Tag: healthy

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Groundnut- A Yogic Super food

Tough to resist nuts with high protein content are groundnuts, a nutritional powerhouse. They belong to the pea family and find usage in varying culinary cultures. Groundnuts are multi taskers- a human dietary source and food source for animals.

Groundnuts are rich in calories, proteins, carbs, dietary fibre, and oil. Furthermore, groundnuts are oilseed crops with vast consumption worldwide. Groundnuts can be eaten raw, soaked, and roasted and find usage in multiple cuisines.

Nutritional Value of Groundnuts

One hundred grams of raw groundnuts contain:

  • Calories: 564kCal
  • Moisture: 6%
  • Protein: 26 grams
  • Carbs: 18.6 grams
  • Soluble sugar: 4.5 % 
  • Crude Fibre: 2.1%
  • Fat: 47.5 grams
  • Oil: 48.2%
  • Starch: 11.5%

Minerals and Vitamins:

  • Calcium- 69 milligrams 
  • Iron- 2.1 milligrams
  • Phosphorus- 401 milligrams
  • Magnesium-168 milligrams
  • Vitamin B3- 17.2 milligrams
  • Vitamin B1- 1.14 milligrams

Health Benefits of Groundnuts:

Reduces the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases :

Groundnuts have healthy unsaturated fats. These are polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats. They also contain protein, fibre, and minerals like magnesium, folate, thiamin, and vitamin B6. These nutrients are essential in maintaining heart health. 

Groundnuts supply a high quantity of flavonoids such as catechin, epicatechin, luteolin, and apigenin. They may help in lowering bad LDL cholesterol by 30-40%. Interestingly, people with 10% lower cholesterol reduce the risk of heart diseases by 20%.

Healthy Skin

Groundnuts help with eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. It is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, which protect the skin by fighting against free radicals. Moreover, the vitamin C content in groundnuts boosts collagen production in our bodies. A healthy level of collagen maintains the elasticity and firmness of the skin. So, eating a handful of groundnuts a day keeps the skin healthy and supple.

Improves Mental Health

Groundnuts are rich in brain-healthy essential nutrients like polyunsaturated fats, monounsaturated fats, and vitamin B3. These nutrients are necessary for strengthening the brain and boosting memory power. 

Helps Fight Depression

Groundnuts supply tryptophan, an essential amino acid that boosts serotonin production. It is a chemical involved in mood regulation by exhibiting antidepressant effects. Therefore, eating a sufficient amount of groundnut will increase serotonin levels in the blood and stimulate antidepressant effects. 

Aids Weight Loss

Groundnuts are energy-dense foods that make you feel satiated and help in appetite management, reducing the intake of calories by unnecessary munching on foods. Moreover, protein content in groundnuts also helps in increasing the metabolic rate. High metabolism helps reduce weight because burning calories to perform all bodily functions properly. Therefore, higher metabolism helps in weight loss by burning excess calories.

Groundnuts Side Effects

It must be noted that groundnuts should not be consumed in excess as it can be harmful for the body. Some studies reveal that groundnuts might cause allergies to some people.

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Vastu Shastra for Home Makeovers

Vastu Shastra or Vastu is the traditional science of architecture practised in the Hindu community. The ideas and concepts of Vastu Shastra are models for the organisation of space and form within a room or a collection of rooms or structures, based on their functions in relation to each other, as well as their purpose and usage. While Vastu Shastra includes advice and guidelines for all rooms design in a home—such as the bedroom, kitchen, living room, playroom, home office, prayer room and the outdoor spaces—its science has also been incorporated in the building of cities, townships, gardens, roads, waterworks, and other large public areas. The basic principle of Vastu is to integrate the architecture with the five natural elements, namely, fire, water, air, sky, and earth.

For a house to become a home, it needs to radiate the right kind of energy. According to a number of traditional beliefs, each home comes with its own energy type. A person dwelling in a house comes under the influence of a specific energy field, which in turn influences him in one way or the other. Therefore it’s very crucial to understand the link between the healing art of Vastu and our homes in honing positivity and good vibes.

1. Vastu for the Main Entrance: Doorway

According to Vastu Shastra, the main entrance to a home is not only the entry point for the family, but also for energy. As per Vastu, the main door should be constructed in a way to ensure that when you step out, you face the north, east or north-east direction.Considered as the “archway to victory and progress in life”, the main door should face north, east or in the north-east direction. It must be constructed in a way to ensure that when you step out, you face the north, east or north-east direction.

