All posts by HealthyLife

HealthyLife is a part of www.WeRIndia.com, an all India – centric website (https://healthylife.werindia.com) and is solely owned and operated by WeRIndia.com. It is a Indian nutritional portal providing educational articles.This nutritional port was launched on February 5th, 2015.
IMPORTANCE OF ABHYANGASNANA OR OIL BATH

Importance of Abhyangasnana Or Oil Bath

During festival days, especially on the day of Deepavali (Diwali -festival of lights) in India people during early morning will have a special oil soaked body bath – head to toe. This is called Abhyangasnan (full body oil bath). This oil bath has many advantages and significance. One can have oil bath not only on auspicious day but can on also other days when the body and mind need to feel better.

In Ayurveda’s ancient medicinal text, the Charak Samhita there is information about regular oil massage that cleanses the body of impurities, strengthens the immune system and enhances longevity. Considered spring-cleaning for the spirit, the abhyanga snana is still very much the mainstay of  many parts of India – Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andra Pradesh.

What is the procedure?

During festival days the ritual bath begins the night before as sesame oil is infused with herbs and water pots are cleaned, venerated and decorated with marigolds and mango leaves. The morning routine begins with the ritual oil massage followed by a body ubtan (an aromatic paste of herbs in scented oils) application, topped off with a hot water bath.

Abhyangasnana consists of an oil massage to facilitate the absorption of oil in the skin. Once the oil has been absorbed in the skin, a warm water bath is taken. On regular days, also some herbs can be infused in the sesame oil and apply to hair and body. It is important to soak the body in oil.

  1. Wake up early in the morning on this auspicious day (preferably before sunrise)
  2. Massage your entire body with sesame oil. Also, apply few drops of oil on the scalp.
  3. Massage in circular motion on your forehead, temples, cheeks, and jaws (always moving in a upward movement). Be sure to massage your ears, especially your ear-lobes—home to essential sensitive points and nerve endings.
  4. Wait for around 30 minutes to an hour before you go for a bath so that the oil is absorbed by the body.
  5. While bathing, apply ubtan or ayurvedic mixture and massage it thoroughly over the entire body.
  6. Scrub it and rinse with water properly so that the mixture is removed.
  7. Now, bathe as you usually do using a bathing soap.

Physical benefits of abhyangasnana

  1. By applying oil to the skin, skin retains elasticity. Warm water is auspicious and pleasing to the body. Bathing after an oil massage retains only the required amount of oiliness that the skin and hair require. Applying oil and taking bath has more benefits for the body – it helps the skin to rejuvenate and removes the toxins from the body.
  2. Massaging with oil increases the blood circulation  and massaging head with warm oil relieves from stress and strains that mind is going through
  3. Abhyanga snan stimulates the nerves and also aids sensory motor integration and thus helps prevent neurological problems.
  4. The gentle oil massage relaxes the muscles, reduces inflammation and helps in strengthening of the muscle.
  5. Nourishes the entire body—decreases the effects of aging. It increases vision.
  6. Imparts a firmness to the limbs, Lubricates the joints

Spiritual significance of abhyangasnana:

According to  Charaka Samhita Vol. 1, V: 88-89 

A daily Abyanga practice restores the balance of the doshas and enhances well-being and longevity. Regular Abyanga is especially grounding and relaxing for Vata dosha imbalances, but everyone can benefit from this practice. “The body of one who uses oil massage regularly does not become affected much even if subjected to accidental injuries, or strenuous work. By using oil massage daily, a person is endowed with pleasant touch, trimmed body parts and becomes strong, charming and least affected by old age”

References:

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: March 16, 2016
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Relax With Poppy Seed Kheer (Dessert)

Relax With Poppy Seed Kheer (Dessert)

