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MEDICAL BENEFITS & CULINARY USES OF BILIMBI

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Saturday, April 30, 2011 0 comments


Medicinal Benefits:
  • The juice is effective as eye drops (regarded as a magic curative).
  • Decoction of leaves or the juice of the leaves, are often consumed as a cure for venereal disease.
  • A leaf decoction is taken to relieve rectal inflammation.
  • The fruit is given to children as a protection against coughs.
  • A flower infusion is believed be effective against coughs and thrush.
  • A leaf infusion is a remedy for coughs and is taken after childbirth as a tonic.
  • The leaves are applied as poultice on itches, swellings of mumps and rheumatism, and on skin problems.
  • The fruit and leaves are applied on bites of poisonous insect.
  • Syrup made from Bilimbi fruit is taken as a cure for fever and inflammation and to stop rectal bleeding and alleviate internal hemorrhoids.
Culinary uses:
  • The juice of the fruit is popular for making cooling and refreshing drinks similar to lemonade.
  • The most common use for the fruits is a flavoring for fish and meat dishes. It also use for pickling and is substituted for mango in chutney. To reduce acidity, it may be first pricked and soaked in water overnight, or soaked in salted water for a shorter time; then it is boiled with much sugar to make a jam or an acid jelly. A quicker pickle is made by putting the fruits and salt into boiling water. This can be kept only 4 to 5 days.
Other uses:
  • The high acid content of the juice makes it a good agent for removing stains from the skin.
  • The juice is useful for bleaching stains from white clothe, and also tarnish from brass.
  • In olden days it was used for cleaning the blade of a keris, the short, wavy dagger of the Malays.
  • The juice serves as mordants (serves to fix color) in the preparation of an orange dye for silk fabrics.

NUTRITIONAL PROFILE - WHOLE WHEAT

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Friday, April 29, 2011 0 comments


In-Depth Nutritional Profile
In addition to the nutrients highlighted in our ratings chart, an in-depth nutritional profile for Whole wheat is also available. This profile includes information on a full array of nutrients, including carbohydrates, sugar, soluble and insoluble fiber, sodium, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and more.

Introduction to Food Rating System Chart
In order to better help you identify foods that feature a high concentration of nutrients for the calories they contain, we created a Food Rating System. This system allows us to highlight the foods that are especially rich in particular nutrients. The following chart shows the nutrients for which this food is either an excellent, very good, or good source (below the chart you will find a table that explains these qualifications). If a nutrient is not listed in the chart, it does not necessarily mean that the food doesn't contain it. It simply means that the nutrient is not provided in a sufficient amount or concentration to meet our rating criteria. 

To read this chart accurately, you'll need to glance up in the top left corner where you will find the name of the food and the serving size we used to calculate the food's nutrient composition. This serving size will tell you how much of the food you need to eat to obtain the amount of nutrients found in the chart. Now, returning to the chart itself, you can look next to the nutrient name in order to find the nutrient amount it offers, the percent Daily Value (DV%) that this amount represents, the nutrient density that we calculated for this food and nutrient, and the rating we established in our rating system. For most of our nutrient ratings, we adopted the government standards for food labeling that are found in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's "Reference Values for Nutrition Labeling.


Wheat, bulgur, cooked

1.00 cup

182.00 grams
151.06 calories
NutrientAmountDV
(%)
Nutrient
Density
World's Healthiest
Foods Rating
manganese
1.11 mg55.56.6very good
dietary fiber
8.19 g32.83.9very good
tryptophan
0.09 g28.13.4very good
magnesium
58.24 mg14.61.7good
World's Healthiest
Foods Rating
Rule
excellentDV>=75%ORDensity>=7.6ANDDV>=10%
very goodDV>=50%ORDensity>=3.4ANDDV>=5%
goodDV>=25%ORDensity>=1.5ANDDV>=2.5%

Los Angeles: Air pollution poses a threat to the health of about 154 million Americans or more than half of the US population, the American Lung Association (ALA).The air is so polluted in some areas that it is often dangerous to breathe, Xinhua quoted the ALA stating in its annual report on air quality across the US.

About 48 percent of US residents live in counties where smog (ozone) is too high, 20 percent live in areas where there are too many short-term spikes in pollution and six percent live in areas with harmful year-round soot (particle pollution), said the report.About 17 million Americans live in areas afflicted by all three air pollution hazards, the report noted.

The report listed California as the most polluted state, where people are breathing some of the worst air.Compared with other states, California has more polluted places, including Los Angeles, Long Beach, Riverside, Bakersfield and Fresno, the report said.Research suggests air pollution threatens human health -- and not just the lungs.

Small particles of pollution can lodge deep in the lungs, triggering an inflammatory process that, over time, can spread elsewhere in the body and damage blood vessels and the heart, said Norman Edelman, the ALA's chief medical officer.
In addition to posing both long-term and short-term risks, pollution can also contribute to low birth weights, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke and, ultimately, shorter life divs, he warned. 

SALAD RECIPES

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy 0 comments


leafy vegetablesSalads are a great way to get more vegetables in your diet. Better still, they help to fill you p so you will eat less of the more fattening foods in your dinner. You can start the meal with a salad, or use it to help fill you up after the meal, if you are still hungry. Be careful what you choose to top your salad with, and especially if you are at a salad bar. Many toppings can weigh your salad down until it contains many more fat grams and entrees than a traditional meal.
Suggested Salad Toppings
--Use diced cooked egg whites, but avoid the yolks
--Any raw vegetables, such as shredded carrots, tomatoes, squash, etc
--Canned water packed tuna
--Rehydrated sundried tomatoes (not packed in oil)
Suggested Salad Greens:
Iceberg lettuce may be a popular salad green, but it contains very little nutrients. Try a variety of lettuces and greens for a more nutritious and delicious salad. According to the USDA, Iceberg lettuce contains 13 calories per 2 cup serving. However, it contains only 7% of the RDA for Vitamins A and C. Fresh spinach leaves also contain 13 calories per 2 cup serving. However, this serving contains 81% of the RDA for Vitamin A, and 28% for Vitamin C.

