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.
Mango rasam

Green mango (raw) rasam

Mango season is not over yet. You may find raw and sour mango in the market. Do not hesitate to buy couple of raw mangoes, because you can prepare a tasty rasam (saaru or soup) out of raw mango.

The juice of raw mangoes which is little spicy is good for health. It helps in digestion, increases appetite, rich in vitamin C and it is known to retain water in the body and helps during dehydration.  In Karnataka, India there is a special variety of raw mango is available namely Appekaayi. Rasam prepared out of this has a very good flavor. In case, you don’t get the appekayi use regular but sour mango for this preparation.

Try this healthy and tasty recipe at home.

Ingredients:

  1. ¾ cup grated sour raw mango (IF available use appekayi)
  2. Salt as needed
  3. ½ tsp cumin seeds
  4. 2 green chillies
  5. 3 to 4 cups water
  6. ½ tsp ghee/clarified butter or oil
  7. ¼ tsp mustard seeds
  8. ½ tsp cumin seeds
  9. Pinch of asafetida
  10. Little turmeric
  11. 1/4 tsp urad daal (split black gram)
  12. 10 to 15 curry leaves

Preparation:

  • Wash and remove mango outer skin, grate the mango.
  • Grind the grated mango with cumin, green chillies and little water.
  • Strain the juice to a container and regrind the extract for three to four times by adding little water. This is to remove the juice from the mango as much as possible.
  • Once you extract all the juice from the pulp, discard the pulp.
  • To the juice add some more water and salt mix.
  • Taste the juice, if you feel that it is still lot more sour than you expected, then add some more water and salt.
  • In a pan heat the ghee on medium heat. Add mustard seeds, followed by cumin seeds and urad daal and asafetida. Add curry leaves, turmeric and fry for few seconds and turn off the heat.
  • Add this seasoning to the rasam/ saaru and mix it.
  • Serve this saaru for lunch or as a drink during summer.

Recipe by: healthylife.werindia.com

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: July 16, 2016
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Benefits of Panchamrutha

Positive benefits of Panchamrutha

Panchamrutha (sanskrit) is a sacred mixture of five healthy ingredients. Use of panchamrutha is dated back to several centuries. It has been  in use to offer as a mixture of wellness to God.  Preparation and use of panchamrutha  brings positive benefits to humans  in terms of harmony, peace and strength to mind and body. It is a healthy tonic with various health benefits.

The ingredients used in panchamrutha are: A mixture of Honey, clarified butter (ghee from cow milk), sugar, yogurt (curd) and milk (from cow) is known as Panchamrutha.  In Hindu religion Panchamrutha is used for sacred bath called “abhishekam” of Gods and later given to devotees as prasadam.

These five ingredients represents following characters that one need to have to be happy. All these together gives a positive energy to a human body and mind. This is the belief.

  • Honey – togetherness – live in harmony with family, friends and society
  • Ghee – knowledge and wellness
  • Sugar – Sweetness – being nice to others and bliss
  • Curd – love, prosperity and progeny
  • Milk – The purity of mind and piousness – Our lives, characters and actions should be pure.

The ingredients that are used in the panchamrutha preparation are not in equal proportion.  The proportion is the sequence of 1,2,4,8 and 16.

1. One teaspoon of Honey

2. Two teaspoon of Ghee

3. Four tea spoon of sugar

4. Eight tea spoon of Yogurt

5. Sixteen teas spoon of milk.

These ingredients have to be added in the above order in a clean container. Here the numbers 1,2,4,8, 16 are in the power of two. What it indicates is:

Honey is a heavy viscosity liquid and milk is less viscous.  Honey is added first, then the clarified butter or ghee, which is little less dense than honey followed by sugar, which will dissolve in yogurt.  This is where the solid meets liquid. The last addition is milk, which is a liquid in which all the other four ingredients dissolve. Addition of milk gives panchamrutha liquid form and is used in the auspicious offerings and given to devotees. This mixture has a unique flavor because of complementary nature of five incredible ingredients.

As per Ayurveda when ghee and honey is combined in equal quantity it becomes toxic .The proportion of honey and ghee should be 1:2 this proportion is healthy and works really well.

