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.
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: October 5, 2015
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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
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­Victory! Shell Abandons Arctic Drilling

Victory! Shell Abandons Arctic Drilling

September 28, 2015 by Amanda Froelich www.trueactivist.com

“Big oil has sustained an unmitigated defeat. They had a budget of billions, we had a movement of millions. For three years we faced them down, and the people won. The Save the Arctic movement has exacted a huge reputational price from Shell for its Arctic drilling program. And as the company went another year without striking oil, that price finally became too high. They’re pulling out.”

(Royal Dutch Shell has abandoned its long quest to become the first company to produce oil in Alaska’s Arctic waters, darkening the nation’s long-term oil prospects and delighting environmental groups that tried to block the project. After years of effort, Shell is leaving the region “for the foreseeable future” because it failed to find enough oil to make further drilling worthwhile. The company has spent more than $7 billion on the effort, slogged through a regulatory gauntlet and fought environmental groups that feared a spill in the harsh climate would be difficult to clean up and devastating to polar bears, walruses, seals and other wildlife)

Years of activists’ efforts have paid off! As The Guardian reports, Shell has abandoned its controversial drilling operations in the Alaskan Arctic for the foreseeable future. In what environmentalists are describing as “an unmitigated defeat” for big oil, the Anglo-Dutch company has admitted that the profit losses and fierce public opposition it is facing have both played a big role in its decision to abandon drilling up north.

For years, Shell has stressed the enormous hydrocarbon potential of the Arctic but only recently has admitted that the popular opposition from the public is too much.

Shell said today it had made a marginal discovery of oil and gas with its summer exploration in the Chukchi Sea but not enough to continue to the search for the “foreseeable” future. Shell’s chief executive, Ben van Beurden, was worried that the row over the Arctic was undermining his attempts to influence the debate around how to tackle climate change.

In its hunt for oil in one of the world’s last pristine environments, Shell has spent over $7 billion with little to show for it.
In a statement released today, Monday, September 28th, Marvin Odum, the director of Shell Upstream Americas, said:
“Shell continues to see important exploration potential in the basin, and the area is likely to ultimately be of strategic importance to Alaska and the US. However, this is a clearly disappointing exploration outcome for this part of the basin.

Shell will now cease further exploration activity in offshore Alaska for the foreseeable future. This decision reflects both the Burger J well result, the high costs associated with the project, and the challenging and unpredictable federal regulatory environment in offshore Alaska.”

Greenpeace UK executive director John Sauven said this in response to the news:
“Big oil has sustained an unmitigated defeat. They had a budget of billions, we had a movement of millions. For three years we faced them down, and the people won.
The Save the Arctic movement has exacted a huge reputational price from Shell for its Arctic drilling programme. And as the company went another year without striking oil, that price finally became too high. They’re pulling out.”
The organization hopes that President Obama will use his remaining months in office to say that no other oil company will be licensed to drill in the American Arctic. Only time will tell…
A number of energy industrialists and other experts have been questioning the wisdom of Arctic drilling, including former BP chief executive John Browne, for a while now. Many consultants argue that Arctic oil is too expensive to find and develop in either a low oil price environment or in a future world with a higher price on carbon emissions. Truly, the age of fossil fuels is coming to an end.

There are plenty of ways Earth’s energy needs can be met sustainably (especially if humans learn to reduce their carbon output and energy consumption). For example, in one day, Denmark produced 140% of its energy needs via wind power. And according to a new report by Greenpeace, Earth could go 100% renewable by 2050.

This is a momentous time in history, and this news deserves to be shared. Spread the word, comment below, and continue being a steward for the environment. Your efforts do matter.

Read more: http://www.trueactivist.com/victory-shell-abandons-arctic-drilling/

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

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: September 30, 2015
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Goats fed transgenic GM soy feed have altered DNA

Goats fed transgenic GM soy feed have altered DNA

Shocking!- Now the GMO effect on goats!. Goats fed transgenic GM soy feed have altered DNA and the milk produced by their mothers is of lower quality, which affects the offspring.

If you have not yet ditched GMO’s  from your diet, you may want to consider doing so.
According to a study published earlier this year, goats fed transgenic, GM soy feed have altered DNA, and the milk produced by the mothers is of lower quality, which affects the offspring.

