Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Watermelon helpful for health

Watermelon is an amazing fruit. It acts as a natural moisturizer as well as a toner and keeps the skin cool, glowing and fresh.

Watermelon has always been a good source of vitamins A and C, and provides potassium and fiber. But now consumers have even more reasons to enjoy a sweet fruit.

Scientists indicate that watermelon contains high levels of lycopene-an antioxidant that may help the body fight cancer and prevent disease. Found only in select fruits and vegetables, lycopene is very effective at trapping cancer-promoting agents called free-oxygen radicals.

It contains many great nutrients, is fat free, available nearly year round and is cheap.
In addition, it's full of water and sweet enough to be a favorite for adults and children alike.

The watermelon consists of 93% water. A two- cup serving of watermelon contains many important vitamins and minerals. It is a multi-vitamin fruit and contains vitamins A, B6 and C to potassium and iron, which will surely boost your health. Dieticians advise that we should begin the morning with diced melon as they cleanse the body. A bowl of watermelon every morning starts a summer day off with close to no- fat, high fiber goodness. Taken with breakfast, it helps to protect you from the heat. Watermelon is also recommended to be taken in the evenings which are filled with physical activity.


TIPS TO REDUCE CANCER


Have a plate of water melon every alternate day.It has high levels of lycopene, an antioxidant that helps reduce the risks of cancer and other diseases

Monday, December 15, 2008

Pomegranate Benefits and For Wrinkle Free Skin

Pomegranates possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and they aid in strengthening of the immune system along with aiding in wound repair. They can also help in fighting osteoporosis as they help in slowing down the deterioration of cartilage.

Pomegranates are one of the richest sources of natural antioxidants. The antioxidants help counter daily effects of oxidation and the aging effects of too much exposure to the sun

It is a rich source of various vitamins. Pomegranate is a good, natural source of vitamins A, C and E as well as folic acid.

You can also use a cotton ball to apply pomegranate juice to your face after cleansing.

The potassium in pomegranates, which is important for muscle contractions, possibly has a role to play in preventing high blood pressure.

Pomegranates have already been associated with reducing the risk of heart disease and preventing prostate cancer.

consuming a glass of pomegranate juice everyday extended the doubling period to 54 months, and that there was also evidence that the juice was actually killing off prostate cancer cells.

Studies have shown that pomegranate seed extract applied to the skin may reduce the formation of some forms of skin cancer, suggesting that its antioxidant capabilities may be responsible for some of pomegranate's skin benefits.


HOME MADE FACE PACK OF POMOGRANATE

Dry and Mash the shells of pomegranate & orange

Add 1tsp of mashed pomegranate powder with 1tsp of Orange peel powder little bit of turmeric and Mix it with lemon juice.

Make a thin paste of it and apply it on the face.

Wash it after 10mins.

It will remove the pimples/acne from the face.

Pomogranate and Orange are rich in vitamn C and act as scrubbers and Tumeric acts as an anti-bacterial.

GREEN TEA BENEFITS

Green tea helps to lower LDL cholesterol, which is responsible for the formation of blood clots and thus reduces the risks of stroke and heart attacks. It is in fact as effective as aspirin in preventing platelets from clotting and greatly reduces levels of thromboxane, which is the villain in causing blood clots. It also promotes the production of HDL and does away with plaque present in the arteries. This fact maybe explains why the Japanese who drink a lot of green tea do not suffer as much from heart disease as their compatriots around the world. The anti oxidants in the green tea are supposed to ensure that the liver is protected against toxins present in cigarette ad alcohol. Early days yet, but the research done seems to point that way.

Green tea also helps to burn those extra calories and when combined with caffeine augments the calorie burning. It increases the energy that is expended, helps to oxidize fats.

green tea and its extracts have also been used to prevent dental plaque and hence prevent tooth decay. Deodorants and creams promoting oral health are being advertised strongly as science and technology has provided evidence that green tea can actually afford some protection against bacteria causing cavities because of its fluoride content.

The anti oxidant present in green tea help to decrease inflammation of blood and this in turn helps to prevent arthritis. New studies indicate that the beneficial effects of green tea could also include means to combat cancer especially lung cancer.

Special Benefits of Green Tea

Reduces high blood pressure

Lowers blood sugar

Fights cancer

Green tea also boosts the immune system because of its high concentrations of polyphenols and flavenoids.


What else can tea be used for?


IT can be used as garden fertilizer or compost.
IT can be used to sooth puffy eyes by placing used tea bags over them.
IT can be added to herbal bath mixes for skin care.
IT can relieve sunburn by applying a tea soaked compress.
IT can be used to relieve the itch from mosquito bites.
IT can be use for cooking.
IT can be used as a fabric dye.

Red Wine Increase Your Life

Moderate consumption of red wine has been widely reported to reduce risk for cardiovascular disease.

Many studies investigated the benefits of red wine suggested that moderate amount of red wine i.e one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men lowers the risk of heart attack for people in middle age by ~ 30 to 50 percent.


It is also suggested that alcohol such as red wine may prevent additional heart attacks if you have already suffered from one.



Other studies also indicated that red wine can raise HDL cholesterol (the Good cholesterol) and prevent LDL cholesterol (the Bad cholesterol) from forming.


Red wine may help prevent blood clots and reduce the blood vessel damage caused by fat deposits. Indeed, studies showed that people from the Mediterranean region who regularly drank red wine have lower risks of heart disease

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a type of chemical produced by plants to ward off fungi and bacterial infections. It is often found in their skins since this is the main point of access by parasitic invaders.

Resvartrol has antioxidant properties. Many beneficial health effects in connection to resveratrol have been reported, such as anti-cancer, antiviral, neuroprotective, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects. This has led some to call resvaratrol a longevity enhancer, good for overall health. Resveratrol is most often associated with its cardioprocective (heart and artery-healthy) benefits.

Resveratrol in red wine

Some researchers believe that resveratrol might be the key ingredient in red wine that helps prevent damage to blood vessels, reduces "bad" cholesterol and prevents blood clots.

