GOJI BERRIES-THE SUPER FOOD OF HIMALAYAS

The Goji berry (Lycium Barbarum) is also called the wolf berry. It is a bright orange-red berry that comes from a shrub that’s native to  the Himalayan Mountains of Tibet, China and Mongolia, and many other countries.So, they are also known as Himalayan superfood. They have been used in many medicinal preparations for thousands of years, proving its efficiency as a medicinal plant.

It is enjoyed above most other super foods and adaptogenic herbs, because it is much more palatable compared to many of the other bitter roots and barks.

Goji berries improve the immune system and increase longevity due to it’s powerful antioxidants. They are rich in carotenoids and other antioxidants like beta-carotene and Zeaxanthym.  Zeaxanthyn is an antioxidant that absorbs blue light and protects our retina of our eyes and improves our vision and it also reduces the risk of age related macular degeneration, that is found in people over the age of 65.

People consuming Goji berries on a regular basis noticed other benefits such as better eyesight, great hair color, improved libido, improvement in mood, more quality sleep, a definite enhancement in their energy levels, and over all a brighter outlook on life.

Traditionally dried Goji berries have a pleasant chewy texture, and taste like a cross between sweet cherries and plums. You can enjoy them straight out of the bag like we usually do, or you can add them to cold and hot cereals, smoothies, trail mixes, grain dishes, stews, and baked goods.

You can even add a handful of Goji berries to a bottle of water and enjoy your water with a hint of Goji sweetness; by the time you finish your water, you'll have soft and plump berries to gobble down.

Nutritional Facts of Goji Berries

Vitamin C

Vitamins B1,B2,B6 & E

antioxidants

an anti-inflammatory agent

18 amino acids

8 polysaccharides and 6 monosaccharides

21 trace minerals (including copper, zinc, iron, calcium, copper, selenium, germanium, and phosphorus)

Health Benefits of Goji Berries

Cancer Prevention

One of the biggest advantages of bright red berries such as goji berries is that they contain a high concentration of antioxidants , which is very effective in the fight against cancer . If you eat goji berries , antioxidants are the cancer-causing free radicals in the blood find and remove .

Heart Disease and Cholesterol

A further advantage of the antioxidants is that they bring the level of bad cholesterol down and protect the heart against diseases. They also contain fiber and a higher dietary fiber intake is again associated with a high cholesterol and lower risk of a heart attack.

Weight Lose

One of the reasons why goji berries can help you lose weight that they have a low glycemic index . Goji scoring 29 in the glycemic index , while more familiar fruits have much higher scores , so scoring 38 apples and watermelons 72 . Only bananas are on the same level as goji berries with a slightly lower score of 25 .

Anti-aging

Also, the slowing down of the aging process can be achieved by eating certain types of food . The antioxidants found in goji berries delaying wrinkles and aging. In addition, the lifetime could increase , because you prevent diseases and ailments by eating antioxidant .

Eye Health

Goji berries contain vitamin A, beta-carotene and zeaxanthin . These substances are all associated with healthy eyes. They protect your eyesight and prevent certain eye diseases such as macular degeneration.

Better Sleep

Regular consumption of goji berries can help improve your sleep . If you suffer from insomnia , try to eat goji berries daily and your sleep pattern will likely improve .

Stress Reduction

Goji berries could reduce stress and a sense of calmness , happiness and general well-being can promote . In periods of stress eating can it reduce the cortisol levels in your body .

Good for Stiff Joints

Regularly eating goji berries can be good for your bones and tendons . It can reduce joint stiffness , joint pain and bad knees or prevented . Within the Chinese medicine , the tendons and bones considered ‘ is dominated by ‘ (depending on ) the liver and the kidneys. Because goji berries are good for the liver and kidneys , they can also improve the condition of the joints , tendons and bones . Regularly eating goji berries can prevent bone and joint diseases .

There are more similarities between goji berries and bananas . Like bananas, goji berries contain a lot of fiber , namely 21 percent . Remember that fiber foods make you feel full longer . As a result, you’d better stick to your diet and you will not eat more than you actually can .

Side of Effects Goji Berries

There can be adverse interactions if you consume goji berries while also taking medication for diabetes, or blood pressure, or take the blood thinner warfarin. So be sure to consult your health care provider if that is the case.

Otherwise, it's probably safe to eat goji berries in moderation.

SUPER HEALTHY FOODS

Who doesn't start the New Year pledging to begin a new healthier lifestyle? Making resolutions is easy, keeping them is another story altogether.Keeping a resolution to eat healthy should be a piece of cake!