HOT RED PEPPER CAN HELP BURN UNWANTED CALORIES

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Thursday, April 28, 2011 0 comments

London: Spicing up the daily diet with some red pepper can curb appetite and help burn unwanted calories, a study says.

'We found that consuming red pepper can help manage appetite and burn more calories after a meal, especially for individuals who do not consume the spice regularly,' said Richard Mattes, professor of foods and nutrition at Purdue University, who led the study. 

'Dietary changes that don't require great effort to implement, like sprinkling red pepper on your meal, may be sustainable and beneficial in the long run, especially when paired with exercise and healthy eating,' the journal Physiology and Behaviour, quoting Mattes, said.Other studies have found that capsaicin, the component that gives chili peppers their heat, can reduce hunger and increase energy expenditure burning calories. 

The current study measured the effects of the spice using quantities of red pepper -- one gram or half a teaspoon -- that are acceptable for many consumers, according to a Purdue statement. Other studies also have looked at consumption via a capsule, but doctoral student Mary-Jon Ludy and Mattes' study demonstrated that tasting the red pepper may optimise its effects. 

This study used ordinary dried, ground cayenne red pepper.Cayenne is a chili pepper, which is among the most commonly consumed spices in the world.Most, but not all, chili peppers contain capsaicin. A group of non-overweight people, half who liked spicy food and half who did not, participated in the six-week study. 

The preferred level of pepper for each group was determined in advance, and those who did not like red pepper preferred 0.3 grams compared to regular spice users who preferred 1.8 grams. In general, red pepper consumption did increase core body temperature and burn more calories through natural energy expenditure.Mattes said the findings also show that red pepper should be consumed in non-capsule form because the taste - the sensory experience - maximises the digestive process.

10 POCKET FRIENDLY HEALTHY FOODS

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Wednesday, April 27, 2011 0 comments

10 Pocket Friendly Healthy Foods

You must have heard a lot about foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Sometimes this food could be some sort of exotic algae or some fruit or vegetable that is not always available easily or it may be just a little heavy on your pocket. Now we sure do not want to go hunting for some food or spend a fortune just to seek nutrition.
Food is all around us but what is important is to selectively pick them according to their value. Now if you crave for sweets then try biting into an apple rather than feasting on pastries which is high on calories. The closer the food is to its natural state the better it will be to your health. Include a lot of fruits, berries, greens and vegetables in your diet. Try steaming veggies instead of frying to obtain its complete vitamins. And stay away from those sauces. You can try some of these fruits and veggies and can surely be guaranteed of wholesome nutrition.
Here are some healthy foods for healthy living that are easy on your wallet too:
  1. Apple: Now this is a food that we all know and thank god they are easy to find and not so much on the expensive side. Apples are low in calories and are a good source of fiber. The pectin in apples help reduce "bad" cholesterol by binding with cholesterol and fats before the body absorbs them. It also contains some vitamin C which is good for your heart. The antioxidant compounds in apple (such as quercetin, epicatechin, and procyanidin B2) helps reduce the risk of cancer. Apples can be eaten like a snack in its natural form, which is highly recommended, or they could be tossed in a green salad or a main dish salad or fruit salad. 
  2. Bananas: Now you know why monkeys just can't keep their hands off these. Bananas, one of the greatest tropical fruits, is calorie dense and is an instant energizer. It is rich in potassium and fiber. They taste great just the way they are or if you fancy a fruit salad then try adding a few slices. You can also add a few pieces for a heavenly yogurt parfaits or even smoothies. 
  3. Baby Carrots: If your body longs for some vitamin A then you need to get your hands onto some carrots which are a super source of beta carotene which gets converted into vitamin A. You can just eat them as carrot sticks or toss them in veggie platters or even as the side dishes. You can also cook them up in a stew and casseroles. 
  4. Beans: Beans are rich in protein, fiber and minerals such as iron, folate and manganese. They also help in reducing cholesterol levels in the body. Try buying beans in their dried form which is inexpensive, and include them in green salads, dry vegetables, casseroles, stews and chili. Types of beans range from 50% less sodium kidney beans and black beans to white beans and garbanzo beans
  5. Eggs: These are the most cheapest, easily available and rich in protein food. They are also a good source of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which are known to ward off age-related eye problems. Eggs can be included in breakfast as boiled, poached and fried forms. You can also cook up some spicy egg curry or even a simple egg sandwich.
  6. Lentil (dry): They are very common in India and are high in protein, magnesium and potassium. It is one of the most easily accessible pulses. It can be included in the diet in the form of soups and stews, cold bean salads, and casseroles.
  7. Yogurt: The healthy bacteria in yogurt are very much good for your digestive system. It has good amounts of calcium and protein, and is generally taken as smoothies, yogurt parfait, dips and dressings.
  8. Kale: Kale is a dark, leafy green and is loaded with vitamin C, carotenoids, and calcium. It is cheap and consumed in a vegetable curry form.
  9. Pearl Barley (dry): This niacin (vitamin B3) rich food provides numerous protective actions against cardiovascular risk factors. It also helps to reduce total cholesterol and lipoprotein (a) levels (a type of cholesterol which is associated with an increased risk for heart diseases). Barley is one of the richest sources of both soluble and insoluble fiber. It is used in soups and stews, cold salads, and casseroles.
  10. Oranges: It is a very common fruit and it is well-liked because of its easy availability all year round, dense nutrition, and it also tastes good. They are an excellent source of vitamin C and flavonoids. They also contain vitamin A, vitamin B, amino acids, beta-carotene, pectin, potassium, folic acid, calcium, iodine, phosphorus, sodium, zinc, manganese, chlorine and iron. They taste great just the way they are or you can even include them in a salad.
Food rich in vitamins and minerals are easily available. We just need to know when to buy what, so that it doesn't crunch our wallet. Always buy fruits during their season because they will not only sell cheap but also taste great.
Read more: http://www.lifemojo.com

HEALTH BENEFITS OF KOKUM

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Tuesday, April 26, 2011 0 comments

Little is known about these tangy, purple berries native to India. Used widely in refreshing drinks and coastal curries, kokum offers a wide range of medicinal properties. Read on to find out what these pretty fruits can do for you and what you can do to max out the health benefits of kokum.


