Archives for September 2015

September 29, 2015 By Ashwinkumar Rahate 3 Comments

Best Foods for Pregnant Women

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During pregnancy body goes through many changes which include physiological, hormonal-both physical as well as emotional changes. It is extremely important to focus on the right food intake. The requirement of Macronutrients (Protein, Carbohydrates, Fats, water) Micronutrients (vitamins and minerals)

Eggs

Eggs are one of the best foods during pregnancy. It consist essential nutrients. Pregnant woman can get good amount of protein with essential amino acids, essential fats, Vitamins like A, D and some B complex, Minerals like zinc, selenium which are required for pregnancy.

Fat Free Milk

Milk contains calcium as well as vitamin A and D. During pregnancy body requires more calcium. The requirement is almost two times more as compared to regular intake. Instead of regular milk, non fat skimmed milk will be good option.

Cereals

Whole grain cereals in the breakfast are one of the best choices during the pregnancy. Whole grain cereals are rich in complex carbohydrates as well as directory fibres. Complex carbohydrates absorbed slowly and directory fibres improve the digestion. It will help to improve the mood.

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Oatmeal

Oatmeal is one of the best sources for good amount of complex carbohydrates, folic acid and Iron as well as directory Fibres. Regular intake of Oatmeal controls the cholesterol levels, and blood pressure.

Bananas

Bananas are rich source of potassium. It is also one of the best sources for Vitamin B6, Vitamin C as well as fibre. Regular intake of Banana will help to lower the blood pressure, help to produce red blood cells, lower the stress levels and many more benefits

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A pregnant woman can improve her nutritional intake with the above mentioned foods intake as these will help in keeping the Mom and the baby healthy during pregnancy.

September 25, 2015 By Nidhi Sarvaiya 5 Comments

All you wanted to know about Thyroid

How often have we come across friends or others whom we know are suffering from Thyroid? Many a time but, largely we are unaware of what Thyroid is except that many of us associate this medical condition with weight gain. It’s not just the weight gain. The purpose of writing this blog is to give you an idea about a lifestyle related condition (Thyroid ) and learn more about the fads and facts surrounding the same.

What is Thyroid Gland?

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland that is normally located in the lower front of the neck. The thyroid’s job is to make thyroid hormones, which are secreted into the blood and then carried to every tissue in the body. Thyroid hormone helps the body use energy, stay warm and keep the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs working as they should.

Let’s take a look at the relationship between Thyroid, Body Weight and Metabolism. Thyroid hormones are responsible for regulating Metabolism in Humans. Metabolism refers to the biochemical processes that occur in living organism to maintain life. Metabolism is determined by the amount of Oxygen used by the body over a period of time. When measurement is made at rest it is referred to as Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). Measurement of BMR was the earliest test used to determine functioning of Thyroid. Patients with overactive thyroid gland had high BMR and those with underactive thyroid gland had lower BMR.

Later on measurement of Thyroid Hormones came into picture and it showed that low thyroid hormone levels were associated with low BMRs and high thyroid hormone levels were associated with high BMRs.

Te thyroid hormones, triiodothyromine (T3) and its prohormone-Thyroxine (T4) are produced by thyroid gland that is primarily responsible for regulating metabolism. The most important component for the production of T3 and T4 is Iodine. Deficiency of iodine leads to decreased production of T3 and T4, enlarges thyroid tissue and leads to a condition known as Goitre. Thyroid hormones are also responsible for proper differentiation and development of cells. They regulate protein, fat, carbohydrate and vitamin metabolism providing compounds to human cells.

The two main conditions associated with thyroid are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism :- It is the condition were thyroid is extremely overactive and individual’s BMR increases which leads to increased caloric requirements to maintain weight. Person has to increase the caloric intake to match the calories burnt, otherwise weight loss will persist.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) will be decreased in Hypothyroidism. Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism is associated with Low (supressed) TSH level.

Thyroid hormones themselves (T3, T4) will be increased. Most of the people with Hyperthyroidism will have their Thyroid Hormone measuring High.

Symptoms Include: Sudden weight loss, even when your appetite and the amount and type of food you eat remain the same or even increase,Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), Increased appetite, Nervousness, anxiety and irritability, Sweating, Change in menstrual patterns, Increased sensitivity to heat, Changes in bowel patterns, especially more frequent bowel movements, An enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), which may appear as a swelling at the base of your neck, Fatigue, muscle weakness, Difficulty sleeping, Skin thinning, Fine, brittle hair

Tests:-Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed using: Medical History and physical exam, Blood tests, Radioactive Iodine uptake test, Thyroid Scan.

Foods to avoid:- High Glycemic Carbs like Processed grains, such as white flour, sugary sweets, juices, low-fiber cereals, rice and instant potatoes have a high-glycemic value, Goitrogenic Foods like Cruciferous vegetables — such as cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage, soy and millet, a gluten-free grain — contain goitrogens, Unhealthy fats :- Eat fewer red, fried and processed meats and high-fat dairy products, which contain saturated fat, Alcohol and caffeinated products, such as soft drinks, coffee and tea.

