Tuesday 27 January 2015

Beetroot Juice Can Help Heart Patients

A recent study conducted by Wake Forest University has revealed that beetroot juice improves exercise function in heart patients. The research is based on a small group of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients who drank beetroot juice as compared to a placebo drink before exercise.

Michael Berry, chair of Wake Forest's department of health and exercise science said, “The intent of this study was to determine if acute ingestion of beetroot juice, which is rich with nitrates, prior to exercising could improve the exercise capacity of COPD patients.”

The findings revealed that those patients who drank beetroot juice were able to extend their exercise time and had reduced exercise diastolic and resting systolic blood pressures. Beetroot juice improves muscle oxygenation during exercise; it has the potential to enhance exercise tolerance during long-term endurance exercise.

Due to lack of oxygenation, is difficult for COPD patients to breathe and the condition worsens over the time. As a result, they limit their activities, become sedentary, and lose fitness and physical function. 

Also read:

Healthy and Tasty Street Foods

Friday 23 January 2015

Healthy and Tasty Street Foods

Idli sambhar: Idli is a steamed dish made from rice and black lentil. It can be eaten with chutney, vegetable stew, or sambhar. This street food is good for you as it contains no or very low saturated fat and absolutely no cholesterol. Also, 1 idli (20-25 gram) contains just 39 calories.  


Adults need 50g of protein and 225g of carbohydrate daily.

Bhutta (steamed or roasted corn): 154g of corn gives 132 calories, 29g carbohydrate, 1g fat of which 390mg is saturated fat, 5g protein, 117g water, and various types of vitamins and minerals. It contains no cholesterol. 
Corn has about 86 calories per 100 g of weight.


Fruit salad: Many of the fruits are rich antioxidants that work hard to protect our body from aging and disease. Fruits are rich in fiber that can help lower cholesterol levels and prevent constipation. They are low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.

Some fruits are high in sugar and thus diabetics should avoid high intake of such fruits.

We should be selective about where we are buying our salad from, as many street vendors don’t take care of the hygiene that can give rise to stomach infections.

Litti Chokha: It is roasted food. You can ask the seller to avoid Ghee if you want to make healthier for you.


Litti is made from sattu, which is a blend of balanced nutrients and is prepared by roasting gram or lentils. Also, sattu is high in fiber content. It has low glycaemic index and thus, it is good for diabetics. Sattu is known for its cooling property.

Other ingredients of litti are: ginger, green chili, onion, garlic, salt, lemon juice, wheat flour.
Chokha: It is made from smoked brinjals (potato optional) and tomatoes.

Baked sweet potato:  A baked medium-sized sweet potato provides 438% of your daily value of vitamin A, 37% of your vitamin C, and a quantity of calcium, potassium, and iron. Its calorie count is just 105. Also it gives 4g of dietary fiber, which is 16% of the daily value required by our body. It has no fat. Many experts call it the ‘nutritionist’s dream’.



Just go for baked sweet potato whenever you see it selling on the street. 


Steamed sprouts: Steamed sprouts are big on nutrition.




Thursday 22 January 2015

Possible Health Benefits of Drinking Beer

1. Lower the risk of developing heart failure

2. Some of the researchers found that beer lowered the risk of kidney stones.

3. Made from barley, beer contains beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber credited with lowering cholesterol levels. A 12 oz bottle of bear contains 1.3 grams of fiber. 





4. 12 oz beer supplies 3 percent of the daily recommendation of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 plays a key role in brain and nervous system functioning, as well as blood formation

5. It’s also a source of folate, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and vitamin B6. 

6.Beer is rich in silicon, which has been linked to stronger bones. According to a study done in Tufts University, men who drank between one to two beers a day had hip bone densities three-and-a-half to four-and-a-half times greater than those who don’t drink.

Also read: 

A Pint of Beer a Day Keeps the Cardiologist Away

A Pint of Beer a Day Keeps the Cardiologist Away

A recent study claims that drinking a pint of beer a day may lower the risk of developing heart failure.

Drinking up to three quarters of a pint of beer a day was found to increase vitamin B6 in the blood plasma by 30 per cent. Researchers from the TNO Nutrition and Food Research Institute in Utrechtseweg, Holland, found that the vitamin B6 prevented the buildup of homocysteine, an amino acid metabolite known to cause cardiovascular disease. The study was done on 11 healthy men aged between 44 to 59 over a period of 12 weeks.

