Health Benefits of Olive Oil

Lowers Cholesterol Levels

Extra-virgin olive oil can help lower your LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, which can cause narrowing of the arteries.

The oil contains oleocanthal as well as oleuropein that protect LDL molecules from oxidative damage which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

At the same time, olive oil increases HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in the body, which plays a protective role and helps prevent unwanted blood clotting, a key reason behind heart attacks and strokes.

To enjoy the cholesterol-lowering effects of olive oil, use this oil for cooking instead of saturated fat.

Fights Diabetes

Extra-virgin olive oil is beneficial in the treatment of diabetes and can even help prevent or delay the onset of the disease.

It improves blood sugar control and enhances insulin sensitivity. Plus, the monounsaturated fats in olive oil help keep triglyceride levels in check.

A 2011 study published in the scientific journal Diabetes Care demonstrated that the Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil can reduce one’s risk of Type 2 diabetes by almost 50 percent as compared to a diet low in fats.

To manage your blood sugar level and reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes, include about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your daily diet.

DIET FOR GAS

The friendly bacteria in our guts help digest foods that our bodies have trouble breaking down. These bacteria also produce gas, usually as they digest food in the large intestines. Foods most often linked to intestinal gas include:

• Beans and lentils
• Asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and other vegetables
• Fructose, a natural sugar found in artichokes, onions, pears, wheat, and some soft drinks
• Lactose, the natural sugar found in milk
• Fruits, oat bran, peas, and other foods high in soluble fiber, which gets digested in your large intestine
• Corn, pasta, potatoes, and other foods rich in starch
• Sorbitol, the artificial sweetener
• Whole grains, such as brown rice, oatmeal, and whole wheat

That list covers a whole lot of healthy food, but you don’t have to severely restrict your diet. Most likely just a few give you gas. Some people have problems digesting milk. Others don’t. And food sensitivities may change with age. Many people develop problems digesting milk products as they get older, for instance."

Two simple steps can help you discover your problem foods.

• Keep a food diary. When you have bloating or gas, look back over the foods you’ve eaten within the last few hours – that’s typically when gas occurs.

• Experiment, one by one, with the foods you suspect. Eat one of the foods by itself. Does it give you gas? If not, wait a day, then experiment with another of your suspect foods. Keep going through the list on different days until you find the food that gives you gas.

Adjust Your Diet

The best way to reduce gassiness is to avoid foods that cause problems. If a healthy food gives you gas – such as whole grains and vegetables -- reduce the amount you eat. Then, gradually start eating more of the food – increasing the amount bit by bit over weeks – to give your digestive system time to adjust. 

BEAT EXAM STRESS WITH HEALTHY NUTRITION

1. Start with a heavy and healthy breakfast:

Oats, Muesli, Upma, Khichdi, Idlis etc are great options with a low glycemic index which provide a constant and steady supply of glucose.

2. Stick to frequent, small meals:

Loading them with three to four large meals in the day could make them sleepy and lethargic as blood is redirected to the stomach instead of the brain. Small, frequent, nutritious meals make sure that they have a constant flow of steady nourishment keeping them alert and awake. Fresh fruits/fruit smoothies/dry fruits/honey-coated nuts/ soups/ interesting salads etc are good options.

3. Include proteins in their diet:

Carbs are digested quickly whereas proteins provide the much-needed slow burn giving a constant source of energy. A breakfast rich in protein (eggs, poha, idlis, dosa, dhokla etc) increases tyrosine (an amino acid) levels in the blood and brain which help nerve cells manufacture chemicals which keep your kids alert and active.

4. Keep them hydrated:

When kids sit in the comfort of their room and probably with their AC on, they do not feel thirsty and hence end up drinking very less fluids. When dehydrated, the body and mind are dazed, restless. It is hard concentrating on studies. If they do not like drinking water that much, give them fresh fruit juices/ chaach or buttermilk/ nimbu pani or lime juice/green tea to keep them going.

5. Avoid too much caffeine:

Drinking too much coffee/energy drinks/tea/colas during exams can send your kids’ circadian rhythm in a tizzy not letting them sleep properly when they want to.

6.  Avoid too much sugar and processed foods:

Foods like chocolate, cookies etc can cause a sudden spike in sugar levels in the blood. After a while, when the stomach feels empty it could lead to craving for more such junk food.

7. Make sure they get their stress-buster foods:

During stressful times like the exams, the body’s requirement for certain water-soluble vitamins likes Vitamin B complex and C, minerals like zinc goes up. These help in the synthesis and functioning of adrenal hormones that basically are our stress-fighting hormones. Brown rice, nuts, eggs, fresh veggies and fruits can help.

