‎7 Dangerous acts after a meal

I have seen many people following wrong practice after eating meal and has hazardous effect on body. 

1. Don’t smoke - Experiments from experts proves that smoking a cigarette after meal is comparable to smoking 10 cigarettes (chances of cancer is higher)

2. Don’t eat fruits immediately - Immediately eating fruits after meals will cause stomach to be bloated with air. There fore take fruits 1 -2 hours after meal or 1 hour before meal.

3. Don’t drink tea - Because tea leaves contain a high content of acid. This substance will cause the protein content in the food we consume to be hinder thus difficult to digest.

4. Don’t loosen your belt - Loosening the belt after meal will easily cause the intestine to 
be twisted and blocked.

5. Don’t bathe - Bathing after meal will cause the increase of blood flow to the hands, legs and body thus the amount of blood around the stomach will therefore decrease, this will weaken the digestive system in our stomach.

6. Don’t walk about - People always say that after a meal walk a hundred steps and you 

will live till 99. In actual fact this is not true. Walking will cause the digestive system to be unable to absorb the nutrition from the food we intake.

7. Don’t sleep immediately - The food we intake will not be to digest properly. Thus will lead to gastric and infection in our intestine.

Dhania

The Latin name for Coriander is Coriander Sativum.

Health benefits of coriander  (Home remedies) -

•          Coriander helps to prevent digestive disorders such as indigestion and flatulence.

•          Coriander leaves helps to increase appetite and helps to stimulate hunger in anorexic  patients.

•          Coriander leaves along with heeng, rock salt and cumin seed when mixed with buttermilk and taken after meals, helps to improve digestion and prevents abdominal distention.  

•          Regular intake of coriander tea also helps to lower the blood cholesterol levels.

•          Coriander seeds when soaked in water overnight and then taken along with buttermilk early in the morning helps in dysentry.

•          The juice of coriander is also used for treating nausea, and morning sickness.

•          Coriander is used in the treatment of colitis and some of the liver disorders. Coriander seeds also help to reduce acid peptic disease.

•          Coriander seeds also help to reduce body fever by inducing urination.

•          It is used in

•         improving appetite,
•         relieving constipation and flatulence.

·         Coriander seed oil is an aromatic stimulant, a carminative and an appetizer.

·         It helps in treating-

•         piles, headache and swellings.
•         colic, rheumatism and neuralgia;
•          mouth ulcers (when applied in the form of seed paste) and other ulcers.

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.