1.. Hot chocolate with coconut
Dark chocolate is healthy. So, have a mix of dark chocolate and coconut
to keep yourself warm and fit. Take some coconut milk and add some dark
chocolate syrup in a bowl. Add some powdered sugar and vanilla extract
in this. Mix well and add a dash of salt. Blend it in a jar, sieve, and
serve. Alternatively, heat it in the oven and mix until the chocolate is dissolved, sieve it and serve hot. Hot chocolate tastes good and is great for health.
2. Green tea with chamomile
We are all aware of green tea benefits, but it is a must have drink in
winter. Have green tea with chamomile this winter, it is good for the
immunity and well-being. Green tea is rich in antioxidants, which help
to detoxify the body. Green tea with chamomile makes a good and healthy
drink option in winter, because it prevents from the condition of
general cold and flu. Use green tea bags with chamomile or in the form
of extract.
3. Cranberry martini
Cranberry fruit not only
keeps the body warm, but also provides essential nutrients during
winter. Mix a shot of vodka with 2 shots of cranberry juice. Add some
orange juice and vermouth in this. Shake it in the cocktail mix with
some ice cubes, and voila! The drink is ready. It is the best healthy
cocktail drink, which one can have in winter.
4. Hot-spiced wine
Most people prefer to have red wine in winter to keep them warm. Have
you heard of hot-spiced wine? Hot-spiced wine is a mixture of spices and
wine, which helps to provide immunity to the body in winter. Take some
cinnamon, peppercorn, cloves, and nutmeg powder. Add one teaspoon of
these mixed spices in red wine. Also, add orange juice and water to
enhance its taste. Some people also prefer to add sugar to make the
drink sweet. It is a perfect healthy drink for a winter evening!
5. Butter lemonade
Butter lemonade is a healthy drink because it is rich in antioxidants
and nutrients. Add some lemon peel extract with sugar in the lemonade.
Heat the liquid and then let it cool. While serving add a dash of butter
in the cup, the drink also helps to improve the immunity level of the
body.
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Most of us like sugar, don’t we? This could be the sweetest of
addictions and is referred as addiction to sugar and sugar containing
edibles. This piece is not necessarily for diabetics but for everyone in
general. It is an eye opener to people who still have their toast with
loads of sugar and butter. Here are some sweet ways to combat addiction
to sugar.
1. Replace it with fruits
Whenever you feel the urging addiction to sugar in you, go for a fruit
instead. Fruits are healthy and contain less sugar. You satisfy your
craving partially, while also providing a healthy substitute to your
urge.
2. Avoid it
Why not just leave the place when you get
a sweet tooth symptom! Addiction to sugar can be ignored rather than
fighting it. The next time you spot a delicious cake, tempting your
taste buds, turn your head away, take a walk, talk to people, make a
quick call to your friend, read an article and get back. The urge is
sure to cease by the time you do all this.
3. Opt for artificial sweeteners
The sugar in your coffee can be replaced by a “sugar free” artificial
sweetener. Using artificial sweetener is only a starting tip and not a
permanent replacement. Your momentary craving is satisfied and slowly
you could stop the addiction by minimizing the levels of sweetener until
you reach a healthy level.
4. Have a chunk instead of the whole
When someone gives you a huge bar of fine white chocolate, break a
small piece out of it and distribute the rest. Your addiction to sugar
will surely come under control.
5. Look at the wrapper
Take
a look at the nutrition value on the wrappers of those sugar filled
culprits! You would certainly be alarmed at the levels of sugar they
contain. Read an article as to what happens when such large quantities
of sugar goes into your body. This gets more alarming and you would
choose to drop the packet then and there.
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Basil is a very versatile, easy to grow all-round herb that is a
delight in every kind of cuisine including Italian where its dominance
is high. Besides adding flavor and punch to dishes, basil has a world of
health benefits to offer.
1. Cold and fever
Monsoons are often the harbinger of different kinds of flu. Cold and fever are common ailments but create a lot of discomfort.
