Friday, 31 May 2013

HEALTH BENEFITS OF LEMON

1.Improves Immunity: 

As lemon is a rich source of Vitamin C, it helps to build immunity level and makes one resistant to infections. Drinking lemon juice in a glass of warm water with honey help to improve your resistance. Thus, one should drink lemon juice daily post lunch or dinner.

2.Eases digestion and other stomach problems: 

Those who have regular stomach problems such as indigestion and constipation should include lemon in their diet as its acidic properties provides immediate relief. Lemon aids in digestion and one can have a lemonade with soda post lunch or dinner or even if you have overeaten. It also purifies blood.

3.Hair care:

 Vitamin C is good for your hairs and thus one can use lemon to treat many hair problems. It   can be applied on the scalp to treat dandruff and other scalp conditions. You can apply lemon juice directly to your hairs as it adds extra shine to your hairs thus making them more beautiful.

4.Fever and flu: 

Lemon has been used to treat some common infections that causes flu, fever, cough, etc.

5.Skin: 

Lemon has several skin benefits and it if used by ladies for cosmetic purposes. To enhance skin radiance, drink a glass of lemon juice mixed with honey everyday. It has natural antiseptic properties thus it has been used to treat certain skin infection such as eczema. One can also reduce sun burn by applying lemon juice on affected areas. Lemon also has anti-aging properties thus one can apply this to reduce wrinkles and  blackheads. 
 
6.Oral health:


 Lemon is also used to maintain good oral health. If you suffer from gum bleeding, you can apply lemon juice to get some relief. It also helps in controlling tooth-ache. Those who have a bad smelling mouth can use lemon as it improves the condition. 

7.Inflammatory disorders:


Lemon is widely used to treat inflammatory disorders such as rheumatism and arthritis due to its diuretic properties. It antibacterial properties help passes toxins and bacteria present in your body outwards. 

8.Lowers Blood pressure: 

Lemon help in lowering blood pressure and controlling many heart diseases as it contains potassium. It also helps in relaxing the condition of nausea and dizziness.    

Thursday, 30 May 2013

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SUNFLOWER SEEDS


  • 1.They  control cell damage, thus playing a role in preventing cancer. This is because sunflower seeds are a good source of selenium, which is a proven enemy of cancer.


  • 2.They contain bone-healthy minerals. Besides calcium, your bones need magnesium and copper to stay strong. Sunflower seeds have both these minerals. As a bonus, they also contain Vitamin E, which helps ease arthritic pain.

  • 3.The magnesium in sunflower seeds is reputed for soothing the nerves, thus easing away stress, migraines and helping you relax.

  • 4.They bring a glow to your skin. Vitamin E again, which combats UV rays and keeps skin youthful.

  • 5.They ease every condition that’s inflammatory in nature, such as joint pain, gastric ulcers, skin eruptions, asthma and such. That’s because sunflower seeds are loaded with antioxidants.

  • 6.Just ¼ cup of sunflower seeds a day can keep heart troubles away. These small seeds disallow ‘bad’ cholesterol from sticking to the walls of your arteries, thus preventing heart attacks.

  • 7.They will reduce the cholesterol levels in blood  and increase the immunity power.

  • 8.High Fiber presence in this seeds will keep bowels healthy. 



  • Tuesday, 28 May 2013

    HEALTH BENEFITS OF PURPLE CABBAGE

     Cabbage is a great store of vitamin C and vitamin K. 




    The rich deep colour of this vegetable is due to a high concentration of anthocyanin polyphenols (strong dietary antioxidants, possessing anti-inflammatory properties), making it have even more phytonutrients than a green cabbage. 

    A few studies also show that anthocyanins may help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer. It is rich in anti-oxidants which makes skin supple and clear.

    HEALTH BENEFITS OF SPINACH

    1.High amount of Vitamin A promotes healthy skin
    2.Peptides in spianch lower blood pressure
    3.Powerful antioxidants like beta-carotene and Vitamin C present
    4.Vitamin K in spianch prevents break down of bones
    5.Vitamin K also promotes healthy nervous system and brain function

    Monday, 27 May 2013

    SECRET BEHIND GLOWING SKIN

    1.Take one piece of fresh pineapple sliced half an inch thick, four tablespoons cornmeal, two tablespoons organic plain yoghurt and mix it well. Apply on the face and wash after a while to get rid of dryness.

