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20 HOME REMEDIES FOR YOUR HAIR

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Friday, December 28, 2012 0 comments

You cannot rush to a spa, beauty salon, or trichoilogist to fix recurring bad hair days every single day. 

Instead, your kitchen is full of ingredients that will make your tresses silky smooth, strong and beautiful. The bonus: Unlike professional hair treatments, these common kitchen ingredients don't cost a fortune! So rush to your kitchen cabinets and refrigerators, and follow these 20 tips to get your hair sorted forever! 

For normal hair 

Take half a cup of 'amla' powder, add to it two tablespoons of castor oil and one full egg and make into a smooth mixture. Apply on the hair and the scalp, leave on for about 30 minutes before shampooing.

Dry Hair 

For women with dry hair, use of a conditioner is a must at all times. 

Take half a cup of multani mitti and make a mixture with two tablespoons of coconut oil and the egg yolk. Apply this mixture well on the entire scalp, leave on for about half an hour and shampoo well. 

Oily Hair 

Make a mixture out of one cup of henna powder to which one tablespoon of lime juice has been added and mix into it the white of an egg. If the egg smell puts you off, use curd instead of the white of an egg. Apply this mixture to the hair, leave on for approximately half an hour and then shampoo. A point to note is that this pack will not colour your hair despite the dying quality of henna being an ingredient. 

Massage the scalp using hot coconut oil. You can either use coconut oil or olive oil for best results. 


For a protein packed conditioner, mix eggs and yogurt and rub it into your scalp. Leave on for five or 10 minutes, and then wash it off completely. 

You can wash hair with a paste made from Neem leaves. This is particularly effective for hair loss caused due to excessive build up of scalp oil or invasive skin infections. 

Do not wash your hair in hot water as it can increase the dryness of the scalp, resulting in flaking and scaling of the skin of the scalp. Use lukewarm water instead and shampoo haironly once or twice a week. 

You can make your own hair fall-preventing medicine at home by frying some fenugreek (methi) seeds in coconut oil. Strain this mixture and apply it in minimal amounts, rubbed gently into the hair roots. Alternatively, you can boil some henna leaves in mustard oil. After cooling and straining this preparation, add drops of it in your coconut oil container that you are using for regular massaging. 

Olive Oil is great for conditioning and shine. Honey can also be combined with Olive Oil on hair to make the results that much more effective. All you need is a small cup of olive oil. Use your hands to rub it in the ends and the mid length of your hair, shampoo after two hours. 

For dandruff 

Add 1 teaspoon of camphor to half a cup of coconut or neem oil. Store it in glass container. Massage this oil into the scalp before bed. 

You can also mix 1 teaspoon of castor, mustard and coconut oil each and massage into the scalp. 

Before washing your hair, apply the juice extracted from crushed coriander (dhania) leaves. You can also use a mixture of curd and gram flour (chana atta) that should be kept-on for at least an hour before bathing. 

Use a shampoo and a separate hair conditioner. And leave the conditioner on the tip of the hair avoiding the roots for at least 10 to 15 minutes to moisturise the hair and prevent hair fall. 

Extract some aloe vera gel and mix it with honey. Apply this on scalp and leave it for twenty minutes. 

Regular use of some simple hair packs will provide the much-needed protection and also add sheen to your hair in your busy festive activities. Always remember to condition your hair as per hair type. 

Apply 1/2 cup of mayonnaise to your dry hair, work in really well, cover your head with a plastic wrap, and let it set for about 15 minutes.works best for damged hair. 

Jojoba oil should be applied mainly to the ends to make it softer. This home remedy can work wonders with frizzy and dry locks. 

Another way is to mix one part of lemon juice with two parts of coconut oil. Massage into the roots of the hair regularly. Wash with warm water after three to four hours or leave overnight. 

Massaging the hair roots with freshly extracted coconut milk is beneficial in treating hair loss. It should be left on for 15 to 20 minutes and rinsed off. You could follow up with a shampoo and condition. 

For itchy scalp, add 1 teaspoon of camphor to half a cup of coconut oil and store it in glass container.Massage this oil into the scalp before bed. 

Oily hair 

Those having oily hair will need to shampoo their hair very often and hence should make sure that even the mild shampoo used is diluted further. For the last rinse, using white vinegar mixed with water in equal proportions also helps to reduce the oiliness.

WHY I WANT TO BE A VEGETARIAN

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Friday, December 7, 2012 0 comments


I have a problem: I want to be a vegetarian. “So what’s the problem?” you might ask. I am half German and Germans tend to eat meat, a lot of meat. Not without reason; every major city from Frankfurt to Nürnberg has a sausage named after itself.

But why bother at all? First of all, there are health reasons.

Red meat has a lot of saturated fats, cholesterol and purine; it lacks vitamins (except B-complex), and is likely to have antibiotics and steroids.

