There are certain drinks that go with certain holidays and certain
time of the year and here are some of the best drinks we can have for
this holiday.
1. Spiced tea
Called as the masala chai in
India and some other countries, this drink is plain tea infused with
spices such as star anise, cinnamon, passion fruit and honey. This is a
warm and exotic drink and perfect for the season.
2. Apple and cranberry sparklers
A liberal dose of apple cider and cranberry juice with a little twist
of citrusy taste makes this the perfect seasonal drink for the holiday.
Since this is non-alcoholic it can be served to anyone and that makes
this one of the best drinks for the holiday.
3. Pineapple and mint refresher
This one sounds like a summer drink, but this actually makes sense
during the holiday season too as this adds a difference to the otherwise
gloomy weather. You can add a dash of vodka to this drink if you do not
want it to be non-alcoholic.
4. Hot chocolate
You can
either make this with dark chocolate or white chocolate, however you
make it, this is a drink that is sure to warm you up and bring back
memories of childhood.
5. Vodka with cranberry juice
It is a
very simple drink. But the color remains truly festive, going with the
seasonal colors, red being the predominant of them all.
6. Eggnog
This is a must drink for the season and the holiday somehow seems incomplete without having at least a mug of eggnog.
The best holiday drinks don’t necessarily have to be alcoholic. Some of
the best drinks can be the ones that we have been having since we were
kids and that take us to our comfort zone.
www.rishihospital.com
Bad breath is a problem not only for you but for people around you,
people who have to stay in close quarters with you and have to listen or
talk to you on a regular basis. It could turn into an embarrassing
problem when the other person makes a face when you open your mouth or
tell you to your face that your breath stinks. Bad breath is caused by a
lot of things, it could be caused
because you have not brushed your teeth, you have decay in your tooth,
it could be because you have eaten a lot of spicy food or it could be
because you have ulcers in your stomach or bad bacteria in your mouth.
Whatever the reason is, you need to take care of it immediately. Knowing
what is causing your bad breath is the important step you need to take
before you try remedies. Here are some ways to keep your breath fresh.
1. Brushing your teeth regularly
Cleaning your mouth and brushing your teeth is important to have fresh
breath. Brushing your teeth before you go to sleep helps keep your mouth
clean and there are less chances of bad breath in the morning. Using a
mouth refresher to rinse your mouth also keeps your breath fresh. Do not
overdo it as brushing can cause the erosion of the enamel in your
teeth.
2. Drinking warm water with lemon juice
Drinking a
glass of warm water with a few drops of lemon not only kills the
bacteria in your mouth but also keeps your breath fresh. Since it also
cleans your stomach, your breath will remain fresh for a long time.
3. Keeping your stomach clean
Undigested food or a bad stomach also reflects in your breath. If you
are suffering from indigestion or any other problems in your stomach,
your breath is likely to smell. A clean stomach is good for your overall
health as well as your breath. Have a clean stomach to feel lighter as
well as prevent people from making a face when you talk.
4. Checking for tooth decay, mouth ulcers and stomach ulcers
If you notice that your breath smells even after you brush regularly
and use a mouth refresher, it might be an indication that there is a
problem elsewhere. Consult a doctor to find out if you have decaying
tooth or ulcers in the mouth or in the stomach.
5. Washing your mouth after you eat foods with a pungent odor and taste
If you are eating spicy food, or foods with garlic and onions, make
sure you clean your mouth thoroughly. The breath that comes out of your
mouth after you eat such foods can be truly revolting and some states
have rules, although archaic, that carries punishment for people going
out after eating garlic (without washing their mouth).
6. Cutting down on alcohol and cigarettes
Cutting down on alcohol and smoking also helps keep your breath fresh.
Keep yourself hydrated when you are drinking alcohol to prevent a
hangover and bad breath in the morning.
Like your clothes and accessories, your breath also says a lot about who you are. Take care you smell good and fresh.
www.rishihospital.om
Mobile apps are the new in thing these days. They were introduced only
recently but have started to play such an important part in our lives
that we look for mobile apps to choose a great dining spot, find a free
parking space, get directions to travel and even depend on it to tell us
where we can get the best tacos. Mobile apps and smart technologies
such as the iPad and iPod are gaining a foothold for their portability
and also the fact that they can be used anywhere with ease. New research
has found yet another use for mobile apps and that is its use as a
therapeutic tool for children with autism. Here are some reasons as to
why mobile apps are a boon for children and also adults with autism.
1. It helps autistic kids to better express themselves
Sometimes autistic kids may find it very difficult to deal with the
conflicting signals and emotions that they see in other people. In these
cases, mobile apps help them to better express themselves and also
engage with others.
