Jai Ho

HOT STONE THERAPY...

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Tuesday, June 7, 2011 3 comments

What is hot stone therapy?

At the start of a hot stone therapy, smooth water-heated basalt stones are carefully applied to key points on the body. This direct heat relaxes the muscles, which means that the massage itself is more effective and intense than it would be otherwise. The size of the stones varies, according to which part of the body they're being used on.

The stones are coated in fragrant oil to increase your sense of relaxation and calm. When oil is smoothed gently onto the body, each stone in turn can be worked along by the therapist's hands. Most therapists will alternate the application of the warm stones with frozen or cooling marble ones, aimed at stimulating the nervous system.

What is hot stone therapy good for?

After a vigorous game of rugby, players will often sit in ice-baths to reduce muscle swelling; the less extreme among us have a hot bath! It is generally accepted that treatments of warmth and cold are beneficial, and help to soothe an aching body. What we often need to do is combine both hot and cold. There's a method behind the apparent madness of leaping from a toasty sauna into an icy pool - and hot stone therapy uses the same principle. The hot stones expand the blood vessels and the cold ones constrict them. The warm stones sedate the nervous system and the cooler stones gently wake it up again.

The combination of relaxing warmth and refreshing coolness is thought to encourage the body to detox and heal, increasing lymph flow and helping to flush out waste. The body becomes relaxed in a much shorter space of time, and the therapist can focus on a deep working of the tissues using both stone and hand strokes.

A good hot stone therapy should:

* boost your circulation

* release stored tension

* recharge your energy levels

* relax you.

Hot stone therapy is said to have health benefits for people with:

* muscular pain

* poor circulation

* rheumatic and arthritic conditions

* fibromyalgia

* multiple sclerosis (MS)

* back pain

* stress

* insomnia

* depression.

As with all spa therapies, you should never underestimate the feel-good factor. Hot stone massage will make you feel nurtured, pampered and special.

Before you go

You're in for a treat, so indulge in your day as much as you can. Arrive early so you have time enough to relax, absorb your surroundings and look forward to your therapy. You won't be able to wear much for this treatment, so check with the spa beforehand if you have any worries. It's usually fine to wear bikini bottoms or knickers during a massage and - worry not - your therapist will be highly skilled at preserving your modesty with strategically-placed towels.

The essential oils used in spa therapies will make you smell and feel beautiful, but they can be very hostile towards hairstyles. It's best to book hot stone treatments on a day when you won't have to rush out somewhere afterwards. Besides, you'll feel so relaxed and soothed after your treatment, jumping in the car and tackling the rush hour traffic might seem sacrilegious after a hard day's pampering.

It's not a good idea to eat a heavy meal or drink alcohol in the hours running up to your hot stone therapy.

Precautions

Before your treatment begins, you will probably be asked about any medical conditions you have. It's important at this stage to share anything significant, as your therapist will take your medical history into account when choosing the right products and techniques for your body.

For similar reasons, it's also important to tell your therapist if you are, or think you might be, pregnant.

What to expect from a hot stone treatment

You'll be able to undress and lie down in private, while your therapist waits outside. When you're ready, she will place the warm, oiled stones on many different acupressure points around your body, perhaps even tiny ones between each of your toes. As you relax, you may start drifting off into a dreamy state and stop counting or noticing where the stones are being arranged.

Your therapist will then use a variety of strokes and techniques to massage you, working the stones and her hands over the kinks in your muscles. The massage may be quite strong, although you are unlikely to feel the intensity since your muscles will be relaxed by the stones. The therapist will probably alternate between the hot basalt stones and much colder, marble ones.

As your body sinks further into a state of relaxation, you may even stop noticing the extreme change in temperature. Your treatment is likely to last about an hour; plenty of time for melting away all your knots, aches and worries.

Hot tip!

Don't be afraid to tell your therapist if the stones are too warm for you. You'll relax much more quickly and start enjoying that delicious feeling of total wellbeing.

Afterwards

You will probably feel deeply relaxed, blissed-out and meditative after your massage. Some people have reported closing their eyes and seeing bright colours. Enjoy the afterglow, float slowly back to the real world and re-hydrate your body by sipping plenty of water.

Different kinds of hot stone therapy

LaStone is a branded form of hot stone therapy and one you are likely to encounter in UK spas. But it is by no means the only stone treatment available. Nowadays, various treatments feature hot stones; they are sometimes described as "advanced" versions of their regular treatments in the promotional material. Hot stones also feature in more traditional massage treatments, such as Lomi Lomi.

Reference's :Various articles

Traditional Therapy | |

FISH OIL IN PREGNANCY MAY NOT BOOST BABIES VISIONARY

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Monday, June 6, 2011 4 comments

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Expectant moms who take fish oil supplements may not be doing much to sharpen their babies' vision, a new study suggests.

