Tuesday 8 April 2014

Foods to Help You Stay Awake



Do you find yourself becoming sluggish, sleepy and lazy in office after lunch? Do you always reach out for coffee every time you start yawning? Well, for all those times when you need to start your day very early, or need to pull an all-nighter, you require foods that help you stay alert, active, and most importantly, awake. Food has a direct impact on how sleepy or lazy we feel, so it is essential for us to train our body to consume foods, which help us stay awake. This is especially important for those who work on night shifts, or are involved in professions where work hours are long and sleep is at a premium. So here are some foods to help you stay awake for long.
1. Wheat-Bran Cereal

This is a good choice for breakfast, as opposed to heavy sandwiches filled with mayonnaise and cheese. The fiber in the cereal helps to fight fatigue and drowsiness. Moreover, it is a healthier option as compared to most other breakfast choices that people tend to make in a hurry. Combine it with ample milk and fruits, and it will sure act as a great start to the day!
2. Pumpkin Seeds

This is a great all-time snack that you can keep handy in your bag. It has magnesium, which is reportedly important for everyone involved in a lot of physical activity. This is because the more physical activity you engage in, the more oxygen will be used, thereby tiring your body. To help replenish that flow of oxygen and keep the metabolism going strong, magnesium is needed. That’s why your post lunch snacks should be pumpkin seeds, which help you stay up.
3. Watermelon

It is not only refreshing, but also is the easiest way of combating dehydration in the body, which is one of the major causes of people feeling tired and sleepy. So a nice, big bowl of watermelon in the evenings can help you stretch your working hours a little more, and will also build up your appetite well for a good dinner.
4. Peanut Butter and Apple

Peanut butter gives you the protein, while apple alongside helps to digest it quickly. This is a great snack for your 11 am hunger, and will keep you going on till lunch. Moreover, fruits in general take lesser time to digest on an empty stomach, and hence, give a boost to your body.

5. Yoghurt


Yoghurt with a little amount of fruits is a great snack. Yoghurt helps to fight fatigue and stress, and gives an immediate boost to the body. Since it works directly on improving your metabolism, it fights against CFS or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and keeps you more active and alert for a longer period of time.
6. Cottage Cheese with Fresh Vegetables

This is healthy, and can be consumed at any time of the day. Ideally, Caesar Salad is a good choice for those with refined taste buds. However, cottage cheese is important for the protein, and for making the body more active.
7. The 8 Essential Glasses of Water

Consuming the right and adequate amount of water is also important, on a daily basis, as it combats fatigue and keeps the metabolism going smooth. It avoids dehydration, and also keeps the body cool, which eventually helps one to feel less drowsy, and more alert.

Sunday 6 April 2014

Eating Habbits That Can Cause Diabetes


With everyone having to deal with so many things every single minute, it gets really hard to think before indulging into anything. Let’s face it, good food makes one feel good. This fact combined with the very virtue of tasty dishes, it is sort of impossible to develop healthy eating habits. However, one must always observe caution with prevention being better than cure. The following are eating habits that can cause diabetes.
1. Skipping Breakfast

Who doesn’t know about ‘Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper’? Sad as it may sound, you know you have a messed up this schedule, as a result of which, you pig out at night and often rush to your morning chores consuming nothing more than a glass of orange juice. This leads to high chances of obesity, which in-turn causes diabetes.
2. Having a Sweet Tooth

So you love to eat everything sweet, eh? Milk chocolates and tiramisu make you drool? You need to know what is your sugar limit and how much is safe for you to consume. On top of consuming sugary treats, if you are not burning them off, it is highly probable that it will lead to diabetes.
3. Attraction towards Fast Food

Or pizzas, or panini, or pancakes, or fried chicken. You get the drift? If you consume extremely oily and greasy food, you have a high chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Cut on all the tasty sinful things and find healthier alternatives like food cooked in olive oil, low fat cheese, tofu and such other alternatives.

4. Binging unnecessarily

Binging is never good. The kind of calories your body stores when you binge is unreal. Your body immediately goes into fat storing mode and while you feel good about yourself eating all that tasty food, your body probably goes towards diabetes.
5. Irregular eating routine

If you do not eat at least thrice a day and then eat six meals the other day and then don’t eat at all, and continue to follow a bizarre pattern of consuming food; your body gets confused and does not know how to deal with this. Chances are you are eating anything but home cooked meals then, and that you know, will lead to diseases like diabetes.