8. Give them foods to increase efficiency of the brain:

Anti-oxidants like Vitamins A, C and E reduce damage to brain cells due to increased stress by fighting the free radicals. Eggs, fish, carrots, pumpkins, green leafy veggies, fresh fruits can help meet this requirement. They also help increase the body’s immunity and help reduce chances of the child falling sick during exams.

9. Don’t miss out on memory enhancer foods:

Omega 3 fatty acids found mainly in fish are required to enhance brain function and memory. It is recommended that you have atleast two servings of Salmon (rawas fish), herring (bhing) or mackerel (bangda) per week. For restricting calories, they are best eaten grilled, shallow fried with very little oil or baked. If you do not eat fish or do not have access to good fish, add ground flax seeds (alsi), pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds (til), soyabean oil, canola oil to your diet. Omega 3 fatty acid supplements are also available.

10. Avoid eating outside food during exams:

Exams being times for high-stress and low-immunity, children are highly prone for infections. So, avoid eating outside food as much as possible. If your kid really craves for it, just order stuff you have tried before from trusted restaurants you’ve tried before.

IS GHEE REALLY HARMFUL FOR HEALTH?

IS GHEE REALLY HARMFUL FOR HEALTH?

Things we don't know or don't bother to know about Ghee	Most common myths about Ghee and where you should banish them
Ghee has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Other than helping you recover from sickness, it ensures that you don't fall sick.	Ghee is fattening - Ghee by nature is lipolytic, that which breaks down fat. And this is due to its unique short chain fatty acid structure.
The anti-oxidants in Ghee make it the miraculous anti-wrinkling and anti-ageing therapy you were searching for.	Ghee is a saturated fat - It's a saturated fat, yes, but with such a unique structure that it actually helps mobilize fats from stubborn fat areas of the body. Not a saturated fat like trans-fats in your biscuits, cakes, pizza, etc.
Ghee is excellent for joint health as it lubricates and oxygenates them.	Ghee will increase cholesterol - Ghee reduces cholesterol by increasing contribution of lipids towards metabolism. Liver produces excess cholesterol under stress. Ghee helps you de-stress, sleep better and wake up fresher.
Ghee takes nutrients from your food and delivers them through fat permeable membranes like in the brain.	Ghee is harmful for heart - Rich in antioxidants, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and fat soluble vitamins like A, E, D, Ghee has just what you need for a healthy heart.
Ghee improves your satiety signal and ensures you eat the right amount of food.	Ghee is good, but must not eat it too much – Traditionally we add Ghee in each meal. The quantity at which the taste of food is best is the right quantity.

10 Foods That Burn Fat

1. Oats:

It’s not only tastes great but also reduces your hunger.

Oats contains fiber which helps and stabilizes the levels of cholesterol.

2. Eggs:

Eggs are the rich sources of proteins and low in calories.

Eggs help us to build the muscles and develop the good cholesterol.

3. Apples:

Apples are enriched with powerful antioxidants and other supplements.

Most importantly it contains Pectin which helps to reduce the fat cells in the body.

4. Green Chilies:

Green chillies contain Capsaicin which helps to develop the body growth cells and burns the calories in quick time.

5. Garlic:

Garlic contains Allicin which has anti-bacterial properties helps us to reduce the fat and removes the bad cholesterol.

6. Honey:

Honey is the best one to burn fat.

Add honey in warm water and take it daily in the early morning.

7. Green Tea:

Green Tea is the most effective one which helps you to lose weight.

It contains Antioxidants which helps and stabilizes our body weight.

Take daily 2 cups of tea for better results.

8. Wheat Grass:

It boosts our metabolism and helps to reduce the fat.

9. Tomatoes:

Tomatoes helps us to burn the fat in quick time.

It also helps us to stay away from cancer. So take tomatoes in your diet regularly.

But don’t consume tomatoes in night, may cause water retention

10. Dark Chocolate:

Dark chocolate contains Flavonoids, anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce the cholesterol levels in the blood.

It boosts the growth of serotonin in the blood and also burns the fat.

Benefits of Turmeric Milk

1. Respiratory illness:

Turmeric milk is an anti-microbial which attacks bacterial infections and viral infections. It is useful to treat illnesses related to respiratory system, since the spice heats up your body and provides quick relief from lung congestion and sinuses. This is also an effective remedy to cure asthma and bronchitis.

2. Cancer:

This milk prevents and stops the growth of breast, skin, lung, prostate, and colon cancers, since it has anti-inflammatory properties. This prevents cancer cells from damaging DNA and reduces the side effects of chemotherapy.