    2.Take half a cup of chopped spinach leaves, two tablespoons pure honey, two teaspoons lemon juice and mix it well to make a fine paste. Apply it on the face and wash off after a few minutes to remove tan.

    3.Make a paste with a few fenugreek leaves and use it as a face mask. You can also take some fenugreek seeds and boil them in water. Use the solution on acne scars after it cools down.

    4.Mash four strawberries and add half a teaspoon of curd. Use this mixture to scrub your face and wash off after 15 minutes for glowing skin.

    5.Massage your face with one fourth teaspoon of sea salt dissolved in two teaspoon of raw milk using circular upward strokes. Wash when dry. Skip the salt if you have acne.

    6.Mix a teaspoon of honey with one teaspoon of gram flour. Add a dash of rose water for a creamy texture. Apply this pack on your face and neck area and wash off after 15 minutes. This helps in fighting dry skin.

    7.This is a great pack for a glowing skin. Make a paste with a pinch of turmeric, one tea-spoon of honey, one teaspoon of milk and a few drops of rose water. Add aloe vera gel to the paste, mix it well and apply. Wash if off with water and pat dry.

    8.Grind some freshly grated coconut or some coconut milk and khuskhus or poppy seeds to form a smooth paste. Apply on face and neck and wash after 20 minutes. This helps in fighting dry skin.

    9.Take one ripen tomato, cut it half and impose each half to 5 minutes. Thereafter clean your face with cold water. This helps in cleaning ur skin and helps you to acquire good skin tone.

    10.Take one spoon of ghee and message your lips with it for five minutes in a day before you sleep. It moisturizes your lips. 

    These are all the secondary care for your body, but the first and best way is to drink liquids (juices, water etc.) to keep on hydrating your body and regain inner glow of your skin.

    Friday, 24 May 2013

    HEALTH BENEFITS OF CORIANDER





    1.Coriander is an excellent source of minerals like potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, and magnesium. 

    2.It is also rich in many vital vitamins including folic-acid, vitamin-A, beta carotene and vitamin-C that are essential for optimum health. Vitamin-C is a powerful natural antioxidant. Coriander leaves provides 30% of daily recommended levels of vitamin C. 

    3. Its powerful anti-inflammatory capacities that can help one deal with symptoms of arthritis. It also increases HDL cholesterol (the good kind), and reduces LDL cholesterol (the bad kind). 

    4.Coriander leaves offer great relief from stomach indigestion problems and the like. It also helps reduce feelings of nausea. Studies have shown that it has got strong antioxidant properties and it helps promote healthy liver function.

    Tuesday, 21 May 2013

    COOLING FOODS FOR SUMMER

    1.Veggies like cucumber, white pumpkin, bottle gourd, parhwal, tomatoes

    2. Leafy vegetables

    3. Buttermilk

    4. Salads

    5. Fruit juice

    6. Barley water

    7. Drink plenty of water

    8. Cooked food that is light

    9. Citrus drinks

    10. Fruits

    11. Tender coconut

    12.Corn

    13. Lassi

    14. Fruit Yoghurt

    Avoid

    1.Foods that induce heat

    2.Spicy food

    3.meat

    4.Heavy food

    5.Caffeine

    6.Junk food

    7.Aerated drinks

    Monday, 20 May 2013

    WAYS TO IMPROVE CHOLESTEROL LEVELS


    1.Decrease all oils and cooking mediums that solidify, such as vanaspati, ghee, oil or butter in your diet.

    2.Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables they reduce the effects of  harmful cholesterol on the blood vessels.

    3.If you are a non-vegetarian, try to take more of fish. Eat lean meats. Eat chicken without the skin. They should not be fried. Meat should be consumed only in small quantities and less frequently (prefer fish to fowl and fowl to flesh).