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Health Benefits of Goat Milk


You might be having cow’s milk for breakfast for several years now. But, have you ever considered the health benefits offered by goat milk? Goat milk benefits are several. Learn more about the advantages from the list enumerated below.
1. Possesses natural anti-inflammatory properties

Goat’s milk is homogenized naturally, and fat globules in this milk easily separate itself and are much smaller when compared to cow’s milk. It facilitates easy digestion and is absorbed by the body quite easily. People with bowel issues find an effective answer to manage inflammatory bowel disease. Probiotic properties associated with goat’s milk encourage development of a good digestive system.
2. Contains essential fatty acids

Goat’s milk has thirty five percent fatty acids when compared to seventeen percent in cow’s milk. Nutritionally, goat’s milk is more wholesome and is better consumed raw even for those who are lactose intolerant. Goat’s milk brings down cholesterol levels and works well for those with intestinal problems. Antimicrobial fatty acids such as caprylic and capric acids are found in abundance in goat’s milk.
3. Soothes digestive system

Goat’s milk works brilliantly with those who have been under treatment for ulcers. The milk by itself is a great remedy for such issues. The absence of complex protein in goat’s milk makes it less allergic when compared to cow’s milk. This milk has the ability to soothe your digestive tract and satiate hunger effectively even for kids.
4. Avoids buildup of Mucus

Thousands of people have reported that cow’s milk have made them allergic and prone to respiratory diseases. Goat’s milk is a welcome alternative for such problems. High fat in cow’s milk is the reason for buildup of mucus. Fat globules present in goat’s milk are at least one ninth of the ones present in cow’s milk. Hence, irritation in your gut can be avoided.

5. Acts as a metabolic agent

Research and studies done on goat’s milk link it to an increased ability to metabolize iron and copper, specifically in people who have absorption and digestion limits.
6. Rich in calcium

Although people consume cow’s milk to increase calcium intake and prevent bone loss, goat’s milk on the other hand is also extremely rich in calcium and the amino acid- tryptophan.
7. Ultra nourishing in nature

Goats are referred to as bio-organic sodium animals in Naturopathy. They are associated with vigor, flexibility and vitality properties. Bio-organic sodium is an element which keeps joints mobile and limber. Goat’s milk has been used in medicinal cultures to nourish and regenerate an over-taxed nervous system.

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Best Desserts



The very mention of the word, ‘desserts’ brings water in people’s mouths and a picture of their favorite sweet dish pops up in their head. There are innumerable kinds of mouthwatering sweet treats in the world and to be counted among the top 7 is a very big task. This list depicts the desserts that have gained appreciation from all over the world, by people of diverse tastes. If you have tried them, great, and if you haven’t, then go for them immediately and make your life sweeter.
1. Churros of Spain

Churros have become a huge rage worldwide and what many don’t know is that its origins are rooted in Spain. These are thick strands of sweet dough fried to a crisp glorious golden brown color and sprinkled with powdered sugar. They have become popular street foods as well as fine dine options almost everywhere around the globe. They taste best when dipped and eaten with hot chocolate sauce.
2. Rabdi of India

India and Pakistan are homes to some of the most wonderful tasting food in the world. The amount of desserts that these 2 countries have produced are mind boggling, however if one best sweet treat had to be chosen among them, it would have to be the rabdi. Although the rasgulla and gulab jamun give it tough competition, rabdi, with it’s thick, creamy texture and heavenly milky taste is a cut above the rest.
3. Maple taffy of Canada

Canadians use maple in almost every dessert of theirs. The country’s flag itself sports a maple leaf so you can imagine how devoted they are to this tree. Maple taffy is basically hot sweet maple syrup pouted on ice, rolled as taffy and served on a stick. It’s basically an ice candy with a twist and the taste is splendid enough to make you want more and more.
4. Gelato of Italy

There is no denying that the Italians treated the world when they invented the gelato. Gelatos have become the world’s favorite ice cream because of their low fat content as compared to traditional ice creams and their creamy smooth texture that melts in the mouth.
5. Pavlova of England and Australia

Although the Pavlova was supposedly invented in the UK, it is the continent of Australia which has made it into the international best selling dessert that it is today. The scrumptious combination of the crispy thin meringue base, slathered with freshly whipped cream and topped with little fruits like blueberries, cherry, kiwi, etc., make this a must-have treat.
6. Tiramisu of Italy

Besides the gelato, the Italians have also given the world another reason to indulge its sweet tooth by making the tiramisu. The layer upon layer of captivatingly yummy ingredients, make this an irresistible deal. It is a combination of layers of savoiardi biscuits soaked in strong espresso and alcohol along with the heavenly zabaglione cream and topped with a sprinkling of cocoa powder.
7. Baklava of Turkey

By the sound of it, Baklava may seem too rich and too sweet for most people’s tastes, what with the ingredients being pastries of flour, rose water, sweet sugary syrup, dried fruits, nuts, spices and honey. But the beauty of this Turkish treat is that inspite of such heavy sounding ingredients; it actually is a pretty light dish which has become a top favorite for millions worldwide.1. Churros of Spain.