Kokum (botanical name: Garcinia indica), is a deep purple fruit that is very similar to Mangosteen. The tree is native to the Western Ghats and Konkan regions of India and the fruit is commonly used in west-Indian cuisines. Various parts of the tree such as the seeds and bark of the root are used in Ayurvedic preparations since they offer a myriad of health benefits.
Dried Kokum fruit rinds are widely used in cooking as they impart a sweetish-tangy flavor to the food. The fruits contain citric acid, acetic acid, malic acid, ascorbic acid, hydroxycitric acid and garcinol.


Medicinal Properties and Application:
· Kokum fruits contain rich amounts of anti-oxidants that bind with free radicals and prevent oxidative damage to body cells. They also promote cell regeneration and repair.
· Kokum juice is especially popular during scorching summer months as it has a cooling effect on the body and shields the body against dehydration and sunstroke. It also helps in bringing down fever and allergic reactions.
· Kokum seeds contain a high percentage of oil that freezes to form Kokum butter. Kokum butter is extensively used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry as it works wonders on dry, chapped, sensitive, irritated or burnt skin.
· Kokum butter is rapidly gaining popularity over cocoa butter as an intensive skin moisturizer.
· Due to its soothing and healing properties, it is also applied directly to wounds and infected areas on the skin.
· Kokum butter is rich in healthy fats like stearic and oleic acids and can also be used as edible oil.
· Extracts from the Kokum fruit are traditionally used to relieve gastric problems like acidity, flatulence, constipation and indigestion.
· Kokum juice is a healthier and far more refreshing option as compared to commercial bottled drinks. It acts as an appetite stimulant and also has anti-helmintic properties.
· Ayurvedic medicine also uses Kokum infusions to treat piles, dysentery and infections. Kokum is known to strengthen the cardio-vascular system and stabilize liver function.
· The hydroxycitric acid present in the fruit fights cholesterol and curbs lipogenesis, thus aiding weight loss.


IS SEA SA;T BETTER FOR YOUR HEALTH THAN TABLE SALTS?

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Monday, April 25, 2011 1 comments


Sea salt and table salt have the same basic nutritional value — both mostly consist of two minerals — sodium and chloride. However, sea salt is often marketed as a more natural and healthy alternative. The real differences between sea salt and table salt are in their taste, texture and processing, not their chemical makeup.
Sea salt is produced through evaporation of seawater, usually with little processing, which leaves behind some trace minerals and elements depending on its water source. These insignificant amounts of minerals add flavor and color to sea salt, which also comes in a variety of coarseness levels.
Table salt is mined from underground salt deposits. Table salt is more heavily processed to eliminate trace minerals and usually contains an additive to prevent clumping. Most table salt also has added iodine, an essential nutrient that appears naturally in minute amounts in sea salt.
By weight, sea salt and table salt contain about the same amount of sodium chloride. Your body needs only a couple hundred milligrams (mg) a day to stay healthy, but most people get far too much — mostly from sodium in processed foods. So regardless of which type of salt you prefer, keep sodium consumption between 1,500 and 2,300 mg of sodium a day if you're a healthy adult. People with high blood pressure, African-Americans and anyone middle-aged or older should aim for the low end of that range.
Learn more: With Mayo Clinic nutritionist

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF CRANBERRY JUICE

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Sunday, April 24, 2011 0 comments


Everybody knows that fruits and vegetables are good for your health, but some fruits or vegetables are more healthy than others. Cranberries are not only delicious to eat, there are also some health benefits of cranberry juice. Cranberries are rich on vitamin C, sodium, vitamin A, calcium to name some. They have health benefits on urinary tract infection, dental care, heart diseases and respiratory disorders.
In many nursery homes it is used to treat and prevent urinary tract infections. 100% Cranberry increases the acid level in urine and this high level of acid kills bacterias and so reduce the risk on an infection. Cranberry juice also contains anti-oxidants that have a positive effect on the health of your bladder.
Scientific research has stated more positive effects on your teeth, obesity, respiratory infections and stomach ulcers. In order to produce the maximum health benefits of cranberry juice, you have to drink a 100% pure juice. You don’t want any preservatives or artificial flavors added to the juice. Watch out for some brands that you find in supermarkets because they often have only 30% real cranberry juice added with water and sweeteners. Some packages will say 100% juice but this will not automatically mean 100% cranberry juice. Therefore it is important to check the ingredients to see if it is pure cranberry juice.
For some people cranberry juice might be too bitter to drink. If you don’t like the taste of it but you want to have the benefits than there are a few options to change the taste.  One option would be mixing it with apple juice. Also choose 100% apple juice and not apple juice with a lot of preservatives. You could also try mixing it with other juices to change the flavor a little.
If you can not find a label with 100% cranberry juice than try the labels with at least 30%. Scientific research has proven that this is the level you need at least to get the most health benefits of cranberry juice.
It is only for some years that we use cranberry to treat or prevent a variety of diseases and we do not yet know the true strength of it. Therefore I can only advice for everyone to drink some regular fruit juices and drink cranberry juice once in a while. Especially for people that have regular bladder infections it is advised to drink a glass of cranberry juice daily. And if it won’t cure you, it will surely not harm you.
Reference:

BENEFITS OF JACK FRUITS

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Saturday, April 23, 2011 1 comments