    4.Eat 20-40 gms of unsalted, nonfried nuts or fruit seeds everyday.Restrict all forms of refined sugars.Restrict refined flours preparations, for example, biscuits, breads, naans, kulchas, cakes, pastries, mathris, other confectionaries, vegetable patty available in market.

    5.Avoid tobacco. If you consume tobacco or smoke it then give it up.Work towards an ideal body weight. 


    Saturday, 18 May 2013

    Skincare for the Summer



    1. Stay hydrated. 

    Your body tends to lose a lot of moisture in the summer, so it’s important to regularly replenish the H2O. Drink a lot of water and liquids and your skin will stay soft and moisturized as well.

    2. Sun protection.

     If you can, try and stay indoors between 11am and 3pm. That’s when the sun’s rays are the strongest and can have an adverse effect on your skin. Also, don’t forget to apply that all-important sunscreen 30 minutes before you step out. If you’ve been out in the sun for a few hours, touch it up again so you’re well protected.

    3. Use a toner. 

    It’s important to keep your pores closed and skin cool by using a toner. Look for a brand that suits you or try rose water. Its natural cooling properties make it an excellent toner for the hot season.

    4. Go for a water-based moisturizer. 

    Don’t make the mistake of skipping the moisturizing routine altogether as it’s essential for your skin to remain hydrated. However, if you find your regular moisturizer too oily, go for a water-based one.

    5. Ditch those aerated drinks. 

    Most people have the tendency to reach out for an ice cold aerated drink to quench their thirst on a really hot day. However, it’s important to remember that these drinks are full of sugar that is not good for your skin or your figure. Instead drink some water, fresh lime, fresh fruit juices, aam panna (green mango drink) or coconut water to stay hydrated. It’s also best to minimize the intake of diuretics like alcohol and caffeine as they reduce the water from your system.

    6. Cleanse your face twice a day. 

    At least! This is important to do even if you’ve been home all day and feel like your skin is clean. Cleansing and moisturizing your skin before sleeping is an absolute must.

    7. Exfoliate. 

    More than the rest of the year, it’s really important to exfoliate your skin in the summer to remove dead skin and improve blood circulation to the face. Choose from any of the cosmetic scrubs available in the market or make one at home. Try this simple one using 4 to 5 tbsps of gram flour, a pinch of turmeric, 5 – 6 drops of rose water and milk or yoghurt. Mix it into a paste and use it to exfoliate your face. Follow it up with a facemask and moisturizer.

    8. Don’t like your tan? 

    Gram flour can also be used as a facemask to get rid of an uneven tan. Mix it with curd and a few drops of lemon and apply and leave it on your face till it’s dry. The citrus properties of the lemon are very effective in removing the tan.

    9. Get that warm, summer glow.

     Papaya is full of natural goodness and you can even use it as a homemade pack. Just mash 2 tbsp of papaya with a tsp of honey and 1 egg white. Leave the mixture on your face for about 15 minutes and enjoy the glow you get afterwards.

    10. Cool your skin. 

    Blending half a cucumber and 1 tbsp of curd in the mixer can make another simple and effective homemade face pack. Apply this to your face for 15 minutes and feel completely pampered.

    Bonus tip. Eat healthy, exercise and sleep well!

    The holy trinity of good health and glowing skin holds true for the whole year. So along with all the tips above, don’t forget to eat a balanced diet, work out for at least 45 minutes every day and get 7 to 8 hours of sleep.

    FOOD FOR GOOD SLEEP

    Cherries

    As per various agricultural surveys, cherries are one of the very few natural food resources of melatonin. It`s a chemical that regulates the internal clock of human body to control sleep patterns. Cherries, however, are not available round the year and hence, you can find a good substitute in dried cherries or its juice. To get more effects, one must eat cherries about an hour before bedtime. Grapes are another source of melatonin chemical, but is found in lesser amount as compared to cherries. So, if you are eating grapes instead, you have to eat more so as to get the same effect as cherries.

    Bananas
    Bananas are a rich source of magnesium and potassium which contain L-tryptophan, the amino acid that turns into 5-HTP when gets to brain and changes to serotonin and melatonin which are relaxing neurotransmitters. The natural muscle relaxing qualities in bananas make them the perfect food to intake before going to bed.