However, more important for me to overcome my German-ness, is the fact that meat consumption is taking a tremendous toll on our environment - whether it is the amount of vegetables, fossil fuels, or water which are required to produce meat and which could be redistributed to the hungry. Then there is  methane emission of cattle. Closely linked to these factors is also the rising cost of meat. As a student of philosophy, to me the issue is a moral one too. Can we defend meat consumption? Perhaps for survival? Except for those few living in  non-arable areas, no one is depending on meat for survival today.

Are we permitting ourselves as a ‘superior’ species to kill other species? This thought is pretty common in the west and the Bible  states that “everything that lives and moves will be food for you.” (Genesis 9:3) 

This thinking leads us to irresponsible “speciesism”, as the most eminent philosophical proponent of vegetarianism, as Peter Singer, called it. Exalting the status of the human animal and his rights above other animals stands in line with western philosophical thought, which defined men as being human because of rationality and virtue, in contrast to the negative, irrational part in us, our so-called animalistic side.

Not only did this cause discrimination against and suffering of a plethora of other species, biologists like Frans de Waal revealed that parts of our so called humane side, such as morality, find their origin within animals, who bequeathed us these capabilities to refine them.

If one argues that one is allowed to devour someone else, because of one’s superior intelligence, then would it apply to those within the species as well? Is it then a question of whose life is worthier than another and for what reason? How does one decide the value of one life over that of another? One can well imagine a sci-fi scenario where aliens with an IQ that far surpasses our self-destructive intelligence could come to earth and start hunting us humans down as food for their survival, only because we have inferior intellects compared to theirs and also because we are not the same species.

Lastly, intertwined with the moral argument, is the spiritual argument. Many Hindus, Jains and Buddhists refrain from eating meat due to the principle of ahimsa or non-violence and since it has negative impact on spiritual development. Or why else would  have every elated soul from M K Gandhi to Guru Nanak Dev abstain from eating meat?

Through meat consumption we ingest negative energy, as we absorb the fear and agony of the dying animal, so the argument goes. Hard-line vegetarians may find this logical and consequently claim that meat enhances aggression. Although there may be correlations between nutrition and aggression, it is still disputed among scientists whether this is the case with meat.

Eventually, there is no argument vindicating a human carnivore, whether he is so on account of  social habit, or, as in my case, akrasia (weak will), as the Greeks called it.

WINTER HAIR CARE TIPS

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Monday, November 12, 2012 0 comments


The winter may be that gorgeous season of breathtaking foggy mornings and chilly evenings. While cozy woollen clothes can protect your skin from this dry weather, they do nothing for your hair. If you have dry hair, this weather can further turn them brittle, lead to excessive dandruff and render them looking dull and lacklustre!

So if you want moisturised, healthy hair this winter, follow these hair care tips by Najeeb Ur Rehman, National Technical Head, Schwarzkopf Professional India.

Avoid over-washing your hair: During winters, wash your hair periodically. Always use a dry hair protective shampoo and conditioner.
Treat your hair to a cure: At least once a week, pamper your hair with a treatment that will provide them with a lot of moisture and seal the hair surface with conditioning oils.
Stay away from hot irons: Hair straighteners and curlers and the hot air from hair dryers are hard on hair and rid it of all its moisture. Never heat-style your hair, without the benefit of hair protection (a serum). In winters, air-dry your hair as often as possible.
Get regular scalp massages: Scalp massages improve the blood flow to the scalp and stimulate the sebum secretion.
Don't wash your hair with hot water: Washing hair with excessively hot water strips it of all its natural substances. Set the water temperature between tepid and moderately warm. As a finishing touch, rinse the longer part of your hair with cool water. This will make your hair smooth and shiny.
Avoid alcohol-containing products: Try not to style your hair with hair sprays, foam setting products, gels and other products that contain alcohol, as they have a tendency to dry out your hair.
Take good care of your hair accessories: Inspect your hair care tools regularly. Haphazardly manufactured combs and brushes will damage the scalp and further disturb the natural smooth surface of hair.

VARIETIES OF MILK AND ITS BENEFITS

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Tuesday, October 30, 2012 0 comments

In an age where nutrition is increasingly seen as an appendage to daily living, we tend to lose out on various vitamins and minerals. 

For instance, most of us believe that milk only provides calcium and is only meant for children. But did you know that, no matter the age, we can always benefit from skimmed or low-fat milk varieties. And when picking which milk to drink, there is lots of choice today. Today we're looking at the different types of milk available in grocery stores and their health benefits.

Coconut milk:
Coconut milk is a common ingredient in South Indian cooking that makes the curry rich and delicious.