The findings fly in the face of some earlier research that had suggested docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is found in fish oil, improves vision in preterm babies who are given supplements in their first few months of life.

DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid involved in brain and visual development. Since the substance passes through the placenta primarily later in pregnancy, preemies miss out on much of their prenatal supply.

So extra DHA after birth might help make up for that.

In the new study, Australian researchers looked at whether prenatal fish oil helps improve vision in full-term infants.

They tested visual acuity in 185 4-month-olds whose mothers had been randomly assigned to either take DHA-rich fish oil capsules or a placebo (vegetable oil capsules) every day, from mid-pregnancy until delivery.

Overall, there was no benefit of DHA on infants' vision, the researchers report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

It's not clear why the supplements didn't have an impact, despite the benefits seen in preemies given DHA after birth.

But one reason may be that preemies need the extra DHA, whereas full-term babies get all they need for normal visual development while still in the womb, according to Dr. Maria Makrides, the lead researcher on the study.

"I think that if women are well nourished and have a good, varied diet, then supplementation with DHA during pregnancy to enhance visual development for their unborn baby is not necessary," Makrides, of the Women's and Children's Health Research Institute in North Adelaide, Australia, told Reuters Health in an email.

Researchers are still studying whether there might be other benefits for infants' development. But studies so far have come to mixed conclusions.

In a study published last year, Makrides' team found no evidence that fish oil during pregnancy boosted babies' cognitive and language skills at the age of 18 months (see Reuters Health story of October 19, 2010).

Makrides said that this and other studies are pointing out the fact that full-term babies born to well-nourished moms generally do well developmentally -- and it may be hard to improve upon that with DHA supplements.

There may be other benefits of fish oil during pregnancy. Some studies have suggested that it can curb the risk of preterm birth, for example, but the jury is still out on that question.

In general, experts recommend that pregnant women strive for 200 milligrams of DHA per day. Some prenatal vitamins now carry the fatty acid, which is also present in fish -- especially fatty ones like salmon, mackerel and tuna.

However, since fish can be contaminated with mercury, doctors advise pregnant women to limit themselves to two fish meals per week. They should also choose fish that have omega-3s but are likely to have low mercury levels, such as salmon, canned light tuna and shrimp.

Certain fish -- shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish -- should be completely avoided during pregnancy, because they can have high mercury levels.

Makrides said her team is continuing to follow the children in this study to see if fish oil during pregnancy makes any difference in cognitive and language skills at age four.

As for visual development, if fish oil has any benefit for full-term babies, it would be most evident early in life.

"By the end of infancy," Makrides said, "it would be much harder to find differences between groups, as visual development would be well advanced."

Pregnancy, Studies reveals | |

DEFYING GRAVITY

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Sunday, June 5, 2011 0 comments

Ancient yogis couldn't have imagined that yogacould be practised by someone suspended from a hammock or while the practitioner is gyrating to the tunes of hiphop music.

With yoga's growing popularity abroad, particularly in the western hemisphere, Patanjali's concept is getting re-invented to combine traditional wisdom with the latest physical fitness techniques of body balancing, weight training and aerobics. The newer forms of yoga include what is being called Anti-gravity Yoga, Hiphop Yoga and Iron Yoga. These are attracting young and old alike. However, in the process, perhaps the real meaning of yoga is getting lost as the desire to look and feel better dominates that of merging with the Supreme Consciousness - the original aim of yoga that Maharishi Patanjali, the initiator of yoga, intended.

New Age Yoga
Body-balancing, Anti-gravity Yoga is practised and taught by an acrobatic troupe founded by Christopher Harrison in the US. It aims to give you a "cardiovascular workout that tones up muscles and improves flexibility and balance". The hammock, made of special fabric, is connected from two overhead points. It's almost like practising yoga on a swing or soft trapeze - an enticing option for an easily-bored, treadmill runner. This gravity-defying exercise bears an uncanny resemblance to the ancient Indian art form, Malkhamb, in which yogic postures are attempted while hanging from a rope or atop a pillar. Malkhamb is still practised by traditional wrestlers in parts of India.

With Iron Yoga, you can practise weight training and asanas at the same time. In this form of yoga, asanas are attempted with light weights, dumb-bells and stabilising balls. The aim is to strengthen muscles and improve metabolism. For those who like to combine exercise with music, Hiphop Yoga is a viable option. The website, hiphopyoga.ca says that: "At Hiphop Yoga (centre) you are free to laugh, sing, dance, and let out huge sighs without judgement. Hiphop Yoga welcomes anyone who can open their mind and practise from their heart."

