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Sunday 28 February 2016

What are the benefits of Ghee?

Regular consumption of Ghee increases the Agni of the body (digestive fire), which means your body burns more calories than if you do not have ghee. Sounds good? Of course!
Ghee also has precursors of DHA (Dicosa Hexanoic Acid).This is an essential for brain development. (Remember the advertisement of a popular health drink for 2-5 year olds which has DHA?). Feed your kids Ghee and your next Einstein is on his way.
Now getting to Biochemistry. Ghee is saturated fat, yes. (But it’s like saying that anything with four wheels is a car.) Ghee has a unique structure which is highest in Short Chain Fatty Acids, which help in mobilisation of fats even form stubborn areas. Needless to say it is an excellent fat burner.
It also has high amounts of CLAs (Conjugated Linoleic Acids, which again burn fat) and Vitamins A, E and D. Meaning excellent for skin and bones.
Ghee lubricates joints, which leads to easier movements.
It is excellent for the liver since it strips off the old bile and makes the liver produce more fresh bile.
Ghee improves your satiety signals, in other words it prevents you from over-eating.

For those interested in kitchen chemistry - there is one more concept in food, based on principles of physics/chemistry.
When recipes require roasting (usually some flour) or say semolina (rava) - seen normally in traditional recipes. These recipes call for roasting using ghee rather than using oil. Eg upma, shira, kheer made of some flour, moong dal payasam, etc. The logic behind using ghee instead of oil is that ghee molecule is smaller in size compared to oil molecules. So while roasting, ghee molecules have higher chances of getting in between spaces of the item being roasted. Hence passing heat between those spaces becomes more effective. The result is better roasting and hence a well cooked dish.

The benefits of having Ghee are umpteen, however modernisation has taken a toll on the consumption of this food - GHEE!!!

What is MUFA PUFA?

There are two components of oils called as MUFA and PUFA ( I know you’ve heard these terms more than a million times)
MUFA – Mono Unsaturated Fatty Acids
MUFA will lower your cholesterol levels, provide you with Vitamin E and anti-oxidants and responsible for the oil to stay liquid at room temperature but solidify at lower temperatures.
PUFA – Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids
PUFA will give you Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which are essential for brain development and lowering of cholesterol. This prevents the oil from solidifying at low temperatures.
In short oils which solidify when chilled should be avoided because they are high in saturated fats which means bad for the heart (in other words, choose oils which are high in MUFA and PUFA) Coconut oil is an exception though.

Monday 22 February 2016

What is a wall sit?

Lets understand our fitness levels with this simple wall sit.
Stand close to a wall, palms facing the wall, and go into a squat as if you were sitting on an invisible chair.

Time your wall sit and please do share it with me.

Here's a diagram showing the basic form:


 A wall sit exercise works the entire muscular system of the lower body and as this is an isometric exercise, the endurance in our lower body muscles improves the longer we hold the position. Balancing in this position provides constant and targeted strain on the thigh muscles and increases the muscle's strength and endurance.
 Practicing this exercise makes it easier to get up and down off the floor and to use the leg muscles to lift heavy objects.
In addition, wall sits can improve performance in running, jumping and other sports activities. 


Friday 12 February 2016

When to drink water?



Today I share a simple effective way to include atleast 2 litres of water on a daily basis..

1. Start the day with two glasses of water after waking up - it helps activate internal organs
2. Drink one glass of water 30 minutes before every meal - it helps digestion
3. Have a glass of water before taking a bath - it helps lower blood pressure.
4. Last have one glass of water before going to bed - avoids stroke or heart attack. Water at bed time helps prevent night time leg cramps. Your leg muscles are seeking hydration when they cramp and wake you up with a Charlie Horse.
Make sure to drink water at these times for good health.

Saturday 6 February 2016

What are the benefits of milk with turmeric?

✅ TURMERIC & MILK ✴ 

👉 Turmeric and Milk have natural Antibiotic properties.

👉 Including these two natural ingredients in your everyday diet can prevent diseases and infections.

👉 Turmeric when mixed with milk can be very beneficial for number of health problems.

👉 This is an effective remedy to fight hazardous environmental toxins and harmful microorganisms.

📝 RECIPE for Turmeric Milk :

1.      Take 1 inch piece (FRESH) Turmeric root.
If Fresh type is not available then use 1 level tsp Turmeric Powder.

2.      150mls  or I glass Milk.