If someone has to work a lot and has body pain, grandmothers in India used to give a delicious sweet before going to bed. This sweet or dessert will have one main ingredient namely “poppy seeds”.  Poppy seeds are also commonly known as khus-khus or gasa gase. Very pleasant and nutty poppy seeds are good for health.  They are packed with various nutrients. More importantly dried poppy seeds contain very small levels of opium alkaloids – morphine, thebaine, codiene, papaverine etc. When consumed with other foods these compounds produce minimal effect on the human nervous system. On the contrary, these chemicals found to have some beneficial effects on the human body; soothe nervous irritability, act as pain killers. Its seed extractions found useful in pharmacy and in many traditional medicines in the preparations of cough mixtures, expectorants, etc. Apart from these alkaloids, poppy seeds contain good levels of minerals like iron, copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc and magnesium.

Try this simple, traditional and healthy kheer recipe to get rid of pain from those aching muscle and relax. One will also get good sleep after consuming this relaxing kheer.

Ingredients for 4 people, serving size one cup/person. Preparation time 30 minutes (except ingredient soaking part) 

  1. Poppy seeds – 2 Tbs
  2. Raw rice – 2 teaspoons
  3. Fresh grated coconut – 1 cup
  4. Crushed Jaggery – 1 cup (one can use sugar, but jaggery gives best taste)
  5. Cardamom – 5-7
  6. Cashew – 15
  7. Raisin – 1/4 cup
  8. Saffron – Little

Preparation:

  1. Clean and Soak poppy seeds, raw rice and a few of the cashews in water for about two hours.
  2. Grate coconut, crush jaggery, peal and powder cardamom and keep it aside.
  3. Grind the soaked ingredients along with grated coconut in a grinder by adding little water.
  4. After fine grinding strain and extract the milk from grinded mix by adding little water.
  5. In a vessel, under low flame add crushed jaggery and 2 cups of water. Allow jaggery to dissolve.
  6. Now add the strained coconut – poppy – rice milk to jaggery and bring it to boil. Do not forget to stir the contents continuously.
  7. In a spatula take one spoon full clarified butter of ghee and place on low flame. Add cashews and fry till they turn golden brown. Now add raisin and fry slightly.
  8. Add cashew and raisin to the boiling kheer.
  9. Add saffron and serve hot during meal or after meal.

Recipe: www.werindia.com

Image: WerIndia

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: March 15, 2016
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Russia Bans U.S. Corn and Soybean Imports Because Of GMO Contamination

Russia Bans U.S. Corn and Soybean Imports Because Of GMO Contamination

Russia may have a questionable reputation when it comes to their leadership and war tactics, but as far as food safety goes, they’ve made a huge step towards accepting more natural and safer food for their citizens.

On February 15th, the country began the ban on all U.S. corn and soybean imports because of genetically modified crop and microbial contamination. Russia’s stance against GMOs has been building in recent years, and this ban is a huge blow to both organic and GMO farmers.

Though Russia has lately been importing a smaller amount of corn and soybean from the U.S., for example, they only imported 4,742 metric tons of corn between 2013-2014, the impact could be immense. Their decision could motivate other countries with the same views on GMOs to place the same bans on U.S. products and further impact farmers.

According to the Assistance Director of Rosselkhoznadzor, Alexey Alekseenko, U.S. corn often is infected with dry rot of maize and the GMOs can contaminate other crops. Alekseenko stated that, “they (the US) have to establish a system to ensure safety of products imported to Russia.”

Alekseenko and Russia are certainly not the first to attack the potential dangers of GMOs, not only for health reasons but for the sake of organic farmers. Since products that were produced with the aid of genetically modified organisms do not have to be labeled, it is impossible to determine what is free from GMOs and safe to eat unless you exclusively purchase organic produce. However, there is a chance that organic crops have been contaminated by nearby GMO farms and that the integrity of their product has been compromised. The pollen from GMO crops can travel long distances to infect seeds for crops intended to be produced organically. According to Responsible Technology, the cross-pollination from GMO crops will outlast the effects of global warming and nuclear waste.

