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.
Power of Hibiscus

Power of Hibiscus

Hibiscus plants are not only good for gardening but also has several medicinal properties. In traditional home remedies, both white and red flower bearing Hibiscus plants have tremendous values. Both these two varieties have unique medicinal properties compared to other varieties.

Do you know that Hibiscus flowers are rich in nutrient contents? They are rich in Iron, phosphorus, calcium, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin etc with Vitamin C and carotene in small amounts. Few of Hibiscus traditional uses and home remedies are described here:

1. Reduces baldness or alopecia: Hair fall or baldness is a common condition in youths. There are no specific reasons assigned for this condition. Red hibiscus leaves and flowers are helpful for those who are suffering from alopecia.

  • Take 8-10 young (not very young) leaves of hibiscus and boil them in water. Allow it to cool and squeeze the leaves. Collect the slimy liquid and apply on the scalp and hair. Leave for half an hour and wash hair using lukewarm water.
  • Take 8-10 young leaves along with couple of hibiscus flowers and boil. Allow it to cool. If you are familiar with Shikakai powder and if it is available, mix shikakai powder with this liquid. Wash hair and scalp using this mixture. Care should be taken that shikakai should not enter your eyes.
  • Mix equal amount of hibiscus flower with olive oil. Warm the oil or keep it under hot sun. Strain colored oil and store in a bottle. Apply this to scalp and massage. Hibiscus extract helps in getting back normal and shiny hair!

2. Reduce eye burning: Take a cup of sesame oil and steep hibiscus flowers in it. Collect the oil and apply one spoon on the head. Gently massage. This gives a relief to burning eye!

3. Mix equal amount of hibiscus leaves and coconut oil. Warm the oil on slow heat or keep it in sunlight. Strain the green oil and store in a bottle. Apply this on scalp and hair. Leave it overnight and wash hair next day.

4. Durva or Cynodon grass has several medicinal properties. Mix Durva juice and white hibiscus flower juice in Coconut oil. Warm it for few minutes. Apply this to burn wounds and sores.

5. For anaemia – To increase hemoglobin level in blood- take 20-50 buds of Hibiscus flowers and sundry it. Grind and store the powder in an air-tight container. Mix one tsp of this in a cup of milk and drink. This increases physical stamina in adults too.

6. Memory power enhancer – Both hibiscus leaves and flowers exhibit magical power together on memory cells. Take equal amount of white hibiscus leaves and flowers. Sundry and prepare powder. Take a spoon of this powder along with little saffron in cow milk daily.

7. Coolant for body inflammation: Take few hibiscus tender leaves and boil in water. Allow it to cool and prepare paste. Apply this on body parts to reduce inflammation.

8. Hibiscus Tea: Hot or cold – Colorful Hibiscus tea has soothing power. Hibiscus tea is good for those suffering from problems related to; Blood pressure, heart ailments, strokes, obesity and many more.

9. Young leaves can be used in preparation of Rice dose (dosa). One can add young leaves in pakora or fritters. One can add them to traditional rice rotis too.

10. Take one or two inches of white hibiscus root and grind with buttermilk. Drink this to reduce sugar level and kidney stones.

11. Like Rose gulkand one can prepare hibiscus gulkan. Consuming one or two Tbs of Hibiscus gulkan reduces fatigue and tiredness.

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Reference: Healthylife.werindia.com 

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: October 2, 2018
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Not skyscrapers, This is Plantscrapers !

Not skyscrapers, This is Plantscrapers!

Increase in population in the world making it hard to find fertile farms to grow food and the way we are growing food is not sustainable too.

By the year 2050 world population is expected to grow to 10 billion. To fulfill needs of growing population we need to use more land and transportation facilities across the globe. It also means we will continue harming environment by using harmful practices to fulfill everyone’s needs.

Scientists and researchers including farmers are trying to find a better way to feed the growing population.

Swedish company Plantagon has come up with an answer in the form of “plantscrapers”. These are tall, massive vertical greenhouses meant for growing large-scale organic food farms in cities. It uses less energy and smaller carbon footprint than the way we are growing food at present.

Plantscraper is a futuristic looking glass scraper filled with indoor office space for the workers and farm.  The first prototype is going to be a reality by 2020 and the company is crowdsourcing the funds to construct 16 story building. It is called the world Food Building at Linkoping, Sweden. It serves as an international model for Industrial urban farming of the world.

This prototype and subsequent plantscrapers would use patented technology by Plantagon to produce 500 metric tons of food every year! The farm is climate controlled. Nearly half part of the energy used for food production will be recycled in different form like heating the floor of the office building. It also saves water and will be less carbon dioxide emission.