A concoction of tender basil leaves with tea or in warm milk or plain
water with crushed cardamom work well to bring down raised body
temperature and offer relief from symptoms of cold.
2. Erase those blemishes
A breakout is very easily and effectively erased with oil from basil.
Take a handful of fresh basil leaves and boil them in a cup of water for
about 10 minutes. Next, allow the mixture to cool. Take a cotton ball,
dip it in the liquid and apply the solution on the pimples and
breakouts. Let it stay for 10 minutes before washing it off. Repeat a
couple of times every day for observing great results.
3. Repository of nutrients
Different parts of the herb are essential for effective functioning of
the human body. They are low in calories and have no cholesterol. Basil
is a rich source of minerals, vitamins and other nutrients required for
good health.
4. Anti-bacterial properties
The presence of
citronellol, eugenol, linalool, limonene, citral and terpineol give them
their anti-bacterial properties. Basil prevents the growth of many
kinds of bacteria. Applying extracts of the leaves on wounds kills and
prevents bacterial infections. Adding basil to your vegetables makes
them safe to eat.
5. For a healthy heart
Basil is rich in
beta-carotene and carotenoids. They serve as mighty antioxidants that
prevent cell damage and also fight against cholesterol. Being an
excellent source of magnesium, basil improves flow of blood to the heart
and other parts of the body and thereby encourages good cardiovascular
health.
6. Watch your gastrointestinal tract
Basil is a
herb with exceptional anti-inflammatory properties. It offers immense
relief from various conditions including inflammatory bowel disease. The
herb also helps treat and offer relief from stomach cramps, indigestion
and constipation.
7. Your natural iron supplement
Basil is
an excellent source of iron. 2 cups of fresh basil or 1 tablespoon of
dried basil gives your body 10% of the daily value. If you are low on
iron, including basil in your daily diet will be a good idea. Women who
are menstruating must include basil during their periods to compensate
for lost iron.
8. Detoxifying is the mantra
Very often, the
body is subjected to numerous abuses. We overeat, follow the wrong
diet, follow bad routine, suffer from lack of sleep, stress, overuse of
sedentary activities and many other issues that are diet or lifestyle
related. Frequent and periodic detoxifying of the liver helps to
rejuvenate your body and do good the bad you have done to it. Basil is a
wonder herb that can help you do it.
9. Disorders of the respiratory system
Treatment of the respiratory disorders is done effectively with basil.
Honey and ginger when combined with extract of basil leaves works
wonders on ailments like bronchitis, influenza and asthma.
Alternatively, extract of the leaves with cloves and common salt can
also be taken for relief.
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If you are fond of that soda bottle and can never dream of giving it
up, take a look at the various ill effects it has on your health and the
harm it is causing your body. However good the thing might taste, it
actually is not so good in the long run. Listed below are 6 reasons why
you must avoid drinking soda.
1. It makes you gain weight
Soda contains too much sugar
which is harmful for your body. The human body uses only as much sugar
as is needed to give you energy – the rest becomes fat and in turn makes
you put on extra weight. Soda contributes to unwanted weight gain.
2. It contains plenty of calories
Soda contains large quantities of empty calories which are harmful for
your health because they do not have any nutritional value. But when you
drink soda, it makes you feel full and runs down your appetite. Thus,
it adds calories to your body without providing any nutritional value.
3. It helps teeth cavities to flourish
The excess sugar in your soda is also responsible for causing teeth
cavities. Cavities are caused due to plaque that develops in your teeth.
When you drink soda, the plaque feeds on the sugar in the soda and thus
flourishes, thereby eliminating all your efforts to have healthy and
strong teeth.
4. It contains sodium
Soda contains sodium
which is very harmful for your vital organs like the heart, kidney and
so on. Sodium is also responsible for increasing the chances of stroke
and causing high blood pressure.