Patanjali's wisdom
"Yoga is an internal journey. It's for balancing of energy flow so that we can align our consciousness with the Supreme Consciousness. To take us forward in this direction we have asanas and pranayamas," says yogacharya Surakshit Goswami. "But they are just the means and not the end," he cautions. He says, "Asanas are just for the gross body and if you practise yoga only for a healthy body that is not yoga."

Asanas and pranayamas are tools that help us make the body healthy and resolve our mental conflicts so that we are prepared for mukti, the ultimate aim of yoga, according to Patanjali's Yoga Sutra. The first chapter of the Yoga Sutra is called the Samadhi Pada and the second sutra in the chapter defines yoga as "Yogashchitta vritti nirodha"- "The practise of yoga is for the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind." The next sutra says, "When this happens then the seer is revealed, resting in its own essential nature, realises the true Self."

Yoga is being in the 'flow' and letting everything else that you do flow from it. Even if you are not a seer meditating in the Himalayas, yoga helps you achieve a peaceful state of mind, helping you stay centred in the moment. And when you are centred in the present and in the flow, you also ignore the mundane happenings that would otherwise make you angry or anxious. According to Patanjali, asanas are "sthir sukham asanam," - or for stability and happiness.

Reference: The Times of India

Fitness | |

HOW TO HAVE HEALTHY LUSTROUS HAIRS EVER BEFORE

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Saturday, June 4, 2011 0 comments

Follow these tips and get the lustrous hair you've always wanted

We all have had some frightful bad-hair days sometime or the other. And all of us strive to stay away from it. However, 'perfect hair' is elusive and is something that is only visible in magazine glossies! Everyone – be it a man or woman, a youngster or an oldie - aspires to have manageable, satin soft, silky and glorious hair. Here are a few pointers you need to keep in mind that will help you achieve it.

Wash it right
Though many of us shampoo our hair daily, experts insist that washing hair a few times a week is sufficient. Sometimes skipping the shampoo helps hair retain shine, especially of the shampoo is teeming with chemicals. Those who apply shampoo daily should apply a conditioner first. Then, without rinsing in between, apply shampoo just to the roots, lather, and rinse everything out. This way you have a clean scalp and shinier hair.

Don't use hot water
Rinsing hair with cold water closes the cuticle, making each hair surface smooth and shiny. Never use hot water to rinse your hair. Hair stylist Perry Patel says, "It is not very good to use a blow dryer on a very hot setting." Experts say that it is wise to look for hair dryers that don't give off too much heat.

Never forget the serum
"Do you forget to wear clothes after you are done showering? Then how can you forget to apply hair serum?" asks hair expert Javed Habib. The serum is like a raincoat on your hair say experts. Products with silicon seal the cuticle and create a barrier between styling tools and hair, reducing friction and limiting heat damage. But don't go overboard with it for then it will fall flat and look greasy.

Brush well
Daily brushing and styling can take a toll on your hair, robbing them of natural oils and leading to breakage. Trade in your plastic brush for one with natural bristles, which redistribute oils throughout hair as you brush, boosting shine.

Avoid chemicals
Alcohol based products, chemicals in random hair products, pollution and excessive humidity robs hair of its natural shine. If you have very dry hair opt for a good quality hair cream.

Beauty tips | |

FISH THERAPY IN INDIA FOR ASTHMA PATIENTS - REAL TIME STORIES

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy 4 comments

"It works," says 28-years-old Ravi Shrivastav, who is into advertising. He smokes and lives life in the fast lane-something unthinkable for an asthmatic patient. The secrethe religiously takes the fish medicine (administered by the Bathini brothers) every year (in spite of knowing that a complete cure is guaranteed in three years) .

Same is the case with Debashree Roy, a medical professional, who came all the way from Calcutta to Hyderabad for three consecutive years to take the medicine. "It's given me great relief," she vouches. While there are success stories like these, there are people who have been disillusioned by this treatment. Take the case of Saraswati K, a chronic asthma patient, who despite taking the medicine, had so severe an attack while on a trip to London that she had to be hospitalised there and ended up paying a fat bill.Even as the pros and cons of this treatment for asthma is being weighed, lakhs of people are willing to give it a try in order to get some relief from this disease for which allopathy has no permanent cure, other than educating the patient on how to keep away from allergens and take prescribed medicines in case of an acute attack.

India is well known for its folk remedies for various ailments. Among them the Hyderabad fish therapy is one, which has been in the news worldwide. For the last 150 years, the Goud family has been administering fish medicine to lakhs of people who flock to Hyderabad city in the month of June on the day of Mrigashira Karthi. On this day, more than 500 volunteers administer 2-inch to 3-inch long murrel fish which carry a drop of the secret formula. The ingredients of this medicine are collected over a period of two to three months prior to the appointed day. They are mixed a day before, using water from the Goud family's well. This medicine is distributed free of cost to the public and the patient has to take this therapy for three consecutive years to get permanent relief. It is necessary that a person should not eat or drink four hours prior to and two hours after the administration of fish medicine.

