Acidity - Do's and Don't

       DON’TS -

• Spicy foods such as  chili and barbecue sauces made with hot pepper
• Indian dishes containing thick curry and Chinese recipes that contain red pepper.
• Citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruit should be avoided as they are high in acid.
• Full fat dairy products such as sour cream, cheese or ice cream
• Cut out fatty food; Hamburger or cuts of meat with excess fat
• Eggs, tuna and sandwiches made with cold cuts
• Coffee, tea, chocolate and soft drinks
• Peas, beans, broccoli and cabbage
• Tomatoes and onions
• Pickles, oily, spicy food
• Cheese items and junk food
• Raw salad vegetables like onion, radish, cabbage, and peppers should be avoided.

DO’S -

• Dates, figs, apple, papaya and pomegranate can be added
• Carrot leaves, celery leaves, curry leaves are helpful controlling acidity
• Vegetables like carrot and beet root are good for acidity.
• Spices like cumin seeds, coriander and cardamom are to be taken.
• One should include barley, jowar and wheat is good for staple food.
• A  glass of cold milk is also helpful
• Almonds are also a good source for relieving the heartburn and acidity. 
• Take some mint leaves and chop these, then boil in a cup of water and sip slowly after meals.
• Eating bananas is also helpful in preventing the symptoms of acidity
• Basil (tulsi) leaves helps to get relief from burning, nausea and gas.
• Eat a serving of cucumber or watermelon  to fight against acidity.
• Ginger is very useful for digestive disorders. It help to relieve indigestion from rich foods. Make a fine powder by adding equal amounts of ginger powder, black pepper, dried mint leaves, asafetida (hing), anise seeds, coriander seeds, cumin, fennel and common salt. Dosage: Take about 1 teaspoon of this powder with water, twice a day after meals.
• It is advised to eat 10-12 glass of water daily. Drinking water gives immediate relief to symptoms like wind, distended stomach and acidity.
• Drink 1-2 glasses of lukewarm water early morning to keep yourself healthy and free from acidity
• Remain Calm. One may find that doing yoga or other stress-reducing activities will be very effective for their acidity
• Use Gravity When one feel acid reflux symptoms, remain upright. This means that one should not lie down after you've had a meal.
• Loosen Clothing - If one is wearing tight, restrictive clothing, it's time to loosen up. By undoing a belt, removing tight-fitting panty hose, or releasing any other kinds of tight waistbands, one will remove a great deal of pressure from ones stomach.
• Eat small, regular meals based on whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals and moderate amount of proteins such as lean meat, eggs.

Healthy Eating During Winter

Choosing foods that are locally grown, organic and seasonal are healthy for our environment and our bodies. Environmentally, we save costs of energy used to ship foods long distances & support local farmers. Our bodies also thrive on season specific food because it provides us with different nutrients that help boost our immune system and overall “hardiness” for the winter months. However, with the long winter months it can be challenging at times. Some tips:

Choose Bright colored vegetables such as squashes, pumpkin, carrots, sweet potatoes, etc which contain Vitamin C, Potassium, B vitamins, and help with serotonin (“happy” chemical) and immune system. 

Avocados (Makhanphal): Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids Omega 3 & 6. 

Wild Cod, Salmon, whole eggs for extra vitamin D which aids in overall well being, regulates use of calcium, keeps blood pressure balanced. 

Asparagus (Shatavari) contains antioxidants, Folic Acid, vitamin A, K, C, for heart health, aids reducing inflammation and increases kidney health. 

Pomegranate: antioxidants, increase blood circulation, help cholesterol health. 

Oregano Oil (Ajwain Leaves): great antimicrobial (natural anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal) to increase immune strength, increase joint and muscle flexibility, increase digestive health. 

Do your best to choose a variety of fresh local, organic and seasonal! 

Eat stored seasonal fresh and dried foods when possible.

Soups and stews made from seasonal vegetables, legumes, and lentils can be nutritious and warming meals. 

Avoid white sugar and processed foods that deplete the body.

Stay hydrated with plenty of water, and non-caffeinated beverages. Herbal teas are particularly enjoyable during the winter. 