The health risks, based on studies performed on animals, have shown that the consumption of GMO products resulted in organ damage, immune system disorders, accelerated aging, and infertility. The genetic component of the organisms has been shown to even enter into our own DNA and insecticides have been shown to remain in our blood.

With the risks to health and farmers alike, it’s no wonder Russia has decided to ban the products the U.S. exports without labeling the GMO products and properly researching and checking for the safety of using this method to grow crops. Though it may be harmful for all farmers, perhaps it will encourage the U.S. to rethink their widespread production of GMO crops to prevent more countries from banning their exports.

Read More: http://www.trueactivist.com/russia-bans-u-s-corn-and-soybean-imports-because-of-gmo-contamination/

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: March 14, 2016
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RED BELL PEPPER AND TOMATO SOUP

Red Bell Pepper And Tomato Soup

Both red bell pepper (red capsicum) and tomatoes are loaded with good nutrients stuff.

Bell pepper is not only an excellent source of carotenoids, but also a source of over 30 different members of the carotenoid nutrient family. A recent study from Spain took a close look vitamin C, vitamin E, and six of these carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin) in all commonly eaten foods and found that only two vegetables contained at least two-thirds of all the listed nutrients.

Tomatoes are one of the healthiest food and has several goodies in it. Tomatoes are widely known for their outstanding antioxidant content, including rich concentration of lycopene. They are rich source of vitamin C, vitamin K and Tomatoes contain all four major carotenoids: alpha- and beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene.

Try this simple and easy recipe of vegetarian soup that has both these good vegetables as main ingredients. 

Red bell pepper & tomato soup recipe: (preparation and cooking time : 35-40 minutes)

Ingredients:

  1. Red bell peppers: 2
  2. Olive oil or canola oil: 2 Tsp
  3. Onion: 1 finely chopped
  4. Garlic cloves: 2, finely crushed
  5. Tomatoes: 8-10
  6. Potato – 3 inch piece (optional – add to keep consistency slightly thick)
  7. Ginger – Half inch
  8. Black pepper: 1 tsp
  9. Cumin seeds – 1/2 tsp
  10. Cilantro – 1/4 cup
  11. Dried parsley – 1 tsp (optional)
  12. White bread crumbs: Few

Preparation:

  • Cut pepper half and remove seeds. In broiler rack place the cut pepper with skin side up and cook for few minutes until the pepper skin slightly charred.
  • In large pan heat oil, add cumin seeds, onion, ginger and garlic. Sauté for few minutes until onion turns golden brown.
  • Remove the skin from peppers and chop the peppers.
  • Cut the tomatoes to into chunks.
  • Add peppers, potato piece and tomatoes to pan and add little water, cover the lid and cook for 10 minutes.
  • Add salt and crushed pepper and boil for few more minutes. Remove pan from the stove allow it to cool.
  • Transfer the cooled ingredients to a grinder or food processor – process it until you get smooth soup texture.
  • Transfer content to a vessel and warm it slightly. Add dried parsley and cilantro.
  • Serve adding little cream or butter of choice and white bread crumbs.

Recipe: www.werindia.com

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: March 11, 2016
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EDUCATE YOURSELF BEFORE TAKING HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS

Educate Yourself Before Taking Herbal Supplements

Herbal supplements are easily available in market. They are also commonly known as botanicals. As more and more people consume over the counter botanical supplements to boost health, there is also a growing concern about people consuming these supplements without knowing the side effects or risk these herbal supplements can cause when you are particularly on certain medications.  According to National Institute of Health and article published by pharmacy times people who have following conditions should be careful or avoid or must inform their doctors before consuming any herbal supplements.