Jackfruit is the name of the fruit of ‘jackfruit’ tree, which belongs to the mulberry family. It is native to southwestern India, Bangladesh, Philippines, Sri Lanka and possibly, east of the Malay Peninsula. Mainly found to be cultivated in tropical conditions, jackfruit is said to be the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, with its diameter being at least 25 cm. on the other extreme, there can be jackfruits measuring as much as 36 kg in weight, 90 cm in length and 50 cm in diameter. The best part of the fruit is that even its seeds have been found to have a high nutritional value. If you want to know more about the health and nutrition benefits of eating jackfruit, browse further.
Nutritional Value of Jackfruit
Given below is the amount of nutrients present in 100 gm of jackfruit: 
  • Sodium - 3 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates - 24 g
  • Dietary Fiber - 2 g 
  • Protein - 1 g
  • Vitamin A - 297 IU
  • Vitamin C - 6.7 mg
  • Thiamin - 0.03 mg
  • Riboflavin - 0.11 mg
  • Niacin - 0.4 mg
  • Vitamin B6 - 0.108 mg
  • Folate - 14 mcg
  • Calcium - 34 mg
  • Iron - 0.6 mg
  • Magnesium - 37 mg
  • Phosphorus - 36 mg
  • Potassium - 303 mg
  • Sodium - 3 mg
  • Zinc - 0.42 mg
  • Copper - 0.187 mg
  • Manganese - 0.197 mg
  • Selenium - 0.6 mcg
  • Total Fat - 0.3 mg
  • Saturated Fat - 0.063 mg
  • Monounsaturated Fat - 0.044 mg
  • Polyunsaturated Fat - 0.086 mg
  • Calories - 94 
Health & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Jackfruit 
  • Being rich in potassium, jackfruit has been found to be helpful in the lowering of blood pressure.
  • The extract of Jackfruit root is believed to help cure fever as well as diarrhea.
  • Jackfruit contains phytonutrients, with health benefits ranging from anti-cancer to antihypertensive.
  • The root of this fruit has been found to be beneficial for those suffering from asthma.
  • Jackfruit proves to be a very good source of vitamin C, which is known for its high antioxidant properties.
  • The fruit contains isoflavones, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, all of which are credited for their cancer-fighting properties.
  • Jackfruit is known to contain anti-ulcer properties and is also good for those suffering from indigestion.
  • Boasting of anti-ageing properties, the fruit can help slow down the degeneration of cells and make the skin look young and supple.
  • Jackfruit serves as a good supply of proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins, for the human body.
  • It is believed that the fruit can help prevent and treat tension and nervousness.
  • Since it contains few calories and a very small amount of fat, jackfruit is good for those trying to lose weight.
  • If you are suffering from constipation, regular consumption of the fruit will surely prove beneficial.
  • The root of jackfruit is said to be good for the treatment of a number of skin problems.
Reference: Health related books and articles

The Benefits of Aqua-Aerobics

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy 0 comments



Playing in water is a sheer fun. Isn't it? Oh No! You do not need to know swimming to enjoy playful moments in water! You can spend time in a shallow pool to entertain yourself and to relax your senses. And this can take a better shape if you combine entertainment with some of aquatic exercises which will be beneficial for your health.
The Benefits of Aqua-AerobicsAquatic exercises also referred to as water aerobics are nothing but the activities that are performed in water. Aquatic exercises are not just spending time in pool and kicking up and down, but it is a way to complement and enhance your regular workouts. Water aerobics also assist in the recovery process after you sustain an injury.

What are the Unique Features of Aquatic Exercises?

  • The most unique feature of aquatic exercises is that these exercises offer minimal impact. It is estimated that the rebound force offered by the ground while running or jogging is nearly 5 times the body weight. This doesn't occur in aquatic exercises. The buoyant property of water makes you to perform exercises without any significant impact. Because of this feature, aquatic exercises are very important and effective in recovery and rehabilitation.

    Injuries can severely impair your activities and can make exercise difficult. Under such a situation, exercises can increase the risk of further injuries. On the other hand, lack of exercises may affect your level of fitness! Aquatic exercises put the body in a near zero gravity environment which denotes minimal or no impact and thereby, making exercises safe to maintain fitness levels. These exercises also promote healing by improving the body's circulation. This feature is being widely used in the rehabilitation of orthopedic conditions especially arthritis which gets worsened by the heavy impacts of the weight bearing exercises.
  • In case of overweight and obese people, exercises like jogging, running and skipping put tremendous pressure on the joints. In this case, aquatic exercises are ideal to burn more calories and to maintain joint health.
  • Another feature of aquatic exercises is its variable resistance. It means, the faster and the harder you work against water, the greater will be the resistance and you will need to workout harder. So, during the recovery process, where you need less resistance and easy workout, opt for slow and gentle moves. Thus, it's up to you act, water will always return an equal resistance.

What are the Benefits of Aquatic Exercises?

Aquatic exercises offer benefits similar to what is offered by regular exercises. The unique features of water aerobics make them safer options as well.
  • Being a good form of aerobic exercise, aquatic exercises offer a number of cardio-respiratory benefits. Studies have shown that people with mild hypertension can effectively bring their blood pressure under control with regular aquatic exercise.
  • Aquatic exercises burns more calories and do not prove to be hard on the joints. Thus, it is the one of the best exercises for overweight and obese individuals.
  • Aquatic exercises can efficiently improve mobility and range of motion, thereby increasing flexibility.
  • Aquatic exercises are found to be effective in increasing muscular strength, coordination, balance and postural alignment.
  • Aquatic exercises has got therapeutic effect in relieving back pain, joint stiffness etc.
  • Aquatic exercises have a massaging and a relaxing effect which help you to fight with day to day stress.
  • Aquatic exercises are found to be relatively safe in pregnant women.
If you are overweight and want to start off with an exercise regime, then you can consider water aerobics as the safest form of workout for you! Join a water aerobics class and you will feel the joy of getting involved in a group activity. Doing workouts in a group is highly motivating and this will help you to maintain a proper exercise routine.