3. Cold and Cough:

Turmeric Milk is considered as a best remedy for cold and cough due to its antiviral and antibacterial properties. It gives instant relief to sore throat, cough and cold.

4. Arthritis:

Turmeric Milk is used to cure arthritis and treat swelling due to rheumatoid arthritis. It also helps to make the joints and muscles flexible by reducing the pain.

5. Aches and Pains:

Turmeric golden milk gives best relief from aches and pains. This can also strengthen the spine and joints in the body.

6. Antioxidant:

Turmeric milk is excellent source of antioxidants, which fights free radicals. This can cure many ailments.

7. Blood Purifier:

Turmeric Milk is considered as an excellent blood purifier and cleanser in Ayurvedic tradition. It can revitalize and boost blood circulation in the body.  It is also a blood thinner that cleanses the lymphatic system and blood vessels from all impurities.

8. Liver Detox:

Turmeric milk is a natural liver detoxifier and blood purifier that boosts liver function. It supports the liver and cleanses the lymphatic system.

9. Bone Health:

Turmeric milk is a good source of calcium which is a must to keep the bones healthy and strong. Turmeric milk lowers bone loss and osteoporosis.

10. Digestive Health:

It is a powerful antiseptic that promotes intestinal health and treats stomach ulcers and colitis. This helps in better digestive health and prevents ulcers, diarrhea and indigestion.

11. Menstrual Cramps:

Turmeric milk works wonder as it is antispasmodic that eases menstrual cramps and pain. Pregnant women should take golden turmeric milk for easy delivery, post partum recovery, improved lactation and faster contraction of ovaries.

12. Rash and Skin Redness:

Cleopatra took turmeric milk baths for soft, supple and glowing skin. Similarly, drink turmeric milk for glowing skin. Soak turmeric milk in a cotton ball; apply on the affected area for 15 minutes to reduce skin redness and blotchy patches. This will make the skin more radiant and glowing than before.

FOODS TO PREVENT HAIR FALL

1. Spinach: Spinach is a great source of iron, vitamin A and C and protein. Iron deficiency is the main cause of hair fall and spinach is not only iron-rich, it also contains sebum which acts as a natural conditioner for hair. It also provides us with omega-3 acid, magnesium, potassium, calcium and iron. These help in maintaining a healthy scalp and lustrous hair.

2. Carrots and Sweet Potatoes: Sneak carrots in your diet for those long and lustrous locks. Known to be good for the eyes, carrots contain Vitamin A that also improves hair growth. Sweet potatoes are also packed with beta-carotene that converts to vitamin A in our body. A deficiency of vitamin A may lead to dry and itchy scalp.

3. Eggs and Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs etc. are loaded with essential nutrients such as proteins, Vitamin B12, iron, zinc and Omega 6 fatty acids. Dairy products are also a great source of biotin (Vitamin B7) that is known to fight hair loss.

4. Oats: Include a big bowl of oats in your morning meal to bid goodbye to hair fall. Oats are rich in fibre, zinc, iron, omega-6 fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that stimulate hair growth and will make your hair thick and healthy.

5. Walnuts: Add walnuts to your diet to prevent hair loss. It is the only known nut to contain biotin, B vitamins (B1, B6 and B9), Vitamin E, plenty of protein and magnesium, all of which strengthen hair cuticles and nourish the scalp. It helps protect your cells from DNA damage which may be caused due to sun exposure.

6. Lentils: Lentils are loaded with protein, iron, zinc, and biotin. Besides this, lentils are full of folic acid which is necessary for restoring the health of red blood cells that supply skin and scalp with the much-needed oxygen.

7. Strawberry: Strawberries contain high levels of silica. Silica is a trace mineral vital for hair strength and hair growth. Other silica rich foods include rice, oats, onion, cabbage, cucumber and cauliflower.

8. Yogurt: Yogurt is packed with Vitamin B5 and Vitamin D that are known to promote hair follicle health. Alternatively, you can also use yogurt to make a hair mask every once in a while.

9. Foods rich in Vitamin-C: Vitamin C supports the absorption of iron in our body, the deficiency of which may lead to hair loss. Vitamin C is also known for their antioxidant property which reduces the damage caused by free radicals that may make your hair brittle and weak. Add fruits like oranges, papaya, blueberries, lime and kiwi to your diet. Vitamin C also helps in the production of an essential protein called collagen which strengthens blood vessels that supports the hair shafts.

10. Chicken: Poultry meat is rich in high quality protein which strengthens fragile hair and prevents breakage. Since hair and nails are composed of proteins, one should include them in their daily diet.