What are the health benefits of coconut milk?
Coconuts provide vitamins, minerals and fibers that prevent diseases like gallbladder stones and liver diseases, inflammation and skin diseases, to name a few. If you want proteins, coconut milk is a good source. It also provides iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, vitamins: C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6. Surprisingly coconut milk is far richer in calcium than regular milk.

Rest assured that coconut milk also supports the immune system, helps in weight loss and is great for digestion.

Almond milk:
Almonds are a great snack if you are fasting or if you simply want a potent healthy snack to keep you full for longer. Some dishes also use almonds as garnish and it is an excellent medium in desserts.

What are the health benefits of almond milk?
Almond milk, just like coconut milk, is a great alternative for vegans. Almond milk is a good source for proteins; it is also low in calories unlike cow's milk. This milk contains vitamin E, magnesium, monounsaturated fats, manganese, copper and ribloflavin. Boost your energy and lower heart diseases with almond milk.

Cow's milk:
This is the most commonly used milk in India. Cow's milk is also used to make enticing Indian sweets or mithias.

What are the health benefits of cow's milk?
If you have calcium deficiency, you will be told to drink cow's milk. This milk contains fats, minerals and vitamins like vitamin D, proteins, vitamin B, potassium, iodine and it is a good substitute to Omega 3. Cow's milk is not fattening but it should be complimented with a healthy diet.

Besides strengthening the bones with calcium, cow's milk is known to control blood pressure as it contains potassium, iodine promote thyroid function and prevents gout.

Goat's milk:
Most Indians may not use goat's milk, but high up in the hilly regions of northern Indian, goat's milk is widely used. But the buck does not stop there, globalisation and India's love for Italian food has seen an increase in the import of goat cheese.

What are the health benefits of goat's milk?
Indian women are prone to iron deficiency and the answer could lie in goat's milk. According to researchers, goat's milk helps prevent softening of bone and anemia. It also aids digestion and 'metabolic utilization of minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.'

The secret lies in the high presence of iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Apparently goat's milk has less fat, builds your immune system, and reduces anti - inflammation of the bowel.

We maybe accustomed to cow's milk, but did you know goat's milk is better than cow's milk?

Raw milk:
Consuming raw milk is a trend that promotes the importance of organic food. But is it a wise choice?

What are the health benefits of raw milk?
The debate still continues on the health benefits of raw milk over pasteurised milk. Raw milk contains proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals, but scientists do not believe the claims of health benefits of raw milk. There are healthy bacteria in raw milk; some say that pasteurised milk kills these microbes, but scientists believe it's all for a good cause.

You need to know:
- Pasteurization DOES NOT reduce milk's nutritional value.
- Pasteurization DOES kill harmful bacteria.
- Pasteurization DOES save lives.

Soy milk:
This is a common substitute for those who are lactose intolerant or vegetarian. Soy milk also comes under probiotic food choice.

What are the health benefits of soy milk?
Soy milk contains fatty acids, proteins, fiber, vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for the smooth functioning of our body. You can count on soy milk to improve good cholesterol and help in weight loss; the omega 3 and 6 in soy milk strengthens the blood vessels, claims to prevent prostrate cancerosteoporosis and postmenopausal syndrome.

Soy milk is easily available in large departmental stores.

Cardamom or eliachi milk:
May not be a common ingredient in milk, but flavoured milk is always refreshing on a hot day. Cardamom milk is healthier than having flavoured milk like chocolate and strawberry.

What are the health benefits of cardamom milk?
Cardamom contains potassium, calcium, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin-C and magnesium. It is also used as an antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic and tonic. These are the traditional uses of cardamom.

How to prepare?
It is very easy. Just like turmeric milk, immerse two or three pods in your milk and heat.

THESE FOODS SAVE YOUR HEART

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Sunday, October 21, 2012 0 comments


Bariatic surgeon Dr Muffazal Lakdawala tells you what you should eat and avoid

The World Health Organization defines overweight and obesity as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. The most common health consequence of being overweight or obese is cardiovascular disease — mainly heart disease and stroke. The more overweight a person is the more likely he/she is to develop heart disease. Increased weight is a determinant of higher levels of triglycerides, elevated LDL (commonly known as bad cholesterol) and low HDL (commonly known as good cholesterol). The good news, however, is that even a slight reduction in weight (5- 10 per cent) can reduce a person's risk of heart disease. Healthier food choices and increased physical activity are the easiest ways to reduce weight and the risk of heart disease.