Saturday 5 April 2014

10 Things You Should Eat And Drink For The Rest Of Your Life



Sometimes you don't have to go far to find the fountain of youth. If you really want to feel younger and fight disease, consider looking no farther than your plate.
"Our diet plays an important role in our lives from birth, through the lifespan and into aging," says Rosanna Lee, a nutrition educator and community health promoter based in Toronto. "As we get older, we may have reduced appetites, chronic diseases, and physical symptoms that make it challenging to eat healthy."
Last time we rounded up the best exercises you can do for the rest of your life, and this week we've tracked down some of the healthiest foods and drinks that everyone should eat at least once a day.
"Choose foods with minimal fat, sugar or salt added. More emphasis should be made on these foods during meals and snacks," Lee says. "As we get older, we may not be able to eat as much or as frequently as we used to so it is important to select foods with higher amounts of energy and nutrition."
Eating a well-balanced diet also increases our quality of life. Unsurprisingly, studies have even shown people with poor eating habits or who are overweight have a higher chance of developing deadly diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Lee says if you're getting tired of the same old palette, adding new spices to your meals also works. She recommends a combination of the Mediterranean diet, the Japanese diet, and the French diet — cuisines that are low in fat and high in nutrients.
Leafy Greens
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, spinach and kale provide our bodies with folate, calcium, and other nutrients that support proper bone health, promote cognitive function, and prevent age-related eye problems, says Rosanna Lee, professional nutrition educator and community health promoter based in Toronto.
Berries

Blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries and blackberries are packed with antioxidants that promote cell health and protect us against disease. "Look for darker berries like blueberries or blackberries as they provide the best anti-aging benefits due to higher concentration of antioxidants," Lee says.
Beans
"Beans like kidney beans and soy are an excellent source of low-fat protein with a good amount of fibre, antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals like iron, vitamin B and potassium." Research has also found that beans also protect against breast and prostate cancers.
Whole Grains
Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, barley and bulgur are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that have protective effects for your body. "Choose breads, pastas, salads and cereals with whole grains to lower your risk for age-related illnesses like cardiovascular diseases and cancer," Lee says.
Olive Oil
An essential ingredient in the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory monounsaturated fats (the good kind of fat). Use olive oil in your cooking and meal planning to lower your risk for cardiovascular diseases, cancer and age-related cognitive decline.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contains rich amounts of lycopene (an antioxidant) that helps maintain skin texture and reduce your risk for prostate, lung and stomach cancers, as well as heart disease, Lee says. "It is better to eat tomatoes cooked, rather than raw. Studies have found that cooking tomatoes for 30 minutes for about 88 degrees Celsius increases lycopene concentration by 35 per cent."
Nuts
Almonds and walnuts are packed with nutrients. These nuts contain healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and protein that can benefit your cardiovascular and brain health, she adds. Nuts have been found to also reduce inflammation in the body.
Fish
Oily fish like salmon, sardines, arctic char, black cod, rainbow trout, albacore tuna, pacific halibut and Atlantic mackerel (yes, you have a lot to work with), provide abundant amounts of healthy omega-3 fatty acids that help prevent inflammation in the body.
Green And White Tea
White and green teas contain epigallocatechin gallate, which is one of the most powerful forms of antioxidants. Many studies have found drinking green and white tea may lower one’s risk for heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. And believe it or not, tea also keeps body hydrated. 

Friday 4 April 2014

Things to Know About the Paleo Diet


1. You will have to opt for healthy fats
2. You will notice several health benefits
3. You can prevent the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease
4. You can eat numerous foods
5. You will have to avoid a few things 
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Fabulous Health Benefits of Dill




Dill has been used since ancient times. Today, it is used in salads, to make pickles, in soups, and other dishes. It’s a great way to add extra flavor to a dish without drastically increasing the calorie or fat content of a meal. Even though most people only use dill as a flavor enhancer in their dishes, there are actually many other reasons why dill should be eaten.
1. Anti-Bacterial Properties
Because dill has anti-bacterial properties, it can be used to fight off infections internally and externally. Ancient cultures applied burnt dill seeds to wounds in order to prevent infections.
2. Digestive Benefits
Dill itself is an appetizer and therefore extensively used in culinary applications. The essential oils present in dill are stimulating and they activate the secretion of bile and digestive juices. These oils also stimulate peristaltic motion of the intestine, easing the passage of bowel movements and relieving constipation.
3. Insomnia
The essential oils found in herbs have peculiar and powerful properties. They are simultaneously stimulating, sedative, and hypnotic, that is, they stimulate as well as pacify. The essential oils in dill are no exception. The flavonoids and vitamin-B complex present in its essential oils, since they are stimulating in nature, activate the secretion of certain enzymes and hormones which have calming and hypnotic effects.
4. Diabetes
Dill has long been associated with diabetes and the management of insulin levels. Despite the fact that research is somewhat limited in this area, particularly on human subjects, studies have indicated that they can help reduce the fluctuations of serum lipids and insulin levels in corticosteroid-induced diabetes.
5. Arthritis
Dill has long been known as an anti-inflammatory herb, meaning that it helps to reduce the inflammation and the associated pain of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and arthritis. Dill has been used since ancient times for precisely this reason.
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