercise
  • Strengthen the immune system
  • Increase stamina
  • Increase metabolism which promotes weight loss
  • Improve digestion and cure constipation
  • Alleviate symptoms of arthritis and gout
  • Prevents bladder stones and urinary tract infections