A good regimen of supplements can support a winter diet. Particularly important in winter are vitamin D, Vitamin C, Omega 3’s and Zinc.

Benefits Of Barley

Barley is the fourth important cereal crop in the world and sixth in India. Barley resembles wheat in composition although it is less palatable. The barley grain, is also called 'Pearl Barley', is prepared by removal of outer husk. 

Food Value of Barley 

Barley is very nutritious and rich source of protein and B complex vitamins.

• Most of the world's barley crop is converted into malt. It is most important grain used in the brewing of beer. 
• Barley cannot be used for leavened bread because of low gluten content. 
• It is much used in soups. 
• Earlier barley was widely used as feed for live stock. 

Nutritional Values

Barley, Pearled, Cooked

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 97

Fat: 1 g

Saturated Fat: 1 g 

Cholesterol: 0 mg

Carbohydrate: 22 g 

Protein: 2 g

Dietary Fiber: 3 g

Sodium: 2 mg
Niacin: 2 mg 
Iron: 1 mg 
Manganese: 1 mg

Natural Benefits of Barley

• Barley has many medicinal benefits. Pearled barley, which is the form of the grain is largely eaten and consumed as a food. 
• The malt prepared from barley is used in the preparation of malt extract for the incorporation in the diet of the infants.
• The partially germinated and dried grain is the source of malt extract which is more nutritious than the unmalted barley. 
• The pearled barley has always been used by orient traditional physician for the healing and rejuvenation of the digestive system. 
• Barley has the weight loss benefits of this low in fat food and low in cholesterol. 
• Barley is rich in insoluble fiber. As insoluble fiber absorbs water, it add bulks and speeds intestinal content through the body.
• As barley cooks, the starch in it swells and absorbs water, making it soft and bulky. This makes it the perfect thickener for soups, stews, and traditional Scotch broth soup. Barley can be successfully substituted for rice in almost any recipe. It has more flavor than white rice though it isn't as strong as brown rice -- the perfect compromise.

Cure for dark circles

Dark eye reflect tiredness and lack of sleep. Here are some times to get rid of dark circles

• Dip a cotton pad in cool water and keep it on eyes for 20 minutes.
• Dip a cotton pad in cucumber juice and then keep it on eyes for some time.
• Keep a cool used green tea bag on your eyes. 
• Wear sunglasses while going out in sun.
• Almond oil is a best cure for discoloration. Massage eye with 1 drop of almond oil before going to sleep.
• Keep crushed mint leaves for 20 min on the under eye area.
• Keep diet rich in Vitamin C and Iron.
• Apply a paste of turmeric and pineapple juice on the eye. 

6 great autumn vegetables

Eating vegetables is beneficial to your health, because they contain a lot of nutrients that are essential to the proper functioning of the body. Most people consume vegetables on a daily basis during summer, because eating vegetables can help them beat the heat. In autumn, consumption of vegetables will be reduced, mainly because markets offer a limited selection of vegetables. However, there are several types of autumn vegetables that can be used to make delicious meals, and they provide great nutrition as well. It is advisable that you consume vegetables daily throughout the year, because they can make you healthier and less susceptible to illnesses.

Here are 6 great autumn vegetables:

1. Leeks

Leeks belong to the same family of vegetables as onions and garlic. They contain important nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, manganese and folate, and they can reduce bad cholesterol, regulate blood sugar levels and fight cancer. Leeks are sweeter and milder than onions, and they are usually used as ingredients for soups and sauces, served as a side dish or sautéed with meat and vegetables.

2. Brussels Sprouts 

Brussels sprouts are very nutritional vegetables because they contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, C, E and K, as well as fiber, folate, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, protein, calcium, copper and omega-3 fatty acids. These substances can combat cancer, prevent birth defects, strengthen the immune system, promote healthy skin, improve the health of the colon and fight rheumatoid arthritis.

3. Green Beans

Green beans are usually used in soups, stews, side dishes and salads, and they can also be consumed fresh. They are a great source of vitamin K, which can improve the health of bones, as well as a number of anti-inflammatory substances that can fight osteoarthritis, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also known that the nutrients in green beans can contribute to a healthy heart, reduce the risk of colon cancer and enhance memory, immune system and skin.