Exercises:-Aerobic exercises like dancing, swimming can be included, resistance exercises like pushups and situps are also beneficial. Yoga and Meditation can also be included for calmness and ease anxiety.

Hypothyroididsm:- Due to decrease in BMR, there in increase in weight of an individual.

The cause of weight gain in hypothyroid individuals is also complex, and not always related to excess fat accumulation. Most of the extra weight gained in hypothyroid individuals is due to excess accumulation of salt and water.

Because the body is expecting a certain amount of thyroid hormone the pituitary will make additional thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in an attempt to entice the thyroid to produce more hormone. This constant bombardment with high levels of TSH may cause the thyroid gland to become enlarged and form a Goiter

Symptoms:- Fatigue, Increased sensitivity to cold, Constipation, Dry skin, Unexplained weight gain, Puffy face, Hoarseness, Muscle weakness, Elevated blood cholesterol level, Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness, Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints, Heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods, Thinning hair, Slowed heart rate, Depression, Impaired memory.

Tests:-TSH (Thyroid stimulating Hormone) Testing, T4 Testing, Anti-thyroid Microsomal Antibodies Testing.

Foods to avoid:– Soy, Cruciferous Veggies, Fatty Foods, Sugary Foods, Processed Foods, Excess Fiber, Caffeine, Alcohol.

Fats are an important part to your hormone health, as hormones are produced using good fats. Coconut oil is amazing for hormone health. It provides the required building blocks for hormone production. Coconut oil when taken with Balanced Diet helps lower cholesterol by assisting its conversion to pregnenolone, the precusrsorto many hormones. If pregnenolone increased in diet would be very helpful for those with hormonal imbalances.

Cold pressed Virgin Coconut oil :- Coconut Oil is a saturated fat mainly made up of medium chain triglycerides (MCT). MCT’s are known to increase metabolism and promote weight loss. It is very beneficial as it helps in boosting metabolism and also has stimulatory effect on the thyroid. Because thyroid manages metabolism and also causes wide range of symptoms like weight gain, impaired immune function, fatigue, slow healing, cold intolerance etc.

Exercise :- Best Exercises for Hypothyroidism would include One-legged dead lift, Squats, Overhead press or similar vertical push move, Push-up, Lap pull-down or similar vertical pull move, Rowing or similar horizontal pull move.

September 23, 2015 By Sweta Karia 3 Comments

Love Apple and its benefits

Have you heard of ‘Love Apples’? Well I have been seeing this fruit intermittently all around in plenty. I was puzzled a few years back when I first came across ‘Love Apples’. I found it to be an exceptional fruit with its taste and sweetness. Today, it is widely known for its varied health benefits.

Let me acquaint you a little about Love Apples.

We’ve all heard of Black Jamun. But, did youknow that it had a fairer kin called ‘White Jamun’? Love Apple is often known as wax apples, Safed Jamun, Jamaican Apple, Bell Fruit, Jamrul or Amrool( in Hindi).

The fruit is oblong, ovoid, starts green and turns pink to shining crimson black as it matures. If we delve into the taste of Love apple; it is a blend of sweet, mildly sour and astringent flavor and it tastes best when soaked in salt water for 30 minutes.

Culinary uses of Love Apple

You can make fruit salad with love apples
Pickle the fruit with Indian spices
It can be stewed in Sugar syrup for making a delicious dessert
It can also be blended it with water,lemon and sugar and have it as a refreshing juice
Raw fruit can be used for making wine and vinegar

Let’s gaze into the benefits of Love Apple

Diarrheoa, Consitpation, Colitis, Indigestion: With almost 93% of water content and adequate amount of dietary fiber, white jamun helps to deal with digestive disorders
Throat infections: The credit goes to the anti inflammatory compounds present in the fruit.
Crushed leaves are used as a skin softening lotion.
Rich source of Vitamin A and improves vision.
The Fruit sap acts as a diuretic and gives a soothing effect.
Antihypertriglyceridemic effect:Fibre in the fruit in combination with other nutrients clears the blood vessels.
Antihyperglycemic effect: Helps to keep the blood sugars under check.

So make sure the next time you fill your grocery cart with Love Apples and reap its benefits.

September 17, 2015 By SNEHA CHIKHALE Leave a Comment

10 Healthy Lunch Ideas

Lunch box….. The big question always is what do I pack today for lunch? Whether it is packing lunch for your own self or for your kid is a perennial challenge. By the time noon rolls in, it is very easy for us to head to the nearest eatery. Constant splurging of money on restaurant food which we can make at home for lesser costs and healthier too ends up as a tedious task apart from getting boring.

How can one keep their lunch tasting good day after day? How can one have mouth watering food and stick to their diet too? How can one be hero of their kids by winning their hearts with innovative and yet healthy recipes?

Here are 10 healthy lunch ideas, where health meets ease, losing weight become interesting and kids will love you for having new meals in their tiffin box everyday!!

1) Sandwiches and Wraps:

The simplest meal, one can ever make. Nutrition packed between two slices of bread, make sandwich a wholesome meal. One can make sandwich a complete meal by adding various elements to it. Veggies of your choice will give you ample of fibre and protein can be derived by adding grilled chicken or scrambled or poached egg to it. Vegetarians can opt for cottage cheese for their protein quota!