This year, make a resolution that you should keep. Promise your body a healthy diet. Here's a peak into our new year's resolutions and intentions. 

Take a look at the list of super foods, which are easy to find and incredibly healthy!

Foods you should be including in your diet in new year

Nuts: Yes they have a high fat content, but they are all good fats which makes them excellent for your heart! In small doses, they can lower cholesterol and aid in weight loss. And with so many varieties of healthy nuts around (almonds, peanuts, walnuts) you’ll be hard-pressed to find a healthier snacking option!

Beans: Good for your heart, great for diabetes! These natural wonders are packed with soluble fibre, which fills you up and insoluble fibre which helps lower your cholesterol. Proteins, carbohydrates, magnesium, potassium! You name it, this super food has it. The recommended intake is 3 cups weekly.

Eggs: While egg whites are loaded in proteins, the yolk is rich in vitamins and minerals. Studies have shown that if you eat eggs for breakfast, you will end up consuming lesser calories throughout the day! Eggs also contain choline, which is considered to be brain food.

Yogurt: An important part of the Indian diet, yogurt works wonders for your digestion, immunity and skin. Yogurt contains more calcium than any other dairy product. So have a cupful every day, add fresh fruits of your choice for added flavour!

Sweet potatoes: Substitute your regular white potato with a sweet potato and you will automatically be adding vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, calcium and potassium to your meal.  Sweet potatoes also contain beta carotene which helps every cell in your body to stay healthy.

Apples: Crispy, crunchy, sweet and delicious! Apples are rich in a number of minerals and pectin, which is a kind of soluble fibre. Pectin helps in maintaining digestive health and in reducing cholesterol. Two apples a day are recommended to derive maximum benefits.

Bananas: These fruits are available in abundance in our country and are loaded with antioxidants, potassium, vitamin B6 and carbohydrates. Potassium helps lower the blood pressure and carbohydrates are great for refuelling your body before and after your workout.

Berries: Whoever said that all good things come in small packages could have been talking about berries.  Berries, be it any kind, are loaded with antioxidants, extremely low in calories, high in water content and fibre which makes them great for diabetes.

Sprouts: Sprouts are a really good source of proteins and vitamin C. They also contain more nutrients than the seed that they germinate from. Apart from their high nutritional value, they are also easier to digest than the original seed.

Pomegranate: This tasty treat helps your body fight conditions like cancer and Alzheimer’s.  It is also a rich source of antioxidants. Pomegranate protects your arteries, lowers cholesterol and lowers blood pressure. Do we really need to say more?

Broccoli: It's a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and bone-building vitamin K, and has plenty of fiber to fill you up and help control your weight. Broccoli is high in vitamin C and dietary fiber; it also contains multiple nutrients with potent anti-cancer properties, such as di-indolylmethane and small amounts of selenium. The 3,3'-Di-indolylmethane found in broccoli is a potent modulator of the innate immune response system with anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer activity. You can eat broccoli raw, lightly steamed, stir-fried, roasted, or grilled. Eat it as a side dish, or toss into grains, egg dishes, soups, and salads.

Include three different colored foods a day into your diet:

If your plate’s looking pale, that means you’re probably not getting much nutritionally from your food. One surefire way to make sure you’re eating right is by keeping it colorful. Brightly colored foods like carrots, beets and spinach are nutrient-rich and packed with powerful antioxidants. Challenge yourself to pile on the purple, red, green and orange fruits and veggies.

Experts maintain that while eating these super foods is extremely beneficial, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet. So ensure you are getting enough of all food groups. 

Here’s to eating healthy this year! Cheers!

AMLA

Amla or Embelica

The winter’s kick-start, it is the season of the Indian gooseberry, better known as amla. Botanically, this extremely sour little fruit is known as Emblica Officinalis or Phyllanthus emblica. Though you may not find its taste appealing, don't be quick to dismiss it — it's abundant in nutrients and packed with the power of Vitamin C.

Amla has been known for its health benefits and medicinal properties since ages. Amla has 5 out of 6 tastes identified by Ayurveda. It tastes sweet, bitter, salty, sour, and astringent at the same time. Amla is the richest source of vitamin C available naturally. It also has gallic acid, ellagic acid, kaempferol, and flavonoids. With numerous health benefits, it has been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Amla has been used to cure diseases like osteoporosis, arthritis, and pancreatitis. It also cures inflammation, age-related renal diseases, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Being natural, it can be consumed regularly for prolonged periods of time, without any adverse or side effect. This natural substance has hundreds of benefits for humankind. Because of numerous health benefits, amla becomes ingredient of nearly all the hair care, eye care, and digestive care herbal medicines.

