The Science of Life-Seven Concepts That Help Define Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a science that is known to be the world’s oldest system of health. It is an oral tradition that has been written down only in the last 5000 years. Its knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation. The word Ayurveda comes from the Sanskrit roots “ayu” and “veda”, which means “life” and “knowledge”. The name “Ayurveda” reveals its true meaning as the complete knowledge of how to live daily life in harmony with cosmic life. It is a not only a health care system, but a lifestyle approach to living. Ayurveda supports the idea that everyone should live every aspect of life to its fullest. It also expresses a complete conscious connection to nature and its intelligence, so that you can live in a state of enlightenment. Dr. Sunil V. Joshi, MD (Ayu), in his book, Ayurveda and Panchakarma, lists seven basic concepts that help to define Ayurveda as a unique and complete “science of life”:

1. The Unchanging Nature of Ayurvedic Science. Unlike western medicine that new theories often render previous understanding completely obsolete within a short period of time, Ayurveda has stood the test of time as its basic principals have never changed due to the fact that they were derived from universal laws of nature which are eternally true.

2.The Subjective Methods of Understanding. Ayurveda incorporates a more subjective or intuitive approach to gaining knowledge in addition to objective means as it recognizes that much of life cannot be studied objectively because it is non-physical. The example Dr. Joshi offers explains that the unseen intelligence which orchestrates the process of growth and differentiation in a fetus or in the healing of a disease cannot be analyzed or investigated by the senses, even with the aid of technological means.

3.The Five Element Theory. Human life is part of nature. This idea sets it apart from other healing modalities. The Mahabhutas or cosmic elements are the fundamental principles of Ayurveda. These are intelligences that present themselves as the five elements of earth, water, fire, air and ether. All matter consists of combinations of these five elements.

4.The Theory of the Three Doshas. All processes within the human physiology are controlled by a combination of these 5 elements. Vata is the principal that governs all motion or movement and is made up from air and ether elements; Pitta controls all transforming processes and is made of fire and water elements. Kapha is responsible for cohesion, growth and liquefaction. Kapha consists of earth and water elements. Human life can only exist with all three of these processes.

5.Prakruti: Constitution. The most useful tool that Ayurveda has to offer for maintaining an ideal state of health is that of prakruti. Each human being is born with a unique combination of the elements. And it is this combination that is responsible for the physical, mental and emotional differences among people. Ayurveda can help each person create his or her own state of ideal health, by identifying and maintaining an individual prakruti.

6.The Effects of the Seasons. Environment plays a huge role in Ayurveda. Ayurveda considers that a particularly important effect on health comes from seasonal changes and climatic conditions. Each change of season brings with it shifts in wind conditions, temperature and humidity or rainfall. As the elements in the environment change, the balance of the doshas within our bodies will be impacted. If we can recognize and respond to these changes in the environment, we will be able to better maintain homeostasis, an ideal balance of the doshas within our bodies.

7.Panchakarma: The Science of Rejuvenation. The body possesses a natural healing intelligence and is capable of constantly rejuvenating itself. When the elements or dosha become imbalanced, and the digestive capacity is weakened, toxic impurities form. When too many toxins exist, the natural healing capacity of the body gets blocked. Panchakarma is a process in which the body is purified of these toxins and the body “unblocks” its natural ability to rejuvenate.

Eight Shockingly Dangerous Chemicals You Didn’t Know Were in Your Lipstick

We all want to have attractive, seductive lips, but recent research suggests that you may be paying too steep a price for your perfect pout. As you may be aware, over the last few years there has been increasing interest in the safety of the ingredients that are used in cosmetics and other beauty products. Worryingly, a wide range of studies have shown that many of these seemingly innocent ingredients can be dangerous to your body, and some of the worst of these chemicals are regularly found in lipstick. Read on to discover the eight most hazardous chemicals that could be in your lipstick, and discover precisely why it is so important to avoid them.

1) Cadmium:

Cadmium is a heavy metal that is often added to lipsticks in spite of its toxicity. It can cause contact dermatitis (i.e. skin inflammation and itching) in the short term, and if you regularly ingest it for a long period of time then you can experience health problems as a result of reduced kidney function. You may develop high blood pressure, experience more painful and frequent urination, and notice puffiness around your hands and feet. Cadmium can very easily build up in your system; one recent study even suggests that it can take more than four decades for this heavy metal to entirely leave your body after exposure.