Kid goats were studied both in vivo and post-mortem and what the researchers determined is not good. It was found that kids which fed on GM soy had both DNA fragments that were not supposed to be there (i.e., are not normally found in goat milk), and the immunoglobulin concentration was altered. In addition, the colostrums – the ‘pre-milk’ in all mammals that provides incredible immuno-defense to offspring – had significantly lower levels of both protein and fat.

This is just one more reason individuals and populations everywhere need to reconsider their stance on genetically modified crops.

The study states:
. . . transgenic DNA fragments were amplified (P < 0.05) in samples from goats that received the transgenic soybean.”

That’s not all: The baby goats that came from mothers fed GM soy also had altered physical traits. For instance, a significant height difference at the chest and withers than their non-GMO fed counterparts was observed.

Of course, it would be irresponsible to jump to conclusions from one study, but this is not the first report in which genetically modified foods were found to alter DNA – a very concerning find. As Natural Society shares, morphological and biochemical changes were reported in male rats fed GMO corn.

What does this mean for humans in locations like the United States where the majority of corn and soy is genetically modified?

According to Geneticist David Suzuki, human beings are part of a “massive genetic experiment,” and one is right to be concerned. Suzuki points out:

“One small mutation in a human being can determine so much, the point is when you move a gene, one gene, one tiny gene out of an organism into a different one you completely change its context. There is no way to predict how it’s going to behave and what the outcome will be. We think that we design these life forms, but it’s like taking the Toronto orchestra prepared to play a Beethoven symphony and then you take some random drummers from “here” and flip them in with the Toronto symphony and you say play music. What comes out is going to be something very very different. Publicists say that there is good intention behind GMOs, but the fact of the matter is it’s driven by money.”

Until genetically modified foods are banned in all countries, take initiative for your and your family’s health by choosing to abstain from GM-containing foods. Most processed foods containing artificial sweeteners (high fructose corn syrup, for example) contain GMOs, so opt for organic, source local, and grow your own food so you can take control of your own health and help preserve the planet.

Read More: http://www.trueactivist.com/says-study-goats-fed-gm-soy-have-altered-dna-milk-and-offspring/

Image credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Baby_goats_jan_2007_crop.jpg

Original by User:Fir0002, cropped and color enhanced. / CC BY-SA (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: September 24, 2015
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Stuffed Capsicum Curry

Stuffed Capsicum Curry

INGREDIENTS

  • 5 medium to large shimla mirch/capsicum/green bell peppers
  • 5 medium potatoes or about 180 to 200 gms potatoes
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped or ¼ cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 green chili, chopped
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ¼ tsp turmeric powder
  • ¼ tsp red chili powder
  •  ½ tsp dry mango powder (substitute with ¼ tsp lemon juice if dry mango powder is not available)
  • ¼ to ½ tsp garam masala
  • 2 tsp chopped coriander leaves
  •  1 tbsp oil for sautéing the onions
  • 1 or 1.5 tbsp oil for sautéing the capsicum
  • salt as required

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Boil the potatoes till they completely tender and cooked thoroughly. Peel and grate the potatoes. Keep aside.
  • Slice off the tops of the capsicum. Remove the seeds. Rinse them in water and pat dry with a kitchen towel.
  • In a small frying pan, heat oil. Fry the cumin first and then add chopped onions.
  • Sauté the onions till translucent. Add chopped green chilies.
  • Stir and then add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and asafetida. stir again.
  • Add the potatoes and mix everything. Sauté the potatoes for 2 mins and then add garam masala powder, dry mango powder and salt.
  • Stir well and then add chopped coriander leaves. Mix again and let this spiced potato stuffing become warm or cool down.
  • Stuff the potato mixture in the capsicum.

Cooking in a pan:

  • Heat oil in a pan or kadai/wok and place the stuffed capsicum in the pan.
  • Cover the pan and allow the stuffed capsicum to cook on a low flame.
  • You will have to check often after every 5 to 6 mins and keep on changing the sides of the capsicum, so that all sides are cooked well. check, turn the sides and cover the pan again.
  • You also have to place the open potato side touching the pan. The capsicum will get golden and wrinkled.
  • Continue to check, change the sides and then cover again till the bell peppers are cooked well for about 25-30 minutes under low flame.
Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: September 18, 2015
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HOW LISTENING TO MUSIC HELPS TO BRING BACK THE GOOD MOOD

How listening to music helps to bring back the good mood

There is no doubt that listening to your favorite music can instantly put you in a good mood. However, scientists are now discovering that music can do more for you than just lift your spirits. When speak of nutrition, we usually think of food. But food is energy to our bodies and our brain takes in all kinds of energy from all our senses. So if we know that certain music is nutritious for our heart, then it may be a good idea to integrate it into our environment.