In Sanskrit its name is Amalaki means ‘the sustainer’ or ‘the fruit where the goddess of prosperity presides’.The Vitamin C in the Amalaki fruit is bonded with tannins that protect it from being destroyed by heat or light.

Amla might be small in size, but its usage and health benefits are huge.

Amla juice contains nearly twenty times as much vitamin C as orange juice.

One small Amla is equals to 2 Oranges if compared with Vitamin C.

Ayurved says that regular use of Amla can a help us live more than 100 years, a healthy life.

It tastes sour. Both dried and fresh fruits can be used.

The fresh fruit contains more than 80% water, protein, minerals, carbohydrates and fiber.

It contains many minerals and vitamins like Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Carotene and Vitamin B Complex. Amla is also a powerful antioxidant agent.

In Chinese traditional therapy, Amla fruit is called Yuganzi which is used to cure throat inflammation.

Daily consumption is about 2 to 3 amla's preferably morning time. Amla Candy is the dried form of Amla Fruit in Sugar Syrup.

Nutrition Facts of Amla:

Packed with a multitude of nutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, potassium, fiber, minerals and vitamins, the nutrition values per 100 gms of amla are:

• Moisture – 81.8%
• Minerals – 0.5mg
• Fiber – 3.4%
• Calories – 96
• Proteins – 0.5%
• Fat – 0.1%
• Carbohydrates – 13.7 gms
• Calcium – 50 %
• Iron – 1.2 mg
• Carotene – 9 microgram
• Thiamine – 0.03mg
• Riboflavin – 0.01mg
• Nicene – 0.2mg
• Vitamin – 600mg
• Energy – 58 kilo calories

Health Benefits of Amla:

For Digestive system:

§  Improves appetite and helps to digest food.

§  Helps balance nitrogen levels in the blood thus promoting increase in weight.

§  Amla prevents gastric disorders, acidity, indigestion and dysentery.

To get quick relief from acidity, mix about a gram of amla powder and a teaspoon of sugar to either a cup of water or milk and drink it twice a day.

§  Amla has good laxative properties and helps in curing constipation and piles.

To fresh amla juice add a teaspoon of ghee and half a cup of milk and drink after lunch. This helps in curing piles.

For Respiratory System:

§  Helps cure chronic cough, childhood tuberculosis and allergic asthma.

Amla taken with honey twice daily helps in relieving asthma and reduces bronchitis complications.

For Circulatory System:

§  Strengthens heart muscles.

§  Increases red blood cell production and increases the hemoglobin count in the blood.

§  Is known to lower cholesterol levels.

§  Consuming amla powder with honey helps to purify the blood.

For Excretory System:

§  Taking amla juice benefits in regulating bowel movements and is a known cure for constipation and piles.

§  Amla powder mixed with radish helps in dissolving kidney and bladder stones and flushing them out in the urine.

For Reproductive System:

§  Amla helps to regularize menstrual disorders.

To check excessive bleeding during menstruation, take amla juice with a banana thrice daily. 

§  Helps male and female reproductive system and helps increase and improve the quality of sperm in men.

Liver Disorders:

§  Amla is an excellent liver tonic and helps in curing most liver disorders, including jaundice.

Diabetes:

§  Amla is known to stimulate cells that secrete insulin and this helps to lower the sugar levels in diabetics.

Amla juice taken with a pinch of honey twice daily before meals helps to reduce diabetes.

Amla as skin tonic:

§  Amla is a known blood purifier and consuming amla juice everyday helps in rejuvenating the skin, making it glow and free from blemishes. Read more skin glow tips

§  Helps in treating pimples and acne.

Mix one tablespoon of amla powder with hot water and scrub your face with this mixture. This effectively cures pimples, removes grime and leaves behind a glowing and bright complexion.

Benefits of Amla for Hair Health:

§  Amla is a well known hair tonic and helps in reducing hair fall, and slows down the process of premature graying of hair.

§  Amla oil strengthens the hair follicles and conditions the hair.

Massage your hair with herbal amla hair oil and leave it overnight allowing the oil to penetrate and nourish your hair. Wash your hair the next morning with a mild shampoo and see your hair shine!