The resveratrol in red wine comes from the skin of grapes used to make wine. Because red wine is fermented with grape skins longer than is white wine, red wine contains more resveratrol. Simply eating grapes, or drinking grape juice, has been suggested as one way to get resveratrol without drinking alcohol. Some studies have suggested that red and purple grape juices have some of the same heart-healthy benefits of red wine.

Other foods that contain some resveratrol include peanuts, blueberries and cranberries. It's not yet known how beneficial eating grapes or other foods might be compared with drinking red wine when it comes to promoting heart health. The amount of resveratrol in food and red wine can vary widely.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Liver Protection Tips

Ways to Protect Liver

Liver is one of the most important organs of our body which perform number of important works inside our body.It builds complex molecules from simple substances absorbed from the digestive tract. It also do processing of alcohol and toxic substances in blood and produce important substance like bile which help body in absorbing fats and cholesterol.

Symptoms
Fatigue, general malaise, digestive disturbances, allergies and chemical sensitivities, premenstrual syndrome and constipation.




Diet and Lifestyle:

  • Eat a balanced diet. You may need to watch how much protein and sugar you eat.
  • If you drink alcohol, the most important way to help yourself is to stop.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise
  • Always wash properly fruits and vegetable before eating them.
  • Add good amount of high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetable, food grains, cereals etc in your food.
  • Drink enough amount of water during day.
  • Decrease the intake of food high in fats. Thus reducing the risks of gallbladder disorders like gallstone etc.
  • Visit your doctor regularly for regular checkups.
  • Follow day routine of regular exercise and meditation.
  • Avoid buying eatable items from unhygienic and roadside vendors.
  • Avoid intake of high salt in your food because it can lead to water retention and liver problems.
  • Avoid intake of calorie rich food, desserts, snacks, cold drinks etc.
  • If diabetic, put control on diabetics.
  • Maintain your weight under control to ideal levels because obesity can increase the chances of liver disorders.
  • Consumption different medication with care because some medicines can affect our liver negatively. Do not consumption more amount of medicines as directed by your doctor.
  • Do not mix different medicines without your doctor’s permission.
  • Try to reduce the intake of alcohol and avoid mixing drugs with alcohol intake.
  • Get yourself and your family members vaccinated for available liver protective vaccinations.
  • Use only disposable springs, needles because liver disorder like Hepatitis C can transmit through
  • use of contaminated springs.
  • Always go for safe sex, use condoms.

HONEY :- A Natural Beauty

Today manufacturers are increasingly using honey in skin moisturizers, facial masks, hair conditioners and shower gels in response to consumer demand for more natural formulations.

Did you know!

All-natural honey is an effective treatment for minor abrasions and burns. A recent review of medical research documents its effectiveness as an antimicrobial agent.

A Natural Moisturizer

The skin’s ability to stay hydrated is an important factor in its ability to maintain softness, suppleness and elasticity. As skin ages, or as it is exposed to environmental stresses and chemical agents, it loses this ability to retain water, becomes dry and appears wrinkled. Honey is a humectant, which means it attracts and retains water. So honey is a natural fit for a variety of moisturizing products including cleansers, creams, shampoos and conditioners. Because honey is also an anti-irritant, it is suitable for sensitive skin and baby care products.

Skin Softening Bath

Add ¼ cup honey to bath water for a fragrant, silky bath.

Hair Shine

Stir 1 teaspoon honey into 4 cups (1 quart) warm water. Blondes may wish to add a squeeze of lemon. After shampooing, pour mixture through hair. Do not rinse out. Dry as normal.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Research is currently underway to develop a process using honey to create alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). AHAs are an important ingredient in many skin creams and moisturizers because they help exfoliate the skin. Increased exfoliation, or renewal of the skin cells, gives skin a younger, more vibrant look. Exfoliation can also cause skin irritation so honey’s natural moisturizing ability makes it a perfect fit for AHA products.


Moisture Mask


Mix 2 tablespoons honey with 2 teaspoons milk. Smooth over face and throat. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.


Smoothing Skin Lotion


Mix 1 teaspoon honey with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and ¼ teaspoon lemon. Rub into hands, elbows, heels and anywhere that feels dry. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with water.


Antioxidants

Preliminary studies have also revealed that honey has significant natural antioxidant properties. Antioxidants play a role in protecting the skin from the damage of UV rays and in aiding in skin rejuvenation. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV radiation can cause skin damage, premature aging and even skin cancer. Because chemical and physical barrier sunscreens can cause skin irritation, companies are researching the use of antioxidants, anti-irritants and moisturizers in their sun care products. The natural properties of honey make it ideal for these products. Look for honey to appear in the ingredient statements of more and more cosmetics, sunscreens and skin care products.

Honey Cleansing Scrub

Mix 1 tablespoon honey with 2 tablespoons finely ground almonds and ½ teaspoon lemon juice. Rub gently onto face. Rinse off with warm water.
Firming Face Mask

Whisk together 1 tablespoon honey, 1 egg white, 1 teaspoon glycerin and enough flour to form a paste. (Approximately ¼ cup). Smooth over face and throat. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Honey Pat. This is the best way to bring a lively glow to your face and body while you moisturize and smooth. And it’s so much fun! Just bring one of those cute little honey-bears into the tub with you. Squeeze some honey anywhere on your skin and pat it with both hands. As you continue to pat your skin, the honey gets really sticky, and will pull up your skin gently with every pat. This is the BEST for circulation, and you’ll end up with a gorgeous glow. Rinse off the honey when you’ve had enough.

Honey Bath. If you don’t have time to pat-and-glow, just add 1/4 cup or so of honey to your bath. Mmmm—sweet, silky, and luscious skin.

Honey Shiny Hair. Mix 1 teaspoon honey, a squeeze of fresh lemon, and 1 quart of warm water. After shampooing, simply pour through hair. Let your hair dry as you normally would; you don’t need to rinse it out.

Moisturizing Honey Mask. Mix 2 tablespoons honey and 2 teaspoons milk or cream. Smooth on face and allow to remain for 10 minutes, then rinse.
Honey-Apple Toner. This sweet alpha-hydroxy miracle will help to firm, smooth, and moisturize your skin. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 peeled, cored apple with a tablespoon of honey and pulse until smooth. Apply pulp gently to face and allow to remain for 15 minutes, then rinse.