Read more: http://www.lifemojo.com/lifestyle/the-benefits-of-aqua-aerobics-106791016#ixzz1KKB0BtLV

Health benefits of Coriander Seeds

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Friday, April 22, 2011 0 comments


Following are some of the benefits of coriander seeds -
  • Minerals and vitamins – Coriander seeds are a rich source of various minerals and vitamins. It provides iron, phosphorus, calcium and other vitamins such as vitamins B and C.
  • Spice – Coriander seeds are dried and powdered and used as a spice and for flavoring the food.
Coriander seeds are used to cure various diseases -
  • Insomnia – These seeds are used as folk medicine to get relief from insomnia and anxiety.
  • Diuretic – Coriander seeds are used as a diuretic.
  • Stomach problems – It helps in treatment of indigestion, flatulence and diarrhea.
  • Toothache and bad breath – Gargling with coriander tea helps cure bad breath and toothache.
  • These seeds help removal of heavy metals from the body such as aluminum, lead and mercury.
  • Coriander seeds also have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Hence, they prevent infection from wounds.
  • These seeds also have anti-inflammatory properties and thus are used as a remedy for rheumatism and arthritis.
  • Its tea is used as a genital deodorant.
Note: Daily drink boiled water with coriander seeds this is a home remedies for good health


Most people include banana in their daily diet, but very few have ever though of including banana stem. The banana stem has many nutritive and health benefits. The stem is usually thrown away once the fruit is cut from the plant. So next time if you happen to find one, think of including it in your menu. Here are some good health reasons why banana stem must be part and parcel of your diet at least on occasions.
Banana stem is rich in fiber and helps weight loss.  Due to rich content, it helps body to feel full faster.  The intake of food gets reduced by including banana stem to diet.  It can be taken in the form of juice, but eating it as a whole provides more benefits. Including it once or twice a week can help people looking for ways to cut down extra pounds.
Like banana, banana stem is also rich in potassium and vitamin B6.  Vitamin B6 helps production of chemicals such as hemoglobin and insulin. Again, it improves the ability of body to fight against infection. Potassium helps effective functioning of muscles including cardiac muscles, prevents high blood pressure, helps nerve impulses and maintains fluid balance within the body.
It is a diuretic and helps detoxify the body. Some believe that banana stem can prevent and treat kidney stones. This is fact under study and the effectiveness has not been proven by the western world
It can be taken as a laxative for constipation. Again, the rich fiber content prevents constipation. It cools the body. So overall, banana stem does wonders to our body.
 How to include them in diet? Very tender ones can be used in salads and not so tender ones can be added to soups or as a steamed vegetable.
Slicing banana stem for dishes might be hard work, but it provides unmatchable health benefits.
Reference: http://healthmad.com/nutrition/amazing-health-benefits-of-banana-stem/



100 TIPS ON HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT FAST

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Thursday, April 21, 2011 1 comments


If you need to lose weight fast, you’ve come to the right place. You’ll find 100 proven free tips below to help you lose weight quickly and to keep you inspired along the way.
Dieting is no longer something to do to lose weight for a special occasion; it is a way of life. It is no longer about detracting from your lifestyle; it’s about enhancing your lifestyle and becoming healthy and fit.
Cutting calories has an upside. A study recently that showed that cutting just 15 percent of your caloric intake can substantially increase your lifespan!
Implement these diet and exercise tips gradually. If you try to jump in full force, you can become overwhelmed. Take it a few tips at a time. It might be slower, but your chance for success and losing weight will increase exponentially if you incorporate these tips at a comfortable rate.