2) Retinyl palmitate:

If you are pregnant, it is particularly important to try and avoid lipsticks that contain retinyl palmitate. This chemical is a manmade form of vitamin A, and it can influence your reproductive hormones and promote developmental abnormalities in your unborn baby. Even if you are not pregnant, it is worth noting that retinyl palmitate is a carcinogen, so it increases your risk of developing a wide range of malignant tumors.

3) Triclosan:
Triclosan can be used as a preservative in lipsticks in order to make sure that they last longer, but it poses a number of serious health risks. Firstly, it can interfere with the levels of female sex hormones in your body, increasing your likelihood of developing breast cancer. Secondly, triclosan is an antibacterial agent, so its widespread use encourages the evolution of dangerous bacteria that are capable of resisting antibiotics.

4) Coal tar:

The Environmental Working Group has labeled coal tar as a highly hazardous ingredient in lipstick and other beauty products, owing to the fact that studies on its side effects show it to be toxic in a number of important ways. For example, it can cause fertility issues by influencing hormone production, it can trigger moderate to severe allergies, and it is a carcinogenic substance that is strongly linked to reproductive cancers in particular.

5) Parabens:

Parabens are also preservatives that are commonly added to lipsticks in order to lengthen their shelf lives. However, there is now little doubt that being regularly and extensively exposed to parabens (such as methylparaben and propylparaben) can have a devastating impact on your body. Most importantly, parabens mimic the actions of the female sex hormone estrogen, increasing your risk of developing cancerous tumors in your breasts. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency has warned that parabens can cause metabolic abnormalities (which may lead to unwanted weight changes) and increase the likelihood of developmental disorders.

6) Tocopheryl acetate:

Sometimes known as vitamin E acetate, tocopheryl acetate is a skin irritant that can cause facial swelling, blistering and itching when added to lipsticks.

7) Colorants:

Special ingredients are added to your lipstick in order to give it its distinctive shade. Studies show that some of these ingredients pose little to no risk, but others are more questionable. For example, D&C Red 22 Aluminum Lake is linked to nervous system damage, meaning that it could cause a range of neurological problems. Always research the specific colorants in a lipstick before deciding to buy it.

 Fragrance:

Finally, although lipsticks often have little to no scent, certain companies market lipsticks that have a fruity or sweet scent. These lipsticks are particularly appealing to younger consumers, but they can pose unexpected risks to your health. The problem with fragrance is that cosmetics companies are under no obligation to list all of the ingredients that are used to create the distinct smell of their products. Sometimes, hundreds of extra chemicals will be added in order to make a lipstick smell like strawberries or candy, and many of these chemicals may be toxic. For example, some popular fragrance ingredients cause migraine headaches, while others are linked to depression, anxiety disorders and allergic reactions.

Best Vegetables for Weight Loss

Cucumber - The cucumber is one of the best vegetables for weight loss. It´s extremely low in calories and contains lots of water.

Broccoli - When trying to lose weight, include plenty of broccoli in your diet. It contains no fat at all, and plenty of carbohydrate. This are slow-release carbohydrates, which is great for helping to keep your energy levels up.

Beans - The great thing about using them for weight loss is that they also count as a source of protein and have lots of fibre. So cut down on your meat intake and substitute all or some of it with beans instead.

Spinach - Spinach is another brilliant vegetable when you´re trying to lose weight. If you´ve always disliked it, try cooking it very lightly – spinach needs barely any cooking at all. You can also serve it raw in salads.

Carrots - Carrots should be included among vegetables for losing weight. Just think of all that beta-carotene and fibre!

Onions - When choosing vegetables for losing weight, it´s important to remember that you want to include lots of flavor so that your diet doesn’t get too boring. Onions are excellent for adding taste to your meals, whether you prefer them raw or cooked.

Healthy Fruits For Diabetics

Cherries

The small and juicy summer fruit are a treat for sweet tooth cravings. It is not only good for diabetics for its low glycemic index, but also good for the heart and skin. Cherries also contain powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins that provide the distinctive red colour and have strong anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties. A dozen cherries equals one fruit portion.

Pears

Pears offer a person with diabetes a very healthy snack. They are low in carbohydrates and calories. One medium-size pear contains just 100 calories and only 26 grams of carbohydrates. The key to picking a good snack for diabetics is both calorie and carb control, and pears offer both.

