Tag: benefits

DETOX YOURSELF

The connection between the body and mind is really strong, the way your body feels plays a great part in the functioning of your brain whether or not you experience a state of well being. Keeping your body free of toxins and other harmful nasty things will help you maintain a healthy living.

Thinking of doing a detox and wondering how to start? Detoxing the body is effective for starting a new diet plan. Detoxing with various foods that is the best way to help give your body the nutrients required also helps your digestive system to take a break from having to break down and digest food.

Are detox programs really good for your health?

Along with recommendations for detoxing comes warning, which makes the would-be-detox dieter totally confused.

1. Detoxing helps you boost energy

By cutting out the sugar, fats, Trans fat, saturated fat, caffeine and replacing them by fruits and veggies gets you a natural energy boost.

2. Help you get rid of excess waste

One of the greatest benefits of detoxing is that it helps you get rid of excess waste that your body had stored earlier.

3. Better immunity

While you are on a detox program, it frees up the organs to function the way they should. Through this it gives your body a boost and absorbs nutrients better.

4. Help to lose weight

A detox program would help you reduce weight in a short term and get rid f unhealthy eating habits.

5. Better breath

One of the contributors to bad breath is backed up colon. When you cleanse it and get your digestive system function properly, you will find your breath improves.

6. Glowing skin

You can expect a glowing smoother radiant skin at the end of your detox program, you can add sauna to your detox plan to help the body sweat out additional toxins.

7. Healthy living

A detox program is like a bridge between your old habits and new ones towards a healthy living. Once if you quit eating your weakness foods and replace those with healthier choices, you will be moving towards a healthy life.

8. Anti-aging benefit

By reducing the toxins you will see long term benefits in an increased longevity.

10 foods that will detox your body

1. Beet

It is mentioned as one of the super food. You should make an effort to include in your regular meals and definitely have it if you are planning a detox diet. It helps in making sure that the toxins you are getting out of your body are actually getting out.

2. Broccoli

Even though you are sick of seeing broccolis when health food is mentioned but actually it is a nutritional punch in a mini tree shaped veggie. It works with the enzymes in your liver to turn toxins into something your body can eliminate easily.

3. Cabbage

Cabbage helps your liver with the byproduct being lower cholesterol and also helping you expel the toxins getting them out of your system so you can start fresh.

4. Garlic

Garlic is of those crucial pieces in the puzzle of your detox plan. it helps you in boosting your immune system.

5. Ginger

Ginger has also been given the status of a virtual medicine chest, it has digestion friendly properties. It is considered as a staple in any health diet. It is one of the best detoxifying herbs as it stimulates digestion.

6. Green tea

It is great for cleansing the body from toxins and impurities. It purifies the whole to create a healthy circulation system and complexion as well. Adding a cup of green tea with each meal for daily detoxification will show improvements in health and physical appearance as well.

7. Lemon

It is very common to hear to begin your day with warm water because it improves digestion. They help to detox your body.

8. Olive oil

It is used for cleansing the colon. It has a lot of health properties and makes a good choice than most other options.

9. Turmeric

It is called the “detox diva”. Turmeric helps as liver cleanser and can rejuvenate the liver cells and recharge their capacity to break down the toxins. You can detox using a turmeric tea and substitute it for any other beverage to make the most of its health benefits.

10. Water

On a daily basis drinking water all by itself is one of the best ways to flush out the toxins. You can use any of the other detox foods along with water and get even more benefit from it.

Make sure to avoid alcohol as it has a very toxic effect on the liver and will fail your detox program. Also avoid caffeinated beverages as it can have a dehydrating effect on the body. Cut out on sweets, chocolates and sweets as excess of sugar will cause excess stress on the liver and your cleansing efforts will be a waste. Also avoid overeating as it leads to accumulation of toxins.