Plants will be grown using hydroponic culture without soil. Water will have nutrients that are needed for plants to grow. It will be largely automated.

In a press release Plantagon officials said “ our vertical farming technology is a solution to the food crisis caused by our human population growing so rapidly. We are growing, the earth is not and vertical farming will make the difference”.

Plantscraper will also include spiraled food production line, that will automatically moves the plants from bottom to top and back again once they grow. Apart from tall buildings, it also has designed global structure. In addition to growing food, it also will have market from where people, local restaurants and food retailers can buy their fresh produce.

Plantagon is planning to extend its innovation and to build similar structure it is in conversation with other countries – USA, Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

References:

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: September 28, 2018
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Warrior 2 pose

Warrior 2 pose

If you want to shape your arms, practice warrior 2 pose also known as Virabhadrasana. This pose strengthens entire arm and shoulder. Stretches hips, shoulder, opens lungs and chest, stimulates abdominal organ, relieves backaches and good for exercise for pregnant women. It also helps to develop stability and balance and improves circulation in the body. Apart from these benefits this beginner pose helps to strengthen legs which means it is good for arthritis, osteoporosis. Even though it is a beginner pose, the challenge to get into proper position is difficult for many yogis. Understanding how far to keep your leg apart, bending knee at certain angle and holding arms for few breath can be challenging too. – Healthylife.werindia.com

LEVEL :Beginner

Anatomy: Arms, Hips, Knees, Legs, Shoulders

Pose Type: Hip Opener, Standing

Sanskrit :Virabhadrasana II (VEER-ah-bha-DRAS-anna) Virabhadra = a powerful warrior who arose from Shiva’s matted locks

BENEFITS

  • Strengthens the arms, legs, shoulders, and back
  • Stretches the hamstrings, calves, ankles, and shoulders
  • Relieves sciatica, flat feet, and backache
  • Tones the abdominal organs
  • Creates sense of strength and confidence

CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Leg, knee, hip, or shoulder injuries
  • Diarrhea
  • Weak heart or weak constitution
  • High blood pressure

HOW TO

  1. Begin standing in Mountain pose. Step your feet about 4 to 4 1/2 feet wide. Turn your right toes out 90 degrees to the right. Turn your left toes inward slightly.
  2. Inhale and bring your arms to shoulder height. Face your palms toward the floor.
  3. Exhale and bend your right knee until your right thigh is parallel to the ground. Make sure that your right knee is not beyond your right toes. Press through your right heel and the outer edge of your left foot.
  4. Draw your tailbone down and your pelvis inward; then lift your ribcage away from your hips to lengthen your spine. Reach through your fingertips and gaze past your right shoulder.
  5. Stay in Warrior II for up to a minute, while taking deep breaths. Inhale and straighten your right leg; then exhale and release your arms. Step your feet together. Change sides.

MODIFY OR REPLACE

Alternatives:

Urdhva Hastasana (Upward Salute)

Modifications:

  • Depending on your height, you may need to step your feet wider or closer together.
  • Gaze forward to reduce any strain in the neck.

SEQUENCING TIPS

Before:

  • Tadasana (Mountain pose)
  • Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I)

After:

  • Utthita Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle pose)
  • Virabhadrasana III (Warrior III)
  • Parivrtta Parsvakonasana (Revolved Side Angle pose)

TEACHING CUES

  • Align the front knee over the ankle.
  • Anchor the outer edge of the back foot to the ground.
  • Draw the shoulders down.
  • Tuck the tailbone under.

VARIATIONS

  • Widen the stance and bring the front thigh completely parallel to the ground.
  • Face the palms toward the sky and draw the shoulders down the back.

WATCH OUT FOR

  • Torso leaning to either side
  • Front knee beyond the ankle or splaying to either side
  • Outer edge of the back foot lifted from the floor
  • Overarching the low back
  • Shoulders hunched

Article and image is published with prior permission for beyogi.com

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: September 14, 2018
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street food india

This city wins India’s first Clean Street Food Hub

India offers varieties of street foods to those who enjoy eating out. These foods are delicious, and weekends families and friends while spending time outside flock into street foods. However, always there is a concern about public health and safety when it comes to street food. Eating unhygienic food can lead to serious health issues. Food contamination can be fatal to people.

Food authority of India is taking strict action to improve quality of street foods. FSSAI has been designating popular street food localities across the country as “clean street food hubs” if they fulfil certain food safety and hygiene criteria! For this reason, street food vendors including restaurants were offered training for hygiene practices.