    Oatmeal
    Oatmeal is a complex carbohydrate and has the same effect as toast, however, the good part about oatmeal is that it is easier to digest and comes with plenty of other health benefits. It`s a rich source of vitamin B6 which is an anti-stress and relaxing vitamin as well as melatonin. Oatmeal can be comfortably found in your kitchen shelf. Just like oatmeal, pumpkin seed powder also helps in inducing sleep.

    Thursday, 16 May 2013

    HERBS FOR CHOLESTEROL CONTROLLING

    Unhealthy lifestyle and eating outdoors regularly can increase your risk of heart diseases. One way to maintain a healthy heart is to increase good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol. 

    Cholesterol is something that the body needs to build and maintain cellular health. 

    There are two kinds of cholesterol and they are:

    LDL - this is the "bad" cholesterol that can cling to arterial walls and create blockages that result in strokes and heart attacks.

    HDL - this is the good type that is going to actually protect you from heart disease.

    We get cholesterol from our foods, but our bodies can also make it too. Hence this leads to high levels of cholesterol in the arteries.

    Certain herbs can lower high cholesterol. These are:

    1.Garlic: 

    Garlic is the most common herb that is used in Indian cooking and no dish tastes the same without it. Having two to three garlic cloves a day can break down bad cholesterol and free it from the arterial walls.

    2.Coriander: 

    This green herb adds freshness, flavour and colour to any meal. Coriander is a diuretic that will flush out waste and even excess cholesterol.

    3.Tulsi: 

    Tulsi disintegrates cholesterol from the arteries and washes it from the body.

    FOOD TO PROTECT HEART

    1. Black beans: 

    Black beans are packed with folate, antioxidants, magnesium which are good for lowering blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. This in turn keeps your heart in safe zone. 

    2. Salmon and tuna: 

    These two fish are rich in anti-oxidants and omega-3, two important candidates who help heart.

    3. Walnuts: 

    A handful of them a day helps lower your cholesterol and reduce inflammation in the arteries. Replace them as mid-meal snacks instead of chips etc.

    4. Oranges: 

    They contain cholesterol-fighting pectin. The fruit is also rich in potassium that helps control blood pressure. Antioxidant hesperidin also helps lower blood pressure.

    5. Carrots: 

    Though sweet, they are good to control diabetes, which increases heart attack risk. They also help fight bad cholesterol.

    6. Sweet potatoes: 

    They are rich in vitamin A, fiber and lycopene making them a healthy substitute for the white brethren.

    7. Oats: 

    Oats in all forms help your heart by lowering bad cholesterol.

    8. Chilli powder: 

    Difficult to believe, but these Indian tasty spice actually protects heart and body from diabetes with its ability to spike up the natural insulin levels in the body.

    Tuesday, 14 May 2013

    HEALTH BENEFITS OF BEETROOT JUICE


    Daily intake of beetroot juice can provide you with a variety of health benefits. It contains a host of nutritional compounds like magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium and calcium as well as small amounts of copper, selenium, zinc, iron and manganese. It can be consumed easily either cooked, or in salad or in the form of juice as one wishes too.

    Here are a few health benefits of the beetroot juice:


    1.A cup of beetroot juice helps reduce blood pressure level.

    2.Drinking a glass of beetroot juice daily actually aids blood flow to the brain and halt age-related ailments like dementia.

    3.It is an amazing antioxidant and helps prevent the formation of cancerous tumors.

    4.Beetroot juice detoxifies the liver and also cures diseases of the digestive system.

    5.Beetroot juice could energise the elderly to lead more active lives as it widens blood vessels and reduces the amount of oxygen needed by muscles during physical activity.

    6.It is a very good source of folic acid and hence helps in providing protection against birth defects.

    7.Beetroot juice lowers bad cholesterol level.

    Monday, 13 May 2013

    WHAT IS LDL AND HDL CHOLESTEROL?

    Cholesterol is an integral part of each cell in the body. It is a waxy substance made naturally in the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly and it can make all it needs from some fats in the diet.