Let’s know how beer may help your heart:
·         It raises HDL (Good cholesterol)
·         It lowers blood pressure
·         It prevents blood clotting
·         It prevents damage caused by high LDL (bad cholesterol)

Moderate drinking, not more than 1 drink a day for woman and 2 drinks a day for men, can help people keeping cardiovascular disease at bay. Heavy drinking can put you at the risk of serious health problems such as liver disease, cancer, peptic ulcer, etc.

Recommended amount:

·     One or two drinks of beer per day for lowering the chance of developing heart disease or stroke
·         Up to four glasses per day can reduce the chance of developing heart failure
·     Three drinks per day to two drinks per week have been linked with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes in healthy men
·      Up to seven drinks per week has been associated with reducing the risk of coronary heart disease in people with type 2 diabetes

One drink is equivalent to 12 oz (ounce) of beer. 1 oz is equals = 29.57 ml. 

Also Read:

Green Peas are Nutritional Boon

Lip Care Regime for Pink and Soft Lips Naturally


Wednesday 21 January 2015

Used Green Tea Bags for Beauty Benefits

We all know that green tea is the healthiest beverage. It is high in antioxidants and nutrients that can improve various functions of your body including: brain function, fat loss, lower risk of cancer, and many others. It is interesting to know that sipping green tea is not the only benefit you have; you can utilize the used tea bags to enhance your beauty as well.

The green tea bags can be used for various purposes and in various ways, you will find the following points useful:

For puffy eyes: Cool the used bags for some time and then put them over your eyes. Green tea contains polyphenol particles known as tannins. Tannins are an astringent and are able to shrink skin; making them appear fresh and tones. The cool tea bags will reduce the swelling and tighten the skin around your eyes. 

For sunburn treatment: Studies have shown that green tea helps in protecting the skin from sunburn and skin cancer, when applied directly. Place the cooled tea bags on affected area to get relief.

As face scrub: Green tea is full of potent antioxidants; it slows down the process of skin aging by neutralizing the free radicals. Also, it tightens skin. Tear the bag and take out the green tea leaf. Keep the leaf in a small bowl, add granulated sugar and water. Scrub it on your face for an incredible glow.

As hair mask: Put 4-5 used tea bags in boiling water and let it boil for 20 minutes. Leave it overnight. The next morning strain the tea bag from water. Pour the water now on dampen hair and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse it off.

Relief from acne: Green tea flushes out toxins from the skin, helps heal acne and blemishes. It contains catechins - anti-bacterial agents that suppress acne-causing bacteria. Take out the green tea from the bag and grind it with honey and baking soda to make a paste. Apply on face and wait for 10 minutes before rinsing.


For facial steaming: Boil the water with some tea bags and pour it in a bowl. Hold your face over steaming water and cover your head with a towel so that it creates a sort of tent.  Steaming opens your pores so you can cleanse away impurities from skin. Green tea steam will detoxify, hydrate, and refresh the skin.

Read:

Health Benefits of Green Tea




Tuesday 20 January 2015

Homemade Beauty Tips for Dry Skin Beauties

Dry skin is one of the most difficult skin types to deal with. It needs regular moisturizing with oil rich moisturizer to satiate the thirsty skin else the skin will dry-up soon, making it appear dull. The problem doubles up in winter, when the skin dries and dead layers flake off from the surface.

If you are dry skinned, here are some cost-effective homemade beauty tips for you:


Honey pack: Honey is boon for dry skin. Apply honey of face. Let it sit for 10 minutes and wash off. It leaves skin silky and soft. Also, it smoothens out wrinkles.

Egg yolk mask: Separate egg yolk from the whole egg. Take the egg yolk and mix it evenly with rose water, olive/castor/almond oil. Let the mask sit for 10 minutes and wash off.

Gram floor pack: Gram floor (besan) hydrates skin. Take 2 tablespoon besan, pinch of turmeric powder (if it suits your skin), 1/2 spoon honey and little milk. Make paste and apply on face. Wash off with lukewarm water for better result.

Curd pack: Take two spoon of curd and mix it with honey. Apply on face and leave for 30 minutes.