After the training program initiated in India, nearly  20,000 street food vendors have been trained in best hygiene practices in New Delhi alone, and the training was extended to other states too.

In 2017, FSSAI formulated guidelines for street food hub certification. The parameters used for certification are: Garbage disposal, maintaining personal hygiene, demarcating cooking and non-cooking area, working street lights, pest control and overall cleanliness of the area where the food is prepared.

Kankaria Lake of Ahmedabad “Clean Street Food Hub” of India

FSSAI recently declared Kankaria Lake area of Ahmedabad as India’s first clean street food hub. For the next one year the food regulator hopes to give certificate and designate  such streets across the country.

Kankaria lake is one of the oldest, 15th century lake in India with around 66 street food vendors. It serves popular street food for approximately 12 million people each year.

According to Pawan Agarwal, CEO of FSSAI, “There is an 80% cut off and anything above that is outstanding. These people have done a fabulous job in reaching up to that level, and now it is about maintaining the standard. The state food regulator will be conducting regular inspections to keep a check”.

FSSAI with Gujrat Food and Drug control administration and other agencies conducted pre-audit of the street food earlier this year. During the pre-audit suggestions were given for improvement of the quality and training to food vendors regarding hygiene of food. Vendors made those necessary changes and won the designation “Clean street Food Hub of India”

Law Garden, another popular tourist place, is also in line to become the second place in Gujarat for the project. While sharing the details, H G Koshia, food safety commissioner, Food Drug and Control Administration (FDCA) said, “Kankaria Lake and Law Garden, also known as Khau Galli in Ahmedabad, are the two places which are considered to be declared as clean street food hubs. We are now in the final stage of declaring Kankaria Lake as the country’s first clean street food hubs.”

“With this tag of clean street food hub by FSSAI, it will get a value addition. All the vendors are following the necessary procedures, including wearing apparel, hand and head gloves, using packaged water, maintaining cleanliness around the stall, using carpets, etc.” he added.

“Earlier, these vendors were using tanker water to prepare the food. In 2012-13, FDCA, through its continuous training and awareness drive, helped these vendors connect with packaged bottle companies to supply the water. But now, consumers can now be fully assured of the quality of food and hygiene,” stated Koshia.

This initiative will raise hygiene standards and revolutionize street food vending in India, making it popular among both domestic as well as international tourists while preserving rich culinary heritage of India. It will nudge the street food vendors into a food ecosystem and globally the demand and esteem of Indian street food will reach high.

References:

  • https://www.fssai.gov.in/home
  • www.hindustantimes.com
Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: September 10, 2018
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4 types of Banana stem juice for various conditions

4 types of Banana stem juice for various conditions

Traditional home remedies use banana stem for various purposes. One use of banana stem is reducing kidney stones and to get rid of pain associated with it.

It also helps to reduce weight by reducing fat and reduces obesity. Apart from these consuming banana stem also reduces acidity and cholesterol level.

There are different ways one can prepare banana stem juice depending on other ingredients. Adding ingredients is to enhance the taste. Here are 4 types of banana stem juice for various conditions:

Type 1: For kidney stone, urinary tract discomfort and detoxification

  1. Banana stem pieces – 2 cups
  2. Yogurt – 1 cup
  3. Salt – 1 tsp
  4. Cumin powder – 1 tsp
  5. Black pepper – 1 tsp
  6. Asafetida – a pinch
  7. Water – 2 cups

Preparation: Grind the contents. Add 2 cups of water to grinder and continue grinding.  Strain content to a drinking cups and consume.

Type 2: For obesity and kidney stone

  1. Banana stem piece – 2 cups (soak)
  2. Lime juice – 2 tsp
  3. Salt – 1/2 tsp

Preparation: Grind soaked banana stem piece along with water. Strain to a cup and add rest of the 2 ingredients. Mix well and drink.

 Type 3: For obesity, digestion and weight reduction.

  1. Banana stem pieces – 2 cups
  2. One apple (cut into pieces)
  3. Lime juice – ½ tsp
  4. Salt – ½ tsp
  5. Sugar – 1 tsp

Preparation: Grind banana stem and apple pieces together by adding 1 cup water. Strain and add lime juice, salt and sugar. Mix well and drink.

Type 4: For weight reduction and reducing cholesterol

  1. Banana stem pieces – 2 cups
  2. Cinnamon powder – 1 tsp
  3. Lime juice -1/2 tsp
  4. Salt – 1 tsp
  5. Mint leaves – few (5-6)
  6. Cucumber – few pieces

Preparation: Grind all ingredients together by adding 2 cups water. Strain content and drink.