  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Cancer
  • Diabetes
  • An enlarged prostate gland
  • Epilepsy
  • Glaucoma
  • Heart disease
  • Hypertension
  • Immune system disorders
  • Thyroid problems
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • History of liver or kidney problems
  • History of stroke

Before taking herbal supplements do your homework and find out

  1. Is it okay to use or is it safe?
  2. Does it really work for me?
  3. What dosage works?
  4. What part of the plant works? (root, stem, leaf)
  5. Am I allergic to any of the chemical constituent of that particular herb?

Natural does not mean always safe:

  • Research has confirmed health benefits of some dietary supplements but not others.
  • Talk to your health care team. Tell all of those involved in your health care — physical and mental health — that you’re considering taking an herbal supplement.
  • Get a quality product. Check the label for the plant’s common and Latin names and the plant part used,. If it is the root that is effective, you will not benefit from tablets made from the stem.
  • Check the seal: Before buying supplement check the resource and FDA website for more information. Herbals are the most likely of all supplements to contain contaminants. The three major quality seals are the USP seal (US Pharmacopeia), the NSF seal (National Sanitation Foundation), and the CL seal, issued by Cooperman’s Consumer Lab. Each of these seals indicates that the product ingredients match the label and that if there are contaminants present, they do not exceed safe levels.
  • A suggestion is major store brands or manufacturers of FDA-regulated drugs are the most likely to adhere to quality standards.
  • Test tablets – they should dissolve in water in 45 minutes as it is in your body. If not, there may be high contamination or some malfunctioning in the product.
  • For your safety, read and follow the label instructions, and remember that “natural” does not always mean “safe.” One herbal supplement may contain dozens of compounds and that all of its ingredients may not be known.

Herbal supplements and possible risks:

  1. Echinacea: Beautiful herb known to fight common cold and viral infections

 Risk: May reduce the effectiveness of drugs including breast cancer.

  1. Lavender: Lavender oil is so popular because of its soothing fragrance. It helps in anxiety, depression, Insomnia, pain and spasms

 Risk: May enhance the effects of sedatives and increase risk of bleeding with anticoagulants

  1. Alfalafa: Alfalfa is in use to heal burns and cold sores. It aids colitis and diabetes treatment

    Risk: May interfere with contraceptives and hormonal therapy

  1. Garlic: Cloves of garlic is gaining more and more popularity for its help in various conditions. Garlic oil reduces cold, cloves  taken empty stomach every morning helps in weight reduction by acting on fat. It also aids the treatment of high cholesterol and high blood pressure

Risk: May interfere with absorption of medications and require insulin dosage adjustment

  1. John’s wort: St. John’s wort has been in use to relieve  depression fatigue, insomnia and pain

 Risk: May reduce effectiveness of HIV/AIDS drugs and anti-rejection drugs, contraceptives

6. Turmeric: Turmeric is very popular and is in use from many centuries in Ayurveda. Curcumin content of the turmeric makes it a wonderful herb and it is known to prevent cancer, treat infections and reduce body inflammation.

Risk: Turmeric may lessen the effect of blood pressure medication and inhibit effectiveness of     some cancer drugs.

  1. Kava: Kava (Piper methysticum) can reduce anxiety, and for some it has worked as well as prescription anti-anxiety drugs.

Risk: The National Institutes of Health and the FDA urge people not to take kava because of the   risk of serious illness, liver damage, and death even when taken for only a short time at normal doses.  Kava can worsen depression and is not safe for women who are pregnant or breast-  feeding. Because the herb has effects similar to those of alcohol, the two should not be combined.

  1. Comfrey: Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) has a well-deserved reputation for healing injured tissues, such as wounds, bruises, sprains, bone fractures, and the swelling and inflammation.

Risk: Experts caution that comfrey should never be taken by mouth. The FDA recommended in    2001 that manufacturers remove comfrey products from the market. Still, comfrey is easy to  find.  The U.S. Pharmacopeia, advises against using comfrey on broken skin, as the toxins that may affect the liver can be absorbed.

  1. Chaparral :Chaparral (Larrea divaricata, Larrea tridentata) is said to reduce pain, inflammation, and skin irritation. Chaparral has been promoted as a cancer-fighting herb, but according to the American Cancer Society, there is no evidence supporting that, either.