How to Lose Weight Fast

1. Set Realistic Goals – Write down short-term and long-term goals, and keep them where you can see them. If you see your goals every day, you are more likely to reach them. Keep your goals realistically achievable. It feels great to cross off a goal when you reach it!
2. Visualize – Imagine yourself reaching your next short-term goal and your long-term goal and crossing each goal off your list as you reach it. Imagine your life when you reach your BIG goal. Imagine how you will look and how it will feel. See yourself in a new outfit at your healthy weight.
3. Pick Your “Diet” – Whether you adopt one of today’s popular diets or you create your own, have something to use as a game plan—a roadmap to keep you on track. By selecting one of “today’s” diets, you can get support on the Internet from other dieters. Just stay away from fad diets, because they don’t work for the long term, and they can damage your health.
4. Steer Clear of Diet Pills – Remember Fen-phen? Some diet pills can cause serious illness. Most are not natural and are not needed at all, so why take the risk?
5. Replace – Make a list of all the current foods you like to eat. Cross off the ones that you know are not going to help you reach your goal, and find new healthy recipes for weight loss to replace them. Print out at least 10 recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for future use.
6. Clear Out – Gut your fridge and pantry! Remove all unhealthy foods you might be tempted to eat that you listed above. Then, head to the store, and make sure to keep your fridge and pantry stocked full of healthy food at all times.
7. To Tell or Not to Tell – Some dieters tell others about their journey. Others keep it to themselves. Tell only those who will support you in your efforts. There is no point in sharing your objectives with negative people.
8. Incorporate Tips Slowly – Don’t try to incorporate all of these tips at once. That’s a sure-fire way to disappointment. Start slowly incorporating the easy tips first, then move on to the ones you find more difficult. While your short-term goal is to lose weight fast, it’s the long-term goal of health of fitness that matter most—this is a marathon, not a sprint.
9. Persistence Pays – Few people reach any goal without persistence. View each setback as a learning opportunity, and you’re on your way to eliminating unhealthy behavior.
10. Shop on a Full Stomach – Shopping on a full stomach will help to ensure that you don’t buy unhealthy comfort foods.
11. Make a List – Make a shopping list and stick to it. If you find another fruit or vegetable on sale, you can substitute, but as a general rule, stick to the list and get out of the grocery store as quickly as possible. Studies show that the more you dawdle, the more junk food you place in your cart and the more money you spend in the grocery.
12. Swear off Processed Foods – Replace processed foods with foods that you cook from scratch. Yes, fresh, healthy foods cost money, but they cost no more than expensive, fat- and sugar-laden processed Frankenfoods. Have you read the ingredients on those boxes lately?
13. Shop the Perimeter – Healthy foods live on the perimeter of the grocery store—produce, meat and dairy. The aisles are your danger zone, except for a few condiments and spices and herbs, you’ll want to steer clear of the aisles. Also avoid the endcaps.
14. Pick up Healthy Snacks – Pick up nuts, fruit, cheese—whatever your diet allows—for treats to replace candy bars and sugar-filled snacks. Keep healthy snacks on hand at all times.
15. Buy Large Meat Packages – You can make chicken stir-fry one day, sesame chicken the next day and grill some chicken for the freezer. You can also add leftover chicken to salads—you get the idea. Use the same strategy with meat, and you’ll never have an excuse to eat fast foods.
16. Don’t Fall for Low-Fat – You’ll find all kinds of low-fat cookies, pastries and other treats. When you remove most of the fat, you’re removing flavor, and you have to replace the fat with something. In this case, they replace it with sugar!
17. Don’t Fall for Veggie Chips – They’re veggie, but the vegetable is more often than not potatoes and some kind of other vegetable derivative. In essence, they’re just potato chips by another name.
18. Don’t Fall for Gluten Free – You must read the label on gluten-free products to find out what you’re really getting. They’ve replaced the wheat and other gluten products with something, and often it’s full of calories.
19. Sugar Substitutes – Avoid Aspartame, Splenda and all the other new-fangled sweeteners.
20. Approach Mealtime as an Adventure – Keep your healthy eating dynamic by trying new things and mixing up what you eat. This will help you develop a rich diet that you can stick to forever instead of a short time. The more healthy options you have, the less your chances will be of running for fast food or take out.
21. Eat More Fruits and Vegetables – Vegetables represent dense calories, that is, calories packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables are recommended daily. If you eat your vegetables first, you’re bound to lose weight. Fruits supply extra fiber and water and can provide a quick and easy snack.
22. Incorporate Color and Texture – Buy mixing green, yellow, orange, red and purple vegetables, you’ll get a wide array of nutrients. Adding texture gives you something to chew on.
23. Add Raw Foods – Raw foods pack a bigger punch nutritionally. Nutrients are always loss in the cooking process. If you can start by adding 20 percent raw foods and work up from there, you’ll quickly replace empty calories with dense calories and fiber.
24. Undercook Vegetables – There’s nothing worse than limp broccoli or asparagus. YUK! Not only are overcooked vegetables unappetizing, but they can have less nutrition. The more nutrition you get from your food, the less likely you are to overeat.
25. Add Fiber – The typical American diet contains only about half the amount of recommended fiber. By adding vegetables, nuts, whole grains and beans to your diet, you’ll automatically increase the fiber content of your diet, helping you to feel full and aiding in cancer prevention.
26. Season Food – Fresh ground sea salt and pepper, garlic, herbs, chiles and lemon juice add tons of flavor with few calories, and all that flavor excites the taste buds and helps to satisfy your hunger.
27. Cut Down on Salt – A little salt goes a long way. Replace some salt with lemon juice and herb mixtures.
28. Replace Table Salt – Throw out that blue box of table salt and replace it with sea salt, which is full of trace minerals.
29. Eat Seasonally – People are moving toward supporting local farmers and eating local food. That means that they’re eating seasonally. When you eat seasonally, you’re guaranteed the freshest produce, the produce that contains the most nutrients, and nutritionally dense food keeps your appetite at bay better than sugary empty calories.
30. Capsaicin Burns Fat – Incorporate hot peppers that contain Capsaicin into your diet to raise your metabolism. Add raw peppers to salads, omelets, etc.

31. Spice up Your Metabolism – 
Some spices and condiments aid in thermogenesis, the production of heat, which helps to burns fat. Adding ginger, peppers, allspice, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, turmeric, etc., can keep the fat burning engine in top form. Try a side of wasabi, chutney or salsa—all on the spicy side—and use garlic and onions liberally in your cooking.
32. Don’t Forget the Protein – Try to work some protein into each meal. It’s satisfying, fills you up, and it will hold you until your next meal.
33. Plan a Cook-a-Thon – When you cook healthy meals, make enough for multiple servings and save or freeze individual portions. You can have leftovers or defrost one or more frozen portions when you don’t want to cook.
34. Use Healthy Fats – Fats keep the skin supple, and used in moderation, they can enhance mealtime. Stay away from trans-fats, and stick to olive oil, coconut oil (yes, that’s right) and even butter when cooking (a little goes a long way)—those are the only fats you should use when cooking, because heat does not transform them into trans-fats. Use olive oil, safflower or sunflower oil sparingly on salads. Never, ever use margarine.

35. Eat More Small Meals – 
Instead of eating three large meals a day, eat five or six small meals a day.
36. Drink Water – Drink at least eight glasses of non-carbonated, purified water—half your weight in ounces each day. Water keeps the metabolism engine running, and drinking enough water ensures that you burn more calories each day. There is no substitute for water. If you really hate the taste of water, add a little lemon or lime juice or brew a weak green tea.
37. Dehydration vs. Hunger – When the first hunger pang strikes, drink a tall glass of water before eating. Dehydration often mimics hunger, and once you’ve killed your thirst, you may find that you’re not hungry.
38. Eliminate Stress – Stress is one of the biggest causes of overeating.
39. Uncover Food Addictions – Any food that you must have and that you cannot stop eating is most likely an addiction. If you feel bad or sleepy after eating a certain food, it’s a good bet that you’re addicted to that food. Avoid it and find a suitable substitute. Soon, you’ll lack the desire for the addicting food.
40. Always Eat Breakfast – Not only will eating breakfast get you off to a good start and stave off the mid-morning slump, but studies show that it improves learning and memory.
41. No Time for Breakfast? – Make a superfoods smoothie with one of the green drink mixes. Add a scoop of protein powder, a scoop of superfoods greens powder and mix with ice, water and fruit for a delicious breakfast drink that will keep you satisfied for hours.
42. Add Raw Veggies to Fruit Smoothies – Adding spinach, celery, etc. to your morning smoothie, supercharges it, adds fiber, and the fruits overpower the taste of the vegetables.
43. Avoid Commercial “Smoothies” – Don’t confuse a superfoods smoothie with a commercial smoothie—commercial smoothies are mostly sugar suspended in ice cream or yogurt in drinkable form. Most contain little, if any, actual fruit.