§  Helps to cure dandruff and cures itchy scalps. Also read How to get rid of dandruff naturally?

§  Amla oil is a common ingredient in many shampoos and also in hair care and hair coloring products.

After shampooing your hair, apply amla oil to the hair right from the roots to the tips; cover hair with a shower cap and rinse thoroughly after half an hour with warm water to get beautiful, conditioned and lustrous hair.

“The words of elders are like the gooseberry, bitter at first, then sweet.” 

GREEN BEANS AND ITS NUTRIENTS

This sleek, juicy, soft, velvety vegetable, packed with vitamins, minerals and micro nutrients is every vegetarian’s delight.

Green beans also called the French beans or String beans, which can be eaten raw or stir-fried, steamed, boiled or baked in casseroles. It tastes good anyway and is sure to boost your health.

Health Benefits of Green Beans and its Nutrients

Rich dietary fibre: Green beans are rich in fibre and if you are suffering from problems such as constipation or irritable bowel syndrome, this vegetable is a must in your diet. Green beans also help in regulating your blood sugar levels and so if you are diabetic have some every day.

Protects your heart: Studies have shown that the soluble fibre present in the beans is helpful in reducing the bad cholesterol levels. In addition, it also reduces inflammation and blood pressure.

Low fat: If you are trying to lose weight or maintain it, green beans are ideal as they are low in fat. Add green beans to your diet as it gives you all the essential nutrients without any extra calories. You can make a side dish to go with your chapatti or add them to your curries and soups.

Delay aging: Want to delay aging, avoid wrinkles and fine lines? Add green beans to your daily diet. Green beans are a great source of vitamin A and equally great for your skin. So, eat more beans and get rid of that dull skin and age spots now!

Speeds up blood clotting: The vitamin K present in green beans helps speed up the healing process in your body. For example, if you are injured, vitamin K can help stimulate the clotting of blood which in turn stops excessive bleeding. Making beans a part of your daily diet means more intake of vitamin K. Did you know that vitamin K helps absorb calcium and this can help in prevention of bone density loss and osteoporosis?

Premenstrual Syndrome: Green beans are packed with manganese which helps alleviate PMS symptoms such as irritability and mood swings. In addition, eating beans also helps in relieving symptoms of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

For pregnant women: Green beans is said to be good for pregnant women as it helps in the healthy development of the baby’s heart. Studies show that green beans also help protect babies from conditions such as asthma.

 

Warning: Beans contain high concentrations of lectins and may be harmful if consumed in excess in uncooked or improperly cooked form.

SUMMER SKINCARE

Summer time can mean absolute hell for the skin, of course, unless you live in cold regions. Except for the essential vitamin D in the morning and some warmth for the body when it’s cold, too much sun can cause severe damage.

Exposure to severe sun can dehydrate your skin cells making them withered and shrunk. The ultraviolet rays, especially the intense ones during midday, can wreak havoc with the collagen and elastin under your skin.

Some dos and don’ts of summer skincare that can help you prevent skin damage.

Don’ts of summer skincare

Smoking and Alcohol are extremely dehydrating. Smoking strips your facial skin of its moisture causing it to dry up and wrinkle faster. It is better to cute down on smoking and quit entirely if possible.

When you consume alcohol the body tries the pH levels of blood back to normal which results in dehydration. So cut down on alcohol during summer time.

Harsh Soaps or Skin Scrubs
Limit and decrease using soaps and scrubs as much as possible. As it is , you sweat during summer which means your skin pores are already getting cleansed.

Using soap too many times will strip your skin of its natural oils. So, instead, if you are feeling sweaty and need to cool your body down try taking showers without soap.

Makeup and Creams
It is necessary to keep your skin moisturized and to apply make up on your face. However, going around in the sun with so many chemicals on your face will only harm your skin than do you any good.

The chemicals along with the sun rays and sweat make a really bad combination to deal with. You would also run the risk of getting your skin pores clogged with the grease and all the dirt that can stick to those oils. So keep it to the minimum and use the basic make up rather than going heavy.
Dos of summer skin care
Drink lots of water

The most important “do” of summer skin care is to stay hydrated throughout the day. The heat and summer temperatures will cause you to sweat constantly which means you loss water and electrolytes a lot. So keep drinking water as much as possible, at least an average two to three litres in a day.

Make it a point to much on all the summer fruits available to you, especially watermelon and other liquidly fruit. Along with replenishing your water stores, they will also provide electrolytes. Instead of taking cold soft drink, alcohol or energy drinks try to rely on fruit or vegetable juices as much as possible.