Dos
Fruits and vegetables - They are a great source of fibre, that helps increase satiety and reduce cholesterol levels. Choose brightly coloured fruits and vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, spinach, bell peppers, berries, oranges, papaya, etc. as they are rich in antioxidants.
Whole grains - Include whole wheat and multigrain products like whole wheat breads, rotis, pasta, brown rice, oats, ragi, jowar, bajra and quinoa.
Legumes - Sprouts, kidney beans, chickpeas, etc. are a great source of soluble fibre, which helps reduce cholesterol.
Nuts and seeds - Almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help decrease bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol.
Flaxseeds - A great source of omega-3 fatty acids and fibre, a sprinkle of this on one's breakfast cereal can help improve cholesterol profile.
Low fat dairy products - Low fat milk, yoghurt, homemade paneer are excellent sources of calcium and also help in reducing body fat.
Fatty fish - Especially Salmon and tuna, contain omega-3 fatty acids that help increase good cholesterol.
Soya and soya products - Soya contains isoflavones, which help prevent clogging of arteries and improve cholesterol profile.
Tea - Green tea especially helps lower total cholesterol and increase good cholesterol.
Physical Activity - Include a minimum of 30 to 45 minutes of moderate physical activity daily - brisk walking, jogging, swimming, cycling etc to increase energy expenditure and therefore help in weight reduction.

Don'ts
Refined cereals - Maida, white breads, pasta should be cut out from one's diet completely and replaced with whole grain or multigrain varieties.
Saturated fatty acids - Avoid intake of full cream dairy products like whole milk, cheese, yoghurt, butter, cream and coconut as they increase levels of bad cholesterol.
Processed and packaged foods - Avoid biscuits, chips, cakes and pastries as they contain high levels of saturated and trans-fatty acids, in addition to higher content of sodium.
Fatty meats - Avoid intake of fatty meats like mutton and beef, have skinless chicken and fish instead.
Fried and deep fried foods - Avoid junk foods like pizzas, burgers, fries and other deep-fried snacks. Deep fried foods contain trans-fats, which increases one's risk of arthrosclerosis clogging of arteries.
Smoking - Smoking is a major cause of atherosclerosis — a buildup of fatty substances in the arteries, which could lead to angina pectoris or heart attacks.
In a nutshell, reducing intake of calories, especially calories from fats, regular physical activity together with the inclusion of heart healthy foods can help to reduce weight and eventually the risk of developing heart disease.

USE COCONUT OIL FOR SHINY & CURLY HAIRS

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Sunday, October 7, 2012 0 comments

The best remedy for frizzy hair is right under our noses - coconut oil 

Feel envious of those with smooth silky hair when your own curly mop turns into a frizzy, unruly mess? Well, there's hope. Curly hair requires more care and attention than straight hair but at the end of the day, it will all be worth it; shiny, natural curls can look as good, or even better than dead straight locks, when set properly. 

Frizz on the hair is an indication that the hair lacks moisture and oil content. The reasons could be many, from a dry climate, chemical treatments, excessive blow-drying, over-exposure to the sun, lack of proper water intake/nutrition, even stress. A quick solution would be generous use of hair serum but serum only coats the hair and is of no use in the long term. But no, you don't have to spend thousands on high-end products or hair spas for healthy, moisturised hair. 

The best answer is right under our noses, which is totally free of side-effects, chemical free and inexpensive - coconut oil. Unlike mineral oils, coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft and replaces natural moisture in the hair. "The benefits of coconut oil for the scalp and hair have been mentioned in ancient ayurveda as well," says Dr Sureshkumar, an ayurveda doctor. "It also has a cooling effect." 

Give your hair a hot oil massage and leave it on for at least an hour. Follow with a mild shampoo but do not blow dry. An additional tip would be to comb your hair with a wide toothed comb before it dries. 

Coconut milk is also a good alternative but again, it takes a bit more of effort. Grind a coconut in a blender. Add lemon juice to this and refrigerate. After a while a layer of cream will form on the top. Apply this to your hair and cover the head with a hot towel. Wash off with shampoo after an hour. This concoction is even said to relax tight curls and make them more manageable. Do any of these treatments once a week and you are assured of frizz-free, healthy curls! 