June 24, 2014
Mangoes: Shout out to all the Mango Maniacs
Summer is at full stretch and the scorching heat and frequent power cuts don’t make it easy to fancy this season. There are still stuffs that we do root for throughout the year. Yes! I’m talking about long vacations, hometown visits or vacationing in the hill stations! But for all the “Foodaholics”, out there awaits the king of all fruits. Yes! MANGOES!! Though age is no category for a mango maniac, still I believe that kids are best examples of the same as to them apart from joining exciting summer camps or watching TV for endless hours, mangoes do hold a special place. Have to admit watching kids eat mangoes with pulp all over hands is an off-putting yet adorable sight. They are ones who won’t count calories but would feast upon them and contest with their siblings of who had the most like a true Mango maniac! As a kid when we used to head for our hometown, the sight of mango laden trees and lots of them used to get us frantic! Even in the cities at that time the quality of mangoes available in the market used to be fine and more feasible for the “Feast contests”. Nowadays, we find it difficult to make a difference between which one is naturally and which are artificially ripened mangoes as both of them look almost alike. Well, to be honest artificially ripened looks more alluring. There are many features that set them apart like artificially ripened ones will have distinct patches of green color and their taste gives slight burning sensation in the mouth. It is said that to get the taste of natural mango one should wait for the season to set in like after April. Now to list up all the mouth watering delicacies made from mangoes, though note that this wouldn’t include any sophisticated recipes but more like a list of the best homemade “Beat the heat” and other refreshments from mango. Just to be sure Do Google the recipes for them!
1. AAM PANNA!
Refreshing drink made from raw mangoes, Aam panna is made by taking the pulp out of boiled raw mangoes and then mixing the pulp with water adding sugar or jaggery. Of course not forget, Ice! Having a chilled glass of Aam panna after an exhausting day in office or playing all day in the scorching heat surely refreshes the senses.
1. AAMRAS!
Aamras is nothing but mango puree flavored with cardamom and saffron. This refreshment goes well with Puris, Paranthas or can relished solo. Sweetened naturally doesn’t have added sugars and one can enjoy this with limited calorie intake.
1. MANGO SMOOTHIE!
Delicious summer drink prepared by blending mango pulp with almost equal amount of water and lime juice (as per preference). Sugar or sugarcane juice can be added to sweeten it more.Smoothie should be served chilled.
1. KHATTI MEETHI CHUTNEY!
As it is not so much popular than the above refreshments, so I don’t know what its market name is. Regardless in our household it has been given that name.So, it’s basically prepared by frying raw mango pieces with mustard and cumin seeds. The fried mango pieces are the poured into hot sugar or jaggery syrup and cooked for few minutes.This mouth watering chutney tastes tangy-sweet and goes well with the meals or can be enjoyed as it is.
1. MANGO MOUSSE!
One of the favorite deserts ever! Mango mousse is a light and creamy sweet dish prepared by both using egg or egg less. Prepared by blending the mango pulp with honey and cream and refrigerated for 30 minutes or so. This can be served with your favorite toppings like blueberry, tooti fruity e.t.c. In the egg version while blending, egg whites pre- cooked in caramel is added.
1. MANGO UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE!
Fan of baking? If not too, this flavorsome cake is worth every bite. Prepared like any other cake with a twisted layer of mangoes at the bottom. Top the cake with whipped cream and there you have a perfect piece of delight. Okay, so the point made Mangoes are “Kings of Fruit”. Apart of being awesomely delicious let’s see if they carry more value.

SKIN

Having acne problems? Boil a raw mango, take the juice and apply as an acne remover. Mangoes are believe it or not great cleansers and exfoliate your skin too. Add wheat flour to mango pulp and apply this mixture to clean pores in the skin from deep within. For exfoliation purpose blend peeled mango with milk and crushed cashews or oat. People with sensitive skin can use mango-milk pack for refreshing their skin without worrying about reactions. Mangoes are also known to remove blemishes and enhance the skin color because of the presence of vitamin A, C and Beta carotene.

HEALTH

4000 Years and older this fruit contains abundant levels of anti-oxidants which is said to beneficial for preventing diseases like cancer, leukemia e.t.c. It helps improving the eyesight due to presence of vitamin A. Additionally, the presence of fiber and Vitamin C helps in bringing down cholesterol and it increases metabolism.Mangoes are said to be rich in folic acid which helps in improving fertility. So, a Mango maniac yet? There is around a month more for the mango season to get over, make sure you grab a bite of delectable must haves from safe to say now an “All rounder” fruit!
June 15, 2014
Eat a food Rainbow and Colour yourself Healthy!