How music helps?

Controlling chronic pain and anxiety:

Music works on the autonomic nervous system – the part of the nervous system responsible for controlling our blood pressure, heartbeat and brain function – and also the limbic system – the part of the brain that controls feelings and emotions. According to findings, both these systems react sensitively to music. When slow rhythms are played, our blood pressure and heartbeat slow down which helps us breathe more slowly, thus reducing muscle tension in our neck, shoulders, stomach and back. Experts say that apart from physical tension, music also reduces psychological tension in our mind. In other words, when we feel pain, we become frightened, frustrated and angry which makes us tense up hundreds of muscles in our back. Listening to music on a regular basis helps our bodies relax physically and mentally, thus helping to relieve – and prevent – back pain.

Memory boost:

For many people suffering from memory loss the spoken language has become meaningless. Music can help patients remember tunes or songs and get in touch with their history. This is because the part of the brain, which processes music, is located next to memory.

Stress reducer:

Research has found that listening to music can relieve stress by triggering biochemical stress reducers.  Listening to slow musical beats can alter brainwave speed, creating brainwave activity similar to when a person is meditating or in a hypnotic state. Some research suggests that using rhythmic stimuli to induce these states can have a therapeutic effect, easing symptoms of migraines, PMS, and even behavioral issues. Neuroscientists have discovered that listening to music heightens positive emotion through the reward centers of our brain, stimulating hits of dopamine that can make us feel good or even elated.

Anxiety remover:

A study found that music’s effect on anxiety levels is similar to the effect of getting a massage. If people are under high pressure listening to music calms the mind and brings back the focus. This depends on the type of the music. Research finding shows that classical music plays a soothing role in these cases and not upbeats and drums. Music prevents anxiety-induced increase in heart rate and systolic blood pressure, and decrease cortisol levels — all biological markers of stress.

Increases motivation:

Listening to favorite music will help to do many positive things including exercises. Listening to music may help people run faster, boost their workout motivation, and enhance their endurance. Listening to workout tracks can boost physical performance and increase endurance during a tough exercise session.

Sleep quality:

Listening to classical music has been shown to effectively treat insomnia in college students, making it a safe, cheap alternative to sleep-inducing medicines. While listening to soft music brain cells will slowly go to resting stage. Playing soft music helps cancer patients or during recovery of a surgery etc and helps patients to rest properly.

Be mindful of music, it can be good for your heart and mind.

Image source: http://wiltonelder.com/

References:

Image credit: Image by PIRO4D from Pixabay  (Free for commercial use)

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on:
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Harmful Toxins

Beware of these toxins that can harm your health

Yes, correct we are eating right and healthy food. We search, do our R&D, then feed our family with so called good food. But then why we fall sick? There are several known and unknown toxins that are in our lives. Please read this article to understand better what these toxins and how they harm our body.

TOXINS FROM EXTERNAL

External toxins refer to those derived from our environment, which get into our bodies. Some sources:

Foods: There are many type of toxins here: Additives, preservatives, artificial flavorings and colorings, food stabilizers, food emulsifiers, agricultural chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, etc.

Air: Pollution in the air and particles in the air: Stale and stagnant air, perfumes, tobacco smoke, cleaning supplies, toxic fumes, polluted air, dust mites, pollens, household sprays, etc.

Water: Water at home or public source: Water contaminated with inorganic minerals, bacteria, chlorine, heavy metals, rusts, chemicals, industrial pollution, etc.

Medical treatments: There you go…you know the side effects…Prescription drugs, chemotherapy, anti-biotics, artificial hormones, vaccinations, jabs, low quality supplements, etc.

Dental treatments: Happy dental problem solved? Wait there are some toxins here too. This cannot stop us from going to dentist. But beware of those side effects of – Mercury amalgam fillings, root canals, acrylic dentures, implants, braces, fluoride treatments, etc.

Radiation: Known facts but where is radiation comes from? Radiotherapy, radio waves, television waves, microwave ovens, some electromagnetic gadgets, cell phones, x-rays, gamma rays, ultra-sound scan, MRI scan, CAT scan, UV radiation, etc.