44. Eat Before You Get Hungry – 
This tip requires practice, because sometimes we get busy, and by the time we realize we’re hungry, we starving. That’s why snacks are important when you’re on a diet. You never want to go more than a few hours without food. Eating before you get hungry helps you to eat sensible portions.
45. Eating at Work – Pack your lunch and plenty of snacks for work each night. Stock the refrigerator at work with healthy snacks and make sure that you don’t run out.

46. Replace Commercial Luncheon Meats – 
Luncheon meats contain lots of nasty fillers. Buy whole turkey breasts, chicken breasts and lean cuts of meat. Roast them and slice thinly for use as luncheon meats. Freeze in small portions and defrost as needed.
47. Fake Fried Foods – Almost anything that you can fry, you can “oven-fry.” You’ll find plenty of oven-fried recipes on the Internet.
48. Avoid Liquor – Did you know that alcohol is sugar? If you must raise a (a, as in one) glass, have some red wine and tell yourself that you’re getting lots of age-defying antioxidants. The resveratrol in red wine also can help you to keep from gaining abdominal fat.
49. Replace Commercial Fruit Juice – Commercial fruit juice contains a high concentration of sugar. If you can’t stand the thought of giving up fruit juice, eat whole fruit instead so that you receive the benefit of the fiber.
50. Replace Soda – One can of soda contains a ton of sugar! Most commercial diet sodas also contain Aspertame. Squeeze one orange, including the pulp, and top it off with club soda for a refreshing treat. That way, you’re getting whole fruit and minimal sugar.
51. Replace Sports Drinks after Exercise – Drink an “electrolyte” water such as SmartWater to receive the same benefits you would from a sugary sports drink—without the added sugar.
52. Water First – Drink a large glass of water 10 minutes before meals. You will feel satisfied with less food.
53. Sleight of Hand – Trick your mind. Use smaller plates when you eat and you will be reducing portion sizes and calories. Your stomach is about the size of your fist, so it takes a very small plate of food to fill your stomach. Restaurant and fast-food meals are sized for an army, and that amount of food is neither healthy nor normal.
54. Slow Down – Eat slower. Put your fork down in between bites. Enjoy conversation with family and friends.
55. Chew Well – Digestion starts in the mouth, and if you don’t fully digest your food, you miss out on some of the nutritional value.
56. Leave Behind the Multitasking – When it’s time to eat, sit at the table and eat. Don’t stand at the counter, watch TV, pay bills, talk on the phone or work while eating. You will eat less if you concentrate your energy on eating slowly and purposefully.
57. Not So Fast – After you eat, wait at least 10 minutes before thinking about second helpings. It takes time for your stomach to signal your brain that it is full enough, which translates into not hungry. Routinely waiting 10 minutes will help you differentiate between not hungry and full.
58. Closed for the Night – Close the kitchen early so that you aren’t tempted to snack in the evenings. Wash the dishes, clean the sink and stove top, and put everything away for the night. Often, evening snacking is habitual. If you must snack, try a few nuts or a half cup of homemade, sugar-free ice cream.
59. Treats and Cheats – When the urge strikes to cheat and nothing else will do, make your cheat-treat from scratch. Yes, you’ll have to go to the store to buy the ingredients, mess up the kitchen, clean up after yourself and it could take hours. Do you still want to cheat?
60. Healthy Cheats – According to Dr. Andrew Weil, plain dark chocolate, used sparingly is the only healthy sweet. Note: sparingly is the operative word. Save for a treat when you’ve been especially good for a week or when you’ve had a terrific workout.
61. Stock up on Gum – Keep sugar-free, Aspartame-free gum around. Sometimes the act of chewing is all you really need to keep hunger at bay.
62. Supplements – Even though you’re eating healthier, it’s next to impossible to get enough nutrients from today’s food supply. At a minimum, supplement with a good multi-vitamin and extra C.
63. Maintain a Healthy Gut – According to Dr. Mercola, a healthy gut environment can aid in weight loss.
64. Stay Low – Familiarize yourself with the Glycemic Index and substitute low GI foods such as multigrain bread, apples and sweet potatoes for white bread, melon and French fries. High GI foods wreak havoc with insulin levels, while low GI foods result in stable insulin levels, which helps with weight loss.
65. Don’t Fall for the Myth of Negative Calorie Foods –Negative calorie foods use more calories for digestion than they provide—or so they say. This myth has been fully debunked. Sorry, but you’ll have to take responsibility for every morsel that passes your lips.
66. Brush Your Teeth – Brush your teeth after a meal. The mint flavor simulates the after-dinner mint, signaling the end of eating.
67. Eat Out Infrequently – Stay away from restaurants whenever possible. When eating out, check out the heart-healthy choices or stick with grilled or broiled chicken or fish. Watch out for the salad entrées, because some can have up to 2,000 calories! Pass on appetizers, dessert and liquor. Plan a “restaurant meal” at home one night each week. That way, you control the ingredients and the portion.
68. Fill up at Home – If you are going to a restaurant you know has unhealthy, tempting foods, eat something healthy before you leave so you are already full when you go. You will keep temptation under control and eat less at the restaurant.
69. To Go, Please – Ask your server to pack up half your meal before bringing your order t the table.
70. Share the Wealth – Split a large meal at a restaurant with your dining companion.
71. Control Restaurant Selection – When eating out with family or friends, try to steer them toward a restaurant with healthy food.
72. Why Exercise? – By adding regular exercise to your health and fitness routine, your diet doesn’t have to do all the heavy lifting alone. You’ll feel better once you begin to exercise regularly, and you’ll sleep better as well. In short order, you’ll look forward to your exercise routine.
73. Total Fitness – You MUST have a solid workout program for maximum weight loss and fitness—a combination of cardio, weight-bearing and stretching exercises.
74. Early Bird Gets the Worm – Work out in the morning, if possible. It will energize you for hours to come and make you feel good for the rest of the day.
75. Shake it UP – Vary your exercise routine so that you don’t get bored and so that you are constantly challenging different muscles. This is especially important when you reach a plateau in weight and body mass loss.
76. Stretch – Always begin your workouts with stretching to warm up muscles and avoid injury. End with stretching to cool down. Bursting into a full-blown workout without warming up can be stressful on your heart.
77. Walking for Fitness – Add walking to your exercise program. Start walking one to two miles a day—or whatever you can. A simple two-mile walk can help you lose lots of weight over a few months when combined with a good diet. Thirty minutes of brisk walking burns off 300 calories. An hour of brisk walking can absolve a multitude of sins when you’ve been bad.
78. Power Walking – When you do your two-mile walk, start working in a 30-second power walk every two minutes to keep your heart rate up. This will help you build up your endurance, burn more calories. Studies show that by adding 30-second bursts, you increase the effectiveness and receive the maximum benefit from your walk.
79. Hot Fun in the Summer Time – Take advantage of the nice weather. Play tennis, swim, hike, garden, go horseback riding—sneak in all kinds of summertime outdoor activities in addition to your normal exercise routine. This is also the perfect time to park your car as far as possible from the entrance to a building.
80. Winter Blues – During the winter, replace outdoor activities with an exercise bike, treadmill or elliptical machine.
81. Double Up – Find a workout partner. You’ll keep each other motivated and help drag each other out of bed on those tough mornings!
82. Get Personal – If you can afford a personal trainer a few times a week (at least when you start your workout program), this will give your workout an extra edge and ensure that you are performing the exercises properly.
83. Frequency Counts – Frequency is even more important than duration when it comes to exercise. Even short exercise periods elevate metabolism for several hours. If you (legitimately) don’t have time for a full workout, settle for an abbreviated workout rather than skipping a day.
84. Step Away from the Couch – Make your TV time count by incorporating exercise with TV viewing. Try this aerobic coordination exercise the next time you’re tempted to veg out on the couch. Raise your right knee up to your left elbow, and then alternate with your left knee to your right elbow. Start with 20 reps and work up to 100 or more reps.
85. Dance, Dance, Dance – Dancing is not only fun, but it’s aerobic and a terrific caloric burner.
86. You Snooze, You Lose – Make sure you get at least seven to eight hours of sound sleep each night to help keep you energized. One of the major causes of weight gain, other than overeating, is inadequate sleep. Sometimes evening exercise can keep you awake at night. That’s one more good reason to exercise first thing in the morning.
87. Prepare Ahead of Time – If you work out at the gym, get your bag ready the night before, and place it by the door. In fact, repack your bag when you return home from the gym and have it ready to go on a moment’s notice.
88. Ask Yourself – Every time you contemplate taking an action that you know is bad for you, take a minute to ask yourself, “Is this action taking me toward my goal or away from goal?” Make it a habit, and choosing wisely becomes easier with practice.
89. Buy an Accurate Digital Scale – There’s a big difference between 130.0 and 130.8 pounds, especially when you begin to reach a plateau.
90. Weight Once a Week – Daily weight fluctuations are normal, but they can set you up for unnecessary disappointment. You’re more likely to see real progress by weighing once a week.