3.       Boil Turmeric and Milk for 15 minutes.

4.      Strain the milk (remove fresh Turmeric piece out).

5.      Cool it and drink this milk.

👍 Benefits of Turmeric Milk 👌

1.     Respiratory illness :

      👆  Turmeric milk is an anti-microbial which attacks bacterial infections 150 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.     Anti Inflammatory :

       👆 Turmeric milk is anti-inflammatory, that can prevent and protect arthritis and stomach ulcers.

👉 This is also known as ‘natural aspirin’ that can cure headaches, swelling and pain.

4.     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.

5.     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.

6.     Aches and Pains :

       👆 Turmeric golden milk gives best relief from aches and pains.

👉 This can also strengthen the spine and joints in the body.

7.     Antioxidant :

      👆 Turmeric milk is excellent source of antioxidants, which fights free radicals.

👉 This can cure many ailments.

8.     Blood Purifier :

    👆 Turmeric Milk is considered as an excellent blood purifier and cleanser.

👉 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.

9.     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.

10.   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.

11.   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.

12.   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.

13.   Rash and Skin Redness :

       👆 Ancient queens 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.

14.   Weight Loss :

     👆 Turmeric milk helps in the breakdown of dietary fat.

👉 This can be useful to control weight.

15.   Eczema :

       👆 Drink a glass of turmeric milk everyday to treat eczema.

16.   Insomnia :

       👆 Warm turmeric milk produces an amino acid, tryptophan ; that induces peaceful and blissful sleep


Wednesday 3 February 2016

How to reduce stress?

11 Ways to Stay on Top of Stress

1. Exercise. Believe me, they've helped me many days with my perspective. If you have to work out, then go take a brisk walk and get that blood flowing. It isn't about working out to lose weight -- it's about being healthy and staying sane.

2. Eat the real stuff. Crappy food (fast, processed, and loaded with sugar) doesn't help your chemical brain and body handle stress. Living food, real food, helps support your mind and body while it's trying to deal with the million things coming its way. Every time I reach for the chocolate, I'm looking to feel something from it. Don't get me wrong -- if it's just a little here and there because I enjoy the taste of it, great. But if I'm using it the minute I feel overwhelmed, then that's when that food is no longer OK to eat. It doesn't make the problem go away, and then I just feel bad about eating the food to pacify myself. Grab green food instead. Put things in your mouth that are going to support your immune function and keep you levelheaded.

3. Notice. Try not to let the stress overtake you. Recognize the situations that cause the stress and notice them coming your way. You have a better shot at fending off the full effects of the stress when you can anticipate it.

4. Get it off your chest. Talk to a friend or partner about the stress. Sometimes just getting it off your chest can help unload some of the burden.

5. Keep your sense of humor. If you do have the chance to talk about it, try to see the irony and humor in the wacky bits. I think someone is dead in the water once they lose their sense of humor.

6. Stay grateful. My daughter has large lungs and verbal skills she likes to display. Just when I start to wishfully think about her being quiet, I remind myself to be grateful that she can talk to me at all. In almost all of our problems are boatloads of blessings. "Oh, I don't feel like going to the gym."  Well, Amen that you have the means and the health to even be able to wrestle with the idea of going to work out. Make a habit of saying thank you. You will notice the sunny spots a lot more often, and not just the gray skies and storms.

7. Ask, "What's the hurry?"  Have some fun. We're always so busy going somewhere, we miss just enjoying the moment. If an opportunity comes your way to do something fun, take it.

8. Take a deep breath. When you feel the stress getting to you, take a moment. Get away, even if it's just for an hour, to be with yourself and your thoughts. Some people like to take a walk, meditate, lock themselves away in a beautiful bath, or go to church. Find the peace and the silence.

9. Keep it simple. Simplify where you can. Does Junior really need to be in 78 activities at the age of 5?  Do you have to go to every little party or gathering you're invited to?

10. Sleep. If you're rested, you have a better shot at handling things. Not to mention, you may not stress out as easily if you have a chance to recover at night.

11. Drink water. I have said it before: Americans consume 21 percent of their calories through liquid consumption. Hydrate with water. Help you entire system function better just by drinking enough water. Oh, and by the way, if you don't think that weight loss and proper hydration have a relationship, think again. Shift the paradigm on its side -- don't think about exercise and nutritional eating just as something you have to suffer through to get into those jeans. Instead, think of them as armor that will protect you in this crazy world, with all of the bazillion details you deal with every day.