Aren’t this is Exciting? What is it with food Rainbow. Something that is Truly colorfully healthy! Eat a food rainbow refers that you should make sure that you have red, greens, yellows and all the bright colours on your plate. Nature is full of colours and colours are such a positivity in itself. Same as your wardrobe has so many colorful clothes and so much versatility to make you look good on your outer side, similarly your plate must have variety of eatables, fruits and vegetables of all colours to keep you good from inside. This is a very healthy choice and everyone should opt it. We choose and eat food based on their taste, their cost, and their easy availability. The manufacturers have done a great job in creating foods that are inexpensive, easy to eat, and rich in sugar, fats and oils just to make them taste good and tickle you’re your tastebuds. But, wise decision is not to fall prey to the alluring tastes rather be cautious about your choice and choose the colourful.

“Eating brightly coloured fruits and vegetables can keep you fit and healthy and protect against certain cancers, arthritis, heart disease, cataract and even premature ageing” , says Juliette Kellow
When parents choose to use rainbow as a nutritional guide, you are fortifying that your kids are benefiting a wide spectrum of vitamins and minerals and other nutrients provided by each colour group. Making a choice to eat all five colour groups and sticking to them every day is superb way to maintain the good health of your kids and yourself.
Why to eat Food Rainbow?

Now the question may arise that what is the point in having a colour in diet anyway or why to include food rainbow in your diet? There’s one word to that: PhytoChemicals, also known as Phytonutrients. These are natural chemical compounds found in all plants. They safeguard against diseases and provide health benefits in humans and plants. Phytochemicals in veggies and fruits give them their colour. Each colour has its own vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that helps in maintaining health of your family and keep it happy and prosperous. Eating a versatile fruits and veggies gives energy to the bodies of kids which help them in learning, growing playing and thriving. Different colours of fruits and vegetables signify different phytonutrients that each have, therefore using rainbow colours as a guide. It is great way of ensuring a wide range of phytochemicals in your children’s diet. A colourful rainbow diet is most appropriate way to keep a healthy body. It is one of the best defenses against cancer, chronic disease, heart disease or diabetes! So, here’s the rainbow guide to choose from the variety of colour foods in your plate from each colour group. There are so many more than you realize. Know about them and eat them everyday.

Green: The fruits and vegetables coloured green by a pigment called cholorophyll. They contain phytochemicals such as indoles and glucosinolates and nutrients such as beta-carotene, folate, iron and calcium. A good intake of these antioxidants can act as natural sunglasses and prevent age-related macular degeneration which is a leading cause of blindness and also help in protecting against cancer. You can choose from variety of green vegetables and fruits like apples, grapes, kiwi fruit, avocado, peas, spring onions, beans, spinach, Brussels sprouts, lettuce, asparagus, broccoli, leafy cabbage, cucumber, watercress, peppers, spring greens etc.

Blue/Purple: The fruits and veggies coloured purple or blue contains phytochemicals called Anthocyanins. Many of these also contain ellagic acid and proanthocyanidins. Anthocyanins helps to keep heart healthy and reduces the risk of strokes. Good intakes of anthocyanin also helps to improve co-ordination and short term memory in old age as well as better vision. Researches have also shown that proanthocyanidins may help to protect against urinary tract infections. Many fruits and veggies like grapes, blackcurrants, blackberries, grapes, blueberries, prunes, plums, raisins, red onions, red cabbage are purple or blue in colour, from which one choose according to their taste.

Red: There are two main pigments that give fruits and vegetables their red colour which are Lycopene(a carotenoid) and Anthocyanins (a flavonoid). Many of these are also rich in vitamin C. Anthocyanins present in red fruits keep the heart healthy, help in fighting cancer, improve vision and memory and avoid urinary tract infections. Tomatoes, guava, watermelon are a very good source of Lycopene, which help in protecting against cancer, especially prostate cancer. We absorb lycopene more easily when foods have been heated, so processed tomatoes are better than raw. One can choose Red fruits and veggies from among raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, pomengranates, apples, rhubarb, watermelon, guava, tomatoes, pepper, radishes and potatoes.

Orange/ Yellow: Yellow and orange fruits contain carotenoids such as beta-carotene and beta-Cryptoxanthin. They are also a good source of Vitamin C. Most yellow and orange foods are packed with beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A , so is good for vision in dim light and maintaining the skin. These fruits and veggies can be apricots, mangoes, peaches, papayas, cantaloupe, oranges, pineapple, grapefruit, galia melons, sweet potatoes, swede, butternut squash, yellow and orange peppers, pumpkin, sweetcorn etc.
All those different colours in your plate, add to plenty of textures and flavours, making meals, simply not just healthy but also more satisfying and enjoyable. Recognise, What colour is your diet?
Happy Eating is Healthy eating. Be colourful. Eat colourful.