How Does it Works?Since the formula of the medicine is a closely guarded secret, it is impossible to tell how the medicine works. However l we can at least analyse the other factors.

According to Mr. Harinath Bathini, the fish carrying the medicine slips down the throat easily and enters the alimentary tract clearing the mucus and phlegm which is supposed to be the contributing factor to asthma. Even Ayurveda supports this theory, as it believes that asthma is an allergic disease, which starts in the digestive tract and not in the lungs as, is perceived by allopaths. The symptoms in the lungs are caused by ingesting things that trigger an attack.
The peculiarity of the Hyderabad fish medicine is that it is administered on a particular day, Mrigashira karthi. The Bathini brothers have nothing to say about the significance of this day, except that they are following the instructions of the saint from the Himalayas, who taught this formula to their forefathers. However, as per Ayurveda, Mrigashira karthi occurs in the period between two seasons namely summer and rainy season, (rithu sandhi) which provokes vaata disorders. Asthma according to Ayurveda, is a disease caused by the obstruction of aggravated vaata by the kapha. So this is the right time to administer an anti-vaata medicine.
Why murrel alone and not any other fish? It could be because murrel is a very agile fish and does not die easily when taken out of water, as such it can move about in the alimentary canal for a longer time compared to other fish.
As most people believe, this treatment is not a gunshot treatment but has to be followed for 45 days with diet restrictions. Six pills are given to the patient to be taken on the 15th day, 30th day and 45th day. The pills are to be taken on an empty stomach in the morning and an hour after the evening meal. The diet prescribed surprisingly tallies with the one prescribed ,by Ayurvedic physicians for asthma. It includes 26 items which include old rice, figs, tea, ginger, garlic, ghee, old turmeric, hot chilli, peppers, sweet lime, dried mango pieces l palak, ambothi bhaji l mat bhaji, arvi leaves, white sugar, white jowar and tur dal. The items that do not match with the Ayurvedic prescription are mutton (goat), black gram and buttermilk, which is contraindicated for asthma patients.

Watch Out

Even as people flock to get the medicine, allopaths warn that ingesting raw fish can cause problems. For example, these fish may be infested with helminths which can infect the person who eats it.
Fish is a known allergen and in people who are allergic to fish, the condition may become even worse.
Since no one knows what the composition of the medicine is, where is the proof that steroids and compounds like arsenic are not mixed in the secret formula!
Just like most unconventional therapies, there has been no scientific research or clinical trails under medical supervision done on this particular medicine, as the Goud brothers refuse to reveal the formula.
Neither the Medical Council nor the Department of Indian Medicines and Homeopathy could do anything about it.
As far as the cure is concerned, only a small percentage of the people get relief to some extent. It is possible that there may be some factor-the fish, the medicine, or the particular day is having some effect. It is also possible that this effect can also be attained with placebo therapy or faith healing .

Studies reveals | |

BLUEBERRY FOUND TO LOWER CHOLESTEROL IN LAB TEST

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy 3 comments

Washington: Lab hamsters fed with rations spiked with blueberry peels and leftovers from the berry's juice had better cholesterol health than normal counterparts.

Hamsters are members of the rodent order of mammals, including guinea pigs, gerbils, mice, squirrels, and beavers used in lab studies.

Wallace H. Yokoyama, chemist at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), under US Department of Agriculture (USDA), pointed out that more research is needed to confirm whether the effects would hold true for humans, the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry reports.

Researchers fed hamsters high-fat rations. Those rations were supplemented with one of three different kinds of juice byproducts: blueberry skins, peels left over when berries are pressed to make juice; fibre extracted from the peels; compounds known as polyphenols.

Blueberry polyphenols give the fruit its purple, blue, and red colouration. Yokoyama and co-investigators reported that all the hamsters fed blueberry-enhanced rations had from 22 to 27 percent lower total plasma cholesterol than hamsters fed rations without blueberry byproducts.

Levels of VLDL (very low density lipoprotein - a form of 'bad' cholesterol) were about 44 percent lower in the blueberry-fed hamsters, according to an ARS statement.

Yokoyama and his team used real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, to learn about the genes responsible for these effects. This approach allowed the scientists to pinpoint differences in the level of activity of certain liver genes.

