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.
FDA Rejects Several Snack Products From India for Contaminants

FDA Rejects Several Snack Products From India for Contaminants

Haldiram’s top list of rejected items :The move comes as global food corporation Nestlé has been subjected to a nationwide ban in India of its Maggi noodles that have allegedly tested for high levels of lead. According to a Wall Street Journal report, more than half of all the snack products that were tested and then blocked from sale in the US in 2015 were from India. Indian products led the world in snack rejects in 2014 as well.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has rejected a number of snack imports made by Indian company Haldiram Snacks for concerns over high levels of pesticides, mold and bacteria. FDA first found pesticides in Haldiram’s products in September 2014 and has since refused imports of the company’s products 86 times. Among the products rejected have been Haldiram brand cookies, biscuits and wafers.

For the month February 2015, the FDA website lists out various Haldiram products under its snacks category in an ‘Import Refusal Report’ which lists refusal actions taken by the FDA against imported products.

The charge statement for every rejected Haldiram’s product reads: “The article is subject to refusal of admission pursuant to section 801(a)(3) in that it appears to be adulterated because it contains a pesticide chemical, which is in violation of section 402(a)(2)(B).”

The FDA website also lists out Nestle India products under its noodles and macaroni section of import refusal report. The FDA charges Nestle noodle products of misbranding. “The label fails to declare all major food allergens present in the product, as required by section 403(w)(1),” one of the charges reads. Other charges also say that the article labeling fails to “bear required nutrition information.”

This is how a table for rejected Haldiram’s product looks at the FDA website 

Manufacturer FEI 3009445869
Manufacturer Name Haldiram Snacks Pvt. Ltd.
Manufacturer Address line 1 C-3, Sector- 67
Manufacturer Address line 2
Manufacturer’s City Noida
Manufacturer Province/State Uttar Pradesh
Manufacturer Country/Area India
Product Code 07BGH99
FDA Product Description:FRIED SNACK FOODS, N.E.C.

Read more at :
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2015/06/fda-rejects-several-snack-products-from-india-for-contaminants/#.Vah4GPlViko

http://www.firstpost.com/world/india-made-food-products-face-usfda-heat-haldirams-top-list-of-rejected-items-2297850.html

Imagecourtesy: http://i.ytimg.com/vi/TAtKvcVx50I/maxresdefault.jpg

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: July 17, 2015
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Juicing Vs. Smoothies

Which one is better? Juicing Vs. Smoothies

If you are looking to add liquid nutrition to your regimen, fresh juices and smoothies both offer nutritional benefits. Each, however, has distinct advantages and drawbacks. When you want to boost your intake of fresh vegetables and fruits, juicing is a good way to achieve that goal. If you need an on-the-go meal or snack that provides nutrients to keep you feeling full, smoothies are an excellent choice

Advantage of juicing:

The top reason to juice is to increase your intake of fresh produce. Vegetables and fruits supply the body with a wealth of vitamins and minerals that help boost immunity and fight oxidative stress in the body. Juicing also affords you an opportunity to experiment with vegetables you might not normally consume or know how to use in recipes, like kale or beets, which are bursting with nutrients such as vitamin K and B vitamins. Juicing process makes the nutrients in produce more readily available because your body does not have to break down the food before absorbing the nutrients.

Considerations about Juicing:

Juicing strips most of the fiber content from vegetables and fruits. The Institute of Medicine’s recommended daily amount of fiber is 25 grams or more, depending on gender and age, but the average American gets only 15 grams a day, says the Harvard School of Public Health. Because the produce used to make fresh juice will not count toward your fiber intake, you’ll need to make sure you are getting enough fiber from other daily servings of vegetables and fruits. Juice is also not a meal replacement, since it is not a significant source of protein, and protein and fiber are the nutrients needed to fill you up.   You will need to invest in a juicer to start juicing, which is an added expense.

