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.
Fantastic News: Nestlé To Be Sued For Californian Drought Crimes!

Fantastic News: Nestlé To Be Sued For Californian Drought Crimes!


October 13, 2015 by Sophie McAdam, www.trueactivist.com

Campaign group The Story Of Stuff Project have just announced they will be pursuing legal action against Nestlé for illegally extracting groundwater in California for its Arrowhead brand, which has been a key contributor to the State’s drought crisis.

Thanks to generous donations from a huge number of furious citizens, The Story Of Stuff Project was able to raise enough money to film a mini-documentary called ‘This land is our land’. It tells the story of Nestlé’s removal of millions of gallons of water from the San Bernardino National Forest- and it details evidence of criminal activity by one of the world’s most unethical corporations.

The Story Of Stuff Project reports:

While filming in southern California our team uncovered hard evidence that Nestlé has been operating outside the bounds of the law. When Nestlé’s permit to remove water expired 27 years ago, the U.S. Forest Service should have turned off the spigot. But instead, it has allowed Nestlé to continue operating unabated, in violation of the terms of its own permit.

“So to defend the public resources at stake we’ve joined with two great partners—Courage Campaign and the Center for Biological Diversity—to turn up the heat on Nestlé by filing a federal lawsuit challenging the company’s illegal occupation of these public lands.”

This is great news for campaigners and terrible news for Nestlé’s CEO, who is insane enough to believe that water is not a human right and should be privatized. Activists have already shut down a plant in California, and this is the next step in the fight against greed and corporate ecocide. Please share this (very moving) video to support the campaign, and if you are still buying bottled water, please stop!

Read More: http://www.trueactivist.com/fantastic-news-nestle-to-be-sued-for-californian-drought-crimes/?utm_source=sm&utm_medium=ta&utm_campaign=sm

Some more: California newspaper The Desert Sun published an investigation revealing that Nestlé Water’s permit to transport water across the San Bernardino National Forest for bottling has been expired since 1988. On Friday, the U.S. Forest Service announced it would make it “a priority” to reassess the permit, and that it might impose as-of-yet unspecified “interim conditions” on the bottling operation in light of the severe drought, The Desert Sun reports.

Image courtesy: http://www.latimes.com

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: October 16, 2015
« »
« »

Recommended for you

Bitter Gourd Chips

Bitter Gourd Chips

The magical, wonderful medicinal plant which is a gift to mankind is bitter gourd!. It has so many medicinal properties. Bitter gourd is also known as bitter melon, Karela, or Balsam Pear. The melon has an extremely bitter taste, but it is a helpful food.  It is useful in Diabetes-2, kidney stones, lowering cholesterol, weight loss, better skin, source of vitamin K, in liver cleaning etc.  Because of bitter taste, people find it hard how to use this wonderful gourd.  Bitter melon is commonly added to stir-fry, or may be enjoyed stuffed or we can make simple chips! It can be added to the diet as a supplement. In order to receive the full health benefits, find and cook the melon regularly.  Here is bitter gourd chips recipe, which tastes less bitter but retains its valuable properties.

Ingredients:

  • Bitter gourd 2-3
  • Chilli powder 2 tsp
  • Turmeric powder 2 tsp
  • Cumin powder 1/2 tsp
  • Asafetida -pinch
  • Salt as per taste
  • Few curry leaves
  • Oil 3-4 tsp

Preparation:

1. Wash bitter gourds and slice them into thin rings.

2. Put 2 tsp turmeric and one tsp salt and using a spoon mix the bitter gourds

3. After 15 minutes, some amount of bitter water will come out from the bitter gourd. Remove this water & keep the slice on dry paper/tissue paper.

4. In a bowl mix oil, chilli powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, curry leaves, asafetida and salt. Transfer the bitter gourd rings to this mix and using a spoon gently apply the mix to bitter gourd rings. Keep it for 15 minutes.

5. If you have a oven, pre heat the oven and transfer the rings to a foil on a baking tray and bake them at 360 F for 10 min.

6. Broil each side for about 2-5 min until they turn crispy and golden brown.

7. If you don’t have a oven then, transfer the ring on a tava and add little more oil and cook the rings on both the sides till they turn brown. One can deep-fry the rings until they become crispy.

8. Serving size: 5-6 chips/ serving. Serve these chips with meals as a side dish. It will taste slightly bitter, less spicy and good.