5. It adversely affects your digestive system
Soda drastically affects the smooth functioning of your digestive
system. Soda is corrosive in nature because it contains phosphoric acid
which eventually reaches your stomach and interferes with the digestive
system. The acid causes indigestion and does not allow proper digestion
of foods. Moreover, it causes acidity which also makes you lose your
appetite.
6. It causes dehydration
Soda causes dehydration.
It contains caffeine which has a diuretic effect on your body – which
makes you pass urine more often than needed, thereby draining you of all
body fluids.
Giving up soda altogether might be quite
challenging, but what you can do instead is cut down on your intake.
Have soda but rarely – try to go for water instead, whenever you feel
thirsty, and know that you just helped your body and health avoid
something that might have tasted good but would have done harm.
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Health is wealth – everyone is aware of this famous proverb. Good
health is the key to a happy life. Hence adopting some healthy diet tips
is nothing but great. These diet tips are for people who want to shed
some extra pounds and also for those who wish to have a healthier
lifestyle. Some people might find it a little difficult in the
beginning, but these healthy diet tips will surely prove helpful in the future.
1. Get rid of unhealthy foods
The first among the list of healthy diet tips is to get rid of the
unhealthy food stocked in your cupboards and refrigerators. Healthy
snacks are very essential for a good body and digestive system. Though,
you should not altogether give up on eating to acquire a healthy body.
All you have to do is give up on excess fats and processed foods.
2. Plan your diet
Planning your diet is also among the list of healthy diet tips. Plan
what you’re going to have for your meals and also keep in mind that your
meals are balanced. Eating a balanced diet ensures that the body gets
all nutrients and in the right quantity.
3. Chew your food properly
You must always chew your food before swallowing. Chewing the food
helps you to take in all the nutrients provided and also maintain a
healthy digestive system.
4. Drink ample of water
Another very
important tip to remain healthy is to drink lots of water. As a matter
of fact you should begin your day with a warm glass of water. Plus you
should drink around 8 glasses of water in a day. Water is a very
important ingredient for the body as it helps to flush out all the
toxins. Although it is essential to have lots of water, you should avoid
drinking it between meals because water dilutes the enzymes that help
in digesting the food.
5. Eat right
If you are a non-vegetarian
then you should lean more on white meats like chicken, veal and fish.
You must avoid red meats like beef and pork. For those who are
vegetarians, vegetable protein like nuts and pulses are highly
recommended. However, eating animal protein on a daily basis is not a
good idea as they are not very easy to digest.
6. Avoid excessive acidic food
The next tip on the list of healthy diet tips is to stay away from
excessive intake of acidic food. Some examples of acidic food can be
dairy products, citrus fruits, processed and refined food products and
coffee. More than required intake of such food items can lead to poor
digestion.
7. Have a heavy breakfast, a light dinner
You must
never skip your breakfast. It is indeed the most important meal of the
day. The reason for its utmost importance is that the digestive system
is at its peak in the morning. The next thing to keep in mind is that
dinner should not be a grand affair as the digestive system becomes slow
as the day ends.
These are the health tips to follow that can help
you to lose extra weight and stay fit and happy. Food is the fuel for
the body and hence it is very important that you take all the good
things in and leave out the unhealthy things. A long and happy life is a
result of a healthy and smart diet.
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1. Oatmeal
2. Ginger
3. Milk
4. Apple and apple cider vinegar
5. Chamomile and fennel tea
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If someone were to device a ‘stress-o-meter’ and go out to measure the
stress levels, we are quite sure, he will have to make a new device each
time, because considering the stress levels in our life, the device
will probably blow up. Studies show that the stress level in our lives
has only increased over the years and this is in spite of the latest
advancement in technology. Work-life
balance seems to be a thing of the past and ‘weekends off’ is a word
people yearn to hear. Between all the running we do for our work,
families and ourselves – seldom do we stop and think about the lifestyle
we are leading. Erratic sleeping schedule, untimely meals, binge
eating, weekend parties and all other crazy stuff we do through the week
leads to increased stress levels over a period of time.