Good-Enough-to-Eat Facial Cleansing Scrub. Combine 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon finely-ground almonds, 2 tablespoons dry oatmeal, and enough lemon juice to moisten. Massage mixture gently onto face, then rinse with warm water.

Honey Hair Conditioning Treatment. This great formula combines the benefits of honey and olive oil for lustrous, silky, healthy hair and scalp. Simply combine 1/2 cup honey and 2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup olive oil (depending on the dryness of your hair and scalp). Saturate hair and scalp with this conditioner, then put on a shower cap and allow the conditioner to remain for 30 minutes before you shampoo and rinse as usual.

Benefits Of Green Vegetables

Benefits Of Green Vegetables !

A nutrition professor once told me that it was common for our ancient ancestors to eat up to six pounds of leaves per day. He imagined them walking along from one place to another, just picking and eating leaves as they went. Can you imagine eating a grocery bag full of greens each and every day? Few of us even eat the minimum USDA recommendations of 3 cups of dark green vegetables per week. And yet, these veggies deliver a bonanza of vitamins, minerals.
Health Benefits

Dark green leafy vegetables are, calorie for calorie, perhaps the most concentrated source of nutrition of any food. They are a rich source of minerals (including iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium) and vitamins, including vitamins K, C, E, and many of the B vitamins. They also provide a variety of phytonutrients including beta-carotene,and zeaxanthin, which protect our cells from damage and our eyes from age-related problems, among many other effects. Dark green leaves even contain small amounts of fats.
Perhaps the star of these nutrients is Vitamin K. A cup of most cooked greens provides at least nine times the minimum recommended intake of Vitamin K, and even a couple of cups of dark salad greens usually provide the minimum all on their own. Recent research has provided evidence that this vitamin may be even more important than we once thought (the current minimum may not be optimal), and many people do not get enough of it.

Vitamin K:

  • Regulates blood clotting
  • Helps protect bones from osteoporosis
  • May help prevent and possibly even reduce atherosclerosis by reducing calcium in arterial plaques
  • May be a key regulator of inflammation, and may help protect us from inflammatory diseases including arthitis
  • May help prevent diabetes
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, so make sure to put dressing on your salad, or cook your greens with oil. Almost Carb-Free

Greens have very little carbohydrate in them, and the carbs that are there are packed in layers of fiber, which make them very slow to digest. That is why, in general, greens have very little impact on blood glucose. In some systems greens are even treated as a "freebie" carb-wise (meaning the carbohydrate doesn't have to be counted at all).

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Pistachios in demand

Pistachios are a popular snack food and are used to make a variety of sweet and savory foods, from ice cream. Pistachio nuts are especially popular in Indian and Mediterranean cuisines. To remove the brownish skin, blanch pistachios in boiling water for about two minutes. Drain and cool slightly, then rub off the skins while still warm.

Pistachios are an excellent source of nutrients and calories.

At 160 calories per ounce, pistachios are high in important vitamins and minerals like thiamin (B1), phosphorus, magnesium, copper and iron.

Pistachios are also a “Heart Smart” food too with significant amounts of monosaturated fat, which in recent studies has been shown to lower blood cholesterol, possibly reducing the risk of heart disease.

Pistachios are also low in saturated fat and are cholesterol free.


Nutritional Highlights

Pistachios (raw), 30 nuts (18g)
Calories: 99
Protein: 3.68g
Carbohydrate: 5.25g
Total Fat: 7.7g
Fiber: 1.8g

ALMOND BENEFITS

Raw almond nuts are rich in vitamin E, calcium, magnesium and fiber. Bitter almonds are used for almond oil and it is this oil which is famously used in the liqueur Amaretto. Almonds are thought to originally come from the regions of western Asia and North Africa; they are an ancient food which has been eaten since ancient Greek and Roman times. Almonds are now typically cultivated in the Mediterranean countries and also in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Morocco and also in the American state of California.Roasted almonds are slightly harder in texture than natural almonds because the dry-roasting process removes some of the moisture. Natural almonds are better for baking and cooking.

You can create delicious milk shakes by blending almond milk with frozen fruits
.

Almonds contain protein and help to prevent diseases such as gallstones, type 1 diabetes, colon cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, cholesterol and aid weight loss. They are a good source of manganese, copper and vitamin B2 which help to fight against the health damaging free radicals and increase oxygen-based energy production which promotes the antioxidant molecule, glutathione. The flavonoids in the skin of the almonds, together with the vitamin E which is in the flesh of the nut, make almonds when eaten with the skin on, an extremely powerful antioxidant food with a double whammy effect.


BENEFITS

• Good source of protein and minerals especially for vegetarians

• Contains the anti-cancer agent leatril

• Very alkaline

• Excellent source of vitamin E and B vitamins thiamine and niacin

DISADVANTAGES

• Immature almonds can contain cyanide-producing compounds

• High in calories

• Some people may have an allergic reaction

Nutrition Information

• Shelled Almonds are a vitamin E-rich food; because of their skins, they are even higher in vitamin E than blanched almonds. One ounce (about 20-25 almonds) provides 35% of the daily value for vitamin E.• Almonds are also high in protein, having as much protein, ounce for ounce, as red meat, but without the cholesterol.

• Dietary fibre

• Folic acid

• Magnesium

• Phosphorus

• Potassium

• Tryptophan

• Vitamin E

• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

• Vitamin B3

• Zinc

• calcium

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Garlic: TIPS For Health

Garlic is well known to all as it’s wide use as a spice or condiment in Indian and continental cuisine.

Garlic belongs to the onion family who has given lots of importance in Ayurveda. It contains allicin, vitamin C, B6, selenium, magnesium, potassium, calcium and manganese and falconoid. Allicin has various properties like antibiotic, anti-viral and anti-fungal that is why garlic is widely used for skin infections like as athlete’s foot, herpes and warts, digestive and lung infections which includes diarrhea, coughs and colds.