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: October 13, 2015
« »
« »

Recommended for you

APPLE PICKLE RECIPE

Apple Pickle Recipe

Most varieties of pickles  that we prepare take a long time to prepare or may need more ingredients.  Here is a simple pickle that can be prepared in few minutes and all it needs is crisp green apple and fewer ingredients.  Unlike mango, apples are available all season and it is easy to prepare this pickle.

Preparation time: 10 Minutes

Ingredients:

  • Crispy green apples – Two medium sizes
  • Oil -One Tbsp
  • Mustard – One tsp
  • Chilli powder – 1/2 tsp
  • Asafetida – Pinch
  • Fenugreek seeds – Few (10-5)
  • Turmeric -1/2 tsp
  • Salt -To taste

Method:

1) Wash and cut the apples to 1/2 to 1 inch pieces

2) On a frying pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds. As mustard seeds cracks add fenugreek seeds. Turn off the heat.

3) As the oil continue to cool down add turmeric, asafetida and chilli powder.

4) Add this mix to apple pieces, add salt and mix well.

5) Store the pickle in airtight bottle. Remember to consume this pickle within few days and storing this for a longer time will spoil the pickle.

6) This pickle is slightly sweet – sour with tangy taste. One can have with soft rotis, bread, yogurt rice and as side taste dish.

Image credit: www.healthylife.werindia.com

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: October 12, 2015
« »
« »

Recommended for you

For better health: Eat more foods that are unprocessed & natural

For Better Health: Eat more foods that are unprocessed & natural

Have you ever wondered how our grandmothers cooking taste so good and delicious? How they used to cook everyday with seasonal produces? How their cooking was so healthy?.  Present day we are addicted to processed food for easy access. We complain that we do not have time to cook & we consume so much processed food so that we have almost forgotten about importance of consuming seasonal fruits and vegetables. Our health depends on the food that we eat – the relationship between health and food is very complex. The more we consume processed food the more we subject ourselves to complex diseases.

Processed food :There are three big problems with processed food: what is added, what is removed and what is left. Look at every ingredient the next time you pick up a jar, package or bottle and if you do not know what all of the ingredients are then Google to find out more before you put that food inside your mouth. Additives are used in processed food to give it a longer shelf life and to make it taste, look and smell good. Additives enable food to sit on a supermarket shelf, or in our cupboards, for several months without going bad.  In nature, if a food is left long enough, it loses its nutritive qualities and is no longer fit for human consumption, so it spoils, or insects and bacteria consume it.  However, when food is pumped with additives, the insects and bacteria find it too poisonous and toxic; in fact, it would kill them if they ate it.  Although additives prevent our food from spoiling, allowing us to eat foods that would otherwise have gone bad, they do not help the food retain its original nutritional value; often by the time, we eat a processed food, it has no nutritional value whatsoever.

Many processed foods that are highly refined are recognized by the body as sugars such as white flour, white rice, white pastas, white breads, white crackers, cakes and cookies. Therefore, when you eat these highly processed foods your blood sugar level goes up and your body releases insulin which basically alerts your body to hold onto its fat and burn off the sugar in your blood stream to decrease your blood sugar and bring it back to normal.  When this is done repeatedly  several times a day you increase your risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

“Foods are complex and the ways that our bodies interact with them to create health are complex too “.

Unprocessed food: An unprocessed food diet helps you avoid added sugars, refined flours, excess sodium, preservatives, colorings and other additives that can cause weight gain, bloating and sluggishness. Unprocessed bulk food is one of the most effective ways to not only stay fit and healthy but it is a great method to lose weight as well. There are several advantages for the body and mind when we consume unprocessed foods.

When you eat natural foods like nuts, brown rice and fresh fruits and vegetables what happens? Observe. Studies show that eating unprocessed food helps in various ways.

Happiness: A sense of happiness comes to mind. People had noticed that depressed mind will slowly turn to be happy and relaxed. Mind feels more balanced.

More energy: Eating natural foods brings more energy. Not only do unprocessed foods usually contain significantly higher levels of known essential nutrients than processed foods, but they also contain hundreds of health promoting compounds that are currently not considered essential and that are largely missing from processed foods.

“Eat more foods that look like something nature made”

Increased memory: Studies have shown that eating nuts and fruits helps in memory increase.

Good hair growth: Need healthy, shiny hair? Then try unprocessed food. Fresh vegetables, fruits and nuts helps in growth of hair.

Less bloating: Women who suffer from bloating can get rid of that bloating by consuming more nutrient dense foods. Eating almonds, cumin seeds, drinking coriander soaked water helps in reducing bloating.

Regular motion: The strain of constipation on the body can be removed by eating fresh vegetables and fruits. Eating unsalted seeds helps in easy bowel movement and makes it easy for the body.