2. Mobile apps have helped prove that the
receptive communication skills of autistic children are more advanced
than previously thought
When researchers studied the behavior
of autistic children with mobile devices and apps they found out that
the receptive communication skills of autistic children are more
advanced than previously thought. This has changes the way specialists
deal with autistic children these days. The mode of education has also
changed to a greater extent.
3. The uniformity and mechanical regularity of mobile apps are better suited to the needs of autistic kids
Since autistic children live in a world of their own, they are ill
equipped to the ever changing world of other people. With mobile apps
there is regularity and symmetry that helps them better relate to it and
also learn how to use it.
4. Mobile apps have also increased the peer to peer interaction
New studies have also found out that mobile apps have increased the
peer to peer social interaction between autistic kids. This is a great
finding and helps the kids to form their own social groups which they
otherwise would find very difficult to form.
5. Autistic kids are visual learners
Autistic kids are largely non-verbal and learn better through visuals.
They also like structure which the mobile apps provide them. Learning
and communication for autistic kids become much simpler with mobile
devices.
Autistic kids find it difficult to interact with other
people and people who live with them and teach them also find it
difficult to get to them at times. In such cases, mobile apps go a long
way in helping them learn and communicate. When they interact through
mobile apps the interaction happens in a non-stigmatized fashion unlike
in the regular world. Mobile apps also let them deal with a lot of
things by themselves giving them more independence. Mobile apps are thus
a boon for autistic kids.
www.rishihospital.com
1. Antioxidant Potential
Blackberries include a profuse amount of helpful antioxidant that can
protect the human body in multiple manners. Components, like flavonoids,
phenolic acids, and flavonols, especially present in blackberries fight
off those harmful oxygen free molecules as well as their action. This
useful activity can protect the body
from a variety of diseases resulted from oxidative damage that might be
the underlying cause of a lot of fatal conditions.
2. Anti-Cancer Properties
One of the most helpful benefits of blackberries is cancer preventing.
Blackberry fruit is efficient in defeating the building of cancer
containing lung cancer, esophageal cancer and colon cancer. The
micronutrients found in blackberries can exert chemopreventive effect
and also prevent the proliferation of malignant cells. This fruit are
rich anthocyanin. These anthocyanins offer the ability of fighting
cancer. They can act as antioxidants, fighting off genetic mutations and
cancer-causing tissue damage. They also have the ability to inhibit the
cancer cell growth. According to some studies, anthocyanins can be
beneficial in protecting the human skin from damage resulted by
over-exposure to UV rays. As the UV rays play a main role in skin cancer
development, so anthocyanins may provide some protection against skin
cancer.
3. Prevent Endothelial Dysfunction
This type of fruit
supplies people with the ability to protect the endothelial dysfunction
that is featured by the abnormal functioning of inner lining of blood
vessels. Blackberries include beneficial components like
cyaninding-3-O-glucoside which defeats oxidative activities and assists
the body in normalizing multiple important factors implicated in such
conditions. Moreover, it can be useful in decreasing the DNA and
protects against such vascular failure.
4. Cognitive Benefits
Also extending the benefit in enhancing the cognitive functions of the
human body, blackberries are recommended to consume regularly.
Polyphenolic components found in blackberries can slow down the
age-related reduction in cognitive and motor activity. Thus, regular
intake of blackberry might prove helpful in increasing the memory
performance and enhances neuronal and behavioral functions.
5. Improve Digestive Health
In fact, blackberries are a rich source of both soluble and insoluble
fiber, which are necessary for the optimum function of digestive health.
The insoluble fiber in this fruit can encourage better and easy
absorption of water in your large intestine and contributes bulk to your
stools. By this way, you will be able to improve bowel movements, get
rid of constipation and boost digestion health.
6. Good For Cardiovascular System
Due to the content of flavonols , blackberries are considered as heart
healthy fruits. Also containing other beneficial components, like fiber
and magnesium, blackberry prevents the arteries from being blocked and
boosts smooth flow of the blood. This will decrease the potential risk
of heart diseases like atherosclerosis, stroke, and maintains
cardiovascular health. Besides, magnesium content in blackberries can
assist people in regulating their blood pressure levels and prevent
cardiac arrhythmia as well as irregular contraction.
7. Boost Immune System
Blackberries can be useful in improving immunity of the body thanks to
the presence of vitamins and minerals and phytoestrogens. Hence, regular
consumption of blackberries can fight a lot of pathogens and protect
the body from infections as well as other fatal diseases.
8. Manage Weight
Actually, blackberries have a low amount of sugar; thus, it can assist
people in managing their weight. Due to the fiber content in
blackberries and very few amounts of calories, this can be efficient in
cleaning the bowels as well as weight management.
