Health Benefits of Carrots

Health benefits of eating Carrots are considered superfoods for fertility and help boost the quality and quantity of sperm. 

# Ageing

Carrots are considered anti-ageing foods as they are rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that fights free radicals.

# Boost Beauty

Carrots are rich in antioxidants and vitamin A, both responsible for healthy skin, hair and nails.

# Fight Cardiovascular Diseases

Carrots consists of beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and lutein are antioxidants that fight cholesterol. Carrots are also fibrous; hence it helps soak out bad cholesterol.

# Dental Health

Consumption of carrots improves the dental health by clearing plaque. Biting on carrots increases the production of saliva, hence balances the acid level which fight cavity-causing bacteria.

# Improves Liver Health

Carrots are considered detox food, as it cleanses the liver. Carrots help reduce bile and fat storage in the liver.

#Prevent Infection 

Raw carrot or boiled are applied on cuts and wounds as an antiseptic.

Choose bright colour carrots, smooth ones and medium size carrots as these are fresh. Carrots also contain minerals and vitamins like thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate and manganese. Carrots are also a good source of fibre, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K and potassium.

Importance of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is both a nutrient we eat and a hormone that our body makes. 

Vitamin D plays a much wider disease-fighting role. Being deficient of vitamin D can make a host of various chronic disease and infections. 

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D belongs to a group of fat-soluble vitamins the absorption that enhance of calcium and phosphate in the body. In humans, the most important compounds in this group are vitamin D3 and vitamin D2. The body can also synthesis vitamin D in the skin, from cholesterol, with adequate sun exposure. So, it is often referred to as 'the sunshine vitamin'.

Recommend Daily Allowance

The Indian Dietetic Association, in accordance with the 2010 revised data, recommends 400 IU(10 g) per day with adequate sun exposure.

Benefits of Vitamin D


# Disease prevention

Adequate vitamin D in the body prevents diseases like cancer, rickets, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease, tuberculosis, influenza, obesity, hair loss and depression.

# Vitamin D against Flu

Vitamin D improves the immune function and provides a protective shield against cold, flu and pneumonia.

# Vitamin D for Expecting Mothers

Vitamin D is important in making healthy babies with good immune functions. It also prevents risk of premature births.

Optimum vitamin D intake reduces the risk of injuries die to falls, fractures, high blood pressure and type 1 diabetes.

Vitamin D also speeds up wound healing

# Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency

The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include depression, backache, obesity, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, gum disease, premenstrual syndrome, asthma, bronchitis, hypertension and diabetes.

# Sources of Vitamin D

Mostly all the sources of vitamin D are of animal-source, so food fortifications are preferred. Foods like milk and milk products, breakfast cereals and breakfast bars are generally fortified.

Fatty fishes like tuna, mackerel, sardines and salmon are rich sources of vitamin D. 

Vitamin D is also present in moderate amounts in egg yolk, beef liver and cheese.

Health Benefits of Pineapple

Pineapple is one the best fruits to fight free radicals and is also good for those with arthritis. 

Pineapple is a unique fruit - it is actually multiple fruits fused together. When you have a slice of pineapple you experience a burst of different flavours - sweet, salty and tangy. You can eat pineapple anyway you like. For example, juice it, pulp it or make a refreshing mocktail. Canned pineapple can be a great topping for cakes and desserts. Different parts of a pineapple; skin, core etc. are used in the production of vinegar, alcohol and animal food.

Pineapple is highly rich in Vitamin C and so acts as a great antioxidant, which prevents colds and flu. It is also a good source of thiamine, B12, folate, copper and dietary fibres. A few slices of pineapple a day in your meal can work wonders for your body and it is a good choice for weight due to its low calorie content (100gm pineapple= 50Kcal).

Besides helping you lose weight, pineapple has an important nutrient that reduces arthritic pain, Bromelain is a magical component which is present in the fruit that has many health benefits. Although it is present in the entire fruit, the stem of a pineapple has the most amount of bromelain.

Bromelain extracts aid in digestion and act as an anti-inflammatory agent thus in turn it helps with arthritis pain. Bromelain extracts are now available in form of capsules. Being a proteo-lytic enzyme, bromelin helps to tenderise your meats by breaking down the protein in it, bromelain can coagulate the milk and prevent the jelly to set hence remember if you want to make a pineapple milkshake you need to cook it to destroy the bromelain content.

Moderation is the key to good health, likewise gluttonous consumption of pineapple has negative side effects. Consuming excess amount of pineapple can lead to irritation and soreness in mouth due to high acid content hence portion control is important.

Pineapple is one of the best fruits to consume this season. Hydrate, lose weight and improve your complexion with pineapple.

Home Remedies to Treat Migraine

Migraine is a neurological disorder, which is at times accompanied by nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. 

To solve your migraine problem, here are some easy home remedies:

# Ice packs

If it's difficult to bear your headache, then treat it with some cold therapy. Placing ice on your head can help to reduce your pain, because ice has anti-inflammatory properties.