Garlic is considered one of the most important herbal for blood pressure and cholesterol reduction.Eating garlic on regular basis may provide some protection against gastric cancer. Garlic has a very strong flavour, and it is difficult to eat in raw condition. It needs to be either mixed with other foods or to be added it in food while cooking. Allicin gets distributed throughout the meal, providing you with the benefits of its anti-carcinogenic and antiseptic properties.Garlic is considered as something of a miracle food and uses it as a home remedy for many complaints. The healing properties of garlic as an antiviral and anti bacterial agent are now backed with scientific evidence. Scientists have shown that the compounds in garlic are good for heart. They lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol production in the lever, suppress harmful cholesterol and raise level of the beneficial high-density lipoproteins in the blood. The daily dose recommended is about 6g, equivalent to two or three cloves.

Garlic is also extensively used for curing asthma, arthritis, sciatica, lumbago, backache, bronchitis, chronic fever, tuberculosis, rhinitis, malaria, obstinate skin disease including leprosy, leucoderma, discolouration of the skin and itches, indigestion, colic pain, enlargement of spleen, piles, fistula, fracture of bone, gout, urinary diseases, diabetes, kidney stone, anemia, jaundice, epilepsy, cataract and night blindness etc.

Garlic can be eaten raw in order to reduce nasal congestion and also in helping to reduce the amount of mucous in the nasal cavities. Garlic is also said to aid in the cleansing of the body's blood. And, true or not, it has been said that if you cut several onions in half and place them around your home, you and your family will not get any more colds.

Peel off the garlic only just before the cooking other wise it may lose many of garlic’s potent health properties. The natural compound of Allicin as found in garlic loses its beneficial properties within hours because it begins to react with garlic's other components as soon as the clove is crushed.

Garlic can also prevent blood clotting and increase the rate at which blood clots are broken down, but large amounts- ten or more cloves a day- may have to be eaten before any effect is noticed.

DISADVANTAGE to eating garlic is that it makes the breath smell and in few people can cause allergies

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Benefits of Beet Root

Beet root has natural property of cleaning the kidneys and gall bladder. The potassium present in it helps in providing nourishment to the body for daily functions while chlorine organically cleans the liver and kidney. In addition, it has positive effects on one’s digestive system as it helps in the treatment of digestive disorders and problems like jaundice, nausea and vomiting due to dysentery or diarrhea. Beet root combined with carrot juice can prove extremely beneficial in building the red corpuscles thereby helping in treating low vitality and anemia. Being an excellent solvent for inorganic calcium deposits, beet juice helps in the treatment of hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders. It is also extremely beneficial for women as it aids in the regulation of menstruation.
Along with having numerous health benefits, beet root is also beneficial for the skin. The water in which beet roots have been boiled proves effective for the treatment of boils, inflammation and even for skin breakouts like pimples. Similarly, the decoction of beets mixed with little vinegar can be used for the treatment of dandruff. Though beet root has various health benefits, it should be avoided by diabetic patients since it is high in sugar content.

Beetroot soup provides taste with health and it can be easily prepared at home. It has a stimulating effect on liver’s detoxification process and its fibers help in promoting healthy cholesterol levels and bowel function. Being rich in folic acid, fiber, manganese, potassium and phosphorus, beetroots are a healthy and a nutritious form of food item which can be easily made into soup to experience taste with health .Simple, healthy yet delicious beetroot soup can be made at home by following the given recipe.

Health Benefits and Medicinal uses of Onion

  • The uses of onions are primarily in cooking, as it is the most abundant ingredient in most dishes. However, there are some medicinal uses of onion. Onion have an antibacterial and antifungal properties. Some people mixed vinegar with onion juice and apply it in their freckles and warts, it is believed that it can remove/reduce this skin problems.

    Onion is Benenificial in the following conditions:

  • Onions stimulate the immune system.
  • Onions are also used as a diuretic,expectorant and antiseptic.
  • Onions may be particularly beneficial for women in combating osteoporosis.
  • Onion can improve lung function,especially in asthma.
  • Influenza Colds, Tuberculosis ,Insomnia ,Pneumonia ,Antiallergy,Obesity,Reduce inflammation
  • Slightly laxative ,High Blood Pressure ,Lowers cholesterol ,Prolong longevity
  • Helps destroy worms and other parasites.
  • Bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial tube)
  • Neuritis (inflammation of the nerves)
  • Vertigo (inflammation of nerves)
  • Diuretic (increases the secretion of urine)
  • Diabetes mellitus - lowers blood sugar.
  • Valuable for the hair, nails of the fingers and toes, and for the eyes.
  • Sinus conditions - helps to drain mucus from the cavities and loosen phlegm.
  • fresh or cooked onions have antiplatelet, adhesiveness, thus preventing thrombosis.

Dengue causes and tips to cure

Dengue can be diagnosed by blood test. The infected person as such cannot spread the infection but can be a source to spread it.Dengue fever is a flu kind of illness spread by mosquito bites. Dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever are caused by any of the dengue family virus. This is also widely known as 'Break bone fever' due to the severe joint pain caused during the attack.

Dengue is an infectious disease causing frequent epidemics.Dengue hemorrhagic fever is often complicated and severe. This rather can be termed as a complication dengue fever. Those bitten by the mosquito can get dengue fever and those already infected once if infected again are prone to higher risk of getting dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Dengue is spread by the bite of an 'Ades' Mosquito. This mosquito bites the infected person and then bites someone else who is not affected thus transmitting the infection. These mosquitoes are active during the day time and spread the infection during day time. These mosquitoes live among human beings and breed in discarded tyres, flower pots, water stores etc.,
Dengue fever starts suddenly accompanied by headache, severe joint pain ,rashes, nausea and lack of appetite. The illness can last up to 10 days and the complete recovery could take about four to six weeks. Widely the dengue infections result in relatively mild illness however in some cases it may lead to the dengue hemorrhagic fever. In the complicated stage the blood vessels start to leak and cause bleeding through mouth, nose and gums. This is most prevalent among children and young adults. This stage requires close medical attention.

Preventive Measures to control Dengue Fever
  • Keep the water stores clean and closed.

  • keep yourself well covered when outside.

  • Take prompt medical advice once fever starts.

  • Use mosquito repellents.

  • discard all unwanted items getting gathered around the living area to avoid the breeding of mosquitoes.






Tuesday, November 18, 2008

HOW TO AVOID STOMACH CANCER


Stomach cancer (also called gastric cancer) is the growth of cancer cells in the lining and wall of the stomach.


chances of getting stomach cancer?