Advantages of Smoothies:

Just an ordinary blender will do good smoothie job. Given the right ingredients, you can easily make a light, nutritious meal with a smoothie by combining fruits and vegetables with a source of protein, such as soy milk, low-fat yogurt or a scoop of protein powder. As with juicing, making smoothies allows you to blend foods you might not think of combining.  You will retain the fiber in fruits and vegetables when you make a smoothie, and you can add more beneficial fiber and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids by tossing in a few tablespoons of flaxseed or chia seeds. The fiber and protein in a smoothie add up to a satisfying meal or snack.

Considerations about Smoothies:

For the most nutritious smoothies, aim for a mix of fruit, vegetables, healthy fat and protein, which can help you lose or maintain weight. Remember adding extra sweet, honey, ice cream, sugar can increase your sugar level.

Reference source:

http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/
http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/

Image source:

http://i00.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: July 8, 2015
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Mango-Orange Ginger Green

Mango-Orange Ginger Green Smoothie Recipe

Here is a healthy smoothie recipe for all those who love extra zing in their smoothie. The main ingredients have lot of health benefits.
Mango: Mango fruit is rich in pre-biotic dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and poly-phenolic flavonoid antioxidant compounds. It is King of all fruits.

Oranges: Oranges provide lots of health benefits. Important one is it is an excellent source of vitamin C (provides 53.2 mg per 100 g, about 90% of DRI); Vitamin C is a powerful natural antioxidant.

Ginger: Many of us know the benefit of ginger. It is an anti-inflammatory agent. A preliminary study at University of Michigan Comprehensive cancer Center revealed that ginger caused ovarian cancer cells to die. Further, the way in which the cells died suggests ginger may avoid the problem common in ovarian cancer of cells becoming resistant to standard treatments.
How to prepare smoothie using these three fruits? It is simple and easy….

Ingredients: (For serving Size: One)

• 1 mango, peeled and pitted
• 2 oranges, peeled and deseeded
• 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1/2 inch of fresh ginger root, grated or sliced
• 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, soaked for 20 minutes
• 8 ounces of filtered water

Start by adding the liquid to your blender followed by the soft fruit. Add the greens to your blender last. Blend on high for 30 seconds or until the smoothie is creamy.

Nutrition Information:

• Calories: 355
• Fat: 4g
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 82.3g
• Fiber: 16.5
• Calcium: 24% RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance)
• Iron: 4.2mg
• Folate: 514 mcg
• Vitamin A: 152% RDA
• Vitamin C: 372% RDA

This smoothie is also a rich source of folate, vitamin B1 – B6, vitamin E, vitamin K, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.

Image source: Wishfulchef.cdn.kinsta.com

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on:
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A FORCE FOR GOOD -Quotes of Dalai Lama

A FORCE FOR GOOD -Quotes of Dalai Lama

As this great human being turns 80 this month (July), a three-day jubilee commemorating the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday kicks off Sunday with the Nobel Peace Prize winner lecturing on creativity and compassion before a sold-out crowd at Anaheim’s Honda Center. Here at www.werindia.com we have Dalai Lama’s best quotes on the occasion of his birthday.

My main practice is to dedicate my body, speech and mind to the welfare of others. I hope to be able to continue to do this for some time yet. My favorite prayer is: “For as long as space endures, And for as long as living beings remain, Until then may I too abide, To dispel the misery of the world.” : Dalai Lama

Image: His Holiness the Dalai Lama cuts the first birthday cake of his 80th year to share with Indian friends in New Delhi India

Happiness, Actions
Happiness is not something readymade. It comes from your own actions

Life, Help, Purpose
Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.

Morning, Meaningful, Friend
Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend – or a meaningful day.

Motivational
Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. – Dalai Lama

Positive, Action, Vision
In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision.

Religion, kindness
This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.

Love and compassion
Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.

Life, hope & strength
When we meet real tragedy in life, we can react in two ways – either by losing hope and falling into self-destructive habits, or by using the challenge to find our inner strength. Thanks to the teachings of Buddha, I have been able to take this second way.