Grandma’s remedies: www.healthylife.werindia.com

Image credits: Google

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on:
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Different ways to use slow cooker

Different ways to use slow cooker

Apart from cooking rice, making soup, cooking greens – slow cooker can be used for following cooking purposes.

  1. Bake potatoes : Wrap potatoes in aluminum foil and put them in slow cooker. Of course, don’t forget to add water. Bake potatoes slowly while you step outside the house. When you come back from your work, potatoes are baked!
  2. Cake baking: Mix cake ingredients. Grease inside cooker and pour the mix inside. Bake on high heat for 3 to 4 hours and serve hot with whipped frosting or with ice cream.
  3. Bread: Prepare bread dough and put it in slow cooker, set the temperature to high and let it bake for one to two hours. Check bread frequently and allow it to cool once it is baked!

 If you have an old slow cooker that still works and if you don’t want to use it for cooking purpose then instead of discarding, you can use it for following purposes:   

  1. Inhaler: Heat water and add Vicks or essential oils that helps berating. Inhale the vapor and get relief from congestion.
  2. Simmer rose petals and rose water: To enhance skin, add rose petals and few drops of rose water in water and let it simmer in the water slowly. Use low heat for this. Use water to nourish your skin!
  3. Homemade lip balm: Get beeswax, jajoba oil, vitamin E and put it in the cooker. For flavoring add a small amount of honey or sugar. Turn on cooker – medium heat. Let wax melt and mix with ingredients. Transfer the melted mix to old lip balm containers and use it after it cools and hardens!
  4. Hand towel heater: If you need wet and hot hand towels to clean face or hands and fingers after your beauty treatments, keep folded, moistened hand towels in slow cooker and warm them.
  5. Clean your jewelry – Yes, you heard it right. Add white vinegar, table salt and hydrogen peroxide to slow cooker pot. Heat the pot and let your jewelry soak in the liquid for couple of minutes and scrub it using soft brush. Turn off the heat.
  6. Air freshener: Add any of these or mixture of herbs – apples, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cut lemon, peppermint oil, lavender, eucalyptus oil in slow cooker in water. Let the aroma spread inside the home.

Grandma’s tips: www.healthylife.werindia.com

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: August 30, 2018
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Skin Care Tips For Diabetic Patients

Skin Care Tips For Diabetic Patients

People who are suffering from diabetes must take care of their skin properly. With high blood sugar level diabetic patients lose the body fluid and it results in dry skin. The dry skin can also happen when someone has neuropathy pain associated with diabetes.

The nerves in the legs and feet may not get the message to sweat, which is necessary to keep skin soft and moist. Keeping your skin moisturized when you have diabetes is one of the easiest ways to prevent skin problems. Legs are the easy entry portal for microorganisms to enter from dirt.  Dry skin cracks up and leads to an entry place for bacteria and fungi that can infect the skin.

Having high blood sugar for a long time can lead to poor circulation and nerve damage. Poor circulation and nerve damage can make it hard for body to heal wounds. Infection may lead to sores and uncontrollable wounds. These open wounds are called diabetic ulcers. Here are some skin care tips for diabetic condition.

1. Always keep your skin clean and dry.

2. Keep your diabetes well managed. Keep blood sugar as normal as possible. People with high glucose levels tend to have dry skin and less ability to fend off harmful bacteria. Both conditions increase the risk of infection.

3. After you wash with a mild soap, rinse and dry thoroughly in every nook and cranny of your body. Use a moisturizer, but not between your toes.

4. Prevent dry skin. Scratching dry or itchy skin can open it up and allow infection to set in. Moisturize your skin to prevent chapping, especially in cold or windy weather.

5. Avoid very hot baths and showers, which can dry your skin. Avoid soaking your feet too because extended exposure to water softens the feet and makes your skin more prone to being pierced.

6. If your skin is dry, don’t use bubble baths. Moisturizing soaps may help. Afterward, use a standard skin lotion, but don’t put lotions between toes. The extra moisture there can encourage fungus to grow.

Did you know? A yeast-like fungus called Candida albicans is responsible for many of the fungal infections affecting people with diabetes. This fungus creates itchy red rashes, often surrounded by tiny blisters and scales. These infections most often occur in warm, moist folds of the skin.