Your chances of getting stomach cancer are higher if you have had a stomach infection caused by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, which also causes ulcers in the stomach.

You are also more likely to get stomach cancer if you:

Are a man

Are older than 50 years of age

Have a close relative who has had stomach cancer

Smoke

drink alcohol in more contain

Have small growths in the lining of your stomach

What are the symptoms of stomach cancer?

Sometimes cancer can grow in the stomach for a long time before it causes symptoms. In the early stages, stomach cancer can cause the following symptoms:

Indigestion, stomach discomfort or heartburn

Nausea or loss of appetite

Feeling tired

When the cancer is larger, it can cause the following symptoms:

Blood in your stool or stools that are black in color

A bloated feeling after eating, even when eating a small amount

Vomiting after meals

Unintended weight loss

Stomach pain, especially after meals

Weakness and fatigue

HOW TO AVOID STOMACH CANCER

Prevent stomach cancer by becoming familiar with the risk factors involved. Stomach cancer was much more common when the American diet included more preserved and cured foods, and as a result, researchers have been able to identify key foods to avoid as well as many to incorporate into your diet as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Reduce your risk of stomach cancer by avoiding diets that are high in smoked or pickled foods as well as those high in salted meats and fish.

Consider eating a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables to lower your risk of stomach cancer. A diet rich in whole grain foods is also recommended by the American Cancer Society.

Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking to help prevent stomach cancer. Tobacco use has been proven to increase the risk of many types of cancer, including stomach cancer, while consuming large amounts of alcohol has also been shown to contribute stomach cancer.

Drink green tea as part of a healthy diet and you may decrease your risk of stomach cancer.

Follow up on any stomach cancer symptoms, such as persistent abdominal pain or excessive vomiting. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss these symptoms, especially if you belong to an at-risk group.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Tips to avoid Back pain





Back pain is one of the most common medical problems in this country. Eighty percent of the population will have some sort of serious back pain in their lives.


Good posture and regular exercise helps minimize chronic back conditions. Regular exercise is good but it is important not to strain your back.







Back Pain Tips

Lifting. 
Avoid bending from the back or twisting while lifting objects. Instead, hold the object close to your body with a good base of support and your legs apart. Then, bend from the knees, lift and turn your entire body from the feet to move objects and avoid putting stress on your back. 

Build up muscular strength and flexibility.
Your abdominal muscles and back muscles work together in order to give your spine support and strength. Strength and flexibility in your hips and thighs help towards maintaining good pelvic bone alignment.

Build strength as you stand. 
Try standing on one leg when standing while doing the dishes or brushing your teeth. This will help build strength in the core muscles of your lower back and abdomen. Use the sink to stabilize yourself if needed and alternate your legs every 30 seconds.

Regular exercises 
such as swimming walking and cycling allow your muscles to function better.
Remember, consult your doctor if you are at all worried about new forms of exercise.

Avoid prolonged stand
Try to avoid standing or bending down for long periods.

Change your position. 
When standing for long periods of time, such as cooking or cleaning, widen your stance or alternate your position to avoid repeated stress on the same muscles. 

Seating and back problems
Chairs need good back support. Use chairs that are at the right height. Straining to get on or off a chair , especially if you have to twist the spine into strange positions, can cause discomfort and injury. Ergonomically designed chairs are best.

Good bed mattresses for back problems
It is important to get a mattress that provides enough back support. Get a medium-firm mattress rather than a very firm mattress. Use pillows to support the neck, but not to the extent they push your head neck into odd angles.

Lifting, load carrying, and your back
Poor lifting and carrying techniques are the most common and most avoidable causes of back injury and pain.Never carry loads that are too heavy.Work places are legally obliged to provide appropriate equipment for you to carry out your work. See your boss if you feel you are at risk.Make sure that when you do lift you keep your back straight and bend at the knees to weight-bear.If you think you may have trouble lifting something get help. Don't risk back injury.

Weight gain and back problems
Maintain a healthy weight.If you are overweight it puts a tremendous strain on the back muscles. Losing weight can make a dramatic difference to back pain and discomfort.
Losing weight makes you more energetic.

Smoking and back problems
Smoking causes diminished levels of oxygen levels to spinal tissues. Diminished oxygen levels can hinder the healing processes if you get a spinal injury.

Wear comfortable shoes.
High heels, and flip flops can throw off your body alignment.  High heels will create an anterior pelvic tilt, which pulls on the muscles of the low back.  Flip flops do not lend enough support for the feet.

TIPS TO PREVENT BREAST CANCER


Breast cancer is a cancer that starts in the tissues of the breast.

There are two main types of breast cancer:

Ductal carcinoma starts in the tubes (ducts) that move milk from the breast to the nipple. Most breast cancers are of this type.
Lobular carcinoma starts in parts of the breast, called lobules, that produce milk.
In rare cases, breast cancer can start in other areas of the breast.





TIPS TO PREVENT BREAST CANCER



Take a Walk
Women who spend a little more than an hour a day walking may reduce their risk of developing breast cancer by 23 per cent, compared to their non-active peers.

Eat fruit
You can't go wrong with this – almost all dietary advice comes down to the single instruction to eat more fruit and veg. Diet is thought to be a key factor in one in four cancer deaths – and animal fat in the diet is the suspect ingredient in breast cancer. The Japanese, who eat a diet of fish, rice and vegetables that is extremely low in animal fat, also have low rates of breast cancer.

A high-fat diet increases the levels of the female hormone oestrogen in the blood, which encourages the growth of cancer cells. In populations with a high-fat diet, women tend to start their periods earlier and reach menopause later so they are exposed to high levels of oestrogen for longer, increasing their risk of breast cancer.

Studies into what effect eating fruit and vegetables has on breast cancer have produced mixed results. One study found that, when combined with taking exercise, the results were dramatic. Published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology last June, it showed that women who ate their five portions a day and walked briskly for at least 30 minutes halved their risk of breast cancer.

Avoid less drink .
It may be unpopular, but it works. Every alcoholic drink a woman consumes on a daily basis increases her risk of breast cancer by 6 per cent. Drinking has been rising, especially among young women, and researchers estimate it accounts for 2,000 cases out of the 40,000-plus diagnosed every year.