June 13, 2014
Fun facts about honey – the wonders it can do!

The negative impacts of redefined sugar have been too many to count but this does not imply that anything that is ‘sweet’ is harmful. There are numerous natural alternatives of redefined sugar which can be obtained from fruits, vegetables and the cute little honeybee! These do not have any sort of poor effect on one’s health and rather provide nourishing nutrients to the body.

Honey has been in use since more than four thousand years. Produced from the nectar of the flowers by the bees, this golden elixir has served the mankind since ancient days. In the olden Egyptian times, it was used to heal the wounds. Honey boasts of a superpower, it can be kept for an indefinitely long period of time without it getting spoiled. The Romans and the Greeks used to honey to treat eye and skin related problems.

Following are some wonders that honey does for our health:

1. Gives the immune system a boost

Raw and organic honey is full of nutrients, vitamins, minerals and enzymes. These components of honey help your body fight away the harmful bacteria.
When you are suffering from cold, or have a cough or a sore throat, how often have you heard your mother say, “Take a tea spoon of honey, you’ll be good!” I have heard it a lot of times and trust me, it totally works. Honey is useful in clearing out your throat.
Regularly having honey mixed in warm water boosts up the immune system.

2. Decreases the risk of a heart-disease

Honey in combination with cinnamon revitalizes the veins and arteries of the heart. It also reduces the cholesterol level by 10%. This combo of honey and cinnamon is a boon for the heart patients as it reduces the risk of a heart attack, when taken on a regular basis.

3. Ups the energy levels

Honey provides the right amount of calories and energy to keep your body going. It gives an instant energy boost to the body. Athletes constantly have sports drinks for increasing their energy levels. They might provide instant energy but obviously have negative effects on the body in the long run. It has been proven that adding honey to the drinking water and consuming it during important events is as good as any energy drink you find in the market. How often do you find yourself suddenly craving for something sweet? Next time when you are in such a dilemma to choose between coffee and chocolate, instead go for the natural dose of sweetness, honey.

4. Treats indigestion

Are you the type of person to suffer from indigestion frequently? Well, honey is the best medicine for you. It is helpful in preventing acid reflux. It has certain antiseptic properties which help in relieving acidity in the stomach. It also neutralizes gases.
If you have had too much to eat, drink up a warm glass of water with added lemon juice and honey.

5. Helps you lose weight

The first thing to do when you wake up in the morning should surely be drinking a combo of warm water, lemon juice and honey in an empty stomach. It is a proven technique which helps in weight loss. It is the best possible detox solution. It cleanses the liver and removes fat and toxins from the body. The same combination can be consumed just before sleeping as well.

6. Clears up the skin

Looking for a new skincare product? Why don’t you try out some organic honey? It has anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties which moisturize the skin. Apply a dab of honey on your pimples and blemishes and leave it overnight. Wake up with a glowing and radiating skin! It prevents wrinkles and dryness. It gives your skin the kind of natural glow that no skin care brand can provide.

7. Reduces dandruff and scalp related problems

Honey can be diluted in warm water and applied to the problem areas and left on for three hours. It can later be rinsed with warm water. This relieves the constant itching in the scalp reduces scaling as well. It also helps in reducing hair loss to a great extent. I don’t need a new shampoo saying, ‘100% guarantee of no dandruff’ because I have the remedy at home!

8. Metabolizes alcohol

Have you had a little too many to drink? Vodka and whiskey all around you? It has been medically proven that an oral intake of honey would reduce alcohol blood levels, increase the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol, and thus would limit intoxication. Raise your hands for honey shots now!

9. Helps treat wounds and burns

Since ancient Greek, Egyptian and Roman times, honey has been effectively and extensively used in the treatment of wounds and burns. Thousands of years later, honey is still being used for the same. Many studies have been carried out that conform these abilities of honey. Application of honey makes the wound sterile. It can either be directly applied on to the wound or burn or can be applied in the form of a dressing which should be changed on a regular basis.

Honey helps in treating seasonal infections. It boosts up the memory. And to add to its endless uses, possesses an extremely enchanting taste! Its soft and lustrous texture plays inside your mouth. Remember its uses, apply them in your day-to-day life and notice the difference.

June 7, 2014
Say Cheese, Eat cheese, Love cheese!