7. During cold, dry months, keep your home more humid. Bathe in less time during this weather, if possible.

8. Inspect your body for red spots, blisters and sores that could lead to infection.

9. Treat cuts right away. Wash minor cuts with soap and water.

10. Protect skin from the elements. To protect your skin from the sun, use sun creams with at least SPF15 or higher.

11. To protect your skin from the cold or wind, cover your ears and face, including your nose, and wear a hat. Also wear warm gloves and shoes or boots.

12. If you are prone to acne, talk to your doctor before selecting a facial moisturiser. Some moisturisers tend to make acne worse. Use products labelled non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic.

13. Keep a bottle of lotion near the basin so you can use it after washing your hands.

14. Limit products you use on your skin to decrease your chances of having a reaction.

15. Look for any bumps or changes in appearance on your feet and have your doctor look at your feet at least twice a year during your physical.

16. Control blood pressure and cholesterol by taking prescribed medications, which will improve circulation and keep your skin healthy.

17. Drink plenty of fluids, like water and caffeine-free, sugar-free drinks, to keep your skin hydrated.

18. Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which nourish the skin. This includes fish like salmon, sardines, albacore tuna and mackerel, as well as tofu and other forms of soybeans, walnuts, flaxseed and their oils.

19. Treat cuts right away. Wash minor cuts with soap and water. Only use an antibiotic cream or ointment if your doctor says it’s okay. Cover minor cuts with sterile gauze. See a doctor right away if you get a major cut, burn, or infection.

20. Use mild shampoos. Do not use feminine hygiene sprays.

21. Apply lip balm to prevent chapped lips.

22. Stay away from stinging insects like honeybees and take precautions for bug bites as much as possible.

23. Wear gloves and proper shoes when you are working in the garden.

24. See a dermatologist about skin problems if you are not able to solve them yourself. And, talk to your doctor or dermatologist (skin doctor) if you are not able to solve a skin problem yourself.

25. Take good care of your feet. Check them every day for sores and cuts. Wear broad, flat shoes that fit well. Check your shoes for foreign objects before putting them on.

26. Always drink plenty of water. It is wise to cut down on alcohol or caffeine, since these substances can dehydrate the body, robbing the skin of fluids.

If you have diabetes, follow your physicians advice regarding nutrition, exercise, and medicine. Maintaining control of blood glucose level within the range is the best way to keep healthy skin in diabetic conditions. Proper skin care also can help reduce your risk of skin-related problems.

References:

  • http://my.clevelandclinic.org
  • http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/skin-problems
  • http://www.everydayhealth.com/

Image credit: https://www.needpix.com/photo/677382/sunburn-feet-skin-red-burned-flushed-allergy-skin-irritation-part-of-the-body (Free for commercial use)

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: August 28, 2018
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Mexico School district adopted Vegan meals

Mexico School district adopted Vegan meals

Mexico’s second largest state will serve 925,000 vegan meals in its schools starting this year!

This announcement came out recently after an agreement between Mexican Government and Mercy for Animals “Come consciente” Latin food policy program. Come Consciente is “Conscious Eating”.

In August 2017 Public health advocates and Animal welfare tasted a major victory in Mexico when the Permanent Commission of the congress passed a resolution urging the systems to serve meat and egg free meals one day a week.

According to WHO reports in Mexico, diabetes alone is responsible for 80,000 death every year.

To control death rate by diabetes condition, both Endocrinology physicians and American Diabetes Association recommended Vegan- plant based diet as part of effective treatment.

Vegan diet known to reduce blood sugar level, body inflammation and lowers risk of heart disease. And in order to bring down childhood obesity schools will serve vegan meals in Mexico’s largest state.

From April this plant based Vegan food program is replacing 20% of animal products served in Veracruz, Mexico’s second largest state. Vegan meals will be served every Monday. According to Food policy specialist Coral Gonzalez, ‘by replacing 20% of its meat, dairy and eggs with healthy, eco-friendly plant based foods state of Veracruz is leading the way to brighter future’.

Vegan meals program is successfully running in both Brazil and Mexico. Veracruz is the first state to sign the bill to promote plant based education. This program introduces kids to healthier eating and develops consciousness about animals. Children will learn benefits of plant based food and develop taste for sustainable choices too.

It is a groundbreaking accomplishment for Come Cosncente, MFA Mexico and the state of Veracruz. All three organizations are in hopes to reduce the rate of childhood obesity and malnutrition as both are linked to learning problems in young children.

MFA is looking forward to working with other state Governments in Mexico to achieve same goals and implement more such conscious eating programs in schools to reduce childhood obesity.

References:

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: August 27, 2018
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