In hamsters and in humans the liver both makes cholesterol and helps get rid of excessive levels of it. Results suggest that activity of some liver genes that either produce or use cholesterol resulted in the lower blood cholesterol levels.
Reference: Health article

Studies reveals | |

BROCCOLI BACON SALAD RECIPE

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Friday, June 3, 2011 1 comments

Healthy Recipes with Pine Nuts

Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe

Ingredients:
   - 2 bunches broccoli separated into flowerets
   - 1/2 cup chopped red onion diced fine
   - 1 cup raisins
   - 1/2 to 1 cup pine nuts chopped
   - 6 slices crisp bacon, shredded

Dressing

Ingredients
   - 1 cup miracle whip (mayonnaise if you prefer)
   - 1/2 cup pickle juice
   - 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions:

Mix first five ingredients together.
Mix the dressing and pour over the salad.
Prepare at least 3 hours in advance.

Diet Care Recipes | |

AMARANTH A LEFY VEGETABLE

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy 0 comments

Sometimes called Chinese spinach, this green is a colorful addition to the garden, ranging from a light yellow green to a dark green and red color. Delicious lightly stir-fried or steamed, Amaranth leaves and stems are extremely nutritious delivering protein, iron and calcium, as well as vitamins A and C. Chinese cuisine typically prefers the red-leaf varieties and includes them in soups, sometimes serving the cooked leaves separately. In India, Taiwan and Japan, the lighter varieties are more popular. In Western cuisine, Amaranth can be substituted in any recipe for spinach. Young leaves are tasty and beautiful in salads.

Amaranth (Amaranthus) has a colorful history, is highly nutritious, and the plant itself is extremely attractive and useful. Amaranth was a staple in the diets of pre-Columbian Aztecs, who believed it had supernatural powers and incorporated it into their religious ceremonies. Before the Spanish conquest in 1519, amaranth was associated with human sacrifice and the Aztec women made a mixture of ground amaranth seed, honey or human blood then shaped this mixture into idols that were eaten ceremoniously. This practice appalled the conquistadors who reasoned that eliminating the amaranth would also eliminate the sacrifices. The grain was forbidden by the Spanish, and consequently fell into obscurity for hundreds of years. If not for the fact that the cultivation of amaranth continued in a few remote areas of the Andes and Mexico, it may have become extinct and completely lost to us.

Amaranth is used in various cultures in some very interesting ways. In Mexico it is popped and mixed with a sugar solution to make a confection called "alegria" (happiness), and milled and roasted amaranth seed is used to create a traditional Mexican drink called "atole."

Peruvians use fermented amaranth seed to make "chicha" or beer. In the Cusco area the flowers are used to treat toothache and fevers and as a food colorant for maize and quinoa. During the carnival festival women dancers often use the red amaranth flower as rouge, painting their cheeks, then dancing while carrying bundles of amaranth on their backs as they would a baby.
In both Mexico and Peru the amaranth leaves are gathered then used as a vegetable either boiled or fried. In India amaranth is known as "rajeera" (the King’s grain) and is popped then used in confections called "laddoos," which are similar to Mexican "alegria."

In Nepal, amaranth seeds are eaten as gruel called "sattoo" or milled into flour to make chappatis. In Ecuador, the flowers are boiled then the colored boiling water is added to "aquardeinte" rum to create a drink that "purifies the blood," and is also reputed to help regulate the menstrual cycle.

Since 1975 amaranth has been gaining support in the U.S. and is now grown in Colorado, Illinois, Nebraska, and other states, but is still not a mainstream food. It is found in many natural food stores and the flour is often used in baked goods.
The name amaranth hails from the Greek for "never-fading flower." The plant is an annual herb, not a "true" grain and is a relative of pigweed, a common wild plant also known as lamb’s-quarters, as well as the garden plant we know as Cockscomb. There are approximately 60 species of amaranth and there is no definite distinction between amaranth grown for the leaf (vegetable), and the seed (grain).

Amaranth is a bushy plant that grows 5 to 7 feet, with broad leaves and a showy flower head of small, red or magenta, clover like flowers which are profuse, and constitute the plants exquisite, feathery plumes. The seed heads resemble corn tassels, but are somewhat bushier. They are quite striking as well. The seeds are tiny (1/32"), lens shaped, and are a golden to creamy tan color, sprinkled with some occasional dark colored seeds.

Each plant is capable of producing 40,000 to 60,000 seeds. The leaves of ornamental varieties, such as Joseph’s Coat resemble the coleus plant and are quite striking. Their coloring can range from deep red, purple-red, orange, pink, green, to white. The sight of a full-grown amaranth field with its vividly colored leaves, stems and flower or seed heads is an amazingly beautiful sight that evokes much emotion.

Aside from amaranth being such an attractive plant it is extremely adaptable to adverse growing conditions. It resists heat and drought, has no major disease problems, and is among the easiest of plants to grow. Simply scratching the soil, throwing down some seeds, and watering will reward you with some of these lovely plants.