Best cure
Sleep is the best meditation. – Dalai Lama

Hope and focus
I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe.

Happiness in compassion
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

Peace
We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.

Kindness
There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. My brain and my heart are my temples; my philosophy is kindness.

Life purpose
The purpose of our lives is to be happy.

Good and strength
Calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that is very important for good health

Tolerance
In the practice of tolerance, one’s enemy is the best teacher.

Desire, Practice
When you are discontent, you always want more, more, more. Your desire can never be satisfied. But when you practice contentment, you can say to yourself, ‘Oh yes – I already have everything that I really need.’

Anger, Attitude, Fear
Too much self-centered attitude, you see, brings, you see, isolation. Result: loneliness, fear, anger. The extreme self-centered attitude is the source of suffering.

Distrust, Insecurity
A lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity.

Forgiveness, Love, Lives
All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.

Ability, Build, Potential
With realization of one’s own potential and self-confidence in one’s ability, one can build a better world.

Belief
Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn’t anyone who doesn’t appreciate kindness and compassion.

Happiness & attitude
It is very important to generate a good attitude, a good heart, as much as possible. From this, happiness in both the short term and the long term for both yourself and others will come.

Anger & mind
Appearance is something absolute, but reality is not that way – everything is interdependent, not absolute. So that view is very helpful to maintain a peace of mind because the main destroyer of a peaceful mind is anger

Image credit: Dalai Lama in India (Dalai Lama post)

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: July 7, 2015
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A farmer’s view: What to know about GMO

A farmer’s view: What to know about GMO

Today the largest crop grown in the US is corn, 88% of which is genetically modified.  Corn has become a staple in the American diet. You can find some sort of engineered corn in the majority of processed food on the shelves, as well as almost every sweetened beverage you can imagine. Even when you eat conventionally raised meats you are essentially eating modified Corn. It’s a main ingredient in cheap animal feed.

The first genetically modified DNA organism was created in 1974.  Mother nature has been busy creating ideal food for human beings for millions of years. Isn’t it a bit naive of us to think we can perfect it in just 40, without real evidence of safety no less? Foods containing engineered foods currently make up over 80% of North Americas food supply. If you are eating processed foods or non-organic produce, chances are that you are eating GMOs for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on:
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Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile Arthritis

July is also Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month. As CureArthritis.org states, “It is a common misconception that only ‘’old’ people are afflicted with arthritis. Children can get arthritis just like adults. Arthritis is caused by inflammation of the joints. It causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of motion. Juvenile arthritis is the term used to describe arthritis in children. The most common type that children get is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (idiopathic means “from unknown causes”). There are several other forms of arthritis affecting children. Juvenile arthritis affects children of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. About 294,000 American children under age 18 have arthritis or other rheumatic conditions.

In India, kids who are afflicted by the disorder are often at their wits end on how to deal with the situation. They find their active life restricted and dependency on medicines increasing.  Also, since dietary restrictions come into play, many kids are forced to give up their favorite chocolates and cakes.

According to doctors, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, also known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), is the most common type of arthritis found in children under the age of 16. It is one of the most frequent chronic illnesses among children and an important cause of short- and long-term disability. According to Paediatric rheumatologist Vinaya Kunjir onset of JIA before six months of age is unusual. However, the age at onset is often quite early – with the highest frequency between one and three years of age. Girls are affected twice as many as boys. According to experts, one to four children out of every 1000 children have juvenile arthritis. The condition causes a person’s immune system to attack his own body by releasing poisonous proteins which lead to degeneration, affecting the joints. If left untreated for long, it may develop into more serious complications, leading to even total disability in some cases.

Arthritis warning signs in children
Image: Arthritis warning signs in children

Here are some more Q & A regarding juvenile arthritis.

What Causes Juvenile Arthritis?