9. Healthy Bones
Blackberries include vital minerals like calcium and magnesium which
are necessary for maintaining healthy bones. Normally, calcium can
strengthen the bones while magnesium facilitates the absorption of
potassium and calcium in the body. Apart from this, phosphorus mineral
found in blackberries supports the regulation of calcium and helps in
forming strong bones, and also plays an important role in maintaining
appropriate cellular functioning.
10. Healthy Eyes
When it comes
to benefits of blackberries, this fruit is beneficial in protecting the
healthy eyes. People should consume blackberries regularly as they can
protect their eyes from ultra-violet radiations attributing to the
appearance of lutein. Moreover, vitamin and anthocyanosides content
appearance in blackberries increases the eye vision and protect the
human eyes from different diseases, like macular degeneration, night
blindness, and cataract.
11. Healthy Blood Clotting
Blackberries
include vitamin K that helps in normal clotting of blood. It can help
in avoiding excessive bleeding from slight injuries and assists in
healing wounds. Vitamin K appearance in blackberries plays a critical
role in protecting your bones from osteoporosis.
12. Beneficial In Pregnancy
If you are a pregnant woman, you should make use of blackberries. They
contain a high content of natural folate, which contributes in growing
the tissues and cells, and also reduces birth defect risks in the
babies. Besides, folate is an important nutrient required for good
cellular functioning for people at all ages. Vitamin C plus with other
antioxidants can boost the power of disease fighting of the expectant
mother. In other words, the appearance of minerals like magnesium, iron,
phosphorus, calcium in blackberries will strengthen the bone and
contribute in keeping the pregnant women healthy. What is more,
blackberries have a refreshing taste, making it a delicious, healthy
choice for a rapid snack during pregnancy.
Learn: helpful nutrition tips for pregnant women
13. Gum Care
The leaves as well as bark of blackberries plant can be consumed
traditionally. The leaves are used to cure mild inflammation of the
gums.
The leaves and bark of the blackberry plant have been consumed
traditionally. Their leaves have been used to treat mild inflammation
of the gums.
www.rishihospital.com
Some of the most powerful super foods may surprise you. Uliano’s list
of top super foods that pack a big serving of healthy goodness include:
1. Goji berries
Recommended frequency: every day
These little berries are a very rich source of antioxidants:
flavonoids, polyphenols and carotenoids. They also contain vitamins C, E
and A. They have a whopping amount of
vitamin C – better than 500 times more than an orange. In addition,
these tasty berries contain 19 amino acids, including eight essential
amino acids. They are also anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and
anti-fungal.
“These berries are great for our long-term health. They
have anti-aging benefits and help boost your immune system,” says
Uliano. “I recommend eating them in the same way as you would
cranberries or raisins. You can add them to smoothies, oatmeal, granola,
or even to make a salad a little more interesting.”
2. Sardines
Recommended frequency: one can a week
If you’ve always avoided sardines, their nutritional profile should
change your mind. Sardines contain B vitamins, phosphorus, potassium and
iron. They are particularly rich in the heart-healthy omega-3 fatty
acids, which are also important for their anti-inflammatory effects.
“Canned sardines are just as healthy and rich in nutrients as fresh
sardines,” Uliano says. “If you dislike the taste and texture, try
mashing them up with spicy mayo and eating as you would tuna salad. If
you’re still not sold, consider a high quality fish oil supplement from
Nordic Naturals, which will give you a boost of the omega-3s your body
needs to stay healthy and prevent disease.”
3. Kale
Recommended frequency: every day
In addition to vitamin K, which is important for blood-clotting and
healthy bones, kale is packed with vitamins A, C and E, calcium and
fiber. The veggie also contains loads of carotenoids, which are great
for eye health.
“Different kinds of kale include Curly Kale, Dino
Kale, Premier Kale and Redbar Kale,” explains Uliano. “I love to steam
kale and drizzle with olive or toasted sesame oil and a little tamari
sauce. I eat it warm or as a cold side in the summer. It’s also great to
eat raw, but make sure that you wash well and remove all of the tough
stems before chopping it up.”
4. Coconut oil
Recommended frequency: 1 to 3 tablespoons per day
Raw virgin coconut oil has a plethora of health benefits. It must,
however, be raw, not hydrogenated. The lauric acid in coconut oil has
been found to increase metabolism as well as fight bacteria and viruses.
Coconut oil also has been shown to help lower cholesterol, stimulate
the thyroid and is good for the brain.
“At room temperature, coconut
oil will solidify, and when it’s heated, it will liquefy,” Uliano says.