Chironji pack: Soak 1 teaspoon chironji in 1 teaspoon full cream milk 5-6 hours or overnight. Grind the ingredients in a mixer and add a pinch of turmeric. Apply the mixture all over your face and let it dry for 15-20 minutes.

Use cleansing oil: Take 2 parts of olive oil and 1 part of castor oil. Apply on affected area. Let the oils sit on your skin for at least 30 minutes. You can warm the oil for easier penetration. After that, take a towel soaked in lukewarm water, spread it on oiled area to absorb the excess oil. The process will make your skin smooth and shiny.

You should know: 
  • Castor oil penetrates the skin up to three layers. It repairs damaged skin very well.
  • Chironji provides natural oils to the skin and improves the overall texture of the skin.

Read:


Monday 19 January 2015

Health Benefits of Cucumber


Made up of 95% water, cucumber is low in calories, fat, cholesterol, and sodium; it's secret to slim and healthy body. With only modest nutritional benefits, cucumbers are great for overall heath. 

Why cucumber is important for our body:

Keeps hydrated: Made up of 95% water, cucumber is full of important electrolytes; it is a perfect food to prevent dehydration. 


Flushes out toxins & dissolve kidney stones: Water in cucumber sweeps waste products out of the body. Cucumber is known to dissolve kidney stones when taken regularly.

Fulfill vitamin needs: Cucumber contains vitamin A, B, and C. Thus cucumber boosts immunity, gives energy, and keeps us radiant.


Supplies skin-friendly minerals: Magnesium, potassium, and silicon are skin friendly minerals; they provide radiant skin when taken in required amount. 

Weight management: Since it is high in water content and low in fats and calories, cucumber keeps your weight in check.

Reduces cholesterol: Sterols, a compound found in cucumber, helps in reducing bad cholesterol from the body. 

Good for eyes: Vitamin A is required for the proper development and functioning of our eyes, skin, and immune system. Placing chilled cucumber slices on the eyes help in reducing under-eye bags and puffiness.
















Good for bones: Rich in vitamin K, cucumber is helpful in building strong bones and preventing heart disease.






Cut down the risk of cancer: It also contains lignans, which may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and several types of cancer.

Helps in digestion: Fiber content in cucumber is great for digestion.

Good for hair and nails: Silica, the wonder mineral in cucumber is good for hair and nails. It makes them stronger and shinier.

Saturday 17 January 2015

Green Peas are Nutritional Boon

The small sized peas are powerhouses of nutrition. They are boon for your health. It boosts immunity and protects from diseases.

-Very low in saturated fat, cholectrol, and sodium
-Good source of Protein, Vitamin A, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Magnesium,      Phosphorus and Copper
-A very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Thiamin and Manganese

Let’s count the benefits of pea:


Weight management:
Peas are very low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. So, it is helps in weight management. 150g of peas has less than 100 calories and lots of protein, fiber and micronutrients.

Prevents cancer:
It contains high amounts of a health-protective polyphenol, called coumestrol. 2 milligrams of this phyto-nutrient per day help prevent stomach cancer. 

Blood sugar regulation:
-Presence of high fiber and protein in peas slows down how fast sugars are digested.
-Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents in peas prevent or reverse insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes)
-Carbohydrates in peas are natural sugars and starches. There are no white sugars or chemicals to worry about. 


Immunity:
Peas contain high level antioxidants that prevent several reactions in the body that may result in serious diseases. They are rich sources of minerals: iron, calcium, zinc, copper, manganese etc. Thus, peas enhance the immune system of your body.

Anti-aging property:
It is helpful in anti-aging of the skin. Antioxidants such as flavinoids, carotenoid, phenolic acids, and polyphenols are helpful in preventing the aging process of your skin.

Fights inflammation:
Pisumsaponins I and II and pisomosides A and B are anti-inflammatory phyto-nutrients found abundantly in peas. They fight inflammation. 
  • Constant and excessive inflammation is also linked to heart disease, cancer, and aging.

Prevents constipation:
Pea has high fiber content. It improves bowel health and peristalsis; thus it helps digestive system function properly.

Good for bones
150g of peas contains 44% of vitamin K, which anchor calcium inside the bones. 


