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.
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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HELP YOUR KIDNEYS TO BE HAPPY & HEALTHY

Help your Kidneys to be Happy & Healthy

Kidneys are the organs that get rid of toxin waste from our body. They are situated posterior side of our abdomen. Kidneys work with other organs of our body to increase RBC production, regulating blood pressure and helps in synthesizing critical Vitamin D.  Why anybody has to go through the process of cleansing the kidneys? It is important to keep our kidneys healthy and clean. If you are –

  • feeling fatigued or more tired than usual.
  • you feel pain in your kidneys after eating certain foods
  • you are experiencing skin problems like eczema, acne or rashes.
  • you have a hormonal imbalance or feel extra moody.
  • you have had kidney stones in the past.
  • experiencing weight gain and bloating.

Ancient medicines like Ayurveda and home remedies combined has many such kidney cleansing juices.

1) Coriander water: Coriander or cilantro seeds are helpful in removing toxins. Boil 2 tsp of coriander seeds in 1 &1/2 cup water. Strain the water and drink two times a day.

2) Cranberry juice: Cranberries are powerful berries and has been touted for years as supporter for the urinary tract. Research shows that cranberries can help fight against urinary tract infections, possibly by decreasing the adhesion of bacteria to the bladder and urethra.

3) Lemon juice: Lemon being acidic protects kidney from developing kidney stones. The citrate level increase helps in this process. Squeeze 4-5 lemons into a quart of cold water and drink up. For a warming beverage, squeeze one quarter to one-half a lemon into 8 ounces of hot water daily & drink it throughout the day.

4) Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) : Roots of Shatavari has antioxidant that supports healthy kidney. It stimulates the immune system. Boil Shatavari root or root powder in water and drink ( half to one ounce).

5) Watermelon and lime: Try this – 2 cups of watermelon and juice of one lemon – mix both and blend & drink it. Watermelon is high in water content and potassium. It helps to remove small kidney stones. Together with lime, it gives good boost to body and also helps in cleansing kidneys.

6) Carrots & cucumber: To flush excess uric acid these two power packed vegetables are good. Prepare juice with 2 carrots & one cucumber.  Drink to flush the excess toxins sitting in kidney.

7) Radish juice: Radishes are super detoxifiers for the liver and gallbladder, and help the kidneys flush out excess toxins. Mix one cup radish, one cup purple cabbage and one rib of celery.  Add little water, prepare juice and have.

8)  Spinach, kale and carrots: Add 15 leaves spinach, kale and two carrots and prepare juice with little water. Drink this juice. Packed with antioxidants, digestive fiber, iron – this juice detoxifies the body while cleansing both liver and kidney.

9) Try this mix to remove kidney stones : 1 cup pure maple syrup, 9 ounces extra virgin olive oil

9 ounces lemon (with peel), 9 ounces parsley root, 9 ounces raw organic honey

Scrub the lemon and cut into pieces with the peel still on, then put it in a blender and process. Next, clean and scrape the parsley root, cut it into chunks, add to blender and process in with the lemon. Then add the maple syrup, honey and olive oil and process once more until you get a smooth, well-blended mixture. You can store this is an airtight glass bottle in the refrigerator.

Finally, try these yoga pose that helps kidneys to be active.

1) This pose is called Squeezing and soaking action. Sit straight and stretch one leg to 45 degrees.  Let the feet be flexed. Fold the other leg so that the feet touch the inner thigh of the stretched leg. Now, slowly breath and turn your torso towards the stretched leg and bend. Hold the pose and slowly breathe in and out. Repeat this on the other side too. While you bend and twist, we wring out the kidneys, getting rid of all the toxins and supplies oxygenated blood to the area.

2) If possible sit on your folded legs (similar to child pose but sitting straight). Fold both of your fists and place under your naval region. Now start bending towards the floor. While bending keep turning your fists in a way that fists massages the kidney and stomach. This again, activates the kidney and intestine – helps in easy removal of toxins.

3) Sit in easy pose on the mat or floor. While breathing slowly bend and bring your arms right side and hold the pose.  Without lifting the heads up, slowly move the arms to center – your body is folded now in the center. Slowly move from center to left side and hold the pose. This pose not only stretches the side but also, acts on kidney, liver and intestinal parts.

References:

Image credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:3D_Medical_Animation_depicting_Kidney_Layers.jpg

Attribution: https://www.scientificanimations.com / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: March 1, 2016
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Curry leaf chutney

Curry leaves chutney

Recipe by: Mamatha Anil (http://bhakshyabhojana.blogspot.in/)

The curry tree is a tropical to sub-tropical tree in the family Rutaceae  which is native to India and Sri Lanka. Curry leaves are natural flavoring agents with a number of important health benefits, which makes your food both healthy and tasty along with pleasing aroma. They contain various antioxidant properties and have the ability to control diarrhea, gastrointestinal problems such as indigestion, excessive acid secretion, peptic ulcers, dysentery, diabetes and an unhealthy cholesterol balance. They are also believed to have cancer-fighting properties and are known to help protect the liver. Curry leaves are good for hair growth. Chemical constituents present in curry leaves include carbazole alkaloids are responsible for antioxidant properties of this plant species.