# Load up in vitamin B2

Consuming at least 400 mg of Vitamin B2 helps in reducing the symptoms of migraine significantly.

The best sources of vitamin B2 are chicken, fish, eggs, legumes (like peas and lentils), milk and milk products such as yogurt and cheese, nuts, green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, asparagus, and fortified cereals also supply significant amounts of riboflavin to the diet.

# Relaxation Techniques

When you get a severe headache, try relaxation techniques like massaging your head, yoga or mediation. All these relaxation techniques help to ease neck and shoulder spasms, increases body awareness, which helps to detect and treat oncoming headache and increases your focus.

# Treat with Herbs

A warm cup of herbal tea made with peppermint or lemon balm will relieve a headache, especially one that involves nausea. Tea made from the leaves of fresh oregano or ginger also helps to relieve nervous headache.

# Acupuncture

Acupuncture is more effective than drugs in relieving the misery of migraine. However, the benefits are slow, but they are assured and last for a long time.

Health Benefits of Pomegranate / Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranates belong to the plant family Punicaceae. The leaf, fruit rind, seeds, dried bark, stem, root and the fruit itself have a host of benefits. Often called Nature's Power Fruit because of its usefulness, pomegranates are great for your heart since they are an excellent antioxidant.

# Anti-Oxidants

These help to wrangle the hoards of free radicals in your system. Free radicals have an uneven number of electrons and like to balance themselves out by stealing from other molecules and cells in your body. These cells are oftentimes very important ones dealing with your DNA, and when they are destroyed, disease steps in. Pomegranate juice is an excellent source of antioxidants that work to help you stay disease-free.

# Blood Thinner

Pomegranate juice helps your blood circulation, making it easier for blood to travel to your heart, brain, and the rest of your body.

# Cancer Fighter

Pomegranate has been known to reduce and prohibit the growth of cancer cells and tumors in your body. Pomegranate juice destroys breast cancer cells and leaves the healthy cells alone. 

# Digestion Aide

Pomegranate juice is a natural remedy for diarrhea, dysentery, and great number of other digestive problems.

# Anemia Relief 

With a high content of iron, pomegranate juice is a great home cure for anemia because it promotes higher levels of hemoglobin.

# Anti-Inflammatory

Pomegranate juice has properties that help treat sufferers of arthritis. It can also help cure a cough or sore throat.

# Neo-Natal Care

It has been proven that pomegranate juice ingested by pregnant women can help protect the neonatal brain.

# Artery Protection

Pomegranates are known to help prevent plaque from building up in your arteries and reverse previous plaque buildup. 

# Cartilage Protection

It works to prevent the deterioration of cartilage in your body.

# Cholestrol Reducer

Pomegranate juice is known to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and raise HDL (good cholesterol). 

# Stabalises PSA levels

In treatment of prostrate cancer, eight ounces of pomegranate juice every day kept their PSA levels stable thereby reducing the need for more treatment such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy. 

Other benefits include lowering blood pressure, protecting your teeth (drinking pomegranate juice is a natural way to prevent dental plaque) and even prevent cartilage deterioration.

Home Remedies to Treat Acne

Acne usually starts with blackheads, which are formed when oil along with dead cells gets stuck in your pores and turn black. The inflammation when it turns red are the unsightly pimples that all of us dread. While a regular clean-up will reduce your blackheads. 

Here are some tips:

# Take a few pieces of jaiphal (nutmeg), mix it with some unboiled milk and apply the paste on your acne. Wash it off after about two hours. 

# Make a mixture of cinnamon powder and honey and apply on your pimples before you go to bed in the night. Wash it with warm water when you wake up in the morning. Do this for a fortnight and watch your pimples disappear. 

# Not only are oranges good for overall health, you can use orange peels as a remedy for pimples too. Grind the peels, mix them with a few drops of water and apply it on your face. 

# Mix a tablespoon each of fresh lime juice and groundnut oil and apply it on your face to avoid blackheads. 

# Leave fresh mint juice on your face overnight to tame pimples. 

# Take methi (fenugreek) leaves and make a paste. Apply it every night for 15 minutes and wash it off. 

# Take turmeric powder and neem leaves. Apply the mixture on your pimples. Leave it on your face for about half an hour. 

# Take equal quantities of rose water and lime juice and apply the mixture on the affected area. Leave it on for 20 minutes. 

# Make a face-wash by adding fresh lime juice to a cup of unboiled milk and using it on your face.

# Take some tomato pulp and apply it on your face. Leave it for 45 minutes and wash it off. 

# Take a few drops of rose-water and mix it with sandalwood. Apply the paste on your face and wash it off after 20 minutes. 

Health Benefits of Grapes Juice

# Flavonoids found in grape juice raise the level of HDL (good) cholesterol. This prevents blockage of arteries and the heart remains healthy.