Reduces bad cholesterol:

Peas contain niacin that reduces the production of triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol (very low density lipoprotein).
  • Having a high VLDL level in body can put you at the risk of coronary artery disease, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. 
  • Higher amounts and large VLDL particles are also associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure.

Rich in folic acid:
Fresh pea are an excellent source of folic acid. It is very good for expectant mothers and new born babies. Adequate amount of folate rich foods in expectant mothers help in preventing neural tube defects in the newborn babies.

Good for eye sight:
It has adequate amount of vitamin-A and anti-oxidant flavonoids like lutein, carotenes, and zea-xanthin. Vitamin A is required for maintaining the health of mucus membranes, skin and eye-sight. 


Read:

Swine Flu: 6 Fresh Cases Reported In Delhi; Symptoms & Cure


Friday 16 January 2015

Swine Flu: 6 Fresh Cases Reported In Delhi; Symptoms & Cure

Despites preventive measures taken by Delhi Govt. swine flu seems to be spreading more with every passing day in Delhi. Six new cases have been reported; the national capital has recorded 78 cases so far.

Health department has deployed 11 District Surveillance Officers (DSOs) to supervise the treatments of H1N1 cases in the hospitals. 

Four more laboratories, two each in private and government sectors will be added to the existing eight laboratories (five private and three government). One can get him/herself tested for H1N1 virus in any of these laboratories and proceed for active line of treatment.

Lets us know the symptoms, cure, and complication of Swine Flu (H1N1 virus):


Cause: Swine flu is caused by a strain of influenza virus that generally infects pigs. A common subtype, or strain, is influenza type A H1N1; this subtype also causes infection in people. The virus infect the cell linings of nose, throat, and lungs.
Swine flu is contagious. A person infected with H1N1 flu virus can infect others in the very early stage even before the symptoms develop.

It can spread like any other flu. It can spread by:
  • Saliva and mucus particles
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Touching germs unknowingly and then touching eyes or nose



Complication:
  • Worsening of chronic conditions including heart disease, diabetes and asthma
  • Pneumonia
  • Neurological signs: from confusion to seizures
  • Respiratory failure

      Also read:

Eat Almonds. Reduce Belly Fat

Thursday 15 January 2015

Natural Ways to Whiten Teeth At Home

A shining set of white teeth can make your appearance more attractive.Many people restrict from smiling and laughing due to their discolored teeth. Teeth become yellow due to many reasons: poor dental hygiene, aging, hereditary factor, high doses of some antibiotics, excessive consumption of tea, coffee, tobacco, and cigarette.

Seeking professional dental treatment is an easy choice but it can be expensive. You can experiment with some of the kitchen ingredients to get rid of yellow teeth.

Salt: Salt is the fundamental cleansing agent in toothpaste. It revives white color of the teeth by replenishing lost mineral content in the teeth.
How to use:
  • Use common salt to rub gently on your teeth after brushing.
  • You can mix baking soda with common salt for better result.
  • Don’t be harsh; else it will damage your gums and tooth enamel.

Lemon: Lemon is known for its bleaching property. If used regularly, you can get rid of teeth discoloration.
How to use:
  • Slice a lemon in two halves and rub in circular motion for 1 minute every day. Rinse carefully afterward.
  • Take ½ spoon of salt and mix with few drops of lemon juice and rub gently in teeth. Rinse carefully afterward.
  • Gargling with lemon juice daily for some time will help you get rid of tartar.

Strawberry: Strawberry is rich in vitamin C, which helps in making teeth whiter.
How to use:
  • Grind few strawberries in to paste. Rub the paste on teeth gently.
  • You can mix little baking soda with the strawberry paste.

Baking soda: Baking soda removes plaque and makes teeth sparkle like pearls.
How to use:
  • Mix ¼ spoon baking soda with the toothpaste. Brush your teeth with this mixture and rinse with warm water.
  • Combine baking soda with lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide. Use the paste to rub your teeth.

Apple cedar vinegar
How to use:
  • Add 1 part of apple cedar vinegar with 2 parts of water. Gargle or rinse with the solution every day.

Tulsi paste:
How to use
  • Grind leaves of tulsi (basil) in to paste and use it to brush your teeth.

Apple a day: Chew an apple a day. The acidic properties of the apple work wonder for teeth whitening.

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Blackheads and Whiteheads