Take advantage of unprocessed food for a better health.

References:
http://www.fourriversclinic.com/
https://aklasiccommotion.wordpress.com
http://www.forbes.com/
http://www.consumerreports.org/

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on:
« »
« »

Recommended for you

THE HEALING POWER OF GARDENING

The Healing Power of Gardening

Thomas Jefferson “I never before knew the full value of trees. Under them I breakfast, dine, write, read and receive my company”.

To be happy and balanced there are so many hobbies one can calculate. One such hobby, which most people love, is gardening. Whether it is winter, summer, spring or rainy season people who love plants always think about protecting their garden and plants. One way to be close to soil and earth is gardening at home or volunteering in organic farm or gardens. Studies have shown that gardening is good for health. You do not need invitation to visit plants. They do not answer back or complain and they give you flowers and fruits!

Gardening has many benefits. Beyond burning calories, gardening is good for the entire body. While gardening, we are reaching, stretching, bending, lifting and pulling, using both large and small muscles. It is especially beneficial if you rotate tasks, thus avoiding over-stressing any particular part of your body. Did you know how much calories one can burn while working in garden?

  • Mowing the lawn pushing a power mower will burn 180 calories.
  • Mowing the lawn pushing a push mower will burn 250 calories.
  • Digging, spading and tilling soil will burn 200 calories

Another benefit is that exposing skin to sunrays that causes the skin to produce that good nutrient namely Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps to keep the bones strong. Working in garden gives fresh air for breathing. The other benefit of gardening is – it can be a light, moderate or heavy exercise by our choice. Depending on our body requirement, we can choose how much we can work in our garden.

“Glory of gardening: Hands in dirt, head in the sun, Heart in the nature. To nurture the garden is just not to feed on the body, but the soul -Alfred Austin”.

“Plants do not answer back or complain and they give you flowers and fruits!”

Let us see how garden can help to keep our body and mind in good shape.

  • It helps to prevent developing conditions like heart conditions, diabetes, blood pressure, obesity and even arthritis or osteoporosis.
  • It also helps manage existing conditions, e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
  • When we pull weeds in the garden, we need to bend- this improves balance, and reduces the risk of falling.
  • Using small tools enhances flexibility, and helps with arthritis symptoms.
  • Working around plants makes you feel better emotionally, reducing stress, improving sleep, and counteracting depression.Mycobacterium vaccae, a bacterium found in soils almost everywhere, stimulates production of norepinephrine and serotonin, just like antidepressant drugs do. In addition to the benefits of the M. vaccae, gardening increases neurotrophins throughout the entire brain, increasing mental health. It also reduces cortisol, which helps reduce stress.
  • People who work in garden are more familiar with that pleasant odor that comes from soil after first sprinkle or drizzling. People who smell this feel happy and relieved! This is another reason to enjoy gardening. When rain falls, the increased moisture and the gentle pounding of the raindrops cause certain compounds to be released and combined in the air, one of them an odoriferous bacterium belongs to Actinomycetes generates substance called Geosmin.
  • People who work with plants will develop an attachment with plants as they understand real meaning of living with plants. Plants may not express the pain, but their growth, fresh branches, blooming of buds and beautiful flowers, greenery around house, fruits and vegetables – all these give satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment for mind.
  • A recent study in the Netherlands suggests that gardening can fight stress even better than other relaxing leisure activities. After completing a stressful task, two groups of people were instructed to either read indoors or work in garden for 30 minutes. Afterward, the group that gardened reported being in a better mood than the reading group, and they also had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
  • Apart from this keeping bird feeder, decorating garden and understanding about companion plants, other visitors like squirrels, humming birds, bees etc makes one very happy.

Remember The earth Laughs in flowers. When the flowers blooms in our garden our mind and body lives in harmony!

References:

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: October 7, 2015
« »
« »

Recommended for you

CURRY LEAVES POWDER

Curry leaves Powder

Curry leaves (kadi patta in hindi) is one of the common seasoning ingredients that is added to almost every dish to enhance its taste and flavor. However, rather than eating this humble leaf (which is slightly bitter in taste), most of us just throw it away. But, curry leaves have many unique values. Next time before throwing away, think about the benefits you get from this beautiful plant! If you do not like eating curry leaves then, try this tasty powder in your next meal – the tasty curry powder you can mix with rice.