# Resveratrol found in grape juice prevents the formation of tumors in the body. So this prevents cancer. Purple-colored grape juice prevents breast cancer.

# By drinking this juice, the levels of nitric oxide are increased in the body which reduces  the formation of clots in blood vessels. This reduces chances of heart attacks.

# Drinking grape juice daily helps in lowering blood pressure.

# Grape juice has anti-aging properties and it also helps to reduce weight.

# Antioxidants present in grape juice repair damaged cells and also prevent them from further damage.

# Cough and acidity remain away from the person who drinks grape juice regularly.

Taking grape juice in the morning without sugar helps in curing migraine. It is a good home remedy for migraine.

#Grape juice cures blood disorders and is a very good purifier of blood. It flushes out harmful toxins from the body.

# Grape juice also cures constipation problem as it acts as a good laxative.

# Red coloured grape juice has strong antiviral and antibacterial properties. So it saves from different infections.

# Grape juice has been found to be very effective in asthma treatment due to its eminent therapeutic value.

# Antioxidants present in grape juice can help in preventing aging related problems like Alzheimer’s disease.

# The purple grape juice helps in fighting atherosclerosis .

# Antioxidants present in grape juice boost the immune system.

Health Benefits of Banana

 'A banana a day keeps the doctor away'

Bananas contain three natural sugars - 

1. sucrose 
2. fructose &
3. glucose combined with fiber. 

A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

# DEPRESSION

According to a recent survey amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

# POST MENSTRUAL SYNDROME (PMS)

Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

# ANEMIA

High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

# TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. Pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has FOUR TIMES the protein, TWICE the carbohydrate, THREE TIMES the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals.. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around.

Good Cholesterol (HDL) v/s Bad Cholesterol (LDL)

Cholesterol is associated with Heart Diseases. Not all cholesterol is bad. 

There are two types of cholesterol - 

LDL and HDL that affects the body negatively and positively  respectively.

1 # LDL: Low Density Lipoprotien is Bad Cholesterol

# LDL: If the amount of LDL is high and cholesterol gets deposited in your arteries, it is bad for you as it could make the arteries narrower.

Levels of LDL: 

The level of cholesterol is determined by a blood test done after 12 hours of fasting.

LDL: 160 - 189 mg/dL

Boderline LDL: 130 - 159 mg/dL

Sources of LDL

Saturated fats like butter, cheese, coconut oil, cream, egg yolks, poultry skin, red meat and whole milk.

Health risk associated with LDL 

LDL is responsible for angina, heart attacks, heart failure, stroke or kidney diseases.

2# HDL: High Density Lipoprotien is Good Cholesterol

# HDL: HDL transports the cholesterol back to the liver from tissues and prevents deposition in the arteries and hence is good.

Levels of HDL 

                                              Men:        above 40 mg/dL

                                              Women: above 50 mg/dL

# Sources of HDL

Almonds, canola oil, cashews, hazelnuts, olive oil , peanut butter, peanut oil, sunflower oil, avocados, soya bean and soya bean oil, walnuts, corn oil, tuna, pumpkin seeds etc. are good sources of MUFA and PUFA. Poultry without skin and fish are low in cholesterol. Cereals, fresh fruit, and vegetables contain no cholesterol.

# Health benefits of HDL Cholesterol

HDL reduces the build up of cholesterol in the blood vessels, hence helps prevent artherosclerosis and its complications. HDL reduces the risk of heart diseases, and those health problems associated with LDL.

Daily Meditation improve your Health

Meditation is simple, important technique and it can improve your health.

Health Benefits of Meditation

# Stress: Meditation can help prevent stress and slowly release pent up stress.

# Sensory Organs: Meditation opens up your senses and makes your five senses receptive.

# Reduce Anger: While reducing stress, meditation also reduces anger.

# Make Better Decision: With daily meditation, you have a calm approach and sharpened alertness and you are now better equipped to make better decisions.

# Sense of Completeness: With reduced anger, low stress levels and increased capacity at work, you will feel you can complete a lot more in your day. With a clear mind, you can think of ways objectively.

# Happiness: All these positive traits will only heighten your sense of happiness. Daily meditation ensures to fight stress and control rage hence releases happiness hormones.

# Sleep: Relaxation from daily meditation helps you fall asleep quickly and naturally. Since your mind is clear of worried thoughts you can easily fall asleep, peacefully.

Meditation

• Letting go of the anger from the past
• Letting go of the events of the past
• Letting go of all the planning for the future
• Accepting this moment
• Living every moment totally - with depth

Meditation Technique

1# Find a quiet and isolated place away from distractions.

2# Sit crossed legged on the floor and relax your hands on your knees.

3# Gently close your eyes and inhale slowly (short breathes). But you need to inhale from your nose and exhale from your mouth.

4# Slowly increase the capacity of oxygen; this will help rejuvenate the lungs.

5# Pay attention to every breathe you take.

6# You can also play slow instrumental music to help you focus and calm our senses.