SHARE THIS INFORMATION FIRST AND READ AFTERWARDS.....SAVE LIFE Share this as much as you can. "10000 times stronger killer of CANCER than Chemo".. do share it.. can save many lives, fill up hopes and build confidence in the patients...The Sour Sop or the fruit from the graviola tree is a miraculous natural cancer cell killer 10,000 times stronger than Chemo.Why are we not aware of this? Its because some big corporation want to make back their money spent on years of research by trying to make a synthetic version of it for sale.
So, since you know it now you can help a friend in need by letting him know or just drink some sour sop juice yourself as prevention from time to time. The taste is not bad after all. It’s completely natural and definitely has no side effects. If you have the space, plant one in your garden.
The other parts of the tree are also useful.
The next time you have a fruit juice, ask for a sour sop.
How many people died in vain while this billion-dollar drug maker concealed the secret of the miraculous Graviola tree?
This tree is low and is called graviola ! in Brazi l, guanabana in Spanish and has the uninspiring name “soursop” in English. The fruit is very large and the subacid sweet white pulp is eaten out of hand or, more commonly, used to make fruit drinks, sherbets and such.
The principal interest in this plant is because of its strong anti-cancer effects. Although it is effective for a number of medical conditions, it is its anti tumor effect that is of most interest. This plant is a proven cancer remedy for cancers of all types.
Besides being a cancer remedy, graviola is a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent for both bacterial and fungal infections, is effective against internal parasites and worms, lowers high blood pressure and is used for depression, stress and nervous disorders.
If there ever was a single example that makes it dramatically clear why the existence of Health Sciences Institute is so vital to Americans like you, it’s the incredible story behind the Graviola tree..
The truth is stunningly simple: Deep within the Amazon Rainforest grows a tree that could literally revolutionize what you, your doctor, and the rest of the world thinks about cancer treatment and chances of survival. The future has never looked more promising.
Research shows that with extracts from this miraculous tree it now may be possible to:
* Attack cancer safely and effectively with an all-natural therapy that does not cause extreme nausea, weight loss and hair loss
* Protect your immune system and avoid deadly infections
* Feel stronger and healthier throughout the course of the treatment
* Boost your energy and improve your outlook on life
The source of this information is just as stunning: It comes from one of America ‘s largest drug manufacturers, th! e fruit of over 20 laboratory tests conducted since the 1970's! What those tests revealed was nothing short of mind numbing… Extracts from the tree were shown to:
* Effectively target and kill malignant cells in 12 types of cancer, including colon, breast, prostate, lung and pancreatic cancer..
* The tree compounds proved to be up to 10,000 times stronger in slowing the growth of cancer cells than Adriamycin, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug!
* What’s more, unlike chemotherapy, the compound extracted from the Graviola tree selectivelyhunts
down and kills only cancer cells.. It does not harm healthy cells!
The amazing anti-cancer properties of the Graviola tree have been extensively researched–so why haven’t you heard anything about it? If Graviola extract is
One of America ‘s biggest billion-dollar drug makers began a search for a cancer cure and their research centered on Graviola, a legendary healing tree from the Amazon Rainforest.
Various parts of the Graviola tree–including the bark, leaves, roots, fruit and fruit-seeds–have been used for centuries by medicine men and native Indi! ans in S outh America to treat heart disease, asthma, liver problems and arthritis. Going on very little documented scientific evidence, the company poured money and resources into testing the tree’s anti-cancerous properties–and were shocked by the results. Graviola proved itself to be a cancer-killing dynamo.
But that’s where the Graviola story nearly ended.
The company had one huge problem with the Graviola tree–it’s completely natural, and so, under federal law, not patentable. There’s no way to make serious profits from it.
It turns out the drug company invested nearly seven years trying to synthesize two of the Graviola tree’s most powerful anti-cancer ingredients. If they could isolate and produce man-made clones of what makes the Graviola so potent, they’d be able to patent it and make their money back. Alas, they hit a brick wall. The original simply could not be replicated. There was no way the company could protect its profits–or even make back the millions it poured into research.
As the dream of huge profits evaporated, their testing on Graviola came to a screeching halt. Even worse, the company shelved the entire project and chose not to publish the findings of its research!
Luckily, however, there was one scientist from the Graviola research team whose conscience wouldn’t let him see such atrocity committed. Risking his career, he contacted a company that’s dedicated to harvesting medical plants from the Amazon Rainforest and blew the whistle.
Miracle unleashed
When researchers at the Health Sciences Institute were alerted to the news of Graviola,! they be gan tracking the research done on the cancer-killing tree. Evidence of the astounding effectiveness of Graviola–and its shocking cover-up–came in fast and furious….
….The National Cancer Institute performed the first scientific research in 1976. The results showed that Graviola’s “leaves and stems were found effective in attacking and destroying malignant cells.” Inexplicably, the results were published in an internal report and never released to the public…
….Since 1976, Graviola has proven to be an immensely potent cancer killer in 20 independent laboratory tests, yet no double-blind clinical trials–the typical benchmark mainstream doctors and journals use to judge a treatment’s value–were ever initiated….
….A study published in the Journal of Natural Products, following a recent study conducted at Catholic University of South Korea stated that one chemical in Graviola was found to selectively kill colon cancer cells at “10,000 times the potency of (the commonly used chemotherapy drug) Adriamycin…”
….The most significant part of the Catholic University of South Korea report is that Graviola was shown to selectively target the cancer cells, leaving healthy cells untouched. Unlike chemotherapy, which indiscriminately targets all actively reproducing cells (such as stomach and hair cells), causing the often devastating side effects of nausea and hair loss in cancer patients.
…A study at Purdue University recently found that leaves from the Graviola tree killed cancer cells among six human cell lines and were especially effective against prostate, pancreatic and lung cancers Seven years of silence broken–it’s finally here!