4. Broccoli

Other than possessing cancer-fighting qualities, broccoli can also help to prevent heart illnesses and cataracts, strengthen bones, promote the immune system and reduce the risks of ulcers and birth defects. It is also a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of dishes, ranging from soups to casseroles.

5. Eggplant (Brinjal)

Eggplant is rich in fiber, manganese, potassium, folate and vitamin Bs, and it can benefit the body in many ways. It is effective in countering cancer, viral activities, heart illnesses and the development of bad cholesterol. The skin of eggplant has a nutrient called nasunin, which is a powerful antioxidant that provides protection for cell membranes. Eggplant can be consumed with or without skin, and it is usually steamed, roasted or baked.

6. Sweet Potatoes

Instead of using regular potatoes in your cooking, you should try to use sweet potatoes, because they provide better nutrition. They can be mashed, baked or served cold, and they are also great ingredients for desserts. Sweet potatoes contain high levels anti-inflammatory nutrients as well as antioxidants, and they are also known for their potent anti-diabetic qualities. The vitamin A that is found in sweet potatoes offers protection against emphysema.

Chocolate Pancake

This is very yummy recipe for children party. This is easy to prepare and like by all. 


Ingredients - 


Plain Flour - 1 cup
Grated Chocolate -3 tablespoon
Cocoa powder - 3/4 cup
Soda - 1/2 tsp
Baking powder - 1tsp
Milk - 1 cup
Melted Butter - 2 tablespoon
Powder Sugar - 1/4 cup
Salt - 1/4 tsp


Method - 

1. Sieve together flour, soda, baking powder and cocoa powder.
2. Melt the butter and chocolate and mix it well along with sugar, salt and milk.
3. Pour this mixture in the flour and make a smooth batter. Keep it in fridge for 15 min. Make it sure no lumps are formed.
4. Heat a non stick pan, spread some butter and pour a ladle full of batter on it. Cover it and cook from both sides.
5. Serve it with chocolate sauce, whipped cream or ice cream.

I hope you will enjoy it.

How Do You Recognize A Heart Attack?

Men are more prone to heart attacks. The frequency of heart attacks is more common among men between the ages 30 to 50. It is less known in women of the same age groups, though after the age of 40, women are also equally susceptible as men. 

WARNING SIGNALS

HEART ATTACK

1. Sudden, severe, burning pain in the center of the chest which may subside after rest and is exaggerated by exertion.
2. A feeling of strangulation or uncomfortable pressure, squeezing or pain lasting for two minutes or later.
3. Unusual discomfort in the center of the chest radiating to the neck, back, left shoulder and down the left arm.
4. Abnormal perspiration.
5. Nausea, vomiting.
6. Momentary loss of consciousness.
7. Palpitations and irregularities in heart beat.

All these attacks are brief and may disappear on resting but they should not be ignored.

BLOOD PRESSURE

Blood pressure need not produce any symptoms but some may have.

1. Persistent headache.
2. Headache in the morning.
3. Headache localized in the back of the head.

YOUR BODY MAY BE SENDING OUT WARNING SIGNALS CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.

Regular check ups even in the absence of the symptoms are essential for prevention particulary if you have a family history.

HAIR LOSS TIPS

Some useful tips to prevent Hair loss are 

1. Fenugreek Seeds: Soak some fenugreek seeds in water overnight. Next morning, use this liquid to gently massage your scalp. Leave this for 3 hours before washing hair with normal water.
2. Egg Yolk and Honey: Massage scalp with raw egg yolk and honey. Leave this for about an hour before washing hair.
3. Wheat Germ: Mix about 2.5 tablespoons of milk powder, 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of wheat germ oil .Massage it on the scalp and leave it for about half an hour. Wash hair with a mild shampoo.
4. Aloe Vera: Massage scalp and hair with aloe Vera gel. Leave it for half an hour before washing hair and scalp. Repeat this treatment 3 times a week.
5. Henna: Smear paste of henna on your scalp and leave the paste for an hour before washing your hair in luke-warm water. Continue the treatment once every week.
6. Boil some methi powder in the oil, cool it and then apply it regularly on the scalp to prevent hair fall.
7. Aloe Vera juice taken empty stomach early in the morning and sesame seeds (used as salad dressing) help in reducing hair loss.
8. Juice made from lettuce and spinach leaves mixed with carrot juice is helpful in treating hair fall. 
9. A diet rich in silica, vitamin E, protein, iron & vitamin C help to reduce hair loss.