    Cholesterol may cause problems if your body makes too much or if you consume too much in your food. The extra cholesterol can deposit in the arteries and lead to blocked arteries. If an artery that supplies blood to your heart gets blocked, a heart attack occurs. If an artery that supplies blood to your brain gets blocked, a paralytic stroke occurs. Higher the cholesterol, greater is the risk of heart disease and stroke.

    Not all cholesterol is harmful. There is a "bad" kind and a "good" kind. The "bad" kind is called LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol, and the "good" kind is called HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol. The bad cholesterol tends to block the arteries, but the good kind helps to clean up this bad cholesterol inside the arteries.

    HEALTH BENEFITS OF JAMUN (NERUDU PANDU OR INDIAN BALcK BERRY)






    1.Jamun is an natural medicine given by nature to control the diabetes.

    2.The complete  tree of jamun is used for treating various disorders of the body organs.

    3.The bark, the leaves,  the fruits and seeds are widely used to cure various diseases.

    4.Antioxidents presents in jamun will increse the liver functionality.

    5.Jamun's contains sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, manganese,zinc, iron, vitamin c, A,riboflavin, nicotine ,folic acids. Iron prsents in jamun will increase the red blood cells.

    6.If you feel heavier after meals take 3 to 4 jamuns. Jamuns will improve the digation and it will reduce the body heat also.

    7.Jamun will control the high blood pressure.

    8.Mix of jamun juice and lemon juice is good medicine for migration.

    9.The powder of jamun bark is applied to control the bleeding. The fruits are effective in blood purifying.

    10.The jamun leaves contains antibacterial properties.

    11.The ash of jamun burn leaves is good for gum and teeth.

    Sunday, 12 May 2013

    FOOD FOR BETTER SKIN

    Seafood:
    The benefits of seafood are that it leaves skin smooth, clear and glowing. Fish is believed to be high in protein content and is a staple diet in the Mediterranean. Certain fishes like shellfish, salmon and oysters are brilliant for the skin. 
    Fish contains zinc, omega-3 fatty acids that are very beneficial for the skin; they reduce dryness and inflammation. The zinc also helps reduction in sebum production which is the cause of acne. It also assists cell production and removal of dead skin, which leaves the skin glowing.

    Citrus Fruits:
    The vitamin C in citrus fruits results in smooth and firm skin. It is a vital ingredient in the facial creams that we use. Consumption of vitamin-c-rich foods can tighten skin and prevent wrinkles.  It can also reduce inflammation. Sprouts are also rich in vitamin C.

    Red and Green Vegetables:
    Vitamin A present in red and green vegetables result in bright and smooth skin. Foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach etc are a good source of Vitamin A and hence, are very good for the skin. It reduces cell damage and also reduces premature ageing. Mangoes too are rich in Vitamin A.

    Nuts:
    Being rich in Vitamin E, nuts help skin look young and soft. Almonds in particular are very beneficial as antioxidants. It protects the skin from being damaged owing to UV-sunlight. Nuts help skin hold moisture and prevent it from getting dry. 
    Almonds, pistachios and walnuts also provide a nice supply of omega-3 fatty acids, another great skin nutrient.

    Whole Grains:
    Rutin and B-vitamins leave you with clear and moisturized skin. Whole grain is a source of antioxidant rutin, and thus helps combat inflammation and skin damage. Wheat germ has the B-vitamin biotin, helping cells in processing fats, the lack of which could cause skin to become scaly and dry.

    Saturday, 11 May 2013

    TIPS FOR GLOWING SKIN


    1.Take one piece of fresh pineapple sliced half an inch thick, four tablespoons cornmeal, two tablespoons organic plain yoghurt and mix it well. Apply on the face and wash after a while to get rid of dryness.

    2.Take half a cup of chopped spinach leaves, two tablespoons pure honey, two teaspoons lemon juice and mix it well to make a fine paste. Apply it on the face and wash off after a few minutes to remove tan.

    3.Make a paste with a few fenugreek leaves and use it as a face mask. You can also take some fenugreek seeds and boil them in water. Use the solution on acne scars after it cools down.