Curry leaves chutney recipe : 

Ingredients:

  1. Curry leaves( Karibevu ) 1 cup
  2. Grated coconut 1/4 cup
  3. Chana dal 2-3 tsp
  4. Toor dal 2-3 tsp
  5. Urad dal 2-3 tsp
  6. Green chilies 3
  7. Tamarind lemon size
  8. Cumin seeds 1/4 tsp
  9. Mustard 1/4 tsp
  10. Asafoetida pinch
  11. Salt
  12. Oil

Method:

  1. Wash curry leaves and set aside. Soak tamarind in water.
  2. Heat a tsp of oil in a pan, fry cumin seeds, toor dal, chana dal, urad dal, green chilies and grated coconut on low flame. Switch off the stove and transfer it to a plate.
  3. In the same pan fry curry leaves until they are crispy. Switch off the stove and let it cool down.
  4. Take all the fried ingredients,tamarind extract, salt and little water in mixer and blend into smooth paste.
  5. Heat oil in a pan, add mustard and asafoetida. Add ground paste and water. Let it cook for 1 minute. Switch off the stove. Serve with dosa, idli or Rice.
Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: February 29, 2016
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The Shelter Buddy Reading Program

The Shelter Buddy Reading Program

The Shelter Buddy Reading Program improves dogs’ dispositions, thereby helping more pups find forever homes.

Shelter animals have the toughest time getting adopted. No longer small, fluffy, and innocent, they’ve spent time living with humans and, in effect, have taken on new behaviors or – in the worst case scenario – have been abused and now cower out of fear.

Because people tend to adopt calm and well-mannered dogs, those who have emotional trauma to overcome can either spend years in no-kill shelters or, sadly, be euthanized before they find their forever home.

A humane shelter in Missouri aims to change this and is doing so by warming up the dogs with the presence of compassionate children.

Every month, the Humane Society of Missouri holds the Shelter Buddies Reading Program, in which kids can visit and read to dogs.

The idea, really, is simple: train kids to read to dogs as a way of readying them for permanent homes, all while instilling a greater sense of empathy in the youngsters, too.

The Dodo reports that kids age 6 to 15 can sign up for the program online, after which they are trained how to read a dog’s body language. By knowing if the animal is stressed out or anxious, the kids learn emotional intelligence and are able to discern which dogs could use the most help.

Said Jo Klepacki, the program’s director:

“We wanted to help our shy and fearful dog without forcing physical interaction with them to see the positive effect that could have on them. We launched the program last Christmas, but now we offer it once a month.”

Once a youngster identifies the ‘right’ dog to read to, they are encouraged to sit in front of the kennel and interact with the dog – by reading to them.

Such a simple gesture can go a long way.

“Ideally, that shy and fearful dog will approach and show interest. If so, the kids reenforce that behavior by tossing them a treat,” said Klepacki. “What this is also doing is to bring the animals to the front in case potential adopters come through. They are more likely to get adopted if they are approaching and interacting, rather than hiding in the back or cowering.”

Amazingly, even high-energy dogs are benefiting from the program, too!

Said Klepacki:

“Hearing a child reading can really calm those animals. It is incredible, the response we’ve seen in these dogs.”

When the child completes the 10-hour training program, they are then allowed to come back with a parent and read and sit with the dogs.

The local children are encouraged to take part, not only to benefit the animals but because they benefit greatly from the volunteer work, as well.

“It’s encouraging children to develop empathy with animals. It is a peaceful, quiet exercise. They’re seeing fearfulness in these animals, and seeing the positive affect they can have,” said Klepacki.

“It encourages them to look at things from an animal’s perspective. That helps them better connect with animals and people in their lives.”

The reading program may be new, but it is showing great success in improving the behavior of dogs. In effect, more canines are finding forever homes.

Watch Video :

Image Credit: Humane Society of Missouri

Read More: http://www.trueactivist.com/this-humane-shelter-is-improving-dogs-chances-of-being-adopted-by-having-young-kids-read-to-them/

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on:
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AVOCADO CHAPATI RECIPE

Avocado Chapati Recipe

Recipe by : Mamatha Anil  (http://bhakshyabhojana.blogspot.com)

Avocados are nutritious fruits  with Vitamin K, C, B5, B6 and Vitamin E. It is also rich in folate and potassium. Avocado has become popular and considered as another super food.  They contain more amount of potassium than banana and contain oleic acid which heart friendly.  They supply good soluble fiber. Research shows that avocado can reduce cholesterol levels and increases good cholesterol or HDL. If you are not a fan of bland taste of avocado then try adding avocado to salads and other foods. One can make avocado chapati