• Silica rich foods – Raw oats, green & red pepper, cucumber & sprouts.
• Vitamin E rich foods - wheat germ, green leafy vegetables, almonds
• Iron – Green leafy vegetables, dates.
• Vitamin C – Amla , lemon, orange , kiwi , rasberry

 Conditioner for damaged hair :

              -- 2 tablespoon (30 ml) of honey
              -- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of olive oil
              -- 4 drops of essential oil of rosemary
              Mix ingredients in a small bowl and apply to dampened hair.
              Keep it for 10 mins and then wash hairs.

 

TIPS TO FIGHT NAUSEA

• Simply inhale the cinnamon oil to help with nausea.
• Cinnamon powder can be sprinkled over the food to reduce nausea.
• Take 1 Bran Biscuit / Marie Lite Biscuit / Multigrain Biscuit along with Tea / Green Tea / Jasmine Tea early morning.
• Sip fluids slowly to calm your stomach without irritating it further. Drink clear liquids like water, weak tea, and ginger Squash. Sugary drinks may calm your stomach more, and avoid acidic drinks like orange juice, tomato juice, and coffee.
• While you're nauseous, stay away from spicy and fatty foods, and avoid strong food odors from cooking or restaurants.
• If you're vomiting, stay away from solid foods until at least six hours after last throwing up.
• Laying down may soothe nausea more than sitting up; find the most comfortable (least nauseating) position for you and stay there as long as you can, or until your nausea goes away.
• Ginger is a widely recognized natural remedy for nausea. Add a little ginger to your queasy stomach (up to three times a day) in the form of ginger ale, ginger root capsules, powdered ginger, ginger tea, or fresh minced ginger added to food or tea. 

Salad for Summers

Creamy fruit summer salad

Ingredients

1 cup cubed ripe papaya

1 cup cubed red apple chilled

1 cup diced pears

2 tbsp diced celery

2 tbsp orange or apple juice 

½ cup vanilla yogurt

2 tsp low cal mayonnaise

1 tsp zero or brown sugar

¼ tsp cinnamon powder

1 tbsp chopped nuts

1 tbsp raisins

Method

In medium bowl, combine all salad fruits, raisins and celery with orange juice & toss gently. In small bowl blend vanilla yoghurt, mayonnaise, cinnamon powder & sugar. Mix the fruits with the dressing and garnished with chopped nuts. Refrigerate for half an hour and serve chilled.

Poppy Seeds

Botanical Name - Papaner somniferum
Hindi - Postdana
Bengali - Posto
Kannada - Afim
Marathi - Khaskhas


The milky ooze from poppy plant obtained by incision from the unripened capsules (doda) and thickened by spontaneous evaporation, is known as Opium. Opium is one of the most valuable medicines available in the sap of the plants and if properly administered, can serve as a very useful drug. 
Poppy seeds are found in poppy heads. They are recommended in many prescriptions for tonics. The sap of the plan contains oxalic acid and opium which has 25 alkolides, the chief being morphine, codeine, thelaine, narcotine, narceine and papaverine.

Poppy Seeds Head  (DODA)

Nutritional Value (Per 100gm) -

Moisture - 4.3 gm 

Calories - 408 KCal

Protein - 21.7 gm

Fat - 19.3 gm

Carbohydrates - 36.8 gm

Crude Fibre - 8.8

Phosphorus - 432 mg

Iron - 15.9 mg

Benefits of Poppy Seeds. 