 Risk: Easily found online in many forms, chaparral has been listed in the FDA’s poisonous plant    database since 1997 because of the risk of severe — and in some cases, irreversible — liver   damage.

 1o. Ginkgo biloba:  Ginkgo leaf is often taken by mouth for memory disorders including Alzheimer’s disease. It is also used for conditions that seem to be due to reduced blood flow in the brain, especially in older people.

Risk: Possible Risk of Increased Bleeding (Especially with Surgery)

11. Ginseng: Both Asian and American ginsengs (Panax ginseng and quinquefolius) are very popular. Asian ginseng is popular in use to boost immune system and American ginseng to control cold.

Risk:  Anorexia, headache, change in blood pressure and bleeding.

References:

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: March 9, 2016
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LOW FAT WHOLE MOONG DAAL LADDU FOR SHIVARATRI

Low Fat Whole Moong Daal Laddu For Shivaratri

Shivaratri day devotees fast entire day and will thrive on fruits and simple snacks. One such snack is traditional moong daal laddu. This recipe uses whole moong daal where the outer husk of the seeds will be still intact. This is a low fat  laddu recipe that supplies protein, fiber and little amount of fat.

Moong daal is good for digestive system and fills the stomach with little amount.  It is light and easy to digest. It helps in reducing weight and according to Ayurveda dishes made out of moong daal is a good option to reduce stubborn belly fat when eaten in right amount.  It has low glycemic index (25). Vitamins: A, B Vitamins (Thiamin, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Pantothenic Acid) Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Vitamin K. It contains minerals: Calcium, Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Zinc, Copper and Manganese. They also contain skin anti-aging properties that stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin, all essential to younger healthier skin.

Ingredients:

  • Whole moong dal : 1 cup
  • Sugar – 1 cup Ghee – 1/2 cup
  • Grated Dry coconut – 1/2 cup
  • Cardamom – 3 or 4
  • Cashews & Raisins – Few (10 -15)

Preparation:

  1. Roast moong dal in a pan on low flame till dal turns golden brown and gives good aroma.
  2. Cool the roasted dal and dry grind it to a fine powder. (Alternatively, one can buy moong dal powder from the store).
  3. Sieve the grinded powder and collect fine powder.
  4. Powder the sugar and keep it aside.
  5. In a pan heat 1 tsp ghee and fry raisins and cashew nuts till golden color & keep aside.
  6. Now , take powdered sugar and add about 1/2 cup of water in a deep pan. Stir it continuously until sugar melts. It may take 3-4 mins. Test with spoon by dropping the sugar liquid from the spoon. When there is appearance of threads while pouring the liquid – syrup is ready.
  7. Now to sugar syrup, add moong dal powder, ghee, grated dry coconut,  dry fruits and cardamom    Mix all the ingredients well.
  8. When the mixture is warm, take a handful of the mixture and make round ball and prepare laddu. Repeat the same with rest of the mixture.
  9. Store laddu in air tight container & consume one or two laddus per day.

Recipe: www.werindia.com

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: March 7, 2016
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EXERCISE WHILE STUDYING - NEW CONCEPT INTRODUCED IN TROY COLLEGE

Exercise While Studying – New Concept Introduced In TROY College

Amanda Froelich (www.trueactivist.com)

Obesity is on the rise in the United States and, as a result, so are weight-related diseases of affluence. One of the best ways to prevent modern-day killers, such as heart disease, strokes, and diabetes, is to engage in physical exercise 4-5 days a week, for around 30 minutes per day.

Unfortunately, due to hectic lifestyles and the stress of exams, few college students have mastered the art of fitting in time to exercise.

To combat weight-related illnesses but also encourage students to train their minds, Alabama’s Troy University installed work out bikes with laptop stands at the Troy and Dothan campus libraries.