While modifying the traditional panchamrutha devotees add ripened banana, dry fruits to panchamrutha.  However, this is not the real panchamrutha. Because, panchamrutha means – pancha =”five” amrutha =”Immortal” or ” nector of God”.  By adding fruits it becomes “phala-panchamrutha” where phala means fruits.

Panchamrutha is also called ‘Charnamrutha’ in some parts of India. Often Basil (Tulasi) leaves and dry fruits are also added in Panchamrutha.

What benefits we get by consuming panchamrutha everyday?

According to Ayurveda, the most benefit one can get only by consuming traditional panchamrutha which is designed with proper proportions of five healthy ingredients.

Boosts physical strength

  • Improves potency
  • Improves immunity
  • Vitalizes the brain-It enhances the brain power (IQ), memory, grasping power, creative abilities.
  • Improves complexion as it is considered as skin cleanser.
  • Consuming this every morning brings strong immunity and increases general strength during pregnancy. It gives good health to both mother and fetus.
  • It is a good energy booster after the delivery of the baby.

*People who have diabetic conditions should consult their physician before consuming panchamruth.

While we know that traditionally we use panchamrutha for religious purposes, it is good to understand the deep meanings behind all these symbols and practice. The ingredients and making of panchamrutha is for well being of an individual, family, community, country and the whole world. When we remember what these ingredients represents and when the mind recognizes the significance, positive thoughts will follow us with positive energy that gives strength to the body.

Source: Healthylife.werindia.com

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on:
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Maryland will ban pesticides that kill Honey bees

Maryland will ban pesticides that kill Honey bees

Maryland will become the first U.S. state to ban neonicotinoid-containing pesticides to help revive honey bee populations.

By: Amanda Froehlich at www.trueactivist.com

In 2015, honey bee populations in the state of Maryland declined by 61%, according to the USDA. That startling statistic is two times higher than the national average, which is why beekeepers are celebrating the state’s recent decision to ban neonicotinoids, pesticides which have been linked with Colony Collapse Disorder.

ThinkProgress reports that in April, the Maryland House and Senate agreed upon and jointly passed a final version of the Maryland Pollinator Protection Act. If passed, the legislation will virtually eliminate consumer use of the widely-used pesticide that has been shown to negatively impact honey bee populations. In effect, Maryland will become the first state in the U.S. to codify such protection for the bumbling insects.

While scientists haven’t pinpointed a single cause behind the mass honey bee deaths, most agree that pesticides are an important contributor. The reason a ban on neonicotinoids hasn’t been passed nationwide is because the USDA has failed to declare a link between neonics and bee deaths. Reportedly, the widely-used pesticides are a key part of expanding the global insecticide market projected at around $15 billion in revenues.

The EPA is reviewing the link between several varieties of the insecticides and the bee deaths, however. Those findings will be shared with the public in 2018, the same year Maryland’s ban on neonicotinoid-containing pesticides goes into effect.

Concerning the legislation, Tiffany Finck-Haynes, a campaigner at Friends of the Earth, commented that “Maryland’s [pollinator] losses are really staggering.” She also noted that “sustainable” bee losses are considered to be around 10 to 15 percent of a colony – significantly less than what Maryland has been experiencing.

Over the past few years, scientists have found several links between neonicotinoids and poor pollinator health. For example, one study found that exposure to neonicotinoids impacted a bee’s brain. This, in result, made it forget the scent of food. Other studies have shown that pesticide exposure might weaken a honeybee’s immune system, making it more difficult to fend off viruses. Of course, bees’ populations are also threatened by dwindling food sources and the varroa mite – both which have been implicated in Colony Collapse Disorder.

The new law would “be a landmark, and it would set a standard that maybe other states would follow,” commented Del. Anne Healey, D-Prince George’s County, who authored the House version of the bill.

“Our honey bees are in serious trouble, and if we lose our bees, and other pollinators, one-third of our food supply is in danger, it will take more than good intentions to preserve and protect bees and other pollinators,” she added.

Read More: http://www.trueactivist.com/maryland-to-become-first-state-in-u-s-to-ban-bee-killing-pesticides/

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on:
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The Chakra Way of Eating For Inner Peace

The Chakra Way Of Eating For Inner Peace

You are probably familiar with eating for your blood type, genes or body type. However, how does one make sense of it all? Or, to put it simply, how do you really know how to eat and what to eat?