Juvenile arthritis is usually an autoimmune disorder. As a rule, the immune system helps fight off harmful bacteria and viruses. But in an autoimmune disorder, the immune system attacks some of the body’s healthy cells and tissues. Scientists don’t know why this happens or what causes the disorder. Some think it’s a two-step process in children: something in a child’s genes (passed from parents to children) makes the child more likely to get arthritis, and something like a virus then sets off the arthritis.

What Are the Symptoms and Signs of Juvenile Arthritis?

The most common symptoms of juvenile arthritis are joint swelling, pain, and stiffness that doesn’t go away. Usually it affects the knees, hands, and feet, and it’s worse in the morning or after a nap. Other signs include:

  • Limping in the morning because of a stiff knee
  • Excessive clumsiness
  • High fever and skin rash
  • Swelling in lymph nodes in the neck and other parts of the body.
  • Most children with arthritis have times when the symptoms get better or go away (remission) and other times when they get worse (flare).

Arthritis in children can cause eye inflammation and growth problems. It also can cause bones and joints to grow unevenly.

How Do Doctors Find Out if Your Child Has Juvenile Arthritis?

There is no easy way a doctor can tell if your child has juvenile arthritis. Doctors usually suspect arthritis when a child has constant joint pain or swelling, as well as skin rashes that can’t be explained and a fever along with swelling of lymph nodes or inflammation in the body’s organs. To be sure that it is juvenile arthritis, doctors depend on many things, which may include:

  • Physical exam
  • Symptoms
  • Family history
  • Lab tests
  • X rays.

Who Treats Juvenile Arthritis?

A team approach is the best way to treat juvenile arthritis. It is best if a doctor trained to treat these types of diseases in children (a pediatric rheumatologist) manages your child’s care. However, many children’s doctors and “adult” rheumatologists also treat children with arthritis.

Other members of your child’s health care team may include:

  • Physical therapist
  • Occupational therapist
  • Counselor or psychologist
  • Eye doctor
  • Dentist and orthodontist
  • Bone surgeon
  • Dietitian
  • Pharmacist
  • Social worker
  • Rheumatology nurse
  • School nurse.

How Is Juvenile Arthritis Treated?

Doctors who treat arthritis in children will try to make sure your child can remain physically active. They also try to make sure your child can stay involved in social activities and have an overall good quality of life. Doctors can prescribe treatments to reduce swelling, maintain joint movement, and relieve pain. They also try to prevent, identify, and treat problems that result from the arthritis. Most children with arthritis need a blend of treatments – some treatments include drugs, and others do not.

How Can You Help Your Child Live Well With Juvenile Arthritis?

Juvenile arthritis affects the whole family. It can strain your child’s ability to take part in social and after-school activities, and it can make schoolwork more difficult. Family members can help the child both physically and emotionally by doing the following:

  • Get the best care possible
  • Learn as much as you can about your child’s disease and its treatment.
  • Consider joining a support group.
  • Treat your child as normally as possible.
  • Encourage exercise and physical therapy for your child.
  • Work closely with your child’s school.
  • Talk with your child.
  • Work with therapists or social workers.

Do Children With Juvenile Arthritis Have to Limit Activities?

Pain sometimes limits what children with juvenile arthritis can do. However, exercise is key to reducing the symptoms of arthritis and maintaining function and range of motion of the joints. Ask your health care provider for exercise guidelines. Most children with arthritis can take part in physical activities and certain sports when their symptoms are under control. Swimming is a good activity because it uses many joints and muscles without putting weight on the joints. During a disease flare, your child’s doctor may advise your child to limit certain activities. It will depend on the joints involved. Once the flare is over, your child can return to his or her normal activities.