    .4.Mash four strawberries and add half a teaspoon of curd. Use this mixture to scrub your face and wash off after 15 minutes for glowing skin.

    5.Massage your face with one fourth teaspoon of sea salt dissolved in two teaspoon of raw milk using circular upward strokes. Wash when dry. Skip the salt if you have acne.

    6.Mix a teaspoon of honey with one teaspoon of gram flour. Add a dash of rose water for a creamy texture. Apply this pack on your face and neck area and wash off after 15 minutes. This helps in fighting dry skin.

    7.Make a paste with a pinch of turmeric, one tea-spoon of honey, one teaspoon of milk and a few drops of rose water. Add aloe vera gel to the paste, mix it well and apply. Wash if off with water and pat dry.

    8.Grind some freshly grated coconut or some coconut milk and khuskhus or poppy seeds to form a smooth paste. Apply on face and neck and wash after 20 minutes. This helps in fighting dry skin.

    9.Take one ripen tomato, cut it half and impose each half to 5 minutes. Thereafter clean your face with cold water. This helps in cleaning ur skin and helps you to acquire good skin tone.

    10.Take one spoon of ghee and message your lips with it for five minutes in a day before you sleep. It moisturizes your lips. 

    Friday, 10 May 2013

    HEALTH BENEFITS OF MANGOES


    Mangoes - the King of fruit! Apart from being incredibly tasty, mangoes are one fruit that more than one or more benefits. Here are a few benefits of the king of fruit!



    1.Weight Loss
    Mango contains vitamins, nutrients and fiber that makes the body feel full. It also helps in boosting digestive functioning of the body by burning excess calories, thus assisting weight loss.

    2.Care of eyes
    Mangoes being rich in Vitamin A help in eye care. A cup of cut mangoes provide as much as 25% intake of Vitamin A that the body needs everyday. It also combats night blindness and dry eyes. 

    3.Heat stroke 
    Much contrary to the belief that mango increases heat in the body, mango actually prevents heat stroke. Mango juice with a little water and a tablespoon of honey will reduce heat in the body and prevent heatstrokes.

    4.Immune system
    Mangoes boost your immune system due to the combination of Vitamin C, Vitamin A and different kinds of carotenoids that it contains, keeps the immune system healthy. 

    5.Diabetes
    Mango fruit and leaves too keep one healthy. For diabetic people, boiling 5-6 mango leaves, soaking it through the night and drinking the filtered decoction in the morning helps regulate insulin levels. 

    Thursday, 9 May 2013

    HEALTHY FOOD FOR HAPPY HEART

    A happy and healthy heart means a healthy life. Here are some heart healthy food ideas.

    1.Oats contain in abundance, vital nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, calcium and soluble fibre. Daily consumption of this cereal helps keep cholesterol at bay. 

    2.Kidney beans, otherwise known as black beans have a high content of magnesium that lowers the risk of heart related problems such as heart attacks, cholesterol and strokes. They are highly nutritious and incredibly light on the digestive system. 

    3.Almonds contain heart favorable mono and polyunsaturated fats that prevent the risk of heart diseases. They also help sharpen brain activity. Almonds can be consumed in multiple ways but one easy way to do it is to use almond milk in your morning coffee.

    4.Rich in vitamin E, walnuts are undoubtedly heart healthy. Some light roasted walnuts with your morning fruit juice would take good care of your muscular, blood-pumping organ.

    5.Packed with monounsaturated fat, avocados can help lower LDL levels while raising the amount of HDL cholesterol in your body. A cup of avocado has about 23 percent of the recommended daily value of folate.

    6.Legumes such as sprouts among many others are rich in fatty acids, calcium, and soluble fiber. They curb all possible heart diseases and help maintain a light and healthy diet. 

    7.For a healthy and nutritious diet, Spinach is the word! Nothing beats the greens. This vegetable could help curb heart diseases, overeating and lowers the risk of blood pressure. 

    8.Soy contains powerful phyto-antioxidants that effectively protect the blood vessels from lesions and hemorrhage. It is low in saturated fat, but it's still a great source of lean protein in a heart-healthy diet. 