SLEEPING ON STOMACH TRIGGERS EROTIC DREAMS

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Sunday, September 23, 2012 0 comments

People who sleep on their stomach are significantly more likely to have racy dreams compared to those dozing off in other positions, a new study has revealed. 

Participants reported feeling sensations related to 'sex' and 'persecution' more frequently than anyone else. 

Among the other racy motifs that dreamt up were 'being tied up', 'being locked up' and 'unable to move'. 

Lead author Calvin Kai-Ching Yu from Shue Yan University in Hong Kong said that the increase in sexual thoughts could be because people don''t get as much air when they sleep on their stomach, so their mind was imagining being constricted when you sleep. 

For the study he spoke to 670 students, two-thirds of whom were female, and asked them to fill out surveys about their dreams. 

The details included how often they occurred, how intense they were and what were the themes that came up. 

He also asked them to write down their sleeping posture, how often they slept on their sides, face down or face up. 

Among the other ideas that came to people who slept on their front most frequently was 'erotomania', which is when a person believes they have a secret admirer, often a famous person.

"This study provides the evidence that dream experiences, and in particular dream content, can be influenced by body posture during sleep," the Daily Mail quoted Kai-Ching Yu as saying. 

"I believe that the brain during sleep is not at all totally detached from the external world, and stimuli, including those stemming from the environment, are probably incorporated into dream content more often than people observe or are aware of. 

"The unconscious brains of the dreamers try to make sense, and even make use of, the external stimuli," he added. 

The study was recently published in the journal Dreaming.

FEET CARE DURING RAINS

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Monday, September 17, 2012 0 comments

Foot cleansing: Wash your foot every time you come from outside with a liquid wash. 

Ensure you dry your feet completely before wearing new footwear or socks.
The heel is generally cracked and needs to be scrubbed with a pumice stone or a scrub to remove dead cells followed by applying a moisturizing cream. The space between toes has to be cleaned, dried and sprayed with powder, preferably an anti-fungal powder. 
Avoid using moisturizing cream or scrubs in this region since it can cause breaks in the soft skin between toe-webs.
Toenail care
Keep your toenails trimmed so that less dirt accumulates underneath the nails and cleaning feet becomes easier.
Don't wear closed shoes as they hold water thereby making the feet sodden. Opt for water proof open strapped footwear.
Dry footwear
Ensure your footwear is dry before you wear it the next day. 
It is wise to have two sets of footwear, one for travel in the rains and the other for use at workplace.

NUTS DURING PREGNANCY CAN REDUCE ASTHMA RISK FOR KIDS

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Saturday, September 8, 2012 0 comments

London: A new research has suggested eating nuts during pregnancy could reduce the risk of children developing asthma.

Contrary to common opinion, eating nuts during pregnancy is not harmful to children and could, in fact, benefit their health, Daily Express reported Wednesday.

In the study, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, researchers examined the relation between nut intake during pregnancy and allergic disease outcomes in early and later childhood of their offspring.

The data was provided from over 61,000 women, who were part of the Danish National Birth Cohort.

Results showed mothers who ate nuts at least once a week during pregnancy were less likely to have kids suffering from asthma.

ASTHMATIC CHILDREN MORE LIKELY TO BE BULLIED

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Monday, September 3, 2012 0 comments

British scientists have uncovered several factors, which include physical inactivity and sadness that could explain why children with asthma or any chronic medical condition are more likely to be bullied. 

Researchers from the Derbyshire Children's Hospital in Britain, used data from the large six-country "Room to Breathe" survey of childhood asthma, to look at the factors tied to an increased risk of bullying. 

Parents and children aged seven years and above were interviewed for the study. Data was collected from 943 questionnaires which asked questions about conditions at home, lifestyle of parents and children and their overall experience of their condition. 

The results revealed factors such as a reduced participation in sport and feelings of sadness were linked with bullying. 

Will Carroll, from the Derbyshire, said: "Our findings emphasise the need for doctors and nurses to speak to their patients about the effects their condition has on all aspects of their life. We know that bullying is associated with asthma and these findings can help us understand why this is the case." 

"A number of the factors identified are things that can be changed, such as participation in sport, asthma control and parental worry over their child's health. As doctors, we must work with families to ensure these risk factors are removed and work with schools and teachers to ensure children with asthma are able to participate in sports at a level that is safe for them," added Carroll. 

David Supple, the parent of an asthma sufferer, said: "When you have a child with exercise-induced asthma it can be really hard to get them to participate. You can be scared to push them - but the health and social benefits far outweigh the fear, and can help build a lifetime of confidence against bullying." 

These findings were presented on Sunday at the European Respiratory Society's Annual Congress in Vienna, Austria.