Cutting down on drinking could be a wise move for the 18 per cent of young women aged 16 to 24 who consume more than three drinks a day.

But going teetotal may be a step too far. Moderate drinking is good for the heart, especially in middle age, and this could outweigh the higher risk of cancer. The dull but true reality is that moderate drinking is best for all-round health.


Protect yourself from the sun
Avoid peak radiation hours.
The sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation peaks between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Minimize or avoid being outside during these hours.
Stay in the shade.
If you go outside, minimize your sun exposure by staying in the shade.
Cover exposed areas.
Wear light-colored, loosefitting clothing that protects you from the sun's rays. Use tightly woven fabrics that cover your arms and legs, and wear a broad-brimmed hat that covers your head and ears.
Don't skimp on sunscreen.
Make sure your sunscreen has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
Don't use indoor tanning beds or sunlamps.
These can damage your skin as much as the sun can. There's no such thing as a healthy tan.


Give birth
Having children, especially before the age of 30, helps protect against breast cancer. It is down to those hormones, again. Over the last century, economic progress has led to delayed childbirth and smaller families as women with their own careers have sought to balance the demands of work and home. But researchers estimate that delaying childbearing increases the risk of breast cancer by 3 per cent for each year of delay.


Breast-feed
Breast-feeding protects against breast cancer, as well as being best for the baby. But smaller families and the rise in the number of working mothers has meant the time spent breast-feeding has reduced. Breast-feeding for six months reduces the risk, experts say. Yet many women never get that far. In England, 77 per cent of mothers start breast-feeding but more than a third switch to bottle-feeding in the first six weeks.


Increase oxygen contain in your body.
An underlying cause of cancer is low cellular oxygenation levels. Poor oxygenation comes from a buildup of toxins within and around cells, causing red blood cells to clump up, slowing down the bloodstream, and restricting flow into capillaries. Increasing oxygen into your body will lower your acidic level to alkaline. Cancer cells do not survive in a normal alkaline environment.

You can increase oxygen in your body by doing breathing exercises as explained in The Yogi Science of Breath.

Monday, November 10, 2008

5 Helpful Tips to look Younger


Tip 1

Reside in a sanitary atmosphere. People who live up to 100 years old have some environmental items in common like pure and clean air, well-preserved nature, pure water and very little stress. You can supply cleaner air by planting new plants in your garden and planting more trees in your section. Extra plants in the area entail additional oxygen to breathe. Keep in mind that what we breathe in is the precise thing that plants exhale, and vice versa. 



Tip 2


Pay attention to your teeth. Have you ever observed that there are many older people who have dentures? The reason for this is that as we get older, our body soaks up and stores less calcium (which in addition clarifies why older women are diagnosed with osteoporosis).

Therefore, try to steer clear of losing your teeth forever. Brushing your teeth every meal is the most essential yet the most useful routine for great looking teeth. In order to make your teeth shiny and white, you can utilize teeth whitening products. Tea and coffee can stain your teeth immediately so brushing after a meal is a must. 

A good idea is to see your dentist at least two times a year. And always remember to drink at least two glasses of milk daily, just like we tell the little ones. 

Tip 3

Regardless of what you do, whether you have a challenging agenda or just enjoy being lazy in your comfortable house, make certain that you are receiving plenty of sleep, and a good sleep at that. Your eyes will be the first thing to show if you are getting enough sleep. A pair of gleaming and dazzling eyes positively makes you appear younger. However, how many hours of sleep are recommended?

Maybe you were raised believing that you should get no less than eight hours of sleep at night. Believe it or not, you shouldn't. A new report states that people who sleep six to seven hours live longer and are in better health. Sleeping too long is not healthy for you. In reality, sleeping for five hours is healthier than sleeping for eight hours. 

In order to sleep  well, use something natural to induce sleep. A great example is milk. A little aerobic and sex can also assist you in sleeping sound. 

Tip 4

Do not apply a large amount of makeup. It is true that makeup can make you look attractive. However, the makeup's style, composition and amount can make or break you. You won't look like a criminal with minimal makeup. Instead of using dark aggressive looking colors, utilize lighter tones and pastel colors. In addition, you might try brown shades of lipstick. This will permit you to appear more natural and many years younger. 

Tip 5

Maintain your hair in a short style. Long hair adds years to your look, essentially making you look like a weary and fatigued witch. You can increase your youthfulness by testing a shorter cut. You might ask your hairdresser to give you side swept bangs to show off your gorgeous face. You can also make your hair look vivacious and gleaming. A slight highlight might also work. Coloring your hair a darker color (black or dark brown) will not only make you appear younger, but will cover up those grey hairs as well. 

8 Tips to Rapid Weight Loss

Water - Drink more water. Your body is composed of mostly water. Doesn't it make sense that water should be a major part of your daily nutrients? While most people don't tend to think of water as a nutrient, it is essential to carry nutrients in your blood, to lubricate your joints, to help your brain function properly, to keep your kidneys working well, to aid your digestive system, and it's needed in practically every biological activity that your body does. The formula for how much to drink is easy. Take your bodyweight, divide it in half, and drink that many ounces of water each day.

The Meat of the Matter - Eat more lean protein at every meal. The good proteins are fish, tofu, nuts, and beans. The bad proteins are beef, pork, and factory-farmed chicken and turkey. These foods not only contain more fat but they can also have hormones, antibiotics, and other chemicals in them.

Find the Fats - Eat the right fats. Get rid of things that can clog your arteries and put you in the high-risk category for heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure. Remove the chicken skin. Switch to low-fat salad dressing or skip it completely. You'll actually taste the salad! Stop using corn oil and other vegetable cooking oils. When heated, they become trans-fats and are not digestible. Use olive oil, preferably extra virgin olive oil. Don't eat any margarine, partially hydrogenated oils, or fried foods.

Lose the Booze - Avoid alcohol in all its different forms - wine, beer, mixed drinks, and hard liquor. Despite what some studies might tell you, you won't lose any health benefits by not drinking alcohol. Remember that alcohol is a poison to your body and not a health food. Instead, drink herbal teas and water. 