“My favorite ways to eat coconut oil include adding a tablespoon to
smoothies or oatmeal, and using it in place of butter when baking.
Coconut oil has a very high smoke point, so it is great for frying
pancakes, or deep frying, too.”
5. Maca
Recommended frequency: every day
Typically from Peru, maca is usually sold as a nutty powder, but it
also comes in capsules. “It is an adaptogen, which means that it is a
biological substance found in a plant, which helps the human body adapt
to change and stress,” says Uliano. “It has been used for more than
3,000 years in South America, and is also thought to be a libido
enhancer.”
www.rishihospital.com
Okra is one of the best medicinal vegetable, that hasn’t got its due
sometimes due to its taste. Read this article to understand why this is
unarguably one of the best natural veggies to add to your wonder list
and diet today!
What is Okra?
Okra, also known as “lady’s finger”, is a perennial flowering plant
belonging to the Malvaceae (mallows) family and named scientifically as
Abelmoschus esculentus. One of most nutritious vegetables around Okra
is cultivated throughout the tropical and warm temperate regions around
the world for its fibrous fruits or “pods”. The pods are handpicked
while just short of reaching maturity and eaten as a vegetable.
Why you should include Okra in your diet?
Okra has a long list of health benefits:
Rich Fiber Source: Okra’s rich fiber content helps in better digestion,
and regularization of bowels. The soluble fiber, Pectin, swells up in
the intestine and helps in easier elimination of the wastes from the
intestine.
For Diabetes: It has insulin-like properties that help to
reduce blood sugar levels. Eugenol, a type of fiber found in Okra,
helps to stabilize blood sugar by curbing the rate at which sugar is
absorbed from the intestinal tract.
For Pregnancy and Fetal
development: Abundant Folates in Okra, not only help in conceiving but
also in fetus’ brain development, prevention of miscarriages, formation
of the fetal neural tube, and preventing any defects in the tube.
For Strong Bones: Vitamin K is a co-factor in the vital blood-clotting
process and along with Folates, restores bone density, strengthens bones
and prevents osteoporosis.
For Asthma: The antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory properties of Okra, and rich vitamin C content,
curtail the development of asthma symptoms and prevent fatal attacks.
Respiratory soother: A decoction of leaves and flowers of Okra are used
in treating bronchitis and pneumonia. Its mucilaginous (slimy, gluey)
quality makes it an excellent home remedy for treatment of common cold
and flu.
Relieves Constipation: The rich fiber and mucilaginous
content in Okra pods help increase stool bulk, facilitate proper
absorption of water, bind to toxins, lubricate the large intestines, and
ensure easy bowel movements, with its natural laxative properties.
Treats Sun strokes: Those suffering from summer heat and sun strokes
should include Okra in their diet. Relieves from weakness, exhaustion,
and overall depression.
Lowers Colon cancer risk: The insoluble
fiber found in Okra cleans out the intestinal tract, decreasing the risk
of colon-rectal cancer. The high antioxidants in Okra helps protect the
immune system against harmful free radicals and prevent mutation of
cells.
Prevents Obesity: Okra provides minimum calories, the fiber
helps in keeping you full for longer, and the abundant nutrients nourish
you.
Lowers Cholesterol: Okra contains soluble fiber pectin, which
helps in lowering the serum (bad) cholesterol and prevents
atherosclerosis. It does it by altering the production of bile in the
intestines and aiding in elimination of deposited cholesterol and clots.
Skin Detoxifier: Fiber aidstoxic waste cleansing and Vitamin C aids in
repairing body tissues, preventing skin pigmentation, reducing acne,
psoriasis and other skin conditions.
Lively Hair: The transparent
mucilage imparts life and bounce to unruly, curly and lifeless hair. It
acts as a great hair conditioner, scalp moisturizer for dry and itchy
scalp, fights dandruff and lice, and adds a youthful sheen to your hair.
Detoxification: Okra’s fiber not only aids the stool function but the
mucilage binds cholesterol and bile acid, ejecting toxins, dumped into
it by the filtering liver.
Immunity Booster: The high antioxidants
and vitamin C content make Okra a good immune booster food. Other
essential minerals like magnesium, manganese, calcium and iron fight
against harmful free radicals and promote healthy immune system.
Clear Vision: Okra contains beta-carotenes (precursor of vitamin A),
xanthin and lutein, all antioxidant properties, preventing eye problems
like cataract and glaucoma.
Prevents Anemia: Iron, Folate, and
Vitamin K aid in hemoglobin formation, blood coagulation, and red blood
cells production, providing a supreme defense against anemia.