Ingredients:

  • Curry leaves -12 leaflets
  • Urad dal – 1/4 cup
  • Chenna dal -1/4 cup
  • Black pepper -10
  • Red chilli -10-12
  • Asafoetida – 1/4 tsp
  • Salt to taste
  • Tamarind- a small lemon size
  • Mustard – 1/4 tsp

Method:

  • Wash the curry leaves and sundry or dry them on a paper towel.
  • In a pan add the urad dal (Black gram), 10 black pepper and red chilli . Fry these three ingredients till the urad dal turns golden brown. Add curry leaves and fry for few more seconds until leaves totally becomes dry.
  • In a pan add oil and add the tamarind and asafoetida saute for 2-3 minutes in a low flame.
  • When all these above ingredients cool down, grind into a fine powder in a dry mixer.
  • Heat oil in a pan, add mustard and a red chilli. Once mustard cracks turn off the flame and add to the above mix.
  • Store this powder in a dry container.
  • Add this powder to hot rice, mix with ghee or oil and have.

Benefits of curry leaves:

  • Helps to beat anaemia

Kadi patta or curry leaves are a rich source of iron and folic acid

  • Protects your liver from damage

The highly effective anti-oxidative properties – due to the high amount of kaempferol  it contains – combined with vitamin A and C not only protects the liver but also stimulates it to work more efficiently.

  • Keeps your blood sugar levels under check – fights diabetes

Curry leaves are potent anti-diabetic agents. They are believed to also have an adjuvant action on non-insulin dependant diabetics (people with type 2 diabetes).

  • Lowers cholesterol and protects you from heart disease

Packed with antioxidants, curry leaves prevent the oxidation of cholesterol that forms LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol). This in turn helps in increasing the amount of good cholesterol (HDL) and protects your body from conditions like heart disease and atherosclerosis.

  • Strengthens the organs of your stomach and helps with digestion

In Ayurveda it is believed that curry leaves has mild laxative properties that not only help the stomach get rid of unwanted waste, it also rids the body of ‘ama’ (or toxic waste) and balances out the pitta levels in the body.

  • Can help relieve the symptoms of diarrhoea

Even though curry leaves have mildly laxative properties, it is a great remedy for diarrhoea. This because curry leaves  contains carbazole alkaloids that lend it anti bacterial and anti inflammatory properties that help heal an upset stomach.

  • Reduces congestion in the chest and nose

If you suffer from a wet cough, sinusitis or chest congestion, curry leaves is a very effective home remedy to relieve the symptoms.

  • Can help heal and reduce skin infections, beat early ageing 

Curry leaves contains very strong anti-oxidant properties , anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-protozoal properties. This makes a great home remedy for common skin infections like acne and fungal infections of the nail that are often difficult to treat.

  • Is great to stop hair fall, premature greying of the hair and accelerate hair growth.

Image courtesy: http://www.itslife.in/wp-content/gallery/recipe-condiments/recipe-condiments-karibevina-chutney-pudi.jpg

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: October 5, 2015
« »
« »

Recommended for you

DENGUE FEVER AND NATURAL REMEDIES

Dengue Fever and Natural Remedies

When it comes to widespread viruses affecting millions of people each year, dengue fever is one of the worst. While its mortality rate is relatively low, between 50 million and 500 million people are affected each year by the dengue virus, which is transmitted via mosquitoes. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates there may be 50-100 million dengue infections globally every year, with two-fifths of the world population, or 2.5 billion people, at risk of this mosquito-borne infectious disease. While being infected with dengue is an unpleasant experience – it is also known as break bone fever – with typical symptoms being fever, headache, rashes, and muscle and joint pains, a healthy person’s immune system usually has no problems fighting the virus off. The problem comes when dengue hemorrhagic fever develops. This extreme form of the illness causes severe bleeding due to “leaky” blood vessels and delay in blood clotting caused by low levels of platelets, which are essential in forming blood clots. According to the WHO, an average of about 2.5% of those who develop dengue hemorrhagic fever die.

There is no cure for dengue, nor is there any vaccine for it, although there are several research teams currently working on one. The main method of controlling this disease is via prevention; for example, ensuring that there is no stagnant water or any container where water can pool in around, fogging, using mosquito nets and repellent, and covering up or staying indoors at dawn and dusk when the tropical Aedes mosquitoes are most active.

With no definitive treatment from modern medicine available, it is not surprising that many have turned to alternative therapies for relief. Here are few plants that are considered to be good remedies for dengue fever.