Curb Your Carbs - Eat less white bread, white rice, white sugar. These products are refined and are stripped of their nutritional value by the processing that they undergo before making it to the store shelves. You can still eat carbohydrates. In fact, you need them daily to supply your body with energy. Work on eating foods like oatmeal, sweet potatoes, vegetables, and fruits.

Eating Raw - Raw vegetables and fruits provide nutrients and fiber. Try to eat a diet that is full of whole grains, seeds, sprouts, and nuts. Some of the best fruits to eat are blueberries, strawberries, apples, pears, and oranges.

Dump the Dairy - Reduce your intake of cheese, butter, ice cream, and milk. These foods are all high in fat content. Many people have food allergies and dairy products are often the number one problem. Doesn't it seem a little strange that we are the only living things on the planet that drink milk after we're weaned from our mothers? What's even stranger is the fact that we are the only creatures on the planet that drink the milk of a completely different species. If you still feel the need for dairy products, go for low-fat yogurt.

Muscle Up - Weight training boosts your metabolism. Muscle burns calories at a higher rate than fat. As a result, your metabolism is running at a higher level. You burn more calories even while you're sleeping when you have more muscle mass. Weight training should be done a minimum of three times per week. Alternate the training sessions - upper body one day, then lower body the next day or work on the pushing muscles for one session followed by the pulling muscles the next session. Always give your body a chance to recover by waiting at least 24-48 hours before working the same muscle groups. 


Sunday, November 9, 2008

Homemade Tips For Hair removal

For facial hair removal:

1. Apply a mask of a paste made of sugar, lemon and water in the direction of hair growth. Rinse after 10-15 minutes. Apply twice a week.

2. Apply a mask of a mixture of 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 4 teaspoons honey in the direction of hair growth. Rinse after 10-15 minutes. Apply twice a week.

3. Mix turmeric powder with milk and apply on the face. Scrub it off slowly moving your fingers in circular motion, and then wash with cold water.

4. Blend one egg white with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1/2 tablespoon of corn flour until it becomes a sticky paste. Apply the mixture on your face. When it dries gently peel it off. Repeat this 3-4 times a week.

Body hair removal: Body Sugaring

Sugaring Solution:
Mix lemon juice (1/2 lemon), sugar (1 cup), and honey (1/4 cup) in a bowl. Microwave or heat on a stove until it bubbles up into a smooth consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool.(neither too cold nor too hot)

Application for Removing Hair:
Wash and dry your body part where you want to remove hair. Dust with some cornstarch or plain flour to absorb body oil. Spread a thin layer of the sugaring solution in the direction of the hair. Cover with a strip of fabric, rub your hand on the strip and pull it off quickly against the direction of the hair growth. It will be slightly painful, but tolerable. Repeat it 2-3 times.

You can store the unused sugaring solution in a jar and reheat the mixture when you use it next time.


Heart Disease Prevention

1. Eat your Vegies
Researchers have found that men and women that added a couple of servings of whole grains, nuts, beans,and tofu to their diets each day for a month lowered there LDL cholesterol by nearly 30 %.

2. Fight Cholesterol with the right Fat 
A group of 17 Ausie men with high cholesterol swapped macadamia nuts for 15 % of the calories in their diets, and their total cholesterol droped by 3 and 5%, while their HDL-good cholesterol rose by nearly 8%. Macadamia nuts are the best source of monounsaturated fat.

3. Run indoors on Hazy polluted days
Researchers in Finland found that exercising outside on hor and hazy days when air pollution was worst cut the ozygen supply to the blood, making it more likely to clot.

4. Avoid second hand smoke
Researchers in Greece found that people who were exposed to cigarette smoke for just 30 minutes three times a week had a 26 % greater risk of developing  heart disease than people who were rarely exposed to secondhand smoke.

5. Engage in Strenuous Exercise like swimming and hiking
UK research has found that people who burn just 50 calories a day in strenuous activities are 62% less likely to die of heart disease than people who burn nearly seven imes as many calories during less active exercises like walking and golfing.

6. Meditate for 20 minutes a day
Thomas Jefferson University researchers have found that this down time may reduce anxiety and depression by more than 25 %. Research has also found that patients with coronary artery disease who had the most mental stress were 3 times more likely to die during the period of study than those with less stress.

7. Drink Cranberry Juice
University of Scranton scientists found that volunteers who drank three 8 ounce glasses a day for a month increased their HDL – good cholesterol levels by 10%, enough to cut the risk of heart disease by 40%

8. Eat Breakfast
In a study of 3900 people, Harvard researchers found that men and women who ate breakfast every day were 44% less likely to be overweight and 41% less likely to develop insuline resistance, both high risk factors for heart disease

9. Walk for ½ Hour Daily
People who walked an extra 4,000 to 5,000 steps each ay lowered their blood pressure by an average of 11 points according to the University of Tennesee.

10. Eat Whole Grain Cereal
A study of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports that 2 servings of whole grain cereal a day can reduce the risk of dying of heart disease by nearly 20%.

11.Make lots of friends
According to research from the University of Chicago, lonely people have a harder time dealing with stress and are at greater risk of  heart disease than people with a wide circle of friends.

12. Slash the salt now
A 20 year study of the Journal of American Medical Association found that overweight men with the highest sodium intake were 61% more likely to die of heart disease than those with lower salt intakes. Mrs. Dash is a great alternative to salt.

13.Double the Tomatoe Sauce
The lycopene in tomatoe sauce prevents harmful buildup of cholesterol on artery walls.

14. Eat a Grapefruit a day
Eating a grapefruit a day or drinking 8 ounces of -not from concentrated - juice can reduce arterial narrowing by 46%, lower your bad cholesterol level by more than 10%, and help lower your blood pressure by more than 5 points.

15. Eat Garlic
In addition to lowering bad cholesterol and helping fight off infection, eating garlic may help limit damage to your heart after a heart attack or surgery. 16. Beans are a good for the Heart
Beans are a great source of homocysteine-folate and bad cholesterol lowering. Researchers have found that people who ate four or more servings a week had a 22% lower risk of developing heart disease .

17. Wash your Hands often
German researchers studied 570 people for an average of 3 years and found that those with the most antibodies (from fighing infection) in their systems also had the most significant clogging of their arteries, hearts, necks, and legs. Use liquid soap as germs may live on bars.