Cheese… Who doesn’t crave it ? Its yum, its wow! Unfortunately, this calorie thing destroys it all, making us think whether or not to answer our craving. Sad, no? But guys, cheese is attached with so many good facts also. Yes, you heard it right. I think the only caution is to be moderate with consumption, I don’t think there is need to abandon it for the purpose of dieting. Eat in moderation. And enjoy the taste. Why stop!!! I know, there is something about cheese that in one form or other, the presence of cheese makes it presence felt- be it as it is, or on crackers, in bake or a cake, with pasta, or as a fondue. Cheese is included in so many different recipes and makes almost every dish tastes so much better than ever and that is what makes it so attractive.
The knowledge of gourmet cheeses are readily available and is steadily expanding. Specialty cheeses, especially are a highly value product. They are different because of their processing styles, supply, milk source and extraordinary packaging, also having high quality standard which makes it unique. Some of the leading specialty cheeses are goat’s cheese or organic cheese. Cheese is a protein-rich meal. The idea is not to eat more but to eat better. Mainly, there are three type of cheese:– soft, medium and hard. Several factors determine the dynamics of cheese making; these include ingredients and duration of ripening which could be anywhere from a few weeks to months or years. Cheddar and Parmesan are the most expensive. The varieties of cheese are abundant. From cheese with herbs and peppers, to smoked cheese and marbled cheese, cheese mellowed in wines, oils and vinegars, one is really spoilt for choice!
“Here’s great quote about cheese: A cheese may disappoint, it may be dull, it may be naïve, it may be over sophisticated. Yet, it remains, cheese, milk’s leap towards immortality.” – Clifton Fadima
Cheese is good for you and your health. Hand made or traditionally made cheese are more beneficial instead of processed cheese. Ofcourse, you always want to eat fatty food like cheese, but it is nice to know that eating this tasteful thing can be actually good for you. Delighted, no? Here’ how it is with the list of some benefits of this protein rich food;
Cheese is great for your teeth: As cheese has very high calcium content, and teeth needs calcium to be good, strong and healthy. The Consumption of cheese reduces plaque and stimulates saliva which helps to keep mouth clean. It has lower lactose content and that is also the reason that it maintains strong teeth as any sugar(lactose, glucose, maltose) can harm teeth. So, cheese can be first and foremost thing for dental care.

Cheese takes care of Bone health: Apart from having high calcium content, it is also rich in high Vitamin B , which is good for children, women (particularly when pregnant) and elderly people, for the formation and strengthening of bones. The vitamin B in cheese enhances the absorption and distribution of calcium in body.

Cheese induces Weight Gain: Yes, I know, people don’t want that, But for those who are underweight and malnutritioned, it can be the key ingredient in their diet to gain more weight and to have more energy. It is full of vitamins, minerals, fats, calcium and most of the body processes are improved by its eating. One just needs to eat a lot of cheese , do exercises and sleep an adequate amount.
Cheese is Energy Booster : Full Fat cheese are very calorie-densed and can serve as a full form of energy and can bombard you with energy . Alternatively, eating reduced fat cheese will give you some mouth satisfaction as eating the regular cheese can be useful snack for to keep you from weaving off your healthy eating plan.
Cheese contain Vitamins, Minerals, healthy bacteria : Most cheeses are very high in vitamins and minerals. You’ll get appropriate amounts of phosphorus, iodine. Magnesium, zinc from eating cheese as well as boosting your intake of vitamins B-2, B-12, A and D. Additionally, many cheese will improve the profile of your gut bacteria, which aid in healthy digestion, metabolism, circulation.
Cheese is good for skin and migraine: As cheese contains Vitamin B, it is excellent for skin health. It helps in maintaining good, glowing, healthy and supple skin. Also, it is helpful to cure migraine headaches as it is rich in calcium and calcium intake reduces the problem of migraine. So, now you can think of including cheese in your diet.

After all this nourishing virtue of cheese who don’t want to try it. So, Next time you go shopping in your grocery store, don’t be anxious while picking cheese from gourmet. If you love cheese, by no reasons you should condemn, rather jump on and eat but yes, moderation is important. Afterall, Excess is bad of everything.

Eat it good, Eat for good, but don’t forget to say it with big smile – CHEEEEEEEEESE ! yeah! that’s the better way. Perfect!

Simply, as I say. Good eats, Good life. Say Cheese and love cheese.

June 5, 2014