• Poppy Seeds are effective in thirst, fever, inflammation and irritation of the stomach.
• A teaspoon of poppy seed oil taken every night is effective for the treatment of Insomnia.
• For Dysentery - Home remedy - About quarter teaspoon of the poppy seeds powder are sauted to a golden brown color in honey. taken twice a day, it gives relief from the symptoms. As seeds has sedative effect so they should be not be taken more than three times a day.
• In Pains and Aches - Poppy Seeds on the stalks, which have not been slit to produce opium have soporific properties and are used for relieving pain. They can be used beneficially in - gripping pains of colic, muscular pains, spasm of bowels, irritation of the bladder caused by stones.

Precautions -

Opium can cause great harm if used without proper precautions.

Mock tails

Summer is approaching and for this summer one need to cool body through good drinks. Here are some of the drinks recipe that you can prepare at home and enjoy it with delight.

• Coffee Clouds
• Virgin Mary
• Mint Crush
• Pink Lady

Coffee Clouds

(For 2 to 3 servings)

Ingredients -
200 ml - Milk
1TSP  - Coffee Powder
11/2 TBS - Sugar
2 Scoops - Vanilla Ice cream
2 TBS - Fresh Cream
2 TBS - Chocolate Syrup
2 -3 Drops - Vanilla Essence 
2 TSP - Chocolate Grated
2 - Wafer Biscuits


Directions -

1. Mix Sugar, Coffee Powder, Cream, 1 scoop Vanilla Ice Cream and Essence in the Milk.
2. Blend it together
3. Take a glass. Pour chocolate syrup in it.
4. Keep in the glass in Refrigerator for 5 min.
5. Pour the coffee in it.
6. Put the scoop of ice cream on it.
7. Grate the chocolate and decorate it with grated chocolate and biscuit.

 Virgin Mary
(For 4-5 servings)
A Perfect Ladies Drink for a cocktail party


Ingredients -
3 tea cups - Tomato Juice
4 TSP - Lemon Juice
1 TSP - Worcestershire Sauce
1/4 TSP - Tabasco Sauce
1/4 TSP - Salt
1/4 TSP - Pepper
1 Bottle - Chilled Soda
Ice cubes and crushed Ice


Directions -

1. Mix Tomato juice, Lemon Juice, Worcestershire Sauce, Tabasco Sauce, salt, pepper and ice.
2. Blend for 1 min in a blender
3. Transfer to deep pan. Add soda and mix well
4. Pour in tall stem glasses.
5. Garnish it with celery stick or a lemon slice.
6. Serve Immediately

Mint Crush
(For 4 Servings)
The cool minty flavor is made more refreshing with the addition of lemon juice and some aerated lemon drink. Perfect for Party.


Ingredients -
2 cups - Fresh Mint Leaves
4 TSP - Lemon Juice
2 Bottles - Lemonade
1/4 TSP of salt 
1/4 TSP of pepper 
Ice Cubes
Mint Sprigs and Lemon Slices


Directions -

1. Blend mint leaves and 1 cup of water together.
2. Strain to extract 1 cup of mint juice.
3. Keep it in refrigerator.
4. At the time of serving - Add lemon juice, salt and pepper in the mint juice.
5. Put the ice cubes in each glass. Divide the mint juice in 4 glasses.
6. Top with slightly less than 1/2 bottle of lemonade in each glass.
7. Stir
8. Garnish the glass with a mint sprig and a lemon slice.
9. Serve Immediately

Pink Lady
(For 4-5 servings)
A little cream added to this drink gives it the special touch.


Ingredients -
4 Cups - Fresh Watermelon Juice
8 TBS - Strawberry crush
4 TSP - Cream
4 -5 Fresh Strawberries (Chopped)
Strawberries and mint sprigs


Directions -

1. Blend Watermelon Juice, Strawberry Crush, Chopped Strawberries and Cream.
2. Fill 1/3 of the glass with crushed ice.
3. Pour the prepared Drink and Garnish with a slit strawberry and mint sprig.
4. Serve Immediately. 

Lemon

Botanical Name - Citrus Limon

Indian Name - Bara Nimbu / Pahari Nimbu

The lemon is an important fruit of citrus group. The lemon is rich in many food ingredients, particularly citric acid. Different Varieties contain this acid in different proportions ranging from 3.71 to 8.40 %. It is mainly due to its citric acid and Vitamin C contents that the lemon is widely used in medicine. 