EGG YOLK CAB BLOCK ARTERIES

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Monday, August 27, 2012 0 comments

Toronto: Eating egg yolk is just as bad as smoking for atherosclerosis since it leads to accumulation of fat and cholesterol which causes hardening of arteries by forming plaques on its walls, a new study has found. 

The study which surveyed 1,231 patients at Western University, Canada, found regular consumption of egg yolks is about two-thirds as bad as smoking regarding increased build-up of plaque, a risk factor for stroke and heart attack. 

Researchers looked at data from men and women, with a mean age of 61.5 years, attending vascular prevention clinics at London Health Sciences Centre's University Hospital, the journal Atherosclerosis reported hardening of arteries by plaques within its walls. 

Ultrasound was used to establish a measurement of total plaque area and questionnaires were filled out regarding their lifestyle and medications including pack-years of smoking (number of packs per day of cigarettes times the number of years), and the number of egg yolks consumed per week times the number of years consumed (egg yolk-years). 

The study also found those eating three or more yolks a week had significantly more plaque area than those who ate two or fewer yolks per week, according to a Western University statement. 

"The mantra 'eggs can be part of a healthy diet for healthy people' has confused the issue. It has been known for a long time that a high cholesterol intake increases the risk of cardiovascular events, and egg yolks have a very high cholesterol content. In diabetics, an egg a day increases coronary risk by two to five-fold," said David Spence, professor of neurology at Western University.

CILANTRO'S NUMEROUS HEALTH BENEFITS

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Tuesday, August 21, 2012 0 comments

Cilantro or coriander leaves have great health benefits 

Cilantro is a popular Mediterranean herb commonly recognised in India as coriander or dhania patta. It is part of most Indian kitchens and very often used to garnish curries, salads and soups. A simple aloo ki sabzi tastes much better with a liberal garnishing of coriander. One can make a mouth-watering paste of coriander leaves, peanuts, onions, green chilies and add a dash of lemon juice. This chutney is excellent as a sandwich spread. You can also grind coriander leaves with mint leaves and it is excellent for making a green chicken rice. 

Cilantro is an excellent source of minerals like potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, and magnesium. Fresh leaves should be washed thoroughly in water in order to remove the dirt and to get rid of any residual pesticides which can be harmful for health. It is best used while it is fresh as it retains its unique fragrance and aromatic flavour. Freshly chopped coriander leaves are a great addition to green salad. 

It is also rich in many vital vitamins including folic-acid, vitamin-A, beta carotene and vitamin-C that are essential for optimum health. Vitamin-C is a powerful natural antioxidant. Cilantro leaves provides 30% of daily recommended levels of vitamin C. The health benefits of cilantro are many. Its powerful anti-inflammatory capacities that can help one deal with symptoms of arthritis. It also increases HDL cholesterol (the good kind), and reduces LDL cholesterol (the bad kind). Coriander leaves offer great relief from stomach indigestion problems and the like. It also helps reduce feelings of nausea. Studies have shown that it has got strong antioxidant properties and it helps promote healthy liver function. 

This humble herb can be grown in your kitchen garden. So, make it a part of your kitchen and add more taste to your platter. And also derive benefits from its health properties.

POWER YOGA EARNING BAD KARMA

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Friday, August 17, 2012 0 comments

It's fast, it's vigorous and it melts fat fast. So, why are yoga experts crying foul over the power yoga fad that has taken over city gyms?

Backed by the likes of Bollywood actresses Kareena Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut and Geeta Basra, power yoga is to today's urban Indian woman what aerobics was in the '80s. Practically every gym and fitness centre in the city offers weekly 60 to 90-minute power yoga classes to its members.

What is power yoga?
A poor commercial derivative of Ashtanga yoga, power yoga is essentially an up-tempo aerobic workout, where yoga poses are done faster and in continuation. Apart from temporary weight loss, it has virtually no health benefits. Since power yoga is a widely used term that was never trademarked, individual teachers usually lend their personal interpretation to classes.

But the aggressive and physical take on the traditional discipline has upset the karma of the normally tranquil world of yoga. Purists dismiss it as a "commercial, supermarket" version of the practice with competitive elements that contradict yoga's most basic principles. There have even been claims that, in encouraging beginners to try and push their bodies into quick movements and advanced positions, this and other sport versions are temporarily successfully and actually dangerous because they could cause injury.

It causes injury
"Power yoga is like any cardiovascular activity, which means that if you stop practicing it you will regain the weight you've lost," says Samanta Duggal, yoga therapist and director at Temperance. In her 20 years of experience, she has seen many cases of people taking up power yoga for quick results and instead sustaining injuries — usually to the neck, shoulder, toes, knees, hips and lower back. "Doing repetitive asanas and 100 surya namaskars with no emphasis on alignment is a sureshot way to injury. So, instead of progressing to better health, they actually regress!"