18. Lift weights Harvard researchers found that lifting weights for just 30 minutes a week is enough to reduce your risk of heart disease  by 23%.

19. Skip the french fries and bad trans fatty acids
In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the exercise and nutritional habits of 80,000 women were recorded for 14 years. They found that the most important correlate of heart disease was the women’s dietary intake of fods containing trans fatty acids, mutated forms of fat that lower good HDL cholesterol, and increase bad LDL cholesterol. One of the worst foods is French fries.

20. Snack on Nuts instead
Harvard research has found that men who replaced 127 calories of carbohydrates – that is about 14 baked Lays potato chips – with 1 ounce of nuts decreased their risk of heart disease by 30%.

21. Rinse and brush
Rinse your mouth with Listerine and Brush with Colgate Total toothpaste. This should reduce oral bacteria, which can decrease your risk of heart attack by 200 – 300% according to U of Buffalo research.

22. Pour on the Olive Oil
Men whose diet include as much as 2 ounces of Olive oil a day have an 82% lower risk of having a fatal heart attack than men who consume little or none. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats-known to hinder the oxidation of bad LDL cholesterol into its artery – clogging form.

23. Lower your Blood Pressure under 120/80
If your blood pressure is high – more than 140/90 – knocking 20 points off the top number and 10 points off the bottom number can cut your risk of dying of heart disease in half.

24. French Red Wine versus German reds
According to the American College of American College of Cardiology, French red wine has up to 4 times more artery protecting enzymes than German reds.

25. Go fish
The American Heart association recommends eating fish at least twice a week. If not try taking a fish oil supplement instead. Besides lowering blood pressure and clearing plaque from arteries, 1 to 2 grams of fish oil improves the blood flow and helps maintain regular heartbeat.

26. Add Flaxseed to your diet
Flaxseed and Flaxseed oil is a natural source of omega 3s.

27. Take a baby Aspirin a day
Researchers at the University of North Carolina found that regular baby aspirin consumption cut the risk of coronary heart disease by 28% in people who had never had a heart attack or stroke, but were at heightened risk. For maximum impact on blood pressure, take a low dose aspirin before bedtime.

28. Fortify with Folic Acid
A study published in the British Medical Journal found that people who consume the recommended amount of Folic acid daily had a 16% lower risk of heart disease than those whose diets are lacking in this B vitamin. Good sources of Folic acid include…asparagus, broccoli, and fortified cereal.

29. Choose Dark Chocolate – Cocoa
Cocoa contains flavonoids that thin the blood and keep it from clotting. One of the good fats in dark cocoa is oleic acid, which is the same healthy monounsaturated fat found in Olive oil.

30. Get your daily B Vitamins
A study at the Cleveland clinic found that men with diets low in B vitamins were more than twice as likely to develop heart disease as men with higher levels of B vitamins in there system.

31. Potassium is good for health
Slice a banana on your cereal, bake a sweet potato or yam, cook some spinach. Studies show that not getting your daily 3,500 milligrams of potassium can set you up for high blood pressure. Other good sources include raisins, tomatoes and papayas.

32. Increase fiber intake 
Eat bran cereal or take fiber supplements like Metamucil 15 minutes before eating each meal. It has shown to help slow the digestive process of highly processed starchs and sweets. Diets high in foods that quickly raise blood sugar may increase heart disease risk.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Health tips by Dr. Batras

1.    Asthma

a.    Keep your surrounding areas dust free .

b.    Avoid strong perfumes , excessive mental & physical strain and pesticides.

c.    Have a light and early dinner

d.    Avoid cold drinks , artificial coloured foods and oily food.

e.    Do regular breathing exercises.

2.    Arthritis

a.    Use a firm bed and a thin pillow

b.    Use a high bed chair

c.    Avoid lifting heavy objects

d.    Eat plenty of spinach , sprouts & sweet lime

e.    Keep your weight in check

f.     Avoid sour food

3.    Head pain

a.    Take adequate sleep.

b.    Avoid bright lights & loud noises.

c.    Don't overstrain your eyes.

d.    Regularize your lifestyle.

e.    Avoid self medication.

4.    Female disorders

a.    Treat anemia.

b.    Ensure good hygiene.

c.    Avoid late marriages & late pregnancies.

d.    Avoid use strong irritant soaps.

e.    Keep your weight in check.

5.    Skin disorders

a.    Use a mild soap

b.    Have a regular sun bath

c.    Avoid excessive scratching

d.    Avoid chocolates , nuts & fried food

e.    Have a balanced diet

6.    Stomach related disorders

a.    Eat your meals at regular intervals.

b.    Include plenty of fluids , green leafy vegetables & fresh salads.

c.    Chew your food thoroughly.

d.    Move your bowels regularly.

e.    Practice relaxation exercises regularly.

7.    Acne

a.    Use a mild soap

b.    Wash your face 4 to 5 times a day.

c.    Check dandruff.

d.    Do not squeeze or pick your pimples.

e.    Avoid use of cosmetics & ointments.

8.    Obesity

a.    Include plenty of fluids , salads.

b.    Do not eat in between meals.

c.    Avoid fried foods , chocolates & sweets.

d.    Avoid mental stress & strain.

e.    Exercise regularly

9.    Leucoderma

a.    Expose the effected areas to morning sunlight - 30 minutes per day.

b.    Include plenty of iron in your diet.

c.    Avoid tamarind , fish & sour food.

d.    Avoid use of creams & powders.

e.    Relax mentally.

10. Psoriasis

a.    Use a mild soap.

b.    Avoid creams and powders.

c.    Wear light cotton clothing.

d.    Keep your skin clean.

e.    Avoid excessive scratching.

11. Diabetes

a.    Keep your weight in check.

b.    Include plenty of fibre in your food.

c.    Make exercise a part of your routine.

d.    Check your sugar level regularly.

e.    Don't ignore even a mild wound or injury.

12. Hair loss

a.    Control dandruff.

b.    Avoid wearing a helmet for long hours.

c.    Include plenty of protein in your diet.

d.    Avoid frequent change in oils and shampoos.

e.    Do not use soap on your scalp.