Food Value - (in 100 gm)

Moisture - 85.0 gm

Protein - 1.0 gm

Fat - 0.9 gm

Fibre - 1.7 gm

Carbohydrates - 11.1 gm

Energy - 57 Kcal

Calcium - 70 mg

Phosphorus - 10 mg

Iron 0.26 mg

Vitamin C - 39 mg
Thiamine - 0.02 mg
Riboflavin - 0.01 mg
Niacin - 0.1 mg

Natural Benefits and Curative Properties 

The various parts of the lemon used for medicinal purposes -

• rind of the ripe fruit
• essential oil of the rind
• expressed juice of the ripe fruit

The pale yellow oil is bitter yet it is highly valued in medicine as a flavoring agent, carminative that relives flatulence for treating gastric discomfort and that improves appetite. It destroys the toxins in the body. This detoxifying property arises from its high potassium content. The juice also encourages bile secretion and is valuable in jaundice and gravels - a condition of small stone in urinary tract. The bark of the lemon tree is used as febrifuge which prevents fever and seeds as a vermifuge which expels worms from intestine.

Some of the benefits and curative properties in - 

• Scurvy
• Oral Diseases
• Throat Disorders
• Digestive Problems
• Fever
• Obesity
• Cold
• Detoxification

Scurvy - The lemon is chiefly valued for its Vitamin C content. Daily intake of lemon juice can help in prevent scurvy.

Oral Diseases - Lemon strengthens the gums and teeth. It is very effective for preventing and curing acute inflammation of the gum margins, pyorrhoea, dental caries and other oral diseases.

Throat Disorders - Lemon is highly beneficial in the treatment of throat disorders such as catarrh, chocking sensation and itching sensitivities. A ripe un-peeled lemon should be roasted slowly until it begins to crack open. Then one teaspoon of the juice with a little honey should be taken once every hour or the same juice of the roasted lemon in a glass of boiled water should be taken flavored with honey. It should be sipped slowly. 

Digestive Problems - A ripe lemon is a good appetizer. The lemon juice stimulates the flow of saliva and gastric juice and is regarded as an excellent digestive agent. It destroy intestinal worms and eliminates the gases formed in the digestive tract. It is highly beneficial in the treatment of several digestive problems like dyspepsia, constipation and biliousness. Heart burn is easily relieved by taking the juice of half a lemon in a little water.  

Fever - Lemon Juice makes an effective thirst quenching drink in pox, measles, scarlet and other fevers which are attendant with extreme thirst and a very hot and dry skin. 


Obesity - Soak a little cumin in boiling water with slices of lemon and leave the mixture throughout the night and then drink it in the morning on an empty stomach. Lemon juice mixed with honey in warm water first thing in the morning is known to aid weight loss. Lemon juice is known to have pectin fiber. Pectin fiber assimilates sugar quickly into the bloodstream, thereby reducing hunger pangs or cravings. This indirectly aids weight loss. Decreased intake of food coupled with adequate exercise can result in weight loss.

Cold - The anti-viral properties in lime/lemon fight infections and halt the progress of a cold.  Take the juice of two lemons in half a liter of hot water and add raw honey to taste.  Sip it slowly before bedtime.


Diuretic - Lemon has diuretic properties, which means that it is good for people who suffer from urinary tract infections.


Detoxification - Lemon juice is an effective remedy for the detoxifying the body. On the first day one should not take anything but plenty of water. On the second day juice of three lemon mixed with equal lukewarm water should be taken. One lemon should be subsequently added each day until it reaches 12 lemons a day. Then the number of lemon to deduct in same order until it reaches 3 lemon per day. One may feel weak, hungry on first two days, but afterwards the condition will stabilize by itself.

Refreshing - Lemon juice in hot water is known to reduce the sour flavor and reduce its acidic qualities. Lemon juice in warm water is ideal as compared to hot water. Lemon juice in warm water is a great refresher that boosts the immune system and helps various health and skin problems.