The main door to your home should be constructed with superior quality wood. It should tower above the other doors in your house, and look the most appealing.

If there is a wall at the entrance, don’t leave it naked. Naked wall represent loneliness especially if it is at the entrance. It looks sad and negative. Show your creativity and decorate the wall. You can hang the picture of the God or place a statue there; it all depends on you.

Avoid placing a fountain, or any other decorative water-centric element, outside the main door.

Avoid placing a shoe rack or dustbin outside the main door.

There shouldn’t be a bathroom near the main door.

Ensure the main entrance is well lit.

Avoid painting the main door black.

Decorate your door with beautiful nameplates and auspicious torans.

Avoid placing animal statues or figurines near the main door.

Ensure your main door opens in a clockwise manner.

2. VASTU SHASTRA FOR BEDROOM

Health is wealth! You cannot be healthy without a good sleep. The bedroom should be arranged according to the rules of vastu.  For the master bedroom to be harmonious and happy, it should be built facing the South-West and never the South-East, as this second direction is governed by the element of fire.

Since this is a space to unwind, rest and relax, consider using a softer colour palette for a Vastu-compliant style. Avoid also the use of photographs representing unrest, strife or war, alongside with anything that stirs unhappy or negative emotions, to not disturb the restful vibe of the room.

 Keep the bedroom well lit with natural lights during the day. Let the fresh air flow into the room by keeping the windows open for at least 20 minutes every day.

 If it is the room of a couple, keep a single mattress instead of double. It is the symbol of togetherness.

Mirrors should not be located inside the bedroom as they lead to frequent quarrels among the members of the house.

The bed should be located in a way that allows your head to rest towards the South or the East, as these directions bring good sleep and ensure a long life. Don’t put the bed in the corner or pushed along the wall.

3. VASTU SHASTRA FOR THE KITCHEN

Vastu shastra is all about balancing and adjusting the energies of the nature to bring peace and prosperity to your home and eventually in your life. Kitchen is the food factory of our home and it needs to be in perfect balance because the two opposite force of nature, fire and water, exist here.

As per vaastu shastra, south-east is the ideal kitchen direction for every household. Southern or eastern directions are secondary choices.  Avoid kitchen directly under or above pooja/prayer room.

Do not have kitchen directly under or above toilets.

Avoid kitchen directly under or above bedroom.

Do not place cooking gas burner or stove directly in front kitchen’s entrance door.

Do not have main door of kitchen in any corners; place it in East, North or West wall.

A kitchen in North-East causes mental tension among family members and they suffer great losses.

Kitchen in South-West leads to clashes among family members.

A kitchen in North-West direction is acceptable but it leads to increase in monetary expenditure.

Most dangerous kitchen is the one placed in North direction; as North is Lord Kubera’s (the God of Wealth) direction, having kitchen in North will increase expenditure of family beyond expectations and control.

Never face west while cooking as this leads to severe health problems to the cook.

If – while cooking – the cook faces south then family has to face monetary losses.

Avoid black color for kitchen wall and flooring.

Avoid keeping refrigerator in North-East direction.

4. Sparkling fortune

Sparkling clean glass of windows and doors attracts fresh and positive energy in your home and to your life. If you have space, create a small garden outside the window and have curved pathway or pave the path with pebbles and install a fountain. Keep a water fountain in the north-east part of your home and make sure that the flow of water is constant. Flowing water symbolizes the flow of energy and prosperity.

5. Swimming in the positive energy

Bring home an aquarium and with it bring home positive energy. Aquarium attracts fortune and wealth. Make sure that the fishes in the aquarium are healthy, active, strong swimmer and always on the move. The constant movement of the fish will keep the flow of wealth energized. Keep the water well aerated and clean. The ideal place for the aquarium is the north-east position of the room.

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Myths About Food & Nutrition

There are so many food myths and misinformation around that it’s sometimes hard to know what is actually good for you and what we should be eating.

Top Food Myths people believe :

Myth 1: Juices help reduce weight and cut calorie intake.

Fact: Juices have concentrated source of energy and additional sugar content. Consuming whole fruit is more beneficial for health

Myth 2: Oranges are the best natural source of vitamin C

Fact : Strawberries actually contain more Vitamin C than oranges (57mg/100g compared to 42mg/100g for easy peeler oranges). Just seven strawberries provide the recommended daily amount of Vitamin C which contributes to the normal function of the immune system along with the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

Myth 3 :Carrots help you to see in the dark

Fact : This is a myth but carrots do contain Vitamin A which is important for good vision.