Avocado chapati recipe:

Ingredients:

  1. Multigrain flour 2-3 cups [I used DEEP multigrain flour which contains Wheat, Soyabean, Oat, Corn, Ragi, Barley, Jowar, Channa Dal and Psyllium Husk]
  2. Ripe Avocado- 2
  3. Water

Method:

  1. Cut the Avocado into half, scoop the pulp and place it in a bowl. [Discard the seed and the skin].
  1. Add multigrain flour into it. Mix well and add water little at a time and knead the dough until soft.
  1. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  1. Divide the dough into equal parts and make lemon size balls.
  1. Roll the balls in dry flour first and then roll them into thin discs using rolling pin.
  1. Heat the pan and place the rolled chapatis. Cook both the sides. Remove from heat.
  1. Serve healthy hot chapati with any sabzi/ curry
Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: February 24, 2016
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Health Benefits of Wheatgrass

Super food Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is nothing but the tender cotyledons or young leaves of wheat. Leaves in wheatgrass are longer than the malt and has a rich concentration of iron, contains good amount of fiber. vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, iron, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium, and has a negligible amount of protein. Wheatgrass is sold as dietary supplements as tablets, capsules or liquid forms.

Consumption of wheatgrass goes many centuries back – almost 5,000 years back to ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations. For Egyptians wheatgrass leafy blades were sacred and they honored them for their health benefits. Wheatgrass has also been used for thousands of years in India, as part of Ayurvedic medicine.  Wheatgrass can be grown indoors and it is very easy to sprout.

Wheatgrass proponent Charles Schnabel claimed in the 1940s “fifteen pounds of wheatgrass is equal in overall nutritional value to 350 pounds of ordinary garden vegetables”. One ounce of wheatgrass contains 120 calories, 8 grams of dietary fiber, 240% of the RDA of vitamin A, 93% of the RDA of vitamin C, 356% of the RDA of iron, and 12% of the RDA of calcium (Wikipidia) It also contains 8 grams of protein. The chlorophyll – green pigment content in wheatgrass is about 70%.  This content makes wheatgrass more powerful source of immune booster. Chlorophyll reverses aging, suppresses hunger, cleanses the blood, combats odor, and prevents cancer.  The benefit of wheatgrass is more when taken fresh and an empty stomach immediately after extraction.

How much wheatgrass is good? While consuming wheatgrass one need to be very careful because, too much consumption of wheatgrass can cause nausea, sickness or headache.  If you are incorporating wheatgrass juice into your diet, start with 1 ounce per day and slowly graduate to 2 ounces per day. Wheatgrass must be consumed in empty stomach or with other fresh fruits and vegetables.

Several reports and studies claims that wheatgrass is beneficial for our health in various ways.

  1. It is a source of good fiber for weight loss. Wheatgrass can provide the endurance and energy needed to burn of calories without getting fatigued. The nutrients in wheatgrass speeds up metabolism and this converts calories to energy.
  2. Reduces obesity – after consuming wheatgrass one will feel full stomach.
  3. It also believe to stimulates thyroid gland.
  4. It detoxifies and cleans liver. It helps in the movement of bowels.
  5. Improves Hemoglobin level because of high chlorophyll content.
  6. It is also a source beneficial enzymes and helps to heal the wounds fast. It helps to sooth the skin and acts as a soothing agent for damaged skin and scalp.
  7. Juice is a immune booster and reduces body pains. It has superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme that helps to reduce inflammation.
  8. Wheatgrass will cleanse your blood and help rejuvenate aging cells, slowing the aging process. It will help tighten loose and sagging skin.
  9. Wheatgrass has high potassium content and this improves skin quality and muscle tone.
  10. Wheatgrass’ alkalizing effect may, indeed, help to maintain strong bones.
  11. Wheatgrass also have some effect in reducing blood sugar level.

Try this juice to boost your day made with Kale, green apples, ginger and wheatgrass.

  • 2 bunches kale,
  • 4 green apples,
  • 1 box wheatgrass
  • 1 small piece of ginger

Grind all these together with two cups of water and sieve the content using a filter. Drink the green juice.

Disclaimer: Wheatgrass may cause nausea, headaches or swelling in the throat. Wheatgrass is usually grown in soil or water and consumed raw, might be contaminated with bacteria or fungus. It may not be good for breast feeding mother or during pregnancy period. If you are allergic to wheat, celiac disease, or gluten intolerance, check with your doctor before using wheatgrass. 

References:

  1. http://thebaremidriff.com/
  2. http://www.webmd.com/
  3. http://rockymountainwheatgrass.com/
  4. http://wholegreenlove.com/

Image credit: https://www.needpix.com/photo/323404/grass-green-wheat-in-wheat-field-barley-wheat-field-free-pictures-free-photos-free-images (Free for commercial use)

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: February 16, 2016
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