    Wednesday, 8 May 2013

    TOMATOES AND ITS HEALTH BENEFITS



    Tomatoes are an incredibly versatile food. They are often considered as a vegetable, though ideally they are a citrus fruit. They are a rich source of Vitamin C and help in increasing your immunity. Not just this, tomatoes also provide several other vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus and copper, all of which are necessary for good health. The best part is that they can be eaten either raw, in salads, sandwiches or in vegetables. 


    Here are a few health benefits of this wonder fruit.



    1.Tomatoes confer protection against high cholesterol, strokes, and heart disease.

    2.Tomatoes basically have an anti-ageing affect on our body as they contain antioxidant lycopene which is easily absorbed by our body thereby leaving you with a healthy skin and hair.

    3.Since tomatoes are a rich source of antioxidants such as vitamin C and Vitamin A, these vitamins help in preventing DNA damage from free radicals.

    4.The vitamin K and calcium present in tomatoes help in building strong bones.

    5.Due to the presence of Lycopene, they are a natural source of fighting against several cancers, including prostate, cervical, stomach, colon, rectal, prostate and ovarian cancer.

    6.Tomatoes help in keeping blood sugar in balance.

    7.Consuming tomatoes can improve your vision.

    Tuesday, 7 May 2013

    What is high blood pressure?


    When the heart contracts, the blood is pumped from your heart through the arteries into your body. The blood puts a force against the blood vessel (or artery) walls. This pressure is known as systolic blood pressure. When the heart is relaxing before it contracts again, the existing pressure in the arteries is known as the diastolic blood pressure. Your blood pressure is a reading of this pressure. When that reading goes above a certain point, it is called high blood pressure or 'hypertension'. When you have high blood pressure, it is partly because your blood vessels become narrower, and more constricted forcing your heart to pump harder to move blood through your body. These changes cause the blood to press on the artery vessels walls with greater force. 

    SYMPTOMS OF HEART ATTACK

    Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and adult disability, but quickly recognizing the signs of it and seeking immediate medical care from specialists can minimize the effects of the disease or even save a life

    Five Sudden, Severe Symptoms," that could signal the onset of a stroke. 


    1.Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body. 

    2.Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding. 

    3.Sudden trouble seeing on one side. 

    4.Sudden, severe difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination. 

    5.Sudden, severe headache with no known cause. 

    Any of these symptoms can occur in a mild, fleeting way and not be worrisome, but if any one of them comes on suddenly and is quite severe, it could signal the onset of a stroke, which increasingly is described as a "brain attack," because like a heart attack, a stroke requires immediate action to improve the odds against disability and death. 

    Sunday, 5 May 2013

    Risk Factors for Heart Disease in Women



    Be it Coronary Heart Disease, Broken Heart Syndrome, Coronary Microvascular Disease or Heart Failure, the risk factors contributing to these illnesses are pretty much always the same. Some of the top risk factors are the same among men and women obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. But there are a few factors that play a larger role in the development of heart disease in women:

    1.Stress and Depression: Studies have proved that mental stress affects a woman’s heart more than a man’s. A depressed woman would often find it difficult to lead a healthy lifestyle.

    2.Smoking: is also known to be a greater risk factor for CVD in women than in men.

    3.Menopause: Lowered production of estrogen in a woman’s body after menopause is considered a significant factor for developing CVDs in the smaller blood vessels.

    4.Metabolic Syndrome: High blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglycerides and fat around the abdomen form a combination that is known to lower metabolism and is more dangerous to women than men.

    VEGETABLES FOR SUMMER


     1.Snake gourd 

    It creates a cooling effect for the body. It is useful in correcting disorders, processes nutrition and it restores the normal functioning of the system. Snake gourd helps to stimulate the production of body fluids and relieves dryness. Snake gourd is the best household remedy for heart problems. The juice from the fresh leaves is useful for heart disorders like palpitation and pain in the heart on physical exertion.

