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.
Banana stem stir fry

Banana stem stir fry

Have you ever tried banana stem curry or banana stem stir fry? Banana stem is a delicious and healthy vegetable.

While banana fruits are known for unique health benefits, banana stem also known for its amazing health benefits. It is a very rich source of fiber. And, it is good source for reducing fat.  Banana stem juice is good for removing kidney stones.

The fiber in banana stem flushes any unwanted materials from our digestive system. It is good for detoxification and digestion.

Banana stem curry or banana stem stir fry is a simple, easy to prepare dish that you should give it a try!

Ingredients:

  1. Banana stem: Finely chopped 3 cups
  2. Jaggery: 1 Tbsp
  3. Curry leaves – Few
  4. Coriander – chopped 1 cup
  5. Grated coconut – ½ cup
  6. Salt – As per your taste
  7. Mustard powder – ½ tsp
  8. Lemon juice – 2 tsp
  9. Green chilli – 4
  10. Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
  11. Turmeric powder – 2 tsp
  12. Urad dal – 1 tsp
  13. Oil – 2 Tbsp
  14. Water – 1 cup

 Method:

  1. Cut tender banana stem to small pieces. To avoid blackening of stem pieces sprinkle lime juice on the cut pieces, mix and keep aside.
  2. Heat oil in a pan on medium heat. Add mustard, urad dal (1 tsp) and chopped green chilli. Add curry leaves.
  3. To the seasoning add chopped banana stem, mix on medium heat. Add turmeric powder and continue mixing.
  4. After a minute add a cup of water, salt and mix. Close the lid and cook in medium heat.
  5. Once the stem pieces are cooked and water is evaporated, add powdered jaggery, mustard seeds and mix.
  6. Turn off the heat and add grated coconut, lemon juice and mix well.
  7. Before serving, add chopped coriander leaves and mix.
  8. Serve banana stir fry (curry) with your choice of rice, roti, chapathi or bread!

Recipe: www.werindia.com


Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: May 21, 2018
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Winner of Mothers' Day Special Recipe Contest 2018

Winner of Mothers’ Day Special Recipe Contest 2018

Our “Mother’s Day Special Recipe Contest”, which we ran through Facebook, is now closed.

Our motto was to “Celebrate the most important women in your life this Mother’s Day!

We asked our users aka WeRIndians to share their family’s best, favorite food recipe in the comment section of our Facebook page and they could win a gift hamper to pamper their Mom like she deserves. And, guess what… we have received an amazing response from our participants in the contest.

HERE IS THE WINNER:  Sunita Katyal

My Ultimate & the most healthy snack is “Oats Cutlet”.  

And here’s the ‘Oats Cutlet‘ recipe:

Ingredients:

  • Oats – 1cup
  • Onions – 1 cup (finely chopped)
  • Potatoes (boiled and mashed) – 4
  • Red chilli powder – 1/2 tsp
  • Chaat masala – 1/2 tsp
  • Cumin Powder – 1/2 tsp
  • Garam masala – 1/4 tsp
  • Coriander Powder-1/2 tsp
  • Paneer-150 gms
  • Salt – to taste
  • Bread crumbs – 1/2 cup
  • Cornflour (for paste,mixing with water)
  • Green Chillies –(finely chopped) if required
  • Olive Oil
  • Coriander leaves – (finally chopped)

Method:

  1. Dry roast the oats and keep it aside.In a separate bowl Add mashed potatoes and grated paneer and chopped onion now add the red chilli powder, chaat masala, cumin powder, garam masala and coriander powder, salt and the chopped fresh coriander and mix well. Then add roasted oats and mix well.
  2. Divide to 11 or 12 equal parts and make it as round flat or oval shaped or heart shaped cutlets.
  3. Coat both sides with cornflour paste quickly then coat each cutlet with bread crumbs/Rusk crumbs.
  4. Heat a pan and sprinkle little olive oil and place the cutlets.When the bottom side turns golden brown, turn the other side.
  5. Remove when the other side also turns golden brown.
  6. Serve hot with tomato ketchup/green chutney.

Note: You can add vegetables like boiled peas/chopped capsicum/grated carrot.

#MothersDay #RecipeContest #IndianRecipe #ContestAlert #HappyMothersDay2018  #HealthyLife  #WeRIndia

Congratulations to the winner - WerIndia


Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: May 18, 2018
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Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term for two conditions – Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis both are chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. IBD often mistaken as IBS – Irritable bowel syndrome.

Symptoms of Inflammatory bowel disease are:

  • Persistent diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Rectal bleeding/bloody stools
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue

To diagnose IBD endoscopy is used for Crohn’s disease and colonoscopy for ulcerative colitis. With these imaging studies, MRI, computed tomography or CT are used. Doctors will check stool samples to check any possible infection or run blood test to confirm their diagnosis.

Crohn’s Disease: Can affect any part of the GI tract from mouth to anus). Most often it affects the portion of the small intestine before the large intestine/colon.