Amaranth can be cooked as a cereal, ground into flour, popped like popcorn, sprouted, or toasted. The seeds can be cooked with other whole grains, added to stir-fry or to soups and stews as a nutrient dense thickening agent.
Amaranth flour is used in making pastas and baked goods. It must be mixed with other flours for baking yeast breads, as it contains no gluten. One part amaranth flour to 3-4 parts wheat or other grain flours may be used. In the preparation of flatbreads, pancakes and pastas, 100% amaranth flour can be used. Sprouting the seeds will increase the level of some of the nutrients and the sprouts can be used on sandwiches and in salads, or just to munch on.

To cook amaranth boil 1 cup seeds in 2-1/2 cups liquid such as water or half water and half stock or apple juice until seeds are tender, about 18 to 20 minutes. Adding some fresh herbs or gingerroot to the cooking liquid can add interesting flavors or mix with beans for a main dish. For a breakfast cereal increase the cooking liquid to 3 cups and sweeten with Stevia, honey or brown rice syrup and add raisins, dried fruit, allspice and some nuts.
Amaranth has a "sticky" texture that contrasts with the fluffier texture of most grains and care should be taken not to overcook it as it can become "gummy." Amaranth flavor is mild, sweet, nutty, and malt like, with a variance in flavor according to the variety being used.

Amaranth keeps best if stored in a tightly sealed container, such as a glass jar, in the refrigerator. This will protect the fatty acids it contains from becoming rancid. The seeds should be used within 3 to 6 months.The leaves of the amaranth plant taste much like spinach and are used in the same manner that spinach is used. They are best if consumed when the plant is young and tender.

Amaranth seed is high in protein (15-18%) and contains respectable amounts of lysine and methionine, two essential amino acids that are not frequently found in grains. It is high in fiber and contains calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and C.The fiber content of amaranth is three times that of wheat and its iron content, five times more than wheat. It contains two times more calcium than milk. Using amaranth in combination with wheat, corn or brown rice results in a complete protein as high in food value as fish, red meat or poultry.

Amaranth also contains tocotrienols (a form of vitamin E) which have cholesterol-lowering activity in humans. Cooked amaranth is 90% digestible and because of this ease of digestion, it has traditionally been given to those recovering from an illness or ending a fasting period. Amaranth consists of 6-10% oil, which is found mostly within the germ. The oil is predominantly unsaturated and is high in linoleic acid, which is important in human nutrition.

The amaranth seeds have a unique quality in that the nutrients are concentrated in a natural "nutrient ring" that surrounds the center, which is the starch section. For this reason the nutrients are protected during processing. The amaranth leaf is nutritious as well containing higher calcium, iron, and phosphorus levels than spinach.

Diet Zone | |

BEWARE OF COMPUTER, WOMEN !

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Thursday, June 2, 2011 1 comments

This, is the age of computers and digital technology. Where on one hand one does not mind spending time on our PC's, do we realize that this can lead to what is popularly known as 'computer face'. This has been an increasing phenomenon since a lot of women work on computer for long hours. A U.K study by British cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Michael Prager, has proved the same.

Watch out woman!
Sitting infront of your computer screens for long hours results in sagging jowls because of sitting in one position for a long time.Women do not realise that they are concentrating so hard that they end up frowning most of the times. Deep frown lines on their forehead or wrinkles around their eyes are what most women fear, bu then are they actually aware of the real culprit? Another common afermath of this is having a 'turtle neck' or a second neck because of looking down at the screen for long. The neck muscles start becoming short and saggy because of this, adding up to 10 years of a woman's actual age.

No wonder women are rushing to cosmetic surgeons for a face lift or a neck lift. But living in a world of computers how can you actually save yourself this scary state? There are some common things one has to keep in mind while working on a pc:

1. Do not stare at the screen for long.

2. Try moving your neck muscles in every half hour.

3. Get up from your chair and take a stroll around.

4. Shift and adjust your body while sitting in your chair.

5. Move your shoulders in regular intervals.

6. Try not slouching infront of the screen.

7. Move your face muscles if you feel if you have had the same expression for a long time.

Expert analysis
Cosmetic surgeon and consultant Dr. Anshuman Manaswi states that using a computer for long hours at a stretch will result in not only skin damage but a lot of other problems, "Women sitting in a particular position for long end up spoiling their posture. Straining your eyes for long, no movement of neck muscles, no shoulder movement can be very harmful." Exercising your upper body while sitting or taking short breaks in between is suggested by U.K based cosmetic surgeon Dr Prager, which Dr Manaswi too agrees. He goes on to say," When we do not flex our face muscles they retain a shape which we least expect. In severe cases one has to go in for medical and surgical methods."