Myth 4 : Refined oils are 99% fat free.

Fact : All refined oils,irrespective of their composition,are 99% fat. It may vary across trade names. 1 tea spoon of refined oil contains 45 Kcal.

Myth 5 :Too much of any fruit rots your teeth

Fact : Fruits which have a high acid content can damage the enamel of your teeth if eaten excessively. However, the sugar in most fruits will not rot your teeth.

Myth 6 :Nuts are fattening & to be avoided in order to lose weight.

Fact: A handful of nuts can be part of a healthy weight loss program. Nuts are high in calories and fat. However.they contain healthy fats and are a good source of protein, dietary fiber and minerals like magnesium & copper.

Myth 7: Steam or Sauna helps in weight loss.

Fact: These stimulate muscles; boost sweating; will result only in short term loss of fluid but cannot reduce body fat. No sooner you drink a glass of water, original weight comes back.

Myth 8 : You have to workout for 45 minutes at a stretch to get benefit from exercise.

Fact: Plenty of studies show that walking 30 minutes, three times a week,too benefits tremendously. Ideally, your target should be at least 30 minutes 5 times a week.

Myth 9 : Skipping breakfast help you lose weight

Fact : Some people skip breakfast to cut their food intake and try to lose weight, but research shows the opposite is actually true. Eating a high fibre, low GI breakfast helps keep you fuller for longer which means you’re less likely to snack on high-fat and sugary foods mid-morning. In fact, studies show  people who skip breakfast especially children and mothers , are likely to weigh more than regular breakfast eaters .

Myth 10 : Fresh vegetables are more nutritious than Frozen vegetables.

Fact: Research has consistently found fresh and frozen vegetables to have a similar nutritional value, with frozen vegetables actually sometimes having more. With so many people struggling to eat enough vegetables each day, having a steady supply of vegetables handy in the freezer can be an easy and cost effective way to eat more. That said, growing your own vegetables in your garden and eating them shortly after picking is a highly nutritious and super cheap way to get in more of the good stuff!

Myth 11 : Coconut oil is good for you.

Fact:There is very little (if any) scientific support for many of the claims that have been made about the health benefits and healing qualities of coconut oil. Although coconut oil may be better for your cholesterol levels than butter, it still is 90% saturated fat! While it can increase good ‘HDL’ cholesterol it also increases bad ‘LDL’ cholesterol.

While a small amount of coconut oil is okay occasionally, quality unsaturated fats like olive oil or canola oil are a better choice for health. They not only help to increase good ‘HDL’ cholesterol but more importantly decrease bad ‘LDL’ cholesterol too.

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EATING TULSI LEAVES CAN HAVE THESE SIDE EFFECTS

Due to the uncountable health benefits Tulsi has, it is considered as the ‘Golden remedy of Ayurveda’. A Tulsi plant is present in every Indian household as we worship the plant and use it for medicinal purposes. And so, we are sure you never thought that Tulsi can have any side effects. But much to our dismay, these leaves packed with goodness can have some potential health implications too

May not be good for diabetic patients

Various studies claim that Tulsi can lower blood sugar levels. And if someone is already taking medicines for diabetes then the intake of Tulsi leaves may enhance the effect and cause the sugar level to fall too low.
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May interfere with blood thinning medicines

The herb is known to cause thinning of the blood. It’s a good home remedy for people who don’t want to take medicine for the same purpose. But people who are already taking medicines for blood thinning, if they take Tulsi too, it may adversely affect their health.

​It may cause damage to the liver
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According to World Health Organisation, people who are on medications like acetaminophen (pain reliever) have a greater risk of liver damage if they consume the holy basil regularly. This is because both are pain relievers. When they both work together, they tend to affect the functioning of the liver.

Not suitable for pregnant women
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Tulsi leaves can adversely affect the health of a pregnant woman and her embryo. In severe cases, it can even lead to a miscarriage. The herb, due to the presence of estragol in it, may cause uterus contractions that may be dangerous. These leaves can also affect menstrual cycle of a woman and can cause diarrhoea.

May stain your teeth
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You must have always been told not to chew Tulsi leaves and rather swallow them as chewing them is said to be disrespectful. But there is a scientific reason behind the same. Tulsi leaves have iron which may stain your teeth when chewed. You should simply gulp them down to avoid discolouration of your teeth.
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