  • Damaged areas appear in patches that are next to areas of healthy tissue
  • Inflammation may reach through the multiple layers of the walls of the GI tract

Ulcerative Colitis: Occurs in the large intestine (colon) and the rectum

  • Damaged areas are continuous (not patchy) – usually starting at the rectum and spreading further into the colon
  • Inflammation is present only in the innermost layer of the lining of the colon

How is IBD treated? Different types of medications including immunomodulators, corticosteroids, aminosalicylates are used. To prevent infections vaccinations are recommended. Severe IBD required to remove damaged portion of GI. Now a days surgery is uncommon due to advances in treatments. Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis require different types of surgeries.

How to manage IBD?

Cause of IBD is still not totally understood and it cannot be prevented. However, ​IBD symptoms can be managed to prevent complications.

  1. Stop smoking. Smoking worsens treatment outcomes and increases flares-up among patients with Crohn’s disease.
  2. Get recommended vaccinations. IBD patients treated with certain medications have a higher risk for infection.
  3. Ask your doctor if you should be screened for colorectal cancer. Patients with IBD may need to start screening for colorectal cancer before age 50.
  4. If you are a woman with IBD, talk to your doctor about how to prevent cervical cancer. Patients with IBD are at higher risk of cervical cancer.
  5. Ask your doctor if you need a bone density test. Certain medications used to treat IBD may increase your risk for osteoporosis.

Diet & Nutrition: Diet and nutrition helps to prevent IBD. But diet or food does not initiate IBD.

  1. Eat smaller meals at more frequent intervals. Eat five small meals a day, every three or four hours, rather than the traditional three large meals a day.
  2. Reduce the amount of greasy or fried foods. High-fat foods may cause diarrhea and gas if fat absorption is incomplete.
  3. Watch dairy intake. Persons who are lactose intolerant or who are experiencing IBD or IBS may need to limit the amount of milk or milk products they consume.
  4. Restrict the intake of certain high-fiber foods. If there is narrowing of the bowel, these foods may cause cramping. High-fiber foods also cause contractions once they enter the large intestine. Because they are not completely digested by the small intestine, these foods may also cause diarrhea.
  5. Avoid problem (trigger) foods. Eliminate any foods that make symptoms worse. These may include “gassy” food (such as beans, cabbage and broccoli), spicy food, popcorn and alcohol, as well as foods and drinks that contain caffeine, such as chocolate and soda.
  6. Foods to try: Bananas, applesauce, canned varieties of fruit, White bread, crackers made with white flour, plain cereals, White rice, refined pastas, Potatoes without the skin, Cheese (if you’re not lactose intolerant). Smooth peanut butter, Bland soft foods, Cooked vegetables, Canola and olive oils, Low-sugar sports drinks and Crystal Light diluted with water
  7. Foods to avoid: Fresh fruit (unless blended or juiced), Prunes, raisins or dried fruit, Uncooked vegetables and raw foods, High-fiber foods (such as fiber-rich breads, cereals, nuts and leafy greens), High-sugar foods, Skins, seeds, popcorn, High-fat foods, Spicy foods, Beans, Some dairy products, Large food portions, Caffeine in coffee, tea and other beverages, Ice-cold liquids (even water)

Managing stress helps to reduce IBD symptoms. Getting enough sleep, nurturing body with healthy tips, enough physical activities prevents prolongation and pain caused by IBD.

For more on Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome please visit:

  • www.cdc.gov
  • http://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org

 

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

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


Author: HealthyLife | Posted on:
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Cooking fire control

How to prevent and take care of cooking fire?

Cooking fire are the lead cause of burnt wounds and injuries.

To protect yourself and family, learn how to prevent a cooking fire in your kitchen.

Here are important safe cooking tips.

  1. Stay in the kitchen: Keep an eye on cooking. Do not leave cooking area unattended because the number one cause of cooking fire is not paying attention and unattending.
  2. Check food regularly. If you are roasting, simmering, seasoning, baking, frying it is important to keep an eye on food. You can also use a timer to remind you to check on dish.
  3. Oil: If oil is too hot or seasoning is not done properly, oil will attract fire. Do not overheat oil. Overheated oil will spill out and can cause ignition.
  4. Keep stove top clear: Do not place dishtowel, paper towel, oven mitts on stove top. These materials can catch fire.
  5. Clothing: Do not wear lose clothing while cooking. Wear short or close-fitting sleeves.
  6. Clean cooking surfaces: Use a proper liquid and remove food and grease build up.
  7. No gasoline: Do not store gasoline inside the kitchen and house. Likewise, do not keep store solvents, flammable materials, cleaners close to stove surface.
  8. Vessels: Pan and pots that have handles should have proper handle covered with fire resistant material.
  9. Gas cylinder: Learn how to open and lock gas cylinder. Learn safety measurements while handling gas cylinder. If gas is leaking, open all the windows. Let the gas empty kitchen and house. Do not light the gas.
  10. Watch children: Do not leave children unattended in kitchen while cooking. When old enough, teach children fire safety.
  11. Grill: If you are using grill, be sure to keep it clean and away from materials that could catch on fire. If you are using starter fluid be careful. Propane gas tanks should be checked for leaks on regular basis

How to extinguish fire?