Bypasses core components
Many of these classes also bypass the core components of yoga — pranayama (with proper sequence and ratio) and yoga nidra (relaxation) at the end. The idea of relaxation is to allow the blood lactate levels to return to normal. If they remain high, they could set off the stress glands, making your power yoga session a stressful one. Stressful yoga — how contradictory is that!

Where traditional forms of yoga, as practiced by Lara Dutta and Abhay Deol, encourage mindful, breath-controlled movement from pose to pose, power yoga participants work up a serious sweat. "Power Yoga was simply a name I came up with in the late '80s to let people know that ashtanga yoga practice — unlike most of the yoga taught in '70s America — was a serious workout, designed to build significant strength and concentration as well as flexibility," says Beryl Bender Birch. He is one of the two American yoga teachers who nearly simultaneously coined the term. Los Angeles-based Bryan Kest is the other. Not coincidentally, both these teachers had studied with Ashtanga master Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Another name often associated with power yoga is Baron Baptiste who devised his own method in San Francisco,California.

Misnamed practice in India
In power yoga proposed by them, poses are followed up with strength training while synchronising one's breathing patterns to each Vinyasa (movement), with attention given to Tristhana (posture, breath, and focal point for the gaze).

But the kind taught in gyms out here is a different story altogether. "Power yoga here is a bigsham and a scam," says yoga columnist and teacher Shameem Akhtar, who's a proponent of Sivananda yoga. She explains, "Static poses are very difficult and fast-paced ones are for beginners. This may explain the peculiar culture of the misnamed power yoga in Mumbai, where people are made to do asanas faster, just to keep them happy. The flipside of this is they never reach the stamina that real power yoga — as the term is used in America."

Quickie courses, untrained instructors
Patanjali and Hatha yoga teacher Dharam Choudhry puts this scam down to lack of training. He says, "No certification or specific training is required before a person is allowed to teach power yoga." Quickie courses teach poses but not the nuances of proper alignment, intentional correct breathing or noncompetitive mind-set. "So, most gyms recruit power yoga trainers from the vast group of the unemployed young, who are figuring out what they want to do with the rest of their lives."

"One local trainer used to attend my dance yoga classes, copy the sequences I had personally created, and pass them off as his own," recalls Akhtar. The trainer now issues power yoga certificates to other 'trainers'.

Since the instructor does not need to invest much time to learn or teach it, they can tag the classic and glamourous label of yoga to any weak set of stretches. "So, essentially, it is like doing warm-ups for the entire work-out session! How can that be healthy?" asks Akhtar.

Traditional approach is holistic
Choudhry, who has been teaching Patanjali and Hatha yoga for a decade, blames this fad on lack of awareness. "Yoga has enormous benefits. It's a shame that most people here take on this commercial version of power yoga, which was invented in America to begin with, often don't get the maximum benefit."

Compare that to traditional schools of yoga that lay a good foundation for a long-lasting and all-round fitness and wellbeing. Says Duggal, "Whether it's Sivananda, Bihar, Iyengar, Vini yoga from the Krishnamacharya lineage, they all have a holistic approach."

If combined with the right diet, weight loss in traditional yoga is quite amazing and just as immediate. Besides, traditional and classical forms of yoga have long-lasting benefits on the body not only in terms of muscular tone, endurance and physiology but also your entire endocrine system.

ORANGE JUICE MAKES YOU LOOK MORE BEAUTIFUL

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Saturday, August 11, 2012 0 comments

A daily glass of orange juice can help improve your skin, hair and nails, say a panel of health and beauty experts. 

They attribute the benefits to the vitamin C,potassium and folic acid it contains. Vitamin C is essential in the production of collagen, along with super nutrient Lutein. 
Its yellow pigment is linked to reducing sun-induced skin damage and is believed to improve elasticity of the skin. 
A 200ml glass of orange typically contains 60mg vitamin C and equates to 100 per cent of an adult's recommended daily amount. 
"The adage of 'you are what you eat' is not a new one but science has lagged behind in determining the effect nutrition has on our skin, hair and nails," the Mirror quoted nutritionist Amanda Ursell as saying. 
"Beauty experts are starting to see the benefits of a glass of this nutrient packed product, realising it isn't just what you put on your body but what you put into it too," she added. 
The research was undertaken with 200 beauty industry workers who are members of CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women). 
Two thirds of beauty professionals (65 per cent) said they recommend clients to drink a glass a day as part of their current beauty routine. 
Susan Mahy, board director at Cosmetic Executive Women UK, said: "The essential nutrients you need for healthy skin, hair and nails are most beneficial when ingested as part of your diet. 
"Our panel of executive women in the cosmetic, fragrance and hairdressing industries concluded that they have a direct effect on the skin," Mahy added.

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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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