If you
can relate to all the above said things, then you will be surprised to
know that help is only a kitchen away. There are food items that are
aphrodisiacs, some that improve your skin and then there are also those
that help you to soothe your nerves. The next time you think you are
just going crazy, just whip up something with the following foods that
relieve stress and relax.
1. Chocolate
There is nothing
like chocolate that soothes your nerves. Just the thought of some warm
chocolate, your favorite book and cosy corner is enough to lower your
stress levels. Recent study shows that eating around 1.4 ounces of dark
chocolate each day for two weeks lowers the stress hormones cortisol
& catecholamines. Chocolate stimulates the release of serotonin, a
natural antidepressant and endorphins which are also known as ‘feel good
hormones’. Also the cocoa in chocolate is known to have flavanoids that
have a lot of health benefits like reducing blood pressure and
cholesterol levels in the body. A cup of hot chocolate, a sumptuous
chocolate cake, or a rich chocolate truffle should do the trick, best
taken before bed time.
2. Cheese
Cheese is one food item
that can be combined with any dish to make it richer and of course, more
flavorful. Although known to have a hit fat content, cheese is also a
good stress buster. You can add little amounts of cheddar, gruyere or
Swiss cheese to your pasta or try a cheese potato mash and if you are
experimental, then even add some to your Mac and cheese. Eating a high
carb meal 2 hours before bed time is known to increase the level of
serotonin in the brain. Alternatively you can also try the healthier
cottage cheese packed with vitamins B12 & B2 for some relief. A
fondue is a great option to call some friends over and relax while
digging into warm and cheesy food.
3. Blueberries
Don’t go
by the look of it. Though small in size, blueberries are a perfect
combination of vitamin C and antioxidants that aid in the balance of
stress. Available throughout the year, the antioxidants in blueberries
protect the cells against free radicals that lead to cancer and heart
diseases. The versatile nature of blueberry makes is usable in any form –
you can make a puree, compote, smoothie or use them fresh. They can
also be used in cheesecakes, pies and muffins but are best eaten fresh
and plain. You can add some blueberries to your morning cereal or to
your yogurt for some zing. They also help in slowing down the aging
process indirectly. Stress breaks down the body, aging it faster and
blueberry helps fight this stress.
4. Almonds
Almonds pack a
healthy punch with B2, Vitamin E, zinc and magnesium. Almonds contain
serotonin which helps to balance mood and stress. Zinc has been shown to
fight negative effects of stress and vitamin E is an antioxidant which
increases immunity. Almonds also help lower the blood pressure, keeping
stress level under check. You can have them plain or roasted. Flavored
almonds are also a big hit. Try honey roasted or cinnamon roasted
almonds. Almonds can be used in anything from salads, soups, smoothies,
pies, cookies, cakes, French toast to granola! However due to high
amounts of fat, they should be consumed in small portions, do not go
overboard.
5. Fish
The omega 3 fatty acids in fish help to
keep the adrenaline under control and keep a tab on your stress levels.
Salmon and tuna can prevent surges in stress hormones and also protect
against heart diseases, mood swings and depression. Sushi is also said
to be a good stress reliever as the sea-weed (maki) is known to have
some anti-anxiety properties. It is also rich in magnesium, vitamin B2
and pantothenic acid that contributes to the health of the adrenalin
glands. Oily fish is a great option to pan sear, bake or even steam; you
can make fish cakes which is a tastier option. Try and include around 3
ounces of fatty fishes like salmon, tuna and anchovies at least twice a
week.
There are a lot of other foods to relieve stress like
bananas, spinach, oranges, cereal, bread, pastas, tea, avocados, milk –
the list is endless. It is important that you lead an active lifestyle;
exercise regularly, go for long walks or do any form of exercise you are
comfortable with. Make sure you take time out for yourself. Meditation
and yoga are also known to be great stress relievers. Lastly, know when
to stop, don’t work yourself to ill health.
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