Cures
Ulcers: The alkaline mucilaginous content helps neutralize acids and
provides a temporary protective coating for the digestive tract speeding
up the healing of peptic ulcers.
Treats Genital Disorders: Okra
increases sexual potency and is beneficial in treating genital disorders
like syphilis, gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, dysuria and excessive menstrual
bleeding.
Rich Protein Source: The seeds of Okra are an excellent
source of first-rate vegetable protein and oils, enriched with amino
acids like tryptophan, cystine and other sulfur amino acids.
Feeds
Blood Network: Studies show that eating plenty of flavonoid and vitamin
C-rich fruits and vegetables, such as Okra helps to support the
structure of blood capillaries.
Probiotics Feed: Good bacteria
(probiotics), in intestines, thrive on Okra, contributing greatly to the
health of the intestinal tract. It helps biosynthesis of Vitamin B
complex, similar to how yoghurt serves the small intestine
www.rishihospital.com
Most Indian households use mustard seeds or its oil for various
purposes. You could use mustard sauce to spice up various foods, while
the oil could be used for a number of purposes including cooking. The
powdered form of the seed can be used for either garnishing a dish or as
an integral part of a dip. The whole seed is commonly used as tadka.
Apart from just adding flavour to your food, the seeds have always been known for their medicinal properties. Here are some of the better known ones:
Can help control symptoms of asthma: Mustard seeds are high in selenium
and magnesium. Both the components give it a unique anti inflammatory
property. Consumed regularly, it is known to control and keep the
symptoms of asthma, cold and chest congestion at bay.
Can help
you lose weight: The wonder seeds are packed with B-complex vitamins
like folates, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin etc. Apart from all the
individual merits of these components, they are great in speeding up
one’s metabolism leading to weight loss.
Can slow ageing:
Mustard is a great source of carotenes, zeaxanthins and lutein (also
called flavonoid and caretonoid antioxidants) vitamin A,C and K. All
these components put together make it rich in antioxidants which in turn
slows the ageing process
Protects you from gastrointestinal
cancer: Packed with phytonutrients, mustard seeds are a great way to
prevent and slow the progress of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.
Studies have shown that mustard seeds have properties that can restrict
the growth of already present cancer cells and prevent the formation of
new cancers.
Relieves rheumatoid, arthritic and muscle pain:
The selenium and magnesium content of mustard lend it anti inflammatory
and heat producing properties. When applied to the body, the paste heats
up the area and helps loosen muscles, leading to relief from pain.
Health.india.com tip: To ease pain make a small bundle of the seeds in a
muslin cloth, and add it to warm bath water. Either have a long
relaxing bath, or soak your tired and aching feet for instant relief.
Another great way is to apply the paste of the seed on the area for a
few minutes.
Lowers cholesterol: Mustard contains high levels
of niacin or vitamin B3. Niacin has properties that help lower one’s
cholesterol levels and protects the arteries from atherosclerosis
(plaque build-up). It also helps to regulate blood flow and protects the
body from hypertension.
Stimulates hair growth: For centuries
mustard oil has been known to stimulate hair growth. It is known to be
packed with vitamins and minerals, but what makes the difference is the
high amount of beta carotene it contains. During oil production, beta
carotene gets converted to vitamin A, which is excellent for hair
growth. Apart from this, it also contains iron, fatty acids, calcium and
magnesium, all of which promote hair growth.
Health.india.com
tip: Using mustard oil once a week for a warm oil massage is a great
way to relieve stress, symptoms of dandruff and promote hair growth.
After you apply the oil, wrap your hair in a thin plastic bag or a warm
towel to increase absorption of the oil into the scalp. Leave it for
about half an hour to forty five minutes and then wash off. The oil has a
strong odour and is thick in consistency, so make sure you use a good
shampoo.
Helps reduce constipation and may relieve symptoms of
piles and fissures: The seeds contain a unique substance called
mucilage which is a thick slimy substance that is the key to relieving
constipation. Apart from that, it is also high in fibre. In addition,
mustard seeds are known to increase the production of saliva, leading to
better digestion.
Health.india.com tip: Have one teaspoon of mustard seeds two to three times a day to relieve constipation.
Fights skin infections: Packed with sulphur, mustard seeds are a great
way to curb skin infections. Sulphur gives the seed anti fungal and anti
bacterial properties that help fight common skin ailments.
Improves immunity: Because mustard has a large number of elemental
minerals like iron, manganese, copper etc., it helps improve the body’s
ability to fight disease.
Lastly, always remember to use
mustard seeds in moderation. Even though it has great healing
properties, it can also be toxic in large quantities. Make sure you ask
your physician before you self medicate.
www.rishihospital.com