Yes, we are what we eat. However, our subtle energy is constantly sculpting in every moment, which calls into question the validity of following a plain, prescriptive diet for a lifetime. If we are a dynamic being, our eating habit should have been fluid and flexible. Is this a possibility? What if we have to redefine our physical body by assessing our subtle energy needs.

Our subtle energy moves faster than matter and sets the template of the physical body. One of the ways we might venture to do this is through one of our internal subtle energy tools – our chakras, or the portals in our being that align to the seven major endocrine glands. “Chakra” is an ancient Sanskrit term that means “wheel”.  Chakras are spinning wheels of light or body energy. Each chakra rules over a different part of your body and different areas of your life, so if a chakra is out of whack, the body parts and life arenas it rules will also become imbalanced. For example, the heart chakra is connected to the lungs, the circulatory system, and your heart, and rules relationships and your ability to give and receive love.  Essentially, these chakras are gateways and are moving spirals of energy exchange. They are more than that literal meaning – they can also be interpreted symbolically, aligning to the seven aspects of the self.

1. The root chakra, which is associated with the adrenal glands, corresponds to instinct and survival

2. The sacral chakra (ovaries and testes) to emotions and creativity

3. The solar plexus chakra (pancreas) to empowerment and transformation

4. The heart chakra (heart and thymus) to love and gratitude

5. The throat chakra (thyroid) to truth and authenticity

6. The third eye chakra (pituitary) to wisdom and intuition

7. The crown chakra (pineal gland) to interconnection and spirituality

Based on the chakra conditions you can decide what you want to eat and balance your mind and body:

1. RED for ENERGY, Instincts and survival (Root Chakra) – If you are feeling run down, fatigued, burnt out, lazy or lethargic, red foods such as tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries and beets will help to boost your energy levels and body temperature.

Foods for flow and feelings: Protein, Minerals, Root Vegetables, Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms, red-colored foods.

2. ORANGE for CONFIDENCE & SELF-WORTH (Creativity Chakra) – If you are low on confidence, doubting yourself or feeling unworthy of love, get yourself some oranges Things. Like mandarins, mangoes, carrots, squash, pumpkin and yams will all make a big impact on your feelings.

Foods for flow and feelings: Fats and oils (especially omega-3s), fish, tropical fruits, seeds, nuts, orange-colored foods.

3. YELLOW for JOY, empowerment and transformation (Solar Plexus Chakra) – If you are feeling depressed, sad or emotional, eat bananas, sweet corn on the cob, some fresh pineapple or some yellow peppers and watch how your mood changes. Yellow is a natural mood enhancer and relieves you from that mood swing!

Foods for power and transformation: Complex carbohydrates, fiber, whole grains, legumes, yellow-colored foods.

4. GREEN for REJUVENATION, love and gratitude (Heart Chakra) – Feeling low on vital energy? stressed? Overworked? fatigue, acidity or toxicity? Consume cucumbers, lettuce, cabbage, baby spinach -make salad and feel what happens to your feelings of stress. Likely they will melt away due to the enzymes, oxygen and chlorophyll.

Foods for love and compassion: Vegetables, sprouts, raw foods, foods rich in chlorophyll, any green-colored foods.

5. BLUE/BLACK for CALMING, truth and authenticity (Throat Chakra) – If you have anxiety in your body then enjoy a bowl of blueberries or blackberries. Blue and black foods help to tonify the kidneys and help to elicit honest communication.

Foods for communication and truth: Sea plants, soups, sauces, juices, fruits.

6. VIOLET for PEACE (Third-Eye Chakra) – These foods will help to calm your energy and bring you peace if you are feeling frustrated, angry or unable to forgive. Foods like eggplant, purple kale, grapes etc., will help to bring you peace and calm. Egg plant dishes would help you out.

Foods for intuition and insight: Herbal tea, blackberries, blueberries, purple color vegetables.

7. WHITE for STRENGTH (Crown Chakra) – What you can eat ? There are many foods here in the list: garlic, ginger, onion, lychee, rice, coconut, guava, radish and other tropical fruits help to give you strength and power. If you are feeling down enjoy dosa and idli and some white foods and gain back your strength.