  1. Slide a pan lid over flames to smother grease or oil fire and turnoff the heat. Leave the lid in place until the pan cools.
  2. Use baking soda to extinguish food fires. Do not use water or flour on cooking fires.
  3. Keep the oven door shut and turn off the heat to smother an oven or broiler fire
  4. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and learn how to use it.
  5. Smoke detector: Have a working smoke detector at home. Change the batteries twice a year.

Always have fire department number handy and if you feel fire cannot be contained call emergency number and get out of the house. While leaving, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.

From: Grandma’s safety tips collection

Read more here:


Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: May 15, 2018
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Recommended for you

Sprouted mung bean pancake

Sprouted mung bean pancake

Mung bean is known for its high protein content and is easy to sprout.

Sprouted mung beans have additional source of energy and gives cooling effect to body.

It is easily digestible and one can add sprouted mung bean to salads, make sambar or cool drinks.

Sometimes eating mung bean can cause bit of gas problem.

To get benefit of mung bean one can sprout mung beans and prepare mung bean pancakes (also known as dosa) by adding light spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric and fennel.

Adding these ingredients makes it more digestible and easy on stomach.

Ingredients:

  1. Sprouted mung beans – 2 cups
  2. Carrot -1/4 cup
  3. Zucchini chopped -1/4 cup
  4. Baking soda -1/2 tsp
  5. Cumin powder– 1 tsp
  6. Fennel powder – 1 tsp
  7. Coriander powder – ½ tsp
  8. Cilantro chopped – ¼ cup
  9. Turmeric powder – 1 tsp
  10. Corn flour – 1 cup (to get dosa batter consistency)
  11. Salt – as per taste

Preparation:

  1. Sprout 1 cup of green mung beans
  2. In a grinder add all the ingredients with sprouted mung beans. Add water and grind.
  3. To grinded mix add corn flour and chopped cilantro. Add water and mix to get dosa batter consistency
  4. Place a tava (pan) on medium heat and apply oil
  5. Pour a ladle of batter on the tava and spread it thin (or thick the way you want it)
  6. Cook both the sides to golden brown
  7. Serve the hot pancake with green chutney

*To increase taste, you can add chopped onion and green chillis to the batter.


Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: May 14, 2018
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Powerful yoga pose Chaturanga Dandasana

Powerful yoga pose Chaturanga Dandasana

 Often referred as low plank pose, Chaturanga Dandasana, Four limbed staff pose is a intermediate yoga pose.  It resembles a push up with a difference -dandasana is a straight-line pose where body is aligned correctly and limbs and hands support the body. It is a challenging pose for yogis and takes many practices to get it correct.  It is a major component of Vinyasa, Ashtanga and modern power yoga. It is an essential pose of Sun salutation or Surya namaskar. It strengthens and tones arms, wrists, abdominal muscles and lower back.  It prepares body for arm balancing poses. It is one of the most desired pose of yogis and once learning accomplished the pose is a powerful tool for full body toner. – Healthylife

Four-Limbed Staff Pose Chaturanga Dandasana

LEVEL : Intermediate

Anatomy : Abs, Arms, Feet, Shoulders

Pose Type : Arm Balance, Core

Sanskrit :Chaturanga Dandasana (chaht-tour-ANG-ah don-DAHS-anna)

chatur = four anga = limb danda = staff

BENEFITS:

  • Strengthens the arms, wrists, and shoulders
  • Prepares the body for arm balances
  • Strengthens the core

CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Wrist injuries and recent surgeries
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Slipped discs, along with other spinal issues
  • Pregnancy

HOW TO

  1. Come into Plank pose. Make sure your hands are aligned beneath your shoulders, and distribute your body weight evenly between your hands and feet.
  2. Exhale and bend at the elbows. Slowly lower your body until it’s parallel to the floor, a few inches above your mat, and your arms are at a 90-degree angle. Hold your elbows in close to your ribs.
  3. Engage your abdomen and thighs to maintain length in the spine. Do not let your shoulders come lower than your elbows. (This will help protect your rotator cuff.)
  4. Lower your gaze so you are looking straight down, keeping your neck in line with your spine.
  5. To release, exhale and push up into Upward-Facing Dog. Beginners may lower down to the abdomen, preparing for Cobra pose.

MODIFY OR REPLACE

  • Knees-Chest-Chin pose
  • Bharmanasana (Tabletop pose)

SEQUENCING TIPS

Before:

After:

  • Upward-Facing Dog (Urdhva Mukha Savasana)
  • Downward-Facing Dog

TEACHING CUES

  • Ground down through all four corners of your hands.
  • Reach long through the legs, activating the leg muscles.
  • As you exhale, lower down.
  • Keep your arms hugged in close to your torso.
  • Keep your neck long.

VARIATIONS

  • Raise one leg as you lower down into Chaturanga. Keeping the leg raised, inhale and come up into Upward-Facing Dog.

WATCH OUT FOR

  • Collapsing hips down
  • Shoulders dipping below elbows
  • Compressing low back
  • Elbows flaring out to the sides

This article with image is published with prior permission from https://beyogi.com/learn-yoga


Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: May 9, 2018
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