Fruit Face Masks
Summer is the time to pamper your skin with natural skin care products. Instead of getting massages and facials with chemical products go organic and natural, and use fruit and vegetables to make your skin look better. Try a watermelon face mask or any fruit that you would prefer.

Apply sunscreen or Moisturizer
The minimum of chemicals that can be rather should be on your skin, should either be of a sunscreen or a mild moisturizer. It is not wise to expose your bare skin to direct sun. Applying sunscreen or a thin layer of moisturizer prevents your skin from getting sun burnt.

Read about Hair Care in Summer

SCARED OF HAIR LOSS

SCARED OF HAIR LOSS!!!

Warning: This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor.

Hair loss or baldness is the condition, wherein no new growth of hair on the scalp occurs. The condition leads to excessive hair loss from the scalp. Hair loss is mostly related to ageing; do not be surprised if it happens as early as puberty. Anyone men and women to children, can face hair loss. Hair falling out, thinning or appearing in large amounts in combs, on bed or cloths is some of the primary symptoms of hair loss. Following are the all major causes and symptoms of hair loss.

Causes of Hair Loss:

• Unhealthy food


• Food cooked in adulterated oil


• Unhygienic living conditions


• Excess consumption of caffeine


• Alcohol consumption


• Physical/emotional stress


• Burns


• Fever


• Depression


• Side effects of some drugs


• Chemotherapy


• Excessive shampooing


• Radiation therapies


• Tinea capitis


• Tumors of the ovaries or adrenal gland


• Hormonal changes


• Hereditary factors


• Ageing

Symptoms of Hair Loss:

• Hair fall on clothes after combing


• Gradual appearance of bald patches


• Receding hairline

Hair loss is a condition when a person faces extreme hair fall. Baldness as it is referred to, can be due to hereditary reasons, medication or even because of medical conditions. A little bit of hair fall every day is normal and is part of the growth cycle but when the hair loss becomes a little more than the usual, it might cause baldness. This can affect all - men, women and children. The major factor for hair loss is nutritional deficiency. Other causes are age factor, genetic factor, hormonal changes, stress and excessive dandruff. Hair loss must be treated on time as the risk for getting bald increases every time you have a major hair fall. Baldness can be treated at home using some natural remedies. Read onto know some home remedies for hair loss of baldness.

Home Remedy for Hair Loss:

• Take a pot of water and soak few fenugreek (Methi-in hindi) seeds in it. Massage it in the scalp and wrap a cloth for about 3 hours. Repeat this procedure for a month to get treated of hair loss.


• Take uncooked egg yolk and massage it on the scalp. Keep it for an hour and then wash off.


• Red henna is beneficial in treating hair loss problem. Smear henna over the scalp and keep it for an hour. Wash the hair. Repeat this process in a span of 10 to 15 days.


• Apply castor oil on the scalp and the roots but not on the hair. Wrap the hair with newspaper and tie it with cloth. Keep it overnight and wash it in the morning. Repeat this for 7 to 10 days.


• In a cup of boiling water, add a tsp of mustard seeds. Cook it for about 5 minutes and allow it to cool. Once cooled, drink this concoction.


• Rub olive oil in the scalp. This would help reduce hair loss.


• Take a few rosemary leaves and boil them in water. Strain the combination and store the liquid. Use this concoction daily to rinse the hair with.Combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, rosemary, 1 lemon juice and 1 egg yolk. Apply this mixture on the hair roots and keep it for half an hour. Then, wash off this mixture.


• Extract juice from green coriander leaves. Apply this juice on the head. This proves worthwhile in treating hair loss.


• Boil water and put blanch scented geranium leaves in it. Strain the water and allow it to cool. When cool, wash the hair with it.


• In ½ cup olive oil, add 1 tablespoon of cumin. Rub this over the scalp and leave it for half an hour. Rinse the hair later.


• Grind myrtle leaves and soak it in water for a day. Apply this combination the next night before going to sleep and wrap it with a cloth. Keep it overnight. Wash the hair the next morning with cold or warm water. repeat this procedure for 2 weeks.


• In a ½ cup of coconut oil, add some dry pieces of Indian gooseberry (Amla-in hindi). Boil this mixture and when cool apply it on the scalp. This is beneficial in reducing hair loss.


• Applying coconut milk is also beneficial in treating hair loss. Massage the hair roots with this and rinse it after some time.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.