Viewing this from a scientific point of view, Dr Mohan Thomas, cosmetic surgeon says, "The major reasons for change ion skin are expressions while wroking on a pc and the electromagnetic waves coming from the computer screen. These facial lines come because you are seriously engrossed in work that you tend to forget about your facial expressions. Secondly the electromagnetic radiation affects the pores of the skin. The best way to prevent this is to wash your face after using the computer and moisturise it accordingly with a gentle massage."

Reference: Press release article

Beauty tips, Studies reveals | |

PINE SEEDS

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy 0 comments

The edible seeds of pine trees are called pine nuts.
They contain about 31 grams of protein per 100 grams of nuts, the highest of any seed.
Approximately twenty species of trees have seeds big enough to harvest.
Other species have seeds that can be eaten, but the seeds are little and aren't of any value nutritionally.
They can be pressed to extract oil, which is prized for its nutty and mild flavor. It's valued for its health benefits such as antioxidant action and appetite suppression.
A specialty coffee is made from them and found in the Southwest United States, especially New Mexico. It's called Pinon, and it is a dark roast coffee with a deep, nutty flavor.
Pine nuts are an excellent resource for dietary fiber, as well as a vital module of pesto. They're often included in fish, vegetable and meat dishes.

Health Benefits of Pine Nuts

Pine nuts are nature's only source of pinoleic acid, which stimulates hormones and helps diminish your appetite.

Pine nuts have the highest concentration of oleic acid. That's a monounsaturated fat that aids the liver in eliminating harmful triglycerides from our body. That helps protect our heart.

Pine nuts are packed with 3mg of iron per one ounce serving. Iron is a key component of hemoglobin, the oxygen carrying pigment in blood that supplies energy.

They are rich in magnesium which helps alleviate muscle cramps, tension and fatigue.

Reference: Various article

Diet Zone | |

ROSE WATER FOR HAIRS AND SKINS.... CHECK IT OUT...

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy Wednesday, June 1, 2011 0 comments

Though rose water is famous for its therapeutic benefits, it has always been associated with skin-care regimens. Rosewater however has huge potential and we would be underestimating its importance in the world of beauty if we restrict its scope to treatment of skin problems only. Did you know that it is possible for you to get beautiful hair effortlessly if you can manage to integrate rosewater in your regular hair-care programs?

Top 7 Reasons To Use Rose Water On Hair

1. It has exceptional stimulating properties and therefore, it can be used as a home remedy for treating hair loss.
2. It has natural moisturizing and nourishing qualities that helps to recover the quality of your hair.
3. Pure rose water, purchased by you from any reputed shop, is made up of rose oil and distilled water. Alternately, it can be prepared by soaking fresh rose petals in purified water. Hence, there are no artificial components and this natural product does not have any side effects (except an individual sensitivity to roses that might be likely).
4. On account of its innate healing properties, it is useful in treating mild scalp inflammations.
5. It has been found to be effective in treating dandruff that is caused mainly by fungal infections.
6. It is known to make the hair strands stronger and thus, it helps to minimize hair fall.
7. It imparts a delicate and lingering fragrance to your hair, thus giving you’re a refreshing feeling.

How To Easily Incorporate Rose Water In Hair-Care Regime?

Here the easiest ways in which you can use rose water to care for your hair:
• Rose water can be applied directly on your scalp and hair. Just take a few drops of organic rosewater and it should be rubbed into your scalp in a gentle manner. Let it stay on for about twenty minutes before you wash off your hair with your favorite shampoo. This will make your hair look fresh and the quality of your hair would be improved.
• Your regular shampoo can be diluted with rose water while you wash your hair.
• Glycerin and rose water should be mixed in equal quantities and the mixture has to be applied on your scalp. Massage your scalp gently with the help of your finger tips. Let it remain on your scalp for around thirty minutes and shampoo your hair. This can be done once in every week for five or six months to get nourished hair and scalp.
• Use a cup of rose water as an after-shampoo-rinse to get deeply conditioned hair.
• Mix rose water with a few drops of jojoba oil and vitamin E. This concoction should be massaged into your hair while it is wet; wait for about ten minutes. After rinsing the solution in running water, shampoo as usual and rinse thoroughly. This solution is known to be effective for repairing hair damaged by curling irons, blow dryers and over exposure to sun and salty water (in beaches).
• Apply a paste of methi seeds (fenugreek) and rosewater and keep it on the scalp for about forty minutes; wash your hair gently. This helps to diminish dandruff problems.

Home-made Shampoo With Rose Water

To make the shampoo, you would require rose water (1/4 cup), rum (1/4 cup), three eggs and vinegar. This natural shampoo is extremely good for oily hair. First of all, the eggs have to be beaten thoroughly in a large bowl. Add rose water and rum in the quantities mentioned. Massage the mixture into your hair and scalp; start with your scalp area and work your way down to the hair-ends. If your hair tends to be extremely oily, leaving this shampoo for a couple of minutes will be beneficial. Rinse it in vinegar as this will strip the excess oils and restore natural shine to your hair.