91. Take Progress Photos – 
Take a photo when you begin your diet and exercise program. Once a month, take a progress photo. Wear the same outfit (or lack thereof) so that you can compare against your baseline photo. Now, you have visible progress—your eyes don’t lie.
92. Measure This – Take your measurements when you start your fitness program and once each month thereafter. Tape measures don’t lie either.

93. Calculate BMI – 
Measure your Body Mass Index once a month. The BMI measures the amount of body fat based on your weight and height. It’s a better indicator of fitness than weight alone.
94. Post-it – Place inspirational post-it notes all over the house—on your bathroom mirror, on your refrigerator, on the edge of your computer monitor, etc.—to help keep you motivated.
95. Healthy Before You Know It – You begin reaping healthy benefits by the time you’ve lost just five to 10 percent of your weight. That’s motivation to stick with your program until you reach your goal.
96. Journal Your Progress – Record your daily intake and exercise in a journal. Studies show that those who keep a journal reach their fitness goals quicker. You’ll be able to look back over your path to fitness and relish your success. Better yet, why not start a blog and lend encouragement to your readers.
97. Celebrate Success – When you reach an interim goal, pull out all the stops and celebrate. Find a nonfood celebration—indulge in a facial or a mani/pedi. Go to a concert or museum. Take a weekend getaway. Throw a barbecue with friends.
98. If You Fall off the Wagon – Pick yourself up and get back on board. Today is a brand new day toward your ultimate goal. Look at your written goals, note how far you’ve come and visualize the final outcome. Get out of the house and go for a walk. Do whatever you have to do to stop beating yourself up and get back on track.
99. Fit for Life – Don’t think of your diet and exercise program as temporary. These changes are LIFESTYLE changes to incorporate into your daily routines and habits.
100. Stay Connected – Check in regularly with diet blogs like this one, online forums and chat rooms for dieters. Helping others stay inspired is a sure route to firing up your motivation

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Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Warm welcome to my health blog! This was introduced with an objective to educate and spread awareness among people, encouraging them to live healthier lives with longevity. Let me emphasize that our contemporary situation in individual’s life are so fast moving that we tend to neglect and spare some moments for our own health. My inspiration has turned into passion in a health care that turned into a blog. The ample of support and response was tremendously changed into positive results. I dedicated this blog for all those people who are very conscious for their health and life style. Hope so, I can bring differences for healthy living the fore my viewer comments are always valuable and your continued patronage is important for me. Wish you a happy and healthy life ahead!

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