Foods for unification and interconnection: Sun- and moon-light, clean air, unconditional love and of course what is mentioned above!

Sources:

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: July 8, 2016
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Stress and Sweet Swap

Stress and Sweet Swap

How the blood sugar can cause stress? Chronic stress can be fatal than any other diseases – studies have shown this.  Chronic stress is stronger predictor of weight gain in humans. One of the main causes behind stress is blood sugar! With glucose levels between 75 and 95 ng/dl one will function the best. When the sugar goes beyond this range, body feels more stressed.

In other words, our chronic stress and blood sugar levels are related. When we go through regular stress, the adrenal glands produce more stress hormone namely cortisol. This hormone manages our stress and blood sugar level. When sugar level changes fast, adrenal gland releases cortisol to bring back the sugar level. Unstable blood sugar makes us feel angry, frustrated, fatigue and act on our emotions. Along with stress hormones like cortisol, unstable blood sugar causes us to make storage hormones like insulin, which causes weight gain and fatigue.

Most of our baked foods requires high amount of sugar. The granulated sugar is produced from either the sugar cane or sugar beets. Most people think that sugar is just a sweetening agent. Sugar has more functions than just a sweetening agent does. Fillings, frostings, sticky buns, bulk to dough and batters, food for the yeast etc. happens when there is sugar.

If we are fond of sugar and have to reduce its amount, try replacing the sugar with natural fruits. Natural fruits in different forms can be used for cooking and baking.  This sweet swap can be done by adjusting either the sugar levels (decreasing) and by adding fruits. Total replacement of sugar with fruits needs more cooking experimentations. Reducing the quantity of sugar and adding more fruits can be a good way to control the sugar levels.

Here are some health tips for sugar swap.

1. While cooking reduce the sugar by 1/3 -1/2 and replace rest amount by good fruit.

2. Dried fruits like plums, raisins, pears, peaches, cranberries, apricots, cherries, apples,date, figs has good amount of sweet in them.

3. While using the dried fruits cut them to very small pieces to distribute the flavors and sweetness equally. These can be used in muffin, cookies, pies.

4. For breads and muffins, one can use fruit pulp (save from juicer) as they have decent amount fiber and fat. Rest can be sugar.

5. Instead of throwing over ripened fruit, use it for pudding and muffins.

6. Use rehydrated dry fruits such as unsweetened cranberries, raisins or apricots – soak the dry fruits in a combination of water and fruit juice like apple or orange. These can be used in filling of fruit pie. This eliminates about 3/4 of sugar use that is called for in the recipe of pie.

7. For desserts use reduced fruit juice. Even though it is not a successful sugar replacement in baked goods, it is a nice addition for the savory and dessert dishes. .  If you purchase 100% juice with no added sweeteners, it is best to reduce the fruit juice to 1/3 of their original volume by boiling over high heat for concentrated flavors and sweetness.  You will want to use ¾ of a cup of fruit juice for every 1 cup of sugar.

8. Try replacing sugar syrup with fruit puree. Add one tsp of cinnamon to a cup of smashed berries and cook. Add this on pancakes, waffles and breads.

9. Add dried fruits like raisin, cherries to oatmeal for the breakfast. To this also one can add cashew, pista, almonds and gives a full satisfying meal.

10. For yogurt, one can add dry fruits and fresh fruits. This will give a good taste for the yogurt. Add some nuts to get better taste. Try adding different flavors like vanilla to accentuate the sweetness.

11. If you are not satisfied with any fruits and feels like having some flavors then, add flavor enhancers such as lemon zest or orange peel to the dish along with fruits. Use sweet enhancing spices such as cloves, allspice, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg to intensify the flavor of the recipe.

12. Prepare your own homemade jams and spread it on bread and toast.

13. If you like to have sweetened tea, instead of adding sugar add fruit syrup and smashed berries. Allow it to infuse for few minutes and drink it.

14. Wherever you need use sugar – reduce the amount to half or less than half and replace with fruit puree as fruit puree is one of the best sugar alternate for the various desserts.

One can use artificial sweetener in the dishes. However, with all the controversies surrounding the artificial sweeteners, the best option is to go with fruits as a replacement for the sugar- as much as possible.

References:

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

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: July 7, 2016
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