Beauty tips | |

PARAFFIN WAX FOR BEAUTY AND HEALTH THERAPY

Posted by Elizebath Bijoy 1 comments

Paraffin hand and foot treatments are used in spas and salons to lock in moisture. The wax is warm and soothing and your hands and feet will be left feeling soft and supple. If you are using wax for both hands and feet, double the recipe.

Ingredients:

· 1 block paraffin wax (about 4 oz), you can find this in the canning sections of your local grocery store.

· an ounce of oil

· 20 drops of essential oil... lavender is rather nice

· a few drops of olive oil or coconut oil (you will use this to coat your hands)

· a casserole dish, greased with oil

· plastic sandwich bags

Preparation:

The following directions are for a hand treatment, you can also use this treatment on the feet this is what I found in my recent visit to saloon and it was much relaxing.

Melt the paraffin, the ounce of oil, the scented oil in a double boiler. (The double boiler is necessary for safety purposes).

Very carefully pour the wax into the dish and wait until a skin has formed on the top of the wax. When this happens, the temperature should be about right for submerging your hands. Test the wax on your wrist to ensure the temperature is not too hot.

Prepare hands by washing them. Smooth the olive oil or coconut oil (I prefer coconut oil because it smells better) on your hands.

Dip each hand into the wax repeatedly until you have several layers of wax built up.

Have someone help you put on the sandwich bags onto each hand and then relax for about 30 minutes. You can also wrap hands in Saran wrap.For added benefit, place a bath towel over your hands as you wait. (This is a perfect time to watch a half hour of TV.)

To remove wax, simply peel it off starting at the wrist. The wax should come off in large sections. Give yourself a little hand massage and you are done.

Summary:

Rehabilitation specialists, massage therapists, and the spa industry have endorsed paraffin therapy for its therapeutic properties. Physicians have long known that paraffin therapy is a veritable way to speed healing and soothe muscle and joint pain. In fact, the healing qualities of paraffin wax therapy have been known for centuries.

Along with the use of hydrotherapy, the use of paraffin wax therapy can be traced all the way back to the Roman Empire. In those ancient times, the Romans would pour hot waxes on the body in preparation for massage therapy. Later the French embraced paraffin therapy by melting paraffin wax and spreading it on wounds to accelerate healing. In World War I, the British used paraffin wax therapy as a protocol to treat orthopedic disorders in military hospitals. In modern times, paraffin therapy is quite common and widely used to aid in the treatment of conditions such as the following:

Arthritis
Bursitis
Eczema
Fibromyalgia
Fibrositis
Inflammation
Muscle Spasms
Overworked/Fatigued Muscles
Psoriasis
Scar Tissue
Stiff Joints
Tendonitis
Tennis Elbow
And more...

Paraffin therapy is also widely used in the treatment of sports related injuries and other conditions where heat therapy and exercise therapy are needed. One of the overlooked benefits of paraffin therapy is that it soothes and moisturizes the skin, opens pores, increases circulation, and promotes a sense of calm in the patient.

A great way to use this therapy is by using a spot paraffin therapy bath. Using such a modality will enable you to treat specific areas of the body and pinpoint the management of treatment. Not only are such modalities increasingly being used in rehabilitation and therapy clinics, but they are now widely available to the public. Using a paraffin therapy bath is easy and doesn't take very long at all, but there are some guidelines to follow. Be sure to remove all jewelry prior to treatment. Thoroughly wash and dry the area that is to be treated. When conducting a paraffin dip, relax the body part to be treated and immerse it gradually in to the warm paraffin wax. While dipping the area into the paraffin therapy bath, layers of paraffin wax will build up. Allow it to harden. Once the treatment is complete, the wax is peeled off and the area is then ready for massage, stretching, exercise, or additional therapeutic measures.

Paraffin wax occurs naturally as a component of crude mineral oils. Paraffin wax is produced by refining or separating the wax out of the crude mineral oils. It is then purified through boiling and then chilled and pressed through a filter which creates a heavy oil, or paraffin wax. Paraffin has been laboratory tested to be hygienically safe to use. It is colorless, tasteless, odorless, and extremely heavy in molecular structure. Since paraffin is heavy in molecular weight, it increases the blood supply to the area being treated and traps moisture from underlying layers of the skin, resulting in rejuvenated and nourished skin. Paraffin therapy reduces pain and stiffness around joints by removing excess fluid from surrounding tissue while providing lubrication.

Paraffin treatments are not recommended for people with the following conditions: Hypertension, diabetes, varicose veins.

Traditional Therapy | |

Jai Ho

Followers

Total Pageviews

My popular posts