The idea is simple, really, but genius.

The benefits of exercise extend far beyond just physical health. Physical activity also benefits the mental capacities of hardworking students, providing them with a sense of calm in the chaos which is college.

Said the Troy University Libraries:

“We are also ordering 6 elliptical machines that can go under desks that we will be adding to this room. Most likely more bikes will be added as well.”

Read More: http://www.trueactivist.com/college-library-installs-exercise-bikes-so-students-can-stay-fit-while-studying/

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on:
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Grandma's Summer Recipe - Tambuli

Grandma’s Ajwani Leaf Recipes

Summer starts soon and we have to consume such foods that will help our body to keep cool and energetic during hot summer season.  During summer several such herbs are available in home garden or local markets that act as coolant for our body.  These herbs can be used to prepare stomach friendly dishes and all these dishes will have curd (yogurt) or buttermilk and named Tambuli. Also, one can prepare delicious green or red chutney using these medicinal herbs .

Ajwani (Karpooravalli or Doddapatre, Patharchur) is a medicinal herb (Coleus aromaticus) which has been in use in Ayurveda for many centuries. Leaf, stem and seeds of the plant have many medicinal properties. It is very useful for parents who have little children at home. It is useful in controlling cough, cold, indigestion, sore throat etc. Grandma’s two traditional ajwani recipes are below:

TAMBULI

Ingredients:

  1. Ajwani leaves : 10 -12
  2. Cumin seeds: 1 Tea spoon
  3. Pepper : 1 tsp
  4. Green chilly :1 ( usually they are made less spicy )
  5. Urad daal – 1/2 tsp
  6. Coconut – 1/4 cup grated
  7. Curd or butter milk : 1 & 1/2 cup
  8. Ghee: 1 tp
  9. Asafetida – a pinch
  10. Salt : to taste

For tempering

  1. Ghee – 1 tsp
  2. Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
  3. Cumin seeds- 1/2 tsp
  4. Curry leaves : 5 to 6 leaves
  5. Red chilly – 1 broken ( optional )

Preparation:

  • Wash ajawani leaves thoroughly and remove water by keeping leaves on a paper or tissue. Cut leaves into small pieces
  • Heat a pan and add 1 tsp oil and add cut ajwani leaves to heated oil. Fry leaves for few minutes. When you see the leaves are totally turns to dark green by giving up water remove leaves from the stove.
  • Transfer fried & cooked leaves to a dry plate to cool down.
  • In a pan heat the ghee and add pepper, cumin seeds, urad daal and Fry them. After frying turn off the stove and mix the content with coconut.
  • Grind all the contents with ajwani leaves and green chilly by adding little water and salt. Transfer content to a vessel and add buttermilk or curd.
  • Heat ghee in a pan and add mustard seeds, cumin, curry leaves, asafetida and red chilli. Transfer this on tambuli.
  • Serve tambuli with white rice as a lunch dish.

AJWANI LEAVES CHUTNEY

Ingredients:

  1. Ajwani leaves -10 (cut into small pieces)
  2. Red chillies -3
  3. Pepper -1/2 tsp
  4. Urad daa- 1/2 tsp.
  5. Coconut grated – 1/2 cup
  6. Tamarind -1/2 lemon size.
  7. Oil – 1 tsp

Preparation:

  • Heat a pan and dry roast the chillies, pepper and urad daal until urad daal turns golden brown.
  • Add cut ajwani leaves and fry for few minutes. Now add coconut and tamarind and saute it.
  • Cool and course grind in a grinder by adding 1/2 tsp salt.
  • Heat ghee in a pan and add mustard seeds, curry leaves, asafoetida and one red chilly. Transfer this to chutney and mix.
  • Have chutney with white rice, pulav, chapatti or roti.

Caution: Do not consume raw leaves as they have tiny hair and aroma may cause itchy throat.

Recipe: www.WerIndia.com

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: March 4, 2016
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