    2.Pumpkin 

    Pumpkin possesses great cooling and diuretic properties. It is also good for improper digestion and eliminating intestinal worms from the digestive system. Pumpkin contains potassium and fibre. It also controls blood pressure and sugar. It helps in curing skin diseases. It is thought to regulate blood sugar levels and help stimulate the pancreas  thus diabetics are advised to eat pumpkin.

    3. Bitter gourd 

    Bitter gourd is a cure for boils, rashes, fungal infections and ring-worm. It also helps control hypertension and diabetes, and generally increases immunity.

     4. Bottle gourd 

    As bottle gourd is mostly made of water, it helps you deal with heat and is also useful for stomach problems like acidity, which mostly occurs in summer. Bottle Gourd prevents extreme loss of sodium, satisfies thirst and helps in preventing exhaustion.

    5.Ridged gourd 

    This summer vegetable helps in purifying blood, lowering the sugar level of the blood and is also good for your stomach or digestion-related issues.

    6. Ash gourd

    It helps to keep your body cool and healthy, as it contains almost 96% water It also helps to protect you from heat stroke. Ash-gourd is loaded with nutrients. It's an excellent source of vitamin B1 (thiamine), a good source of vitamin B3 (niacin). Its high potassium content makes this a good vegetable for maintaining a healthy blood pressure. Ash-gourd is also useful in treating respiratory disorders like asthma, blood-related diseases, and urinary diseases like kidney stones.

    7. Cucumber

    Cucumber has 96% water content, which helps in keeping the body hydrated and in regulating body temperature. Cucumber also contains a lot of potassium, magnesium and fibre that work effectively for regulating blood pressure. The high water content in cucumber is very effective in flushing away the toxins from the digestive system and hence aids digestion. Regular intake of cucumber helps to dissolve bladder or kidney stones.

    HOME REMEDIES FOR HAIR LOSS


    1.Rubbing of scalp
    A vigorous rubbing of the scalp with fingers after washing the hair with cold water is one of the most effective among the several home remedies for the prevention and treatment of hair loss. The scalp should be rubbed vigorously till it starts to tingle with the heat. It will activate the sebaceous glands and energise the circulation of blood in the affected area, making the hair grow healthy.
    2.Using amla oil
    Amla oil, prepared by boiling dry pieces of amla in coconut oil, is considered a valuable hair tonic for enriching hair growth. A mixture of an equal quantity of fresh amla juice and lime juice, used as a shampoo also stimulates hair growth and prevents hair loss.
    3.Mustard oil and henna leaves
    Mustard oil, boiled with henna leaves, is useful for healthy growth of hair. About 250 ml of mustard oil should be boiled in a tin basin. About sixty grams of henna leaves should be gradually put in this oil till they are burnt in the oil. The oil should then be filtered using a cloth and stored. Regular massage of the head with the oil will produce abundant hair.
    4.coconut milk
    The application of coconut milk all over the scalp and massaging it into the hair roots is also beneficial in the treatment of hair loss. It nourishes the hair and promotes hair growth. Coconut milk is prepared by grinding the coconut shavings and squeezing them well.
    5. Onion
    Onion has also been found beneficial in patchy baldness. The affected part should be rubbed with onions morning and evening till it is red. It should be rubbed with honey afterwards.
    6.Other remedies
    Daily application of refined coconut oil, mixed with lime water and lime juice on the hair, prevents hair loss and lengthens it. Application of the juice of green coriander leaves on the head is also considered beneficial. Washing the hair with a paste of cooked black gram and fenugreek lengthens the hair. Regular use of castor oil as hair oil helps the luxuriant growth of the hair.
    7.Daily diet
    The healthy condition of the hair depends, to a very large extent, on the intake of sufficient amounts of essential nutrients in the daily diet. Persons with a tendency to lose hair should take a well-balanced and correct diet, made up of foods which, in combination, should supply all the essential nutrients. It has been found that a diet which contains liberal quantities of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables and fruits would provide adequate amounts of all the essential nutrients. Each food group should roughly form the bulk of one of the three principal meals. These foods should, however, be supplemented with certain special foods such as milk, vegetable oils, honey, wheat germ, yeast and liver.