Blueberries

They are low carb fruits and are considered as diabetes superfood. Include this berry in your diet. Blueberries process glucose for energy, increases its sensitivity to insulin and manages blood sugar levels. blueberries contain 2.4g of fiber, only 14.5g of carbohydrates, and are rich in antioxidants, which are good for your heart.

Apples

Apples are low in glycemic index and most importantly, have loads of antioxidants. So, include this fruit in your diabetes diet. Apples are especially rich in quercetin (a strong antioxidant found in high concentrations in apple skins) which is associated with a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes, may help prevent heart attacks, reduce the risk of cancer and ward off eye disease. An apple contains 14g of carbohydrates and 2.4g of fiber.

Peaches

This summer fruit is healthy and good for diabetics too. Include it in your diet as it is low in glycemic index and has vitamins and antioxidants that boosts immune system. Peaches are best enjoyed fresh - avoid the canned peaches. Peaches have only 9.5g of carbohydrates, but they'll give you 1.5g of fiber and 190mg of potassium.

Guavas

A fresh guava contains calcium, potassium, iron, fiber, flavanoids, folic acid, nicotinic acid, vitamins A, B, and C, So they provide numerous health benefits to the human body.It is low in GI, rich in soluble fiber and Vitamin C. This makes it a delicious fruit which boosts up the immune system.

Oranges

Oranges are also low-GI and low-GL per serving, thanks to their high content of soluble fibre, which helps to keep blood sugar levels under control and lowers blood cholesterol levels.Oranges contain 11.75g of carbohydrates, 53.2mg of Vitamin C, and 2.4g of fiber

Grapefruit

Even this citrus fruit is rich in Vitamin C which is good for controlling blood sugar and cholesterol levels. By helping diabetics losing weight, controlling blood glucose, and lessening risk of heart disease and stroke, grapefruit benefits are plenty. Grapefruit is also low-GI and rich in soluble fibre which helps improve blood circulation, lowers blood cholesterol levels and is thought to reduce the risk of some cancers. A Grapefruits have 8g of carbohydrates, contain 34.4 mg of Vitamin C, and 1.1g of fiber.

Strawberries

Strawberries are low in glycemic index. It keeps you fuller for longer, satisfies your sweet taste buds and also stabilizes blood sugar levels. . The antioxidants in berries are also good for your eye sight as they prevent eye damage and offer protection against retinal degeneration (particularly diabetic retinopathy and diabetic cataracts). Strawberries contain only 7.68g of carbohydrates, 2g of fiber, 58.8mg of Vitamin C, and 153mg of potassium.

Grapes

Diabetics Associations recommends consuming green grapes for diabetics. Green grapes have higher levels of fiber than red or black grapes. They are also rich in vitamin C and K, potassium, and polyphenols. They also contain antioxidants that are excellent for diabetics. There is no relationship between grapes and blood sugar. However, since they do not cause a spike in your blood glucose levels, they are not really harmful for you even if you have diabetes. The ideal way to consume grapes is to mix together green, black and red grapes and have a portion of this with each meal.

Cherries and their role in combating Diabetes

These substances are called anthocyanins and occur naturally in cherries, giving them their characteristic bright red color. Anthocyanins are also present in other fruits, vegetables and flowers made up in bright reds, blues and purples, such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, grapes, violets and purple cabbages. Studies show that anthocyanins are antioxidants that have a range of beneficial health effects, including the control of cardiovascular disorders, oxidative stress induced by aging, inflammatory and many degenerative diseases. Furthermore, anthocyanins help improve cognitive functions and neuronal brain, eye health and protect the integrity of the DNA.

Studies show that the same may also be true for diabetes. Researchers from Michigan State University in recent years, several anthocyanins isolated from cherries and tested in the insulin-producing pancreatic cells, taken from rodents. The cells were increased by 50% in its production of insulin when exposed to anthocyanins having been cases in which insulin production has nearly doubled after exposure to anthocyanins more active. Cherry Anthocyanins also help prevent chronic complication called diabetic retinopathy , which consists of a number of vascular disorders that can cause loss of visual acuity. Although these findings are promising, anthocyanins have yet to be tested in a number of other animals and humans before they can be recommended for the treatment of Diabetes

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