Wraps too are good option, when we are running out of time. One can make a wrap healthy by opting for healthier base like wheat base or ragi or multi grain base.

2) Salads:

When one thinks about salads and to most of us, salad is one of the most boring foods treated as side dish. But, if some dash of creativity is added to it, then a salad can be one of the most interesting and a wholesome meal!

Various experiments can be done with the salad, especially with the veggies in it. One can stick to classic salads, made of carrots, cucumber, onion, tomato. Or can go exotic by adding vegetables like broccoli, red cabbbage, zuccini, mushrooms, cherry tomotoes, baby spinach, avacado etc. One can always make it interesting by adding a zest to it with salad dressings. But, be cautious here as it can be fattening too, if mayonniese is added.

One can make it a whole meal by adding cottage cheese, grilled chicken, poached or boiled eggs to the salad.

3) South Indian meal fare:

South Indian style meal can never go out of fashion! It is one of healthy and quick meal to prepare and is favourite of every second Indian!

Stick to the classic choice of white idli, paper dosa, masala dosa, rava dosa or one can opt for healthier verisons of the dosas and Idli’s!! Instead of classic rice and urad dal combination, one can have idli or dosa made of ragi or oats. One can make it colorful by adding different veggies to it or simply can add a paste of spinach or dill leaves to the batter.

Don’t forget to have a sambar by your side, as it is your protein dose which should be taken with the main meal!

4) Soups:

Looking for something piping hot to moisten your throat? What can be the better option than the soup!! Soup is always considered as a starter. But, now this starter can also be taken as a main course, if made healthy changes to it! Classic soup can be given a wholesome twist by adding fresh vegetables to it. To get the more nutrition, one can change the trend of having clear broth and go for thicker soup instead.

But, beware of those packed soup. It is best to avoid them, as preservatives is been used and to get the thicker consistency, corn starch is generally added to the soup.

5) Parathas and Theplas:

Yet another easy, quick and healthy option we can have on our platter for lunch. One can make stuffed parathas, more full of fibre and rich in protein by adding vegetables and cottage cheese to it. Give a miss to a classic Aloo paratha this time, and make parathas more tempting and healthy by adding vegetables like carrot, peas, cauliflower, brinjal, cabbege etc.

One can combine methi or palak theplas with thick curd to make a healthy and balanced meal.

6) Try something new:

If you have some time to use little imagination, then here are few quickies for you. Most of us are aware of Quinoa by now. How about having this high on protein meal for our lunch? We can make this cereal healthy and wholesome by throwing in some vegetables to it. Same can be applied to Daliya (broken wheat) as well as for red and brown rice.

Veggies will add fibre to it and cottage cheese or chicken or egg piece or even curd aside to suffice the protein requirement of the lunch.

7) While eating out:

Not necessary it has to be packed or home cooked for us every day for lunch. There will be days, when we have a party thrown by an office colleague, or you are the one who is giving the party or sometimes, we can be in no mood to cook food for ourselves and wishing to simply eat out!!

Start your meals with some sumptuous healthy starters like grilled or tandoor chicken or fish platter, Paneer and baby corn tikka or order for a Mediterranean platter that contains hummus and pita bread.

Sizzlers could also be a good option to start your meals with. Order varieties of starters so that your stomach will be half filled with the starter and will have less place for typical Indian main course meal.

8) Some innovations with your kids tiffin box:

Let’s face it. It is a universal question for every mom who prepares a lunch box for their kids!! What new and healthy can be packed which balances taste and the nutrition. We can pack everything from sandwich to wraps to bread omlete to parartha or even muffins and pastries!

Make sure we add some quirky twist to their meals which will simply WOW them and make them finish the entire tiffin!! Apply ideas like making cartoon faces over sandwich or paratha by using eggs, olives, carrots etc. Use the not-so-favorite-vegetable of your kids in such way, that they will unknowingly or consciously make an effort to eat it.

But, also keep in mind, that their meals should consist of each major element like carbs and protein, in ample amounts.

9) Something for calorie watchers too!

“I am on diet, I can’t have tasty food”. Say bye bye to this thought and make your lunch sumptuous by adding zest to it. Give classic recipes a healthy twist by adding your own ideas.

Heard of vegetable smoothies? Go wild over your ideas by adding your fav vegetable to the mixer and blend it to a thicker juice. Don’t go for straining and you can drink your vegetables!!

One can always stick to salads, soups etc. But, you can make the boring weight loss interesting by making the meals interesting with new ideas!

10) Go Traditional:

Nothing can replace classic dal chawal thali to any continental meal!! It has everything, right from carbs (rice) to protein (dal) to Vegetables (fibre) to chapati (complex carbs). Our typical Indian thali is actually a wholesome meal. Rather than going gung-ho about eating rice, we simply can enjoy rice by watching our portions. Make sure your vegetables are tossed in least amount of oil. No extra oil goes on chapati. If we keep these things in our mind then we are sorted.

I think I have shared enough of options with you to be a hero of your family! So, go ahead and indulge in some of the most delicious yet healthy food!