Household: All those cleaning agents and systems at home- New paints, varnishes, new carpets, new asbestos ceiling, heating system, cleaning agents, all kinds of sprays, moth balls, gas stoves, aluminium pots, laundry supplies, etc.

Personal care: Here is the list of our favorite personal care that may carry toxins – Soaps, shampoos, deodorants, toothpaste, nail polish, cosmetics (some contain lead), permanent and hair colorings, etc. 

TOXINS FROM INTERNAL

Micro-organisms: Bacteria, viruses, yeasts, mold, fungi, parasites

Old toxins stored in the body. The presence of various kinds of chemicals may cause chemical reactions among them, causing severe symptoms

Dental works: Materials used contain metals, mercury, acrylic, binders, cements, resins, etc. Some of these can leach into our body when eating food

Medical implants: Silicone breast implants, implants in cosmetic surgeries, joint replacements, pacemakers; surgical aids such as screws, plates, staples and other materials.

TOXINS PRODUCED BY OUR BODY

Apart from external and internal toxins, our bodies also get burdened with toxins produced by our body. These are by-products of our cellular metabolisms. Like all body toxins, if these are not eliminated properly, the build-up may cause health problems later on. Most of the symptoms created by these toxins affect our brain and mind, like confusion, irritability, memory loss, headache, insomnia, fatigue. Other symptoms include dysfunctional endocrine and immune system.

Bilirubin: A toxin that results when the liver breaks down old red blood cells. These are usually eliminated from the body through the stool that is normal brown in color. When bilirubin is not eliminated efficiently, it causes the skin and white of the eyes to turn yellow. This is a condition called jaundice.

Urea: A product that results when the liver breaks down protein or amino acids. Urea is being excreted in the urine by the kidneys. If the kidneys are not functioning efficiently, the urea level in the blood increases causing a condition known as uremia.

Uric acid: A product that results when the body breaks down a substance called purine. Purines are found in high concentration in meat and meat products, especially in animal’s internal organs such as liver and kidneys. Excess uric acid that don’t get excreted can crystalize in the kidneys, joints and toes (gout) resulting in severe pain.

Creatinine: A product that results from muscle metabolism. It is filtered in the kidneys for excretion at a fairly constant daily rate. Therefore, when kidneys become inefficient for whatever reason, the creatinine level will rise due to poor clearance. This when detected in the urine, warns of possible kidney malfunction or failure.

Hormone imbalance: Hormones are chemical messengers that are released from the glands into the bloodstream. When secretion of hormones is too low or too high, or the liver is not able to detoxify them, excess hormones become internal body toxins.

Free radicals: Although oxygen (O2) is necessary for life, there is also the “dark side” of it. When oxygen reacts with toxins from external sources, it becomes a free radical. This is a process known as “oxidation”. An unhealthy diet largely contributes to this process of oxidation and does a lot of damage to the body.

Resource:

Image source: http://drzayd.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/toxins-stages.jpg

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on:
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Seasoned Buttermilk

Seasoned Buttermilk

Ingredients for Blending

  1. Yogurt / curd– 2 cups
  2. Water – 1 cup
  3. Salt – to taste
  4. Turmeric Powder – a pinch

Blend all the above ingredients and keep it aside.

For seasoning:

  • Finely sliced Shallots – 5 or 6
  • Slit Green Chillies – 3
  • Red Chillies – 3
  • Curry Leaves – 6-8
  • Finely Sliced Ginger – 1 tsp
  • Turmeric – A pinch
  • Fenugreek – A pinch
  • Cumin Seeds or Powder – 1/4 tsp
  • Oil – 1 tbsp
  • Mustard – 1/2 tsp

Preparation Method

  • Heat oil in a deep pan and splutter mustard seeds.
  • Saute shallots, green chillies, red chillies, ginger and curry leaves for 2 minutes.
  • Add a pinch of turmeric, cumin seeds and fenugreek. Stir for a minute and keep the seasoning aside.
  • Reduce heat and add the blended curd mixture to the same pan, stirring continuously.
  • Keep on stirring until it becomes warm. Never allow it to boil. Add more salt if required.
  • Pour the prepared seasoning over the buttermilk and remove from flame.
  • Stir for a few more minutes allowing it to cool.
  • Serve with rice or one can have this plain at the end of the meal.

Image courtesy: http://cdn.mariasmenu.com/

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: September 14, 2015
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