Source: http://www.niams.nih.gov/

Image Source: https://changingurworld.com/wp2/wpcontent/uploads/2013/03/JuvenileArthiritisFound-300×256.png

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: June 30, 2015
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INDIAN SPICY TOMATO RICE

Indian Spicy Tomato Rice

Recipe by : Kalyani Kutagolla

(Kalyani Kutagolla lives with her family in Allentown, USA. She is known for her best vegetarian cooking recipes and cooking skills.  Cooking is her hobby and she loves to customize the meals. Whether it is spicy meal, kids meal, traditional Indian cooking or sweets preparation, Kalyani is an expert and her skills are excellent. Expect more healthy and tasty recipes from Kalyani under this category)

Ingredients: (Quantity can serve four people)

1) One cup white rice

2) 5 medium sized tomatoes (sour tomatoes are preferred)

3) 6-8 Cloves

4) 8 Black peppers

5) 2-3 inches Cinnamon stick

6) 2 inches ginger (need to grate)

7) One big size onion

8) Half cup grated coconut

9) Three tb spoon clarified butter (Ghee)  (Optional)

10) 4 spoon oil for frying the dry ingredients

11) Mustard, cumin, curry leaves & asafetida for seasoning.

12) Salt for taste 

Preparation method:

  • Without removing the skin boil the tomatoes for 5 minutes. Allow them to cool and then remove the skin.
  • By squeezing the tomatoes make tomato puree (from 5 tomatoes about 1 and half cup puree can be obtained)
  • In a pressure cooker, heat the oil.
  • To heated oil add mustard, cumin and curry leaves followed by broken red chilies and asafetida. To this, add grated ginger followed by long & thin cut onion*.
  • Once the onion turns reddish brown, add 2 cups of water and tomato puree. Allow the mix to boil and to the boiling mix, add grated coconut followed by rice and salt.
  • Remove the cooked rice, add clarified butter (optional), and mix the rice.
  • Garnish tomato rice with finely cut coriander (cilantro) leaves.
  • Serve with Cucumber salad.

* If more spice is needed one can add little red chilli powder while frying onion.

Image courtesy: http://i.ytimg.com/vi/SnP2ubc5Ids/hqdefault.jpg

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on:
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Mixed Vegetable Korma

MIXED VEGETABLE KORMA

Korma (or Kurma) is a mixed vegetable dish that has fiber, good fat and spices. This dish goes well with Naan, bread, chapatti, paratha, puri and jeera rice. Korma can be a good lunch box dish.  Below is the recipe for Korma.

Ingredients

  • Assorted vegetables : Beans, carrots, cauliflower, peas, potato = 2 cups
  • Chopped onion = 1/2 cup
  • Green chilli = One or two
  • Ginger = 1 inch (cut into small pieces)
  • Garlic= 2 cloves (crushed)
  • Tomatoes= 1/2 cup
  • Turmeric powder- ¼ teaspoon
  • Chilli powder- 1 teaspoon
  • Chopped Coriander leaves= Quarter cup
  • Curry leaves- 10
  • Oil- 3 teaspoons
  • Cinnamon bark = One inch
  • Cardamom-= 2 (Optional)
  • Cloves =2 (Optional)
  • Coconut = Half cup

Preparation:

  • Grind coconut to fine paste (you can add couple of cashews for taste and consistency or little poppy seeds)
  • Heat oil in a pan and fry the cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. Once you get the aroma of the spices add onion and cook in that oil until translucent.
  • Add ginger and garlic and cook until the raw odor disappears.
  • Add tomatoes, green chillies, assorted vegetables and salt together
  • Sauté the veggies with tomatoes till the tomatoes starts to become mushy.
  • Now add turmeric and chilli powder and a cup of water and mix well.
  • Close the pan with a lid and cook the veggies. DO NOT overcook the vegetables.
  • Now add the ground coconut paste. Add little water so that the mix should not be too thin.
  • Boil the mix for a minute. In a frying pan take little oil and fry the curry leaves. Garnish the boiled mix with coriander leaves and curry leaves.

* If one feels that the dish has too many spices and strong aroma then one can avoid using cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. Reduce garlic quantity.

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

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: June 23, 2015
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