Papaya leaf juice:This is probably the most well-known alternative treatment for dengue. In April last year, the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alter­native Medicine Volume 2013 (2013), Article ID 61673 published findings showing that the consumption of Carica papaya leaf juice induced rapid increase in platelet count in patients with grade one and two dengue fever and the fatal dengue haemorrhagic fever. The suggested preparation method is: take leaves of a papaya tree. Wash properly, grind, and squeeze the juice into a bowl or a glass. Drink a glass or two every day for at least 4 days (minimum) apart from other fruit juices. Remember, it is not the fruit, but the leaves of papaya. Being easily available and affordable, the use of papaya leaves occurs indiscriminately. The physician however remains unclear of their stand on the issue.

Barley Grass: Barley grass has the unique ability to significantly increase the body’s blood platelet count by stimulating the production of more blood cells. You can drink barley tea or eat barley grass directly and see a rapid increase in platelet count, which is one of the more serious side effects of dengue fever that can prolong weakness and increase the susceptibility of the body to dengue hemorrhagic fever and more serious complications.

Tawa-tawa plant: This is commonly known as asthma plant or gatas-gatas with a scientific name- Euphoribia hirta. This hairy herb is commonly used in the Philippines & India as an alternative treatment for dengue fever. Tawa-tawa is indeed effective but should be taken with caution. Large doses may cause gastrointestinal reaction, nausea and vomiting. Prolonged intake may interfere with iron adsorption. Not recommended for pregnant women. As a folkloric treatment in the Philippines for dengue, tawa-tawa has earned many anecdotal testimonies from those who purportedly became well from the plant’s concoction: its leaves boiled like a tea and taken orally. Tawa-tawa Tea is actually used by Philippines folk medicine system to cure dengue fever. In preparing tawa-tawa tea, 100 grams of the fresh whole plant (including roots) are washed and boiled in half a liter (500 ml) of water for 15 minutes. After cooling and paper-filtration, the decoction is taken by the patient at one glass every hour until the fever subsides.

Neem Leaves : Neem leaves are prescribed for a variety of ailments, and dengue fever is no exception. Steeping neem leaves and then drinking the subsequent brew has been shown to increase both blood platelet count and white blood cell count, two of the most dangerous side effects of the virus. Properly brewed neem leaves can improve the immune system and return your strength much faster than many other home remedies.

Fenugreek: Fenugreek leaves are known to reduce fever and act as a slight sedative to ease pain and promote more sleep that is restful for patients. This is a popular home remedy for dengue fever symptoms in numerous places around the world.

Basil: Chewing basil leaves known to be an important immune-boosting technique, and has long been recommended in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of fever. Basil essential oil also has natural insecticidal properties that will make you less attractive mosquitoes, and makes use of basil essential oil a preventative strategy.

Disclaimer: If you or anyone you know is having symptoms of Dengue fever please seek professional medical attention. Use these home remedies only as supplemental treatments and please note that these are NOT formal cures.

References:

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on:
« »
« »

Recommended for you

SWEET CORN SOUP PREPARATION: SIMPLE RECIPE

Sweet Corn Soup preparation – Simple Recipe

Here is recipe for sweet corn soup. Ingredients used here are readily available at most homes. This soup can be prepared throughout the year. Corn as main ingredient, this soup is nutritious. Adding Indian spices makes it tastier

Ingredients:

  • Olive oil or canola oil -2 to 3 Tbsp
  • Big white onion – 1/2
  • Garlic cloves – 2-3
  • Potato – One medium size
  • Tomato -One medium size
  • Ginger – 1/2 inch
  • Celery – 2 inch piece (Optional)
  • Black pepper – 1 tsp
  • Corn -from 2 cans or 3 ears
  • Cilantro -1/4 cup
  • Green onions & cilantro chopped -1/2 cup
  • Cumin seeds – 1&1/2 tsp
  • Salt – to taste
  • Butter – 1/4 oz
  • Lemon juice

Method:

1) Peel potato and cut into two halves. If you are using canned corn, drain the water.

2) Boil corn, 1/2 onion, potato, tomato, celery, cilantro and ginger in a pressure cooker.

3) After, boiling the above ingredients allow it to cool. Keep 1/2 cup corn aside. Using a wet mixer/wet grinder grind the rest of corn and other ingredients.

4) In a vessel heat oil and add cumin, garlic and crushed pepper.

5) Add 1/2 cup corn (lightly sautéed) followed by grinded mixture with salt.

6) Allow it to boil once under low flame/low heat.

7) Add butter before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and cilantro leaves.

8) Add lemon juice; serve this soup for dinner with bread or roti or chapatti.

Imagecourtesy:http://media1.sailusfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/sweet-corn-soup.jpg

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: October 1, 2015
« »
« »

Recommended for you